Diary of Gideon Welles: Tuesday, April 5, 1864

The returns of the Connecticut election come in favorably. Buckingham is reelected by a largely increased majority, and the Unionists have two thirds at least of the Legislature. This disposes of another of the Seymours. O. S. Seymour, the defeated Democratic candidate, has respectable abilities and industry. In the latter respect he is very different from T. H. Seymour, the last year's candidate. The latter was marked by indolence for his own from boyhood. Always lazy, proud, and opinionated, but with genius and a fair share of talents if put to any use. He is excessively fond of adulation, and seeks the caresses of the young and the ignorant. Origen S. is a returning sense among some of the community. Last year he was chosen by a majority of some three hundred. Now he is defeated.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 5-6

Lieutenant-Colonel William T. Lusk to Elizabeth Adams Lusk, July 10, 1863

Headquarters Delaware Department,

Wilmington, Del., July 10th, 1863.

My dear Mother:

I know I ought to be thankful in my present pleasant position, but somehow or other I was not born to enjoy sinecures. Doing nothing makes me very fretful. I had a capital good time while on Maryland Heights, feeling well repaid for my trip thither, but after leaving, I have been bored to death with the ennui of city soldiering. To be sure we are feted, and take our places among the Princes of Delaware, still, my dear mother, it was not for this I left home, and I cannot, with all the idle time on my hands, avoid regretting the pleasant summer plans we had arranged in old Conn. It is six years since I have strolled about the streets of Norwich the whole summer long. Norwich was never more beautiful than now. So I suppose I feel disappointed at being so peacefully employed at the seat of war. Still here we are, General and Staff — persons of distinction — Ahem! I am on hand in case I am called for. I don't owe my position to Gov. Buckingham, and I expect to get home to my studies in the fall. Good things, all of them! Besides this, I am raising whiskers. I am reading Kinglake's “Crimea.” I have given up smoking. Think of that! You see, at first, when I found there was little to do, I smoked vigorously to pass away time. But when the cigar was smoked, there was an end to the amusement, so I then determined to break off smoking altogether, and, to make it exciting, I kept a handful of cigars in my pocket so that the temptation might be frequently incurred. Whenever I longed for a fragrant Havana, I would take one in fingers, and then sitting back in my chair, reason philosophically on the pernicious effects of tobacco. On reaching the point of conviction, I would return it to my pocket unlighted. This, you see, has afforded me a very excellent pastime.

Occasionally Bishop Lee's benignant face shines upon us. Everyone worships the Bishop here, and how he deserves it, you know well.

Am very sorry for Capt. Nichols. The opposition is a mistake. However I should as soon think of breaking my heart for a Bedlamite Hag, as for one who rejected me on the grounds of prudence. So perhaps Nichols is not so unlucky as he thinks himself. Now that I have practically abandoned military life, I have a fancy Gov. Buckingham made a mistake in persistently ignoring my claims to promotion. I fancy I would have done him more credit than some of his appointments. This may be vanity.

Written in haste with

affectionate intent,

W. T. Lusk.

SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters of William Thompson Lusk, p. 285-7

Elizabeth Adams Lusk to Captain William Thompson Lusk, December 30, 1862

New-York, Dec. 30th, '62. 24 West 31 St.

My own dear Son:

. . . I received your very sad letter last night. I sympathize sincerely, and do not wonder that you feel sick and disheartened. However, I trust the spirit of gloom which oppressed you when you wrote, has passed by, and the brave spirit of my own boy is aroused again. Never call yourself a “despised soldier.” Neglected you have been, and we all feel it most cruelly, but “despised,” never.

