Captain William Thompson Lusk to Elizabeth Adams Lusk, May 18, 1862

Beaufort, S. C. May 18th, 1862.

My dear Mother:

I am going to write you a short letter to-night, as there are some rumors of business on hand this week, which may not leave me much time for correspondence. If it should turn out a false alarm, I will try and write again shortly. Time is slipping by rapidly, as my clothes testify especially, and unless I soon receive a reinforcement to my stock, I shall look like a “Secesh” after a twelve-month blockade. My present suit, after standing by me nobly for several months, seemed all of a sudden to give out all over, as you know clothes will do at times. Fact is, I supposed I should have been home for a few days long before now, but a favorable moment does not seem to turn up ready made to suit my case exactly. If you have a chance, please send me a cravat, as my own, under the influence of the weather, after passing through a thousand varieties of color, has finally settled into such rueful hues, that I have concluded to beg for another. Any lady that will make me a present of a new cravat, shall receive in exchange the old one as a specimen of what things come to after having been through the wars. A box of tooth-powder would likewise be acceptable as my teeth are getting quite shabby. Never mind, I will come home and get tinkered up one of these days, a thing I am mightily in need of. I wonder whether opening the Port of Beaufort will bring hitherward a large installment of the commerce of the world; if so, never mind about the tooth-powder.

We have all been pleasantly excited by the cunning escape of the negroes from Charleston with the Steamer “Planter.” The pilot, Robert, is the hero of the hour, and is really a most remarkable specimen of the dusky sons of Africa (alias nigger), never using a word of less than three syllables when an opportunity offers.

We all were in the habit of abusing Genl. Sherman in old times, but with customary fickleness, wish him back again now. This last batch of General officers with the “Great Superseder” (Hunter) at the head, is poor trash at best, so that there are few who would not rejoice to have "Uncle Tim" (Sherman) back again, notwithstanding his dyspepsia and peripatetic propensities. This is entre nous, and quite unofficial, for as my superior officer, I must recognize in the “Great Superseder” a miracle of wisdom, forecast and discretion. Oh my, what an illnatured letter! Never mind, behind it all there is lots of love in it for those whose eyes it is likely to meet, and kisses too for my mother, sisters, nephews and others where they would be at once desirable and proper.

The “Connecticut” has arrived, but the mail has not been distributed yet.

Yours affec'y.,

W. T. Lusk.

SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters of William Thompson Lusk, p. 147-8

Senator James W. Grimes to Elizabeth S. Nealley Grimes, May 10, 1862

This letter (of Commodore Du Pont) will convince you of what I always told you, that Du Pont is a remarkably discreet, judicious, practical man, with generous, noble impulses, and withal a Christian gentleman.

This morning I drew up and passed through the Senate a bill for the benefit of Robert Small, giving him and his associates one-half of the value of the steamer Planter, and also one-half of the value of all the arms, munitions, etc., on board at the time she was captured. The amount to be distributed among him and his associates will be about fifteen thousand dollars.

The President has to-day rescinded Hunter's proclamation. The result will be a general row in the country. All the radical Republicans are indignant but me, and I am not, because I have expected it, and was ready for it. They did not anticipate it, though I have told them all along that it was sure to come. But the end must come, protracted by the obstinacy and stupidity of rulers it may be, but come it will nevertheless.

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 196-7

From Port Royal

NEW YORK, May 18.

By the Atlantic from Port Royal, we learn that negro pilot brought from Charleston a fast rebel tug with a number of men destined for Fort Ripley.  He surrendered her to our squadron.  He is [a] great acquisition, knowing all intricacies of navigation in that region.

Gen. Hunter’s proclamation being published in Charleston, negro insurrection was imminent.  Vast preparations are making to bombard Savannah.

Our gunboats are up the river, and pickets within four miles of the city.

Massive batteries, with Parrott guns, are erected around the city.

We have a portion of Charleston and Savannah RR in our possession.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 2

XXXVIIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, May 19.

SENATE. – Memorials from the merchants of New York and Philadelphia, asking for a general bankrupt law, were presented.

Mr. Grimes offered a resolution that the Secretary of War report to the Senate the names of the persons appointed to the staffs of the different officers, where now employed on the staff, of what officer and by whose recommendation appointed.  Adopted.

Mr. Grimes introduced a bill for the relief of Robt. Small and others, (colored,) who recently delivered the rebel vessel Planter to Com. Dupont’s squadron.

