Flag Officer Samuel F. Dupont to Gustavus V. Fox, May 31, 1862

Private & Confidential 

'Wabash’ Port Royal 

June 1” 1862 

My Dear Sir

An order from Col. Harris came last night detaching Major Doughty from this ship. It had the approval of the Secretary and of course was put in immediate execution and the Major leaves in the morning.

But I have never seen this process before, and it belongs to that system of assumption of authority by the Heads of different departments to withdraw their members from the immediate control and direction of the Secretary of the Navy, a feature which has always given our Department an advantage over that of the Dept. of War. This control of the Secretary and the prestige pertaining to it, is in a measure transmitted to those who represent him on service, whether Flag Officers or Commanding Officers—and that is just where these innovations strike with a bad effect.

The approval of the Secretary, so natural for him to give, is immediately converted into an approval of the system itself, and I suppose the Chiefs of the bureaus will soon order and detach paymasters, Surgeons, Engineers, &c. It is a system of “disintegration,” building up kingdoms within a kingdom, and if not arrested will cause all to crumble some day like a brick wall, from which the mortar has been insidiously abstracted.

If this has been the usage heretofore—then please consider that I have said nothing as the French term it; but I never heard of it and it struck me unpleasantly.

I forgot to mention yesterday that the rough Cutlass in the box I spoke of was also from the Planter.

I have had her appraised by competent officers, who have fixed her value at $9000. I think the guns I sent to New York ought to be added—will you ask the Commandant of the Yard to have them appraised by the Ord. Officers?

Last night heard of Banks' affair—it will do good like Bull Run—two ships detained here with troops on board that I want elsewhere after pretending to hurry us. In case any change should be made of Gen Hunter, which I hope not, I implore that — be not left here in chf command. I say this for no personal feeling, but from the utter incompatibility of the man to fill such a place—this entre nous, tear this up.

Yrs faithfully 

S. F. DP.

SOURCE: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright, Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865, Volume 1, p. 124-5

Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, January 29, 1863 — Noon

January 29, noon.

I have just received a note from the Colonel, who is ashore, that sets our line officers to making ready in haste for another expedition. We are not yet done with St. Mary’s River and some of the upper settlements. The Planter has not yet returned, but has been using her artillery this morning shelling the pickets in the woods, I presume. I shall get some surgeon to care for my men in my absence.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 352

Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, Sunday, February 1, 1863

Sunday, February 1, 1863.

This morning the Planter, with Capt. [Charles T.] Trowbridge's and Capt. Rogers' companies, met us in St. Simon's Bay. They have not been idle. They left Cumberland Bay the day before yesterday and taking the inside route, destroyed some salt works, which operation has damaged the rebels to the extent of about twenty five thousand dollars. They met with no opposition, but had a hard time dragging their boats through a marsh. The marshes, or savannahs, in this part of the country, which border the rivers, are almost impassable for human beings, yet many a slave has waded through them toward the north star of freedom.

Today I find a formidable sick list, the result of huddling so many men together in the hold of the John Adams, but I think nothing serious will come of it. The officer in command at Fernandina has no authority to send out a flag of truce with prisoners, so we take all ours to Beaufort. I am exceedingly glad of it, since I have found, through Robert Sutton, that one of them shot a man while he was trying to escape to the “yankees.” After I had dressed Robert's wound, this morning, he took me to the rebel and ingeniously made him say: “No, you are mistaken, the gun went off accidentally.” “And besides he was not killed, but died of fever.” “Then,” said I, “you did threaten to shoot him?” “Yes, but intended it only as a threat.” Robert said “I know you killed him;” and I to Robert, “The testimony of black men is legal now in Florida.”

We are taking several white soldiers and officers from Fernandina to Hilton Head. Their prejudice against our soldiers is amusing. We happen to have command of this steamer and, of course, have the best places. I find white soldiers sleep on deck rather than go below with our men. Last evening I saw a Lieutenant getting two of our soldiers to take his trunk down to the cabin and he was rather suddenly informed by Lieut. West that United States soldiers were not to be called upon to do menial service. Another Lieut. expressed the opinion to our rough and ready Capt. [George] Dolly, that “these niggers never would fight much. Dolly, in his fearful way, said; “You d----d fool; these soldiers have already fought more bravely than you ever will, you who have lived a couple of years on Uncle Sam without earning a cent for him.” The Lieut. did not think it safe to reply. I fancy Dolly. He is a vandal, but generous and brave. His men love him and fear him. His orders are somewhat terse, when in battle. I happened to be standing by him when he gave the command, “Cease firing, but if they fire again, “give ’em hell.”

The Colonel's daring bravery has deepened the love and admiration of his men and officers. I have been a constant source of annoyance to him by words of caution, but am happy to know that they were heeded. The death of Capt. Clifton was a terrible confirmation of all I have said, and I doubt if the Major [Strong] again puts himself unnecessarily in the way of so much danger. I could not get the ball that passed through the mess room where I was writing, but I picked one up in the prisoner's room, adjoining. Had we been the prisoners, our place would have been on the upper deck, where they begged we would not put them, and where no one dreamed of putting them. All of them, except Mr. B., are now forward with the soldiers.

