From Port Royal

New York, Feb. 13.

The Baltic arrived brings 700 bales of cotton and crews of the stone fleet. – Eight rebel prisoners were also brought and placed in Ft. Lafayette, who were taken in a boat.

The weather was getting disagreeably warm and heavy rains falling. Contrabands were still picking cotton, and their number fast increasing. Gen. Sherman has succeeded in excluding all reporters from his lines.

Several regiments have been removed from Hilton Head to the fort on Daufuskie Island, the nearest point to Fort Pulaski that can be occupied except Tybee. Several gun boats, a schooner and a number of flats with Parrott guns, howitzers and mortars, accompanied the expedition. Tatnall’s gun boats soon after made their appearance, and three ran the gauntlet to Ft. Pulaski. Stevens’ brigade was prevented from forming a junction on account of obstructions in the river.

Fort Pulaski is said to be in as bad a fix as Sumter was.

Our engineers are driving piles to a marshy island, for a road and a foundation for batteries. This island lies between the Union forces and Fort Jackson.

Our forces make advances every day. Our gun boats had shelled out a post on Pine Island, and made an advance toward Bluffton, where is a large force. Fort Jackson is to be taken, and Savannah will soon be captured.

Another account says, the expedition left Monday, including all the gun boats and transports sufficient for the shipment of 12,000 troops which will go through Calabogue sound into Savannah river, without coming within range of Fort Pulaski’s guns.

The rebels have withdrawn a large number of troops form Charleston and Port Royal to Savannah. 12,000 troops were to leave soon to take the railroad, and thence to Charleston. Three regiments of cavalry join them; also several artillery regiments. Weather healthful – troops enthusiastic.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 14, 1862, p. 1

Cutting off Fort Pulaski

The Hartford Press relates how the opening of the artificial channel known as “Wall’s cut,” by means of which our gun-boats were enabled to pass into Savannah river, between Fort Pulaski and Savannah, was accomplished. The Press receives the fact from a participant:

Wall’s Cut, one of the inland passages to Savannah, was obstructed by the rebels when our forces took Port Royal, by the sinking of a brig and driving three rows of piles across the passage. The delicacy of the operation of removing the obstructions can be imagined when we state that the place was so far within the enemy’s lines that they left it entirely unguarded, thinking that our troops would have neither the temerity to approach the channel, nor the ingenuity to remove the obstructions.

But they did not know the Yankee daring and skill. Some time before the middle of January, the three companies of the Connecticut 7th that were left on Hilton Head were sent down to the lower end of Daufuskie Island to act as guard to a party of engineers who were to attempt to open Wall’s Cut. From the house, which formed the headquarters of the party, Savannah was plainly visible, at a distance of eight miles across the marshes and bayous. The line of the river could also be traced, and the men seen on the decks of the black little steamers which plied between savannah and Fort Pulaski, the portholes of which could be counted.

During the daytime the party kept concealed. At night strong guards of soldiers were placed at favorable pints of observation, and the engineers, with muffled oars and hammers, silently worked till daybreak. This was continued five successive nights before the work was accomplished. But the piles were all removed and the old sunken hulks moved into a position which renders the passage of the gunboats easy. So unsuspicious were the enemy all this time, that our pickets captured two innocent duck shooters, who supposed they were safely rowing in rebel waters. It is one of the cleverest achievements of the war.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 13, 1862, p. 2

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, Feb. 11.

By a flag of truce to-day we learn the complete success of the Burnside expedition at Roanoke Island. The Island was taken possession of and Com. Lynd’s fleet completely destroyed.

Elizabeth City was attacked on Sunday, and evacuated by the inhabitants. The city was previously burned, whether by our shells or the inhabitants is not certain.

The first news of the defeat arrived at Norfolk on Sunday afternoon, and caused great excitement.

The previous news was very satisfactory, stating that the Yankees had been allowed to advance for the purpose of drawing them into a trap.

The rebel force on the island is supposed to have been little over 3,000 fighting men.

Gen. Wise was sick at Nag’s Head, and was not present during the engagement. – when the situation became dangerous he was removed to Norfolk.

All the gunboats but one were taken, and that escaped up a creek, and was probably destroyed.

One report says that only 70, and another that only 25, of the rebels escaped from the island. Gen. Huger telegraphed to Richmond that only 50 on the islanded escaped.

There appears to be no bright side of the story from the rebels.

