The Skirmish At Blooming Gap

(Correspondence of the New York Tribune.)

A small portion of Gen. Lander’s force being at Paw Paw Tunnels, a station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, half way between Hancock and Cumberland, joined it from New Creek with a portion of the force there, and ordered the construction of the Great Cacapon Railroad bridge.  This was completed on the evening of the 14^th inst.  At 4 o’clock p. m. on the 13^th inst. Gen. Lander started south with a small cavalry force.  At 8 o’clock the same evening word came back for a portion of the command to move.

This was the first intelligence we had of a march being intended, although the command had been turned out twice a day with blankets slung, inspected, marched short distances, and ordered to keep two days’ cooked rations on hand.  It was soon covertly whispered among officers that it was the intention of Gen. Lander to move on Bloomington Gap, a strong pass in the mountains, reported to be held by Gen. Carson’s Brigade, 4,000 strong.  For this purpose, he had called in all his cavalry force, numbering nearly 500 men, and led by Col. Anastanzel, of the 1^st Virginia Regiment.  They had been arriving for two days previous.  It appeared afterward that it had been intended to bridge the Cacapon river the next day, but the enemy having discovered the small party of scouts led by General Lander, he concluded to make the march that night.  Twenty wagons were placed in the river, planks were hauled and in four hours a bridge improvised at a point about seven miles south of the railroad.

The bridge, 180 feet in length, was built between 9 and 10 o’clock at night.  It was about seven miles to Bloomington Gap from where the river was bridged.

Gen. Lander’s intention was to charge thro’ the Gap in the night, as the position of the enemy could not be turned, and then halt his cavalry on the east side of the town, and check their retreat toward Winchester until the infantry provided for a support arrived.  It was believed that, whatever the force of the rebels, in the darkness and confusion the quarters of the officers could be surrounded and the officers taken before their men could form.  It was one of those dashing exploits for which this officer has been so justly celebrated.  But the enemy had retired beyond the town, and when lead by the General and his staff the cavalry flew through the Gap and rallied beyond it, the birds had flown.  Col. Anastanzel was at once ordered to push forward on the Winchester road with the cavalry, reconnoiter, and, if possible overtake and capture the baggage of the enemy.

Gen. Lander meantime brought up Col. Carroll with the 8^th Ohio Regiment, and the 7^th Virginia, Col. Evans, for a support.  Col. Anastanzel encountered the enemy at the head of the pass, two miles from Blooming.  He was met by a sharp fire, and halted his command, instead of pushing through it to the front.  On hearing the firing Gen. Lander came up and ordered Anastanzel forward.  The men faltered before the musketry of the enemy, when Lander saying “follow me,” halting at the head of the column only long enough to tell the men to remember their holy mission and to follow their General to victory.  His appeal was answered by one private named John Cannon, a Virginia refugee. – Gen. Lander charged, followed by James Armstrong, Assistant Adjutant General Fitz James O’Brien, the well known poet, of his staff, and Major Bannister, Paymaster U. S. A., who had volunteered for the expedition.  A group of rebel officers were distant about 300 yards, encouraging their men.  Gen. Lander being mounted on his celebrated horse, outran the rest of the party, and cut off the retreat of the rebel officers. “Surrender, gentlemen,” he said, and coolly dismounting, extended his hand to receive the sword of Col. Baldwin, whom an instant before he had appeared, to outside observers, to be riding directly over.  Five of the rebel officers surrendered to Gen. Lander, and four more, immediately afterward, to the officers of his staff, among them the Assistant Adjutant General of Gen. Carson.

By the time the rebel infantry perceiving the small number of their adversaries, commenced a heavy fire from the woods, but the cavalry had recovered from its panic, and now poured up the hill.  Gen. Lander once more ordered Anastanzel to charge up the road and capture the baggage of the enemy.  The cavalry dashed forward, the advance guard soon overtook and turned out of the road fifteen wagons and horses, but the main force of the cavalry seemed paralyzed, and would not face the fire.  Two of the gallant privates in front were shot by the enemy, who had again rallied, and there was another check.  Col. Evans now came up with his regiment of infantry, and captured many more of the rebels.  Gen. Lander shot at one of his own cavalry men who refused to go forward, saying, “The next time I’ll hit you, and if you don’t clear the road this regiment shall deploy and fire upon you.”  Col. Carroll now came up, “Go on,” said Gen. Lander to Carroll, “we need you now – clear them out, and take their baggage.”  Col. Carroll cleared the road as he went, both infantry regiments behaving admirably, following and engaging the enemy to the last, until ordered back.  The pursuit was continued eight miles.