The bill provides that the Planter, with all the cargo, appurtenances, &c, be appraised by a competent board of officers and that one-half the value thereof shall go to Rob’t Small, and his associates who assisted in the rescue of the Planter, with the provision that the Secretary of the Navy may invest the same in United States stocks.  The interest to be paid to Small and his associates, or heirs.  The bill was taken up and passed.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass., called up the resolution providing for the presentation of medals of honor to men who distinguishes themselves in battle. Passed.

Mr. Davis offered an amendment to the 3d section, which disqualifies persons guilty of offences named in the bill, such persons also forfeit all claims to citizenship.  Rejected – 12 against 26.

Mr. Powell moved to strike out the 11th section, which authorizes the President to employ and organize persons of African descent, as he may deem necessary, to suppress the rebellion.  Rejected – 11 against 25.

Mr. Henderson moved to strike out the first section and insert as a substitute, that any person hereafter convicted of treason shall suffer death or imprisonment, and forfeit all property during life.

The Confiscation bill was taken up, and Mr. Sumner proceeded to speak at length in favor of the principle of confiscation and emancipation of the slaves of rebels and urging the adoption of his substitute.

HOUSE. – Mr. Bingham, from the special committee of the House, reported articles of impeachment against West H. Humphreys, judge of the District Court of the United States for the several districts of Tennessee.  There are several separate charges in the name of the people of the United States, involving gross neglect of official duty, violation of the laws, endeavoring to excite revolt and rebellion, publishing the ordinance of secession of Tennessee, endeavoring to absolve the people from their allegiance, combining with Jeff. Davis and other evil minded persons to overthrow the authority of the United States, &c.; and demanding that Humphreys may be put to answer the high crimes and misdemeanors charged against him; and that proceedings be taken for his examination and trial, as may be agreeable to law and justice.  The report was agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Bingham a resolution was adopted appointing five managers to conduct the impeachment, and that the Senate be acquainted with the action of the House, with the view of concurrent action.  The House then went into committee of the whole, Washburn in the chair, and took up the navy appropriation bill.  Mr. Hutchins advocated the bill heretofore introduce by him, to equalized and reduce the various incongruous rates of postage.  He advocated two cents postage, the money order system, and the abolition of the franking privilege.

Mr. Richardson spoke against legislation, which discouraged Union sentiment, while the effort was making to place the negro on an equality with the whites.

Various minor amendments were discussed and adopted.  $48,000 was appropriated for rent and expenses of the Naval Academy at Newport.  The bill was finally reported to the House and passed.

Adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

New York, May 17 [1862].

The steamer Atlantic, from Port Royal 14th, has arrived.  Among the passengers is Gen. Gilmore, who commanded at the reduction of Fort Pulaski.

The Steamer Planter had arrived at Charleston, run away with a contraband pilot and crew.

The Great Eastern is below.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 1

First Session - 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, May 23. – HOUSE – Evening Session – Messrs. DWIGHT, HOLMAN, BENNETT and SPAULDING, asked and obtained permission to print their speeches.

Mr. LOOMIS advocated confiscation.  It was our duty and right to free the slaves of every rebel.

Mr. ARNOLD maintained that kindness to rebels is regarded by them as an indication of meekness and cowardice.  They must feel our power and respect the majesty of justice in the punishment of their crimes.  It is a war of civilization against barbarism, and slavery must be exterminated.

WASHINGTON, May 24. – HOUSE – Mr. WICKLIFFE rose to what he considered to be a question of privilege, when as it was represented that the civil and judicial power of the District, in the rightful exercise of their power have been obstructed by force, that a military power pretending to act by the authority of the so-called military Governor of this District, by force arrested and imprisoned the Jailor of the Jail in this District, took from him the key of the Jail, imprisoned the deputy Marshal, and released a prisoner, lawfully confined and committed to the said jail by the judicial power of this District, that private citizens called to the aid of the deputy Marshal, were in like manner imprisoned by said military agency, therefore –

Resolved that a committee of five be appointed to inquire into the facts alleged, and such other acts connected with the illegal imprisonment of private citizens, explain the causes and give the reasons of such conduct to the Marshal and Jailor and the judicial acts of the officer concerned and report the same to this House, with a recommendation as to the measures necessary to prevent, in future, such occurrences, and that the committee have power to send for witnesses and examine them upon oath.

The Speaker could not see that this was a question of privilege.

Mr. WICKLIFFE stated that this conflict of jurisdiction might lead to bloodshed.  If liberties of the country are not a privileged question, what are?

The question not being entertained, the House resumed the consideration of the Confiscation bill.