The Richmond Examiner, this morning in the leading editorial, says:

“The loss of our entire army on Roanoke Island is certainly the most painful event of the war. The intelligence by yesterday’s telegraph is fully confirmed. Twenty-five hundred brave troops, on an island in the sea, were exposed to all the force of the Burnside fleet. They resisted with the most determined courage; but when 15,000 Federal troops were landed against them, retreat being cut off by the surrounding elements, they were forced to surrender. – This is a repetition of the Hatteras affair on a large scale.”

The following dispatches on the subject are taken from the Richmond papers of this morning:


NORFOLK, Feb. 10.

The latest news states that O. Jennings Wise, son of Gov. Wise was shot through the hip, and disabled.

Maj. Lawson and Lieut. Miller were mortally wounded. About 300 Confederates were killed. The wounded number over 1,000. The number of Yankees wounded is about the same.


SECOND DISPATCH.

A rumor has prevailed that Com. Lynd’s fleet of gun-boats had been captured. It is not regarded as true, but it is believed that all were burned by the Confederates to prevent their capture, with the exception of one, which was endeavoring to make its escape. The fleet went to Elizabeth City from Roanoke Island, and was probably burnt at the former point.


THIRD DISPATCH.

NORFOLK, February 10.

A dispatch was received at Richmond at midnight, stating as follows:

A courier arrived here this p.m. at four o’clock, and brought the intelligence that Elizabeth City was burned this morning by its inhabitants. During the conflagration the Federals landed a large force. All our gun-boats, excepting one, were captured by the enemy. Gen. Wise has not yet arrived at Norfolk.


The following – the very latest – we copy form the Norfolk Day Book:

A courier arrived here yesterday p.m. at about three o’clock, from whom we gather the following information: The enemy advanced in full force upon Elizabeth City yesterday about 7 o’clock and began an attack upon the place. The citizens thinking resistance vain evacuated the place, but before doing so set fire to the town, and when our informant left it was still in flames. We have also to record the capture by the enemy of all our little fleet except the Fanny or Forrest. Our informant is not certain which eluded the enemy. She was pursued, however, and fears are entertained that she was captured. It is said that before our boats surrendered they were abandoned, and that their crews succeeded in making their escape. If so, we are at a loss to conjecture why the boats were not fired before they were abandoned.

This disaster to our little fleet is attributed to the fact that having exhausted their supply of coal and ammunition, they proceeded to Elizabeth City for the purpose of obtaining supplies. Every effort was made to obtain coal, but without success, and the boats could not therefore return to the Island and send any assistance whatever to our forces.

All the details, as published with reference to the capture of Roanoke Island, are confirmed by the courier, who represents our loss at 300 killed and 1,000 wounded, and that of the enemy not less than 1,000 killed.

Great havoc was made among the enemy while coming up the road leading to the Fort. Our soldiers brought to bear upon them two 32-pounders, and at every fire their ranks were terribly thinned. The places of the fallen, however were quickly filled.

The Park Point battery was manned by the Richmond Blues, and most nobly did they defend it during the conflict. They were attacked by a whole regiment of Zouaves, and though completely overpowered, they stood their ground; they did not yield a foot till all but seven of them had fallen bleeding to the ground.

There is good reason to believe that had Col. Henningsen, with his artillery, been on the island it would not have been forced to surrender.

It is reported that one regiment from Massachusetts was badly cut up, but it is impossible to ascertain which of the five it was that were attached to the expedition.

All the Southern papers received to-day are unanimous in admitting a complete victory for our troops, and in saying the loss of the island is a very serious one. The news received to-day occasioned great excitement at Old Point.

A steamer with official dispatches from Gen. Burnside is hourly expected.

The prisoners captured, numbering at least 2,000, will be here in a few days.

A flag of truce was sent to Craney Island early this morning, to inform Gen. Huger that the prisoners of war from Ft. Warren had arrived. The rebel Steamer West Point came out from Norfolk, and the prisoners were transferred. They numbered 4 Captains, 3 1st Lieutenants, 6 2d Lieutenants, 2 3d Lieutenants and 384 privates and colored servants. They were taken at Hatteras and Santa Rosa, and are the last of the prisoners of war at Ft. Warren, except. Com. Barron.

The Norfolk boat brought here the Captain of the transport Osceola, which was part of Gen. Sherman’s expedition, which was wrecked on the coast of Georgia, Nov. 2d, and the Captain and the whole crew taken prisoners.

The latest intelligence from Savannah is that the Federal gun boats were at Wall’s Cut, and opening which [communicates] with Savannah without passing Ft. Pulaski.