No name is mentioned with greater respect than yours, about none is more indignation felt by friends than about you. Your career has been a marked and peculiar one; high titles now are no mark of merit. Gov. Buckingham said to me in the cars on my way to New York, “I want a Colonel now. I know of no one who would fill the position half as well as your son, and yet, with the desire, I cannot give it to him.” So it goes — some town-clerk or petty lawyer, having stayed at home far from a soldier's dangers, watches, waits, and the first opportunity steps into the soldier's honors. Mr. John Tappan who has no particular friends in the army, says he always draws the inference if a man is promoted, he doesn't deserve it — he has seen so few really meritorious officers treated well. I think he goes too far and do not myself wholly agree with him, still I think there is a great lack of justice. . . . It was certainly a great piece of self-sacrifice in you to sign a paper requesting the majority to be given to another, when you knew it had been promised you. I admire the valor of your regiment, and, as Elliott says, “you can refuse to fight a duel now, having fought in the 79th.” . . . I should be extremely glad my dear son, to see you again at your books, if you can return honorably. You say you entered the army against the advice of your friends. Very true, my dear child, God knows how hard the struggle was to me, God knows how much I often now endure, yet through everything I feel comfort, nay pride, that my son's motives are pure and conscientious. Well, the New Year is close at hand. May it open brightly for you, my own dear son. For some reason you have been preserved through many and great dangers. He who guarded has still work for His servant to do, so be of good cheer, you will not be forsaken. By-and-by you will look back on your humiliations and say, “They were hard, but they have done me good.” Beside, I can only acknowledge your disappointments. A soldier, a true man, is never humiliated by the performance of right. And yet your letter touched a responsive chord which vibrates now, for through the whole I recognize myself. May God bless you my own dear son, and grant you His assistance. . . . You could not be dearer to the heart of

Your loving

Mother.

SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters of William Thompson Lusk, p. 260-1

Elizabeth Adams Lusk to Captain William Thompson Lusk, October 6, 1862

Norwich, Oct. 6th, 1862.

My own dear Son:

I certainly did not intend writing you to-day, and have but little time, yet I must acknowledge the reception of Special Order No. 8 from the Headquarters of the 9th Army Corps, and the pleasure it affords me. Thomas Perkins obtained a letter from the Gov. of Conn, to the Gov. of New-York. Walter has written you the favorable result of his application so far, but of Gov. B’s¹ letter I wish to make special mention. It was in the highest degree complimentary to you, and stated in conclusion that had you served in a Conn. Reg't he should have promoted you long since. In fact my son, even I felt he had written as handsome a letter recommending your promotion as I could desire. So N. Y. I think is fairly the State of your adoption, and your claims rest upon her, as you have served with her sons. Should E. resign, Gov. M.² has promised upon proof of your being first Captain, that you shall receive the commission. However, it is best that you should keep your friends advised, and we will do what we can. I have so much to say, I wish I could talk to you. Good-bye, God will bless you, trust Him for all things.

Very lovingly,

Mother.

Hannah has a son three days old. I have sent Special Order No. 8 to your Uncle Phelps and Walter who will use it as they like.

_______________

¹ William A.Buckingham.

² Edwin D.Morgan.

SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters of William Thompson Lusk, p. 218-9

Captain William Thompson Lusk to Elizabeth Adams Lusk, August 2, 1862

Headquarters Stevens' Div.

9th Army Corps, Newport News,

Aug. 2d, 1862.

My dear Mother:

As General Burnside's Corps is being transferred to other scenes, and as our turn to go on shipboard will come to-morrow, I take this opportunity to inform you of our intended change of Camp. I cannot tell you where I am going. I hope and think we are to join Pope. So soon as we shall have arrived at our destination, I will let you know. I fear a letter or two may be lost, but hope not.

The Governor of Connecticut made a most excellent appointment in Wm. Ely to the Colonelcy of the 18th R. C. V. Cool, decided, brave, enterprising and experienced, he will fill that position with honor to himself and to his native State.  —— —— will find he has made a great mistake if he has entered this new Regiment with a view to playing a high-handed insubordinate part. There are ways of bringing fractious officers and soldiers to a sense of duty now, that were quite unknown at the time of the three months' service. The news in the papers of yesterday relative to drafting if the contingents are not filled by Aug. 15th, if true, must occasion quite a panic in the North. I am glad of it. This bounty business is simply disgusting. If there is so much spare money to be thrown away, it is better that it should be given to those who have borne the burden and heat of the day, than to those who enter at the eleventh hour. It speaks badly for the patriotism of the North, if the bribes must be increased now to induce men to serve their country in the hour of its extremest peril. I say it is a poor system, and believe in the draft — the rich to serve with their wealth, the poor with their muscle, and the patriotic of both classes the best way that lies in their power. Bythe-way, I enclose for your album a capital likeness of Col. Farnsworth, of the 79th Regt.

SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters of William Thompson Lusk, p. 171-2

Captain William Thompson Lusk to John Adams, June 17, 1862

Headquarters 2d Division,

James Island, June 17th, 1862.

