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REPORTED FOR THE DUBUQUE DAILY HERALD.

THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.

An Immense Corcoran Meeting in Boston.

SENATOR BRIGHT EXPELLED.

GEN. MEAGHER ASSUMES HIS COMMAND.

A SECRET DISPATCH SENT TO ENGLAND AND FRANCE BY JEFF. DAVIS.

Probable Passage of the Legal Tender Clause.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HONOLULU

SECESH PENSIONISTS STRUCK FROM THE ROLLS.

Firing and Mysterious Movements at Sewell’s Point.

GEN. BUTLER’S EXPEDITION.

EMBARKATION OF TROOPS.

THE ENTIRE DIVISION TO CONSIST OF 10,000 MEN.

Fire at Mendalia [sic], Illinois.

– Published in The Dubuque Herald, Dubuque, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 7, 1862, p. 1

Night Report

BOSTON., Jan. [sic] 6. – Great activity prevails in getting off the Butler Expedition.  Several vessels are already loaded, or loading, with troops and stores.  The Maine 14^th regiment, 1^st Maine battery, 2d Vermont battery and 4^th Massachusetts battery, of the New England Division are being embarked to-day. – Probably all the vessels will sail the present week.  Gen. Butler’s entire division will consist of about ten thousand men.

There was an immense Corcoran demonstration in Faneuil Hall this evening.  About four thousand people were present and much enthusiasm prevailed.

– Published in The Dubuque Herald, Dubuque, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 7, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, March 24.

SENATE. – Mr. TenEyck presented a joint resolution from the legislature of New Jersey asking Congress to take immediate action for the defense of the coast of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, and resolving that the several States loan Government funds for this purpose.

Mr. Powell presented resolutions from the Legislature of Kentucky, relating to the tax on tobacco, asking that it be reduced.  Referred.

Mr. Sherman of Ohio, presented resolutions from the Legislature of Ohio against any proposition for a settlement of the rebellion, except on unconditional surrender and a condign punishment of the traitors.  Referred.

Mr. Morrill presented resolutions from the Legislature of Maine, endorsing the Administration and in favor of the confiscation of the property of rebels.  Referred.

Mr. Pomeroy introduced a bill from the removal and consolidation of the Indian tribes.  Referred.

On Motion of Mr. Trumbull, the joint resolution in regard to affording aid to the States in favor of emancipation was taken up.

Mr. Saulsbury said this was a most extraordinary resolution in its purpose and, in the source from whence it came.  It was mischievous in its tendency, and he was not sure it was at all patriotic in design.  It was ignoring all the principles, he thought, of the party in power.  It was an interference with the subject of slavery in the States.  It was an attempt to raise a controversy in those States.  None of the slave holding States asked aid.  He believed that the President, had this thing in contemplation for some time.  The Legislature of his State (Delaware) had been in session and a printed bill had found its way there, offering Delaware $800,000 for the emancipation of her slaves, and the legislature rejected it.  The object of this bill is simply to renew and intensify the agitation of the slavery question in the Border States, and to raise an abolition party there.  He would like some member of the judiciary committee to show him any authority in the constitution for thus applying money to the States.  This bill presents the view of the government going into the wholesale negro trading business.  The State of Delaware will never accept of the bill, but the true Union people of that State will go before the people upon it, and there will not be a vestige of the Republican party left.

Mr. Davis offered an amendment as a substitute for the resolution as follows:

Resolved, That although the subject of slavery in the States is exclusively in the jurisdiction and cognizance of the government and people of the States, and cannot be interfered with directly or indirectly by the government of the United States, yet when any of these States or people may determine to emancipate their slaves, the United States shall pay a reasonable price for the slaves so emancipated and the cost of colonizing them in some other country.

Pending the consideration of the resolution, the morning hour expired, and the bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia was taken up.

The question was upon the amendment offered by Mr. Doolittle to Mr. Davis’ amendment, for colonization, namely, that only such persons shall be colonized as desire it, at a cost not exceeding $100 per head.

