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belonging to the Third Wisconsin regiment, and four to the Massachusetts regiment, went over the river to Halltown, to take one hundred and twenty-two thousand bushels of wheat that was in a mill there at Bolivar.

penter's shop into a manufactory, made three
thousand cartridges for our revolving rifles.
On the 15th instant, Colonel Hovey, com-
manding at Georgetown, received a despatch
from Lexington stating that a valuable bag-
gage train had left the vicinity of Lexing-
private despatch from Colonel White, stating
that if he and his fellow-prisoners were not re-
lieved within twenty-four hours, they would be
assassinated by the rebel marauders infesting ·
Lexington. As Colonel Hovey's command
was under marching orders, and therefore
could not go to their relief, my command volun-
teered for the service, and Colonel Eads, of
Georgetown, tendered me seventy men from
his regiment.

On the top of the hill nine men had an old cannon which they fired on the seven compa-ton, destined for Price's rebel army; also, a nies, and for a long time held them in check, when, being reinforced by thirty more men, making thirty-nine, they fought there for two hours, and then fell back two miles. The Federals followed, until suddenly a regiment of Virginians came in sight, drawn up in line of battle. So soon as the Federals saw these they ran as fast as they could, some of them throwing away their knapsacks, and not stopping until they got to Sandy Hook. The Virginians followed, but were unable, as the retreating enemy had a big start, to overtake them. Four of the Wisconsin men were killed, and eight or ten of the Massachusetts men wounded.

The killed and wounded were brought here (to Frederick) this morning. Now I assure you this is the truth of the whole matter. The Wisconsin boys complain of the Massachusetts men for running first, who themselves are charged in turn with cowardice. Colonel Geary had command of the Federals, and was wounded in the calf of the leg.

What do men think of this as a glorious Federal victory? I forgot to state that none of the Virginians were killed. This, I assure you, is so, although it looks hard to believe in face of what is put in print. The Confederates have entire possession of the ferry now, and will hold it as long as they please.

Doc. 91.

Yours, X.

RECAPTURE OF LEXINGTON, MO.

MAJOR WHITE'S OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

CAMP LOOK-OUT, QUINCY, Mo., Oct., 24, 1861. Major-General Fremont:

ÖN the 5th instant I received your orders to organize a scouting cavalry squadron for special, service, and organized one by making the following detail:-Company L, First Missouri Cavalry, Captain Charles Fairbanks, sixty-five men; Company C, First Missouri Cavalry, Captain P. Kehoe, sixty-five men; the Irish dragoons, (Independent,) fifty-one men.

We left Jefferson City on the 5th instant, and after a severe march reached Georgetown, our men in good condition, on the afternoon of the 8th. Our horses being all unshod and unfit for travel, we procured a few shoes and a quantity of old iron, called for blacksmiths from our ranks, took possession of two unoccupied blacksmith shops, and in five days shod our horses and mules, two hundred and thirty-two in number. Our scanty supply of ammunition having been destroyed by the rain, and having two small bullet-moulds in our possession, we procured lead and powder, and, turning a car

Accompanied by Col. Eads, I started at nine P. M., on the 15th instant, my whole force being two hundred and twenty strong. By a severe forced march of nearly sixty miles, we reached Lexington early the following morning, drove in the rebel pickets without loss, and took possession of the town. We made from sixty to seventy prisoners; took sixty stand of arms, twenty-five horses, two steam ferryboats, a quantity of flour and provisions, a large rebel flag, and other articles of less value. The rebels fled in every direction. The steamer Sioux City having arrived at Lexington the following morning, was seized by us. Our first care was to rescue our fellow-soldiers, captured at Lexington by Price, viz, Colonel White, Col. Grover, and some twelve or fifteen others. We placed them on board the Sioux City with a guard, and despatched them to St. Louis. After administering the oath of allegiance to our prisoners we released them.

As the rebels were recovering from their alarm, and beginning to surround us in force, we evacuated Lexington after holding it thirtysix hours. As soon as the rebels were satisfied of our departure, they attacked our deserted camp with great energy. We then proceeded to Warrensburg, making a few captures on our route. The evening of our arrival at Warrensburg we easily repulsed a slight attack, and, by threatening to burn the town if again attacked, remained two days unmolested.

We next proceeded to Warsaw, and are now en route to Stockton. Among the interesting articles taken at Lexington were Price's ambulance, Colonel Mulligan's saddle, and the flag I have the pleasure of sending you.

[The flag is the State flag of Missouri, which Claiborne F. Jackson stole from Jefferson City some months ago.]

