Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Friday, April 11, 1862

Clear and cold. Bet with Avery that five men could not put a great log across Piney. Rode out to see the work. The pine log was water-soaked, long, large, and very heavy. Five men from Company C worked resolutely at it two or three hours, when Avery gave it up. — Threatening again.

Further news shows that on Sunday our men near Pittsburg [Landing] were surprised by the Rebel army in great force from Corinth, Mississippi. They were driven from their camps with heavy loss, took shelter near the river under protection of the gunboats. Early next day Buell came up and attacked the enemy, routing him. Sidney Johnston reported killed and Beauregard wounded— lost an arm. We barely escaped an awful defeat, if these first accounts are true.

Island [Number] 10 was a great capture. Cannon, stores, etc., etc., in prodigious quantities were taken. These victories if followed up give us Memphis and New Orleans. — Nothing said about our moving the last three or four days.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 227

Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. to John L. Motley, April 27, 1862

Boston, April 27, 1862.

My Dear Motley: I saw Lowell day before yesterday, and asked him if he had written as you requested and as I begged him to do. He told me he had, and I congratulated you on having a new correspondent to bring you into intelligent relations with American matters, as seen through a keen pair of Boston eyes, and a new channel through which your intense sympathies can be reached. I trust that between us you can be kept pretty well supplied with that particular kind of knowledge which all exiles want, and which the newspapers do not give—knowledge of things, persons, affairs public and private, localized, individualized, idiosyncratized, from those whose ways of looking at matters you know well, and from all whose statements and guesses you know just what to discount to make their “personal equation” square with your own. The general conviction now, as shown in the talk one hears, in the tone of the papers, in the sales of government stocks, is that of fast-growing confidence in the speedy discomfiture of the rebels at all points. This very morning we have two rebel stories that New Orleans has surrendered, its forts having been taken after some thirty hours' attack. At the same time comes the story that the rebels are falling back from Corinth.

Both seem altogether probable, but whether true or not the feeling is very general now that we are going straight to our aims, not, perhaps, without serious checks from time to time, but irresistibly and rapidly. The great interior communications of the rebels are being broken up. General Mitchell has broken the vertebral column of the Memphis and Charlestown Railroad, and while McClellan, with 130,000 men or more, is creeping up to Yorktown with his mounds and batteries, we see McDowell and Banks and Burnside drawing in gradually and sweeping the rebels in one vast battue before them. On the Mississippi, again, and its tributaries, our successes have made us confident. We do not now ask whether, but when. That truly magnificent capture of “No. 10” has given us all a feeling that we are moving to our ends as fate moves, and that nothing will stop us. I think the cutting of that canal through the swamps and forests ranks with the miracles of this war, with the Monitor achievement, and with the Burnside exploit, which last was so heroically carried out in the face of storms such as broke up the Spanish Armada. As for the canal, no doubt we see things in exaggerated proportions on this side, but to me the feat is like that of Cyrus, when he drew off the waters of the Euphrates and marched his army through the bed of the river. So of the Monitor — “Minotaur,” old Mr. Quincy said to me, “it should have been” — its appearance in front of the great megalosaurus or dinotherium, which came out in its scaly armor that no one could pierce, breathing fire and smoke from its nostrils; is it not the age of fables and of heroes and demigods over again?

And all this makes me think of our “boys,” as we used to call our men, who are doing the real work of the time — your nephews, my son, and our many friends. We have not heard so much of the cavalry, to which I believe Lawrence is attached. But Burnside! how you must have followed him in the midst of storm, of shipwreck, of trial by thirst, if not by famine, of stormy landings on naked beaches, through Roanoke, through Newbern, until at last we find him knocking at the back door that leads to Norfolk, and read this very day that the city is trembling all over in fear of an attack from him, while Fort Macon is making ready at the other end of his field of labor to follow Pulaski. I have heard of Lewis Stackpole; at one time they said his knee troubled him, that he was not able to march as he would like; but you must know more about this than I do. Of course my eyes are on the field before Yorktown. The last note from my boy was on a three-cornered scrap of paper, and began, “In the woods, near the enemy.” It was cheery and manly.

Wendell came home in good health, but for his wound, which was well in a few weeks; but the life he led here was a very hard one, — late hours, excitement all the time, — and I really thought that he would be better in camp than fretting at his absence from it and living in a round of incessant over-stimulating society. I think he finds camp life agrees with him particularly well. Did you happen to know anything of Captain Bartlett, of the Twentieth? I suppose not. He was made a captain when a junior in our college; a remarkable military taste, talent, and air. He lost his leg the other day, when setting pickets before Yorktown. His chief regret was not being able to follow the fortunes of the army any longer. I meant to have told you that my boy was made a captain the other day. He does not care to take the place, being first lieutenant under his most intimate friend Hallowell. The two want to go into battle together, like Nisus and Euryalus. How our little unit out of the six or seven hundred thousand grows in dimensions as we talk or write about it!