My dear Uncle:

I write to impose a solemn duty upon you, which involves the lives of thousands of brave men.

Brig.-Gen. Benham is a native of the State of Conn., and I understand it is to his native state he owes his present position. There is only one way for the State to atone for so fatal a blunder — only one way to wipe out the obloquy the State deserves at putting such a man in power — and that is to give its weight to his immediate removal. Let there be no mercy shown to one who shows no mercy. He must be crushed at once, or we are all lost, and even as it is, God only knows whether his folly may not involve us in destruction before any action can be taken. I will not enumerate half the examples of imbecility he has shown, or the wickedness of which he has been guilty. The last act is too real. His folly has culminated in one damning enterprise which must make him eternally infamous.

You will learn from the steamer conveying this, of the shocking battle of the 16th. There will be a struggle to suppress the truth, to call fair names, and to shift the responsibility, but the blood of the murdered men cries out for vengeance. This is no rhetoric. It is solemn truth. The ill-fated enterprise to this island has been characterized by the grossest mismanagement, and the men — poor dumb creatures — have had to suffer privation, exposure, and death, where no excuse can be pleaded in extenuation.

On the night of the 15th, Genl. Benham assembled his officers in council. Generals Wright, Stevens and Williams were present. He unfolded to them his plan of taking the Enemy's Battery by storm. It was in vain that the other officers entered their earnest protest against a needless work of slaughter. It was useless to suggest that his object could be effected in other ways. His decree was absolute that the work must be stormed in front — and for what? Because visions of another Donelson or Newberne had smothered in his breast every sentiment of mercy. A success would be but little gain to the country, but the eclat might make Benham a Major-General. Men might die to win a needless victory, could only his foolish vanity be gratified.

His orders were obeyed, and the next morning's work attests their folly. But even then all might not have been lost, had not his conduct in the field been marked by weakness, vacillation, and imbecility.

When the action was over, Genl. Benham tried to say that it was only a reconnoissance. If this be so, then let us have a General in command, who can reconnoitre without the sacrifice of an eighth of the force engaged. 700 killed, wounded, and missing! Let the dead who died nobly have a voice, I say. Let the wounded lying on their beds of pain, plead their sufferings. Let those who lie in the prison houses of the enemy cry all shame, shame to a General who makes such a reconnoissance! We are growing weary of patriotism. We, who would have liked to have died to show our love to our country, begin to sicken at the thought our country loves us so little, as to leave our fate to the control of a man, already branded . . .  It is as true as Holy Writ, that our bravest men will never fight again with Benham in command.

Don't be deceived by printed reports of what took place on the 16th. It was a terribly disastrous affair, and remember the author of it.

I wish the public safety would allow me to publish to all what I write you. I do not fear the consequences if it be shown boldly to Benham himself. But I beg of you to do what you can in this matter. Press it with Governor Buckingham. Get Dr. Grant to help you. Let the influential men help you, and for God's sake act quick, or the army here is sacrificed, and we will begin to investigate too late.

I remain,

Affec'y. but sadly, Your nephew,

W. T. Lusk,

Capt. & A. D. C.

SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters of William Thompson Lusk, p. 153-5

Diary of Gideon Welles: Tuesday, August 18, 1863

Blair denounces the practice of dismissing officers without trial as oppressive and wrong. Mentions the case of Lieutenant Kelly, a Pennsylvanian, who, he says, has been unjustly treated. I know not the facts in this particular case, and am aware that a bad President or Secretary might abuse this authority, but a peremptory dismissal without trial is sometimes not only justifiable but necessary. If the authority is abused, let the one who abuses it, whatever his station, be held accountable and, if necessary, impeached.

Stanton wishes me to go with him to Fortress Monroe. Says he has a boat; wants, himself, to go down, etc.

Governor Buckingham was at my house this evening. Has come to Washington to consult in relation to the draft.

In a conversation with General Spinner, the Treasurer, a radical, yet a Democrat of the old school, he condemns the error into which we have fallen of electing too many officers by the people, especially judicial and accounting officers, who should be selected and appointed by an accountable and responsible executive. Admits his mind has undergone a revolution on this subject.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 406-7

Diary of Gideon Welles: Tuesday, April 7, 1863

The result of the election in Connecticut yesterday is gratifying. Buckingham is reflected Governor by three thousand majority.