I have no casualties to report, and my men are all in good health, anxious for further service. I cannot too highly commend the faithfulness of the officers and men detailed on this service, from Colonel Ellis' First Missouri Cavalry, and of the Irish dragoons, commanded by Captain Naughton. Very respectfully,

FRANK J. WHITE,

Major and A. D. C., Commanding First Squadron Prairie Scouts.

The following private letter was published in the St. Louis Democrat. It gives in detail the recapture of Lexington and the rescue of Cols.

White and Grover from the hands of the rebels: LEXINGTON, October 17, 1861.

DEAR SIR: As I suppose you will be glad to hear some of the particulars concerning the rescue of Col. White, Col. Grover, and others of our gallant wounded at Lexington, I take a spare moment to send you a line by my Adjutant, who accompanies Col. White.

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and this morning seized the steamboat "Florence." Colonels White and Grover were placed on board, and in a few moments will start for home and safety.

Lexington, for the last few days, has been in a terrible condition. Shelby and Martin, two cut-throats, have had their troops in town till their ignominious flight at our approach. A Mr. White, a wounded prisoner, was taken by Martin from his bed, shot in cold blood, and his body left on the road until eaten by the hogs. His wife rescued his remains. A scene of terror reigned; and but for our arrival, Colonels White and Grover would have met with a like fate.

A short time since Gen. Fremont placed in my hands a picked body of men, the finest in his cavalry command, and despatched me to scout over those parts of the country most in- Thank God, the American flag is again floatfested by rebels. I arrived at Georgetown a ing over Lexington. We made thirty prisoners, short time since, and waited for supplies until recovered some of Marshall's horses and equipthe 15th inst. As I was on the point of leaving ments, and captured fifteen to twenty guns. for the Osage, a messenger from Colonel White, We are now nearly surrounded by the rebels, lying wounded at Lexington, was met by Col. who are beginning to rally. We leave for Hovey, Twenty-fourth Indiana, who command-Warrensburg this afternoon, and hope to make ed at Georgetown; the messenger saying that our way through. the rebels were killing our wounded and committing the most fearful depredations. Col. White wrote that, if he was not rescued from their hands within twenty-four hours, he and the other officers would be assassinated.

Col. Hovey came to me and asked whether I would join a command of four hundred men and cut our way through to Lexington. My men unanimously volunteered, but just as we were starting a despatch came from Gen. Hunter, ordering Col. Hovey, with his whole command, to march to Tipton. I was thus left alone, having but one hundred and sixty cavalry with me. But my men were determined to go through, and at this moment Col. Eads, who had a few men under his command, nobly came forward and offered the services of himself and eighty of his men. In an hour our preparations were complete, and late at night, in the midst of a terrible rain, we started. My, force consisted of Company C, Capt. P. Kehoe; Company F, Capt. Charles Fairbanks; the Irish dragoons, Capt. P. Naughton, and eighty men under Lieut. Pease. Col. Eads accompanied us. Our total was not more than two hundred and twenty. We made a forced march, and passed through a country filled with guerrilla bands, successfully reaching the rebel pickets around Lexington early the following morning. Our advance guard, under Capt. Kehoe, charged gallantly on the pickets and drove them into Lexington. He captured more than twenty secessionists in his march, and so complete was our surprise, that the rebels in Lexington fled in every direction. We took possession of the town, and camped on the site of Price's headquarters, on the Fair grounds.

When Mrs. White and Mrs. Grover met us at the door of the house where their husbands lay nearly dying, the scene was most affecting. I shall remember it to my dying day. The few Union men left by persecution in Lexington trooped around us. We seized the ferry-boats,

Doc. 92.

INSTRUCTIONS TO BRITISH CONSULS.

LORD LYONS forwarded to all the British

Consuls in the Southern States the following letter, enclosing another from Secretary Seward:

WASHINGTON, October 16, 1861. SIR: On the 11th of May last I made to her Majesty's Consuls in the Southern States the following announcement:

"Neutral vessels will be allowed fifteen days to leave port after the actual commencement of the blockade, whether such vessels are with or without cargoes, and whether the cargoes were shipped before or after the commencement of the blockade."

I enclose herewith a copy of a note which I have received to-day from the Secretary of State of the United States, and in which he informs me that the law of blockade, which does not permit a vessel in a blockaded port to take on board cargo after the commencement of the blockade, will be expected to be strictly observed by all vessels in ports blockaded by the naval forces of the United States.

You will take note of this communication of the Secretary of State for your own guidance and that of the masters of British vessels; and you will mark carefully and report to me the exact date at which the present despatch and its enclosure reach you.