A dispatch from Charleston to Richmond says that, on the 9th, Fort Pickens, with the Niagara and Colorado, opened fire on Forts McRae and Barrancas and the Navy Yard. After some hours’ bombardment, both vessels hauled off. Both are said to be badly damaged.

There has been some skirmishing between the Federals and the rebels at Port Royal.

The city of Savannah was being strongly fortified.

We find the following additional news from various points of the South in the papers received to-day:

Ex-Gov. Campbell declines the tender of the appointment of a Brigadier General, and assigns as a reason his physical incapability to perform the duties of the office. He was to have filled the place vacated by the death of Gen. Zollicoffer.

The bill to raise troops to meet the requisition of Virginia by the President of the Confederate States, passed both branches of the Va. General Assembly on Monday in secret session. The bill provides that all companies now in the field shall be filled up to the number of 100 men; that the Governor shall call for volunteers for this purpose, and that if the requisite number be not thus enlisted the deficiency is to be made up by draft from the enrolled militia.

The injunction of secrecy has been removed from the bill passed by Congress appropriating $2,000,000 for the benefit of the State of Kentucky.

James Lyons is probably elected to congress, to supply the vacancy caused by the death of John Tyler.

The War department has issued an order for the seizure of all corn in the hands of distillers or others for the purpose of distillation. This step is taken not only on account of the pernicious effects of the unlimited manufacture of whiskey, but also because of the exorbitant prices that Government is obliged to pay for an article indispensable to the subsistence of the army.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 13, 1862, p. 1

From Port Royal

NEW YORK, April 22.

Advices per the Marion from Port Royal on the 19th, states that a surveying expedition of 200 of the 8th Michigan landing at Wilmington, were surprised by about 800 rebels who pressed on them with an effective fire, killing and wounding several. – The federals returned fire, and went gallantly into the fight. The rebels after a short stand, retreated in order.

An Adjutant of the 8th Maine was killed with 12 or 13 others, and 25 or 30 wounded. The rebel loss is unknown.

Fort Pulaski is so much impaired as to be wholly unfit for a work of defence.

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

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

Ft. Pulaski Surrendered

BALTIMORE, April 15.

The Savannah Republican of the 12th announces the unconditional surrender of Ft. Pulaski on the previous day. Seven large breeches were made in the walls by our batteries of Parrott guns at Kings Landing, and all the barbette guns on that side and three casemate guns were dismounted. Three balls entered the magazine. Col. Olmsted, the rebel commander, signaled the day previous to the surrender, that our fire was so terrible that no human being could stand upon the parapet for even a minute.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Wednesday, April, 16, 1862

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 18.

Tribune’s Special.

It is said on the authority of intercepted letters from Richmond, that several editors of rebel newspapers have been hung for publishing intelligence which was contraband of war.

A general order from the Adj. General’s office directs paymasters to recognize agents which may be appointed by States under certain circumstances to receive soldier’s pay.

A rumor, which the War Department has not had an opportunity to disprove or rectify, asserts that Gen. Blenker has been seriously injured by a fall from his horse. It is not true that his command has been assigned to Gen. Rosencrans [sic].

The condition of the Treasury now enables the Secretary to direct the payment in cash of all claims, of dates prior to Nov. 1st 1861, including claims settled by the St. Louis commission, and it is expected that those of November will also be paid in full within a few days. All other claims, without regard to date, will be paid on presentation, if desired as heretofore, 80 percent in cash.

The prospect of the passage of the Pacific RR. Bill during the present session is not promising.

The Herald’s Fort Monroe correspondent under the date of the 17th state: From our army before Yorktown, I hear the most cheering news. By information just received from soldiers, I learn that last evening a Colonel and Lieut. Colonel from the rebel army came over to our lines, and surrendered themselves as prisoners of war. These two officers also report that an entire Irish brigade mutinied, and by order of Jeff. Davis, were deprived of their arms and sent to the rear.

The act authorizing the Postmaster General to establish branch postoffices in the cities prescribes the charge of one cent in addition to the regular postage, for ever letter deposited in any branch postoffice to be forwarded by mail from the principal office, and which shall be prepaid by stamp; and once cent for every letter delivered as such branch office, to be paid on delivery.

The naval appropriation bill contains an item of nearly $800,000 to pay for and finish Steven’s battery, the money Not to be expended unless the Secretary of the Navy is of the opinion that the same will secure an efficient steam battery. The section appropriated $13,000,000 merely says to enable the secretary to contract for iron-clad steam vessels of war.

