September 8.–Yesterday, at Hatteras Inlet, N. C., the schooners Mary Ward, of Edenton, N. C., Daniel Hayman, Captain; the Ocean Wave, of Washington, N. C., Adam Warren, Captain; the Susan Jane, of Plymouth, N. C., David Ireland, Captain, all from the Island of St. Martin, were taken prizes. The Ward and the Wave came square into the inlet, and were boarded by Lieut. Crosby, to whom the captains unsuspectingly committed themselves as being in the illegal trade, and by whom they were taken prisoners and their vessels secured as prizes. They were loaded with salt and molasses. The Susan Jane was seen in the offing standing off and on suspiciously. Lieut. Crosby took the Fanny, with Col. Hawkins on beard, and went out of the inlet to watch her movements. Apparently suspecting that something was out of joint, she stood off, when the Fanny pursued and gave her a shot at long range which did not have the effect to bring her to. At the suggestion of Colonel Hawkins, a secession flag was extemporized and let fly from the Fanny, in answer to which the schooner ran up the Palmetto flag of South Carolina, and at the same time tacked and came round. Soon after, however, seeming to smell a rat, she altered her course and stood off again, and tried to haul down her flag, but did not succeed, on account of its getting tangled. Perceiving that she was making off, Lieutenant Crosby let her have a shot across her bow, whereat she came round and made directly for the Fanny. On coming up, Lieutenant Crosby went aboard and directed the captain to follow the Fanny in. While on their way, Lieutenant Crosby had the following conversation with Captain Ireland: “Is that your flag?” asked Lieutenant C. “Yes, that is the flag I live, fight, and hope to die under,” replied the captain, and he added, “we have cheated the Yankees this time.” “I have to inform you,” said Lieutenant Crosby, “that on the 28th day of August the American fleet made its appearance off this place and commenced to bombard Forts Hatteras and Clark, while a land force landed; that Fort Clark was silenced that day; that on the day following Fort Hatteras was bombarded and captured, with more than seven hundred prisoners; that both forts are now occupied by Federal troops; that I am a United States officer, you my prisoner, and your ship a prize. It is all right, is it not, captain?” The captain instantly collapsed, and took to hard drink.

To-day the Hamet Ryan, Captain Wm. Nixon, appeared off the inlet, and finally stood in. Lieutenant Crosby, with the Fanny, went out, and took her in tow. She proved to be from Halifax, bound to Washington, N. C., with an assorted cargo, previously purchased in New York, consisting of one hundred and forty dozen army brogans, hats, caps, army supplies, and camp and garrison tools, for the rebels. Important papers were found on board, disclosing the extent to which this sort of trade is carried on under the English flag, and implicating certain leading New York houses in it.–(Doc. 39 ½.) [continue reading…]

September 7.–The Grand Jury of Westchester County, N. Y., in session at White Plains, presented to the Judge of the Circuit Court, the Yonkers Herald, the Highland Democrat, the Eastern State Journal of that county, and the Staats Zeitung and the National Zeitung of New York City, as disseminators of doctrines, which, in the existing state of things, tend to give aid and comfort to the enemies of the Government, and to prevent a vigorous prosecution of the war by which alone the supremacy of the Government is to be maintained, and National peace and prosperity again witnessed in the land. And they called upon the District Attorney of that county to prosecute the editors and proprietors of these journals if, after public notice, they should continue in their evil courses; and they also requested that a copy of the presentment be forwarded to Mr. E. D. Smith, the United States District Attorney in New York, that he might commence proceedings against the two German papers presented published there, and further requested that a stop might be put to the circulation of these papers in Westchester County.– N. Y. Commercial, September 9.

–Generals Pillow and Polk occupied Columbus, Kentucky, with seven thousand rebels. Jeff. Thompson was in Missouri, directly opposite, with the balance of Pillow’s forces. A reinforcement of Federal troops were sent today to Paducah, and another regiment follows immediately.–Baltimore American, Sept. 9.

–The Knoxville (Tenn.) Whig of to-day contains the following from Parson Brownlow, designed to correct some erroneous notions that prevail in regard to his position on the war question.

