Camp Ewing up New River. November 4. Monday. – Cold and clear; rain probably over. My boy’s birthday – eight years old. It was such a morning as this eight years ago. I hope they are all well and happy at home. They will think of me today as they eat the birthday dinner and give him the birthday presents. Dear boy!

This morning four yawls were hauled into camp. It shows that it is intended to cross the river and attack the enemy. The blunder is in hauling them up in daylight. The enemy have thus been told of our design and will guard the few practicable ferries, as I fear, to our serious loss if not defeat. Stupid! stupid!

About seven hundred and fifty men are present this morning. Sixty-nine are sick. This, after sending off one hundred and fifty-nine sick men. Only one second-lieutenant for duty – a bad showing. Sun shining at 11 A. M. All the company officers gloomy and grumbling. The paymaster coming just at this time is all that makes endurable this state of things.

3:30 P. M. – Cannon firing heard. Shelling McCook’s camp on the hills below. I order out Captain McIlrath and company to go with Mack’s Battery.

November 4, 1861

• Twenty-five vessels of the great Southern naval and military expedition, including the flag-ship “Wabash,” anchored off Port Royal Harbor, South Carolina.
• Houston, Mo., taken possession of by federal forces, who captured a large amount of rebel property, a number of rebel soldiers and secessionists, and a large mail for the rebel army.

November 4.–The Richmond Enquirer of to-day, has the following:–Our summary of news from the North is of more interest to-day than usual. The sailing orders of the great naval expedition will attract especial attention. Speculation will now soon be at an end; and perhaps before these lines shall be printed the telegraph will tell us where the blow has fallen. After reading these orders, however, we cannot join in the opinion which to some extent prevails, that the contemplated landing is intended on any comparatively secluded and undefended spot. If this great force is to take possession of some sand bar, or marshy island, or sea-coast village, why such strict injunction that the expedition should sail in a body and the soldiers land in such heavy array, and with the admonition that their courage will probably be tested? If we judge these orders by the ordinary rules, and in connection with the Northern beasts that a terrible blow is to be struck, and at our very vitals, we cannot but conclude that it is expected to debark either in the vicinity of a strong Confederate army or of a large Confederate city. Applying these tests, Pensacola and Charleston, and Savannah and New Orleans are the points which present themselves to our mind. There is something so absurd in the injunction to keep the expedition close together, and to land in a long line of boats, and with elaborate preparations, for the capturing Sand Point or Mosquito Bar, or Alligator Inlet, that it is difficult to conceive that the Northern Generals would thus make themselves ridiculous.

If the expedition attempt to land at an important point, we hope that our force would be sufficient for their repulse. If among the pines and swamps, they will have committed, a great folly, and injured themselves, not us. We are not, however, without other hopes. The winds have been howling, and the clouds have been pooling out their floods. We confess it–the blast of the storm has sounded in our ears like sweetest music. It has made us think of the Spanish armada, that sailed in great pomp, on grand design, but was dispersed by the winds, and vanquished without meeting an enemy. Who knows but that stormy Hatteras was created for such a time as this? Who can tell but that the rocks and sands of the Florida coast shall prove the instruments of Providence to punish the wickedness of man? The grand fleet sailed on Tuesday, the 29th. On Friday afternoon the storm commenced. Three days had thus elapsed. Where the fleet had got to– whether the storm there raged, and whether it claimed its prey–we have yet to learn. But, whether by the winds of Heaven, or by the blessing of Heaven on Southern valor, we trust soon to be able to announce that the fleet which sailed from Hampton Roads is a fleet that shall never more return, unless, indeed, under another flag.

–Tins Sixtieth regiment of New York Volunteers, under the command of Colonel William B. Hayward, passed through New York for Washington. This regiment was recruited in St. Lawrence County, is one thousand strong, and is composed of hardy farmers. Before leaving New York, they were presented with a regimental flag by Mrs. A. T. Stewart.–New York Herald, November 6th.

–Adjutant Carpenter, of the Second Tennessee regiment, absent from his camp near Boston, Whitely County, Ky., learned when on his way to return that a band of rebels had secured the mountain pass, and that he must either abandon his horse, and go on foot through the by-paths, or fight. Returning to Boston, he gathered together twenty-two Home Guards, fourteen of whom remained steadfast to their purpose; and creeping up the mountain gorge at midnight, they shot the sentinel, alarmed the rebels, who tumbled out of the house and sprang to their saddles, eight of which were emptied in a moment, and with three of their horses the Adjutant galloped off, bringing them safe into camp.–Cincinnati Gazette.