Our expedition has been a capital success. We have had our soldiers three times under fire and know that they only care to face the enemy. We know also, that they can be trusted with the conquered foe. Not a single unbecoming act have I seen or heard of on the part of the guards, skirmishers or pickets. It was not for want of temptation, and I am led to wonder at their self-control. The material benefit to the Government, of the expedition, is not inconsiderable. We are more than ever satisfied that the blacks must help us in this war.

The next question to solve, is, how to penetrate far enough into the interior to free them. Possibly it remains for our regiment to solve this problem. Give us a good gunboat and plenty of ammunition to help us into the midst of them and I think we may trust God and our determination for the result.¹

_______________

¹ Colonel Higginson's report of this expedition up St. Mary's River is in [the] Records of the Rebellion, xiv. 195.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 354-6

Dr. Seth Rogers to his Daughter, January 23, 1863

STEAMER Ben Deford, January 23, 1863.

I have refrained till now from informing you of a little expedition which for the last few days has been planning for us. I suppose there never was an expedition, however small, that got off at the time specified, nor one that was kept secret. So we are five days later than intended, and the floating rumors of our plans are enough in number to make it appear that we are to take Charleston and all other prominent Secesh places on the coast of Dixie.

The Planter, the same that Robert Small ran out of Charleston, and the John Adams, each with a company of soldiers and some large guns on board, started from camp at noon today, Major Strong on the John Adams. About four this afternoon we started with four companies including that of Cap’t R[andolph] the Colonel, Surgeon, and second assist't surgeon, and at this moment we are outside the bar, off Hilton Head, sailing as quietly in the soft moonlight and warm atmosphere as if our intentions were of the most peaceful nature.

The Ben Deford is really a magnificent steamer for transporting troops. A turn among the soldiers just now, convinced me that we can have ventilation enough and warmth enough to prevent illness. It is a real pleasure to go and see them so quietly wrapped in their blankets, — no quarreling, no profanity. Very much depends upon our success in this expedition, and the whole responsibility rests upon our Colonel. He has absolute authority over these three steamers. Our men were all anxious to go, and many, belonging to companies not designated for the trip, went to Col. H. and begged to go. Some have been permitted to do so. It remains to see how they will fight.

_______________

¹ John D. Strong.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 347-8

Dr. Seth Rogers to his Daughter, January 25, 1863

January 25.

Still lying at anchor in St. Simon's Bay, waiting for the Planter, Judge Stickney of Florida is with us; an able defender of the oppressed and a gentleman. I was much pleased to learn that he was a native of Vermont. Surgeon Richardson, formerly of the 9th Maine, is also with us. We are to leave him at Fernandina. His health has become so frail, he was compelled to resign. Last evening he presented me with a pair of shoulder straps for my fatigue coat, with the remark that it might become essential that I have them on. But I fancy that whoever of our regiment falls into the hands of the Rebels would scarcely be saved by straps and sash. I feel that there is a tacit understanding that we are not to surrender under any circumstances. . . . The captain of the steamer is an odd genius.¹ He is a Cape Cod man, whose profanity is so much a part of his nature that total abstinence from oaths might kill him. He swears vigorously for freedom and especially for the Massachusetts expression of it. Curses the sluggishness of government officials and swears the democrats ought to be sent to – . . . Says he has worked fifteen months with this steamer at an expense of four hundred thousand dollars to the government, and he does not believe he has earned for it ten dollars that could not have been as well earned, if this, and some other steamers, had never been employed. Seven hundred and fifty dollars a day, exclusive of coal, counts up. Government ought to draft property as well as men, and then compensate when it gets through using it. Such a course would put an end to private speculation. . . .

_______________

¹ Captain Hallett.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 348-9

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

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: April 6, 1861

The plot thickens, the air is red hot with rumors; the mystery is to find out where these utterly groundless tales originate. In spite of all, Tom Huger came for us and we went on the Planter to take a look at Morris Island and its present inhabitants — Mrs. Wigfall and the Cheves girls, Maxcy Gregg and Colonel Whiting, also John Rutledge, of the Navy, Dan Hamilton, and William Haskell. John Rutledge was a figurehead to be proud of. He did not speak to us. But he stood with a Scotch shawl draped about him, as handsome and stately a creature as ever Queen Elizabeth loved to look upon.

There came up such a wind we could not land. I was not too sorry, though it blew so hard (I am never seasick). Colonel Whiting explained everything about the forts, what they lacked, etc., in the most interesting way, and Maxcy Gregg supplemented his report by stating all the deficiencies and shortcomings by land.

Beauregard is a demigod here to most of the natives, but there are always seers who see and say. They give you to understand that Whiting has all the brains now in use for our defense. He does the work and Beauregard reaps the glory. Things seem to draw near a crisis. And one must think. Colonel Whiting is clever enough for anything, so we made up our minds to-day, Maxcy Gregg and I, as judges. Mr. Gregg told me that my husband was in a minority in the Convention; so much for cool sense when the atmosphere is phosphorescent. Mrs. Wigfall says we are mismatched. She should pair with my cool, quiet, self-poised Colonel. And her stormy petrel is but a male reflection of me.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 31

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 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