Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 5, 1862

Newbern, N. C, has fallen into the hands of the enemy! Our men, though opposed by greatly superior numbers, made a brave resistance, and killed and wounded 1000 of the invaders.

The enemy were piloted up the river to Newbern by the same Mr. Dibble to whom I refused a passport, but to whom the Secretary of War granted one.

The press everywhere is commenting on the case of Dibble— but Mordecai still sits at the gate.

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

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Thursday, December 26, 1861

A cloudy day — thawing and muddy. The colonel is planning an expedition through Raleigh to Princeton to capture what is there of the enemy, — viz. six hundred sick with a guard of about one hundred men, arms and stores, with a possibility of getting Floyd who is said to be without guard at and to burn the railroad bridges near Newbern. The plan is to mount one-half the force on pack mules and ride and tie — to make a forced march so as to surprise the enemy. He does not seem willing to look the difficulties in the face, and to prepare to meet them. He calls it forty or fifty miles. It is sixty-seven and one-half. He thinks men can move night and day, three of four miles an hour. Night in those muddy roads will almost stop a column. With proper preparations, the thing is perhaps practicable. Let me study to aid in arranging it, if it is to be.

Dear wife! how is she? — Soon after breakfast the sun chased the clouds away and we had a warm spring day. The bluebirds are coming back if they ever left our twenty-first fine day this month.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 169

Brigadier-General John Sedgwick to his Sister, January 26, 1862

Washington, D. C., January 26, 1862.

My dear sister:

I am still in Washington, engaged on the court, but hope to conclude in the course of a few days.

Your letter of the 15th was received yesterday, having been detained in camp, waiting for me. I cannot give you much encouragement about coming home. I did not think I would have any difficulty in getting a few days when I was ready to go. The General is very pleasant, and I am sure would grant me a few days if he could without granting to hundreds of others that are constantly beseeching him. I have excellent health, weigh over two hundred — how much, I am ashamed to say. Everything forebodes an early move, but the roads will prevent any for a few days. Nothing has been heard of Burnside's expedition yet. It is supposed he has gone into Pamlico Sound, will capture Roanoke Island, take Newbern and then Goldsborough, and then down the coast to Beaufort. If he succeeds in all this, it will be a happy thing.

If this war is ever terminated I intend now to leave the service and live a quiet and, I hope, a happy life at my old home.

Ever your affectionate brother,

J. S.

SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 36-7

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 31, 1861

We have bad news to-day. My wife and children are the bearers of it. They returned to the city with the tidings that all the women and children were ordered to leave Newbern. The enemy have attacked and taken Fort Hatteras, making many prisoners, and threaten Newbern next. This is the second time my family have been compelled to fly. But they are well.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 76

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: March 15, 1862

When we came home from Richmond, there stood Warren Nelson, propped up against my door, lazily waiting for me, the handsome creature. He said he meant to be heard, so I walked back with him to the drawing-room. They are wasting their time dancing attendance on me. I can not help them. Let them shoulder their musket and go to the wars, like men.

After tea came “Mars Kit” —he said for a talk, but that Mr. Preston would not let him have, for Mr. Preston had arrived some time before him. Mr. Preston said “Mars Kit” thought it “bad form” to laugh. After that you may be sure a laugh from “Mars Kit” was secured. Again and again, he was forced to laugh with a will. I reversed Oliver Wendell Holmes's good resolution — never to be as funny as he could. I did my very utmost.

Mr. Venable interrupted the fun, which was fast and furious, with the very best of bad news! Newbern shelled and burned, cotton, turpentine—everything. There were 5,000 North Carolinians in the fray, 12,000 Yankees. Now there stands Goldsboro. One more step and we are cut in two. The railroad is our backbone, like the Blue Ridge and the Alleghanies, with which it runs parallel. So many discomforts, no wonder we are down-hearted.