He says he entertains the same opinions he always has of “the heresy of secession and the leading men who brought about a dissolution of the Union, and of the motives that prompted them.” He “can never sanction the one nor confide in the other.” He wishes it understood, however, that, inasmuch as he is not a “candidate for martyrdom, or imprisonment” during the war, and has been overpowered by the action of the State at the ballot-box, and by the strong arm of the military, he has determined to “moderate in his tone,” to “cease the course of warfare” he has waged, and to “yield to the necessity upon us–a necessity none of us can avert.” After pledging himself to devote more attention hereafter to giving his readers the current news than abusing the South, he says: “I have fought, editorially, as long as I could accomplish any thing by lighting, and in my retirement to a position of neutrality, I carry with me my unchanged principles, and shall cherish them to my latest hours of life.” He further adds: [continue reading…]

Sept. 6.–To-day the National Guard at Conrad’s Ferry, on the Potomac, discerned a body of rebels at work across the river, which, on inspection with glasses, proved to be the erection of a two-gun battery. Word was sent to General Stone’s head-quarters, and a section of a battery was soon provided. The rebels discharged two shells without effect, which were responded to with spherical-case shot, causing a splendid specimen of racing by the rebels. The distance between the two batteries was not less than three-quarters of a mile.–National Intelligencer, Sept. 12.

–Tins morning at eleven o’clock, General Grant, with two regiments of infantry, one company of light artillery, and two gunboats, took possession of Paducah, Kentucky. He found secession flags flying in different parts of the city, in expectation of greeting the arrival of the Southern army, which was reported three thousand eight hundred strong, sixteen miles distant. The loyal citizens tore down the secession flags on the arrival of the national troops.

General Grant took possession of the telegraph office, railroad depot, and the marine hospital, and issued the following proclamation:

I have come among you not as an enemy, but as your fellow-citizen. Not to maltreat or annoy you, but to respect and enforce the rights of all loyal citizens. An enemy, in rebellion against our common Government, has taken possession of, and planted its guns on the soil of Kentucky, and fired upon you. Columbus and Hickman are in his hands. He is moving upon your city. I am here to defend you against this enemy, to assist the authority and sovereignty of your Government. I have nothing to do with opinions, and shall deal only with armed rebellion and its aiders and abettors. You can pursue your usual avocations without fear. The strong arm of the Government is here to protect its friends and punish its enemies. Whenever it is manifest that you are able to defend yourselves and maintain the authority of the Government and protest the rights of loyal citizens I shall withdraw the forces under my command.

U. S. Grant,
Brig.-Gen. Commanding.
–(Doc. 31.)

–Several families of Tennessee exiles arrived at Cincinnati, Ohio, in farm wagons today. They were driven from Jefferson County, Tennessee, on account of their Union sentiments, some weeks since.–Louisville Journal, Sept. 9. [continue reading…]

Sept. 5.–The Charleston Mercury of this day says: Under the Fabian policy, our army has remained stationary for the last six weeks, a prey to ennui and discomfort, discontent and disease, while the capitol at Washington could almost be seen from the generals’ tents. How long this policy of “masterly inactivity ” would have continued, God only knows. It was gravely announced in a Richmond paper, that they were intrepidly waiting for the enemy to come on again. The enemy, however, very wisely determined that, as they were left the range of the whole continent to attack, Bull Run was not the choicest place for their future operations. They accordingly make a descent on the coast of North Carolina. Perhaps our Government was astonished that they did not return to Bull Run; but seeing that such expectations were not in accordance with Yankee policy, they see the necessity of advancing on Washington. It is clear that our Yankee enemies, always pushing us into our best position, intend to force us into the alternative of a campaign in Maryland, or the devastation of our sea-coast. The Carolinas, Georgia and Florida, are to be defended in Maryland. It is there, by a firm and aggressive war, that the United States must, on our part, be forced to defend themselves.