The result of the affair was the capture of 18 commissioned officers and 45 non-commissioned officers and privates.  Thirty of the rebels were killed, with a loss on our side of seven killed and wounded.  Col. Carroll drove the enemy beyond the limits of Gen. Lander’s department and returned.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 1

What The War Department Thinks Of Cowards

Complaint having been made by General Lander of the misconduct of an officer under his command and the matter referred to the Secretary of War, the following instructions were given:

WAR DEPARTMENT, Feb. 13, 1862

If General Lander is satisfied that Col. Anastanzel was guilty of cowardice or misbehavior before the enemy, he may be tried on the spot, or he may be cashiered by his commanding General at the head of his regiment.  The former course is recommended as the preferable one.  Cowardice in an officer, exhibited on the field of battle, should receive the swift punishment of death.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 1

See Also:

•  “Skirmish at Blooming Gap,” Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

Col. Aristansell, who was court-martialed . . .

. . . for cowardice and disobedience of orders at Blooming Gap, while under Gen. Lander, has been honorably acquitted, it appearing on investigation that he did not receive nor understand the orders sent to him.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 2 

Gen. Lander

In the death of this able General our country has lost one of its most able and energetic officers.  The daring charge he made at Blooming Gap, which was a few days ago described in this paper, was alone sufficient to cover his name with a halo of glory.  Lander was brave even to rashness, and in his campaign the reader is forcible reminded of the short but glorious careers of Lyon and Baker.  A contemporary speaking of Gen. Lander adds, that his widow was formerly and honorably known in dramatic circles as Miss Davenport; and the celebrated sculptor, Miss Louisa Lander, is his sister.  He was about 40 years of age at the time of his decease, and up to the time of his wound, all his physical as well as mental faculties, were in the highest contention.  In person he was tall, stalwart, graceful and proud, and mounted on his charger and in his fine military costume, he looked like a knight of the olden time.  In his death the country lost one of its best men and soldiers, and the tears of his command and the nation follow him to the grave.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 2

Death of Gen. Lander

The whole country will mourn the death of Gen. Lander.  Of northern birth, he had lived a life of adventure in the great plains of the West, and won there an undoubted reputation as one of the brave.

Wounded in the disastrous affair at Ball’s Bluff, Lander went his wounds unhealed to take command of [a] division on the Upper Potomac.  All his movements there were marked with great energy and undaunted personal bravery, and the warm meed of praise bestowed upon him by Secretary Stanton, for his achievement at Blooming Gap, had hardly died upon the public ear before the chivalrous soldier fell a victim to a death hastened and made inevitable, fatigue and exposure adding to the illness resulting from his wound.  God rest the brave. – Buffalo Express.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 2

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 6.

The President’s message excited deep interest in the House to-day.  Evidently it was not generally anticipated.  A message of a similar character, transmitted to the Senate, was not read.

The President has Nominated Brig. Gen. Thomas as Major General.

Newspapers are especially excluded from the list of manufactures taxed in the tax bill.  It repeals so much of the last session’s bill as relates to incomes, but leaves the land tax unchanged.

Mr. Blair, from the military committee, has reported a bill authorizing the Secretary of War to allow loyal citizens their claims for damage to property heretofore and hereafter destroyed by order of army or navy officers of the United States, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the enemy.

A reconnoitering party of the 63d Penn., Gen. Heintzelman’s division, was ambushed yesterday morning beyond the Occoquan, two or three miles in advance of our pickets, and received the fire, as was reckoned, of 40 concealed rebels.  They instantly fled through the woods.  Capt. Chapman and Lieut. Lyle were killed, and two privates wounded, one mortally.

Commander J. T. Armstrong, of the Steamer State of Georgia, reports how the Nashville ran into Beaufort, N. C.  He saw her at daylight and gave chase, but she ran under the guns of Fort Macon and escaped.

The Lieutenant Colonel in command of the 40^th Pennsylvania regiment, who was ambushed yesterday, will probably be cashiered.  The enemy are supposed to be Texan Rangers.

Gen. Lander’s funeral was very imposing.  It was attended by infantry, cavalry, artillery, lancers, and civilians, and the procession was two miles long.

Lieut. Conway, of the bark Peerless, blockading at Bull’s Bay near Charleston, S. C., sunk three vessels loaded with rice, and burned one inside of the Shoals, the last under the nose of a rebel battery of three guns.  They were all bound to Charleston, and manned by foreigners and negroes, who were put ashore, the boats being unable to take them off.

One hundred and fifty rebel soldiers recently deserted from Savannah to General Sherman.  Their reason was they said that they were tired of fighting in this inhuman war.

Clark, of the Boston Courier, nominated as commissary of subsistence, was rejected by the Senate to-day.  A large number of minor civil and military nominations were confirmed.

It is estimated by the committee of ways and means, that the internal taxes, with the taxes on imports, will probably produce a revenue of $150,000,000, and the tax may be increased if necessary.  The propriety of levying a tax on cotton is under discussion.

The Kentucky and pro-slavery Congressmen regard the President’s message with suspicion.

The question of branch mints in Denver City and New York, has been referred, by the ways and means committee, to the Secretary of the Treasury for his opinion.

The proof sheets of the tax bill are ready, and will be in circulation to-morrow.