–Barboursville, Kentucky, was taken possession of by a picket of the Federal army, amounting to fifteen hundred men. They entered the town in the evening, and hoisted the Stars and Stripes without opposition.–Cincinnati Times, November 12.

–The expedition, under Col. Dodge, which left Rolla, Missouri, in quest of ex-Judge Freeman’s band of marauding rebels, took possession of Houston, Texas County, and captured a large amount of rebel property and several prominent secessionists, including some officers of the rebel army. A large mail for the rebel army was also captured, containing information of the position of the entire rebel force in Missouri.– St. Louis Democrat, November 7.

–An enthusiastic mass meeting of the Union citizens of Baltimore County, Md., was held at Calverton, at which Reverdy Johnson delivered an eloquent defence of the Constitution and the laws. Like all that has proceeded from him on the subject of the present national troubles, it breathes a spirit of ardent devotion to the Union, in its hour of peril.–(Doc. 130.)

Sunday, November 3. – We started at four o’clock this morning, and headed due west. We came in sight of land at about nine o’clock. I think it must have been Tybee Island at the entrance of Savannah River. The pilot will not say where we are. There is an island on the extreme right with what looks like a lighthouse on it. We had a very good sermon from the chaplain this morning, and afterwards the colonel addressed the soldiers in regard to their sending home their pay. The chaplain in his sermon hit the drum-major very well. He told the men to avoid snivellers and cowards, etc. Our ship was the first one to get here, followed by the Daniel Webster, and now five are in sight. It is a clear, cool day. I think from what the pilot says that the land we saw this morning must have been off Port Royal Sound, which leads to Beaufort. We saw 19 vessels in all this afternoon, none of them war vessels, however. We are now drifting along at the rate of half a mile an hour, and are within 20 miles of land. They say that the ship was on fire last Friday night, and I am inclined to think it was so.

Camp Ewing, Virginia, November 3. Sunday. – Yesterday and today it has been rainy, stormy, and disagreeable. I came up to my regiment yesterday as lieutenant-colonel. The men and officers seem pleased with my promotion. All regret the loss of Colonel Matthews and say that if I go their interest in the regiment is gone. The paymaster has paid me up to the 31st [of] August, four hundred and ninety-six dollars. Lieutenant Richardson has also collected for me two hundred and fifty dollars of money lent the company officers. I can send home seven hundred dollars and still have two months’ pay due me. I have been very economical in order to a fair start for my family. I shall now feel relieved from anxiety on that score and will be more liberal in my expenditures.

A Mr. Ficklin, of Charlottesville, Virginia, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Colonel Tompkins, came with her bearing a flag of truce. He staid with us last night. He is an agreeable, fair-minded, intelligent gentleman of substance, formerly and perhaps now a stage proprietor and mail-carrier. He says he entertains not the shadow of a doubt that the Confederate States will achieve independence. He says the whole people will spend and be spent to the last before they will yield. On asking him, “Suppose on the expiration of Lincoln’s term a state-rights Democrat shall be elected President, what will be the disposition of the South towards him?” he replied hesitatingly as if puzzled, and seemed to feel that the chief objection to the Union would be removed. So it’s Lincoln, Black Republican, prejudice, a name, that is at the bottom of it all. His account of things goes to show that great pains have been taken to drill and discipline the Rebel troops, and that their cavalry are especially fine.

All the sick sent over Gauley last night. A new lot appear today. We have had three deaths by the fever.

I now enter on new duties. I must learn all the duties of colonel, see that Colonel Scammon does not forget or omit anything. He is ready to all but so forgetful. He loves to talk of West Point, of General Scott, of genteel and aristocratic people; and if an agreeable person is found who will seem to be entertained, he can talk by the hour in a pleasant way to the omission of every important duty.

Explosion of a Shell in the Cutter of the United States Steamer ‘Niagara,’ November 3d, 1861

(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, New York, 1895)

“Few incidents in the war displayed more courage and coolness than the action of Fog Boatswain A. W. Pomeroy, of the United States frigate Niagara, in burning the Confederate brig Nonsuch near New Orleans. After setting the vessel on fire the Federal sailors were pulling back to the Niagara, when a shell struck the boat, throwing two of the officers in the water. The men were saved by a cutter dispatched from the Niagara.”

November 3.–The ladies of Springfield, Mo., presented a flag to the Prairie Scouts, commanded by Major Frank J. White. They desired also to present one to Fremont’s body-guard, but it was declined, on behalf of the Guard, by Major Zagonyi in a letter, whose tenor is that the honor was rendered valueless to the Guard by its being at the same time conferred upon the Scouts.– (Doc. 128.)

