Diary of Gideon Welles: Monday, January 19, 1863

Sent a letter to the two naval committees on the subject of filling vacancies in the Naval School. Members of Congress are disposed to evade all responsibility, and yet to carp at and criticize those of us who under imperious public necessity are compelled to act. The school should be full now if ever. I propose to fill it. The Members individually with few exceptions urge it. I ask them to give me at least the expression of their official, Senatorial opinion, but they shrink.

Received a telegraphic dispatch from Admiral Porter via Cairo of the capture of Dunnington and force at Arkansas Post. It is dated the 11th of January, — a long and protracted transit.

Baldwin of the Vanderbilt came up to-day from Hampton Roads, where he arrived yesterday from an unsuccessful cruise for the Alabama, his vessel having been detained by Wilkes, which defeated the Department's plan.

There are rumors of the movement of the army at Falmouth. Incipient steps have doubtless been taken, but the storm has retarded operations.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 224-5

Brigadier-General Benjamin F. Butler to Captain Blake, April 24, 1861

Headquarters, ANNAPOLIs, MARYLAND, April 24th, 1861

Capt. BLAKE

DEAR SIR: Of all the disasters of the unhappy state of public affairs I reckon it not the least that we have been obliged to interrupt so permanently the efficiency of the Naval School at Annapolis. That as little harm as possible may be done I shall give directions that all assignments of quarter shall be made by Captain Rodgers, and will most fully coöperate with him in the preservation of the public property.

Faithfully your friend,

B. F. B.

SOURCE: Jessie Ames Marshall, Editor, Private and Official Correspondence of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler During the Period of the Civil War, Volume 1: April 1860 – June 1862, p. 35-6

Major H. Adams Ames to Governor John A. Andrew, April 23, 1861

PERRYVILLE, April 23, 1861

To His Excellency Gov. JNo. A. ANDREw, Commander in Chief

I HAVE just returned from Annapolis, whither I repaired yesterday to learn the exact situation of the 8th regiment under Genl. Butler, and to carry supplies and provisions. I found Genl. Butler engaged in the most energetic prosecution of his plans for opening communication with Washington, in which he had been delayed from various causes. He had only time to spare from his pressing duties before my return, to write you the following dispatch:

To His Excellency, JoHN A. ANDREw

“I have brought the regiment entrusted to me safely here. I believe we have had but one man sick. We have landed at Annapolis. Have full possession of the town, and are gathering in means of transportation to Washington. We have the railroad in our possession. The troops of Massachusetts have done good service, and are worthy of all praise. Major Ames will telegraph more in detail.”

The regiment left Havre de Grace for Annapolis in steamer for transportation troops at six P.M. Saturday, April 20th. Arrived late at night, when secret measures were taken to ascertain the condition of the town. A plot to take possession of the United States Ship Constitution, moored at the wharf of the naval academy, by the secessionists was discovered, and Capt. Devereaux of Salem was detailed with his company to repair on board, & she was towed some five miles out of the town. Sunday, the ferry boat unfortunately got aground, and the troops were obliged to remain on board until this morning, when they effected a landing with the seventh regiment of N. York, which had in the meantime arrived. The Secessionists were preparing to erect a battery, which they were prevented from doing. This morning, hearing of the threatened slave insurrection, Genl. Butler tendered the forces under command to Governor Hicks for its suppression. He is now most vigorously engaged in pushing forward advanced parties toward Washington, returning the rails which were displaced, and will, on the arrival of the troops expected tonight via. N. York, be fully prepared to keep and maintain open communication between Washington and Annapolis. In the meantime, troops are pouring in from Harrisburg to Havre de Grace, now in possession of Penn. troops. And they will, after today, be transported in large numbers to Annapolis, steamers for that service having been sent there from Phil.

I am preparing, by request of Genl. Butler, from data furnished by him, a more detailed account of the doings of the 8th regiment which I will forward you by mail. The troops are in excellent condition and spirits. I am hurrying back to Phil. for future supplies, as well as for cannon and men to fortify and garrison the fort in Annapolis.

H. ADAMs AMEs, Major, Acting Adjt. Com. in Chief

SOURCE: Jessie Ames Marshall, Editor, Private and Official Correspondence of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler During the Period of the Civil War, Volume 1: April 1860 – June 1862, p. 29-30

Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, August 16, 1862

With the President an hour or two this A.M., selecting candidates from a large number recommended for midshipmen at the naval school.