Morrill and King explained that they should vote against the amendment, as they preferred the bill as it was.  The question was then taken on Mr. Davis’ amendment, with the following result: yeas 19, including Harlan; nays 19, including Grimes.  This being a tie vote the Vice President voted in the negative.  Mr. Davis made a speech against the bill.  Executive session.  Adjourned.

HOUSE. – Mr. Blair, of Va., presented the certificate of Election of Job. Segur a representative from the first district of that State.

Mr. Bingham said: No election in the exact form of law could have been held on the day stated, namely the 15^th inst.  The election was extemporized.  He moved to refer the papers to the committee on elections.  The papers were referred.

Mr. Dunn offered a resolution, which was adopted, instructing the ways and means committee to inquire into the expedience of organizing a large force of miners, with the necessary machinery, to proceed to the gold mines of the West, and work the same for the benefit of the Government, as a means of defraying the expense of the war.

Mr. Holman offered a resolution, which was adopted, requesting the Secretary of War to inform the House why he has not responded to the resolution of last December, calling for a list of paymasters and division paymasters; and that he now be directed to furnish the same, and to what extent they can be dispensed with.

Mr. Rice, of Mass., submitted a resolution, which was referred, authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to expend a sun not exceeding $50,000, for the purpose of testing the plans for rendering ships and floating batteries invulnerable.

Mr. Anthony introduced a resolution requesting the Secretary of War to inform the House of the cause, if any, of the protracted delay in the release of Col. Corcoran, prisoner of war since July; and that the secretary be directed and requested to stop all exchange of prisoners until Col. Corcoran be released.  Laid over.

Mr. Wickliffe introduced a bill to provide funds in part to pay the interest and principal on the public debt.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 25, 1862, p. 1

The War News

The Rebel Congress resolve never again to affiliate with the North.

THE REASON COL. CORCORAN IS NOT RETURNED.

A Battle In New Mexico.

Both Parties Claim Victory.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

Southern News

FORT MONROE, March 7.

A flag of truce from Norfolk brought down the commandant of the French steamer.  He represents that there was great excitement at Norfolk.  The hotels were swarming with officers from the Gulf States.  The Virginia troops have been sent away.  The people dread the destruction of the city in case of an attack.

A strong force is concentrating at Suffolk to check Gen. Burnside, who was reported to have reached Winton in force, and was moving on Suffolk.

The reason given by the rebels for not returning Col. Corcoran is, that maps and drawings have been found concealed on his person.  No farther communication has been received as to the release of prisoners at Richmond.

Richmond papers of Friday contain no military news, except the arrest of a number of Union men, principally Germans.  A detective officer broke into the room of the German Turners, and found two American flags, and a painting on the wall of the goddess of liberty holding the Union colors and a shield, with the words underneath “hats off!”

The House of Representatives have passed a resolution, by a vote of 71 to 11, recommending and directing the military commanders to destroy all the cotton and tobacco in danger of falling into the hands of the enemy.  A resolution was also adopted asking the President to inform the House of what foreign vessels of war are doing in Hampton Roads.

The Richmond Dispatch says that a vessel drawing sixteen feet of water recently passed out of Charleston harbor.

Chas. Palmet, arrested for disloyalty a few days since at Richmond, had been discharged.

Specie is quoted at Richmond at 40 a 50 per cent. prem.

A dispatch from Atlanta, Ga., says that the Federal troops have possession of Murfreesboro, and the Gen. Sidney Johnston has retreated to Decatur, Ala.

The steamer Merrimac was lying near the navy yard yesterday morning, with flag flying and a crew on board.  She draws 23 feet of water, and was described to me as looking like the roof of a sunken house, with a smokestack protruding from the water.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

From the South

BALTIMORE, March 5.

A letter from Fort Monroe published in the American of this city, says that yesterday’s Richmond Dispatch announces that the steamer Nashville came direct from Southampton to the North Carolina coast, and approached the blockading vessel with the Union flag flying.  The Nashville went up directly under the guns of the blockading vessel, almost within hailing distance, and then passing her raised the rebel flag and moved directly towards Ft. Macon.  The blockading vessel immediately discovered the deception and started in pursuit of the Nashville, following her until within range of the guns of Ft. Macon.  Several shots were fired at the Nashville, but she reports that nobody was hurt. – She claims to have brought into Wilmington a valuable cargo of bank note and printing paper.

