Page images
PDF
EPUB

American citizens, whether in arms or not. The law of the Confederate States to which we refer is the one providing that all who do not take the oath of allegiance before the 20th day of the present month are to be treated as alien enemies-that is, their liberty and all their possessions are to be declared forfeited. The Fremont proclamation is not more harsh toward officers and soldiers actually fighting for the subversion of the United States Government than the law of the Southern Government is toward quiet and peaceable loyal citizens. The proclamation confiscates the slaves and other property of men bearing arms against the American Republic, but the Southern law goes to the length of confiscating the slaves and all other property of all persons, non-combatants and others, who decline to forswear their country. If the policy of the Fremont proclamation is wrong, as we think it is, the policy of the Confederate States law is detestable. Those who condemn the former and approve the latter are deplorably destitute, either of sincerity

or of sense.

Unquestionably, however, a very odious feature of the confiscation announced by the Fremont proclamation is, that it declares the confiscated slaves free. To declare them free instead of confiscating them to the State, may be unselfish, but it is dangerous and odious, and should, and, we trust, will, be promptly repudiated by the Government.

-Louisville Journal, Sept. 3.

Doc. 19.

GOV. BUCKINGHAM'S PROCLAMATION.

ity. It guarantees the person from unreasonable seizure, but it protects no individual from arrest and punishment who gives aid and comfort to the enemies of our country. It provides by law for the punishment of offences, but allows no grievance to be redressed by violence.

I, therefore, call upon the citizens of this State to support and uphold the authority and dignity of the Government, and to abstain from every act which can tend to encourage and strengthen this conspiracy; and I call upon the officers of the law to be active, diligent, and fearless in arresting and in instituting legal proceedings for the punishment of those who disturb the public peace, of those who are guilty of sedition and treason, and of those who are engaged in combinations to obstruct the exccution of the laws, so that peace may again be restored to our distracted country, and the liberties of the people be preserved.

Given under my hand and the seal of this
State, at Hartford, this, the 31st day of August,
A. D. 1861.
WM. A. BUCKINGHAM.

By his Excellency's command:
J. HAMMOND TRUMBULL, Secretary of State.

Doc. 20.

MEETING OF CITIZENS OF INDIANA.

ON Saturday, August 31st, a mass meeting of the people of Ohio and Switzerland counties, Indiana, was held on the Fair Grounds, at Enterprise, for the purpose of having a fair and candid expression of the people in regard to the difficulties of the country. The attendance was about two thousand, notwithstanding the notice of the meeting was short and no handbills ELEVEN States of the Union are now armed were printed. The meeting was called to order and in open rebellion against National author- by Hon. Wm. II. Powell. A committee of fiveity; they have paralyzed the business of the Messrs. E. Case, Joseph Malin, Oliver Ormsby, nation, have involved us in civil war, and are J. W. Howard, Jacob R. Harris—were selected now exerting their combined energies to rob us by vote of the people to draft and report resoof the blessings of a free Government. The lutions expressive of the sentiments of the meetgreatness of their crime has no parallel in the ing. After a short speech from Mr. Case, the history of human Governments. At this criti-meeting adjourned until one o'clock. Immecal juncture our liberties are still further imperilled by the utterance of seditious language; by a traitorous Press, which excuses or justifies the rebellion; by secret organizations, which propose to resist the execution of the laws of this State by force; by the public exhibition of "peace flags," falsely so-called; and by an effort to redress grievances, regardless of the forms and officers of the law.

The very existence of our Government, the future prosperity of this entire nation, and the hopes of universal freedom, demand that these outrages be suppressed.

The Constitution guarantees liberty of speech and of the Press, but holds the person and the Press responsible for the evils which result from this liberty. It guarantees the protection of property, but it regards no property as sacred which is used to subvert governmental author

diately after dinner the people collected in and around the amphitheatre, and a patriotic speech was made by the gentleman selected to address the people, which was well received. After which the recruiting officers received the names of those who desired to volunteer in defence of the Stars and Stripes. The meeting was then organized by choosing Joseph Malin, one of the veterans of the war of 1812, President, and Frederick J. Waldo, Secretary.

The committee on resolutions presented the following:

Resolved, That this meeting fully endorse and sustain the sentiments of the resolutions recently offered in Congress by the Hon. John J. Crittenden of Kentucky, and adopted by that body with but two dissenting votes, which resolutions read as follows, in substance:

That the present deplorable civil war has been

forced upon the country by the disunionists of the Southern States, now in revolt against the Constitutional Government, and in and around the Capital.