Finished a set of instructions for our naval officers in matters relating to prize captures and enforcing the blockade. Mr. Seward sent me a few days since in the name of the President some restraining points on which he wished the officers to be instructed, but I was convinced they would work injury. Have toned down and modified his paper, relieved it of its illegal features, added one or two precautionary points and sent the document to the State Department for criticism and suggestions.

Mem. It may be well, if I can find time, to get up a complete set of instructions, defining the points of international and statute law which are disputed or not well understood.

Have a long telegram from Wilkes, who informs me that the army has left, and asking for instructions what to do now that McClellan has gone. I have not been advised of army movements by either the Secretary of War or General Halleck. Both are ready at all times to call for naval aid, but are almost wholly neglectful of the Navy and of their own duties in regard to it, as in this instance.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 82-3

Diary of Josiah M. Favill: Tuesday, April 23, 1861

I LEFT home at 7 A. M., satchel in hand, crossed the ferry, and soon arrived at the armory. It was already filled with men of the regiment receiving their arms and equipments. We were furnished with a Springfield musket, bayonet, cartridge-box, cap-pouch, haversack, and blanket. Our new uniform were not ready, and so the greater part of the regiment appeared in every-day clothes and hats. Every company had a few regularly equipped men, however, so that we had some little military appearance. The greatest difficulty was an absence of knapsacks, which necessitated carrying valises, a very awkward arrangement, giving us more the appearance of a lot of emigrants than a regiment of soldiers.

About two hours after I joined every man had been furnished with all there was for him, and we were standing for the first time shoulder to shoulder in the ranks. The roll was called, and all present mustered into the state's service. Immediately afterwards we marched downstairs into Bond Street, wheeled into column by platoons, and marched into and then down Broadway to Cortlandt Street, thence to pier 4, North River, where we embarked on board the steamship R. R. Cuyler.

On reaching the street from our armory we found ourselves almost unable to move on account of the enormous crowd, a magnificent crowd too, overflowing with enthusiastic loyalty and good nature, filling the air with endless cheers and patriotic songs; there were many, too, who shed tears, — mothers, wives, sweethearts, sisters, who were seemingly alone fearful of results. I felt very sorry for many of them. It is easy for us, amidst constant excitement and ever-varying circumstances, to keep our spirits up, but to these poor women at home, who can only wait, it must be very trying.

As the head of the column turned down Broadway it was confronted by a dense mass of humanity, filling the street from side to side. The doors, windows, and roofs of every building on Broadway and those adjoining, commanding a view of the line of march, were jammed with crowds of people waving handkerchiefs and flags, and cheering with all their might and main. At the corners of some of the streets were steam fire-engines tooting their whistles, and everywhere myriads of starry banners fluttering in the breeze. The police, gradually and with much difficulty, forced a passage through this immense crowd, and we followed marching to the music of our splendid band, amid the yells and cheers of the ever-increasing multitudes. They not only cheered and sang and shook hands and hugged us, but filled us up with every imaginable thing; as we were obliged to halt every few minutes, they closed in amongst us and delayed our progress sadly. We were nearly three hours in marching from Astor Place to Cortlandt Street, and on account of our baggage, very much fatigued. Individually, I got along very well, wearing a uniform frock coat, and carrying all that I had wrapped in a rubber blanket strapped to my back. Most of the men, however, carried valises in their hands. At last we reached the dock and marched directly on board the ship. She had capacity for about three hundred souls; we mustered eleven hundred in all ,and hardly managed to find standing room. However, we got on board, and very shortly afterwards the vessel's lines were cast off, the whistle blew, and the good ship left her dock and headed down the stream amid the most tremendous cheering, yelling, and screeching one can possibly imagine.

The docks and vessels in the vicinity were crowded with people, many of whom amused themselves bombarding the ship with oranges; myriads of handkerchiefs and small flags and lusty arms waved us an affectionate good-bye, and amidst this glorious and magnificent send-off, we steamed away and were soon well down the lower bay, our destination unknown, except that we were to meet the enemies of our country. We go forward in a great cause, confident of victory, delighted with the surroundings, and happy in the knowledge that the whole city we leave behind us look upon us as their representatives, and will diligently look after our necessities while we look after the enemy.