–Lieut. Alfred Kantz, of the steamer Flag, taken prisoner by the Confederates, arrived at Washington, D. C., having been liberated on parole, to make arrangements for the exchange of the Federal prisoners at Richmond. He represented them there as suffering from an insufficiency of clothing and other necessaries.– Baltimore American, November 4.

–The Columbia South Carolinian, of this date, has the following:–”One hundred and fifty of Lincoln’s mercenaries, part of the second grand army of Washington, arrived yesterday from Richmond, and are quartered for safe keeping in our district jail. Coming to destroy our property, our people, and our liberty, they have been foiled in the effort, and lost their own freedom. They have learned a lesson of wisdom, and no doubt found that they were mistaken in entering a crusade for the subjugation of a race of people who are their superiors. They are here a degraded herd, and unworthy of sympathy or commiseration. Every one deserves to be shot, and the chances of liberation taken from him. We trust they will be entirely isolated from all external communication, and looked upon as John Brown’s men, as they are. The prisoners were under the charge of Lieutenant Porter, C. S. A., and a detachment of fifty-six men from the Charlotte Greys, under command of Lieutenant T. S. Henry. There are many boys among them, and they are generally a rough-looking set.”

–General Hunter arrived at Springfield, Mo., and assumed command of the forces previously under General Fremont.–Nea York Herald, November 5.

–Gen. Beauregard wrote a letter to the editors of the Richmond Whig, in relation to the controversy upon the publication of a synopsis of his report of the battle of Manassas. He entreats his friends “not to trouble themselves about slanders or calumnies aimed against him,” and declares his intention to return to private life after having assisted to the best of his ability in securing Southern independence.–(Doc. 129.)

November 3, 1861

• Rising of the Union men of East Tennessee, who in the following few days burn and break down several important railroad bridges.

Standard [Clarksville], Tx, November 2, 1861

Head Quarters 2^nd Texas Cavalry, }
Oct. 16^th, 1861. }

Dear Standard–

The Red River Company will be mustered into the Confederate Services tomorrow, and as our destination is Missouri, it is the opinion of those acquainted with the Climate that good warm clothes will be quite a necessary article for our men, and as a great many in the company from Red River are destitute of a good Suit of warm clothes, also deficient in their complements of Blankets, I earnestly request the good citizens of Red River who feel interested to procure such things as they may think necessary for the comfort of their friends who are unable to furnish themselves, and deliver them in Clarksville by the first of next month, and I will be there to receive and take them to the Company, anything in this way will be thankfully received by the company, and I doubt not if the Ladies will take the matter into hand, they will succeed in getting a full complement of these very needful articles. Our men have a very good opinion of the locality of St. Louis for winter quarters, and express a desire to drink the very good health of the Southern confederacy in that great Metropolis, on next Christmas day–success to the undertaking.

The first division of Col. Young’s Regiment took up the line of march this morning, the balance will follow to morrow. It will be ten or twelve days before our Regiment will get off. There is still room in Capt. Sims Company for ten or fifteen recruits, and any one wishing to take the campaign through Missouri under Gen. McCulloch will report to me in Clarksville, and be ready to march by the first of November.

Respectfully,

W. B. Sims,
Col. Commanding.

Standard [Clarksville], Tx, November 2, 1861

Taking it for granted that all Missourians able to bear arms, who recently left the State and brought their families, and property to Texas, are desirous to return for the purpose of defending their State which they only temporarily left, for the benefit of their wives and children. I suggest the following mode of action:

Form into messes of ten men; take one common two horse wagon, and four horses or mules to each mess. One tent, and as good a supply of clothing and arms as circumstances will permit, and make haste to Cassville, Berry county, Missouri where we can organize, and be mustered into the Missouri service, and thereby retain our citizenship in Missouri. It is thought that the road by Mill Creek ferry, Waldron, Van Buren and Fayetteville, is preferable at this season of the year; the Texas troops having consumed much of the food, on other roads. So here goes, let us see who will get to Cassville first, most of you reached Texas before we did, we hope we will find you in Missouri when we get there. If so you must be up and doing.

I expect to be ready to start by the 10^th inst. Any person wishing to go with me, will report to Dr. W. M. Dodson at the Donoho house.

B. B. Harrison,
of Lebanon, Mo.

Clarksville, Nov. 1^st, 1861.

Saturday, November 2. – The storm continued all day, but it reached its height last night between 12 and 3, so that to-day towards evening it moderated a little. Many of the people were seasick, and I myself barely escaped being so. In the afternoon we steered west, in the direction of Brunswick, Georgia. We lay to most of the night. We left the Gulf Stream to-day, and the change from the warm air to the colder was very marked. The fleet is all scattered, and but four are now in sight. Our sealed orders were opened to-day.

