The Burnside Expedition Officially Heard From

Four of the Vessels Lost, Three Run Ashore, and a Number of Lives Lost, and the Fleet Lands in Pamlico Sound.

FORTRESS MONROE, January 27.

By the arrival of the steamer Eastern State, we have the first direct and official intelligence of the Burnside Expedition.  The Eastern State left Hatteras Inlet last night, and arrived here this morning.

The recent storms were unusually severe at Hatteras, and considerably delayed and crippled the expedition, but when the Eastern State left, everything looked favorable.

The Burnside Expedition sailed from Hampton Roads on the 11th and 12th of January, and consisted of over 125 vessels, of all classes. – They arrived at Hatteras between the 12th and 17th inst., having been greatly retarded by severe storms and adverse winds, which prevailed during that time.

After their arrival at Hatteras they experienced a series of unparalleled storms, so that at times it was impossible to hold communication between any two vessels of the fleet.

After the storm it was discovered that no vessel drawing over 7 feet 8 inches could pass into Pamlico Sound.  No vessel either could pass outside the bar, drawing over 13 feet, unless very skillfully piloted.  In consequence of this the City of New York struck on the outside of the bar.  She had cargo valued at $200,000, of powder, rifles and bombs, and proved a total loss.  Her crew was saved.

The steamer Pocahontas went ashore near the light house and became a total loss.  Ninety valuable horses belonging to the Rhode Island Battery were on board of her, and were all drowned, including several valued at $500 each.

The Grape Shot parted her hawser and went down at sea.  Her crew were saved.

An unknown schooner, loaded with oats, and another schooner, name unknown, with six of her crew, were lost on the beach.

The steamer Louisiana struck on the bar, where she still remains.  The report of her burning is incorrect.  She may get off.  The Eastern Queen and the Voltigeur are also ashore.  The latter will probably get off.

The Water vessels attached to the Expedition had not reached their destination when the Eastern State left, and had it not been for the condensers on board some of the vessels, and a vessel on shore, the most terrible suffering must have occurred among the troops.  As it was, the water casks were composed of old whiskey camphene, and kerosene oil casks.

It is thought the pilots of Hatteras are traitors, having intentionally run the vessels ashore.

The waves dashed with a clean sweep across the Hatteras shore, completely cutting off the fort from outside communication.

Colonel Allen of the 9th New Jersey Regiment, and his Surgeon, Weller, with a boat’s crew, and the 2d Mate of the Anne Thompson, when they found that the troops needed water, manned a life boat in order to reach the General and obtain it.  The boat swamped and the Colonel, Surgeon and Mate were drowned.  The crew were saved.

Gen. Burnside has succeeded in getting over the bar one half of his vessels, including the gunboats and 7,000 troops.  Everything appeared to be in satisfactory condition when the Eastern Star left.  The large transports with troops remained outside until the arrival of the Spaulding, from Port Royal on the 3d, when Capt. Hawes volunteered to bring them all inside.  This was accomplished yesterday afternoon, the Eastern State passing the last of them as she left.

A portion of the tug boats chartered by Gen. Burnside for the expedition refused to proceed any further than Fortress Monroe.

Fair weather has set in, and the schooners of the expedition are making their appearance with water, coal, and provisions, and everything looks more promising.  Gen. Burnside has been indefatigable, he is confident of the ultimate success of the expedition and has the respect of every man under his command.

The only troops that have been landed are the 24th Massachusetts Regiment and the Rhode Island Battery.  Col. Hawkins’ regiment goes with the Burnside Expedition.

There has been no loss of life except what is above mentioned.  Different reports are received at Hatteras from the surrounding population in relations to the disposition and intentions of the enemy.  Some who came in say that the rebels are completely frightened and will not make a stand.  Another report is to the effect that large masses of troops will be concentrated in the vicinity, and still another store, confirmed by many, that their exertions will be directed chiefly to placing obstacles in the way of our progress to Norfolk.

The rebels keep a good look out on our movements with their gunboats.  Two of them made their appearance after the storm, but disappeared when chased.

The mails by the Eastern State will be forwarded to-morrow.