On Tuesday morning we came to an anchor, and were told the ship was off the Naval Academy at Annapolis, on the Chesapeake Bay. Our experience the past two days has been most unpleasant. The ship is outrageously crowded from deck to keelson; towards evening of the first day out the wind began to blow, increasing until midnight, when it blew a gale and rain fell in torrents. Those of us who were quartered on deck got promptly soaked through, and as a rule were horribly seasick, with no conveniences, and packed literally like sardines in a box; the state of affairs may readily be imagined by one who has been to sea, but it is difficult to describe. Seasickness is a dreadful leveler of rank and destroyer of the ordinary amenities of life; every one is indifferent to the wants of others and utterly without sympathy. There were a few facetious fellows, too gross to feel the effects of the rolling of the ship themselves, who took a fiendish delight in dangling pieces of fat pork from the end of a string in the faces of those less gross, and this little pleasantry usually succeeded in producing the desired effect. There were many of us who wished more than once that we had never been born.

At 5 P. M. the first day out we fell in for dinner, struggled up to the galley, and there received a chunk of salt pork and large slice of bread, which we ate standing, bread in one hand, meat in the other. My piece of meat had a large bone in it, and smelt so badly that I threw it overboard to the fishes, and ate the bread alone. As the wind was freshening every minute, and the ship beginning to roll suspiciously, my appetite was not of the best, and later on entirely disappeared. Monday the wind went down and it stopped raining, but we did not get dried out, and as we had no shelter, were much the worse for want of sleep. There is not much romance about this, certainly, but we are beginning to get experience.

This morning, Tuesday, we found ourselves in company with five other vessels, all packed with troops similar to our own, convoyed by a small cutter called the Harriet Lane, a handsome craft carrying a couple of guns, and regular man-of-war crew. She is ready for action and looks quite warlike. About nine o'clock we anchored, rations were issued, including hot coffee, the band shook themselves together and played some stirring airs, and as the sun came out just about this time, we soon forgot our little troubles and became thoroughly interested in the magnificent view around us. The bay was smooth as glass, all the ships were gay with bunting, and crowds of armed men were mustering on every deck, while their bands were playing, sending their martial strains far over the silvery surface of the placid waters. Surely this is a small but beautiful picture of glorious war that we have dreamed of so much. Some time afterwards a tug boat came puffing along, and reported to the officer commanding the Lane that the rebels were reported in force ashore, intending to dispute our landing. In consequence the Lane steamed in towards shore, guns shotted and run out; when she got pretty close she lowered boats, armed with howitzers and marines, and sent them in to land and reconnoiter the town. We knew Maryland was a questionable state, being about evenly divided in its sympathies, and, consequently, were greatly interested in the outcome of the present affair. If they proved friendly, our chances would be greatly improved; on the contrary, if they opposed our landing, the capital might be in serious danger. After a good deal of delay and manoeuvering, the boat's crews landed, finding nobody to oppose them. This was signaled to the Lane, when our ship was immediately ordered to weigh anchor, go in and disembark the regiment. We got aground, and were transferred to the steamer Boston, and then landed at the Naval Academy docks. The Academy we found deserted, the students scattered, and only a few men in charge. We stacked arms, broke ranks, and received rations, coffee, meat (the same old salt pork), and bread, but we did not confine ourselves to this diet; the grounds swarmed with negroes, men and women, who had for sale, in abundance, eggs, pies, butter, and milk; we soon bought them out, and for the first time since leaving home fared sumptuously. We appreciated it immensely, not yet being used to hard living and roughing it, and miss our regular meals prodigiously.

There were no white persons in the camp, nor any white men in town; all had disappeared, the negroes say, to join the rebel army. We remained overnight for want of transportation for the quartermaster's department, and were quartered in some of the many class-rooms. We heard various rumors about the doings of the rebels in this neighborhood, and since dark have seen many blue lights and rockets in the air, no doubt signals to warn their friends of our arrival; we conclude rail traffic between here and Washington is destroyed, from the reports of the negroes, and that we shall have to march, instead of going by train, as was expected; and possibly have to fight, if, as is reported, some organized rebel troops are in the neighborhood. Marching in the condition we are in, loaded down with satchels, bundles, etc., is going to be very tiresome. It is nearly thirty miles to the junction, the place we must reach before we can go by rail.