Austin State Gazette, November 2, 1861

Wm. B. Fondren, of this county, related to us the following particulars, showing the heroism of a lady of this county, a Mrs. Rippy. On the 18th inst., a party of five Indians attacked Mrs. Rippy, cursing her and stringing their bows. She, fortunately, having a musket with her prepared for fight, and the Indians hearing the musket click in cocking, being but a few steps off, retreated. Mrs. Rippy went on without further molestation. She was carrying her husband’s dinner to where he was at work, about one mile off. On reaching him, she told him what had taken place, he immediately got some neighbors and pursued them, finding that they had got ahead of the Indians before night, they took a stand where they thought they were most likely to pass. About 11 o’clock at night the Indians made their appearance, the white men made an attack upon them, and succeeded in capturing 21 head of horses the Indians had, but got no Indian, but think they wounded some.

So much for Mr. Pike’s Treaty, the Indians are more troublesome than formerly. They have stolen all the horses from the north-western corner of Wise county in the last week. — White Man.

Austin State Gazette, November 2, 1861

The emigration from Missouri this fall seems to be quite brisk, bringing their negroes and every other species of property they could escape with; while a goodly number are returning North, they say to Arkansas, but we suppose to Kansas or Illinois, we think there are more who would do well to take the same track.–Sherman Patriot.

Camp Tompkins, Virginia, November 2, 1861.

Dearest Lucy: – I am about to return to my regiment, six or eight miles up New River at Camp Ewing. I shall probably be comfortably settled there tonight.

Colonel Matthews having been promoted to the colonelcy of the Fifty-first, I have been promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Twenty-third and relieved, for the present at any rate, of the duties of judge-advocate. I of course regret very much the loss of Colonel Matthews. But you know we have been separated more than half the time since we came to Virginia; so it is more a change in name than in fact. I hope he has a good regiment. If he has decent materials he will make it a good one. I am pleased, as people in the army always are, with my promotion. I confess to the weakness of preferring (as I must hereafter always be called by some title) to be called Colonel to being styled Major.

We had a noisy day yesterday. A lot of Floyd’s men (we suppose) have got on the other side of the river with cannon. They tried to sink our ferry-boats and prevent our crossing Gauley River at the bridge (now ferry for Wise destroyed the bridge). They made it so hazardous during the day that all teams were stopped; but during the night the ferry did double duty, so that the usual crossing required in twenty-four hours was safely done. Both sides fired cannon and musketry at each other several hours, but the distance was too great to do harm. We have two wounded and thought we did them immense damage. They probably suffered little or no loss, but probably imagined that they were seriously cutting us. So we all see it. Our side does wonders always. We are not accurately informed about these Rebels, but appearances do not make them formidable. They can’t attack us. The only danger is that they may get below on the Kanawha and catch a steamboat before we drive them off.

I wish you could see such a battle. No danger and yet enough sense of peril excited to make all engaged very enthusiastic. The echoes of the cannon and bursting shells through the mountain defiles were wonderful. I spent the day with two soldiers making a reconnaissance – that is to say trying to find out the enemies’ exact position, strength, etc., etc. We did some hard climbing, and were in as much danger as anybody else, that is, none at all. One while the spent rifle balls fell in our neighborhood, but they hadn’t force enough to penetrate clothing, even if they should hit. It’s a great thing to have a rapid river and a mountain gorge between hostile armies. . . .

Affectionately,

R. B. Hayes.

P. S. – I have been paid half of my pay, and will send you two or three hundred dollars at least, the first chance. I wish you would get Dr. Jim to buy one or two pairs of lieutenant-colonel’s shoulder-straps to send with the privilege of returning if they don’t suit. We expect Dr. Clendenin daily.

Mrs. Hayes.

Rescue of Major Reynolds’s Battalion of Marines from the Foundering Steamer ‘Governor’

(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, New York, 1895)

“While being used as a transport, off Cape Hatteras, November 2d, 1861, the steamer ‘Governor,’ Commander Phillips, foundered in the rough sea. Those on board, a battalion of marines under Major Reynolds, were transferred with great difficulty to the ‘Sabine.’ The ‘Governor’ was a sidewheel steamer of 650 tons burden. She was built in New York city in 1846, and was originally intended for river navigation.”

November 2.–The British brig Ariel arrived at Philadelphia, Pa., in charge of a prize crew. She was from Liverpool, bound to Charleston, with a cargo of salt. She was captured off Frying Pan Shoals, while trying to run the blockade of Charleston, by the gunboat Gemsbok.–Philadelphia Inquirer, Nov. 4.

