Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: March 12, 1862

In the naval battle the other day we had twenty-five guns in all. The enemy had fifty-four in the Cumberland, forty-four in the St. Lawrence, besides a fleet of gunboats, filled with rifled cannon. Why not? They can have as many as they please. “No pent-up Utica contracts their powers”; the whole boundless world being theirs to recruit in. Ours is only this one little spot of ground — the blockade, or stockade, which hems us in with only the sky open to us, and for all that, how tender-footed and cautious they are as they draw near.

An anonymous letter purports to answer Colonel Chesnut's address to South Carolinians now in the army of the Potomac. The man says, “All that bosh is no good.” He knows lots of people whose fathers were notorious Tories in our war for independence and made fortunes by selling their country. Their sons have the best places, and they are cowards and traitors still. Names are given, of course.

Floyd and Pillow¹ are suspended from their commands because of Fort Donelson. The people of Tennessee demand a like fate for Albert Sidney Johnston. They say he is stupid. Can human folly go further than this Tennessee madness?

I did Mrs. Blank a kindness. I told the women when her name came up that she was childless now, but that she had lost three children. I hated to leave her all alone. Women have such a contempt for a childless wife. Now, they will be all sympathy and goodness. I took away her “reproach among women.”

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¹ John [B.] Floyd, who had been Governor of Virginia from 1850 to 1853, became Secretary of War in 1857 He was first in command at Fort Donelson. Gideon J. Pillow had been a Major-General of volunteers in the Mexican War and was second in command at Fort Donelson. He and Floyd escaped from the Fort when it was invested by Grant, leaving General Buckner to make the surrender.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 140

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: March 11, 1862

A freshman came quite eager to be instructed in all the wiles of society. He wanted to try his hand at a flirtation, and requested minute instructions, as he knew nothing whatever: he was so very fresh. “Dance with her,” he was told, “and talk with her; walk with her and natter her; dance until she is warm and tired; then propose to walk in a cool, shady piazza. It must be a somewhat dark piazza. Begin your promenade slowly; warm up to your work; draw her arm closer and closer; then, break her wing.”

“Heavens, what is that — break her wing?” “Why, you do not know even that? Put your arm round her waist and kiss her. After that, it is all plain sailing. She comes down when you call like the coon to Captain Scott: ‘You need not fire, Captain,’ etc.”

The aspirant for fame as a flirt followed these lucid directions literally, but when he seized the poor girl and kissed her, she uplifted her voice in terror, and screamed as if the house was on fire. So quick, sharp, and shrill were her yells for help that the bold flirt sprang over the banister, upon which grew a strong climbing rose. This he struggled through, and ran toward the college, taking a bee line. He was so mangled by the thorns that he had to go home and have them picked out by his family. The girl's brother challenged him. There was no mortal combat, however, for the gay young fellow who had led the freshman's ignorance astray stepped forward and put things straight. An explanation and an apology at every turn hushed it all up.

Now, we all laughed at this foolish story most heartily. But Mr. Venable remained grave and preoccupied, and was asked: “Why are you so unmoved? It is funny.” “I like more probable fun; I have been in college and I have kissed many a girl, but never a one scrome yet.”

Last Saturday was the bloodiest we have had in proportion to numbers.¹ The enemy lost 1,500. The handful left at home are rushing to arms at last. Bragg has gone to join Beauregard at Columbus, Miss, Old Abe truly took the field in that Scotch cap of his.

Mrs. McCord,² the eldest daughter of Langdon Cheves, got up a company for her son, raising it at her own expense. She has the brains and energy of a man. To-day she repeated a remark of a low-country gentleman, who is dissatisfied: “This Government (Confederate) protects neither person nor property.'” Fancy the scornful turn of her lip! Some one asked for Langdon Cheves, her brother. “Oh, Langdon!” she replied coolly, “he is a pure patriot; he has no ambition. While I was there, he was letting Confederate soldiers ditch through his garden and ruin him at their leisure.”

Cotton is five cents a pound and labor of no value at all; it commands no price whatever. People gladly hire out their negroes to have them fed and clothed, which latter can not be done. Cotton osnaburg at 37½ cents a yard, leaves no chance to clothe them. Langdon was for martial law and making the bloodsuckers disgorge their ill-gotten gains. We, poor fools, who are patriotically ruining ourselves will see our children in the gutter while treacherous dogs of millionaires go rolling by in their coaches — coaches that were acquired by taking advantage of our necessities.

This terrible battle of the ships — Monitor, Merrimac, etc. All hands on board the Cumberland went down. She fought gallantly and fired a round as she sank. The Congress ran up a white flag. She fired on our boats as they went up to take off her wounded. She was burned. The worst of it is that all this will arouse them to more furious exertions to destroy us. They hated us so before, but how now?

In Columbia I do not know a half-dozen men who would not gaily step into Jeff Davis's shoes with a firm conviction that they would do better in every respect than he does. The monstrous conceit, the fatuous ignorance of these critics! It is pleasant to hear Mrs. McCord on this subject, when they begin to shake their heads and tell us what Jeff Davis ought to do.

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¹ On March 7 and 8, 1862, occurred the battle of Pea Ridge in Western Arkansas, where the Confederates were defeated, and on March 8th and 9th, occurred the conflict in Hampton Roads between the warships Merrimac, Cumberland, Congress, and Monitor.

² Louisa Susanna McCord, whose husband was David J. McCord, a lawyer of Columbia, who died in 1855. She was educated in Philadelphia, and was the author of several books of verse, including Caius Gracchus, a tragedy; she was also a brilliant pamphleteer,

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 138-40

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: March 11, 1862

Yesterday we heard good news from the mouth of James River. The ship "Virginia," formerly the Merrimac, having been completely incased with iron, steamed out into Hampton Roads, ran into the Federal vessel Cumberland, and then destroyed the Congress, and ran the Minnesota ashore. Others were damaged. We have heard nothing further; but this is glory enough for one day, for which we will thank God and take courage.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 100

Charles Eliot Norton to George William Curtis, March 19, 1862

Shady Hill, 19 March, 1862.