Doc. 21.

BATTLE OF CONNIFEX FERRY, VA.
REPORT OF GENERAL ROSECRANS.
HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA,
CAMP SCOTT, September 11, P. M.

That in this national emergency, it is the duty of every citizen-banishing all feeling of mere passion or resentment-to recollect only his duty to the whole country. That this war is not To Colonel E. D. Townsend: waged upon the part of the Government in any We yesterday marched seventeen and a half spirit of aggression, nor for any purpose of con- miles, reached the enemy's intrenched position quest or subjugation, nor purpose of overthrow-in front of Connifex Ferry, driving his advance ing or interfering with the rights or established outposts and pickets before us. We found him institutions of the States; but to defend and occupying a strongly intrenched position, cov maintain the supremacy of the Constitution, and ered by a forest too dense to admit its being to preserve the Union with all the dignity, equal- seen at a distance of three hundred yards. ity, and rights of the several States unimpaired; His force was five regiments, besides the one and that as soon as these objects are accom-driven in. He had probably sixteen pieces of plished, the war ought to cease. artillery.

Resolved further by this meeting, That it is the duty of every citizen to uphold the Government and sustain her legally constituted authori- | ties in this her hour of trial.

At three o'clock we began a strong reconnoissance, which proceeded to such length, we were about to assault the position on the flank and front, when night coming on, and our troops Resolved, That we utterly repudiate that class being completely exhausted, I drew them out of men who are urging a peaceable division of of the woods and posted them in the order of the Government and the recognition of the in- battle behind ridges immediately in front of the dependence of the so-called Southern Confeder-enemy's position, where they rested on their acy; and also that class of men who are advocating concessions to, and compromise with, traitors, who are waging an unholy war against the best Government that ever existed in the world. We regard all such men as but "wolves in sheep's clothing."

Resolved further, That there can be no permanent peace without permanent union of the States under the Constitution as our fathers

made it.

Resolved, That while we recognize the liberty and freedom of the press as inviolable, we are unalterably opposed to the license of that portion of the public press which opposes the National Government in its efforts to suppress the existing rebellion, and thus give aid and comfort to the enemy.

Resolved, That we are unalterably in favor of one country, one Constitution, and one common destiny.

The resolutions were adopted unanimously, after which three loud and hearty cheers were given.

Mr. E. Case offered the following additional resolution:

Resolved, That we honor the patriotism that has led so many of our fellow-citizens of this county and State to volunteer to protect the National Capital-the Constitution and Union -and our prayer to God is that he will preserve and keep them, while absent from us, as in the hollow of his hand; and, if consistent with his purposes, that he will in due time return them, each and all, to their families and friends. The meeting then adjourned sine die. JOSEPII MALIN, President.

F. J. WALDO, Secretary.

arms till morning.

Shortly after daylight a runaway "contraband" came in and reported that the enemy had crossed the Gauley during the night, by means of the ferry and a bridge which they had completed.

Colonel Ewing was ordered to take possession of the camp, which he did about seven o'clock, capturing a few prisoners, two stand of colors, a considerable quantity of arms, with quartermaster's stores, messing, and camp equipage.

The enemy having destroyed the bridge across the Gauley, which here rushes through a deep gorge, and our troops being still much fatigued and having no material for immediately repairing the bridge, it was thought prudent to encamp the troops, occupy the ferry and the captured camp, sending a few rifle cannon shots after the enemy to produce a moral ef fect.

Our loss would probably amount to twenty killed and one hundred wounded. The enemy's loss had not been ascertained, but from report it must have been considerable.

W. S. ROSECRANS.

GENERAL BENHAM'S REPORT. HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION, W. Va., CAMP SCOTT, September 3, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to report as follows in relation to the operation of my brigade in the battle at the rebel intrenchments at Carnifex Ferry on the 10th inst. As previously stated to you, the head of my brigade started from the camp, eight miles north of Somerville, at about four A. M., reaching that place before eight A. M., in good order and with the men eager for the continuance of the march toward the enemy, who, we there ascertained, were