A sub-committee of ways and means will immediately take up the tariff bill.

It is thought that Gen. Fremont has damaged rather than helped his case by the publication of his defense.

Gen. Fremont was at the Capitol yesterday receiving the congratulations of his friends.

Montgomery Blair was there to-day, very nervous about his private letter among the Fremont documents criticizing Chase and Lincoln.

Senator Collamer, from the committee on Post office Post Roads has reported adversely to the House a bill establishing a postal money order system and authorizing the carriage of additional mail matter.

Alex. Cummings is out with a defense, in a letter to Congressman Wm. Kelly.  He denies that he had anything to do with the chartering of the Cataline, and avers that her freight, including all linen trousers and straw hats, was bona fide for the soldiers.  He claims that the hundred and forty thousand dollars spoken of in Washburne’s report, were retained under orders from the Navy Department, to meet requisitions of the War Department, and pleads illness as his excuse or delay in making his reply.

C B. Matteson is said to be a silent partner in the Pennyslvania Avenue scheme, driven through the House, but encountering a serious obstacle in the Senate, in the person of Mr. Grimes, chairman of the district committee, whom the speculators call impracticable.  Ten thousand dollars worth of stocks are said to have been promised one valuable lobby assistant, in case of success.

Tribune’s Dispatch.

WASHINGTON, March 6.

The following statement of the disposition and strength of rebel forces opposed to the Union army of the Potomac was perfectly accurate, for days ago.  Changes have probably occurred since, but the main facts must still correspond with the figures.  At Centreville, which is now the strong point of the rebels, there are 50,000 infantry, 11,000 cavalry and 120 pieces of cannon, light and heavy.  Behind the batteries along the Potomac there are from 12,000 to 15,000 men.  At Gum Spring, between Leesburg and Centerville, there are three regiments of infantry, with a squadron of cavalry.  At Leesburg there are three regiments of infantry, one battery and 460 cavalry.  At a point five miles south of Brentsville, that is to say some ten miles south of Manassas, there is one brigade of infantry of 35,000 men.  These reports do not include any part of Jackson’s army, forming the rebel left wing, against which Gen. Banks is operating.

At Manassas there is not a single full regiment, whole companies and regiments having gone home on furlough for ten, twenty and thirty days.  All of the troops from South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Louisiana have gone home within the past two or three weeks.  Very few of the men whose term of service has expired are re-enlisting.

Herald’s Dispatch.

The gunboats Satellite and Island Belle discovered on Wednesday a number of rebel cavalry near Aquia Creek, and fired a [bow] shot, when the rebels ran away and the steamers returned.

A brisk fire was opened this morning by the lower flotilla, causing great alarm among the rebels.  The long roll was beaten, commencing at Aquia Creek and extending along the river as far as Evansport.  The call of the roll extended throughout a greater number of camps than at any time before.

The camp fires, within a few days past, have materially increased, showing a considerable augmentation of the rebel forces in this vicinity.

The rebels opened fire upon the Hubbs Ferry battery this morning.  About 20 or 30 shots were fired, without doing any damage.

The steamer Yankee to-day went within a half mile of the Virginia shore, and shelled a new battery, in process of erection in the rear of the position of their old battery at Freestone Point.  The rebels were forced to evacuate.

Special to the World.

Mrs. Wm. Norris and Mrs. Rogers, occupying a high social position, ladies of Baltimore, were brought here to-day and placed in prison, on a charge of supplying the enemy with aid, and giving them important information.  Both have sons in the rebel army, and were prominently connected with an association in Baltimore for the manufacture of clothing for the rebel soldiers.

The city has been excited recently with rumors respecting the movements of the troops at Manassas.  It is said they have concentrated a much larger army at that point than has generally been supposed. – As it is impossible to save anything at the West, what troops were there have been hurried into Va.  It is even said Beauregard is back again at his old post.

WASHINGTON, March 6.

The President has nominated Col. Harvey Brown, of Fort Pickens, as Brig. Gen. by brevet.

Capts. Bell, McKean, Dupont, Goldsboro and Farragut, were today Confirmed by the Senate as flag officers of the Navy.

The following were confirmed surveyors of customs:

W. Thornburry, Paducah, Ky.; J. R. Meeker, Nesqually, Washington Territory.

The following were also confirmed:

C. W. Chatterton, Indian Agent, Cherokee agency; C. H. Hale, superintendent of Indian affairs, Washington Territory; Thos. Nelson recorder of land titles in Missouri; S. K. Janeson, receiver of public monies for Nebraska; H. Stout, attorney and G. L. Gibbs, Marshal of Utah; E. D. Shatterch, attorney for Oregon; W. Wasson, Marshal for Nevada.

In addition to the above, a large number of army nominations were confirmed, but none of field officers.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 8, 1862, p. 1

The War News

Special Message from the President.

Departure of Andy Johnson for Tennessee.

Funeral of Gen. Lander.

A PARTY OF REBEL CAVALRY ROUTED.