I wish I could give you an idea of the momentary phase of the public mind as I see its manifestations here, which are probably not unlike those elsewhere. I will tell you one thing which strikes me. People talk less about what is going on, and more quietly. There is, as I said, a feeling that the curtain is like to drop pretty soon on the first act of the drama, that the military part of the play will be mainly over in a few months. Not extermination, nor pacification, perhaps, but extinction of the hopes of the rebels as to anything they can do with great armies in the field, and the consequent essential break-up of the rebellion. But après? That, of course, is exercising those who have done croaking about the war. I dined at last week, with the Friday Club, and sat next –––. He was as lugubrious on what was to come after the war as he was a year ago with respect to its immediate danger. Then he could hardly bear to think that so accomplished an officer as General Lee was to be opposed to our Northern leaders. Yet who troubles himself very particularly about General Lee nowadays? He thinks there are to be such hatreds between North and South as have not been since the times of the Greek Republic. I suppose seventy years must be at the bottom of all this despondency. Not that everybody does not see terrible difficulties; but let us fight this quarrel fairly out, not patch it up, and it will go hard but we will find some way of living together in a continent that has so much room as this. Of the precise mode no man knoweth. . . .

Yours always,

O. W. H.

SOURCE: George William Curtis, editor, The Correspondence of John Lothrop Motley in Two Volumes, Library Edition, Volume 2, p. 252-6

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: April 10, 1862

A. M. Ground whitened with snow; still threatening bad weather.

3. P. M. Captain Haven, Company G, and Lieutenant Bacon, Company K, have just returned. They bring fifteen prisoners and about fifteen horses, with a number of saddles and bridles. They were captured over New River in Monroe County.

At 8 P. M. F. M. Ingram (the silent telegrapher) came in saying we had gained a victory at Corinth; Major-General Lew Wallace killed; [Albert] Sidney Johnston, ditto; Beauregard lost an arm. Later told me that Island Number 10 was taken with six thousand prisoners. Glorious, if true! Night, clear and cold.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 227

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 1, 1862

Gen. Sydney Johnston having fallen in battle, the command in the West devolved on Gen. Beauregard, whose recent defense at Island No. 10 on the Mississippi, has revived his popularity. But, I repeat, he is a doomed man.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 118

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: February 27, 1862

Columbus is to be evacuated. Beauregard sees that it is untenable with Forts Henry and Donelson in possession of the enemy. He will not be caught in such a trap as that. But he is erecting a battery at Island No. 10 that will give the Yankees trouble. I hope it may stay the catalogue of disasters.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 112

Diary of Sarah Morgan: April 12, 1862

Day before yesterday, just about this time of evening, as I came home from the graveyard, Jimmy unexpectedly came in. Ever since the 12th of February he has been waiting on the Yankees' pleasure, in the Mississippi, at all places below Columbus, and having been under fire for thirteen days at Tiptonville, Island No. 10 having surrendered Monday night; and Commodore Hollins thinking it high time to take possession of the ironclad ram at New Orleans, and give them a small party below the forts, he carried off his little aide from the McRae Tuesday morning, and left him here Thursday evening, to our infinite delight, for we felt as though we would never again see our dear little Jimmy. He has grown so tall, and stout, that it is really astonishing, considering the short time he has been away. . . . To our great distress, he jumped up from dinner, and declared he must go to the city on the very next boat. Commodore Hollins would need him, he must be at his post, etc., and in twenty minutes he was off, the rascal, before we could believe he had been here at all. There is something in his eye that reminds me of Harry, and tells me that, like Hal, he will die young.

And these days that are going by remind me of Hal, too. I am walking in our footsteps of last year. The eighth was the day we gave him a party, on his return home. I see him so distinctly standing near the pier table, talking to Mr. Sparks, whom he had met only that morning, and who, three weeks after, had Harry's blood upon his hands. He is a murderer now, without aim or object in life, as before; with only one desire — to die — and death still flees from him, and he Dares not rid himself of life.

All those dancing there that night have undergone trial and affliction since. Father is dead, and Harry. Mr. Trezevant lies at Corinth with his skull fractured by a bullet; every young man there has been in at least one battle since, and every woman has cried over her son, brother, or sweetheart, going away to the wars, or lying sick and wounded. And yet we danced that night, and never thought of bloodshed! The week before Louisiana seceded, Jack Wheat stayed with us, and we all liked him so much, and he thought so much of us; — and last week — a week ago to-day — he was killed on the battle-field of Shiloh.

SOURCE: Sarah Morgan Dawson, A Confederate Girl's Diary, p. 6-7

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: March 27, 1862

This has been a day of uneasiness to us all. General Jackson has had a fight at Kernstown, near Winchester. No particulars, except that the enemy were repulsed, and our loss heavy. Many that are so dear to us are in that “Stonewall Brigade;” and another day of suspense must pass before we can hear from them. Our Western army under Beauregard are fighting at Island No. 10, with what success we know not. The enemy presses us on every side.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 103

Diary of Edward Bates, April 9, 1862

This great victory, following to [so] rapidly the capture of Island No. 10, with all its armaments and munitions, must break the heart of the rebellion. And, followed up, with speed and energy, as doubtless it will be, will I hope, speedily lead to a general submission of the people in the revolted states. Still, the remnants of the defeated armies, composed of men, now feeling that they are outcasts and desperados, will, I fear, plunder and devastate large portions of the southern country.

Genl. Halleck⁸⁰ as soon as he got news of the battle left St Louis, in all haste, for the seat of war, and, with Pope's⁸¹ and Buell's armies, added to Grant's, will, no doubt, be able to extinguish the rebel army in the Southwest. And this especially, if the Flotilla promptly go down the river, sweeping away all obstructions.