–General McClellan was presented with a sword by the city councils of Philadelphia to-day, at his residence in Washington. In responding to the presentation address General McClellan said:

I ask you, sir, to give my warmest and deep thanks to the honerable body you represent for this entirely unmerited compliment. I could thank you better if I thought that I deserved it, but I do not feel that I do. Nothing that I have yet accomplished would warrant this high compliment. It is for the future to determine whether I shall realize the expectations and hopes that have been centred in me. I trust and feel that the day is not far distant when I shall return to the place dearest of all others to me, there to spend the balance of my life among the people from whom I have received this beautiful gift. The war cannot last long. It may be desperate. I ask in the future, forbearance, patience, and confidence. With these we can accomplish all; and while I know that, in the great drama which may have our hearts’ blood, Pennsylvania will not play the least, I trust that, on the other hand, she will play the highest and noblest part.

I again thank you, and ask you to convey to the councils my most sincere thanks for the sword. Say to them that it will be my ambition to deserve it hereafter. I know I do not now.

–The Twenty-seventh Massachusetts regiment, under the command of Colonel H. C. Lee, left Springfield at two o’clock to-day for Hudson, where they took the steamer Connecticut for New York, at seven o’clock in the evening.–Springfield Republican, Nov. 4.

–The British steamer Bermuda, with a cargo of eighteen hundred bales of cotton, ran the blockade from Savannah, Ga. About eight o’clock she weighed anchor, proceeded down the stream, and finding all things favorable, made a clear and triumphant exit over the bar. She cleared for Havre.–Savannah Republican, Nov. 4.

–The Charleston (S. C.) Mercury, of this date, says: The trial of our privateersmen for piracy, in New York and Philadelphia, our readers have noticed, among other intelligence published. It is a subject that must stir the gall of every earnest man in the Confederate States. In the deficiency of a navy proper, these gallant men, commissioned by our Government our militia of the sea, have gone forth to punish our enemy to the extent of their ability. It has been our only naval resource, and accords with the laws and customs of nations. It is a right which the United States freely exercised in the last war against Great Britain, and within a few years peremptorily refused to waive by treaty stipulation. But now, because it bears disagreeably upon their commerce, the practice is denounced by the United States, and our captured privateersmen are subjected to the ignominious treatment of common felons. Paraded in chains through the streets of Northern cities, for the gaze of the hostile rabble, they are put into the wretched dungeons of “the Tombs,” surrounded by filth and vermin. Here for long months they are kept, that confinement and anxiety may prey upon their health, and that wounded self-respect may fret their hearts in the torture of humiliation. They are now dragged forth, before the public gaze of our infuriated enemies, to be tried for their lives as the worst of criminals–enemies to the whole human race. These are the men whom we have sent forth to fight our battles, under the broad seal of our country; and this is the treatment which they have met with as prisoners, at the hands of our enemies–the Yankees.

The law of retaliation is retributive justice, used for self-protection. It is a law wholesome in its operation against those whom no argument of propriety can convince, no plea of humanity or justice affect. It is logical and touchingly effective. It speaks with more power than the voice of reason. It is more convincing than precedent and law, and hard, dry logic. It has a voice to charm and to be heeded.

The Yankee prisoners in South Carolina are in jail in close confinement. There they will abide the issue of the trials of our privateersmen at the North. Should one drop of Southern blood be shed by Northern courts, for defending the South on the seas, it will be paid for with interest in Charleston. Self-protection, and the enforcement of the laws of nations and of humanity, alike require, in this instance, full and ample retaliation. It is a matter of high State policy, which must and will assuredly be carried out.

–General Fremont received, at Springfield, Mo., an unconditional order from Washington, relieving him at once from his command; and newspapers, with the announcement of his removal, reached Springfield at the same time.

The intelligence spread rapidly through the camps, and created considerable excitement. Feeling ran high, especially in the General’s body-guard.

Although, after notifying General Hunter, as his order directed, he had no longer command over the troops, General Fremont spent several hours in making a personal examination of the grounds about the city to be prepared for a battle; and, in accordance with a written request from all the brigadier-generals, he remained through the night, to lead the army in case of an attack, which it was thought possible might be made.

General Fremont issued an order, in which he took leave of the army with many expressions of regret.–(Doc. 126.)

–A Skirmish took place about six miles east of Leavenworth, Mo., between a small force of Missouri militia, under Major Josephs, and one hundred and fifty rebels. The latter were dispersed, with a small loss.–National Intelligencer, November 6.

–The Charleston (S. C.) Mercury, of to-day, contains the following:–”In view, probably, of the expected visit of the Yankee armada, Gen. Anderson, commander of North Carolina coast defences, has called on the authorities for the assembling of the militia of Brunswick County, at Smithville, and of New Hanover, at Wilmington, without delay. Every man is requested to bring such arms and ammunition as he can procure, and come quick.”