. . . I am not as critical as Iago, but I do not like McClellan's address to his troops. It is too French in style and idiom. He “loves his men like a father”? “A magnificent army”? “God smiles upon us.” How does he know? And “victory attends us”? This last phrase is plainly a mistranslation from the French “La Victoire nous attend,” — which means, what our General ought to have said, Victory awaits us.

But I am more than content with our progress. Wendell Phillips in Washington! The new article of War! The slaves running away in Virginia! Fremont re-instated in command! Freedom cannot take any backward steps — and it looks as if she would soon begin to move forward with faster and more confident steps than heretofore.

What a fine fight that was in Hampton Roads! Honour to the men of the Cumberland. I heard a most interesting and deeply moving account of the incidents of the fight and the sinking from Dr. Martin, the surgeon of the ship.

And how splendidly the Monitor was managed! . . .

SOURCE: Sara Norton and  M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Letters of Charles Eliot Norton, Volume 1, p. 253-4

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: November 3, 1861

To-day we were at church, and heard a good sermon from the Rev. Mr. Walker, of Alexandria—a refugee in pursuit of an abiding-place.

An immense Federal fleet left Hampton Roads a few days ago, for what point destined we do not know. Oh, that it may find its resting-place in the bottom of the ocean! The terrific storm yesterday gave us comfort. The mighty rushing of the winds was music to our ears. We thought of the Spanish Armada, thanked God and took courage. Was this wicked? I think not. They must lose their lives, or we must lose ours; and if it will please the Almighty Ruler of the wind and waves to use them in our defence, we shall be most grateful.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 71

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, March 11, 1862

CAMP AT HUNTER'S MILLS, VA., March 11, 1862.

I send you a few hasty lines to tell you where we are, and to relieve the anxiety which you will doubtless have from the reports in the papers. Yesterday at 11 A. M. we received orders to march. At 1 P. M. we got off, and marched fifteen miles, arriving at this point about 8 P. M. The whole army has advanced, and we are on the extreme right, distant about twelve miles from Centreville. We presumed when starting yesterday that we would have a brush in a day or two with the enemy. But this morning we hear that McDowell's Division, that advanced on Centreville, finding it was evacuated, and hearing that they had evacuated Manassas, continued on and is now in possession of their lately vaunted impregnable stronghold. Thus the prospects of another Bull Run battle are dissipated — unless they have, as the French say, only reculer pour mieux sauter.

We hear to-day of the disastrous naval conflict at Newport News.¹ This is a very bad business, and shows the superior enterprise of our enemies. There is no reason we should not have had the Cumberland iron-clad, as the Merrimac has been prepared by them. The loss of two such vessels as the Cumberland and the Congress, two of our finest frigates, is a very serious blow, not only to our material interests, but to our pride and naval forces.

I have not time to write you much beyond the fact that I am well. I have been in the saddle all day, posting troops and pickets, and making all the preparations to meet the enemy, though, from the reports in existence and believed, there is not much probability of his showing himself about here.

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¹ Destruction of the gun-boats Cumberland and Congress by the Confederate iron-clad Merrimac.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 251

Shelling of Sewall’s Point

BALTIMORE, May 9.

The special correspondent of the American sends the following relative to affairs in Hampton Roads and the Peninsula:

FORT MONROE, May 8.

This has been a most stirring and exciting day at Old Point, and all are anticipating the early fall of Norfolk.  At 11 o’clock the steamer Naugatuck was observed raising steam, and about 12 o’clock she moved out by the side of the Monitor, which vessel also cleared her decks for action, taking down her awning, and stood forth in full fighting trim.

11:30. – The gunboat Dacotah has just moved up on line of battle, together with the sloops of war Seminole and San Jacinto.  The flag ship Minnesota was also under steam.

12 o’clock. – The Naugatuck has moved up towards Elizabeth river, followed by the Monitor and Dacotah in line of battle.  The San Jacinto follows slowly.

Heavy firing can still be heard in the direction of James river, where, you have already been informed by telegraph, the Galena and other boats of gone.  The Susquehanna has just gone up in the meantime, the Dacotah, Monitor and Naugatuck have reached the channel and taken a position near Sewall’s Point.  The Dacotah fired a shot towards Craney Island.  A second shot from the Dacotah struck the beach at Sewall’s Point.

12:30 – The Susquehanna moves up and takes the lead of the San Jacinto and Seminole – no answer from either.  The Dacotah and Seminole are steaming up Elizabeth river.  The Naugatuck is lying off towards the mouth of the James River.

Presently, the Dacotah and Monitor approached Craney Island and Sewall’s Point.  The Dacotah fires every few minutes alternately at Sewall’s Point and Craney Island, the enemy making no reply, although the balls reached their intended destination. – The Monitor is taking the lead.  Meantime the Seminole and Susquehanna open upon Sewall’s point, and two shots are fired from the Point, the latter falling short of the Monitor, which is now a mile above the other vessels.

12:40. – The rebels are firing rapidly from Sewall’s Point, principally on the Monitor, while a succession of shells are being poured on the enemy from the Susquehanna, Dacotah, Seminole and San Jacinto, broadside after broadside.  The Rip Raps also threw occasional shells at Sewall’s Point.

12:50. – The Susquehanna, Dacotah, San Jacinto and Seminole are pouring shells and the Monitor threw her first two shells full a mile and a half from the Point.

FORT MONROE, May 8.

Shortly before noon to-day the Monitor, Naugatuck, Seminole, Susquehanna, Dacotah and San Jacinto, in the order in which they are named, steamed up toward Sewall’s Point – Capt. Lardner, of the Susquehanna, in command of the expedition.

As soon as within range, fire was opened with a shot and shell against Sewall’s Point.  Most of the shots were good ones.  It was nearly half an hour before a reply was made from the Point.

The Rip Raps next opened fire, and then the Naugatuck for the first time.  Several shots were fired from the single gun on the extremity of the Point, when one from the Monitor struck in the vicinity, doubtless disabling the gun, as it has not been fired since.  The position of the Monitor was far in advance of the rest of the fleet, and she continued in motion until within a mile or two of the Point where considerable execution must have been done by here accurate firing.