SENATE. – Mr. WILSON of Massachusetts introduced a bill to legalize and confirm an act of the President accepting Volunteers under the act of the 22d of July 1861, and to authorize the acceptance of 200,000 additional under that act.  Referred.

He also introduced a bill to amend the Fugitive Slave Law.

The tax on carriages, yachts, billiard tables, gold or silver plate, and dogs, were struck out.  The tax on steamboats, railroads and ferryboats was amended so as to make the tax on steam railroads 3 per cent. of the gross receipts for passengers.  On horse railroads and ferryboats, 1½ per cent of the gross receipts on all passengers.  And on all bridges 3 per cent of the gross earnings.

The tax on Insurance Companies was amended so as to tax Fire and Marine Insurance Companies 3 per cent on the gross receipts.

Having reached the 108^th section the Senate adjourned till Monday.

WASHINGTON, May 24 – HOUSE – Mr. KELLOGG, of Illinois, argued that the right of confiscation was an incident of the war under the Constitution, in civil war and rebellion as well as [to] foreign enemies.  He was in favor of a judicious confiscation bill, especially for the punishment of the leaders of the rebellion.  He maintained that we ought to strip the enemy of his strength and thus augment our own action.  That it will not resort to the most effective means to preserve and insure obedience to its authority is grossly neglecting duty.  The penalty of treason ought to be enforced.

Mr. HARDING said that the wicked course of the rebellion is calculated to arouse the passion and prejudice on the part of Northerner and the danger was that the latter would act from these influences and not with a view to the prosperity and perpetuity of the country. – Emancipation and confiscation would be fatal to the restoration of the government and as yet, there are men here rich enough to try the experiment.  This view of the pending bill he elaborately discussed.

Mr. TRAIN opposed confiscation and emancipation, the former was too sweeping but would receive slaves into the army – any way to suppress the rebellion.

Mr. THOMAS opposed confiscation.

Mr. EDWARDS favored it.

Mr. RICHARDSON opposed confiscation quoting from Mr. Douglas.

Mr. WHALEY favored confiscation.

Recess.

WASHINGTON, May 26 – HOUSE – The confiscation bills were taken up.

Mr. ELLIOTT, in closing the general debate remarked that it was a legal fiction to say those bills were designed to punish treason.  They are designed for no such purpose, but to weaken the power of the enemy to bring about a speedy and permanent peace.  They propose to take from the enemy the instruments of war without which they could not carry on the rebellion six months longer.

Mr. LILEMGER [sic] objected to further debate, inasmuch as he was compelled to print his remarks and had no opportunity to deliver them.  Debate here was useless but our people at home had a right to understand our position for these great questions.

His (Killinger’s) speech would advocate confiscation as a measure for indemnity for the past and as a military necessity for the future.  He was against the passage of an abolition enactment.  Let slavery take care of itself.  While he stood on the Lincoln platform of compensating or colonization, he was against negro worship and negro legislation.  He was opposed to negroes swarming in Pennsylvania and protested against their being supported by Government liberality.

Mr. NOELL obtained permission to print his remarks.

Mr. ELLIOTT resumed his remarks advocating the bills reported from the committee and examined the ending substitute.

The House first voted on ROSCOE CONKLIN’S amendment to the third and fifth clauses of the Select Committee Confiscation bill whose property is to be confiscated namely, provided that such persons shall have accepted their appointment since the date of the pretended ordinance of Secession, [has] taken [an] oath of allegiance to the so-called Confederate States, to any persons acting as Governor of a State, member of Convention or Legislature, Judge, or any person hereafter holding any office or acting under the so-called Confederate States.

The amendment was adopted by 150 against 50.

Mr. MAYNARD’S substitute was rejected, 9 against 135.

Mr. MAYNARD’S amendment was rejected – 9 against 140.

The Confiscation Bill was then passed as reported with Mr. Conkling’s amendment, as above mentioned – yeas 82 nays 62.

The bill to confiscate slaves, reported from the Select Committee, was next considered.

Mr. BLAIR’S colonization amendment and Sedgwick’s amendment giving freedom to all slaves were both rejected, the former receiving 52 affirmative votes and the later 32.

The bill was rejected by 4 majority.

The bill from the Senate for the relief of Robt. Small and others concerned in the delivery of a rebel steamer to our squadron was presented.  The following gentlemen voted against it – Messrs. Culvert, Dunlap, Hardin, Johnson, Kerrigan, Norton, Voorhees, Vallandigham.  Adjourned.