–In a letter of this date to the U. S. Secretary of State, Gov. Curtin, of Pennsylvania, criticizes somewhat sharply the Secretary’s circular on coast defences. He can do nothing, he says, until authorized by the Pennsylvania Legislature, which will not meet until after Congress has met; and he does not see that he should call an extra session, as the Secretary assures him that “the prospect of disturbance is now less serious than it has been at any time since the insurrection began.” Since, then, the duty properly belongs to Congress, why not leave it with Congress?–(Doc. 127.)

–Capt. John A. Thompson, A. D. C. on Gen. Fremont’s Staff, accompanied by Mr. Teed, Lieutenant Tosk, and Sergeant Carlton, left General Fremont’s camp, at Springfield, for the headquarters of General Price, in order to effect an exchange of prisoners, and complete the arrangements for the future conduct of the war in Missouri.–St. Louis Democrat, November 10.

–To-day was published an address to the people of Tennessee, by Gov. Harris, calling upon them to furnish every double-barrel shot-gun and rifle they have to arm the troops now offering their service. He says the State must aid to the full extent of her resources. Her soil shall be protected. He calls upon Tennesseeans to exhaust every resource of the State before the foot of the invader shall pollute the soil of Tennessee.–Baltimore American, Nov. 16.

–The Charleston Mercury, of this date, contains the following:–”In view of the especial malignity exhibited by the North toward the Palmetto State in general, and toward Charleston in particular, we are happy to announce that all our defences are now in perfect order, and that General Ripley is ready, if not anxious, to give the invaders a warm reception. Yesterday the families residing on Sullivan’s Island received notice to remove. In the event of an attack they might have greatly embarrassed our forces. We also hear, on good authority, that a series of obstructions, of a somewhat unusual character, have been placed across the harbor entrance. We don’t envy the occupants of any hostile vessel that, entangled in these obstructions, may be subjected to the cross-fire of the big Columbiads, Dahlgrens, and rifled guns of the batteries of forts Moultrie and Sumter.

November 2, 1861

• Major-Gen. Fremont removed from the command of the Western armies.
• Rebel steamer “Bermuda” runs the blockade off Savannah.
• Rebels routed near Leavenworth, Kansas.
• Spirited engagement at Platte City, Mo.
• Prestonburg, Ky., taken by Union forces.

Friday, November 1 . – There was a rainbow early this morning, and the old adage that “a rainbow in the morning is the sailor’s warning” was well carried out; for about ten o’clock it clouded up, and in an hour we had a strong breeze blowing, which soon turned into a gale. It blew hard all night, and I surely thought we were going to the bottom. One sea which broke over the ship killed one of Captain Hascall’s horses. I did not go below during the whole night. I am afraid the Governor and some other vessels are lost. We parted with our tow this evening. I never passed such a horrible night in my life. I had fully made up my mind to be drowned, but suspense was dreadful. The wind would blow and shriek through the rigging till it seemed as if it could blow no harder; and when I thought it was at its height, it would scream and whistle more than ever. There was something terrible to me in the waves, which were enormously high, and only rendered visible by the phosphorescent light on the tops of them. At times it would rain so that one could not see, and the gangways would be full of water dashing hither and thither with the motion of the ship, until it seemed as if we were full of water and were going to sink immediately. The drum-major of the regiment exhibited such cowardice that it was disgusting to see him. I was glad to see daylight as the sea grew calmer. We were in Long, 77 ° 53′ and Lat. 33 ° 01′ at noon.

[Houston] Tri-Weekly Telegraph, November 1, 1861

Camp Leona, Oct. 23d, 1861.

Our regiment is now encamped at this place for the night. We broke up Camp Sibley this morning. After the line was formed, Col. Reily ordered the regiment to form into close column of squad rows, and then, after a few impressive words, read in a clear and distinct voice the prayer of Bishop Gregg, to be used during the war. It was a solemn spectacle to witness nearly 1000 men with their armor on their persons and banners floating in the breeze, setting on their horses uncovered, and in reverential silence, listening to every word of that beautiful prayer. Not a word was heard in the whole camp, but the tones of the reader, and every one seemed to feel the solemnity of the occasion.

We reached San Antonio at 1 o’clock, P.M. and were reviewed by Gen. Sibley, who addressed the troops, and who responded with three enthusiastic cheers for their gallant general.