Capture of a Rebel Steamer.

Hot Weather at Ship Island.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 7, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 5.

Lieut. Col. Emery, of the 6^th cavalry, and Cols. [Quinby] and Patrick, of N. Y. have been nominated for Brigadier Generals.

Gen. Lander will be buried from Rev. Dr. Hull’s church, under military escort.  His body guard will be a company of sharpshooters from his native city, Salem, Mass., who have been with him since the fight at Edward’s Ferry.  Half of the pall bearers are to be civilians, Gen. Lander not having cherished special love for the regular army.  The body arrived this morning, attended by a large number of his officers and men.  It has been already embalmed and will be sent to Salem after the funeral.

Philadelphia and New York merchants have petitioned Congress for a resumption of letter and newspaper mail to Panama. – A bill will be introduced soon, restoring the old mail.  At present there will be no mail communication with Central America, the steamship company positively refusing to convey letters or newspapers without the authority of Congress.

The testimony of returned prisoners captured in July, at Falling Water, before the conduct of the war committee, tends to show that with more energy Patterson might have caught Johnston before Bull Run.

The residence of the French minister, M. Mercier, at Georgetown, was burned last night.  Loss $15,000.  The furniture might have been saved by the provost guard, but the Frenchman locked them out, while seeking to extinguish the flames by buckets of water.  All the furniture but a few pieces was thus destroyed.

Col. Jas. H. Spear, of one of the Tennessee regiments organized at Camp Dick Robinson, Ky., was confirmed as Brigadier General to-day.

Andy Johnson, Maynard and Etheridge leave for Nashville to-morrow.  The former is commissioned to form a provisional government.  He will call a State convention which will dispose of Gov. Harris and all his rebel associates in the old State government, and form a new loyal government. – All of these gentlemen hope soon to rejoin their families.

In executive session of the Senate to-day, a resolution was introduced, expressing the sense of the Senate, that no more appointment of Generals should be made, except as reward for gallantry on the field of battle.

Gen. Lander will be buried to-morrow.  The pall bearers are Senators Sumner and Gens. McClellan, Marcy and Williams, and Col. Key, with an escort of artillery, cavalry and infantry.

The Senate amended the military bill to-day so as to repeal the act giving the President power to appoint additional Aids de Camp, thinking 49 enough for Gen. McClellan.  Another bill, recently introduced, giving the president the power to appoint Assistant Adjutant Generals ad libitum will hardly pass.

The bill fixing naval salaries, reported by Senator Sherman was not introduced with the approbation of the committee, but merely to get it before the Senate, the understanding being that it shall not be taken up till the pay of Congress and the army has been reduced.

The House and Senate amendment to the appropriation bill giving but two mileages to members.

The order under our treaty with New Granada which the joint committee sitting here has extended six months, is designed to give a hundred claims pending on the 10^th of May which would otherwise cease, another chance to be passed upon.

Gen. Blenker has been three times before the military committee.  There are some discrepancies between his testimony there and before Van Wyck’s committee.  His case, with other doubtful ones, will be passed on to-morrow by the Senate, which will have a long executive session.

Mr. Browning has the floor on the confiscation bill.  A speech betwixt and between is expected.

Gen. Andy Johnson and Representatives Maynard and Ethridge leave for Tennessee to-morrow.  Gen. Johnson, immediately upon his arrival at Nashville, will call upon the loyal people of the State to elect delegates to a convention to be charged with the duty of declaring vacant the places of Gov. Harris, and his rebel associates, and electing new officers, and sitting a loyal State Government on its feet.

Gen. Spear, of Tennessee was confirmed Brigadier General to-day.

The post Master General complained to-day by letter to the post office committees of both Houses, of the refusal of Com. Vanderbilt to carry the South American mails, and some Northern Railroads to contract to carry the mails.  He recommends that legislation be adopted to relieve the Government from the dictation of railroad and steamboat proprietors.

Special to Post.

A tax upon cotton will be agreed to in the House as an amendment to the tax bill, when that measure comes up for consideration.  The bill is not yet printed.

The finance committee of the Senate has struck out the House appropriation of fifteen million dollars for the construction of gunboats, but the naval committee is urging its restoration.

Senator Johnson leaves Washington to-day for Tennessee.  He has not yet accepted his appointment as Brigadier General.

Information has reached the navy department of the capture of the schooner Lizzie Weston, with a large cargo of 290 bales of cotton, by the gunboat Itasca.  The captured vessel sailed from Apalachicola, Fla., for Havana and a market.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 7, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 4.

Besides taxed articles telegraphed by the Associated press flour is taxed at 10 cents per brl.; carriage valued above $50 for one horse $1; ditto for two horses $2; carriages valued over 200, $5; over $600, $10; plate of gold 50 cents per troy ounce; plate of silver 3 cents per troy ounce; slaughtered cattle 50 cents each.  Those are not included which are for the slaughterers’ consumption.  Hogs 10 cents, sheep 5 cents – the last to be levied annually, when specified animals are slaughtered.  For soap 5 cents per pound to tallow chandlers and soap makers.  Apothecaries, photographers and other manufacturers, not specified, each $10.