You will, without delay, send copies of this despatch and its enclosure to your Vice-Consuls for their information and guidance.

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, LYONS. To her Majesty's Consul at

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, October 16, 1861. MY LORD: The Judge of the Court of the

As your fellow-citizen and a native of your State, I urge this offer upon you; should you reject it, the enlightened world, as well as the laws of your country, will hold you alone responsible for the shedding of fraternal blood. WM. NELSON, Brig.-Gen.

United States for the southern district of New | the people of your State and overthrown the York having recently decided, after elaborate Government of your fathers. argument of counsel, that the law of the blockade does not permit a vessel in a blockaded port to take on board cargo after the commencement of the blockade, with a view to avoid any future misunderstanding upon this subject, you are informed that the law, as thus interpreted by the judge, will be expected to be strictly observed by all vessels in ports of insurgent States during their blockade by the naval forces of the United States. I avail myself, &c., WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

The Right Honorable Lord LYONS.

Doc. 93.

GEN. NELSON'S PROCLAMATION. To the People of Northeastern Kentucky now in arms against their National and State Governments:

FELLOW-CITIZENS: You have assembled together in arms against your Government, against your State, your neighbors, and in some instances your nearest relatives, without any cause, or any object that is worthy of brave and good men. What has your country done that you should rise against it, or what good will it do you to murder the people, burn and pillage the towns, and overthrow the Constitution and laws of Kentucky? If you could accomplish this you would be the most wretched as you would become the most wicked of men. The mass of you cannot wish to do this. But be assured the ruin you propose by your acts to bring upon the people of Kentucky will fall upon your own heads if you persevere.

Doubtless many of you have been misled by wicked and desperate men, bankrupt in fame and fortune, who hope to profit by the ruin of the Commonwealth. I sincerely believe that many of you have been deceived and led into rebellion, who this moment regret the step they have taken, and would return to their families and homes if they could do so in safety.

To all the people, therefore, who have, without due reflection, taken up arms against their country, and rebelled against both their nation and their State, I say, return home, lay down your arms, live in peace and friendship with your neighbors, and remember that at least you are Kentuckians. I promise that you shall not be molested either in person or property for what you have already done; on the contrary, I will protect you equally with all other citizens so long as you render obedience to those laws which you yourselves have made. I offer you a complete amnesty for what has past; you will be held accountable only for the future. But to secure this result you must return home within days; after that time you will be treated as enemies, and must never more hope to see in safety your families or enjoy your property, until you have carried out the purpose of your wicked misleaders, and conquered

October, 17, 1861.

Doc. 94. .

THE FIGHT AT FREDERICKTOWN, MO. A CORRESPONDENT gives the following account of this fight ::

PILOT KNOB, October 18. Yesterday about ten o'clock A. M. the news came into Pilot Knob of a severe but short engagement having taken place near Fredericktown, between our forces and those commanded by Jeff. Thompson and Col. Lowe. It seems that Capt. Hawkins, commanding the Independent Missouri Cavalry, was ordered on Tuesday to proceed with a detachment of forty men to reconnoitre in the vicinity of Fredericktown. Having proceeded to within five and a half miles of town, his advance guard was suddenly attacked by the rebels, and two of his men taken prisoners; the enemy were however driven within the lines. Wednesday morning his advance guard was again attacked, and four of his men captured; they were, however, retaken. While awaiting reinforcements from Pilot Knob, Capt. Hawkins' command was three times attacked by the enemy during the day, who each time was successfully repulsed and driven in.

Late in the evening reinforcements arrived, consisting of six companies of Major Gavitt's Indiana Cavalry, and five companies of infantry under Col. Alexander of the Twenty-first Illinois. Thursday morning at daylight, while on the march, the advance guard under Lieut. E. Francis, of Capt. Hawkins' command, was soon among the enemy. Slight skirmishing commenced, Capt. Hawkins coming up with the balance of his command, supported by the whole battalion of Major Gavitt, when there was some clean running done by the rebels. For two miles the road was strewn with blankets, saddles, shot-gi ns, rifles, hats, caps, &c.

Near town the enemy were in considerable force in the woods, thickets, and brush, and attacked our main force, doing considerable damage before they were driven from their position. Major Gavitt charged upon them, driving them in every direction, wounding many and killing three; also, several horses were taken.