–Two companies of Colonel Berdan’s sharpshooters took their departure from Weehawken, N. J., for the seat of war. They are the first of the regiment that have gone into actual service. The uniform of the regiment is peculiarly appropriate for their position as marksmen, consisting of green frock coats, gray pantaloon and green caps. The dress is made to accord with the colors of nature as much as possible and is intended to be worn in summer. In winter the uniform will consist entirely of gray pattern.–N. Y. World, Sept. 6.

–The Twentieth regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, under the command of Colonel William Raymond Lee, passed through New York on its way to the seat of war. The regimen left Readville, Mass., yesterday. It numbers seven hundred and fifty men, and has been mainly raised in Springfield and Wareham The men are strong, hardy, and intelligent looking. They are armed with Enfield rifles and are uniformed according to the army regulation. They have with them twenty-five baggage wagons, two hospital wagons, five ambulances, and one hundred and twenty horses A company of sharp-shooters from Massachusetts, Capt. Sanders, with one hundred men, joined the regiment at New York. [continue reading…]

September 4.–Leslie Coombs, of Kentucky, in a letter to the chairman of the Syracuse (N. Y.) Conventions, held this language: “These peace meetings, with us, and, I presume, everywhere, arc mere soft words for treason, and we shall so treat them. I am gratified to find you still at your post, and have not caught the Bull Run panic, which has done some mischief in Kentucky. I am on guard all the time, and ready for action. If the rebels dare make a war upon us, we will sweep them clear, and that rapidly. We are wide awake, and defy their malice as much as we scorn their blustering. ‘The Union, the Constitution, and the enforcement of the laws,’ must be kept aloft everywhere, and all mere party platforms trampled under foot.”

–Leonidas Polk, general in the Confederate Army, issued the following proclamation at Columbus, Ky., this day: “The Federal Government having, in defiance of the wishes of the people of Kentucky, disregarded their neutrality by establishing camp depots of armies, and by organizing military companies within her territory, and by constructing military works on the Missouri shore, immediately opposite and commanding Columbus, evidently intended to cover the landing of troops for the seizure of that town, it has become a military necessity, for the defence of the territory of the Confederate States, that the Confederates occupy Columbus in advance. The major-general commanding has, therefore, not felt himself at liberty to risk the loss of so important a position, but has decided to occupy it in pursuance of this decision. He has thrown sufficient force into the town, and ordered to fortify it. It is gratifying to know that the presence of his troops is acceptable to the people of Columbus, and on this occasion he assures them that every precaution shall be taken to insure their quiet, protection to their property, with personal and corporate rights.”

–Colonel John Fitzroy De Courcy, an English officer of much distinction, tendered his services to the National Government, and the offer was accepted. Colonel De Courcy commanded a Turkish regiment during the Crimean Var.–Louisville Journal, September 11.

–At Portland, Me., Cyrus F. Sargent and Octavius F. Hill, of Yarmouth, were [continue reading…]

September 3.–The Pensacola (Fla.) Observer gives the particulars of the burning of the dry-dock there as follows:

The dry-dock, originally intended to have been sunk in the channel to obstruct the passage of war steamers into our harbor, but which, from necessity, not choice, was sunk in the bay, about midway between Pickens and the yard, was burned to the water’s edge last night. Who the perpetrators of this act were, is solely a question of speculation, as we go to press, though the Yankees have the general credit of it. Upon this point, however, we soon will be fully enlightened, but upon the point that we have lost over half a million of dollars by the operation our mind is perfectly clear and settled.

–Charles Henry Foster, Union member of Congress from North Carolina, arrived at Philadelphia, Pa., to-day, en route for Washington, to confer with the administration upon affairs connected with his State. Rebel scouts lay in wait for him in Virginia, whose vigilance he successfully eluded.–N. Y. Times, Sept. 4.