The President has not returned from the Rappahannock. There was consequently no Cabinet-meeting.

Consul Dudley at Liverpool writes that he is instituting legal proceedings in the English courts against some of the vessels which the Rebels, aided by English capital, are fitting out, but meets with discouragement or has no encouragement in unexpected quarters. Wrote Mr. Seward that the zeal of Dudley should be commended, and unless very decided measures are taken, and strong representations made, we shall be involved in difficulty. John Bull must understand that whilst we deprecate war, we don't fear him and shall not passively submit to outrage and aggression. A loan of fifteen million dollars has recently been made to the Rebels by English capitalists, which would never have been consummated had the English officials disapproved. With these means, which the Englishmen will ultimately lose, the Rebels can purchase vessels, ordnance, munitions, and prolong the war. Mercenary England will be benefited if our commerce is destroyed, and our country be weakened and exhausted. Sumner thinks the alliance with slavery will be so unpopular with the English people as to restrain the Government, but confesses he begins to have fearful misgivings.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 262-3

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: June 30, 1865

Very early this fine June morning our fife and drum corps went to the uppermost deck and beat the reveille, and played at all the river landings as the boat proceeded on up the river. It made good time, landing at Hartford about 7 o'clock, after a very pleasant journey from Martinsburg, West Virginia.

After we landed people began to come to the dock. After a time a detachment of the Hartford City Guard came to the dock as an escort. The regiment formed and with the escort, marched up State Street, thence up Main, countermarching to the State Capitol on Central Row, where Governor Buckingham, members of the legislature, and a few leading citizens, welcomed us home, and extended the thanks of the state for our patriotism and service. After the welcome and the addresses, breakfast was served at the hotels, our company going to the City Hotel. In the afternoon, regiment formed, marched out Park Street to a camp. Late in the afternoon we were allowed to go to our homes and remain over July 4th. Report back on the 6th for final discharge. Norwich. Home again.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 159-60

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 9, 1865

All is quiet. Our regiment voted for governor today. Ballots sealed in envelopes, to be opened in Connecticut on the day of election. Commissioners here to receive the ballots. We hope our war governor, Buckingham, will be re-elected.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 143

Captain William Thompson Lusk to Elizabeth Adams Lusk, February 6, 1862

Headquarters 2d Brigade, S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. Feb. 6th, 1862.

My dear Mother:

. . . I have received the little prayer-book from Nannie Day and thank the dear soul many times for a remembrance that by no means is needless to a soldier. You may tell her that I have several times carried it in my pocket, when circumstances have been such as to prevent my using the larger book which was packed in my trunk. I must not forget now either, Tom's photograph which I display with pride along with those of Hunt, Uncle John, and my own mother. To-day the “Ellwood Walter” arrived at Beaufort where the Connecticut battery is to be landed. I went on board immediately, hoping, notwithstanding his illness, Captain Rockwell might be aboard, but learned he would in all likelihood arrive by the next steamer. The “Atlantic” is looked for now hourly, and I trust he may be aboard. I was not a little disappointed to learn from the officers of the battery, that not a man of them all, except the Captain, had ever fired a gun (cannon) in his life, for I had boasted much of the Connecticut battery which was to be sent to Port Royal. Any time the good Governor of Connecticut, or the sons of the worthy state, see fit to honor me, I am open to anything like promotion. So goes the world. I have only held as a secure and settled thing, my position as Captain about three weeks, when I talk of something better. I will confess to you now, that though, since deserted by Lieut, (now Captain) Sam Elliott,¹ I have held command of a company of Highlanders, and though I had been led to suppose for a time (on my first being transferred to the Staff) I held it as Captain, under which supposition I wrote you, stating the same, my real title to the rank of Captain has only dated since the short time I have mentioned. But having made the mistake once, there was nothing left for me to do but to try to get a Captaincy as soon as possible, and now that I have received the congratulations of the Regiment and Brigade, I think I may mention the matter candidly. Dear old Walter, I shall be glad to hear from him. I have lately written Hall, and trust he will forget my neglect in times past. There is going to be a “Nigger shout” to-night, which a number of the officers are going to attend. As I have no definite idea of the character of the performance except that it is a relic of native African barbarism, I shall attempt no description. Give my best love to all my dear friends at home. I do not forget their kind words, or wishes, though I do not often mention them.