The Naugatuck kept in the back ground, the range of her Parrot gun enabling her to do so.  Sewall Point battery replied briskly.  The Rip Raps fired occasionally.  A continual fire was kept up from the gunboats.  On account of the distance, no details can be given.  Nothing occurred till two o’clock, when the firing was very feeble from the Point.  The Monitor about this time returned from her advanced position and joined the fleet.

At 2:15 a very dense smoke arose rapidly from the Point, caused probably by the burning of the rebel barracks and other buildings.  At about half past two o’clock, the Merrimac made her appearance, when the fleet returned with the exception of the Monitor.  The Merrimac is still (5 o’clock) off the Point.  The Monitor is ready to attack her.

1 P. M. – The Monitor is now within a mile of Sewall’s Point, moving slowly forward and firing.  The enemy are also firing briskly from Sewall’s Point at the Monitor and shells are falling thickly around her.  Craney Island is also joining in the fight, and has thrown shells at the Monitor, one of which exploded directly over her.  The Monitor moved steadily forward, and occasionally firing, and receiving shells and shot from the rebel battery with perfect indifference.

2 P. M. – The monitor has fallen back, and lays alongside of the Susquehanna, probably for the purpose of communicating with her.  The Naugatuck in the meantime has been throwing shells into Pig’s Point, and the fleet has also thrown a number of shells in the same direction.

2:15 P. M. – The Monitor and Dacotah are moving along again slowly up the mouth of the Elizabeth river, and dense black smoke has commenced to arise from Sewall’s Point, indicating that our incendiary shells thrown there have fired the barracks.  The Dacotah continues to throw her shells directly into the point.  The vessels by constantly changing position destroy the range of the rebel gunners, but they are, however, making quite a determined fight, their works giving us almost shell for shell, shot for shot.  The Monitor has laid out of action for nearly an hour, and is probably cooling her guns.  The Rip Raps battery has the range of Sewall’s Point perfectly.

2:45 P. M. – The Merrimac now makes her appearance on the scene.  She has just passed from behind Sewall’s Point, and is slowly running down toward the Federal fleet.  Simultaneously with the appearance of the Merrimac the Monitor started from behind the wooden vessels and moved up to meet the enemy.  The larger vessels have drawn aside and left.  The Monitor and Naugatuck are now in the approaching path of the Merrimac.  The vessels of the fleet had been lying quietly at anchor for the last half hour, when the signal from the flag ship ordered them all to return.  The Susquehanna leads the way, followed by the San Jacinto, Seminole, Dacotah and Monitor, being all apparently using the greatest speed towards the fort.  To the spectator, this seemed rather mortifying, but as they moved down in line the Monitor was seen to halt, and the San Jacinto and Dacotah also followed her example, leaving the Susquehanna and Seminole moving ahead.  The four steamers and the Monitor having taken their position the Merrimac also halted, and the vessels stood there not more than a mile and a half apart – the Merrimac apparently unwilling to come further down and the Monitor unwilling to go further up.  The Minnesota also steamed up in front of the fortress wharf, followed slowly by the Vanderbilt, when both stopped.  After laying in this position the Minnesota turned round and steamed back, and the Vanderbilt turning slowly backed water down the river.  Whilst this maneuvering was going on firing had entirely ceased from all points.

3:30. – The Merrimac now turns round and steams back toward Norfolk with her rebel flag flying.  The Dacotah again proceeds up towards the Merrimac and the Monitor starts toward the mouth of the Elizabeth river.  The Dacotah is now within easy range of Sewall’s Point, but the batteries there do not open on the shore.  The Monitor has stopped and the Merrimac is lying stationary about a mile from the Craney Island Battery.  Here commenced an important movement, which cannot be made public just yet.  The Vanderbilt and Arago have now steamed in front of the wharf.  The Merrimac has run back under the guns of Craney Island, and the Monitor is steaming off towards here at full speed.  The Minnesota is also coming up again at full speed, the effort being to draw the rebels again.  For the past two hours the fleet has been moving back and forwards, but the Merrimac still lies under the guns of Craney Island.  The Minnesota, Arago and Vanderbilt have gone back to their anchorage, and there is no prospect of a fight to-night.  The troops are going on board the transports, and the war vessels, including the Monitor, have all returned to their anchorage.

The President viewed the action from a tug-boat lying about a mile in rear of the fleet.  He has just returned, and as he passed up the wharf was vociferously cheered by the troops.

Our fleet have retired.  The Merrimac is again steaming up.  An officer of the Seminole states that the rebel staff on the Point was twice shot away during the bombardment.  The first time it fell, it was picked up and a rebel in a red shirt jumped on the ramparts with a stump of the staff and flag, and waved it, when a shell struck him killing him and it is supposed others near him.

Of the many shots fired at the fleet by the rebels, not one struck our vessels. – Some went over their masts, but most fell short.  The rebels could be distinctly seen from the vessels carrying all of their wounded and dead.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

The Merrimac afloat at last -- Savannah to be attacked

FORT MONORE, Jan. 28. – The only incident of news yesterday, was the arrival of the boat containing fifteen contrabands from Norfolk.  They report that the Merrimac was floated out of the Dry Dock On Saturday, and was to make her trial trip on Sunday.  She mounted 10 inch rifle cannons, and the people were jubilant in the belief that she could sink the whole fleet in Hampton Roads.

Letters from Port Royal indicate an early attack on Savannah by General Sherman and Com. Dupont.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, March 28. – HOUSE. – The House in Committee of the Whole, resumed the consideration of the Tax Bill.  Coal oil resulting from the manufacture of illuminating gas or its re-distillation to be exempt from duty.  The tax of 5 cents per gallon on crude coal oil and other bituminous substances, used in like purposes, and on crude petroleum and rock oil was stricken out.  Oil refined and produced by the distillation of coal exclusively is to be subject to a duty of 8 cents per gallon.