–The President of the United States made the following appointments of Brigadier-Generals : Captain George C. Meade, of the Topographical Engineers; Major Lawrence P. Graham, of the Dragoons, a Virginian by birth, and breveted for gallantry in Mexico; Colonel Abercrombie; Colonel Biddle; Colonel Duryea; Colonel Casey, who is lieutenant-colonel by brevet in the regular army; Hon. William A. Richardson, of Illinois; Eleazer A. Paine, of Illinois; Justus McKinstry, assistant quartermaster of the Army; O. O. Howard, of Maine; Charles D. Jameson, of Maine; A. McD. McCook, of Ohio; Ebenezer Dumont, of Indiana; Robert H. Milroy, of Indiana; Lewis Wallace, of Indiana.–Phila. Inquirer, September 4.

–This morning, Captain Julius L. Ellis, of the Seventy-first regiment, N. Y. S. M., and son of Dr. Samuel C. Ellis, died at his father’s residence, in Second Avenue, New York City, of a wound received when leading his company at the battle of Stone Bridge. It is a significant fact that five of Dr. Ellis’s sons fought under the Stare and Stripes at Stone Bridge. [continue reading…]

September 2.–A procession of several hundred stout negro men, members of the “domestic institution,” marched through the streets of Memphis, Tenn., in military order, under the command of Confederate officers. They were armed and equipped with shovels, axes, blankets, etc. A merrier set never were seen. They were brimful of patriotism, shouting for Jeff. Davis and singing war-songs, and each looked as if he only wanted the privilege of shooting an abolitionist. The arms of these colored warriors were rather mysterious. Could it be that those gleaming axes were intended to drive into the thick skulls of abolitionists the truth, to which they are wilfully blind, that their interference in behalf of Southern slaves is neither appreciated nor desired; or that these shovels were intended to dig trenches for the interment of their carcasses? It may be that the shovels are to be used in digging ditches, throwing up breastworks, or the construction of masked batteries, these abominations to every abolition Paul Pry who is so unlucky as to stumble upon them.–Memphis Avalanche, September 3.

–To-day six hundred rebels under Gen. Rains approached Fort Scott and seized eighty mules belonging to the United States, killing the teamster. A messenger was despatched to Montgomery, who had five hundred men. He pursued Rains eleven miles, killing several of his men, when, coming on the main body of the enemy, a battle commenced, the rebels having cannon, and Montgomery one howitzer only. The fight lasted two hours, when Montgomery slowly retreated, keeping up a running fight until nightfall.–N. Y. World, September 17.

– Jeff. Thompson at Camp Hunter, Mo., issued a proclamation, in which, as a retaliative measure for Fremont’s proclamation, he threatened, for every Southern soldier and citizen executed, to hang, draw, and quarter a minion of Abraham Lincoln.–(Doc. 24.)

–The Louisville (Ky.) Journal of this morning, strongly condemns the proclamation of Gen. Fremont, and urges the State Legislature by its action to avoid the contingency of any such action here. It says the Legislature must now decide whether it will organize a body of local soldiery for State purposes, strong enough to enforce the obligations of loyal neutrality, or whether it will suffer things to go on as they have been doing, with a prospect of lapsing at no distant day into the condition which, in so brief a time, has brought on the sway of martial law in Missouri. [continue reading…]

September 1.–Information, given by negroes, induced a search south of Poolesville, Md., for arms supposed to be intended for Maryland volunteers in the rebel cause. The search was successful. Some twelve or fifteen complete cavalry equipments were discovered and retained by the National scouts. Residents of the neighborhood assert, however, that the equipments belonged to a company of Home Guard cavalry, which was raised last winter to guard against a rising of the negroes; that the company was outfitted by the State, but that, owing to the distance from the place of assembling which many of the members lived, the company was disbanded before General Patterson took command of the department.

The captain and some of the other officers are in Virginia. The company was named the Poolesville Light Dragoons. Two men, supposed to be active secessionists, were captured at the same time by scouts from the Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania regiment, Colonel Murphy. Two complete cavalry equipments and the same number of magnificent horses were taken by the same party.–N. Y. Evening Post, Sept. 6.

–A skirmish took place this morning at Bennet’s Mill, Mo., between the Dent County Home Guard, stationed at that place, and a party of three hundred and fifty rebels belonging to Schnable’s regiment.–(Doc. 22.)