The Pensacola left here (Ft. Monroe) this afternoon for Key West, Pensacola and Ship Island.  She will report to the Commodore of the fleet in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Baltimore boat brought down this morning the 2d and 4th batteries from Wisconsin. – They will remain at Fortress Monroe for the present.

A flag of truce was sent out this P. M. to meet the rebel steamer Selden, and brought back among the release prisoners, Lieut. Parks, 4th Michigan, Dr. Wm. B. Fletcher, 6th Indiana, Lieut. Wm. Booth, 2d Wisconsin, and Lieut. Hooper, 1st California.

We find the following in Southern papers.

To-day’s Richmond Dispatch has reliable authority for making the statement that “General Beauregard takes command of the army at Columbus, Ky., and Gen. Gustavus W. Smith succeeds him in the position he has so long and so successfully occupied.  At Columbus, we understand, that Gen. Beauregard is subordinate to no one except Gen. A. Sydney Johnson [sic].  This change goes into effect without delay.”

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

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, June 20, 1862

Our regiment went out on picket this evening. Water is very scarce out on the picket line and so we have our canteens filled in the evening before we go out.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 54

Troops Advancing On Springfield From Rolla And Sedalia

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 29, 1862. – The mail agent by the Pacific Road represents that Col. Jeff. C. Davis’ (Federal) brigade is en route to Woodson 3,000 strong.

On Saturday the mail stage between Independence and Kansas City was stopped by a gang of secessionists.  Eight passengers were made prisoners, and the mail robbed and burned.  On Sunday the same thing was repeated, although at Kansas City and Independence, only tem miles apart, there are one thousand troops stationed.

The telegraph to Chicago was down all last night.

Levies to satisfy assessments have been made on Alexander Kayser, Mrs. Trusten Polk, Mrs. Geer and Andrew Park, whose furniture and pianos were principally seized.  There was an indignation meeting at Mrs. Polk’s house after the seizure.

A large number of refugees from the south west have returned here from Illinois, in expectation of returning to Springfield with the army from Rolla.

Nearly all the officers of the old, or secession, Chamber of Commerce have taken the oath of allegiance.  They are afraid of losing northwestern consignments on the resumption of navigation.

From Rolla the Democrat has the following dated yesterday:

A man came in from Webster county last evening, and reports that Col. John R. Freeman was killed near Bowskin creek, thirty five miles south east from Springfield, some ten days since under the following circumstances.  Freeman with twenty five of his men, made an attack on five home guards, posted at a widow Ellison’s house.  Three of the home guards were captured, but Greeman was shot dead and one of his men was mortally wounded in the affray. – Two of the home guards captured were brothers by the name of Bragg, and the other was named Davis.  The man who brings this intelligence saw Freeman’s corpse after it was laid out.  Freeman was formerly a County Court Justice of Phelps county, and since the outbreak of the rebellion his name has been a terror to the Union inhabitants of Dent, Crawford and Webster counties.  The numerous attempts made to capture him have hitherto proved unsuccessful

Great hardship is experienced by Southwestern refugees, at Rolla, and instances of actual starvation are given.

Twenty two prisoners of war arrived at Boonville last night, who were captured in Boone and adjoining counties.

Several residents of St. Louis have been arrested lately for disloyal sentiments publicly expressed.

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

The Merrimac afloat at last -- Savannah to be attacked

FORT MONORE, Jan. 28. – The only incident of news yesterday, was the arrival of the boat containing fifteen contrabands from Norfolk.  They report that the Merrimac was floated out of the Dry Dock On Saturday, and was to make her trial trip on Sunday.  She mounted 10 inch rifle cannons, and the people were jubilant in the belief that she could sink the whole fleet in Hampton Roads.

Letters from Port Royal indicate an early attack on Savannah by General Sherman and Com. Dupont.