The next clause was modified so that spirits rectified and mixed with other materials or prepared in any way to be sold as whiskey, should pay a tax of 15 cents per gallon.  When sold as brandy, gin, wine, or any other name, it shall pay 20 cents per gallon, on the basis of first proof, and so on in proportion for greater strength.  The tax of 4 cents on vinegar from materials other than cider or wine were stricken out.  The tax on ground coffee and all preparations of which coffee forms a part, or which is prepared for sale as a substitute for coffee, is reduced from 1 cent to 3 mills per pound.  Ground mustard and sugar are exempt.  Sugar tax 1 cent per pound.  The Committee struck the tax of 3 cents per lb. on tobacco leaf or stem, manufactured, and increased the tax from 5 to 10 cents per pound of Cavendish tobacco, plug, twist and manufactured of all descriptions, not including snuff, cigars or prepared smoking tobacco.  The Committee increased the tax on prepared smoking tobacco to 5 cents and on snuff or tobacco ground, dry or damp, of all descriptions, except aromatic or medical snuff, to 8 cents per pound.  The tax on cigars remains as originally reported.  Gun powder and all explosive substances used for mining, blasting or shooting purposes, valued at exceeding 18 cents per pound, to pay a tax of 5 mills; not exceeding in value of 10 cents to pay a tax of 1 cent per pound, and when valued at over 30 cents to pay a tax of 6 cents per pound.  Oxide _____ and sulphate of basalt to pay a tax per pound, 25 cents on the former and 10 cents on the latter.

The clause in regard to printing ink and all other descriptions of ink, fixing the tax at 3 per cent ad valorem, was stricken out.  Corn brooms, wooden pails and buckets, straw and palm leaf, hats, caps and bonnets, hats and caps of fur, felt or wool, glossed Indian rubber, or silk, wholly or in part, steel hoops and skirts of metal or other material, all to pay a tax of 3 per cent ad valorem.

Amendments were made, fixing the tax on ready made clothing at 3 per cent. ad valorem and on umbrellas and parasols at 5 per cent.  The tax on iron was fixed at 50 cents to $1 per ton, excepting on condition of manufacture.

The Committee rose and the House adjourned.

WASHINGTON, March 31. – HOUSE. – The House passed the Senate bill removing the import duties on arms imported either by States or contractors.

Mr. BROWN, from the Committee on Elections, reported a resolution which was adopted declaring that S. F. Beach is not elected a member of the House from the Seventh Congressional District of Virginia.

The House then went into Committee of the Whole on the tax bill.

WASHINGTON, March 31. – HOUSE. – The leather clause of the bill was amended as follows: On patent or enameled leather 5 mills per lb.; on patent japanned strips for dash leather 4 mills per square foot; on patent or enameled skirting leather 1½ mills per square foot; on all rolled and rough or hammered leather, made from hides imported from east of Cape of Good Hope, and all damaged leather, 5 mills per lb.; on all other sole and rough leather, hemlock tanned, 8 mills per lb.,  on all sole or rough leather, tanned in whole or part, with oak, 1 cent per lb.; on all finished or cured upper leather, except calf skin, made from leather tanned in the interest of the parties finishing or cutting up leather not previously taxed in the rough, 1 cent per lb.; on band, bull and harness leather, 1½  cents per lb., on tanned calf skins 6 cents each; on morocco goat, kid or sheep skins, cured, manufactured or finished, 4 per cent. ad valorem, provided that the price at which such skins are usually sold shall determine the value; on buck skins, tanned or dressed, $2 per dozen; on doe skins, tanned or dressed, $1 per dozen; on deer skins, dressed and smoked, 6 cents a pound, on horse and hog skins, tanned and dressed, 4 per cent ad valorem; on American patent calf skins 5 per cent. ad valorem, on patent or enameled leather 3 per cent. ad valorem.

The following amendments were also agreed to:  On wine made of grapes 5 instead of 10 cents per gallon; on starch 5 per cent. ad valorem; on furs of all descriptions, not otherwise provided for, 5 per cent ad valorem.

Mr. SPAULDING offered the following:  Provided that no duty shall be contracted on furs until the expiration of the Reciprocity Treaty with Great Britain.  Mr. Spaulding took the occasion to say that we have lost thirteen millions of dollars by this treaty, owing to discriminating duties.

The Committee adopted Mr. Spaulding’s amendment.

The tax on diamonds, emeralds and other jewelry was put at 3 per cent ad valorem.

Mr. STEVENS opposed the tax on flour, which, after some debate relative to the bearing on the Tax bill that existed by the Reciprocity Treaty, was stricken out.

Mr. SPAULDING gave notice that he should introduce a resolution requesting the President to give the required notice for terminating the Reciprocity Treaty.  Cloth and all textile fabrics 3 per cent. ad valorem.

Mr. KELLOGG offered a new paragraph “on and after the 1st of May one cent per pound on all cotton held or owned by persons or corporations.”  Fourth clause relating to organs and melodeons altered, levying the tax from fifty cents to one dollar, according to value, and $6 to $70  for yachts.  Dogs taxed $1 each.

The section relating to slaughtered cattle was amended by adding, provided that commission of internal revenue may make other rules and regulations for ascertaining the accurate number of cattle held, shipped and slaughtered, and all cattle liable to taxation.  Committee rose and the House adjourned.

SENATE. – Vice President Hamlin absent. – Mr. Foster was chosen President pro tem.

Mr. WILLEY present a petition from the workmen in the late armory at Harper’s Ferry, asking for the re-establishment of the armory and for work.

Mr. KING presented several petitions for emancipating the slaves.

Mr. COLLAMER, from the Committee on Libraries, reported to the House a joint resolution to the House for the appointment of _____ Woolsey of Connecticut, Regent of the Smithsonian Institute, in place of Prof. Felton.  The resolution was passed.

Mr. NESMITH introduced a resolution asking for the Secretary of War to furnish the Senate a copy of the report of Brig. Gen. J. Mansfield in relation to the late engagement between the Monitor and the Merrimac.  The resolution was adopted.

Mr. LATHAM introduced a bill to create a bureau of transportation.  Referred.

On motion of Mr. CHANDLER, the bill for the appointment of Light House Inspectors was taken up.  The bill proposes to transfer the light house to the revenue service, putting them under the control of the Secretary of the Treasury.  After discussion the bill was postponed.

Mr. WADE introduced a bill to provide a territorial government for Arizona.