SENATE – Mr. HENDERSON present a memorial from the citizens of South west Missouri, asking protection from guerilla bands.

Mr. WILSON of Massachusetts, from the Military Committee, reported back the bill legalizing the acceptance of 200,000 more troops.

Mr. SUMNER offered a resolution that the Secretary of War be authorized to communicate to the Senate copies of any instructions to Generals in pursuance to the act of August, 1861, setting free the slaves employed against the United States by their masters.  Also, to inform the Senate whether any steps had been taken to make that statute effective.  Laid over.

Mr. HOWE, introduced a bill to aid in restoring order and preserving the public peace within insurrectionary districts.  He referred to the answer of the Mayor of New Orleans to Capt. Farragut, and the Mayor of Norfolk to General Wool and to various letters showing a lack of union feeling at the South, and treason swaggers everywhere, and their armies recruited by decriped [sic] old men, unchristian ministers and malignant women.  Treason struts where it can no longer fight, and loyalty implores where it ought to command.

The bill was referred.

Mr. DAVIS referred to Gen. Hunter’s proclamation and to the bad policy of weakening Banks so as to be whipped by the rebels and he conceived that Gen. Stanton had charge of the army.

Mr. WILSON, of Mich., said the President was responsible for these orders.  The arrest of Gen. McDowell’s progress towards Richmond and all the withdrawals of troops from General Banks was done by the President with the approval of the Secretary of War and various gentlemen and military men.  The President gave a written order that a certain number of men should be agreed upon by the commanders of the different army corps, 20,000 of McDowell’s men were retained and the men withdrawn from Gen. Banks in anticipation of just such a movement as has taken place.  These movements were directed by the President and he is entirely responsible.

Mr. TRUMBULL said he should like to ask if it was not at the repeated and urgent request of Gen. McClellan that the troops be sent to reinforce him.

Mr. WILSON said that he understood that Gen. McClellan was desirous of having these forces and the President sent a part of General McDowell’s forces, and about one third of those under Gen. Franklin to Gen. McClellan.  He (Wilson) thought that the events of yesterday completely vindicated the President for reserving McDowell’s forces.

The tax bill was then taken up.

The tax on telegraph messages was modified to [be] for those less than 20c and the first ten words and 8 cents on those exceeding that. – On insurance policies except life insurance, 25c each.

An amendment was adopted that the act of August last imposing $60,000,000 shall only be held as authorizing the collection of tax of that amount.

The tax on lard and linseed oils was reduced from 5 to 2 per cent. on the gallon.

On the question of reducing the tax from 20 to 15 cents on Tobacco, the Senate adjourned.

WASHINGTON, May 27 – HOUSE – Mr. Potter from the committee on Public Lands reported back the Senate bill providing that the contracts for surveys shall not be binding until approved by the Commissioners of the General Land Office, that the compensation of Registers and Receivers shall be each $5,000 per annum with fees and commissions, &c., the object being to reduce the expenses of the survey and the sale of lands.  The bill was passed.

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President, briefly referring to the commencement of hostilities and his exercise of the broad power of the Constitution to preserve the Capital of the country during the absence of Congress incidentally.  This he refers to the arrangements with Gov. Morgan, Alexander Cummings, and others, with a view to speedy and efficient protective measures.  By these means he believes the Government was prevented from overthrow.  He has no knowledge that a dollar was lost or wasted.

The President quotes the House resolution censuring Mr. Cameron and says that not only himself but all the heads of departments are responsible with Mr. Cameron for whatever error, wrong or fault has been committed.  The message was referred to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union.

Mr. DAWES made an expose of the financial condition of the Treasury to show that Mr. Voorhees widely overshot the mark as to the expenditures, &c.

Mr. VOORHEES spiritedly replied and maintained his former position.

The Speaker laid before the House the following Message from the President.

To the Senate and House of Representatives

The insurrection which is yet existing in the United States and aimed at the overthrow of the Federal Constitution and Union, was clandestinely prepared during the winter of 1860 and 1861 and assumed an open organization in the form of a treasonable provisional government at Montgomery, Alabama on the 18^th day of February, 1861.  On the 12^th day of April, 1861, the insurgents committed the flagrant act of civil war by the bombardment and capture of Fort Sumter which cut off the hope of immediate conciliation.