Mr. Venable thinks as we do — Garnett is our most thorough scholar; Lamar the most original, and the cleverest of our men — L. Q. C. Lamar — time fails me to write all his name. Then, there is R. M. T. Hunter. Muscoe Russell Garnett and his Northern wife: that match was made at my house in Washington when Garnett was a member of the United States Congress.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 143

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: Saturday Night, March 15, 1862

Spent to-day at the hospital. Heard of the shelling of Newbern, N. C., and of its fall. My heart sickens at every acquisition of the Federals. No further news from Arkansas. Yesterday evening I went to see the body of our dear Bishop; cut a piece of his hair; kissed his forehead, and took my last look at that revered face.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 102

Colonel Charles Russell Lowell to Josephine Shaw, Sunday, May 24, 1863 – 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, 24th May, 6.30 P. M.

I have probably quoted twenty times that motto of one of the Fathers, — “In necessariis, unitas; in non-necessariis, libertas; in omnibus, caritas” — “In essentials, unity; — in non-essentials, freedom; in all things, love.” I like it, — it is more for opinions than for actions or habits, but it is good to bear in mind in society and in affairs, and I think that, written over every young fireside and read by the light of real love, it would smooth many differences.

Sometime this summer at your open window, you should read the “Seven Lamps of Architecture,” — they are lamps to live by as well as to build by.

About the Regiment, — did I tell you I had a regimental drill on Friday P. M. and another at 7½ this morning, really very successful? I should wish you here to see one, only to the outsider there is little visible but a cloud of dust. The men are getting on so well in squadron drill that to-morrow I shall commence with the “individual drill” for the morning, squadron drill three afternoons, and regimental drill two afternoons and Sunday morning. The training of the horse, and the teaching of the trooper to ride, you see, which ought to come first, come last in our method of raising cavalry regiments, — we must do the best we can, however. That expression brings me to my visit to Stanton. He commenced by asking after the regiment, and why I had not been to see him, — told me that he expected a great deal from it; that he would do anything and everything I wanted to make it an “Ironsides” regiment (I do not know what that means, but I told him I would do all I could to make it a good regiment). He said he knew it (sic), and added that he was away from Washington when that affair in Boston occurred, or he should have written me a personal letter of thanks.¹ I spoke of bringing up my companies from Gloucester Point, — he said it should be done, that I should drill them here, should have all my requisitions filled by preference, and when I said I was ready, he would send the regiment where it should meet the enemy, and would give it the post of honour (I quote his exact words, — it remains to be seen whether he will be able to act up to them, — of course I told him that was all I wanted). When I got up to go, I happened to mention the Fifty-Fourth, and stopped a few minutes to tell him what a success it had been. He seemed very much pleased, and said he did not know why Governor Andrew preferred Port Royal to Newberne; but if the Governor thought that was the best field for them, he wanted to give them the best chance, and had ordered them there accordingly. I tell you of this visit for your benefit, so far as it relates to Rob; for my benefit, so far as it relates to me.

_______________

¹ Edwin M. Stanton, the vigorous and patriotic Secretary of War, had probably met Lowell, when he came, sent by General McClellan, to present to the President the sheaf of Rebel battle-flags captured at Antietam. He had heard from Governor Andrew and Mr. Forbes of Lowell's prompt quelling of the mutiny of the bounty-jumpers in Boston, as well as of the daring and intelligence shown in the conduct of his squadron of United States Cavalry in the Peninsula

SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of Charles Russell Lowell, p. 244-6

General Robert E. Lee to John C. Breckinridge, February 19, 1865

HEADQUARTERS, PETERSBURG, February 19, 1865.

HIS EXCELLENCY J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.

SIR: The accounts received today from South and North Carolina are unfavorable. General Beauregard reports from Winnsborough that four corps of the enemy are advancing on that place, tearing up the Charlotte Railroad, and they will probably reach Charlotte by the 24th and before he can concentrate his troops there. He states that General Sherman will doubtless move thence on Greensboro, Danville, and Petersburg, or unite with General Schofield at Raleigh or Weldon.

General Bragg reports that General Schofield is now preparing to advance from New Berne to Goldsboro, and that a strong expedition is moving against Weldon Railroad at Rocky Mount. He says that little or no assistance can be received from the State of North Carolina — that exemptions and reorganizations under late laws have disbanded the State forces, and that they will not be ready for the field for some time.