In this charge Capt. Hawkins' company sustained a severe loss. Lieut. Francis fell from his horse and was carried off mortally wounded. Several of his men were dangerously wounded, and it is thought will not recover. This company, with but few exceptions, was

of raw recruits, never having been under fire | back to head-quarters, when Col. Alexander, before, yet the men stood up like soldiers, receiv- with the greater portion of the Twenty-first ing and giving volley after volley. In this attack Illinois regiment and a twenty-four-pound Captain Hawkins received a shot in the knee; howitzer, was ordered to the support of the his horse was shot in twelve places. In this cavalry. attack Major Gavitt had one man killed and several wounded. The infantry having come up, and feeling confident of being attacked by a very superior force, Colonel Alexander ordered the command to fall back on more advantageous ground. As they were withdrawing they found the enemy were pursuing in force. Colonel Alexander then threw out three or four companies in ambush. The remainder then commenced a hasty retreat, and the enemy, supposing a victory close at hand, ran into the trap, and were completely routed, leaving the road strewn with dead men and horses. It was impossible to ascertain the number killed of the enemy in the entire engagement, as they were scattered all through the woods, though it does not fall short of fifty. During the night, the entire force of Col. Alexander fell back to Pilot Knob. No advance has since been made in that direction; however, they are completely entrapped, it is supposed, by movements not best to make public.

During the night indications of a rebel force were discovered. A thick fog springing up made the progress slow. Several times in the early part of the morning the rebels fired from the woods on either side, wounding several of our men. Major Gavitt, with an advanced guard of fourteen men, came close upon a party of rebels on the road before they could be descried. "What troops are you?" asked they; the major, giving an Irish answer, said, "What company do you belong to "when they replied, "Colonel Lowe's." Immediately the whole of our men poured into them a volley from their navy revolvers, the major calling out as quickly and loudly as he could, "Well, we are United States troops." It is unnecessary to add they showed their heels without any parting ceremonies. Finding they were within a mile of the town, a halt was ordered until daylight. About eight o'clock the fog lifted, disclosing a rebel battery of four guns, commanding the bridge across a stream in advance. Our men crept up as close to the stream as possible, some of them venturing too far for safety. Sharp skirAnother correspondent gives the subjoined mishing was kept up for some minutes; the cavaccount of the skirmish:

Most respectfully,

P. R.

IRONTON, MO., Oct. 19. Further and later accounts from Fredericktown give some new and interesting particulars of the recent brilliant skirmish with the rebels near that place. From an interview with the commander of the expedition, and a promiscuous conversation with the chief actors, I am able to give a more accurate and intelligible account than the hasty jottings of my letter of yesterday.

It would appear that the command of Jeff. Thompson, or at least some one answering to that name, eight hundred strong, proceeded from Dallas, Bollinger County, to Big River bridge by forced marches, to destroy it, with what ulterior purpose is not very clear, unless, indeed, the valiant Jeff, was emulous of the fame of his brother in treason, Sterling Price, and desired to reenact the tragedy of Lexington on the garrison at Pilot Knob and Ironton. The men say they marched seventy miles with but an inter

val of four hours of rest.

Col. Carlin, hearing reports of the enemy so conflicting and perplexing, determined upon a reconnoissance in force. For this purpose he detailed six companies of Col. Baker's Indiana Cavalry, Captains Browe, Walker, Clendenning, Stockin, Barter, and one company of Missouri Cavalry, Captain Hawkins, under the command of Major Gavitt, with orders to report to him the whereabouts of the enemy. After proceeding about twelve miles on Wednesday night, the reports came in that the rebel force was encamped at Fredericktown, under Col. Lowe, twelve hundred strong. Word was sent

alry, being armed with carbines, could not fire with the same range or accuracy as the enemy with hunting rifles. Sergeant McReynolds was shot through the lungs, while reconnoitring in an exposed position. Others received flesh wounds, but exhibited wonderful firmness in the hottest of the fire. Five of our wounded were left at a house in the vicinity, while the force fell back to meet the infantry, as they had no means of carrying them off.

A retreat of three miles met the infantry. A hasty conference was held, when it was determined to return for the wounded comrades, and draw out the enemy so as to discover his strength. Arriving at the hospital they discovered two of the Confederate surgeons ministering to the wants of our wounded, along with some of their own. They admitted a loss on their part of twelve killed and wounded, but were chary of their remarks. Several officers were discerned on the outskirts of the opposite woods, with whom salutes were exchanged. Our wounded were placed upon horses and the artillery wagons, and a retrograde movement ordered.

The first three miles were accomplished in regular order at a steady pace, when the rear guard was apprised that the enemy was in pursuit. Then fire from the rear and flanks became annoying, and Major Gavitt conceived he could stop it. Col. Alexander temporarily yielded the command, when the infantry and three companies of cavalry were ordered into the thick brush at a turn of the road, the cannon being masked and placed in range.