After all this, N. Orleans will, I hope, will [sic] surrender, without a useless waste of blood.

Poor McClellan!⁸² I really fear that he will fizzle down into acknowledged impotence. He has an army now of more than 100.000, in Eastern Va. and still he asks for more! because the enemy batteries are stronger than he expected — I hear that the sec of War answered him — “You were sent on purpose to take strong batteries.” He has a large force of cavalry for which he has no use and great difficulty in getting supplies, in the narrow peninsulas (between James and York rivers) in which he has chosen to act.

Of course, he can and must take both Richmond and Norfolk, but I think he has committed a blunder, fatal to his reputation, in attempting to conquer those cities by approaching Rich[mon]d.

through that narrow peninsula. The enemy forces there do but harmlessly hold their position so long as we command the water and operate elsewhere. Whereas, if, at great cost of blood and money, we take fort after fort, we drive them up to Richmond, or to their army about Gordonsville,⁸³ we leave them a free passage south and west.

If Gen McClellan wd. only (leaving ½ his army to hold the enemy in check on James and York rivers) would [sic] send the other half on the South side of James River, block Norfolk and ma[r]ch upon Richmond, via Petersburg, the least defencible [sic] side,⁸⁴ Richmond would be easily taken with all i[t]s men and munition, and the hostile forces in the two peninsulas would be bagged and helpless, and they and Norfolk would inevitably drop into our hand, without the necessary use of fire or sword. But — “Quern Deus vult perdere, prius dementat.” ⁸⁵

I do believe that the Genl. has such a morbid ambition of originality that he will adopt no plan of action suggested by another — He must himself invent as well as execute every scheme of operations. And yet it seems to me that he has but small inventive faculty — Hence his inevitable failure.

__________

⁸⁰ Supra, Nov. 13, 1861, note 37.

⁸¹ Supra, March 15, 1862, note 33. Pope had taken New Madrid on March 14, and on April 7 had occupied Island Number 10 from which Foote's gunboats had driven the enemy. He was now ordered to join Halleck.

⁸² On April 5, McClellan had landed at Yorktown to begin his “Peninsular Campaign.”

⁸³ A town southwest of Fredericksburg, between Orange and Charlottsville.

⁸⁴ i. e., the southern side. Petersburg is twenty-two miles due south from Richmond.

85 “Quern Deus perdere volt . . .” — a late Latin translation of a lost line of Greek tragedy.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, The Diary of Edward Bates, published in The Annual Report Of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930 Volume 4, p. 248-9

Gen. Prentiss at Memphis

The fact that Gen. Prentiss exercised the rare gift of oratory with which he is endowed, by making a speech to the people of Memphis, while a prisoner in that city, has been alluded to by some of the papers, but none have given the words he uttered. – Some men, who recently escaped from Memphis, were present when the voluble General delivered himself, and thus, they say he talked:

A few blackguard endeavored to create an excitement, when Gen. P. exclaimed: “I am a prisoner of war, it is true; but if I speak at all, I will speak my mind.”  (Great applause and some hisses.)

“Hiss on you vipers!  It is your time now, but mine will soon come.  We have, with 75,000, whipped your army of 125,000 under your best General.  And in less than one month the stars and stripes will float over this city.”  (Cheers.)  “Union men and women of Memphis, take courage!  Get your American flags ready.  You will soon need them all.”

Here the Provost Marshal of Memphis interrupted him, and said: “General, I can not permit you to talk so.”  Gen. P. replied, “Sir, you must excuse me; but you see I am among friends.  Yes, thank God! to the immortal honor of my command, be it known, they were the first to pull down the greasy, filthy old rag.  I glory in that act.  You promised to whip us five to one.  Now, I am part Yankee, and I say I guess we have whipped you two to one, and can do it all the time.”  Here he was again interrupted, when he remarked: “You called on me for a speech; I am giving you one – the only words of truth you have heard for months.  Look how cowardly your Generals ran at No. 10, and left 300 or 400 prisoners there entirely unprovided for.  What do your leaders care for you.  They have basely deceived you.”  (Loud cries of that’s so.)  Here he was told he could speak no longer, and as he jumped down from the box on which he stood, some one cried out three cheers for Gen. Prentiss.  They then gave him three rousing cheers, and accompanied him in a crowd all the way to the cars.  He was sent to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 2

The Battle at Corinth

The contemplated battle at Corinth received importance from the fact, that it is generally believed it will be the last general engagement of the war.  Upon its issue hinges the fate of the Southern Confederacy.  The rebels will fight desperately, and only yield when thoroughly whipped – provided they fight at all.

Although a battle is hourly expected it may be weeks before it occurs.  If Gen. Halleck concludes to lay siege to the place, and take the enemy by strategy, as Com. Foote did at Island No. 10 and Gen. McClellan tried to do at Yorktown, weeks may elapse before the final charge, a la Donelson, is made.  We doubt very much, however, if this ever come to pass.  Beauregard, if we mistake not the man, is differently constituted from Lee, Johnson or Magruder, and knowing that he will be defeated, would rather yield at the head of his army acting on the offensive, than ‘die in the last ditch’ in a retreat.  This rebellion has been so demoralizing in its who scope, that we should not be surprised, nevertheless, if the feeling spread from men to officers, and, impressed with the futility of further contending, all united in a grand foot-race.