I do not see how Sherman can make the march anticipated by General Beauregard, but he seems to have everything his own way; which is calculated to cause apprehension. General Beauregard does not say what he proposes or what he can do. I do not know where his troops are or on what lines they are moving. His dispatches only give movements of the enemy. He has a difficult task to perform under present circumstances, and one of his best officers, General Hardee, is incapacitated by sickness. I have also heard that his own health is indifferent, though he has never so stated. Should his strength give way, there is no one on duty in the department that could replace him, nor have I any one to send there. Gen. J. E. Johnston is the only officer whom I know who has the confidence of the army and people, and if he was ordered to report to me I would place him there on duty. It is necessary to bring out all our strength, and, I fear, to unite our armies, as separately they do not seem able to make head against the enemy. Everything should be destroyed that cannot be removed out of the reach of Generals Sherman and Schofield. Provisions must be accumulated in Virginia, and every man in all the States must be brought off. I fear it may be necessary to abandon all our cities, and preparation should be made for this contingency.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

R. E. Lee,

General.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 354-5

General Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis, January 20, 1864

(Confidential.)

 HEADQUARTERS, 20th January, 1864.

HIS EXCELLENCY JEFFERSON DAVIS,

President Confederate States.

MR. PRESIDENT: I have delayed replying to your letter of the 4th until the time arrived for the execution of the attempt on New Berne. I regret very much that the boats on the Neuse and Roanoke are not completed. With their aid, I think, success would be certain. Without them, though the place may be captured, the fruits of the expedition will be lessened and our maintenance of the command of the waters in North Carolina uncertain. I think every effort should be made now to get them into service as soon as possible. You will see by the enclosed letters to Generals Pickett and Whiting the arrangements made for the land operations. The water expedition I am willing to trust to Colonel Wood. If he can succeed in capturing the gunboats, I think success will be certain, as it was by aid from the water that I expected Hoke to be mainly assisted.

In view of the opinion expressed in your letter, I would go to North Carolina myself; but I consider my presence here always necessary, especially now when there is such a struggle to keep the army fed and clothed. General Early is still in the Valley. The enemy there has been reinforced by troops from Meade's army and [by] calling down General Averell with his cavalry. I do not know what their intentions are. Report from General Early' yesterday stated that Averell with his cavalry had started from Morehead. I will, however, go to North Carolina if you think it necessary. General Fitz Lee brought out of Hardy no prisoners, 250 horses and mules, 27 wagons, and 460 head of cattle. He captured 40 wagons, but 13 turned over on the mountains and had to be abandoned. He had also to leave behind between 100 and 200 head of cattle. The difficulties he encountered were very great, owing to the extreme cold, ice, storms, etc. Nearly all his men were frost-bitten, some badly; many injured by the falling of their horses. He got within six miles of Paddytown, but could not cross the mountains, owing to the icy roads and the smoothness of his horses. He could take with him neither artillery nor wagons.

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 324

General Robert E. Lee to Major General George Pickett, January 20, 1864

(Confidential.)

 HEADQUARTERS, January 20, 1864.

MAJ.-GEN. GEO. PICKETT,

Commanding, etc., Petersburg, Va.

GENERAL: From all the information I have received, I think the garrison at New Berne can be captured, and I wish it tried, unless upon close examination you find it impracticable. You can use for that purpose Barton's, Kemper's, Corse's, and as much of Ranson's brigades as you can draw to that point. I shall send in addition Hoke's brigade from this army. General Hoke is familiar with the vicinity of New Berne, has recently returned from a visit to that country, and it is mainly upon his information that my opinion has been formed. He will hand you this letter and explain to you the general plan which at this distance appears to me the best. You can modify it according to circumstances developed by investigation and your good judgment. It is proposed that General Barton shall pass south of Trent River and attack the forces said to be stationed behind Brice's Creek, get possession of the railroad to Beaufort, cut off reinforcements from that quarter, and take the town in reverse. General Hoke will move down between the Trent and the Neuse, endeavor to surprise the troops on Bachelor's Creek, silence the guns in the star fort and batteries near the Neuse, and penetrate the town in that direction; Whitford's battalion, or such other force as may be designated, to move down north of the Neuse, occupy if they cannot capture Fort Anderson at Barrington Ferry, and endeavor to take in flank with the batteries the line south of the Neuse, so as to lighten Hoke's work. The night previous to the land attack Colonel Wood of the Navy with 200 men in boats will descend the Neuse and endeavor to surprise and capture the gunboats in that river, and by their aid drive the enemy from their guns. General Whiting will be requested on the day appointed for the attack to threaten Swansborough with the troops he has north of the Cape Fear, so as to fix the attention of the enemy at Morehead City, etc., and to cooperate otherwise in the general plan. Everything will depend upon the secrecy, expedition, and boldness of your movements. General Barton should move first, and be strong enough to resist any combination of the forces from New Berne and Beaufort. The cavalry had better accompany him to cut the telegraph and railroad, gain information, etc. General Hoke with his own brigade should move next, the force north of the Neuse to keep pace with him. Colonel Wood will attend to his part.