SOURCE: Josiah Marshall Favill, The Diary of a Young Officer, p. 15-9

Senator James W. Grimes to a Midshipman at the Naval Academy, October 28, 1862

Burlington, October 28, 1862.

I have received your letter, and by the same mail one from H––. In the pressure of my business I must make this letter answer as the acknowledgment of both. I watch with a great deal of solicitude the progress that the Iowa boys are making at the Naval School. I am as anxious as your parents are that you should each and every one of you succeed and be ornaments of your profession. I shall hail your success with delight. But you all use one expression that I do not like. You speak of your anxiety and your desire to “keep up” with your class. You ought to set your mark higher than that. You should aim not only to “keep up,” but to keep ahead of your class, you should lead and not follow. Be satisfied with no rank in your class below the first. You should strive for that position — not merely for the honor of it, that should be a secondary consideration — but because the habits, methods, and discipline, that will be necessary to enable you to take that high rank will prepare you for future successes through life, and will inspire you with a noble ambition to occupy distinguished positions, and the ability to fill them creditably to yourself and your friends.

You are all blessed with good constitutions. You can safely submit to the confinement and labor that will be required of you. You all have the requisite natural capacity. Nothing is necessary to complete success at the Academy but indomitable energy and perseverance. I do not expect too much of you in the outset. I have told your parents that they must be satisfied with a low report the first month from each of you, but that if you have proper application to study, the firm resolution to please them, and honor yourselves, your monthly reports will grow better and better. Remember that you are now laying the foundations of your whole course. Skip nothing; understand thoroughly all that you go over; and your future studies will become comparatively easy. Remember, my dear boys, that I have a deep interest in you, I desire your welfare. I hope you will each give me further cause to be proud of our noble State of Iowa. May God bless you all who claim Iowa as your home!

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 219-20

Senator James W. Grimes to Captain Samuel F. Du Pont, June 14, 1862

Washington, June 14, 1862.

Your letter in behalf of two officers in your squadron is at hand.  . . . The difficulty arises from the displacement of those who have been continuously in the service, and the apparent impossibility of stopping restorations with a few of the most worthy ones. About a score of them have been before us, and the Senate has finally disposed of the matter. The officer who in my opinion has the least merit, was the only one who was strongly urged and insisted upon; all the others were made to hang upon the decision in his case. This would not have been fair (though I told the Senate what my opinion was on the subject), had not the question been decided squarely upon its real merits, viz., whether any one ought to be restored, who had resigned and gone into civil life, if the restoration would injure those who had remained all of the time in the service. It is doubtless true that the result was influenced by the fact that we have been besieged during the session by persons in the interest of those who seek to be restored, and whose names would probably have been sent to us, had we acted favorably upon those who were sent in. The number in favor of confirmation was very small indeed, not half a dozen; but you will understand that this decision was not predicated at all upon the merits of the officers themselves.

You are misinformed as to the action of the Senate on the vote of thanks to Farragut's fleet-officers. The President sent two recommendations, one embracing Farragut and his officers and men, which the committee advised the Senate to adopt, and it was adopted; and the other, recommending a vote of thanks to the commander of each vessel, specifying each officer by name. This last the committee has not acted upon, and will probably take no notice of.

We have just had the naval bill under consideration. I had put on amendments:

1. Abolishing spirit-ration after 1st September, and allowing no spirituous liquors to be carried on board, save for medical stores, and giving each man five cents per day in lieu of it.

2. Making board of visitors at Naval Academy a mixed commission from civil and naval life, and making an appropriation for mileage, as in the case of the Military Academy.

3. Authorizing ten naval cadets to be appointed each year, to be selected from the sons of officers and men in the military and naval profession, who have distinguished themselves.

4. Giving commodore's secretary fifteen hundred dollars per annum and one ration. And sundry other amendments in which you probably take no particular interest.

We hope to leave here soon. I shall hope to hear from you often at my Western home.

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 200-1

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

Washington News

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18. – The Nomination of Gen. Grant to be Major General was sent into the Senate to-day.  He will be confirmed.

President Lincoln’s boy is still in a critical condition.