Immediately afterward the roads and avenues to this city were obstructed and the Capital was put into a condition of a siege.  The mails in every direction were stopped, and the lines of telegraph cut off by the insurgents and military and naval forces which had been called out by the Government, for the defense of Washington were prevented from reaching the city by organized and combined treasonable resistance in the State of Maryland.  There was no effective organization for the public defense.  Congress hand indefinitely adjourned.  There was no time to convene them.  It became necessary for me to choose whether using only the existing means, agencies and processes which Congress had provided.  I should let the Government fall into ruin, or whether availing myself of the broader powers conferred by the Constitution in cases of insurrection I would make an effort to save it with all its blessing for the present age and posterity.

I thereupon summoned Constitutional advisers – the heads of all the Departments – to meet on Sunday the 20^th day of April 1861[at] the office of the Navy Department, and then and there with their unanimous concurrence I directed that an armed revenue cutter should proceed to sea to afford protection to the commercial marine and especially to the California treasure ships then on their way to this coast.  I also directed to commandant of the Navy yard at Boston to purchase or charter and arm as quickly as possible five steam ships for purpose of public defense.  I directed the commandant of the Navy Yard at Philadelphia to purchase or charter an equal number for the same purpose.  I directed the commandant at New York to purchase or charter and arm an equal number.  I directed commandant Giles to purchase or charter and arm and put to sea two other vessels.  Similar directions were given to commander Dupont with a view to the opening of passages by water to and from the capital.

I directed the civil officers to take advice and obtain the aid of efficient service in the matter of his Excellency Edwin D. Morgan, the Governor of New York, and in his absence William Ewen, R. M. Blatcherd and Messrs. Grinnell who were by my direction especially empowered by the Secretary of the Navy to act for his Department in that crisis in matters putting to the forwarding of troops and supplies for the public defense.  On the same occasion I directed that Gov. Morgan and Alexander Cummings of the city of New York should be authorized by the Secretary of War, Simon Cameron to make all the necessary arrangements for the transportation of troops and munitions of war in aid and assistance of the officers of the army of the United States until communication by mail and telegraph could be completely re-established between the cities of Washington and New York.

No security was required to be given by them – either of them was authorized to act in case of inability to consult with the other.  On the same occasion I authorized and directed the Secretary of the Treasury to advance without requiring security two million dollars of public money to John A. Dix, George Opdyke and Richard M. Blatchford of New York to be used by them in meeting such requisitions as should be directly consequent upon the military and naval measure for the defense and support of the Government requiring them to act without compensation and report their transactions when duly called upon.  The several departments of the Government at that time contained so large a number of disloyal persons that it would have been impossible to provide safely, through official agents only, for the performance of the duties thus confided to citizens favorably known for their ability, loyalty and patriotism.  The several orders issued upon these occasions, were transferred by private messengers who pursued a circuitous route to the seaboard cities on land across the States of Pennsylvania and Ohio and the Northern Lakes.  I believe that by these and other [secretary] measures taken without authority of law the Government was saved from overthrow.

I am not aware that a dollar of the public funds thus confided without authority of law to unofficial persons was either lost or wasted although apprehensions of such misdirections occurred to me as objections to these extraordinary proceedings, were necessarily over ruled.  I recall these transactions now because my attention has been directed to a resolution which was passed by the House of Representatives on the 30^th of last month which is in these words:

Resolved, That Simon Cameron late Secretary of War, by investing Alex. Cummings with large sums of public money and authority to purchase military supplies without restriction, without requiring him any guarantee for the faithful performance of his duties when the services of competent public officers were available and by involving the Government in a vast number of contracts with persons not legitimately engaged in the business pertaining to the subject matter of such contracts and principally in the purchase of arms [for] delivery has adopted a policy highly injurious to the public service and deserves the censure of the House.

Congress will see that I should be wanting equally in candor and justice if I should leave the censure expressed in this resolution to rest exclusively or chiefly on Mr. Cameron.  The same sentiment is unanimously entertained by the heads of the departments who participated in the proceedings which the House of Representatives has concurred in.  It is due to Mr. Cameron to say that although he fully approved the proceedings they were not moved or suggested by himself, and that not only the President but all the other heads of Departments were at least equally responsible with him for whatever error or fault was committed in the premises.

(Signed.)

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Two thousand copies of the President’s message were ordered to be printed, and the Message was referred to the committee of the whole.

The House then went into committee on the hospital in the District of Columbia.

A sharp discussion occurred between Messrs, DAWES and VOORHEES.

Mr. WADSWORTH contrasted toe Governors of Kentucky and Massachusetts, saying Kentucky would furnish troops without conditions and fight until all the States are again under the Constitution.