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

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, June 19, 1862

Drill is now all dispensed with on account of the hot weather. But the men are kept busy at fatigue and picket duty.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 54

William L. Journey

Sergeant, Co. I, 2nd Iowa infantry

Died February 15, 1862

Fort Donelson National Cemetery

Dover Tennessee

Gen. Lane’s Staff

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. – The President handed to-night to Champion Vaughn commissions for himself and the following gentlemen who are to constitute the staff of James H. Lane.  Col. Wm. H. Merritt, Lieut. Col. J. Kirkpatrick, Maj. Verplank Van Antwerp, Maj. John Ritchie, Maj. T. J. Weed, Capt. Wm. A. Phillips, Capt. Wm. O’Donnell, Capt. J. McClure, Capt. A. P. Russell, Wm Kyle, Capt. Vollney Hickox.  Col. Vaughn also had a sociable interview with Secretary Stanton.  The above staff of officers are ordered to report to Major General Hunter to be by him detailed to Gen. Lane.  They leave for the West to-morrow to enter active service.

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

Passage of a Steamer

CAPE RACE, Jan. 28. – A screw steamship passed this point this A. M., supposed to be the United Kingdom from Glasgow for New York.

The weather has been very rough here for the last two days.

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

Christopher Delong, Co. M, 1st Ohio Cavalry: Pension Index Card

SOURCE:  Civil War And Later Veterans Pension Index at Fold3.com

From the Upper Potomac

SANDY HOOK, Md., Jan. 29. – This morning a squad of Ashby’s Rebel Cavalry made their appearances at Bolivar, accompanied by a section of artillery, which opened on Col. Geary’s regiment.  Our Parrott gun and Enfields soon silenced their battery and drove the Rebels back behind the hill.

Jackson’s main body is concentrating at Charleston.  Informants state that great consternation exists among the Rebels, in consequence of the circulation of reports among them that our whole division is about to cross over, and that Jackson has posted to Charleston to resist our progress.  It is thought here that Jackson will move down nearer to Harper’s Ferry to-night.

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

Official intelligence form the Fleet

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30. – Official dispatches from Com. Goldsborough, dated Jan. 26th, arrived this morning.  Seventeen of the naval vessels were at that time in the Sound over and beyond the bulkhead under immediate command of Commodore Rowan in full readiness for operations.  General Burnside was preparing his forces to move in connection with the fleet.  Commodore Goldsborough says things now look hopeful, and I sincerely trust we shall be soon at the enemy.  Any decided approach now to this quarter on that part of the Rebels with all the force they can muster would certainly result in their speedy capture and destruction.

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

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28. – SENATE. – Mr. TRUMBULL modified the amendment so as to confine the bill to any State or District in which the laws of the Sate are opposed, or the execution thereof obstructed by insurgents or rebels against the U. S. too powerful to be suppressed by ordinary courses of judicial proceedings, which was agreed to, yeas 19 nays 17.  The bill was then passed, yeas 23 nays12 as following – Messrs. Browning, Cowan, Davis, Fessenden, Foster, Grimes, Harris, McDougal, Powell, Trumbull, Salsbury and Powell.  Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. – HOUSE. – The House passed the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial appropriation bill.  Among the provisions are the following, viz.

That nothing in this act shall prevent hereafter a reduction of salaries, and mileage now due by law, shall be paid as soon as certified by the presiding officer of each House, but there shall be no construction for mileage beyond what is allowed by law, to whit.  Mileage for each regular session only, the bill makes appropriations merely for objects authorized by existing statutes.

Mr. LOVEJOY, form the committee on Agriculture, reported a bill appropriating $3,000 to be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, for purchasing up-land cotton seed for general distribution, through the Patent office.  Passed.

The House passed the bill providing in all cases that where a volunteer regiment has been or shall be raised to the minimum standard, the Colonel and other field officers who shall have been commissioned as such, shall be entitled to receive the pay and allowance established by law for their respective grades from the time they were severally authorized in writing by the President, Secretary of War, or Governor of their State to raise such regiment; provided however, that in no case shall such pay date back more than three months prior to such regiment being organized to the minimum standard.

The provisions of the bill are also to apply to Captains, excepting their pay shall extend back only two months.

Mr. BLAIR of Missouri, urged the passage of the Senate bill authorizing the President in certain cases to take possession of the Railroad and Telegraph lines, when in his judgment to the public safety may require it.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. – SENATE. – Mr. WILSON, of Missouri, presented the credentials of Mr. Henderson.

The resolution was adopted providing for the distribution of documents belonging to seceded Senators among the members present.