The bill which the territorial committee of both Houses are maturing, will organized the rebel country into free territories, on the principle that by the rebellion these States committed suicide and that with them their local laws and peculiar institutions have died.

Mr. Faulkner said in a speech last week at Martinsburg, that rebellion was a failure and advised his hearers to make the best possible terms with the government of the United Sates.

Congress has passed a joint resolution instructing Commissioner French to illuminate the public buildings in honor of the recent victories.

On Saturday evening an illumination of private buildings will probably be requested as a means of distinguishing loyal from disloyal citizens.

In a speech in Stark’s case, Carlisle of Va., to-day foreshadowed a pro-slavery policy in the treatment of the rebel States, saying the Senate must receive persons duly accredited hereafter by the Legislature of Mississippi, even if they have been in arms against the Government.  It is coming to be generally hoped that Carlisle will thus be obliged to give his seat back to Mason.

Secretary Stanton has recently said that the victory at Fort Donelson is due to Gen. Halleck who planned, to the President who recognized, and to Gen. Grant who executed the campaign.

Noah L. Wilson, President of the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad is here and says the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad is expected to be open within thirty days.

Very few private flags have been displayed in Washington for our late victories.

An order was issued to-day at the request of the entire Indiana delegation to terminate the furlough under which Capt. Hazzard of the army was allowed to serve as Colonel of the 37^th Indiana Volunteers.  He is charged with tyranny to his troops.

Schuyler Colfax has sent $100 to Quartermaster Pierce at Paducah to be expended for the relief os soldiers wounded at Ft. Donelson.

Capt. Carven in command of the Tuscarora is not like other captains who have pursued rebel privateers.  If he catches the Nashville he will blow her out of the water, avoiding a capture if possible.

A subscription is on foot at Alexandria among the women for the purchase of a flag to be presented to Farnsworth’s Illinois Cavalry regiment.

The bill reported from the Naval Committee of the House, framed after consultation with Assistant Secretary Fox, provides for ten grades of naval officers.  Five Flag Officers, eighteen Commodores, one hundred and forty-four Lieutenants.  Commodores, Lieutenants and Masters’ boards to recommend for promotion or retirement.  Flag Officers to be appointed only if they shall have received the thanks of Congress upon the President’s recommendation for services in battle; after receiving some honor the temporary appointment is to be made permanent and men and officers advanced; appointments to the naval academy will be two by each Congressman from the five best scholars in his district, and ten at large each year by the President from orphans of soldiers or sailors who have died in battle; senators are to appoint for any rebel districts, each in proportion to the quota of troops from his State, from orphans of soldiers or sailors killed in battle.

Senator Harris introduced a bill to-day making rebels outlaws so far as civil rights are concerned.  The fact of the plaintiffs treason to be a complete defense in bar of any action.

Mr. Trumbull’s confiscation bill is the special order in the Senate tomorrow.

Gen. Grant will not be confirmed as Maj. Gen. until his official report of the battle has been received.

The Senate District of Columbia committee to-day summoned no witnesses to investigate the truth of the allegations in deputy jailor Duvall’s letter relative to barbarities practiced within the jail on an alleged fugitive slave.

Col. McConnell of the inchoate and considerably mythical 3d Maryland regiment of volunteers has at least been mustered out of the service.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

XXXVIIth Congress - First Session

WASHINGTON, March 13.

SENATE. – Mr. Davis asked that the case of Mr. Powell be taken up, as the legislature were in session and would like to have the case settled.  He subsequently withdrew the request.

Mr. Dixon offered a resolution that the committee on naval affairs be instructed to inquire what is necessary to be done in regard to John Davis, whose distinguished bravery has been brought to the notice of the Government by the report of Com. Dupont.  The resolution was adopted.

Mr. Kennedy offered a resolution that the Secretary of Navy inform the Senate by what law the Naval Academy was removed to Newport, R. I., and the reasons for such removal, and whether such reasons still exist.

The resolution expressing the thanks of Congress to Capt. A. H. Foote, his officers and men, of the western flotilla, was taken up.

Mr. Grimes spoke in its favor.  The resolution was passed.

The resolution of thanks to Lieut. Worden, and the officers and seamen of the Monitor, was then taken up and passed.