Time will only determine these things.  In the meanwhile we can but speculate on the result, provided there is no battle, and prognosticate if there be; always believing that, in either case the Federal army will take no step backward, but march on to the tune of the “star-spangled banner,” until that ensign of our liberties waves over ever rood of land embraced within the national domain.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 2

Spirit of the Rebel Press

CAIRO, April 1.

F. B. Wilkie, of the New York Times, who accompanied the expedition to Union City, returned this evening with copies of the Memphis Appeal of the 27th, and the Charleston Mercury of the 22d, from which we condense the following intelligence:

President Davis, in secret session, had advised the Confederate Congress, that the prisoners released by the Yankee Government upon parole be absolved from their oath and allowed to take part in the approaching struggle for independence.  He urged it as a retaliation for the infamous and reckless breach of faith exhibited by Lincoln in the exchange of prisoners.

Attempts are being made to raise troops by conscription.  Editors and compositors are not to be enrolled, except for local duty.

The New Orleans Delta of the 26th, referring to the gallantry exhibited by Capt. Rucker in the defense of the battery at Island No. 10, says that one single battery has thus far sustained the brunt of the bombardment, repulsing the Federal gunboats and sending one of them back to Cairo crippled, for repairs.

The Appeal says the recent reverses on the Confederate army are nerving them with new faith and confidence in the hope and that it entertains no doubt of ultimate success.  Also that Gens. Van Dorn and Jeff Thompson are concentrating large forces at Pocahontas, Arkansas, preparatory to an attack upon the Federals at New Madrid, and that Gen. Pope will be compelled to evacuate.

No damage had been done to Island No. 10 up to Wednesday, but the Confederates had sunk two Federal gunboats.

The works at Fort Pillow were completed.  General Pope was building flatboats at New Madrid to transport his troops across the river to the Tennessee shore.

In Mississippi planters were piling up their cotton for fire and fagot.  Gen. Pillow has gone to Richmond.

A dispatch from New Orleans, dated March 26th states that the Confederate steamer Vanderbilt had foundered at sea with all on board.  The Appeal is issued on a half sheet.

The Mercury, in view of the scarcity of lead, suggests that linings of tea chests be melted and run into bullets.

The ladies of Charleston are contributing jewels, silver spoons, watches, and money to build a gunboat to be called the “Ladies Gunboat.”

The Mercury and Appeal contain extensive extracts from Northern papers, but no important military news.

The Conestoga arrived from Island No. 10 this evening, and reports no change in affairs there.  The mortars fire every half hour eliciting no response.

A rebel mail captured yesterday at Union City, contains letters from the Confederate troops at the Island representing the forces there as disheartened and dispirited.  There is nothing from Gen. Grant’s column.  The river is falling.

Today forty or fifty rebel soldiers came into Hickman and gave up their arms, and desired to return allegiance and join the federal army.

They were a portion of those who escaped from Union City yesterday.  They report that large numbers of rebel troops are also disposed to yield.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 4. – HOUSE. – The House went into Committee of the Whole on the States of the Union, Mr. Webster in the Chair.

On motion of Mr. STEVENS, the bill to establish a branch Mint at Denver, in Colorado Territory, was taken up, and debate limited to five minute speeches.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM said an allusion had been made in the Senate recently, to a Democratic conference held last week.  As to what took place there, he had no right to speak, but the injunction of secrecy did not apply to the call – which was in these words:

Democratic Conference. – We, the undersigned, members of the Democratic party, of the United States, determined to adhere to its ancient principles, and maintain its organization unbroken under all circumstances, as the party able to maintain the Constitution, to restore the old Union of the Sates, do hereby united in this call for a conference of all who may sign the same approving the objects indicated.

This call was signed by some thirty-five members of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Mr. STEVENS asked who signed it.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM &c.  He continued, all of them are able to read and right.  No one made his mark.  If this did not refer to a political organization, he was not capable of understanding language.  The movement thus commenced would go on, and it was the determination of some that the organization should be completed.  Beyond this he was not able to speak.  His name was appended to the call.

The Committee rose and the bill for the branch Mint ad Denver passed.

The House went into committee of the whole.

Mr. BEAMAN expressed his views in favor of establishing Territorial Governments in the so-called Confederate States.

The committee rose and the House adjourned till Monday.

Several bills relating to the District of Columbia, were passed, and after Executive session the Senate adjourned till Monday.

WASHINGTON, April 8. – HOUSE. – Mr. VALLANDIGHAM offered a resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, proposing with the consent of the Senate to adjourn on the third Monday in May.

Mr. ARNOLD read a dispatch from Com. Foote to Secretary Wells, dated Island Nol. 10, saying that two officers of the rebel Navy from Island 10, boarded the Benton yesterday, offering to surrender the Island.  The dispatch was received with rounds of applause.

The House resumed the consideration of the amendments to the tax bill.  Among other amendments concurred in, are the following:

Every person owning a dog to pay a tax of one dollar; pleasure or racing vessels, under the value of six hundred dollars, shall pay a tax of five dollars, when not exceeding one thousand dollars in value, ten dollars, and for every thousand dollars additional, ten dollars; organs and melodeons kept for use [or on] sale, according to value, from 60 cents to $6.  All dividends in scrip or money or sums of money hereafter held due or payable to the stockholders of any railroad company, as part of the earnings, profits or gain of said companies, shall be subject to pay a duty of 3 per cent on the amount of all such interest or coupons or dividends, whenever the same shall be paid.