The Richmond Dispatch calls attention to mysterious writings on the wall, indicating that Union conspirators are at work. – Among these writings are the following: “Attention, Union Men!  Watch and Wait!  The Union forever!  The day is dawning the hour of deliverance approaches.”

It was those significant announcements that caused the arrest of John Minor Botts and twenty other suspected citizens of wealth, character and position, and the proclamation of martial law.

The Dispatch urges summary measures for checking the progress of treason, and advocates the arrest and execution of the conspirators.

It was thought that Cols. Corcoran and Wilcox will be now held as hostages for Gens. Buckner and Tilghman, but this was merely rumored.  Col. Corcoran, Col. Wilcox and other Federal prisoners have reached Richmond.

There was a great panic at Richmond caused by the recent defeats of the rebels.  The leading traitors exhibited the greatest trepidation.

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

Southern News

FORT MONROE, March 4.

A flag of truce was sent over to Craney Island to-day, but no passengers returned.

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 28.

The Confederacy this morning states that Gen. Bushrod Johnson escaped from Fort Donelson, and reached Murfreesboro last Sunday.  Heavy rains have recently fallen, and the roads from Nashville are greatly damaged.

The Richmond Dispatch says Cols. Corcoran and Wilcox, and other prisoners, to the number of 100, arrived here on Friday from Columbia, S. C., and are waiting transshipment to Newport News.  They however, may not start for several weeks, as the arrangements for sending them away have not been completed.  Col. Wilcox is the officer who acted as military governor of Alexandria when it was first occupied by the Federals.

It is reported from Richmond that John Minor Botts has been arrested and thrown into prison, for manifesting Union proclivities.

Richmond papers publish general order No. 9, dated Adjutant and inspector General’s office, Richmond, March 1, wherein Jeff. Davis proclaims martial law over Richmond and adjoining country for ten miles.

All distillation of spirituous liquors and their sail is forbidden, on account of the demoralization of the army and the prevalent disorder.

All persons having arms of any description are requested to deliver the same to the ordnance department on or before the 6^th of March, otherwise they will be seized.

The Richmond Dispatch says this measure will be hailed with satisfaction by all classes.

AUGUSTA, March 2.

A gentleman just reached here says on Saturday morning Com. Tatnall’s fleet engaged one of the Federal batteries near Savannah, and had one man killed.  The fleet then returned.

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

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, March 2.

The steamer Express left Old Point yesterday morning for James river, to receive the Union prisoners who were expected on Friday.  They were not met, however, according to appointment.  She accordingly came back about 3 p.m.

Yesterday the rebel steamer Jamestown, which, with the [Yorktown], is stationed off Hog Island, steamed toward the Express, with a flag of truce, to ascertain the cause of her appearance in the river on two successive days.  She stopped abreast of the Express at a few rods distance and lowered a boat with a Lieutenant on board, to communicate.  He was informed of the errand of the Express, that she was acting under information furnished by Gen. Huger, when he explained that his commander had no knowledge of any expected prisoners, and from seeing the Express two days in succession, came down to learn the occasion.  He expressed himself satisfied and returned to the Jamestown, which went back to her station.  He has been armed with a gun at her bows and another at her stern, and has a sharp iron cutwater, projecting some three feet from her bows at the water line.  She is supposed to be commanded by Capt. Barnard.  Having been twice disappointed in relation to the expected prisoners, it is not known when they will be sent down the river. – It is uncertain whether Col. Corcoran will be among the number.

Another interview took place yesterday off Craney Island, between Gen. Wool and Gen. Howell Cobb, in reference to a general exchange of prisoners.

We hear, via Norfolk, that the steamer Nashville arrived at Wilmington, N. C., yesterday, having run the blockade at that place.

A quantity of telegraphic cable has arrived here for the completion of the line across the bay.

There is satisfactory authority of stating that a newspaper announcement in yesterday’s Mercury, that Gen. Hooker’s division had crossed the lower Potomac, is entirely false.