–This afternoon, Lieutenant Bailey, of the Fifth Cavalry, scouting in advance of his men toward Falls Church, in Virginia, discovered earthworks beyond Vanderwerken’s House. On reaching the top of a hill on which the batteries were planted, he was approached by a number of mounted rebels, who, regarding him as their prisoner already, took few precautions to secure him. Lieutenant Bailey shot the foremost with his pistol, and wheeling about, rejoined his men in a few minutes. The bullets of the enemy whistled by him harmless, as he rode away, save wounding a horse belonging to one of the privates.–Philadelphia Inquirer, September 5.

–The following is the text of a circular or proclamation of the Captain-General of Cuba relative to the rebel flag: [continue reading…]

Title: The volunteers in defence of the government against usurpation, 1861 / James Queen del. & lith. ; printed in oil colors by P.S. Duval & Son Ph’a.
Creator(s): Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 1821-1886, artist
Related Names: P.S. Duval & Son , printer
Date Created/Published: Phila. : Published by James Queen at P.S. Duval & Son’s Lithographic Office, 22 & 24 Sth. 5th St., c1861.
Medium: 1 print : lithograph, tinted (tan) ; 55.6 x 36.7 cm (sheet)
Summary: Print shows a man standing at center, holding an American flag, with two soldiers in uniform and holding rifles, standing to the right and left in the foreground; behind them are the wheels of a wagon attached to horses on the left, and soldiers on horseback in the background.
Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-pga-05797 (digital file from original print)
Rights Advisory: No known restrictions on publication.
Call Number: PGA – Duval–Volunteers in defence … (C size) [P&P]
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
Notes:
…..Title from item.
…..Stamped on lower left: From the file of James F. Queen artist, 1824-1889.
…..Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1861 by James Queen in the Clerk’s Office of the Dist. Court of the East. Dist. of Penna.
…..Forms part of: Marian S. Carson collection at the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress item permalink https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2013650021/

Mike’s notes:

Image restoration note – This image has been digitally adjusted for one or more of the following:
– fade correction,
– color, contrast, and/or saturation enhancement
– selected spot and/or scratch removal
– cropped for composition and/or to accentuate subject matter
– straighten image

Image restoration is the process of using digital restoration tools to create new digital versions of the images while also improving their quality and repairing damage.

SATURDAY 31

This has been a delightful day, cool and bright. Large numbers of troops crossed the river last night, 30,000 at least, but we have heard nothing of any fight as yet. I have been model making part of the day. Was at the Pat office awhile. Went to market before dark. In the evening Julia and I went down to the Ave. We went into “Gautiers” and got ice cream, came up 13th St. Some Companies of German Cavalry were giving Senator Latham a vocal Seranade.

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The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of   Congress.

Capture of the Forts at Cape Hatteras inlet-First day, fleet opening fire and troops landing in the surf.

Waud, Alfred R. , Artist. [1861] Image. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2004660375/. (Accessed August 31, 2016.)

Saturday, [August] 31,–Mustered today. I called the roll of our five companies and of McMullen’s Battery.

AUGUST 31st.—We have bad news to-day. My wife and children are the bearers of it. They returned to the city with the tidings that all the women and children were ordered to leave Newbern. The enemy have attacked and taken Fort Hatteras, making many prisoners, and threaten Newbern next. This is the second time my family have been compelled to fly. But they are well.

August 31st.–Congress adjourns to-day. Jeff Davis ill. We go home on Monday if I am able to travel. Already I feel the dread stillness and torpor of our Sahara of a Sand Hill creeping into my veins. It chills the marrow of my bones. I am reveling in the noise of city life. I know what is before me. Nothing more cheering than the cry of the lone whippoorwill will break the silence at Sandy Hill, except as night draws near, when the screech-owl will add his mournful note.

Jefferson Barracks Mo
August 31 1861

My dear wife

This is the last day of the long month which closes another summer. It has been full of stirring events in which I have extensively participated. The country has been in great commotion and the gloom that has overshadowed us does not seem to lessen. On the contrary the “combat deepens” and grows wider and longer and more and more interminable.