Duties of dividends of life insurance shall not be deemed due until such dividends shall be payable by such companies, banks, trust companies or savings institutions.

Insurance companies are authorized and required to deduct and withhold from all payments made to any persons or parties on account of any dividends or sums of money that may be due and payable as aforesaid from the 1st of May next, the said debt or sum of 3 per cent.

Foreign bills of exchange or of credit drawn in, but payable out of the United Sates, if drawn singly, or if drawn in sets of more than one according to the custom of merchants and bankers.  For every bill of exchanged State or drawn on any Foreign country, but payable to the United States, where the sum made payable shall not exceed five hundred dollars, or the equivalent thereof, in any foreign currency, in which such bills may be exposed according to the standard value fixed by the United States, shall pay a stamp duty of five cents; the manifest of a part of a cargo of any vessel or custom of clearance shall pay a duty of twenty-five cents; a manifest in the custom house entry or clearance of the cargo of any ship, vessel or steamer, if the registered tonnage does not exceed three hundred, shall pay a duty of $1; upon every protest of every note, bill of exchange, acceptance, check or draft, in any marine paper, whether protected protested by notary public or any other officer who may be authorized by the law of any State to make such protest, there shall be paid a duty of 25 cents.

The proceedings were agreeably interrupted by Mr. COLFAX sending up to the clerk’s desk to be read:

______ Landing, Tenn., April 8, 8 p. m.

To Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

The enemy evacuated Island No. 10 last night.  It is occupied by Col. Buford of the 27th Illinois regiment.  Gen. Pope will capture all that remains on the high lands to-day.  The movement on the rear has done this work.

(Signed.)

THOMAS A. SCOTT.

This was received with loud applause and cries of good.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

Surrender of the Rebels at Island No. 10!

CHICAGO, April 8, P. M. – Island No. 10 surrendered last night to Com. Foote.  No Particulars yet.

CAIRO, April 8. – The Steamer Alps has just arrived from below with the cheering announcement that Island No. 10 is ours.  It was surrendered at midnight last night to Com. Foote, and Col. Buford’s forces now occupy it.  The rebels’ guns, transports, stores and provisions on and around the Island are in our possession. – The number of prisoners and guns taken is not yet ascertained.

Nothing from the Tennessee river, but news of a battle at Corinth is now anxiously looked for.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

From New Madrid

NEW MADRID, April 4. – A severe storm passed over camp this forenoon, and during its continuance we heard nothing of artillery practice at Island No. 10.

This afternoon the shower had passed, and the roar of the mortars is heard continually.  A furious bombardment is progressing; the peculiar rolling roar of the mortars reverberates across the country to the camp like the artillery of heaven.

The entire army will be paid off this week. – The Paymaster, escorted by two companies of cavalry, arrived to-day from Birkestown with the necessary funds.

The promulgation of Gen. Pope’s order relative to depredations upon the telegraph is creating the [liveliest] satisfaction.  The General means business, and holds the inhabitants individually responsible for the safety of the line.

A teamster who has just returned from Commerce, reports that S. G. Ritchen, the well known Colonel of the rebel Thompson’s band of thieves is in the swamps back of that post, with a squadron of rebel cavalry estimated at 200, and that fears are entertained that the Union men in that vicinity will be subjected to fresh persecutions.

Another report is current this evening that Jeff Thompson has assembled a force of considerable strength at Holand’s Island, at the terminus of the plank road extending westward from Point Pleasant, about 12 miles from this camp.  His position is represented by scouts as exceedingly strong and his defences so arranged that with an insignificant force he can withstand almost any army we can bring against him.

On Board the U. S. Gunboat Carondolet,

New Madrid, April 5.

At last the blockade is passed – the gauntlet is run – the navigation of the Mississippi is proved possible in spite of rebel guns and rebel fortifications.  The U. S. gunboat Carondolet, Capt. H. Walker, arrived this morning, at one o’clock having passed the fortifications of Island No. 10 and the batteries upon the main land opposite, and now lies safely moored to the shore under the guns of the upper fort at New Madrid.

The Carondolet left the fleet last evening at 10 o’clock, during a terrific thunder storm, and having taken barge in tow, laden with hay and coal to serve as protection from the enemy’s balls, extinguished her lights, put on steam and rapidly sailed down the river.  The first intimation the rebels had of the attempt to run the blockade, was the fire which issued from the burning chimney of the gunboat, and immediately thereafter it was greeted with a shower of balls from the infantry stationed at the upper battery – the same which was so effectually spiked a few days since by Col. Roberts.

A signal rocket was then sent up.  In an instant the entire line of batteries were a flame.  Four batteries on the Kentucky shore and one on the point of the Island fired in quick succession, but the Carondelet passed them all in safety, and unmindful of the leaden and iron shower which fell around, passed through the fiery ordeal unharmed, not a man injured, and excepting musket balls which struck the iron plated sides of the gunboat she was untouched.

The floating battery is located three miles below the Island, and bestowed a parting shower of blazing compliments as the Carondelet glided quietly by.

The Hollings’s Ram Manassas did not appear.