The select committee of the Senate through Mr. Hale, made their report under the resolution adopted in July last, instructing them to inquire into the circumstances attending the surrender of the navy yard at Pensacola, and the destruction of the property of the United States at the Norfolk navy yard and the armory at Harper’s Ferry, and the abandonment of the same by the Federal forces; and also whether there was default on the part of our officers. The committee relate at length the facts of the case. The amount of property at the Norfolk navy hard was valued at $9,760,000. The vessels were worth nearly $2,000,000. There were in the yard at least 2,000 heavy guns, of which 300 were of the Dahlgren pattern. The committee making this report was composed of senators Hale, Johnson, of Tenn., and Grimes.


WASHINGTON, April 19.

Col. Morrow, late of the 2d Ohio regiment, now attached to Gen. Hunter’s staff, has arrived, bringing dispatches to the War Department, but which up to 10 o’clock had not been delivered. He states that among the prisoners taken is Capt. Simms, editor of the Savannah Republican. The sword belonging to the latter he has presented to Representative Gurney, of Ohio.

Ex-Mayor Britt has declined the appointment tendered him by the President as one of the commissioners under the bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.

The post-office appropriation bill provides $1,000,000 for the service of the California Central route, and repeals the acts requiring the Postmaster General in causing the transportation of the mails by steamship between our own and foreign ports, and between any of our own ports touching at foreign ports, to give preference to American over foreign steamships when departing from the same port for the same port within three days of each other. The Postmaster General is authorized to establish a coast mail, not less than semi-monthly, between San Francisco and Crescent City, Cal., including service at intermediate points; provided the sum to be paid for such service does not exceed $20,000 per annum. The President has approved and signed the above named bills.

The act reorganizing and increasing the efficiency of the medical department of the army, adds to the present corps ten surgeons and ten assistant surgeons, twenty military cadets and as many hospital stewards as the Surgeon General may consider necessary. The Surgeon General to be appointed under this act is to have the rank and pay and emoluments of a Brigadier General. There is to be one Assistant Surgeon General, one Inspector General, and ten of hospitals. The latter is to have the supervision of all that relates to the sanitary condition of the army. There are to be beside eight medical inspectors, charged with the duty of inspecting the sanitary condition of the transports, quarters and camps of the field hospitals. The appointments are to be made by the President, either from the regular or volunteer surgeons, with sole regard to qualifications.


WASHINGTON, April 19.

The following was received at the Navy Department to-day:

FLAG SHIP WABASH, PORT ROYAL HARBOR, S. C.,
April 13, 1862.

SIR: The dispatches from the commanding General of this department to the Hon. Secretary of War will convey the gratifying intelligence of the fall of Ft. Pulaski. It was a purely military operation – the result of laborious and scientific preparations and of consummate skill and bravery in execution. It would not have pertained to me to address you in reference to this brilliant and successful achievement, had not Maj. Gen. Hunter, with a generous spirit long to be remembered, permitted the navy to be represented on this interesting occasion, by allowing a detachment of seamen and officers from this ship to serve one of the breaching batteries. I have thanked General personally, and desire to express my acknowledgments to Brig. Gen. Benham, and acting Brig. Gen. Gilmore, for acts of consideration shown to my officers and men. Respectfully,

S. F. DUPONT,
Flagg Officer Commanding.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 21, 1862, p. 1

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

Skirmish

NEW YORK, April 22. – Advices per the Marion, from Port Royal the 19th, states, that a surveying party of 200 of the 8th Michigan, landing at Wilmington, were surprised by about 800 rebels who poured on then an effective fire, killing and wounding several. The Federals returned the fire and went gallantly into the fight. The rebels after a short stand retreated in order. An Adjutant of the 8th Michigan was killed with 12 or 13 others, and 25 or 30 wounded; the rebel loss unknown.

Ft. Pulaski is so much injured as to be unfit for a work of defense.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 4

The Storming of Ft. Pulaski

NEW YORK, April 18.

The Steamer McClellan arrived from Port Royal, 14th. The frigate Vermont was being towed in as the McClellan came out.