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

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONORE, Feb. 18.

A flag of truce carried several passengers to Norfolk this morning, but brought no news back.

Burnside’s force still occupied Edenton, and had thrown out pickets some six or eight miles.  No mention is made of any further advance.

No further advance has been made by Gen. Burnside, nor was any immediately expected.  The gunboats had returned from Elizabeth City.  All the fleet were at anchor off Roanoke Island.

An immense amount of trophies had been captured, including the splendid State flag of North Carolina worked by the ladies of the State; also quantities of antiquated arms.

Col. Corcoran and 700 other Federal prisoners are expected hourly to arrive at Old Point.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

New York, February 18 [1862]

The Board of Aldermen authorized the Committee on Military Affairs to take steps for extending the formal reception to Col. Corcoran and his fellow prisoners on their arrival in this city.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

The Martyr Corcoran

A large number of prisoners of war were released a few days ago from Richmond, but, long and anxiously as he has been expected, Colonel Corcoran was not among them.  What does it mean?  Why is this brave man kept so long and against repeated promises, in the wretched tobacco warehouse at Richmond?  Is it because he is an Irishman – one of those “mudsills” against whom the rebel aristocrats have so loudly denounced vengeance?  We remember a passage in Mr. Russell’s letters to the London Times where a leading rebel is quoted as remarking that “after the war not an Irishman or German should vote.”  Is this another sample of their hatred of the foreign born citizens who have so generally proven faithful to the land and Government of their adoption?

A few days more must release the brave Corcoran, unless, indeed, his tormenters force him away from Richmond to some new prison house.  Doubtless, not an Irishman in McClellan’s army but cries “on to Richmond” – Corcoran must be released.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 2

The Secretary of War . . .

. . . on the application of Mr. Ely, Member of Congress, has ordered the release of Col. W. F. Baldwin, of Virginia, to be exchanged for Col. Corcoran.  Two officers released from Richmond made representations to the President and Secretary of War which led to this result.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 1

Specials to the New York Papers

(Times Dispatch)

WASHINGTON, May 14. – Gov. Sprague says our losses at Williamsburgh in killed, wounded and missing, will amount to about 2,000, and that the rebel loss was not less.

He also says the battle at West Point, under Franklin, was much more severe than reported; that at least 500 of our men were taken prisoners, the enemy taking advantage of the landing of our troops.  The gunboats came up in good time and saved Franklin from suffering a severe disaster.

Gen. Burnside has very quietly put an extinguisher on C. H. Foster, the gentleman who has so long been trying to get recognized as a member of Congress from North Carolina.  He advertized the citizens of Newberne a few evenings since of a thing which, as Gen. Burnside put it, he thought would be very foolish for him to do or the General to permit.  The military Governor appointed by the President was to shape the policy of the Government in the State and he could not permit anything to be done which might hereafter prove to be a source of embarrassment.

(Special to Herald)

The steamer Kennebec arrived here this afternoon, with 213 wounded rebels and 25 wounded Union soldiers from Williamsburg.  Among the latter is Col. Dwight.  His wounds are less dangerous than at first supposed.  The rebels receive precisely the same treatment as our wounded and are sent to the same hospitals.

The rumor that Gen. McCall had resigned the command of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps is unfounded.  He has no intention to resign until the army of the Union has accomplished its mission to suppress the rebellion.

(Tribune’s Dispatch)

WASHINGTON, May 14. – The French Minister has received intelligence  from his Consul at Richmond to the effect that the rebel Government had notified him that should it be necessary to evacuate the city, the French tobacco must be destroyed with the rest.  At the same time the rebels offer to pay for it, a proposition not much relished by the French men.

The French Minister discredits the rumors of European intervention in our affairs and it is generally thought here that whatever purposes may have been entertained by England and France the news from New Orleans will cause their definite postponement.