Your Affec. Son,

W. T. Lusk.

_______________

¹ Lieutenant Samuel R. Elliott resigned from the 79th Highlanders Sept., 1861. He subsequently served as Surgeon in other regiments, up to the close of the war.

SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters of William Thompson Lusk, p. 120-1

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: April 5, 1864

Governor Wm. A. Buckingham reelected. Pleasing to the boys in blue. The body of William Town, Company A, having arrived, was given a military funeral by the regiment in Greenville, Norwich. Bought one dollar's worth of postage stamps. Writing letters is one of the pleasing features of the army life. Orders for our return tomorrow. All members must assemble here tomorrow morning.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 51

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: January 6, 1863

Last night, while on guard duty, I was taken suddenly ill. Had to be relieved from duty. Placed in an old barn, used for a field hospital, with a leaky old roof, the rain coming down on me. Colonel, I was informed, came to the barn, saw my condition, ordered me carried to a general hospital known as Stuart's Mansion, afterward named the Jarvis Hospital, at the west end of Baltimore. At the hospital I was examined by a surgeon who pronounced my illness typhoid fever and the pleurisy. I was placed in Ward 4. I was very ill. My side was cupped for the pleurisy. Received good care from the nurses, one woman and four men, two by day and night. My comrades of Company C called on me quite often until the company was ordered to Fort Marshall at the east end of Baltimore, about five miles from the Hospital. In good quarters. All were very sorry I could not be with them. While in the hospital the officers of the company called on me. I also received a call from our good Governor Buckingham. Promised friends at home that he would call on me, see that I was having good care. His home was in Norwich.

I told the Governor that I had no fault to find and for him to tell the folks at home that I was receiving good care. Also received calls from Mrs. Henry Bingham, the wife of a comrade of our company and an old friend at home. Comrade Bingham was very ill in the same hospital with me. On the wall, at the head of our beds, was a card with our name, company, and regiment. The loyal people of Baltimore often visited the hospital, furnishing entertainment for the patients in songs and recitations. Was very much enjoyed and appreciated as the time dragged slowly along.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 14

William A. Buckingham, Governor of Connecticut, to Abraham Lincoln, May 3, 1861

state Of Connecticut, Executive Department,

Hartford, May 3, 1861.

Dear Sir: The General Assembly of the state has placed $2,000,000 at my disposal for the purpose of organizing, equipping and arming the militia of the state, and for mustering them into the service of the United States. Allow me to say that this appropriation was made by the unanimous vote of both houses, and indicates the sentiment of the citizens of this state, and their determination in the strongest and most positive position which you will assume in defence of the authority of the government. I am, dear sir,

Yours with high consideration,

William A. Buckingham.

to Abraham Lincoln, President Of The United States.

SOURCE: Samuel Giles Buckingham, The Life of William A. Buckingham, the War Governor of Connecticut, p. 158

Connecticut Election

HARTFORD, April 9. – Gov. Buckingham’s majority is greater than last year; it is 2,000.  The Senate is a united against the Democrats.  The House stands 181 Republicans against 56 Democrats.

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

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

GROUNDS OF FAITH AND HOPE

BY HORACE GREELY

The dullest and most benighted mortal can fully appreciate a great victory, such as that of Bull Run or Fort Donelson. So many cannon taken – so many muskets – so many prisoners – all is tangible, concrete, material, computable – to be reckoned up on the fingers and weighed against the fruits of an adversary or prior success. Moral triumphs, on the contrary, are abstract, unimposing, shadowy – and moral qualities are requisite to their clear and full appreciation. They are not less but more real than the triumphs of Force; but time is requisite to their perfect development, and elevation as well as breadth of view to a just estimate of their importance. Yet the last few weeks have been [signalized] by a succession of events which go far to decide auspiciously the great events which now distract our country. These events briefly are –

I. The hearty acceptance by both Houses of Congress of the President’s recent proposal that the Union shall proffer pecuniary aid to any State which shall see fit to rid itself of Slavery. The very heavy majorities given in either House for the President’s plan – 88 to 31 in the House, and 31 to 10 in the Senate – derive additional significance from the fact that three Senators from Border States – Messrs. Garret Davis of Ky., Willey of Virginia, and Henderson of Missouri – voted in the majority. None of these ever before professed or intimated the faintest sympathy with Anti-Slavery teachings or doctrines; but they are all Unionists who owe their seats in the Senate to the Rebellion, each of them having had a place made for him by the retirement of a traitor. They all intend that the Rebellion shall be crushed and the Union fully restored, and their vote for the President’s proposition is a gratifying evidence of their perception that the Union and Slavery cannot both be restored to the palmy estate from which treason precipitated them. Their approval of the President’s timely and wise proposition is of itself a signal Union victory, bearing the seeds of future and beneficent triumphs.