Mr. FESSENDEN presented a joint resolution from the Legislature of Main, in favor of extending pecuniary aid to the States for the emancipation of their slaves.  Also cordially approving the President’s message, declaring that Maine will cheerfully furnish her quota of the amount.  Also asking her Senators to vote for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.

The bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia was then taken up, and Mr. SUMNER, of Mass., proceeded to speak in favor, after which the bill was postponed until to-morrow.

The Senate went into executive session and adjourned.

WASHINGTON, April 1. – HOUSE. – Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois, presented a memorial from the Illinois Constitutional Convention in favor of the early enlargement of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and gave notice that he should ask for an early consideration of the bill to that end, it being a matter of great national and military importance.  The memorial was referenced to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The consideration of the Pacific Railroad bill was further postponed till Tuesday.

The House then went into committee of the whole on the tax bill.

An amendment was adopted exempting from taxation under the Railroad routes and steamboats section all foreign emigrants travelling at a reduced fare into the interior of the country, a distance of over 100 miles from the sea coast.

Several amendments were made to the above section, including a tax of one and a half per cent on the gross receipts of bridge company repairers.

An amendment was adopted that trust companies be included with banks, saving institutions, &c., and that they pay three per cent. on their income.

A new section was added, providing that on and after May next, there shall be paid for every insurance policy which may be made, renewed, continued, or endorsed, a duty of 10 cents for every one hundred dollars insured for one year, &c.

Mr. COLFAX moved to strike out the section leaving a duty on advertisements.

Mr. WRIGHT thought that the press out to come up to the work.

Mr. COLFAX was of the same opinion but by this bill, without taxing Administration publications were taxed more than they ought to be. – The pay more than their proportion on the articles used, and for paper, telegraphic messages, gas light, &c.  They might as well impose a tax on all boarders at a hotel, on lawyers for every criminal or civil case.  He said those engaged in every branch of business, merchants, as we, as mechanics, were taxed less than newspapers!

Mr. STEVENS replied that in England a large income was received from the tax on advertisements, as well as the tax on stamps.  The Committee, he thought, had already made large concessions by reducing the tax on printing paper, and striking out that on ink.

Mr. COLFAX said that experience has shown that the English tax on newspapers and books was a tax on knowledge, and that the people demanded and secured a reform in this particular.

The committee disagreed to the motion of Mr. Colfax to strike out the above in the section.  The section was finally amended as follows, and then retained in the bill:

The tax on advertisements shall be assessed on the amounts received for them and not the amounts charged, and is reduced from five to three per cent.  Newspapers with less than 2,000 circulation or whose receipts are less than one thousand dollars per annum are exempted from any advertising tax.

The committee rose and the House adjourned.

SENATE. – Mr. DOOLITTLE presented a communication from the Secretary of the Interior relative to the Indians of Northern Mississippi.  Ordered to be printed.

Mr. SUMNER asked leave to introduce the following:

Whereas, Brig. Gen. Hooker, commanding the army of the United States, on the lower Potomac, Maryland, on the 26th day of March 1862 issued an order of which the following is a copy:

Headquarters of the Division,

Camp Baker, Lower Potomac

March 26th 1862.

To the Brigade and Regimental Commanders of this Division:

Messrs. Mally, Gray, Dunlington, Speak, Pierce, Posey and Cobey, citizens of Maryland, owning negroes supposed to be with some of the regimental camps, the Brigadier Genral Commanding, directs that they be permitted to visit all the camps of his command in search of their property, and if found that they be allowed to take possession of the same without any interference whatever; should any obstacle be thrown in the way by any officer or soldier in the division, they will be at once reported to these headquarters.

By order of Brigadier General Hooker.

(Signed.)

JOSEPH DICKENSON, A. A. G.

Therefore,

Resolved, That the Joint Select Committee on the conduct of the War be requested to inquire whether said order of Gen. Hooker is not a violation of the recent article of war passed by Congress, and approved by the President, concerning the action of the army in the return of fugitive slaves, and to report such a way as in the judgment of the committee will prevent the issue of similar orders, which, while they outrage the feelings of loyal men, necessarily tend to demoralized the army.

Mr. WICKLIFFE, before the reading was completed, objected to the introduction of the resolution.

Mr. SUMNER offered a resolution that the Committee on the Conduct of the War be instructed to collect evidence in regard to the barbarous treatment by the rebels at Manassas of the officers and soldiers of the United States killed in the battle there.  He said we have been disgusted and shocked by the reported treatment of the remains of soldiers by the rebels.  The skull of a brave Massachusetts officer has been made into a drinking cup for a Georgia rebel. – It is evident that we are in conflict with a people lower in the scale of civilization than ourselves, and he wanted record made for history.

Mr. HOWARD moved to enlarge the resolution so as to include an inquiry whether the rebels enticed the Indians who committed unheard of atrocious acts, and how this savage warfare was conducted.  If he was a commanding general he would make no prisoners serving  side by side with Indians.  The resolution thus amended was adopted.

Mr. HALE, offered a resolution that the Secretary of war be instructed to transmit to the Senate the correspondence of Gen. Wool with the War Department, relative to the movements on the part thereof since he has been in command of Fortress Monroe.

The Senate then took up the bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.

Mr. WRIGHT, said he had hoped when he came here he might have given his attention to putting down the rebe3llion, and that these embarrassing questions would be avoided.  He was not going to look into the past to see why certain things were done, there was evil enough in every section of the country to excite alarm but he thought it was the duty of the politician and statesman to look on the bright side.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

Special to New York Papers

NEW YORK, March 31. – No news in specials this morning.  The Times has the following:

Capt. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, has returned to-day from a visit to Fort Monroe.  He reports everything quiet there.  The population has increased lately at the Fort by persons drawn hither with a desire to witness the approaching duel between the Merrimac and Monitor, if the captain of the Merrimac will again venture a fight in Hampton Roads.

Instead of 3 mills per pound on printing paper, as proposed in the original Tax bill, the House agreed to a 3 per cent. ad valorem tax.

Water was yesterday let into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, in its whole length.  Navigation will be immediately resumed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

Rebel News via Norfolk

BALTIMORE, April 2. – The following intelligence is from the special correspondent at Fort Monroe, of the Baltimore American:

The number of rebels in Fort Pulaski, as reported by deserters is five hundred.