The following is an account of the capture of Fort Pulaski:

On the morning of the 10th, Gen. Gilmore sent to the Fort, demanding unconditional surrender. Col. Olmstead replied that he was there to defend, not to surrender, the Fort. Our batteries having fired a few rounds, shot away their flag, but it was replaced, and the firing kept up till sunset. Gen. Gilmore then placed a battery at Poat [sic] Point, only sixteen hundred yards from the Fort, to breach the walls, and commenced firing at midnight for that purpose with Parrott and James guns. On the morning of the 11th, two breaches were discovered on the south-east face of the Fort, which at noon assumed huge proportions; and about two o’clock the rebel rag was hauled down and the white flag displayed, and the fort surrendered – Col. Olmstead stating that it was impossible to hold out longer – our rifle shots reaching the magazine and most of his guns being disabled.

The 7th Connecticut regiment took possession that night.

The Union loss is one killed and one slightly wounded. The rebel loss is three badly wounded and 385 prisoners. One hundred and five prisoners are on board the McClellan in charge of Col. Morrill, aid to Gen. Hunter.

By the McClellan we learn that Jacksonville had been evacuated, and our troops arrived at Hilton Head on the steamer Cosmopolitan on the 15th.


WASHINGTON, April 18.

The following was received at the War Department to-day, from Gen. Hunter, commanding in S. C.:

PORT ROYAL, April 17.

We opened our batteries on Ft. Pulaski on the morning of the 10th inst. After 30 hours continuous firing a practicable breach was made, and preparations for storming were about to commence, when the rebel flag was struck.

We have captured 47 guns, 7,000 shot and shell; 40,000 lbs. powder; [300] prisoners, with their small arms and accoutrements, and a good supply of provisions. One of our men was killed; none wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 1

The Latest News

The accounts of the battle near Corinth are still contradictory. Some statements indicate a severe battle on Tuesday, but the most reliable accounts refer to the battles on Sunday and Monday. That of Sunday was a complete triumph. The battle on Monday, though severe, was less decisive. Both armies seem to have been worsted, and a truce for three days to bury their dead was agreed upon. The following statement from Hon. Mr. Tibbs of the House of Representatives, who reached Richmond on Saturday last, appears to be the latest, which we take from the Richmond Dispatch. The Dispatch says:

“His reports of the glorious victory at Shiloh are the most gratifying that we have read or heard – He States confidently that the number of prisoners taken is not less than 7,600, and the enemy’s loss in the battles of Sunday and Monday, in killed and wounded, by their own admission, reaches 15,000. Mr. T. also states that nearly the whole of the ammunition and stores captured by our army on Sunday, and which Gen. Beauregard had to leave behind him when he retired to Corinth, had been saved by the gallant and indefatigable Morgan, whose very name is a terror to the enemy in the Southwest.

Other rumors state that the whole loss of the enemy in the two days fight was near 23,000. The confederate loss about 4 or 5,000. Perhaps it is safest to wait official reports.

The reported evacuation or surrender of Island No. 10, is not confirmed by the last accounts. One of the enemy’s gun boats which passed the Island is said to be at New Madrid. It was not taken as last as the night of the 7th.

The surrender of Fort Pulaski is certain. Five Confederate companies were in the Fort, commanded by Col. Olmstead. He sent a verbal message to Savannah, saying that the garrison had done all that men could do. About 1,000 large shells were thrown into the Fort by the enemy. The enemy must take Fort Jackson and other strong batteries before reaching Savannah. It is supposed that our forces will destroy Savannah before giving it up to the enemy.

A large force of Federal cavalry is said to have taken possession of Huntsville, Ala., on the 11th.

At Atlanta, Ga., it is said that an engine and three cars had been stolen from the Western and Atlantic Road, and they were afterwards found in the possession of eight bridge burners, where were sent by the federals from Shelbyville to burn the bridges and cut the telegraph wires. They were captured.

The Merrimac went out on Saturday again and challenged the enemy, but the Monitor did not move from her safe position. Some suppose that she lies close, hoping that the Merrimac will attempt to pass Fortress Monroe, when she will run in and burn Norfolk and the Navy Yard.

The Petersburg Express learns from passengers that Gen. Magruder attacked the Federals on Saturday morning last, at the point where they were throwing up entrenchments near our lines, and the engagement lasted several hours. He succeeded in driving the enemy from his position. It is said that three of our regiments sustained considerable loss in killed and wounded, and the Yankees are thought to have suffered severely. The statement is not entitled to full credit, as no such intelligence is confirmed by the Richmond papers.

It is said that two of the brigs captured by our fleet on Friday in Hampton Roads was loaded with hay and the third with sugar and molasses.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 3

The Latest News

We have deferred to the latest moment making up our summary of news. The reader will find but few additional particulars from the battlefield of Shiloh.