Andy Johnson’s nomination as Brigadier General, was sent into the Senate and confirmed unanimously.  He leaves for Tennessee speedily.

Brevet promotions of all the officers at Pickens have been sent to the Senate.  Some are promoted one grade, and some two.

The statement that Blair procured or attempted to procure an appointment for Sigel, as Major General, as wholly untrue.

The common Council of the city of Washington passed a resolution last night remonstrating against the abolition of slavery in the District by 10 to 5.

One man, said to have been a mail carrier across the Potomac, declared himself a friend to slavery in the District and in every State of the Union, and was willing to wear the brand on his forehead.

The water was all let out of the Ohio and Chesapeake canals on Sunday night, between Georgetown and the Chain bridge, used heretofore for the transportation of provisions to the troops.  The canals will henceforth, be guarded.

Andy Johnson accepts the military governorship of Tennessee, whither he will soon go.

The first five million of new Treasury notes will be issued to pay Quatermaster General’s debts.  With the next issue western and southwestern troops will be paid.

The House military committee is considering the proposition for a National Cemetery, by which three hundred acres will be apportioned among several States.

Gen. Blenker was before the Senate Military committee to-day.

Robt. O. Kirk, late Lieut. Governor of Ohio, has been nominated Minister to the Argentine Confederacy.

Secretary Chase sent the excise bill to the committee of ways and means too late for use in this dispatch.  It makes taxes much heavier, in some cases fifty per cent., than the bill before reported.

Ex-Congressman Abram Wakeman, was nominated Postmaster of New York City to-day.

Thos. Merritt is appointed general superintendent of gunboat Construction.

In the West twenty new gunboats are to be built.

Mr. Cowan made a pettifogging speech against Trumbull’s confiscation bill to-day.  He was fittingly congratulated by Messrs. Powell, Saulsbury and Wickliffe.  Mr. Morrill has the floor to-morrow.

Five or six members are absent from the Washington Common Council, otherwise they would give about a tie vote on the abolition question.

WASHINGTON, March 4.

The following dispatch was received to-night from the correspondent of the Associated Press:

Gen. Banks’ forces occupied Martinsburg yesterday, without opposition, and the pickets continue to bring prisoners; although few in number, they are of much importance.

Among those taken, last night, was the Rev. T. J. McVeigh, chaplain of the 2^nd Va. Infantry.  He was captured by company K, Michigan cavalry, near Berryville.

Intelligence from Winchester leads to the belief that Jackson is there in full force, and has completed his preparations to oppose our approach.  Three miles east of that place the same authority says, the enemy is well provisioned, supplied and clothed.

Gen. McClellan issued a general order, announcing with deep regret, to the army of the Potomac, the death of Brig. Gen. Lander.  He pays a high compliment to his public services, intelligence and courage.

Gen. McClellan to-day issued a general order, dismissing Col. Kerrigan from the service, for the various offenses of which he was convicted by Court Martial.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 1.

Letters from Minister Adams declare that friendliness for the United States is growing in England.  The Spectator and other leading journals are about to send correspondents hither, who shall counteract Bull Run Russell’s lying prognostications.

Flocks of New York reporters have just arrived at Willard’s, keen for coming battles.  They have had no chance, as yet, to draw the pen.

The Republican of this morning says:– From various sources we here the cruel and relentless treatment of Col. D’Utassy by Gen. Blenker.  He is in close confinement in an unhealthy military prison and watched by armed sentinels, as though he were a felon of the deepest dye.  The official charges allege that he was in some manner connected with the publication of certain articles in German newspapers.  A court martial for the trial of D’Utassy will be convened.

White cravated, tract distributing beggars are circulating through Washington.  One modestly asked Gerritt Smith for ten thousand dollars to-day.  He had not the change about him.

A dispatch from Gen. Lander’s Assistant Adjutant General says he was exhausted and worn out, and that for twenty-four hours before his death his pulse scarcely moved.  Probably his disease was hastened by physicians, the effect of an arduous march, and by mental anxiety.

Senator Hale to-day called attention to the report of the conference committee on the civil appropriation bill, concurred in heedlessly last Thursday.  The report introduces new matter in violation of parliamentary law, appropriating $2,000 for plate for the President’s house.  Mr. Hale therefore moved to reconsider.

Mr. Browning said the bill had already been signed by the President and had become a law.  This is known as the gold spoon amendment, previously rejected by the finance committee.  The conference which worked it through, was composed of Senators Perce, Doolittle and Clark, and Representatives Stevens, Walton and Train.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

It is said to be clearly understood between the Allied Powers that a monarchy will be the result of the present invasion of Mexico, notwithstanding assurances given the United States that they did not seek any political object there.  It is believed they will say the monarchy will be established by the free will of the Mexican people, just as the empire was established in France.