The 885 prisoners recently released from Richmond will arrive here by way of the Potomac to-morrow.  A few who came through Baltimore arrived to-day.  They say the rebels are as determined as ever and believe that after the great impending battles they will, if whipped, band together in small guerrilla parties and fight to the very last.  They represent the treatment of our prisoners as barbarous in the extreme; that our officers who alone remain in the prisons, all the privates being set free, will not be released at all.  Colonel Corcoran’s health is good.  He is anxious to be released and contradicts the statements made some time since.  He said he would prefer remaining where he is, believing that he could be of more service there and adds that the only way in which he wishes to serve his country is on the battle field.  Col. Bowman’s health is failing rapidly and his eye sight is nearly lost.  He can survive his present treatment but a few weeks longer.  His long confinement has affected his mind so much that at times he is looked upon as insane.  The rebels offered every inducement to the prisoners to join their army, but only two have done so, viz., Jno. A. Wicks, late of the Congress and a private of the 7^th Ohio named Wilson.  As soon as it became known to the prisoners that Wilson intended to desert them, they proceeded to hang him.  The guard however entered in time to cut him down before life was extinct.  In punishment of this act the prisoners were put upon bread and water for ten days.

The House Committee on Foreign affairs having authorized Mr. Gooch to report the Senate Bill establishing diplomatic relations with Hayti and Siberia, it will doubtless be pressed to a vote at an early day.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

Col. Corcoran Assasinated

There are significant rumors, not wholly void of probability, that Col. Corcoran, who as been a prisoner in Richmond for so long, and was to have been honorably returned for exchanges already sent hence, has been assassinated by the rebels. It is alleged to have taken place in Richmond.

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

XXXVIIth CONGRESS - - FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, April 15.

SENATE. – Mr. Wilkinson presented a resolution from the citizens of Minnesota praying Congress to call on all the people of the U.S., bond and free, to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, and assuring them the protection of the flag.

Mr. Trumbull, from finance committee, reported the House bill, without amendment, for establish a branch mint at Denver, Colorado.

Mr. McDougal called up the resolution calling upon the Secretary of War for information as to the causes of the delay in the trial of Gen. Stone. Mr McD. Alluded to the fact that it was now fifty days since Gen. Stone had been arrested and closely confined in a dark fort; without being able to learn why he was arrested. The manner of his arrest and his confinement seem to be more the result of a Venitian Council of Ten than that of an official act in a free Republic.

Mr. Wade defended the committee on the conduct of the war, and believed Stones arrest justifiable.

Mr. Wilson offered a substituted for the resolution calling on the President for all information not incompatible with the public interest, relative to the arrest of Gen. Stone.

Mr. McDougal desired it to go over till to-morrow, as he wished to reply.

Mr. Sherman, from conference committee, reported back to the naval appropriation bill.

After an executive session the Senate adjourned.


HOUSE. – Mr. Trowbridge called up the motion heretofore made by him to reconsider the vote by which, on the 24th of March, the House adopted a resolution requesting the Secretary of War to inform them of the cause, if any for the protracted delay in exchanging Col. Corcoran; and directing him to stop all exchanges until Col. Corcoran shall be released. Mr. Trowbridge wished distinctly to say, that it was no part of his desire to place any impediment in the way of the release of Col. Corcoran, and he protested and asked the House to join him in preventing the release of the other prisoners to be made subordinate to Col Corcoran.

After further consideration the resolution was amended so as to request the Secretary of war to inform the House the cause, if any, which has prevented the exchange of Cols. Corcoran and Wilcox and the other prisoners of war, held since July last.

The house resumed the consideration of the bill to regulate the franking privilege, being a codification of the laws upon that subject with amendments.

Mr. Colfax moved to lay the bill on the table. Agreed to by 58 to 48.

The House concurred in the reports of the committee of conference on disagreeing votes on the post office and navy appropriation bills.

Adjourned.

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

Death of Gen. Corcoran

Genl. Milche [sic] Corcoran died on the 22 inst. from injuries received by the fall of his horse. Our readers will remember Gen. C- in connection with the battle of Bull Run, as Colonel of the N. Y. 69th, the Irish Regiment, that did such noble fighting on that occasion. In that battle Gen. C- was wounded and taken prisoner. He was after a long Confinement exchanged, promoted, and did his adopted country much valuable service, not only upon the field by the the influence

[… and there the article abruptly ends in mid-sentence.]

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864