II. The vote of the Senate by more than two to one, (29 to 14,) passing the bill abolishing Slavery in the Federal District forthwith, is another cheering indication of National progress. It is in one sense unfortunate that none but Republicans supported this too long delayed act of justice; but it is plain that Senators who are willing that Slavery shall soon cease to exist in their own States respectively, cannot seriously desire that it shall be perpetuated at the Federal Metropolis. The opposition of the Senators from Delaware is purely partisan in its character and motives; they rely on Slavery to restore the [Democratic] party to power in the Union while perpetuating its ascendancy in their own State, and they of course uphold the influence to which they owe so much, yet desire and hope to be still further indebted. So of Mr. Powell of Kentucky and of several Members of the House. On the other hand the willingness of the Republicans to pass this bill by their own unaided votes argues a scope of vision and a faith in the might of abstract justice which has been quite to rare in the acts of parties and partisans. Slavery is doomed to vanish from the District of Columbia before the next Fourth of July, and the Republican party assumes the undivided responsibility and will receive the full credit of its exile. Should that party be doomed to an early dissolution, its tombstone will be well garnished with a few bold and noble acts of this character.

III. The vote on the 3d inst. of the people of Northwestern Virginia, whereby they expressed their decided desire to constitute a new and independent State, to be recognized and admitted into the Union as WESTERN VIRGINIA, and to be gradually relieved of the incubus of Slavery, is a most cheering sign of the times. The proposed new State consists of thirty-nine Counties, or nearly one-third of the area of the Virginia that lately was. It contained by the census of 1860 a population of 280,641, which was rapidly increasing by immigration up to the outbreak of the rebellion – the chief impulse to this increase being the recent discovery of Petroleum or Rock Oil in some of its valleys. Being considerably larger in area than New Jersey or any New England State but Maine, with vast though as yet undeveloped Mineral resources – Coal, Salt, Iron, Petroleum, etc. – and a superabundance of excellent Timber, there is no reason why West Virginia, with Peace and impartial Liberty, may not have Half a Million of inhabitants within ten years and more than One Million within thirty. – Traversed by Railroads whereon her products may readily find markets in the East or in the West, threaded by Rivers whereon her Timber and other bulky staples may be cheaply floated down to the Ohio and the ever growing cities on its banks, West Virginia needs but Freedom for All to assure her a rapid growth and a glorious destiny. She had but 6,884 slaves in 1860; she has probably less than 5,000 now – many having been hurried off to places of greater security before the advance of the Union armies, while others have hurried themselves away to the Free West to escape the unappreciated blessings of servitude. And these 5000 slaves, the White freeman of West Virginia have voted, shall no longer chain her to a doomed and desperate cause, to which her every interest is irreconcilably hostile. The delegated Convention which lately assembled at Wheeling and framed there a Constitution for the embryo State, left Slavery undisturbed; but decreed that the People, in voting to ratify or reject it, should vote also For or Against a policy of Gradual Emancipation. They did so last Thursday; and the aggregate result is a great majority for the Constitution and one barely less for Emancipation. And though the vote was necessarily light, the whole region being convulsed and distracted by the perils and apprehensions which accompany civil war, there can be no doubt that it expresses the deliberate and unchangeable judgment of the People.