If successful, everything in New Berne should be sent back to a place of security. In that event, too, it is hoped that by the aid of the gunboats water transportation can be secured, the enemy driven from Washington, Plymouth, etc., and much subsistence for the army obtained. I wish you therefore to follow up your success. It will also have the happiest effect in North Carolina and inspirit the people. I propose Major Dearing for the command of the artillery of the expedition. With the two battalions of Longstreet's corps near Petersburg there should be twelve 10 pounder Parrotts and two 2O-pounder Parrotts; two 2O-pounder Parrotts will be sent from Richmond. At Kinston I understand there are four Napoleons and one 3-inch rifle. From Branch's battalion I hope you will get more rifle guns, of which, if possible, you should have about twenty and as many Napoleons as you desire. The guns and ammunition must be sent by railroad and the horses by common route. See that you have a sufficiency of ammunition and subsistence. I wish you also not to interrupt the general travel of the railroad, but to use the empty trains going south for the transportation of troops, etc. When the day of attack is fixed notify General Whiting. If you have to use the telegraph, merely say, "The day is ____;" name the day of the month — he will comprehend. Commit nothing to the telegraph that will disclose your purpose. You must deceive the enemy as to your purpose, and conceal it from the citizens. As regards the concentration of troops, you may put it on the ground of apprehension of an attack from New Berne. General Hoke will give out that he is going to arrest deserters and recruit his diminished regiments.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 R. E. LEE,

General.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 322-3

General Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis, January 2, 1864

HEADQUARTERS, January 2, 1864.

HIS EXCELLENCY JEFFERSON DAVIS,

President Confederate States, Richmond.

MR. PRESIDENT: The time is at hand when, if an attempt can be made to capture the enemy's forces at New Berne, it should be done. I can now spare troops for the purpose which will not be the case as spring approaches. If I have been correctly informed, a brigade from this army with Barton's brigade, Pickett's division, now near Kinston, will be sufficient if the attack can be secretly and suddenly made. New Berne is defended on the land side by a line of intrenchments from the Neuse to the Trent. A redoubt near the Trent protects that flank while three or four gunboats are relied upon to defend the flanks on the Neuse. The garrison has been so long unmolested and experiences such a feeling of security that it is represented as careless. The gunboats are small and indifferent, and do not keep up a head of steam. A bold party could descend the Neuse in boats at night, capture the gunboats, and drive the enemy by their aid from the works on that side of the river, while a force should attack them in front. A large amount of provisions and other supplies are said to be at New Berne, which are much wanted for this army, besides much that is reported in the country that will thus be made accessible to us. The gunboats, aided by the ironclads building on the Neuse and Roanoke, would clear the waters of the enemy and capture their transports, which could be used for transportation. I have not heard what progress is making in the completion of the ironclads or when they will be ready for service. A bold naval officer will be required for the boat expedition, with suitable men and officers to man the boats and serve the gunboats when captured. Can they be had?