It appears that Gens. Johnston, Beauregard, Polk and Bragg had effected a union of their forces at Corinth, Mississippi, a few days before the battle. Corinth is about 90 miles East of Memphis, Tenn., at that point on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad where the Mobile & Ohio Railroad crosses it.

Gen. Grant, commanding the left wing of the Federals, supposed to be 60,000 strong, had pushed his column up the Tennessee River, and landed at Pittsburg, Tenn., a small town on the river, about twenty miles from Corinth. Of this movement our generals were fully aware. The were also advised that Gen. Buell had pushed on his column of 70,000 from Nashville, South, but with the evident design of forming a junction with Grant, at Pittsburg.

Gen. Johnston therefore determined to attack Gen. Grant before Buell could re-inforce [sic] him, destroy his army and return to Corinth.

The Number of our forces is not known; some say 90,000, but we judge that is a large estimate. Our forces moved against Grant on the 6th instant, whose advance column was within 18 miles of Corinth, at Shiloh Church. At an early hour the troops were engaged, and the battle was fiercely contested on both sides during the entire day.

Where all did so well, it would be invidious to particularize, but Gens. Johnston, Polk, Pillow, Breckinridge and Gladden are specially spoken as signalizing themselves. About 2 ½ o’clock, General Johnston fell, a ball having cut the large artery of his leg; he continued in the saddle until he fainted with loss of blood, and expired very soon after. – Gen. Breckinridge is said to have had two horses killed under him, and his clothes were badly torn. Special mention is made of the great valor of the Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana troops, but we have no doubt all fought well. Dispatches state that only 35,000 of Grant’s forces were engaged. – How many of ours is not mentioned. The loss on both sides is said to be heavy, but nothing is mentioned except that our loss is about 3,000, and that we took between 4 and 6,000 prisoners, among whom was Gen. Prentice [sic] and a number of other officers. Eleven car loads of Federal prisoners arrived at Chattanooga on the 9th.

The enemy was completely routed on the 6th, and driven to their boats, leaving in immense amount of ammunition, stores, and guns in our possession, and 100 cannon captured.

On Sunday night Gen. Buell arrived with heavy re-inforcements and attacked Gen. Beauregard vigorously on Monday morning. The battle raged on until 1 o’clock, when both parties seemed to haul off. Gen. Beauregard fell back to Corinth according to General Johnston’s plan, not having been able to save all of his ammunition, supplies and cannon taken from the enemy the day before.

A dispatch from Corinth on the 9th, to the Richmond Dispatch, says, we still hold the battlefield, and it is not though that the enemy will advance. It says that Morgan’s Cavalry on the 8th attacked the enemy in camp and killed a large number of them, and burned the tents of our forces which they had left.

It says that Gens. Gladden, Bushrod Johnson and Hindman were wounded, and at 2 o’clock the firing ceased mutually on both sides on Monday, and both armies fell back.

It is also stated that Gen. Van Dorn had joined Beauregard at Corinth with re-inforcements. Near that point the great battle is yet to be fought.

A gentleman of this City has received a letter from a friend in the west, who states that Ft. Smith had been evacuated by our forces on account of the destitution of forage and provisions in that region, and that Gen. Price had retired to the Arkansas river to obtain supplies. This therefore discourages the rumor of another fight with Curtis.

We learn from dispatches received by the Charlotte Bulletin on the 10th, that Com. Hollins had communicated to the War Department at Richmond that three of the enemy’s gunboats had passed Island No. 10. Of course they will encounter breakers below.

It is states also, that five Yankee batteries commenced the bombardment of Fort Pulaski below Savannah at 6 o’clock A.M., on that day. No fears were felt for the Fort.

We have nothing from the neighborhood of Newbern, except the skirmish given in another article.

A rumor prevailed in Norfolk, which however was believed to be unfounded, that about 300 of our militia had been captured by the Yankees between Elizabeth City and South Mills.

It is also reported that the Burnside fleet was concentrating at Edenton for a supposed advance upon Suffolk. It needs confirmation.

No news about Norfolk or from the Merrimac.

The reported fights on the Peninsula are believed to have been only skirmishes. The enemy was said to be entrenching four miles below Yorktown.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 1

A correspondent of the Indianapolis Journal . . .