HOUSE. – Mr. Duell introduced a joint resolution, which was passed, tendering the thanks of Congress to Gen. Curtis and the officers and men under his command, for the late brilliant victory in Arkansas, and sincerely sympathizing with the relatives and friends of the officers, who so bravely fell at New Pea Ridge.

The House in committee of the whole then resumed the consideration of the tax bill.

Mr. Richardson, of Ill., moved an amendment providing that two per cent. of the whole revenue derived from the bill shall be set apart for the purpose of buying, or obtaining by treaty, certain territory outside the limits of the Union, on which to colonize free blacks, and for the payment of expenses of transportation thereto.

After some debate the first section of the bill was amended, by giving the commissioner of internal revenues the franking privilege.

A proposition to collect the Federal taxes though State machinery was for a long time discussed.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 1

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

THE WAR NEWS

A New Military Bill.

Sea and Lake Fortifications – Armories and Arsenals – Improvement in the Military and Naval Academies.

Officers Dismissed of Negligence

A Brilliant Affair at Elizabeth City.

RUMORED RESIGNATION OF SECRETARY WELLS [sic] DENIED.

Opening of the Mail Letting Proposals.

AFFAIRS IN MEXICO.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 24.

The bill reported from the committee on military affairs authorizes and requires the President to convene a board, to consist of two officers of the corps of engineers, one ordnance officer, one of artillery, two of the navy, and two members selected for their scientific and practical attainments, and an officer of the corps of engineers as secretary; whose duty it shall be to examine and consider our system of sea-coast and lake fortifications, with special reference to such changes as may be recommended by the commission, to be commenced and prosecuted without the previous assent of Congress.

The bill further provides that the amount appropriated at this session for fortifications shall be expended under the directions of the President upon such defensive works as shall be recommended by the commission, and authorizes the President to accept any sums of money advanced or loaned by the several States for the construction of defensive works in the protection of the State upon such terms as shall be agreed upon between the proper authorities.

The board is also required to examine and consider the propriety of constructing a navy yard and depot on the northern lakes, and a foundry for heavy ordnance; also an armory and arsenal of constructions west of the Alleghanies [sic]; and for additional arsenals of deposit and repair, and shall, subject to the approval of the President, locate the same at such points as shall from purely military considerations appear best for the defence of the country.

The bill also provides that there shall be added to the number of cadets, at both the military and naval academies, a number equal to the present number allowed by the existing laws in those schools, to be selected one from each Congressional district and territory by the academy board, from among the applicants best qualified; provided the number added shall have their [expense] paid by parents or guardians, who shall be required to deposit with the superintendent of the academy each year the amount of money estimated to meet the expense of that year. The cadets to be subject to all the rules and regulations established from time to time for the government of said academies.


Tribune’s Special

WASINGTON, April 23.

Horace Maynard, who returned form Tennessee and took his seat, declares himself in favor of a stringent confiscation act against the rebels. Several other Border State men will support one.

The Senate Committee on Territories has instructed its chairman to report a bill identical with that reported to the House by Mr. Ashley, organizing the Territory of Arizona. On section extends the Wilmot Proviso over every Territory now organized.

The following has been issued:

WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, April 15.

General Order No. 40.

The Secretary of war has observed with some surprise that the commanders of one or two military departments, conceiving themselves empowered to do so, have undertaken to accept the resignation of and otherwise discharge from the service of the U. S., officers commissioned or appointed by the President in the volunteer staff of the army. All such discharges are irregular, and unless confirmed by the President, are void of effect. None but the President can discharge an officer appointed by himself, and as he has not delegated this power to any General, no General must attempt to exercise it. By order of the Secretary of War.

(Signed,) L. THOMAS, Adjt. Gen.


By general orders issued from the War Department, Adjutant General’s office, April 18th, by direction of the President, Brigade surgeon J. H. Thompson, U. S. volunteers, is dismissed from the service as an alarmist, on the recommendation of his commanding General., Maj. Gen. Burnside. On the recommendation of Brig. Gen. Sherman, commanding the second army corps, approved by Maj. Gen. McClellan, commanding the army of the Potomac, Major Van Steinhouse, Capt. Batlicher and Capt. Camp, 68th regiment New York volunteers, Lieut. Lombard, Battalion Adjutant of the 8th Illinois, and assistant Surgeon Williams, 1st New York artillery, are stricken form the rolls of the army, for being captured by the enemy while straggling without authority beyond the outposts of the army, March 29th, 1862.