I have sent General Early with two brigades of infantry and two of cavalry under Fitz Lee to Hardy and Hampshire counties, to endeavor to get out some cattle that are reported within the enemy's lines. But the weather has been so unfavorable that I fear he will not meet with much success. The heavy rain-storms will swell all the streams beyond fording and the cold weather and snow in the mountains will present other obstacles. Many of the infantry are without shoes and the cavalry worn down by their pursuit of Averell. We are now issuing to the troops a fourth of a pound of salt meat, and have only three days' supply at that rate. Two droves of cattle from the West that were reported to be for this army have, I am told, been directed to Richmond. I can learn of no supply of meat on the road to the army, and fear I shall be unable to retain it in the field. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 319-20

Gustavus V. Fox to Major General George B. McClellan, March 13, 1862

NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 13, 1862.

 Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Fairfax Court-House:

The Monitor is more than a match for the Merrimac, but she might be disabled in the next encounter. I cannot advise so great dependence upon her. Burnside and Goldsborough are very strong for the Chowan River route to Norfolk, and I brought up maps, explanations, &c., to show you. It turns everything, and is only 27 miles to Norfolk by two good roads. Burnside will have New Berne this week. The Monitor may, and I think will, destroy the Merrimac in the next fight, but this is hope, not certainty. The Merrimac must dock for repairs.

 G. V. FOX.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 5 (Serial No. 5), p. 753

Major General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, March 26, 1865

ON BOARD STEAMER Russia

At Sea, Sunday, March 26, 1865.

The railroad was finished yesterday into Goldsboro and I came down to Newbern and Morehead City and am now in a fleet blockade runner on my way to meet General Grant at City Point to confer on some points, when I shall forthwith go back to Goldsboro and get ready for another campaign. There is no doubt we have got the Rebels in a tight place and must not let them have time to make new plans. They abandoned all their cities to get men enough to whip me but did not succeed. They may unite Johnston and Lee, when if they make the further mistake of holding on to Richmond, I can easily take Raleigh and the Roanoke, when Richmond will be of little use to them. If Lee lets go of Richmond the people of Virginia will give up. I regard my two moves from Atlanta to Savannah and Savannah to Goldsboro as great blows as if we had fought a dozen successful battles. At Bentonsville, Johnston attempted to prevent my making a junction with Schofield, but he failed and I drove him off the field with my own army without the help of a man from Schofield, also got all my armies at Goldsboro the 21st of March, only one day from the time appointed. I will now conduct with great care another move. I have all the army I want and can take an hundred thousand if I want them. . . . The ship is pitching a good deal, we are just off Hatteras, and I cannot write more. . . .

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 336-7.  A full copy of this letter can be found in the William T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 2/21

From New York

NEW YORK, May 7.

The steamer Haze, from Newberne of the 3d has arrived.  Noting new had occurred at Newberne or Beaufort since last advices.

Among the passengers on the Persia are Mr. Cameron, Bayard Taylor and Bishop Lewis of Ontario.  She has $800,000 in specie.

Advices received from Burnside’s division state that a regiment of North Carolinians has been organized; Capt. Potter of Gen. Foster’s staff being appointed Colonel. – Two companies of our troops had left for Washington, N. C., to form a nucleus of the regiment.

Large numbers of Union men had voluntarily come and taken the oath of allegiance, and they will be armed an equipped by Burnside to defend their homes against the rebels.

Our troops have captured horses enough to mount two companies of cavalry, and make frequent dashes among the rebels.

Private advices state that Gen. Banks’ army was still at New Market, waiting for forage and provisions.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

Herald’s Dispatch

WASHINGTON, May 4.

It is the intention of the President to issue a proclamation in a few days opening the ports of Newbern, Beaufort, Savannah, Fernandina, and New Orleans to the trade of the world.  This important measure will release the Administration for any international embarrassments, and largely tend to restore the entente cordial between the sections of the country.

The Senate finance committee has determined to report the tax bill to-morrow, or Tuesday at the farthest.  They have been unable to make many important changes contemplated, and will probably leave whisky and tobacco untouched.  It is a singular fact, worthy of note in Congress, that no remonstrance from any quarter has been made against a high tariff upon these articles, but the dealers and manufacturers are all in favor of placing it at the highest figure.  This will probably be done either by the Senate or a committee of conference.

Special to Tribune.

We have news from Richmond via Fredericksburg, of importance.  The people of the rebel capital are panic stricken.  The wealthy citizens are packing up their furniture and sending in into the country.