. . . writing from Jones’ Island near Fort Pulaski on the 30th ult, says that the closing up of the water approaches to the fort and to Savannah, was accomplished only by the herculean labors of our troops. No less than 30,000 trees were felled, and carried by the soldiers of the 48th New York a distance of two miles, to the river, and then towed by night in scows, five miles to Jones’ Island, where they were used for tramways over which to wheel the heavy cannon which would otherwise have stuck un the mud. The garrison of Fort Pulaski numbered 362 men, among whom were many Germans, who expressed great dissatisfaction, according to deserters, who also say that the Unionists are beginning to talk boldly in Savannah, and to rejoice over Union victories.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862

Surrender of Fort Pulaski

BALTIMORE, April 15.

The Savannah Republican of the 12th announces the unconditional surrender of Fort Pulaski, in the previous day. Seven large breaches were made in the walls by our batteries of Parrott guns at King’s Landing, and all the barbette guns on that side and three casemate guns were dismounted. – Three balls entered the magazine.

Col. Olmstead, the rebel commander, signaled the day previous to the surrender that our fire was so terrible that no human being could stand upon the parapet for even a minute.


FORT MONROE, April 14.

A flag of truce went up to Craney Island this p.m., and brought back two Norfolk papers. They were taken to headquarters and although containing the important information of the unconditional surrender of Fort Pulaski, an effort was made in accordance with the policy that prevails here, to keep even good news from the representatives of the press. I am, however, able to give you the substance of the glorious news published in the Savannah Republican. The Republican says substantially that it learns with deep regret that after a gallant defense against guns mostly superior, Fort Pulaski surrendered at 2 p.m. yesterday, the 11th.

Corporal Law, of the Pulaski Guards, who did not leave Fort Thunderbolt until after the flag was hauled down, brings the intelligence of the successful event. The surrender was unconditional.

Seven large breaches were made in the south wall by the Federal battery of eight Parrott guns, at Knight’s Landing.

All the barbette guns on that side were dismounted, and also three casemate guns, leaving but one gun bearing on that point. A clear breach was made in the magazine. The balls used were conical, and were propelled with such force that they went clear through the walls at nearly every fire. Col. Almsted [sic], who was in command, telegraphed the previous evening that no one could stand upon the ramparts for a single moment, and that over 1,000 large shells had exploded within the fort.

The Republican publishes the above as a postscript to a part of its edition and makes comments, nor gives any particulars as to the number of men and officers in the fort at the time of the surrender. It says however, none of it’s defenders were killed and but four wounded.

A Richmond paper contains and editorial exhibiting considerable fear for the safety of that city. It intimates that the Monitor may attack, and the Galena and all armored vessels might easily come up James river, and by their invulnerability and powerful guns, take and keep possession of the city. To prevent such a result it proposes that the channel of James river shall be obstructed by stone, which it says is abundant for the purpose and should be used at once.

The Merrimac has not come out, and nothing has been seen of her to-day. The tide has been low and this may have kept her in.

Early in the morning a rebel tug ran out from behind Sewall’s Point, but soon returned.

Later in the day there was a large fire in the woods on the Point, apparently from the burning of the brush, and gave rise to some speculations that the rebels were building a new battery there.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862, p. 1

THE WAR NEWS

The Armies near Pittsburg only Two Miles Apart.

The Battle of Pittsburg.

Official Estimate, 5,000 Federal Killed and Wounded.

2,200 Rebels Buried, and 2,200 taken.

TWELVE CANNON CAPTURED.

BEAUREGARD ASKED PERMISSION TO BURY THE DEAD.

Fort Pulaski Surrendered.

CHICAGO TAKEN BY THE [ENEMY].

More About the Battle.

ST. LOUIS, April 15.

Capt. Ligon, of Grant’s staff, bearer of Grant’s official report of the battle at Pittsburg, arrived here yesterday. He left the army on Friday night. Halleck arrived at Pittsburg on Friday, and immediately assumed command.

Grant, in his official report estimates our loss at 1,500 killed and 3500 wounded. The loss of the enemy in killed and left on the field is greater than ours; in wounded an estimate cannot be made, as many must have been sent to Corinth and other places. The loss of artillery was great, many pieces being disabled by the enemy’s shot, some losing all their horses and many men. Not less than two hundred horses were killed.

The rebel army has its outposts at the foot of Pea Ridge, extending eight miles from Corinth. The advance of the Federal troops is eight miles from Pittsburg, leaving a space of only two miles between the opposing armies. A battle may be brought on at any moment. We have the strongest assurance that our army is ready for the encounter.

CINCINNATI, April 15.