The headquarters of Lieut. Col. Hoffman, 8th Infantry, Commissary General of Prisoners, is transferred from New York city to Detroit Michigan.

This morning the Senate military committee passed upon several nominations. Among those reported for confirmation were Gen. Shields, to be Major General, and Col. Crittenden, of Kentucky, to be Brigadier General.

Horatio King, Buchanan’s Postmaster General, was nominated to-day as a commissioner of the District emancipation act in place of ex-mayor Berrett.


Times’ Special.

WASHINGTON, April 23.

An officer of artillery, who arrived in town to-night, from near Warrenton Junction, reports the rebels in strong force on the south bank of the Rappahannock, in the direction of Gordonsville.

Gen. Estell is said to be at the crossing of the river where the railroad bridge was burned, with 500 men.

Gen. W. Smith is at Gordonsville, strongly entrenched, with 30,000 men, and Gen. Jackson crossing the river from the Shenandoah valley to unite 8,000 there to the force, making a total column of 46,000 men. If the figures are reliable, we are in sufficient force in fromt of Manassas to managed this rebel army.

I am assured by a gentleman of this city, whose position brings him in business contact with M. Mercier, that his mission had reference only to a large amount of valuable tobacco belonging to the French government. The property is known as the Belmont tobacco. While there, it is said that M. Mercier has undoubtedly examined somewhat into the condition of the bogus Confederacy, in order to report to the Emperor the true condition of things.

Capt. Cutting, of Gen. Burnside’s staff, arrived here to-day with dispatches to the government. He states that General Reno commanded the national forces at the late Reconnoisance to Elizabeth City.

Capt. Cutting gives the following particulars of the affair on the 17th inst:

Gen. Reno left Newbern and proceeded to Elizabeth City where a strong rebel force was reported to be entrenching themselves on Saturday. An advance was made upon the rebels. The enemy opened fire with artillery as soon as our troops made their appearance, and from all appearances supposed they had us in a trap of our own making. Our troops immediately formed and charged on the enemy, who ran at the first fire. We then immediately took possession of the town and after remaining a few hours returned to the main army.

Our force was about 2000 under General Reno, and three boat howitzers under Col. Howard. The force of the rebels consisted of a Georgia regiment of 1100 men, a portion of Wise’s Legion and batteries of artillery.

The enemy was totally routed, with a loss of about 60 men. Our loss is about 12 killed and 48 wounded.

Col. Hawkins, of the N. Y. Zuaves, received a slight flesh wound I the arm. – His adjutant was reported killed.

Information received from Union sources is; that guns of the national forces under Gen. Burnside, wee probably opened on Fort Macon, yesterday or to-day.

Gen. Park Commanded our forces.

At a Republican caucus held to-night at the Capitol, about fifty members were present. Mr. Colfax in the chair, and Mr. McPherson Secretary.

A general debate ensued on the confiscation bill, in which Messrs. Straus, Blair, Covode, Hickman, Allen and others participated. The discussion was somewhat of the character of that which has recently taken place in the House. The sense of the caucus seemed to be in favor of discriminating against the leading rebels, in the confiscation of all kinds of property. – It was unanimously agreed to refer all the bills pending in the House to a select committee of seven members, as moved to-day by Representative Olin.


Special Dispatch to the Herald.

A change in the Navy Department has been positively determined upon. The President is waiting only to fix upon the individual who is to fill the place of Secretary of the Navy. Gen. Banks, Judge Davis, of Ill., and Gov. Sprague, R. I., are each strongly urged for this distinction, but the selection has not yet been made.

WASHINGTON, April 24.

At noon to-day was commenced the announcement of the decisions on the proposals for conveying the mails on the Pacific coast, in the West, Northwest, &c. A large number of bidders were in attendance at the P. O. Department.

The proposals for the Pacific coast are very much higher than formerly and those for Kentucky and Missouri are considerably advanced, owing doubtless, to the military disturbances in those States; while in Indiana, Illinois and other States, the rates are lower.

In all, the number of routes is about 2,800, averaging ten bids for each. The sum total of the offers for the entire lettings is about equal to that of four years ago for similar service.


Special to Post.