Two German regiments at Fort Pulaski, had revolted and were in custody.

Gen. Sherman’s mortars and siege guns were so stationed that the guns of the Fort cold not reach them.

The rebels have withdrawn all their troops from the coast and abandoned their earth works, previously removing their cannon to Savannah.

The city of Savannah, however, is understood to be very strongly fortified, and all the approaches to it.  The force there is variously estimated, by refugees, at from twenty to fifty thousand men, probably 20,000, is more nearly correct.

A great despondency existed among the people and troops at Charleston.  The fall of Newbern created the greatest consternation.  The fire-eaters ridiculed the North Carolina troops, charging them with cowardice.

The shop keepers and bankers in Charleston had refused to receive North Carolina money, and there being two North Carolina regiments there at the time, a revolt was the consequence, and the shops were broken open, and the troops helped themselves.  These regiments refused to serve any longer, and were allowed to return home.

No information of the abandonment of Pensacola by the rebels has yet been received, but it was generally believed that our troops had crossed over from Santa Rosa Island and occupied the place.

The latest advices received from Norfolk by the underground railroad leaves no room to doubt that the Merrimac was thoroughly repaired and in commission and ready for another expedition against the wooden walls of the federal navy and river transports lying in the Roads. – The delay of the Merrimac in towing out is believed to be that she is waiting for ammunition for the heavy guns that have been placed on board her, and also for some infernal machines being constructed by bombasto Mallory.

The rebel steamers Jamestown and Yorktown were also getting strengthened and more thoroughly clad with iron to accompany the Merrimac.  There is also a rumor that two other steamers are being clad with iron at Richmond to join in the expedition.

As to the loss of life on the Merrimac in her conflict with the Monitor, we have now what is claimed to be positive information.  One of the recently arrived contrabands states that he was a nurse in the general hospital in Norfolk, and that before his departure he helped to shroud 32 of the crew of the Merrimac, and that both commander Buchanan and Lieut. Meyer are dead.  There are still a number of the wounded surviving.

The contraband also states that the last two shots of the Monitor were represented to be the only ones that seriously injured the Merrimac; those were thrown under her hold at the moment she attempted to run the Monitor down.

The military stationed at Norfolk from the Gulf States have been very severe on the Virginians.  Since their defeat at Roanoke Island even the Richmond Blues, the very pink of chivalry, have fallen in public estimation too.  All award bravery to Jennings Wise, but his father has so fallen in public estimation that he is proclaimed in Norfolk as a coward and poltroon.  In his escape from Nags Head he rode thirty miles on horse back, notwithstanding he had previously reported himself too ill to remain at Roanoke Island, at the head of his command.  Wise and Floyd now rank as the fleet footed.  My informant says that Wise would be hooted if he were to appear in the streets of Norfolk or Richmond.  He has retired to his farm in Princess Ann county.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

In the hurry and excitement of the war . . .

. . . but few of its heroic incidents find a chronicler.  In our interest in each new battle we forget the last; and, it is to be feared, too often seem to forget men who deserve the highest honors.  The name of Lieut. Morris, for example, the commander of the Cumberland, who, with a heroism, for a parallel of which we must search far, fought the Merrimac so long as a gun remained above water, and keeps is flag flying still, is not, as it should be, a household word wherever true courage is honored.  He has been thanked by the secretary of the Navy and by Congress, but that is all.  Another incident of that gallant fight has never so far as we have noticed, appeared in print.  When Gen. Mansfield saw the Cumberland sinking, he ordered the captain of a tug to put off from Newport News and go to the assistance of her crew.  The poor creature refused, pleading fear of losing his life.  Mansfield cocked his pistol and assured him that death was nearer him if he refused than if he went.  The captain was convinced by this reasoning.  No sooner had the noble tars, thus saved from a watery grave, touched land than, dripping and half-drowned as they were, they ran to the cannon which were lying upon the beach and not reflecting that six pounders are useless against an iron-mailed vessel of war, turned them upon the enemy.  Reading the future by the light of such noble spirits, can we doubt the issue of the war?  All our soldiers and sailors ask is an opportunity to show what manner of men they are. – N. Y. Tribune.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

The Late Battle Of Pea Ridge

Lieutenant Colonel Herron, of the Ninth Iowa volunteers, one of the regiments which bore so gallant a part in the actions at Leetown and Elkhorn, in Arkansas, (known officially as the battle of Pea Ridge,) recently arrived in this city, and is occupying a room at the Planters House.  He is in care of Dr. Charles A. Pope, and has promise of as speedy recovery from his wound as possible.  During one of the fiercest contests of the battle, and in which the Ninth had to struggle against a superior force of the enemy, a cannon ball passed entirely through Lieutenant Colonel Herron’s horse, and striking the rider’s right ankle, produced both a fracture and a dislocation.  While thus prostrated on the field, he fell into the hands of the enemy, and on the retreat of their army to Van Buren he was carried thither a prisoner, and exchanged, after two weeks’ detention, for Col. Hebert, of Louisiana, who was among the captives taken by the Union forces.  He was as well treated while in possession of the rebels as their limited means for hospitality and the courtesies of warfare would allow, and met among them several St. Louisans with whom he was acquainted before the breaking out of the war.  He saw or heard of them at the town of Van Buren, on the Arkansas river, four miles from Fort Smith. – It was on Van Buren that the enemy directed their retreat after the fortunes of the contest at Pea Ridge went against them, the columns of the deceased Generals McCulloch and McIntosh, taking the route via Huntsville, and Van Dorn and Price, the road through Bentonville.  They made capital time to Van Buren, and there effected a re-concentration of their defeated and dispirited followers.

Col. Herron Frequently saw and conversed with Gen. Price, and believes him to be rather the best and most sensible of the rebel magnates.  Price was shot through the left arm with a Minie ball.  It entered a few inches below the elbow and cut the bone without causing a complete fracture.  The arm was painful and much swollen, and Dr. France, Price’s Surgeon, had great difficulty in reducing the inflammation.