This is one of the most palpable and auspicious results yet realized from the War inaugurated by Slavery for the overthrow of the Union. That West Virginia was thoroughly loyal has at no time been doubtful. Her delegates so voted at Richmond when their lives were in danger from an infuriated mob of slave-traders and their tools during the week of madness that followed the fall of Fort Sumter. A hand full of her aristocracy and a larger number of their ignorant, idle and profligate satellites, were rebels on instinct; but the great mass where inflexibly loyal from the start. But no Abolition lecturer was ever allowed to climb their steep ridges and penetrate their narrow valleys preaching the gospel of Wages for the Worker, while their every vote in Congress has been uniformly cast into the scale of Slavery. Gag-Rules; Texas Annexation; resistance to the unbalanced Admission of California as a Free State; the repudiation of the Missouri Compromise; the years of outrage and indignity to which the Free-State settlers of Kansas were subjected at the hands of the Border Ruffians – in short, every crime of the Slave Power throughout the last twenty years – has commanded the thoroughgoing support of the Representatives in Congress of Western Virginia, wherein Pierce, Buchanan, and the two rival Democratic candidates in 1860, received large majorities over Scott, Fillmore and Bell, while Fremont and Lincoln had but a handful of votes all told, and these mainly cast in the Yankee-peopled city of Wheeling. No voice from the Free States being allowed to reach them, it seemed at least probable that a majority of the West Virginians might blindly plod on in the old rut, eager to show that, while they cling to the Union, they had not ceased to be Democrats and Virginians.

Such apprehensions did them gross injustice. Rude and illiterate as many of them are, they yet have eyes, which the events of the past year have opened to their full dimensions. – Reading little and hearing no speeches, they needed but their own observation to convince them that the origin and mainspring of the Rebellion are to be found in Human Slavery – that on Slavery it feeds and with Slavery it must die. Had they favored Secession, they would have clung to Slavery; loving the Union, they resolved and voted that Slavery must die. And that vote is in our conclusive answer to those who are eternally menacing us with the hostility of the Border States if we do not cease warring upon Slavery. Whosoever loves Slavery more than Union is to-day in heart a subject of Jefferson Davis and hopes to see his sway established and perpetuated; while he who loves the country more than Slavery will find in this vote of the West Virginians an assurance that the Union is to live though Slavery be doomed. The real wishes and judgment of the hearty Unionists of Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee, are expressed in this vote of their compatriots in West Virginia.

IV. The Election this week in Connecticut is more than a sign – it is a realization. Parties are virtually suppressed in that State of bitter partisanship, and the People rally in mass around the Government of their country, and in the expression of their stern resolve that treason shall not divide and destroy the American Republic. Gov. Buckingham has nobly deserved this testimonial; but President Lincoln must also feel cheered and strengthened by it. It is an emphatic approval of his policy and attitude by an enlightened and practical people, whose children and grandchildren people every State, and will hear and repeat with filial pride and joy that the Old Folks at Home are true to Liberty and Country.

V. Finally, the echo from Europe of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Message proves that document to be a wiser and more masterly blow at the vitals of the Rebellion than even its warmest eulogists on this side had esteemed it. There is no European journal of decided ability and character, however hostile to the National cause, which does not treat that cause with greater difference since the reception of that Message; while there is no Secession emissary still cooling his heels in the antechambers of Foreign Ministers who does not at length despair of European intervention and aid. – The Falsehoods and sophistries whereby the Yanceys and Slidells so lately hoped to make Europe believe Unionists and Rebels united in the unflinching support of Slavery and at loggerheads on some question of Protection or Internal Improvement, are swept away at a breath; the great underlying issue stands revealed to all eyes, and no Christian State, however famished for Cotton and surfeited with its won fabrics, dare entertain the proposals of the Rebel envoys. Henceforth their mission is null, and every dollar allowed them for expenses is a shear waste of the paper on which the never-to-be paid Confederate shinplasters are printed. And there is not one champion of the Union cause from Gibraltar to Moscow who does not feel the great weight lifted from his heart as he reads the President’s brief and homely but most significant Message, and thank God that he can henceforth stand up for the Great Republic without qualification and without shame.

Such are the brighter moral aspects which the past three or four weeks have given to our great and arduous struggle. Heaven send that the battles now imminent may in no wise countervail them!

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, December 19, 1862

Connecticut Election

The State election in Connecticut too place on Monday last. The Democratic nominee for Governor was JAMES C. LOOMIS, running on a “Peace” or in other words Secession Platform. The Republican nominee was WILLIAM A. BUCKINGHAM, who has already held the office for four terms. The canvas was an active one, but GOV. BUCKINGHAM was re-elected by a decisive majority and a Republican majority secured the Legislature.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862