This day General Fremont proclaims Martial law¹ as extended throughout Missouri which of course gives him a kind of supreme command over everything in this state a specious of Despotic power which in some mens hands may be made extremely oppressive.

I being subordinate, must yield, and aid in carrying it out; but I here record my entire disapproval, believing the exigencies do not require it, and the prudent fraught with too much peril to the future liberties of the people. Indeed I doubt the success of it in a military point of view for I fear it will involve the Military officers in all the police regulations of the state that could be better supervised by the civil power and absorb the time of military men that should be employed in commanding soldiers.

The proclamation too is carelessly worded and open to a thousand objections which in after times will meet with severe reprehensions. But thiese are revolutionary times and the justification may at present rest on a revolutionary necessity which the world may never take the trouble to investigate. It is a short quick way we have here of sliding into a Military Government, which has no parallel in the history of this war elsewhere and which I privately condemn. [continue reading…]

Daily Chronicle & Sentinel [Augusta, GA],
August 31, 1861

. . . The weather has recently been very wet in Virginia, and it is even now getting quite cool, especially in the mountains. And right now the soldiers need good blankets and flannel shirts almost as much as they every will. Woolen shirts, next to the skin, and a small ration of whisky each day, are the best preventatives of malarious fever, in our opinion, whatever the medical men may say. In an army, of course, it is absolutely important to prevent excessive drinking, and drunkenness, in officers or men, should be severely punished. But we think the soldiers ought to have a gill of pure cheap whisky a day. Some do not drink, and while it might look harsh to give them whisky as a preventative medicine against their will, they might be given money instead, so as to prevent their selling the whisky ration to their comrades. In typhoid fever we would rather trust to pure spirits, as a preventive and as a cure, than all the medicines in the shops.

It has been urged that as blankets are very scarce, if indeed it be possible to buy them at all, the people should give their own to the soldiers. We agree to this heartily, and when families can not afford to give them, let them sell their blankets. Every family can readily furnish from one to half a dozen, and use comforts, or something of that sort for themselves. Blankets are the only covering that will answer for the soldier in camp, and these ought to be lined with oil-cloth if possible. Comforts, sheets, coverlets and such like, should be contributed for hospital purposes, but the blankets alone for the soldiers in service. Remember the soldier, and provide liberally and fully for all the wants of those who are fighting for us who stay at home.

Saturday, 31st–Our men arrived from Keokuk this morning. They did not get into action with the “secesh” while at Keokuk as reported. The companies for the Eighth Iowa Infantry are almost completed and the regiment will be ready to leave for the South at a moment’s notice. They are to receive the clothing and arms at St. Louis.

August 31st.–A month during which I have been exposed to more calumny, falsehood, not to speak of danger, than I ever passed through, has been brought to a close. I have all the pains and penalties attached to the digito monstrari et dicier hie est, in the most hostile sense. On going into Willard’s the other day, I said to the clerk behind the bar, “Why I heard, Mr. So-and-so, you were gone?” “Well, sir, I’m not. If I was, you would have lost the last man who is ready to say a word for you in this house, I can tell you.” Scowling faces on every side–women turning up their pretty little noses–people turning round in the streets, or stopping to stare in front of me–the proprietors of the shops where I am known pointing me out to others; the words uttered, in various tones, ” So, that’s Bull-Run Russell!”–for, oddly enough, the Americans seem to think that a disgrace to their arms becomes diminished by fixing the name of the scene as a sobriquet on one who described it–these, with caricatures, endless falsehoods, rumours of duels, and the like, form some of the little désagrémens of one who was so unfortunate as to assist at the retreat, the first he had ever seen, of an army which it would in all respects have suited him much better to have seen victorious.