Officers and men acquitted themselves with admirable courage and fidelity.  During the intense darkness the officers could not make an extensive and satisfactory reconnoissance of the batteries, but the enemy probably did his best.  The fire was tremendous.

Mr. O. T. Fishback, of the Missouri Democrat, was on the Carondelet, while running the blockade, and to him we are mainly indebted for the above particulars.

NEW MADRID, April 5, 5½ P. M. – Mr. Scott, Assistant Secretary of War visited the Carondolet to-day with Gen. Pope, to congratulate Capt. Walker upon the achievement in running the blockade.  The Capt. visited Camp Donald and was escorted back to the gunboat by a company of cavalry.

There is nothing further from the fleet since the Carondelet ran the blockade.  Nothing has transpired, so far as we can learn, as to the damage the cannonading has already caused.

Prof. Steiner arrived this evening with his balloon to make a reconnoissanse of the enemy’s position along the river.

The Government Telegraph between this camp and Cairo is now in operation.

The steamer J. C. Cowan arrived to-day from St. Louis, bring two batteries of artillery.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

Latest from Island No. 10

FLAGSHIP BENTON, ISLAND NO. 10,

EVENING of April 3.

At an early hour this morning a large object was seen moving up along the Island, and glasses revealed it to be the floating battery, which the rebels were towing into position, from which to command good range of the mortar boats. – When it got sufficiently near, a brisk fire was at once opened upon it, and in the course of half an hour the battery was struck several times – splinters being thrown in all directions, and several beams displaced.  One mortar shell fell and exploded directly inside, wrapping the inside in a cloud of smoke.  The fire must have been terribly destructive to the gunners, for the battery was immediately sunk to the water’s edge by the rebels, and towed back out of range.  The few shot previously fired from it fell some distance short, but evidently only from unskillful gunnery, as the ordnance as at other times proved of long range.

A shot from one of the new rifled Dahlgrens on the Benton, carried away the smoke-stack of the steamer thought to be the Lackland, which attempted to run reconnoitering along the Kentucky shore.

At one time a crowd of rebels could be seen busily at work on their upper battery, the guns of which were spiked two nights ago.  They were repairing the work apparently endeavoring to unspike the cannon.  Some shell were thrown at them, when they immediately disappeared, and did not return again.

A great source of annoyance for some time has been the steamer Winchester, lying sunk in the stream some distance from the island, and used by the enemy’s spies, who could from there watch easily every movement of the fleet.  An effort was accordingly made this morning to destroy it, and a mortar shell being lodged successfuly, the boat was soon in flames, and burned to the water’s edge.

The skillful firing to-day has rendered the foe extremely cautions; all their tents are moved back far out of range, and it is only at rare intervals that individuals show themselves.

Advices from New Madrid report affairs here quiet, and the fact is fully ascertained that the rebels have erected batteries on the Kentucky shore opposite New Madrid.  The ballon has been taken from herp.

The river is falling very rapidly, and it will soon be possible to land troops at any point wished along the banks here.  This will much facilitate operations.

CAIRO, April 5. – The firing at Island No. 10 last night disabled a floating battery of the rebels.  One shell struck directly in it, killing three of the men and disabling it so that it floated down towards the foot of the Island.  The firing to-day has been more active and has done good execution.

A messenger from New Madrid this evening reports that the rebels erected a battery last night opposite Point Pleasant, and this morning opened fiercely upon our works.  After firing for some time the battery was silenced by our guns, and a warehouse on the Kentucky shore was fired by our shells.  It and its contents were consumed.  No casualties on our side reported, and the loss of the rebels is not known.  Several must have been killed.  All quiet here.  No news from the Tennessee.

The bombardment to-day upon our side had been very heavy.  The mortars have kept up a regular and splendid fire.  The work admirably and with great precision.

At 2 o’clock this afternoon one o four shells struck the sunken steamer Winchester, which the rebels sank in the shoot.  The shell set her on fire and she was soon consumed.  She has been used as a rebel picket house.  The enemy has replied but a few times, and then wildly.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

A Skirmish In Tennessee

ANOTHER GUNBOAT RUNS THE BLOCKADE.

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CHICAGO, April 6. – The Tribune’s Cairo special says:  A gentleman who left Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Saturday evening, confirms the rumor of a skirmish with the enemy on Friday evening.  He made a reconnoissance in force on Sherman’s Division.  The party consisted of two regiments of infantry, two pieces of artillery and 500 cavalry.  Our force lost one man killed and some half dozen were wounded.  The loss of the enemy is not known, further than that Gen. Sherman took 10 prisoners.  After a short skirmish the enemy retired.

Gen. Oglesby arrived from Tennessee this morning on a short furlough.

The officers in command up the Tennessee are actively engaged in brigading the troops.  The opposing armies are within twenty miles of each other and one may attack the other at any time.

Very heavy firing was heard here last night.

Arrivals this morning report that the Carondelet came up from New Madrid and attacked the floating battery of the rebels on Island No. 10.  The gunboats at the same time commenced firing.  The result had not transpired when the messenger left.

It is reported that Gen. Halleck is to be here to-day en route for Tennessee.