Mr. DAWES replied vigorously for Massachusetts, referring to the past course of his State, saying that Massachusetts will not tire of this war.  She has no blood, no treasure which she will not freely offer.  She will freely give her last man and last drop of blood for a war for Constitutional liberty and freedom.

The Committee rose.

Mr. PORTER moved to reconsider the vote of yesterday rejecting the confiscation of slaves of rebels, pending which the House adjourned.

SENATE – The resolution suspending regiments under the act providing payment for the troops employed in the department of the West, was taken up.

Mr. HENDERSON offered an amendment that the commissioners provided for report within 60 days which was adopted.

A reduction of the tax on tobacco was refused.

An amendment striking out the tax on cotton was adopted, yeas 20, nays 16.

The tax on auction sales was modified to one per cent on merchandise and a tenth of one per cent on bonds, stocks, &c.

Pending a motion to strike out the license on retail liquor dealers, on the ground of Mr. Morrill, he stating that he would vote against the bill if such a section was in it, the Senate adjourned.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 4

First Session - 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, May 16. – SENATE – Mr. TRUMBULL moved to strike out the 1st section which he said was merely to lighten the punishment of treason and was unconstitutional.  He contended that this was not a confiscation bill at all. – He claimed that Congress had the power to take the property of a rebel and his life in war, but cannot bring him into court and take his property and life , under the Constitution, which provided against attainder and the taking of the property of the traitor from his heirs – yet the first section proposes as a punishment for treason to take the property of the rebels forever.

After further discussion,

Mr. DAVIS moved to amend the first section by striking out all the clauses freeing the slaves and to add a provision for the imprisonment at hard labor for not less than five nor more than twenty years.

Mr. DAVIS said he had no objection to the confiscation of slaves, if they were treated like other property, and the proceeds put into the Treasury.

Mr. CLARKE asked if Congress could allow a horse to go free if it were confiscated.

Mr. DAVIS thought not.  He thought it the duty of the Commissioners to appropriate property or use it.  He (Davis) said that the legal definition of forfeiture implied that you must take the property and use it.

After further discussion, Mr. Davis’ amendment was rejected, ayes 7, nays 31.

The question then recurred on Mr. Trumbull’s motion to strike out the first section.

Mr. LANE, of Kansas, thought it would be better to offer the original as a substitute, and not attempt to resuscitate the bill.  He (Lane,) was in favor of the original bill but if the Senate was determined to have this bill, he wanted to take it as it was.  Mr. Trumbull’s amendment was rejected, ayes 10, nays 29.

Mr. HOWARD moved to strike out the second section, which provides for the forfeiture of property and the freedom of the slaves of those who incite, engage in, or aid in the insurrection against the United States.

He spoke at some length against this section of the bill as simply mitigating the punishment of treason.  The second section was amended by inserting by imprisonment not exceeding ten years also as to make it forfeiture and imprisonment, both at the discretion of the court.

Mr. HOWARD’S amendment was rejected, 33 against 5.

Mr. SUMNER offered a substitute for the bill, which was ordered printed.

Executive session.  Adjourned till Monday.

HOUSE. – BEN WOOD had leave granted to print a speech, in which he anathematized Abolitionists, saving their chief desire is to continue the war to emancipation, while an honorable peace was within their grasp.

Private bills were then considered.

Adjourned till Monday.

WASHINGTON, May 19. – HOUSE. – Mr. BINGHAM, from the Special Committee of the House reported articles of impeachment against West H. Humphreys, Judge of the District court of the United States for the several Districts of Tennessee.  There are several separate charges in the name of the people of the United States, including gross neglect of official duty, violation of the laws, endeavoring to excite revolt and rebellion, publishing the ordinance of secession of Tennessee to absolve the people of the State from their allegiance to the United States, combining with Jeff Davis and other evil minded persons to overthrow the authority of the United States &c. and demanding that Humphreys may be put on trial to answer to the high crimes and misdemeanors charged against him and that proceedings be taken for his examination and trial as may be agreeable to law and justice. – The report was agreed to.

On motion of Mr. BINGHAM a resolution was adopted appointing five managers to conduct the impeachments and that the Senate be acquainted with the action of the House with the view of the concurrent action.

The House then went into Committee of the Whole, Washburne in the Chair, and took up the Navy Appropriation Bill.

Mr. HUTCHINS advocated the bill heretofore introduced by him to equalize and reduce the present various incongruous rates of the age.  He advocated low postage, the money order system and the abrogation of the franking privilege.

The Confiscation bill was taken up and Mr. SUMNER proceeded to speak at length in favor of the principle of confiscation and emancipation of the slaves of rebels and urging the adoption of his substitute for the bill.