Maj. Gen. Hitchcock declined his appointment on the ground that his ill health will not permit him to perform the duties of the field.

Gen. Lander died to-day at Paw Paw, Western Va., from debilitating effects of the wound received at Edward’s Ferry. – Gen Shields succeeds him.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 1

Death of Gen. Lander

The death of Gen. Fred W. Lander, announced in our dispatches this morning, will cast a deep shade of sorrow over our whole country.  He was in truth a right gallant soldier and noble gentleman.  Few men in our army can supply his place.  He falls a victim to the Ball’s Bluff blunder, where he was seriously wounded, and from which he has never recovered.  His heroism has kept him in the field when he should have been in the hospital, and he thus dies with his harness on. – Chi. Trib.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 1

Skirmish at Blooming Gap

The following is a vivid description of one of those bold exploits for which Gen. Lander is so noted.  What could surpass the cool courage of riding into a body of officers and demanding their swords?

Gen. Lander’s intention was to charge through the Gap in the night, as the position of the enemy could not be turned, and then halt his cavalry on the east side of the town, and check their retreat toward Winchester until the infantry provided for a support arrived.  It was believed that whatever force of the rebels, in the darkness and confusion the quarters of the officers could be surrounded and the officers taken before their men could form.  It was one of those dashing exploits for which this officer has been so justly celebrated.  But the enemy had retired beyond the town, and when led by the General and his staff the cavalry flew through the Gap and rallied beyond it, the bird had flown.  Col. Anastanzel was at once ordered to push forward on the Winchester road with the cavalry, reconnoiter, and, if possible, overtake and capture the baggage of the enemy.

Gen. Lander meantime brought up Col. Carroll with the 8th Ohio regiment, and the 7th Virginia, Col. Evans, for a support.  Col. Anastanzel encountered the enemy at the head of the pass, two miles from Blooming.  He was met by a sharp fire, and halted his command, instead of pushing through to the front.  On hearing the firing Gen. Lander came up and ordered Anastanzel forward.  The men faltered before the musketry of the enemy, when Lander saying “follow me,” halting at the head of the column only long enough to tell the men to remember their holy mission and follow their General to victory.  His appeal was answered by one private named John Cannon, a Virginia refugee.  Gen. Lander charged, followed by Major Armstrong, Ass’t Adj’t General; Fitz Jas. O’Brien, the well known poet, of his staff, and Major Bannister, Paymaster U. S. A. who had volunteered for the expedition.  A group of rebel officers were distant about 300 yards, encouraging their men.  Gen. Lander being mounted on his celebrated horse, outran the rest of the party, and cut off the retreat of the rebel officers, “Surrender, gentlemen,” he said and coolly dismounting, extended his hand to receive the sword of Col. Baldwin, whom an instant before he had appeared, to outside observers, to be riding directly over.  Five of the rebel officers surrendered to Gen. Lander, and four more immediately afterward, to the officers of his staff, among them the Assistant Adjutant General of Gen. Carson.

By this time the rebel infantry, perceiving the small number of their adversaries commenced a heavy fire from the woods, but the cavalry had recovered from its panic and now poured up the hill.  Gen. Lander once more ordered Anastanzel to charge up the road and capture the baggage of the enemy.  The cavalry dashed forward; the advance guard soon overtook and turned out of the road fifteen wagons and horses, but the main force of the cavalry seemed paralyzed and would not face the fire.  Two of the gallant privates in front were shot by the enemy, who had again rallied and there was another check.  Colonel Evans now came up with his regiment of infantry, and captured many more of the rebels.  Gen. Lander shot at one of his own cavalry men who refused to go forward, saying, “The next time I’ll hit you, and if you don’t clear the road this regiment I shall deploy and fire upon you.”  Col. Carroll then came up; “Go on,” said Gen. Lander to Carroll, “we need you now – clear them out and take their baggage.”  Col. Carroll cleared the road as he went, both infantry regiments behaving admirably; following the engaging enemy to the last, until ordered back.  The pursuit was continued eight miles.

The result of this affair was the capture of 18 commissioned officers and 45 non-commissioned officers and privates.  Thirty of the rebels were killed, with a loss on our side of seven killed and wounded.  Col. Carroll drove the enemy beyond the limits of Gen. Lander’s department and returned.

Gen. Lander has applied to the Governor of Maryland for the promotion of John Cannon to a Lieutenantcy.

Gen. Lander subsequently made complaint to Secretary Stanton of Col. Anastanzel’s unsoldierly conduct.  The following was the Secretary’s characteristic reply:–

WAR DEPARTMENT, Feb. 13 1862.

“If Gen. Lander is satisfied that Col. Anastanzel was guilty of cowardice or misbehavior before the enemy, he may be tried on the spot, and if found guilty, the sentence of death may be executed on the spot, or he may be cashiered by his commanding General at the head of his regiment.  The former course is recommended as the preferable one.  Cowardice in an officer, exhibited on the field of battle should receive the swift punishment of death.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of war.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18.