I dined with Lieutenant Wise, and met Captain Dahlgren, Captain Davis, U.S.N., Captain Foote, U.N.S., and Colonel Fletcher Webster (since killed in action), son of the great American statesman, now commanding a regiment of volunteers. The latter has a fine head and face; a full, deep eye; is quaint and dry in his conversation, and a poet, I should think, in heart and soul, if outward and visible signs may be relied on. The naval captains were excellent specimens of the accomplished and able men who belong to the United States Navy. Foote, who is designated to the command of the flotilla which is to clear the Mississippi downwards, will, I am certain, do good service–a calm, energetic, skilful officer. Dahlgren, who, like all men with a system, very properly watches everything which bears upon it, took occasion to call for Captain Foote’s testimony to the fact, that he battered down a six-foot granite wall in China with Dahlgren shells. It will run hard against the Confederates when they get such men at work on the rivers and coasts, for they seem to understand their business thoroughly, and all they are not quite sure of is the readiness of the land forces to co-operate with their expeditionary movements. Incidentally I learned from the conversation–and it is a curious illustration of the power of the President–that it was he who ordered the attack on Charleston harbour, or, to speak with more accuracy, the movement of the armed squadron to relieve Sumter by force, if necessary; and that he came to the conclusion it was feasible principally from reading the account of the attack on Kinburn by the allied fleets. There was certainly an immense disproportion between the relative means of attack and defence in the two cases; but, at all events, the action of the Confederates prevented the attempt.

August 31.–At Manch Chunk, Pa., some persons entered the Carbon Democrat office, and destroyed the type, upset the stands, &c. The press was not disturbed.–N. Y. World, September 2.

–At Indianapolis (Ind.) a convention of sympathizers with the “Peace party” assembled at the Court House. Hon. Robert L. Walpole was made chairman, and while addressing the audience, denouncing the Administration and the war, was interrupted several times, and finally withdrew from the stand amidst great confusion. A man named McLean then attempted to harangue the crowd, at the same time drawing a pistol, whereupon the crowd rushed in, and he was rather roughly handled in the melee. A number of fights occurred, but with no serious results. Considerable excitement was manifested all the afternoon, and in the evening the crowd visited the residence of Mr. Walpole, and several other political men, whose loyalty was questioned, and forced them to take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government. This was done without farther disturbance. Among these who took the oath was the editor of the Sentinel.–N. Y. Times, September 3.

–William Buckingham, Governor of Connecticut, issued a proclamation calling upon the citizens of the State to uphold the authority and dignity of the Government, and to abstain from any act which can tend to encourage and strengthen conspiracy. He also calls upon the officers of the law to be active in arresting and instituting legal proceedings for the punishment of these guilty of sedition and treason, and these engaged in combinations to obstruct the execution of the laws.–(Doc. 19.)

–The Sixth regiment of Michigan Volunteers, under the command of Colonel F. W. Curtenius, passed through Cleveland, Ohio, on their way to the seat of war, in Virginia.– Ohio Statesman, September 3.

–This afternoon, while two companies of National troops–one from Massachusetts and the other from Pennsylvania–were scouting in the direction of Bailey’s Cross Roads, Va., they came within sight of a battalion of the enemy of about the same number, accompanied by a very distinguished-looking mounted officer. One of our men, armed with a Springfield rifle, asked and obtained leave to fire at him, though the distance was thought to be too great for an effective shot. Contrary to the general expectation, he tumbled him off his horse at the first shot. Beth bodies of troops then retired, the enemy bearing their fallen officer away in their arms. In an hour afterward their flags on Munson’s Hill and at Fall’s Church were at half-mast.–Philadelphia Inquirer, September 4.

–The Fifty-fifth regiment N. Y. S. V., under the command of colonel R. de Trobriand, consisting of five hundred and fifty men, took leave of their encampment at New Dorp, and embarked shortly after three P. M., direct for Ambey, thence to Washington.–N. Y. Times, September 1.

–A Mass Meeting of the citizens of Ohio and Switzerland counties, Indiana, was held at Enterprise, for the purpose of having a fair and candid expression of the people in regard to the difficulties of the nation. Patriotic speeches were made, and resolutions sustaining the National Government and the legally constituted authorities were unanimously adopted.– (Doc. 20.)