An apparently intoxicated person the past week, passing by the tobacco works where our soldiers are confined, cried out to them, “Cheer up, boys, McClellan or McDowell will be here in a few days.”  Then a sentry shot him dead.

Our Commanding General galloping into Fredericksburg yesterday afternoon, with his staff, was received with closed doors.  Not a door open of house or store; not a face to be seen, except now and then that of a curious damsel peering through half closed blinds at the cavalcade of Yankees.

WASHINGTON, May 4.

The following important circulars have been addressed to the foreign ministers, announcing the reopening of communication with southern localities, reconquered from the insurgents.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON.

SIR – I have the honor to state, for  your information, that the mails are now allowed to pass to and from New Orleans and other places, which having been heretofore seized by insurgents, have since been recovered and are now reopened by the land and naval forces of the Unites States.  It is proper, however, to add that a military surveillance is maintained over such mails as far as the Government finds it necessary for the public safety.

I am sir, your ob’t serv’t,

(Signed,)

WM. H. SWEARD

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON,

May 5.

SIR – I have the honor to state, for the information of your Government, that a collector has been appointed by the President for New Orleans, and that the necessary preparations are being made to modify the blockade so far as to permit limited shipments to be made to and from that and one or more other ports, which are now closed, at times and upon considerations which will be made known by proclamation.

I am sir, your ob’t serv’t

(Signed,)

WM. H. SWEARD.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 6, 1862, p. 1

Rebel News From Richmond

BALTIMORE, Jan 28. – The Richmond Dispatch of yesterday has the following:

New [Berne], North Carolina, is in a ferment of excitement in expectation of an attack in that quarter.  The town is under martial law and every preparation is being made.

(Later from Mill Creek.)

Gen. Crittenden and his staff are safe and unwounded.  General Carroll and staff are safe.  Our loss is reported at 300 killed.  The enemy’s loss is supposed to be twice this number.

Nashville, Jan. 24, via Mobile 25. – The most reliable information of the engagement at or near Somerset is that only two regiments. Col. Buttle’s Tennessee and Col. Statham’s Mississippi, were engaged in the fight near Mill Springs.

Fort Henry is still safe – the enemy for some reason having withdrawn from its immediate vicinity.  The shots of the gun boats were not replied to from the Fort, which will be held at all hazards.

Paris was in a perfect ferment of excitement yesterday.  Many anticipating an immediate descent of the enemy, which they deemed themselves utterly powerless to resist, were preparing to leave their negroes and other property.

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

The Great Burnside Expedition

(From the Newbern Progress of Tuesday.)

Nothing would afford us more pleasure at this particular time than to be able to give a strictly correct account of the strength and condition of the Burnside Expedition.  We doubted some days ago whether there really had ever been such a thing in existence, and began to think it all a Yankee lie, but more recently we have become convinced that there is such a thing, and that what is left of it is actually at Hatteras.

The Country is so situated about Hatteras that it is difficult to get close to the enemy to take satisfactory observations without being observed.  We saw, however, and conversed with a gentleman direct from Portsmouth having left that place Saturday and arrived here Sunday night, who went to Ocracoke before leaving, took a horse and rode down the bank as near to the enemy as was safe, within 10 or 11 miles, and took as good an observation has he could with a glass.  He says he counted 93 vessels, about two thirds of which were steamers, all inside the bar and about 20 inside the Sound, and puts down the number at least 100.

(From The Newbern Progress of Monday.)

THE BURNSIDE FLEET – ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE VESSELS – AN ATTACK THOUGHT TO CERTAIN – NEWBERN, WASHINGTON AND ROANOKE THE POINTS.

The Albemarle arrived on Saturday between 3 and 4 o’clock, having left Portsmouth early Saturday morning, and we have learned from Col. Singletary, who was in command of the expedition, that he arrived at Portsmouth Wednesday evening after the storm had set in, so that it was impossible for him to make any observations himself, but he saw a Mr. Samuel Tolson, a Mr. Williams, and others, who had been applied to by the directors of the fleet to act as pilots, and those gentlemen assured him fleet was at Hatteras, numbering about 175 vessels, and represent that their force is 30,000 strong.