The nomination of Gen. Grant as Major General was sent into the Senate to-day.  He will be confirmed.

President Lincoln’s boy, William, is still in a critical condition.

The bill which the territorial committees of both houses are maturing, will organize the rebel country into free territories, on the principle that by rebellion these States committed suicide, and that with them their local laws and peculiar institutions have died.

Congress has passed a joint resolution directing Commissioner French to illuminate the public buildings in honor of the recent victories.

Saturday evening an illumination of private dwellings will probably be requested as a means of distinguishing loyal from disloyal citizens.

In a speech in Stark’s case, Mr. Carlisle of Va., to-day foreshadowed a pro-slavery policy in the treatment of the rebel states saying that the Senate must receive persons duly accredited hereafter, by the Legislature of Missouri, even if they have been in arms against the government.  It is coming to be generally hoped that Carlisle will be obliged this to give his seat back to Mason.

Secretary Stanton has recently said that the victory of Fort Donelson is due to Gen. Halleck, who planned, to the President, who recognized, and to Gen. Grant, who executed the campaign.

N. L. Wilson, President of the Marietta and Cincinnati R. R., is here, and says that the Baltimore and Ohio R. R. will be open within thirty days.

Very few private flags have been displayed in Washington for our late victories.

An order was issued to-day, at the request of the entire Indiana delegation, terminating the furlough under which Capt. Hazzard, of the army, was allowed to serve as Col. Of the 37th Ind. Vols.  He is charged with tyranny to his troops.

Schuyler Colfax has sent $100 to Quartermaster Pierce, at Paducah, to be expended in the relief of soldiers wounded at the attack on Donelson.

Capt. Craven, in command of the Tuscarora, is not like the other captains who have pursued rebel privateers.  If he catches the Nashville, he will blow her out of water, avoiding capture if possible.

A subscription is on foot at Alexandria, among the women, for the purchase of a flag to be presented to Farnsworth’s Illinois Cavalry Regiment.

The bill reported from the naval committee of the House, framed after consultation with Assistant Secretary of the Navy Fox, provides for the grades of naval officers, viz: Five flag officers, eighteen commodores, thirty-six captains, seventy-two commanders, one hundred and forty-four lieutenants and masters.  Boards to recommend for promotion or retirement.  Flag officers to be appointed only if they shall have received the thanks of Congress, and upon the President’s recommendation for services in battle.

Senator Harris introduced a bill to-day, making rebels outlaws, so far as civil rights are concerned: the fact of plaintiff’s treason to be a complete defense in bar of any action.

Mr. Trumbull’s confiscation bill is the special order of the Senate to-morrow.

Gen. Grant will not be confirmed as Maj. Gen. until his official report of the battle has been received.

The Senate District of Columbia committee, to-day summoned a number of witnesses to investigate the truth of the allegations in deputy jailor Dupall’s letter, relative to barbarities practiced within the jail, on an alleged fugitive slave.

Col. McConnel, of the inchoate and considerably mythical Third Maryland regiment of Vols., has at last been mustered out of service.  Upon evidence that recruiting was going on in Philadelphia to fill up the ranks of the loyal Virginia brigade being raised by John C. Underwood, and order was issued to-day breaking up the organization.

Tribune’s Correspondence.

Gen. Lander’s resignation has not been received here, and people who know his impatience for a fight pray it may not come.

Little has been said of the prize money earned by the crews of our blockading squadron, but the amount cannot be small.  The share due to Commander Alden, of the North Carolina, which made so many captures in the gulf, is over $100,000.  Nineteen times that sum is to be divided among his officers and men.

Gen. Grant was nominated as Major General to-day.  The Senate, which has since had no executive session, will not confirm until the official reports are received.

The House committee on territories will soon report a bill organizing Arizona as a free territory.  The Wilmot Proviso will probably be part of the bill.

Mr. S. A. Allen has been appointed as an agent to accompany our forces into Tennessee to take charge of the cotton crop in behalf of the Government.

Times Dispatch.

Andy Johnson will probably proceed to Nashville, as soon as Gen. Buell’s army take possession of that city, and assist in organizing a provisional government for Tennessee.  The people there are panting for freedom and resumption of their connection with the Union.  They will probably send a full delegation of loyal men to Congress by the last of March.

The President to-day nominated Colonel Garfield, of Ohio, Brigadier General, in compliment for his thrashing Humphrey Marshall.

The war Department has proofs, which are considered conclusive, that young Walworth is a spy.

WASHINGTON, February 19.

Gen. U. S. Grant, the hero of Fort Donelson, has just been unanimously confirmed by the Senate as Major General, an honor conferred in testimony of his gallant conduct in battle.

The reading the Tax Bill will be commenced in the Ways and Means committee to-morrow.  The Bill will not be printed till ordered by the House of Representatives.