Mr. RICHARDSON spoke against legislation which discourages Union Sentiment, while the effect was making to place the negro on an equality with the whites.

SENATE. – Memorials from the merchants of New York and Philadelphia asking for a general bankrupt law were presented.

Mr. GRIMES offered a resolution that the Secretary of War report to the Senate the names of persons appointed to the staffs of the different officers, where now employed, on the staff of what officers and by whose recommendation appointed.  Adopted.

Mr. GRIMES introduced a bill for the relief of rebel slaves and others, colored, who recently delivered the rebel vessel, Planter, to Commodore Dupont.

The bill provides that the Planter, with all the crop appurtenances &c., be appraised by a competent board of officers, and that one half the value thereof shall go to Robert Small[s] and his associates who assisted in the rescue of the Planter, with the provision that the Secretary of the Navy may invest in United States stocks.  Interest to be paid to Small or his heirs.  He bill was taken up and passed.

Mr. WILSON of Massachusetts called up the resolution providing for the presentation of medals of honor to enlisted men who distinguished themselves in battle.  Passed.

WASHINGTON, May 19. – HOUSE. – Various new amendments were discussed and adopted.

Forty eight thousand dollars for rent and expenses of the Naval Academy at Newport.

The bill was finally reported to the House and passed.  It appropriates about $38,000,000.

Adjourned.

SENATE. – Mr. DAVIS offered amendment to the 3d section which disqualified persons guilty of offenses named in the bill, that such persons also forfeit all claims to citizenship.  Rejected, 8 against 28.

Mr. DAVIS offered another amendment providing that all property forfeited by the bill shall be bound by all debts to loyal persons.  Rejected 12 against 26.

Mr. POWELL moved to strike out the 11th section, which authorized the President to employ and organize persons of African descent as he may deem necessary to suppress the rebellion.  Rejected, 12 against 25.

Mr. HENDERSON moved to strike out the 1st section and insert as a substitute, that any person hereafter convicted of treason shall suffer death or punishment and forfeit all property during life.

WASHINGTON, May 20. – SENATE. Messrs. HARRIS and KING presented petitions from merchants of New York for a general Bankrupt Act.

Mr. WADE presented petitions for an efficient Confiscation Act.

Mr. SUMNER gave notice that he should to-morrow call up the resolution for the expulsion of the Senator from Oregon (Starke).

Mr. McDOOGAL [sic] moved to take up the Pacific Railroad bill.

The Pacific Railroad bill was taken up, by yeas 23, nays 16.  But before the ready was finished the morning hour expired and the confiscation bill was taken up.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky proceeded to speak at length upon it.

HOUSE. – Mr. BLAKE reported from the committee on Post Offices a bill to establish certain post route and bridge partly constructed across the Ohio River abutting on the Virginia shore to be a lawful structure, a public highway, and establishes a post route for the purpose of transmitting the mails, and that the Steubenville and Indiana railroad Company and the Holiday Cave Railroad Company them, or either of them, are to have maintained and open said bridge, when completed.  Draws are to be provided for the passage of boats.

Mr. BLAKE said the bridge would not materially interfere with the navigation of the Ohio River.  The bill was then passed.

Mr. COLFAX, from the Post Office Committee, reported back the Senate bill, providing that no person by reason of color shall be disqualified from carrying the mails, with the recommendation that it do not pass.

Mr. COLFAX said that not a single person of any color, from any State, had ever petitioned for this repeal.  No postmaster General had ever recommended it.  No public opinion demanded it.  It could not only allow negroes to be mail contractors, and therefore officers of the Government but Indians and Chinese also.  It would impair the security of the mails for in some States blacks, Indians and Chinese are not allowed to testify against whites, and if robbed while in their lands we could not procure legal testimony as now against the robbers and mail carriers.  It would also release holding contractors for the employment of slaves as mail carriers for them instead of whites, whom they are now compelled to employ.  And money would thus be paid out of our post office treasury, for the labor of slaves which is now impossible.  And as this bill could not even indirectly aid in crushing out the rebellion, which he thought the main duty of Congress, or crippling the power which sustains this treasury.

A large majority of the Post Office Committee concurred with him in recommending that it do not pass.

Mr. DAWES referring to an objection stated by Mr. Colfax, inquired by way of an answer whether the latter supposed mail depredations were tried in State or United States Courts, and whether he, himself, did not assist in making the laws.

Mr. COLFAX replied that not being a lawyer he could not fully understand the matter, but he understood that in such cases, the Federal court was governed by the rules of the State in which the trials took place.