Gen. Slack received a mortal wound in the battle, and was found on the field by Federal soldiers, and carried to a hospital used temporarily for the treatment of the rebel wounded. – He lived only four hours.

Gens. McCulloch and McIntosh were buried at the same time, at Fort Smith.  An escort of cavalry accompanied their remains to the grave.

Gen. Rains after getting to Van Buren, became insubordinate, under the influence of copious drinks of bad whiskey.  He met. Maj. Gen. Van Dorn on the street, denounced him, and damned him for a coward – laying the loss of the battle wholly to Van Dorn’s account.  The opinion generally expressed by the rebel officers was that Van Dorn had courage enough, but lacked judgment.  He arrived at the confederate camps only the day before the battle, and was received with a grand artillery salute, the thunder of which was heard in the Federal lines.  Learning from the subordinate generals that their combined forces amounted to 40,000 men, he ordered them to move forward early next morning and surround the Federal troops.  The day before Col. Heron was released, Price received a commission from Richmond as Major-General.  This still left Price subordinate to Van Dorn, but he thinks the latter has retired or resigned leaving Price in chief command.

Two thirds of the rebel soldiers were armed with muskets, many of them of the Springfield and Enfield pattern, and having sabre bayonets.  The balance had shot guns and country rifles with usual variety.  A brigade of three regiments of Louisiana troops had good uniforms of gray cloth, but with the remainder of the army uniforms were few except with the officers.  They had forty-five pieces of artillery, many of the guns being superior to those in the Union army, who counted, all told, but forty two pieces.  The mules and wagons comprising the commissary train were better than our own, but in medical stores and hospital appliances they were very deficient.

The rebels generally were much dispirited. – Their officers studiously deceived them as to the extent of the late reverses.  They admitted that Fort Donelson had been lost to them with a garrison of two or three thousand men but they denied that Columbus had been evacuated, or that the Federal troops occupied Nashville.  The news of the naval engagement in Hampton Roads was bulletined throughout their camps on sheets of paper, printed in large type.  They represented that six Government vessels were then destroyed – on of them with the entire crew of five hundred men. –{St. Louis Rep.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

See Also:

• Iowa Colonels and Regiments: Major General Francis J. Herron

The Confederate Congress . . .

. . . elated with its naval success in Hampton Roads, had made a special appropriation of four millions and a quarter for certain naval purposes, and two millions for floating defences in the Mississippi – all in Confederate paper, which is worth 25 to 50 cents on the dollar.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Special to New York Papers

(Herald’s Special.)

The House considered the amendments to the Tax bill.  Among others agreed to are the following:

Tennessee to have till the 1st of December to assume payment of her portion of the tax.

Breweries manufacturing less than five hundred bbls. per annum, to pay twenty-five dollars.

Licensed brokers to pay fifty dollars, the same commercial brokers, and land warrant brokers twenty-five dollars.

The Committee rose and the House adjourned.

(Tribune Correspondence.)

WASHINGTON, March 24. – The President today nominated the flowing the following Brigadier Generals:

Col. G. M. Dodge, of Iowa, who commanded a brigade under Col. Carr at Pea Ridge; Col. R. S. Canby of the 19th U. S. Infantry., now commanding the Department of New Mexico; S. Wessul, of the 6th U. S. Infantry.

W. H. Havens, of Ohio, has been appointed Consol at Manahan, Brazil.

Secretary Welles has addressed the following letter to Lieut. Worden, of the Monitor:

NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 15.

SIR: The naval action which took place on the 10th inst., between the Monitor and the Merrimac at Hampton Roads, when your vessel with two guns engaged a powerful armed steamer of at least eight guns, and after a four hours’ conflict, repelled her formidable antagonist, has excited general admiration and received the applause of the whole country.  The President directs me, while earnestly and deeply sympathizing with the in the injuries which you have sustained, but which it is believed are but temporary, to thank you and your command for the heroism you have displayed and the great service you have rendered.  The action of the 10th, and the performance, power and capabilities of the Monitor must effect a radical change in naval warfare.

Flag Officer Goldsborough, in your absence, will be furnished by the Department with a copy of this letter of thanks and instructed to cause it to be read to the officers and crew of the Monitor.

I am respectfully your obedient servant.

(Signed.)

GIDEON WELLES.

(Herald’s Dispatch.)

A rumor is current here this evening that Gen. Shields will be obliged to have his left arm amputated on account of the wound received at the battle near Winchester.  It is well authenticated but is not credited.

(Times’ Dispatch.)

The Journal, of Boston, and the Sunday Mercury and the Journal of Commerce, are suspended by order of the Secretary of War, and their editors and proprietors arrested and ordered to Washington to be tried by court martial for violating the fifty seventh article of war.

The statement that Gen. Blenker had been suspended from his command is pronounced untrue.  Neither is it true that the Senate Military Committee have reported against his confirmation.  He is opposed by some of his countrymen, but the Senate committee decided to give him a fair hearing.

Fewer bids were put in for constructing gunboats to-day than was anticipated by the Department.  The awards will not be made for several days.  The plan of each boat is highly approved by scientific men.  They are invulnerable and draw only four feet of water.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

New Orleans Probably Taken

WASHINGTON, March 22. – It is asserted as the prevailing opinion that by this time the national flag floats over New Orleans, and that our mortar fleet would attack the rebel fort at the [Rigolets] within two days of the departure from Ship Island of the last steamer, which brought the intelligence north.

The Secretary of War has addressed a complimentary letter to Lieut. Morse, officers and men of the Cumberland for their valor in the recent engagement with the Merrimac.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

The Confederate Congress . . .

. . . elated with its naval success in Hampton Roads, has made a special appropriation of four millions and a quarter for certain naval purposes, and two millions for floating defences in the Mississippi – all in Confederate paper, which is worth 25 to 50 cents on the dollar.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

From Fortress Monroe

BALTIMORE, March 26. – The Fortress Monroe correspondent of the Baltimore Union gives a report of two contrabands relative to the condition of the Merrimac.  She returned to Norfolk with six feet of water in her.  Six steamers  towed her up, and it was feared at first she would go down before her pumps could be rigged on board.  Her fires were extinguished shortly after hauling off from the Monitor.