10 P. M. – We have glorious news to-night from New Madrid.  Last night the gunboat Pittsburgh ran the blockade in safety, under a terrible fire from the rebel batteries.  Four steam transports and five barges were also got through the slough from Phillips’ Landing above Island No. 10, by Col. Bissell.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

The Battle At Pittsburg

FURTHER PARTICULARS

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CAIRO, April 10. – A man who arrived here to-day says the enemy adopted a ruse to surprise our forces at Pittsburg, by making the first attack.  Their head column not only carried the stars and stripes but wore the uniform of the Federal officers.

Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson [sic] is certainly killed, the body being found on the field.  Persons are here who saw the body and heard the fact communicated throughout the camp.

Gen. Bragg is reported killed, and John C. Breckinridge a prisoner, but the report is unreliable.

Provisional governor Johnson of Kentucky is mortally wounded and a prisoner.

It is also reported that Gen. Prentiss, who was taken prisoner the first day, escaped in the confusion of the retreat, the next.

Our total loss in killed, wounded and missing is about 7,000 and this is the estimate of the military commanders who were in the engagement.  Of these about 2,000 were taken prisoners, the balance killed and wounded in the usual proportion.

Gen. Wallace of Ottawa, was reported killed as it was deemed impossible for him to live but a few minutes before the close of battle, but he was not only living Wednesday, but improving rapidly.

Gen. Halleck passed Cairo on his way to Pittsburg, at 10 o’clock this morning.

About 5,000 prisoners are expected up from Island No. 10 to-night.  Of these 1500 will go to Chicago, 1,000 to Springfield, and the balance to Wisconsin and Columbus, except 25 or 30 officers who will be sent to Fort Warren.

No lists of killed or wounded of any regiment or company have been received here yet.

Every preparation possible is being made for the reception and care of our wounded at this place.

The following is a list of killed and wounded officers so far:

KILLED – Col. C. E. Grier, acting Brig. Gen.; Col. Bllis [sic], 10th Ill.; Lieut. Col. Canfield, 72d Ohio; Col. Kyle, 31st Ind.; Col. Davis, 46th Ill., wounded, since died; Capt. Carson, Gen. Grant’s scout; Capts. Morton and Dillon, 18th Ill.; Capt. Mace, 55th Ill.; Capt. Carter, 11th Ill.; Major Page, 57th Ill.

WOUNDED – Gen. W. H. Wallace, dangerously; Gen. W. Sherman, slightly; Col. Sweeney, Acting Prig. Gen., seriously; Col. Dave Stuart, Acting Brig. Gen., dangerously; Col. Chase Crofts, 33d Ill., Acting Brig. Gen.; Col. Mace, 48th Ill.; Col. McHenry 17th Ky., killed; Lieut. Col. Morgan, 24th Ind., Col. Mason, 71st Ohio; Maj. Eaton, 18th Ill., Acting Col., fatally; Maj. Nevins, 11th Ill.; Col. John Logan, 32d Ill., seriously.

We are just beginning to get some reliable details from the great battle at Pittsburgh from several gentlemen who were on the field afterwards or in the fight.  The following is gathered and sent without any reference to the agreement or otherwise with despatches heretofore given you.  Our informants left the battle field on Wednesday morning at 5 o’clock.

The rebels attacked Prentiss’ brigade at 6 o’clock on Sunday morning, while eating breakfast.  It consisted of the 6th Illinois, Col. Fry, 16th Wisconsin, 24th Indiana and 1st Ohio. – The rebels were said to be 12,000 strong.  Prentiss had no artillery, his brigade was cut to pieces and forced to retreat, with Prentiss and many others taken prisoners.

At 12 M. the entire line was fiercely engaged but in full retreat.

At 4 o’clock the enemy had taken Swartz’ battery of 6 guns, and another Ohio battery, name not given.

Thousands of our soldiers had taken refuge under the bank of the river and utterly refused to fight.  In fact they could not, for officers and men were in inextricable confusion.  The army seemed utterly demoralized.

Gen. Mitchell’s division about this time arrived on the opposite side with 15,000 men, and were ferried across.

During the evening and night the gunboats Lexington and Taylor opened a tremendous fire of shell upon the enemy, and kept it up every half hour during the night, saving the army from utter ruin.  The set the woods on fire, and many of the dead rebels were burned.

At 7 o’clock the firing generally ceased.  At midnight the rebels attempted to plant a battery within 300 yards of our siege guns, but they were driven back by the gun boats and siege guns, supported by three regiments of Mitchell’s Division.

Our informants persist in estimating our loss on Sunday at 3,000 killed and 5,000 wounded.  As a fair fight it was undoubtedly tremendous.

MONDAY – During the night the rebels were reinforced by Prace and Van Dorn from Arkansas, with a large force.

Gen. Lew. Wallace came up from Crump’s Landing with the 11th and 23d Indiana, 44th Illinois and 8th Missouri, and Williard’s battery, and in the morning attacked fiercely the wing of the enemy.  They went into the fight on the double quick, with tremendous shouts, and did terrible execution.  By 10 o’clock they had driven the rebels back two miles.  The battery performed prodigies of valor.

About 10 o’clock the rebels were reinforced, and for a few minutes our boys were forced to yield.  The other divisions of Buell’s army now appeared, and at once became fully engaged, and for two hours all the destructive elements of earth seemed striving for the mastery on that fatal field.

Southern chivalry proved no match for the unflinching courage of the army of freedom, and the rebels fled in all directions.