–A brisk skirmish took place this morning between Companies I and K, of the Third regiment, and the rebel pickets near Munson’s Hill, Va., in which Corporal Hand, Company I, and private Rannes, of Company K, were killed. Privates Cole and Lawson, Company I, were badly wounded, the first in the leg, and the last in the head. First Lieutenant A. S. Taylor had his cap dislodged from his head by a ball. The rebels were in greater numbers than was supposed.–N. Y. Tribune, September 4.

–The Holly Springs (Miss.) Cotton States, of to-day, has the following: “Since our last issue upward of two thousand soldiers have passed our depot, bound for Virginia and other points. Most of them were from Louisiana, and, like all the troops sent to the field from that gallant State, they were noble specimens of soldiers– true Southern soldiers. Well and nobly has Louisiana done her part in this war, and still her brave sons are flocking to the standard of their country, to aid in driving back the Northern foe. She can boast of some of the best soldiers in the field, and she has furnished a Beauregard to lead them on to victory. Well done, Louisiana!

August 31, 1861

• Samuel Cooper, Robert E. Lee, Albert Sidney Johnston, Joseph E. Johnston and P. G. T. Beauregard are promoted to full general.

A bushwhacker, or Confederate guerilla fighter. Wood engraving, American, 1867

“Civil War Guerilla, Engraving, 1667.” Granger. Accessed August 29, 2021. www.granger.com/results.asp?inline=true&image=0066702….

FRIDAY 30

Excitement is again on tiptoe as a general battle is expected now day by day on the other side of the River. The entrenchments of the rebels can be seen from the top of the Capitol dome with a good Spyglass. Skirmishing among the sentries occurs daily. The Newspapers here say nothing. I was at the Pat office awhile today, came home and made a small model of Door fastener. Went down to Willards with Doct Everitt, saw Maj Chase. Called for Julia at Chas rooms at 10.

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The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of   Congress.

Friday, 30.–Last night Dr. Joe and I did our best to house in Mrs. Sea’s barn (a good Union lady, two sons in the army), the Germans of the Ninth, who lay in the mud, without shelter. Spent today in a jolly way, resting.

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FRENCH CREEK, August 30, 1861, Friday Night.

DEAREST:–”The best laid schemes of mice and men,” etc., especially in war. That beautiful camp at the head of the valley, where we were to stay so long, had just been gotten into fine order, when the order to leave came: “Make a forced march to French Creek by a mountain path, leaving tents, baggage, and knapsacks to be sent you.” We obeyed, and are yet alive. A queer life. We are now as jolly as if we never saw trouble or hardship. Two nights ago and three nights ago we lay in the rain in the woods without shelter, blankets, and almost without food, and after such hard days’ toil that we slept on the mountains as soundly as logs. All the horses used up, Uncle Joe’s Birch among the rest, except my pretty little sorrel, Webby, which came through better than ever.

Let me describe my kit: Portmanteau containing two pair socks, one shirt, a towel containing bread and sugar, a tin cup, a pistol in one holster and ammunition in the other, a blanket wrapped in the India-rubber you fixed, and a blue (soldier’s) overcoat. Seven miles we made after 2:30 P. M. on a good road to Huttonsville, then by a bridle-path part of the way and no path the rest, following a guide six miles over a steep, muddy, rocky mountain. At the foot of the mountain I put Captain Sperry, who was footsore, on Webby, and pushed ahead afoot. I could see we would not get over the mountain to a stream we wished to camp on until after night, unless we pushed. I put on ahead of [the] guide and reached the top with Lieutenant Bottsford, the keen-eyed snare-drummer, Gillett (Birch remembers him, I guess), a soldier, and the guide alone in sight. We waited till the head of the column came in sight, got full instructions from the guide, directed him to wait for the column, and leaving him, re-enforced, however, by the silver cornet player, we hurried down. In half an hour it was dark as tar. I led the little party blundering sometimes, but in the main, right, until [continue reading…]

AUGUST 30th.—Gen. Floyd has had a fight in the West, and defeated an Ohio regiment. I trust they were of the Puritan stock, and not the descendants of Virginians.