These contrabands positively assert the death of Buchanan, and that the Lieutenant in command on Sunday, and seven seamen, and a number of wounded.  They positively assert the death and burial both of Lieutenant Miner, her second officer, and not Jones.

The Monitor stands out in the Roads, this side of Sewall’s Point, with steam up ready for action.  The greatest confidence is felt in the result.  She is in fine condition.

It is rumored that Yorktown or a considerable portion of it is burned.  A large fire was visible in that direction Sunday night.  A large fire was also seen to-day in the neighborhood of New Market Bridge, which seemed to be quite extensive.

The Cambridge reports that the Nashville, loaded with a valuable cargo of cotton and naval stores, ran the blockade last Tuesday night, which was dark, with lights extinguished.  She was abreast of the Cambridge before discovered.

On Sunday the Chippewa, a faster steamer arrived to take the place of the Cambridge.

Fort Macon and Beaufort are still in possession of the rebels.

On Sunday night the Sawyer guns at the Rip Raps made some capital shots at Sewall’s Point.  Tuesday morning one shell filled with new rebel fire exploded in the midst of the rebel parade ground, and it is believed to have done considerable damage.  The rebels fired at the Rip Raps but the balls fell short about fifty yards.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 3

The Destruction of the Frigate Cumberland by the Iron-plated Merrimac --- The Gallantry of our Sailors

The following in an extract from a letter written at Fortress Monroe by one of the editors of the Baltimore American, a cool and practical observer and careful writer:

She approached the Cumberland at full speed, striking her on the port side near the bow, her stem knocking port No. 1 and the bridle port into one, whilst her ram cut into the Cumberland under water.  Almost at the moment of collision the Merrimac discharged from her forward gun [an] 11-inch shell.  This shell raked the whole gun deck, killing ten men at gun No. 1, among whom was Master Mate John Harrington, and cutting off both arms and both legs of Quarter-gunner Wood.  The water rushed in from the hole made below, and in five minutes the ship began to sink by the head.

Shell and solid shot from the Cumberland were rained on the Merrimac as she passed ahead, but the most glanced harmlessly from the incline of her iron plated bomb roof, though some shots which struck her at a more favorable ranged caused splinters of iron to fly.

As the Merrimac rounded to and came upon she again raked the Cumberland with a heavy fire.  At this fire 16 men at gun No. 10 were killed or wounded, and were all subsequently carried down in the sinking ship.  Among those unfortunates whose names were remembered by my informant were two of the carpenter’s crew, named Wm. O’Brien and John Cameron.

Advancing with increased momentum, the Merrimac struck the Cumberland on the starboard side, smashing her upper works and cutting another hole below the water line.

The ship began to rapidly settle, and the scene became most horrible.  The cock-pit was filled with wounded whom it was impossible to bring up.  The forward magazine was under water, but powder was still supplied from the after magazine, and the firing kept steadily up by me who knew that the ship was sinking under them.  They worked desperately and unremittingly, and amidst the din and horror of the conflict gave cheers for their flag and the Union which were joined by the wounded.  The decks were very slippery with blood, and arms and legs, and chunks of flesh were strewed about.  The Merrimac laid off at easy point blank range, discharging her broadsides alternately at the Cumberland and Congress.  The water by this time had reached the after magazine of the Cumberland.  The men, however, kept at work and several cases of powder were passed up and the guns kept in play.  Several of the men in the after shell room lingered there too long in their eagerness to pass up shell and were drowned.  The reader must bear in mind that these incidents of the fight which we briefly detail, occupied some time in transpiring, it being about one hour and a half from the first attack upon the Cumberland until she finally sunk.

The water had at this time reached the berth or main gun deck, and it was felt hopeless and useless to continue the fight longer.  The word was given for each man to save himself, but after this order gun No. 7 was fired when the adjoining gun N. 6 was actually under water. – This last shot was fired by an active little fellow named Matthew Teney, whose courage had been conspicuous throughout the action.  As his port was left open by the recoil of the gun, he jumped to scramble out, but the water rushed in with so much force that he was washed back and drowned.

When the order was given to cease firing, and to look out for their safety in the best way possible, numbers scampered through the port holes, whilst others reached the spar deck by the companion-ways.  Some were incapable to get out either of these means, and were carried down by the rapidly sinking ship.  Of those who reached the upper deck, some swam off to the tugs that came out from Newport News, some kept afloat by seizing floating fragments of the wreck, others escaped in the rigging and masts, and still others sank never to rise again.

The Cumberland sank in water nearly up to her cross trees, and lies with a heavy list to port.  She went down with her flag still flying, and it still flies from the mast above the waters that overwhelmed her, a memento of the bravest, most daring, and yet most hopeless defence that has ever been made by any vessel belonging to any navy in the world.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

Chicago Specials

CHICAGO, March 18. – Special Washington dispatches to Times, 17th, says: Lieut. Worden continues to suffer much from the late engagement, though by no means will he lose his eyes.

The House concluded the twelfth section of the tax bill to-day, thus far amending every section.  Several delegations for various interests were before the committee to-day.

Tribune dispatch from Washington, 17th, says:

The Senate to-day confirmed the following Generals: Brown, Gorman, Palmer, A. J. Price, Linsley, Terry, Berry.

Military Committee reported favorably on Gen. Asboth.  Gen. Lockwood is still suspended.

Accounts from Burnside render it certain that he knew of the evacuation of Manassas, and that his forces were out of harm’s way, and at the same time dealing blows to rebellion at important points.

All on board the Cumberland went down with her, except those saved by swimming and boats from Newport News.

Gen. Dix and Judge Pierpont, Commissioners to take ex parte testimony in the cases of political prisoners, met at the State Department to-day.  The first cases are those in the Old Capital, then Forts Warren and Lafayette.

The nearest rebel troops in force are near Warrenton Junction.  Gen. Stoneman with cavalry and infantry, drove the rebel pickets over Cedar Run, one and a half miles this side of Warrenton, where they joined their body.

The roads from Manassas are said to be strewed line the roads hither from Bull Run.

The tax on newspaper advertising is made three instead of five per cent., and not net instead of gross receipts.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4