Just as the command, forward, was about to be given, Capt. Rusk, son of Gen. Rusk, and now commanding Company H., of Nacogdoches, came to the front, carrying a large and beautiful silken flag, and presented it, in the name of his company, in compliment to Col. Reily. Gen. Sibley made a most beautiful response. After which, our Colonel thanked them for the honor paid him as an individual and as an officer. The flag was then placed in the centre of the column, and the regiment defiled past the line and took up its line of march westward. No better regiment ever marched from San Antonio. It is composed of artillery lancers and gunmen–all mounted. We are now here, and to-morrow shall move forward. God protect us and bless those we leave behind.

We are gratified to learn that Rev. Mr. Jones, of the Episcopal Church, at this place, has accepted the appointment of Chaplain, and joins us tomorrow. Our men are brave and strong; our arms are good; but we depend on the blessings of God.

San Antonio, Oct. 25^th, 1861.

E. H. Cushing, Esq.–Dear Sir: Col. Reily’s regiment leaves to-morrow. You missed quite a treat by not being here. Two days since, the Colonel marched his regiment through town, halted them on the Plaza, and read a prayer to them, which was a very solemn and impressive scene. He was also presented with a flag by the Nacogdoches company, and made a very able and patriotic speech in response. Gen. Sibley also made a very elegant speech to the companies, and gave them good advice. I think Col. Reily has the star regiment of the Southern Confederacy. He is proud of it, and the regiment is proud of him. Night before last it rained incessant. Gen. Sibley’s Brigade is filling fast, and will be a fine one. But little sickness.

Yours truly, in haste. J. F. M.

[Houston] Tri-Weekly Telegraph, November 1, 1861

From the Nashville Gazette.

The gallant regiment of Texas Rangers, under Benjamin F. Terry, now encamped at the Nashville Fair Grounds, is drawing largely upon the confidence and admiration of our city, and the hundreds of anxious spectators who daily call to witness the wonderful exploits. Each grand performance excited new wonder.

The lasso, made of horse hair, which is of great strength, is thrown with great exactness a distance of ten or twenty yards, the greater the speed of the horse the greater is the distance it is thrown, and the more certainty in taking the object sought. This will be an object of terror to the running enemy, whether on foot or horse.

Another performance is the taking up of an object from the ground by the rider, when the horse is at full speed. Another is the springing from the saddle to the ground and into the saddle again, the horse at full speed. Another is the hanging on the side of the horse, hiding the vital parts of the rider from the deadly weapons of the enemy. A still more exciting performance is the breaking of wild horses to the saddle–horses known to be so wild and unmanageable as to be unfit for use–horses which Rarey, the great horse tamer, had failed to break, were blindfolded, saddled and rode, both single and double, in an incredible short space of time.

I was most agreeably surprised to find in this regiment many men of fine intelligence, polished manners, excellent moral character and good fortune. This was not a matter of so great surprise, when we learned that these were picked men, and picked, too, by a man no facile in the judgment of human character as their commander.

This is, indeed, a model regiment, in reference to physical, military and moral cultivation. We hope soon to see them on the best horses of our State, flying with their lassos, sabres and double-barrel shot guns after Lincoln’s intruders upon Southern soil.

J. P. C.

[Houston] Tri-Weekly Telegraph, November 1, 1861

Huntsville, Oct. 23, 1861.

The Texas Penitentiary is now supplied with Cotton, and no more will be taken at present.

The public are notified that all goods hereafter made are by order of the Governor, subject to the requisition of the Quartermasters of the Confederate States of America and must be so applied.

A fair price will be given here for WOOL, as we have determined to drive the Woolen Machinery all the time.

M. C. Rogers,
F. Agent Texas Penitentiary.

November 1.–Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott, in a letter to the Secretary of War, dated October 31, having requested that his name might “be placed on the list of Army Officers retired from active service,” a special Cabinet Council was convened, and decided that Gen. Scott’s request, in view of his advanced age and infirmities, could not be refused; and his name was accordingly so placed, “without reduction in his current pay, subsistence, or allowances.” Major-General George B. McClellan was thereupon appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States, to succeed Gen. Scott, and assumed the position in a general order, in which he expresses his regret “that the weight of many years, and the effect of increasing infirmities, contracted and intensified in his country’s service, should just now remove from our head the great soldier of our nation.” (Doc. 122.)

–Colonel Mulligan, made prisoner by the rebels at the capture of Lexington, was exchanged.–St. Louis Democrat, Nov. 3.

–The Federal prisoners at Charleston were removed from Castle Pinckney. Along the whole line of march, the streets were thronged with a motley crowd of people, juveniles, and darkies. Great eagerness was expressed to see the officers, especially Colonel Corcoran, late of the New York Sixty-ninth regiment. The privates were indeed a sorrowful-looking set, but seemed in quite good humor; and many of them carried along on their shoulders their chairs, chess beards, and other similar conveniences, which they had extemporized during their stay at Castle Pinckney.–Charleston Mercury, Nov. 2.