Mr. WICKLIFFE approved of the decision of the Committee.  He had been informed that this bill had been introduced into the Senate to remove the disability of distinguished men.  If the negroes were to be made aliens, we had better carry out the whole programme and in addition to making them soldiers and sailors, we had better throw open the door here and admit them as members of Congress.

Mr. COLFAX moved to lay the bill on the table, but the hour fixed for the consideration of the confiscation bill having arrived, the vote goes over until to-morrow.

Mr. ELLIOT, Chairman of the Select committee, who reported the Confiscation bills, said the war originated in the rebel States, and is carried on by rebel citizens against the Government of the United States.  This is precisely the character of the war.  Appropriate legislation may soon be demanded concerning the Rebel States.  These bills concern the property not the per[sons] of the Rebels and Congress may make the property of the Rebels aid in paying the expenses incurred in crushing the rebellion.  The lands owned by the Rebels are used for carrying on the war and their unwilling slaves are made to toil that our Government may be overthrown.  Their lands and slaves are made instruments for carrying on the war.  Deprive them of these and the war must come to an end and our immense debt balked of increase.

The rebels owe $30,000,000.  Every dollar of that debt has been confiscated by their Government – repudiated by rebel debtors to whose honor the constituents  of the gentleman trusted.  He repeated that as slaves are being used by the traitors they should be confiscated.  As the pending bills proposed, these were as much enemy’s property as if they owed allegiance to a foreign power.

Mr. ELLIOTT supported his remarks by legal arguments.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

From Port Royal

NEW YORK, May 17 – The steamer Atlantic from Port Royal the 14^th has arrived.  Among the passengers are Gen. Gilmore, who commanded at the reduction of Fort Pulaski.

The steamer Planter has arrived from Charleston runaway with by a contraband pilot and crew.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

A Daring Exploit by Contrabands

UNITED STATES STEAMSHIP AUGUSTA,

OFF CHARLESTON, May 13, 1862.

SIR:  I have the honor to inform you that the Rebel armed steamer Planter was brought out to us this morning and delivered up to this squadron.  Five colored women and three children are also on board.  She carried one 32-pounder howitzer, and has also on board four large guns which she was engaged in transporting.  I send her to Port Royal at once in order to take advantage of the present good weather.  I send Charleston papers of the 12^th and the very intelligent contraband who was in charge will give you the information which he has brought off.  I have the honor to request that you will send back as soon as convenient the officer and crew on board.

Commander Dupont, in forwarding this dispatch, says, in relations to the Rebel steamer Planter: She was the armed dispatch and transportation steamer attached to the Engineer Department at Charleston under Brigadier General Ripley, whose bark a short time since was bro’t to the blockading fleet by several contrabands.  The bringing out of this steamer, under all the circumstances, would have done credit to any one.  At 4 in the morning, in the absence of the Captain, who was on shore, she left her wharf, close to the Government office and headquarters with the Palmetto and “Confederate” flags flying, passed the successive forts, saluting, as usual, by blowing the steam-whistle.  After getting beyond the range of the range of the last gun, she hauled down the Rebel flags, and hoisted a white one.  The Onward was the inside ship of the blockading squadron in the main channel, and was preparing to fire when the commander made out the white flag.

The armament of the steamer is a 32-pounder or pivot, and a fine 24-pounder howitzer.  She has besides, on her deck, four other guns, one 7-inch, rifled, which were to be taken on the morning of the escape to the new fort on the middle ground.  One of the four belonged to Fort Sumter, and had been struck in the Rebel attack on the fort on the muzzle.  Robert Small, the intelligent slave and pilot of the boat, who performed this bold feat so skillfully, informed me of this fact, presuming it would be a matter of interest to us to have possession of this gun.  This man, Robert Small, is superior to any who have come into our lines, intelligent as many of them have been.  His information has been most interesting and portions of it of the utmost importance.

The steamer is a quite valuable acquisition to the squadron, by her good machinery and very light draft.  The officer in charge brought her through St. Helena Sound and by the inland passage down Beaufort River arriving here at 10 o’clock last night.  On board the steamer when she left Charleston, were eight men, five women, and three children.  I shall continue to employ Small as a pilot on board the Planter, for inland waters, with which he appears to be very familiar.

I do not know whether, in the views of the government, the vessel will be considered a prize; but if so, I respectfully submit to the department the claims of the man Small, and his associates.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. F. DUPONT,

Flag Officer Commanding, &c

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