About one third of the fleet was in the Sound on Tuesday, on third in the Roads, and one third outside.  They were busy lightening vessels over the Swash, and as they would clear the roads by entering the Sound, others would come in from outside.  They said that the Yankees were very anxious to get pilots for the Croatan Sound and the rivers, which makes it seem that Roanoke, Edenton, Washington, and perhaps other places east of us are to be attacked and it is rendered certain that we are to be visited from the fact that the vessels they were lightening over could not attack any place but this.  These gentlemen also learned from them that they had lost three vessels and three men since they had come to Hatteras.  Also that New Orleans is to be attacked simultaneously with the attack here.

It is impossible to tell what effect the storm of Thursday and Friday had upon them but it must have been severe.  The Colonel says that Portsmouth was completely covered with water.  He thinks they must have suffered severely, for the gale was terrific, but it was impossible for him to learn anything of their condition later than Tuesday.

He reports the people of Portsmouth under arms and determined to defend themselves as best they can.  The women are apparently much alarmed.

Capt. Crosson went down the river yesterday on the Albemarle, and will probably return to-day, if so, we shall be able to give something further in relation to the movements of the fleet in our next.

THE BURNSIDE FLEET

GOLDSBORO’, Jan 28. – The Tribune of to-day saw a man who left Portsmouth on Saturday. – He said seventy five vessels could be seen from Portsmouth on Saturday.  The storm on Thursday and Friday was very severe.  Portsmouth was wholly submerged.  Several vessels were reported as stranded and there were some on Chickamacomico beach.  The Tribune says the fleet is certainly at Hatteras, and the attack is expected at Newbern and Roanoke perhaps Edenton, Elizabeth City and at other places.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Fire in New York --- Investment of Beaufort

NEW YORK, April 10. – Last night a fire broke out in the five story marble building, No 69 Duane street, the premises of David Sterritt & Co., importers of laces and embroideries.  The entire building and its contents were destroyed.  Sterritt & Co.’s loss is supposed to be $50,000.  The first floor was occupied by Hoffman, Place & Co., dealers in gentleman’s furnishing goods.  The greater part of the stock was removed.  Loss about $5,000; said to be insured.  Loss on the building about $20,000.

The Times’ Beaufort letter of March 31st says Lieut. Hoxton, from Chippewa, landed yesterday and had an interview with Major Allen touching the arrangements for the capture of the Fort.

A guard from the Rhode Island 4th crossed over on Saturday and Sunday, taking possession of the beach south west of Fort Macon, and cutting off the communication with the cattle on which Colonel White has drawn heretofore for his supplies of fresh beef.  Thus, step by step, the fortification is surrounded by our forces and final attack will not be long delayed.

Guards have been placed aboard the British ships Reliance and Condor, found at Beaufort loaded with rosin and turpentine.

Since the conflagration after the battle at Newbern it is reported that some seven thousand barrels of spirits of turpentine have been consumed in this vicinity.  About 10,000 barrels are now loading for New York.

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

From North Carolina

BALTIMORE, March 30. – The rebels burnt the bridge on the railroad between Newbern and Beaufort, North Carolina, but it was in progress of repair and the road would soon be in operation between the two places.  So far as our informants know, all of who came from Newbern, it had not been burned.  There was not much destruction of property at the latter place, and a large majority of the citizens remained quietly in their homes on the approach of the Federal forces.  Perfect order reigned at Newbern and a number of citizens had returned to the place.  Gen. Foster is military Governor of the city.  The rebels were believed to be in strong force towards Kingston, thirty five miles on the road to Goldsboro, and their scouts frequently appeared in the vicinity of Newbern.

The expedition to Washington was successful; it consisted of about one thousand men with an escort of gunboats.  Two companies of the Massachusetts 22nd regiment landed and took the place.  The stars and stripes were nailed to a tree before the court house and left there.  The citizens received the invaders without any apparent excitement or apprehension – some few expressing Union sentiments, whilst the mass had nothing to say either way.  After holding the place one day and gaining all the information they could, the expedition returned to Newbern.

– 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