The joint resolution on secret session was taken up, and after some amendments, passed.

Mr. BRIGHT’s case resumed – no action after extra session.

HOUSE. – The bill passed giving the President authority to take possession of railroads, telegraphs, &c. by 113 to 28.

The Consideration of the Treasury note bill resumed – no action.

The Army bill was taken up.

Mr. GURLEY made an attack on the inactivity of leading Generals.

The joint resolution on secret session was taken up and passed.  Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 – SENATE. – Several resolutions were adopted.  A debate ensued on the want of proper management at the Hospitals.

Mr. JOHNSTON, from the special committee on that part of the President’s message relating to the construction of a Military Railroad from Kentucky to Tennessee, reported a bill for that purpose.

The case of Mr. Bright was then taken up.

Mr. HOWE proceeded to speak at length on the subject.  He thought it was a very poor apology for the Senator to say that he had forgotten that he had ever written that letter or that Mr. Lincoln was his friend.  Adjourned.

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

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, June 18, 1862

It is very hot, but the troops are in fine spirits. Some of the boys who were wounded at Shiloh, together with those who went home on furloughs on account of sickness, are now returning to their commands.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 54

Edward A. Banks

Private, Co. I, 2nd Iowa Infantry

Died February 15, 1862

Fort Donelson National Cemetery

Dover, Tennessee

Mobile to be attacked -- Burnside Expedition

NEW YORK, Jan. 25. – A letter dated aboard the frigate Niagara off Ship Island the 11th gives as rumors that Mobile may soon be attacked.

A letter from Hatteras Inlet says the loss of the New York won’t seriously interfere with the efficiency of the Burnside Expedition, there being a good supply of material aboard other vessels.

Gen. Foster’s brigade would soon move towards Roanoke Island as circumstances should decide.

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

Christopher DeLong, Private Co. D, 73rd Ohio Infantry: Pension Index Card

SOURCE:  Civil War And Later Veterans Pension Index at Fold3.com

From Fort Pickens

New York, Jan. 29. – Advices from Ft. Pickens by the Philadelphia, state that the Rebels have withdrawn a portion of their forces to Mobile which they consider in special danger.  It is understood that the rebel force opposite Ft. Pickens is not over 6,000 exclusive of that at Live Oak plantation which is held by from one to three thousand and fortified.

Contrabands are constantly coming in to Col. Brown

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

Washington, Jan. 27 [1862]

The Post’s special says Aspinwall and Minturn of New York, were examined before the Committee of Ways and Means this morning, giving their views of the proper policy to be pursued in relation to the financial matters.  The Committee reported to the House, this morning that the tax bills are making fair progress and will be completed in a few days.

Capt. Dyer, of Springfield, Mass., (Superintendent of the Armory) has been sent for to-day to take the place of Gen. Ripley in the Ordnance Bureau.

Vessels continue to pass up the Potomac, arriving here safely despite the rebel blockade.

Mr. Potter, Chairman of the Congressional Investigating Committee, made his report to the house this morning.

The Senate in executive session to-day, confirmed B. B. French as Commissioner on Public Buildings.

The Washington special to the New York Commercial says the Intelligencer of this morning publishes a long article on the Trent affair, taking, the ground assumed by Sumner in his speech.  It is said to be from the pen of Gen. Cass.

Gen. McClellan will appear before the Special Committee on Western Harbor Defenses on Wednesday.

The House committee on Agriculture will probably report in favor of an Agricultural Bureau.

Mr. Sumner intends to introduce a bill to-day codifying the United States laws.

The aggregate insurance on the loss by the Fulton street fires is over a quarter of a million dollars.

The 7th New Hampshire regiment now here is ordered to the Tortugas, and will leave soon.  It is believed that other regiments will follow.

Senator Hale’s report from the Naval Committee censures Secretary Wells and Mr. Morgan, and concludes that the $90,000 of public money now in the latter’s hands belongs to the Government and should at once be restored to the national Treasury, and reasonable compensation be paid him for his service.

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

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, June 17, 1862

It is very hot. Nothing of importance.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 54

Troops And Casualties At Fort Donelson

Interpretive Markers in front of the Visitors Center
Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Federal                       Confederate