With some 12,000 troops, mostly cavalry, Gen. Buell followed the fugitives, taking thousands of prisoners and killing without mercy those who would not surrender.  He was reported to have taken Corinth with all its immense stores of arms and ammunition.

Carson, the scout, had his head taken off on Monday by a round shot.

The rebel troops were mostly from Louisiana, Texas and Missouri, with many form Georgia and Alabama; they fought like tigers.

Our informants could ride through the battle field where our forces were posted, but the dead were so thick in the enemy’s lines that they could not do it.  They assured us that the rebels occupied our camp on Sunday night, took care of our sick and wounded, but destroyed nothing, expecting confidently to have our entire army the next day.  They thought the battle almost won.

On Sunday Gen. McClernand cut his way thro’ the enemy that had surrounded him.  Most of his troops behaved with great gallantry, but the 53d Ohio was ordered to the rear in disgrace for refusing to fight.

Capt. Harvey of Bloomington, Ill., is among the killed.

Our informants were assured by those who know him that J. C. Breckinridge was taken prisoner.  They saw him pass to the guard quarters.

It is impossible as yet to get lists of killed and wounded.

The Chicago delegation of physicians and nurses arrived this morning and have gone to Pittsburgh in the hospital steamer Texana.

Dr. McVicker is here awaiting the arrival of Gov. Yates on the steamer from Quincy to see especially to Illinois wounded soldiers.  They will establish a depot and hospital here for our sick and wounded.

No official despatches have been received here this morning.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

From Fortress Monroe

BALTIMORE, April 10. – The Old Point boat has arrived.  The news of the capture of Island No. 10 caused great rejoicing and enthusiasm. – The storm had somewhat abated toward evening.

Reports from the army represent our forces facing exposure undauntedly.  The enthusiasm and anxiety to meet the enemy was unabated and confidence in Gen. McClellan was undisturbed.  The time has not been lost, and the retreat of Magruder and is forces or their defeat is considered certain.

The present prospect of clearing up is looked for with anxiety at Old Point, in the belief that sunshine and the Merrimac come together.  All seem confident that she will be captured or sunk.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Island No. 10

ST. LOUIS, April 10. – a special report from Island No. 10, says 200 hogsheads of sugar, several hundred barrels of molasses, 80 cannon, 400 wagons, 126 horses, 600 mules, 5,000 stand of small arms, 30 pieces of light artillery, and a great quantity of blankets, clothing, &c., have fallen into our hands.  The total number of prisoners captured is 5,000 – one Maj. Gen., McCall and Brig. Gens. Gaull, Waller and Scham.  The prisoners are being embarked for Illinois as rapidly as possible.

About 56,000 solid shot and immense quantities of ammunition also taken.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Further Particulars Of The Fight

CAIRO, April 10. – Particulars are arriving hourly bringing more accounts of the great battle.  The Chicago Batteries gained new laurels in the struggle.  Taylor’s Battery did fatal execution; their praise is in the mouth of every one.  Waterhouse’s battery was in the first attack and was badly cut up and mostly killed.  Taylor is said to have practiced his men by particular movements that dealt destruction to the enemy.

Company A, Chicago Light Artillery, under command of Peter Wood was in the hardest of the fight and performed wonders.  Their feats could not have been surpassed.

Taylor’s Battery followed the enemy within four miles of Corinth.

The 20th Illinois regiment was badly cut up.  Col. Marsh was slightly wounded; his Aid was killed.

The 15th Illinois regiment, under command of Col. Ellis, was badly cut up; most of its field officers killed, among them Col. Ellis, Major Godard, Capt. Wayne, and others.

Col. Davis, of Freeport, was shot through the lungs, but is still alive.

Gen. Wallace was shot through the head, the ball entering back of  the left ear and coming out at the nose, taking out one eye, but he is not dead as reported.

Gen. Johnson [sic] was certainly killed.

General Halleck and staff, have just passed here, en route for the Tennessee river, on the steamer Continental.

Gen. Cullom has arrived here to look after the river defences.

Gen. Strong and Secretary Scott met General Halleck on the boat and had a conference.  Gen. Halleck did not come ashore.

Col. Scott, Assistant Secretary of War, has gone down to New Madrid.

The list of prisoners captured at Island No. 10 foots up to 4,346, rank and file.  Transports have gone down to bring the prisoners to Cairo.  What disposal will be made of them is unknown.

The value of property captured at No. 10 amounts to over two millions of dollars.

As the Continental rounded to at Cairo this morning, Gen. Strong had a salute of 10 guns fired in honor of Maj. Gen. Halleck.

ST. LOUIS, April 10. – Two steamers, fitted up as floating hospitals, left here yesterday for the Tennessee river.  Large contributions of all kinds and supplies are being made to-day, to furnish more steamers, which will leave this evening.

The Western Sanitary Commission are moving earnestly and energetically with this matter, and every effort will be made for the speedy relieve of our wounded soldiers at Pittsburg Landing.

Col. Kellon, 1st Adj. General, and General Ketham are in charge here, while Gen. Halleck is in the field.

EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 10. – The steamer Charley Bowen left here at 11 a. m. for, for Pittsburg Landing, with a delegation of Surgeons and nurses, and a full supply of hospital stores from Indianapolis and Warwick county, Indiana.  They will take on board another delegation of Surgeons and supplies from Posey county, and Mount Union.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3