In the House of Representatives this afternoon Representative Wickliffe, of Ky., announced the capture of Gen. Price and his army.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Surprise and Capture of a Rebel Camp

CUMBERLAND, Md., Feb. 15.

Gen. Lander made a forced march Thursday night, surprising and breaking up a rebel camp at Bloomer Gap, Killing 13, capturing 17 commissioned officers, and 45 privates, and loosing but 2 men and 6 horses.  Lander led the charge in person, at the head of the 1^st Va. Cavalry.

This opens the Baltimore and Ohio RR. to Hancock again.

Gen. Lander, having cleared his department of the enemy renews his request to be relieved from his command on account of ill health.

A portion of Lander’s command under Col. Deming, has occupied Morefield and captured 225 beef cattle.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 17, 1862, p. 1

Gen. Lander and Gen. McClellan

The subjoined statement, respecting facts not hitherto generally known, says the N. Y. Tribune, reaches us from a highly respectable source:

“Gen. Lander arrived at Hancock by express from Washington at 3 a. m. on Sunday, the 5^th, to take command.  He found there about 2,700 troops, two of the regiments having received their arms but the day before.  He was there attacked by Major-Gen. Jackson, commanding the Army of the Valley of Virginia, 16,000 strong, with 22 pieces of artillery.  Jackson demanded an unconditional surrender of the town, Government property, &c., stating that if he defended it he would burn it and take the unusual military vengeance.  Lander replied that the responsibility of burning the town lay with Jackson if he was able to do it, but the responsibility of defending it was his, and he should not accede to his proposition.  The enemy commenced shelling the town at 10 a. m., but the Union Infantry, posted behind a hill and under cover of brick buildings, suffered no loss whatever.

“The regular artillery, in charge of Lieut. Muhlenburg replied so efficiently to the enemy’s that it was soon withdrawn, with loss of officers and men, and after changing their position the result was the same.  The inhabitants had left the town prior to the shelling, which continued  during Sunday and Monday, doing some damage to buildings and warehouses, but with no actual result in the enemy’s favor.  On Tuesday afternoon three contrabands appeared on the Virginia bank, and proper precautions being taken against surprise, a boat was sent for them.  One of them proved to be the servant of Gen. Anderson.  He reported that the enemy’s infantry had absolutely refused to enter the ford in the face of the cover afforded by the brick warehouse on the landing to our forces; also that the main body of the rebels had retired in the direction of Romney, with the intention of cutting off Kelly’s force at that point.  Lander at once established a horse express across the mountain, and informed Kelly of the movement, in consequence of which he threw forward a force, engaged 1500 of the rebels who had been holding a pass known as Blue Gap, dispersed them and captured their artillery.  Kelly requested Lander to cross the river at Hancock and harass the rear of the enemy, while he attacked in front.  Lander prepared to do it at once. – He, however, repeated the request he had urgently made by telegraph on Sunday to the Commander in Chief, that Gen. Banks might be allowed to cross the river further east, Capture Martinsburg, and fall on the rear of the enemy, while he kept him occupied at Hancock.  Neither the plan of crossing, nor the language in which orders were asked, met with the approval of Gen. McClellan, who at once reprimanded Lander, stating it was utter folly for him to cross the river, and ordering him to start at once for Romney, which he did.

“Further information has been received from Gen. Lander, by which it appears that having been re-inforced, he marched on Thursday, at the head of between seven and eight thousand men, upon the enemy at Romney.  The rebel forces were about equal to his own.  They declined fighting, and retreated across the river, destroying the wire bridge in their rear, and running off, probably to Winchester.  As heretofore stated, Gen. Lander is in possession of Romney.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Fitzjames O’Brien . . .

. . . one of the late Gen. Lander’s staff, died on Sunday, from lockjaw, in consequence of a wound received in a skirmish about two months ago. Mr. O’Brien was a native of Ireland, and came to New York ten years since. He possessed fine literary talents, and was one of the most popular contributors to the Eastern magazines and papers.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 14, 1862, p. 2

Russell’s Opinion Of Mr. Stanton

The favorite of the day is Mr. Stanton; he has touched the heart of his countrymen. They like his sharp, clear cut manifestoes, and his sounding pronunciamentos. The recent successes are, they think, somehow or other connected with his accession to power. He has, indeed, endeavored to disabuse the Northerners of their delusion that the movements of Grant, Buell, and Lander are portions of a concerted plan, each directed from headquarters in reference to the other, and has plainly intimated that their victories are due to individual inspiration, and to fortune typifying the God of Battles. One of his boldest acts has been the liberation of the victims of the Lettres decachet of the State Department, on the condition that they give parole not to afford aid or comfort to those engaged in hostility against the United States; and his seizure of the agent of a journal which pretends to exercise great influence in America as a spy has been regarded with satisfaction, for it is proof of his indifference to the enmity he will no doubt provoke in the discharge of his duty, and of his contempt for its power.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 9, 1862