The sensation story in the Philadelphia Enquirer of this A. M., to the effect that Secretary Welles is to be removed, is essentially untrue. This I learn on good authority. I also learn that Mr. Welles some time since tendered his resignation to the President, but it was not accepted. – Probably this circumstance has given rise to the rumor of an immediate change in the Cabinet. All the current reports of the removal of Mr. Welles are destitute of foundation.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 2

Washington News

WASHINGTON, April 23 – The Bill reported from the Committee on Military Affairs, authorizes and requires the President to convene a board to consist of two officers of the corps of Engineers, one ordnance, one artillery officer, two officers of the Navy, two members selected by reason of their scientific and practical attainments, and an officer of the corps of engineers as secretary, whose duty it shall be to examine and consider our system of sea coast and land fortifications, with special reference to such changes as may be recommended by the Commission, to be commenced and prosecuted with out the previous assent of Congress.

The bill further provides that the amount appropriated at this session for fortifications, shall be expended under the direction of the President upon such defensive works as shall be recommended by the Commission, and authorizes the President to accept any sums of money, loaned or advanced by the several States, for the construction of defensive works for the protection of the States making such loans, upon such terms as shall be agreed on between the proper authorities.

The board is also required to examine and consider the propriety of constructing a Navy Yard and depot on the northern lakes – of a foundry for heavy ordnance, and also an armory and arsenal of construction west of the Allegheny mountains, and for an additional arsenal of deposit and repairs, and shall, subject to the approval of the President, locate the same at such points, as shall, from purely military considerations, appear best for the defence of the country.

The bill also provides that there shall be added to the number of cadets, of both the military and naval academies, a number equal to the present number allowed by the existing laws in those schools, to be selected one from each Congressional District and Territories, by the Academy board, from among such applicants as shall apply for admission, and who upon examination, shall be deemed best qualified; provided the number added shall have their expenses defrayed by their parents or guardians, who shall be required to deposit with the Superintendents of the Academies, each year, the estimated amount of money necessary to pay all expenses for one year, the cadets being subject to all the rules and regulations established from time to time, for the government of said Academies.

Horace Maynard, who returned from Tennessee and took his seat to-day, has declared himself in favor of a stringent confiscation act against the rebels. Several other border state members will support one.

The Senate Committee on Territories have instructed its Chairman to report a bill identical with that reported in the House by Mr. Ashby, organizing the Territory of Arizona. One section extends the Wilmot Proviso over every Territory now organized.

The following has been issued from the War Department.


ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, April 15.

GENERAL ORDER NO. 40

The Secretary of War has observed with some surprise that the commanders of one or two military departments, considering themselves empowered to do so, have undertaken to accept the resignations and otherwise discharge from the service of the United States, officers commissioned or appointed by the President on the volunteer staff of the army, all such discharges are irregular, and unless confirmed by the President are of no effect. None but the President can discharge an officer appointed by himself, and, as he has not delegated this power to any General, no General must attempt to exercise it.

By order of the Secretary of War.
(Signed.) L. THOMAS, Adjutant General, &c.


By General Orders issued from the War Department, Adjutant General’s Office, April 18, by the direction of the President, Brigade Surgeon, J. H. Thompson, U. S. Volunteers, is dismissed from the service as an alarmist, on the recommendation of his commanding General, Major General Burnside. On the recommendation of Brigadier General Sumner, commanding 2d Army Corp, approved by Major-General McClellan, commanding the Army of the Potomac, Major Van Seemhan, Capt. Botlicker, and Capt. Camp, 68th Regiment New York Volunteers, Lieut. Lombard, Battalion Adjutant, 2th [sic] Illinois Cavalry, and Assistant Surgeon Williams, 1st New York Artillery, are stricken from the rolls of the army for being captured by the enemy while straggling, without authority, beyond the outposts of the army, March 29th, 1862.

The headquartes of Lieut.-Col. Wm. Hoffman, 8th Infantry, Commissary of Prisoners, is transferred from New York City to Detroit, Michigan.

This morning the Senate Military Committee passed upon several nominations. Among those reported for confirmations was Gen. Shields, to be Major-General, and Col. Crittenden, of Kentucky, to be Brigadier-General.

Horatio King, Buchanan’s Postmaster General, was nominated to-day as Commissioner under the District Emancipation act, in the place of ex-mayor Berrett.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3