The cavalry in the rear were instructed to feign a hasty retreat at quick pace, which they

did. The enemy came up to the turn and either from all, the military serving only as a posse hesitated to advance or else wheeled to fall comitatus to its marshal, and holding itself preback, (for the accounts differ,) when the in-pared to protect its judge and jury. fantry nearest them precipitately poured into them a destructive fire. They scampered, leaving the evidences of their dismay behind in the shape of hats, guns, and superfluous clothing. No dead were found on the ground, though it is certain many were wounded, and had they been allowed to advance, the whole four hundred might have been cut off.

I found you here without either municipal, State, or United States law. You have seen the authority of the nation exercised in your behalf; first, by its military power driving ont or punishing invaders, and now you witness the civil law of the General Government executed with as much security in apprehending and punishing traitors in Charleston as in New York. I The balance of the march was completed now solicit you to organize, and come back at without casualty, the men arriving at midnight, once to the sweet paths of industry and peace. Thursday, having marched forty miles within Fear not, nay, doubt not, but feel perfectly the twenty-four hours. One of the men taken secure. These enemies of mankind, who so sick, who remains behind, brought in word that recently devastated your smiling valleys and he heard the rebels admit, as they passed his desolated your homes, are powerless against the place of concealment, a loss of twelve in kill- nation. Your own right arms, if you give a ed and thirteen wounded. It is not known hearty support to the General and State Govwhether this included those of the first en-ernments, will, unaided by any others than the gagement, but it is more than likely all of the wounded were not found at the time of their departure.

Doc. 95.

COLONEL GUTHRIE'S PROCLAMATION
AT CHARLESTON, VA., October 17, 1861.
As commander of this post, and a friend of
the Union, the Constitution, and the laws made
in pursuance of them, and particularly as a
friend of the citizens of Charleston, with whom
I have lived for more than two months, and
anxious only to promote your happiness, secu-
rity, and liberty, in obedience and harmony
with law, and apprehending that you may have
conceived that a permanent military authority
is intended to be established above the civil
powers; your enemies (the enemies of the great
Republic) charging that you have been subju-
gated, and that the military law alone prevails;
now, I deem it my duty, and I discharge it with
pleasure, to advise you, to urge you, at the
earliest possible moment, to organize your
municipal government. You have your char-
ter, you know the mode; and when it is so
organized by your free suffrages, you will find
myself and the soldiers under my command as
obedient to it as the most humble citizen, and
so long as we stay among you, acting only to,
and when called upon to, execute its mandates
and uphold its authority-always provided that
the officers who compose it are elected under
the provisions of the loyal Government of the
State as reorganized at the city of Wheeling,
the only Government of the State acknowledged
by the Congress of the United States. You
have seen the happy influence of the District
Court of the United States now sitting here,
executing the sovereign law in its peaceful and
accustomed mode, we, the military, subordinat-
ed, and willingly so, to its superior claims and
authority. You have seen how it has infused
firmness and hope into the minds of citizens,
and compelled by moral force alone obedience

brave people of Western Virginia, defy the power of those who design the overthrow of your liberties, and the destruction of your property. Organize, then, immediately, and assert the supremacy and sufficiency of the civil law. Therefore, I earnestly solicit the citizens of Charleston to meet at the Court House on Saturday, October 19, at three o'clock P. M., to take necessary steps for said organization.

And may God crown your efforts to restore law and order to our bleeding and beloved country. J. V. GUTHRIE, Colonel Commanding.

Doc. 96.

FINANCIAL TROUBLES OF THE SOUTH.

THE following is the circular of the Confederate Secretary of the Treasury, which was addressed to the Commissioners appointed to receive subscriptions to the Produce Loan, in reply to a call for relief from the cotton planters. The Southern planters, seriously oppressed by the blockade, appealed to the rebel Government either to purchase the entire cotton crop of the year, or to make an advance upon its hypothecated value. To both these proposals their Financial Secretary declined to accede:

MR. MEMMINGER ON THE PRODUCE LOAN.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, RICHMOND, Oct. 17, 1861.

To the Commissioners appointed to receive Subscriptions to the Produce Loan: GENTLEMEN: Inquiries have been made from various quarters:

1. Whether, during the continuance of the blockade, any efforts should be made to procure further subscriptions.

2. Whether the Government will authorize promises to be held out of aid to the planters as an inducement to such further subscriptions,

The first inquiry seems to imply a misunder standing of the scheme of the subscriptions.

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