The Commercial has information from a reliable gentleman who left the battle ground on Thursday evening. He estimates our loss in killed from twelve to fifteen hundred, in wounded three thousand five hundred to four thousand, and missing two thousand five hundred. The rebels lost more killed than we did, and not so many wounded. About one thousand unwounded rebel prisoners were taken about twelve hundred wounded. Up to the time he left two thousand two hundred rebels had been buried.

Our troops retook on Monday all the batteries lost on Sunday, and captured twelve pieces from the enemy. The rebels were so confident of their ability to hold our camps, which they took on Sunday, that, with a single exception, they did not destroy them.

On Tuesday, Beauregard sent a flag of truce, requesting permission to bury his dead and saying, “owing to the heavy reinforcements you received on Sunday night and Monday, and the fatigue of my men, I deemed it prudent to retire and not renew the battle.” Permission was not granted. The bearer of the flag admitted that Beauregard received a slight wound in the left arm.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862, p. 1

Important and highly interesting news . . .

. . . has been received from Port Royal, by the gunboat Seminole, which arrived Thursday at Fortress Monroe. For thirty days Fort Pulaski had been invested by the National forces, and was momentarily expected to surrender unconditionally, the garrison – 500 in number – having offered to retire with the honors of war – a proposal which Gen. Sherman naturally declined. By Commodore Dupont’s official report, dated “Flag-ship Wabash, off Port Royal, March 27,” inclosing that of commander Gillis of the Seminole, we learn that the formidable batteries on Skidaway and Green Islands had been abandoned by the Rebels; the guns being withdrawn for the immediate defense of Savannah. By this abandonment, the national batteries have now complete control of Warsaw and Ossibar Sounds, and also of the mouths of Vernon and Wilmington rivers – all forming important approaches to the City of Savannah.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862

Fort Pulaski

This formidable fortress, whose capture is the last recorded triumph of the national arms, is on an island at the mouth of the Savannah River, and eighteen miles from the city of that name, the access to which from the ocean it guards. It has always been considered very strong and a year ago the rebels seemed to think it was impregnable; but recent occurrences render it very doubtful whether they are judges of what is impregnable; at any rate, Yankee ingenuity and prowess have bagged this fortification more easily than even Island No. 10 was taken.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Moring, April 16, 1862, p. 1

FT. PULASKI TAKEN

The Rebel Garrison Surrender Unconditionally.

BALTIMORE, April 15. – The Savannah Republican of the 12th announces the unconditional surrender of Fort. Pulaski on the day previous. Seven large breeches were made in the walls by our batteries of Parrott guns at King’s Landing and all the barabette [sic] guns on that side were dismounted. Three balls entered the magazine.

Col. Olmstedt, the rebel commander, signaled the day previous to the surrender that our fire was so terrible that no human being could stand upon the parapet for even a minute.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862

Ft. Pulaski Breached!

HER BARBET GUNS SILENCED!!!
The Rebel Garrison Surrenders!!

FORTRESS MONROE, April 14. – A flag of truce went up to Craney Island this P.M., and brought back two Norfolk papers. They were sent to Headquarters, and although containing the important information of the unconditional surrender of Fort Pulaski, an effort was made, in accordance with the policy that prevails here to keep even good news from the representatives of the Press. I am, however, able to give you the substance of the glorious news, as published in the Savannah Republican:

The Republican says substantially, that it learns, with deep regret, that after a gallant defence against guns mostly superior, that Fort Pulaski surrendered at 2 P.M., on the 11th.

Corporal Law, of the Pulaski Guards, who did not leave Ft. Thunderbolt, until the flag was hauled down, brings the intelligence of the successful event. The surrender was unconditional. Several large breaches were made in the south wall, by the Federal battery of 8 Parrott guns, at King’s Landing. All the barbette guns on that side were dismounted, and also three of the casemate guns, leaving but one gun bearing on that point. A clear breach was made in the magazines. The balls used, were conical and were propelled with such force that they went clear through the walls at nearly every fire.

Colonel Olmstead, who was in command, telegraphed the previous evening that no one could stand upon the rampart for a single moment and over 1,000 large shells had exploded within the Fort.

The Republican publishes the above as a post script to a part of its edition, and makes comments, but gives no particulars as to the number of men and officers in the Fort at the time of the surrender. It says, however, that none of its defenders were killed, but four wounded.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862

The fall of Fort Pulaski . . .

. . . is another illustration of the inefficiency of the seaboard fortifications which have been erected at vast cost. Brick and stone walls and casemates are speedily knocked into pieces by the tremendous artillery now in service. We may have to iron plate our forts as well as ships.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862