–The Tenth regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Charles H. Russell, passed through New York.

–Lieutenant-Colonel Morse, with four hundred cavalry, surprised a rebel camp, eight hundred strong, near Renick, Randolph County, Mo., and drove out the rebels in complete rout. –(Doc. 123.)

–Some scouts from the Second Kentucky regiment, under Captain Wheeler, reported to Gen. Rosecrans, the rebels in considerable force on the west side of New River, some few miles above Gauley Bridge, in Virginia.

Shortly after Captain Wheeler’s return, two batteries were opened upon the National troops in the vicinity of Gauley Bridge from the hills on the opposite side of the river–one directly opposite the bridge, and the other two miles lower down, at the falls of the Kanawha, opposite a large brick house in which commissary’s supplies were stored. These batteries played away nearly all day, the commissary’s quarters affording them a fine mark; but so bad was their firing, they did not strike the building once! In almost every instance their balls and shell fell short. The upper battery, after wasting a good deal of ammunition, succeeded in driving the Eleventh Ohio from their camp on the hillside opposite, and in sinking a flat-boat, which served the army as a ferry. This was the extent of the damage done. Not a man was killed, and the flat-boat was raised again the same evening, and made to do good service that night.

It was not till the day had far advanced that the National artillery could be brought to bear upon the rebel batteries. The rifled guns were all at the various camps up New River; but when they were once placed in position, it was not long until both the rebel batteries were silenced. A train of wagons, on its way from Gauley Bridge to the encampments above, was fired upon the same day, when five or six miles up the river, by rebel infantry, and two of the Nationals were wounded. Three companies from General Benham’s camp, at Hawk’s Nest, came to their relief, and soon drove the enemy back of the hills.–Cincinnati Gazette, Nov. 5

–An important proclamation relating to the coming election in Maryland, was issued by General Dix. It having been understood that persons formerly residing in the State, but who had recently been bearing arms against the United States Government, had returned with the intention of taking part in the election, with the purpose of carrying out treasonable designs, General Dix ordered the United States Marshal of Maryland and the Provost-Marshal of Baltimore to arrest all such persons; and he further directed the election judges throughout the State to detain all such persons who might present themselves at the polls, until they could be taken into custody by the proper authorities.– (Doc. 124.)

–Since the Twentieth and Twenty-first regiments have been in camp near Griffin, Pike County, Georgia, the measles and typhoid fever have broke out among them. There are now over two hundred on the sick list and several have died. Two large buildings have been set apart as hospitals, and the sick receive the daily attentions of the benevolent ladies of Griffin.– Griffin Union, Nov. 1.

–General Fremont signed, at Springfield, Mo., an agreement entered into with two commissioners, on the part of the rebel General Price, “to facilitate the future exchange of prisoners of war,” and which provides, “that all persons heretofore arrested for the mere expression of political opinions, may be released from confinement on parole; also, that in future the war be confined exclusively to the armies in the field.” –(Doc. 125.)

November 1. Camp Tompkins. – Cold, gusty, but sunshiny. The fine band of the Second Kentucky does discourse glorious music. A dapper little fellow with a cane, “a nice young man,” fit for Fourth Street in piping times of peace, walked by my tent just now. Not a fellow in camp with his army blue, tattered or not, who does not feel above him.

The enemy have just begun to fire on the ferry and on the teams and passers between here and Gauley Bridge. They have cannon and riflemen on the opposite side of New River. Went with Sweet scouting to ascertain exact position of enemy. Followed up rills and ravines, running imminent risk of breaking necks; discovered tolerable views of the enemy. The echoes of the cannon and bursting shells were grand in these defiles. Two of our men slightly wounded. The ferry stopped during daylight (but doing double duty at night), is all that was accomplished. Great waste of ammunition, great noise, excitement among soldiers. Vox præterea nihil. Got home at night, tired enough, in the rain.

November 1, 1861

• Lieut.-Gen.Winfield Scott, Commander of the United States Army, was placed by the President on the retired list of army officers, without reduction of his pay, subsistence, or allowances.
• Major-Gen. George B. McClellan assumed command of the armies of the United States in place of Gen. Scott.
• Rebels under Floyd attempted to capture Rosecrans’ army at Gauley Bridge, Va., but failed, and Floyd only saved himself by a precipitate flight.
• A violent storm overtook the great Union naval and military expedition off the coast of North Carolina, and effected considerable damage.