well intrenched and determined to resist us | firing, that the attack was upon our right. near Carnifex Ferry. Upon the receipt of my order, however, ColoAfter a halt of nearly two hours, about one nel Smith moved rapidly across the main mile short of the Cross Lanes, we moved rapid-road, down the ravine valley on our left, where ly forward toward the position of the eneiny, he fortunately struck upon the most advantauntil our arrival at the site of this camp, about geous route, and thence he moved up the opone mile from their intrenchments, a little past posite hill, entirely past the right flank of the two o'clock, when, after a reconnoissance by enemy. But as I liad been unable to find the you, myself accompanying you, I was author- Twelfth regiment to send forward to his supized to move forward with my brigade, "using port, though I have since learned that three my best discretion in the case." Upon receiv- companies, under Lt.-Col. White, were near him, ing this order, and with the mass of my brigade his movement became principally a reconnoiswell closed up, which had been accomplished sance, from which he soon after returned, reduring our reconnoissance, I moved carefully porting to me his opinion of the entire practiforward, with the Tenth Ohio regiment lead-cability of a successful attack upon the rebel ing, having our skirmishers well ahead, and at intrenchinents at that point, he having entirethe flanks for nearly three-fourths of a mile, ly passed by the breast work on the right, apwhen we discovered through the opening of proaching within one hundred yards of their the woods on our left, their intrenchments in an line, pouring a fire into them, which, it is since open space on our left, beyond a deep and satisfactorily ascertained, cleared that part of steep valley, and crowning the crest of the op- that breast work of the enemy. posite hill.

Having no engineer officer with my brigade, and no others, that I knew of, to replace one, I kept with the head of the regiment to avoid ambuscades, and to judge myself of their position and arrangements. After advancing about one-fourth of a mile to the end of the woods I halted the command, and could perceive that a heavy cross fire had been prepared for us at the open space at the debouch from the roads. Within some five minutes after this time, (nearly half-past three o'clock,) while carefully examining their earth-works on the road in front, and their intrenchments on our left, a tremendous fire of musketry was opened on us, which in a few minutes was followed by a discharge of grape and spelter canister from a battery of some six pieces of artillery. This caused a break in the line for a few minutes, though for a few minutes only, for the men immediately returned to their ranks, under the lead of their officers, to their former position, where I retained them, as I was certain that the fire at us through the close woods was without direct aim, and because they were needed for the protection of our artillery, which I immediately ordered up; the two rifled guns of Captain Schneider, and Captain McMullen with his four mountain howitzers immediately followed, throwing their shells well into their intrenchments on our left.

A further examination of their position convinced me that their weak part, and our true part of attack, was on their right flank, across the deep valley from our position, upon which orders were immediately sent to Colonel Smith, of the Thirteenth regiment, and to Colonel Lowe, of the Twelfth regiment, to advance and pass the valley on our left, under cover of the woods, to that attack. Neither of these regiments were to be found in their proper position on the road in my rear, as I expected. After a short time, Colonel Smith was met with on our right, where he had been drawn into the woods by the belief, from the sound of the

As I was still unable to find the position of the Twelfth regiment, which it has been reported to me had been ordered into the woods by the commanding General, I sent one of my staff to Colonel McCook, commading the Second brigade, to ask him to aid the Thirteenth in this attack with his Ninth regiment, to which request a reply was returned to me that there were other orders from the commanding General, as stated to my aid by acting AdjutantGeneral, Captain Hartsuff.

In this state of affairs, I could only hold my position in front, with the Tenth regiment protecting the artillery, which was endeavoring to silence the cannon of the enemy, which was to a considerable extent accomplished after the first fifteen or twenty minutes-their guns being at once removed to other positions, as was then also done with one-half of Schneider's and McMullen's pieces, to enfilade the crest of the hill from the edge of the woods on our right, which gave a fair view of their battery at some three hundred and eighty yards' dis

tance.

At this time, or about one hour after the commencement of the action, Colonel Lytle, of the Tenth, though not ordered by me, and while I was still endeavoring to obtain troops for the attack from our left, made a very gallant attempt to approach their battery through the cleared space in front of it, which of course failed, from the smallness of his force in that exposed situation-he being severely wounded and compelled to retire with the loss of many men killed and wounded.

Colonel Lowe, of the Twelfth, also, at a subsequent period, made a similar attempt, and, as far as I can learn, without orders; in which, I regret to say, he fell, being instantly killed by a discharge of canister from the enemy.

The above comprises the sum of the action of the portion of my brigade that was with me, until you arrived on the field and assumed the direction of affairs, some time after which arrival you also arranged for and directed the

brigade, rendered, during the early part of the day, most valuable service in arranging the advance of the column, and in accompanying the skirmishers-a duty fully as exposed and dangerous as that upon this battle-field. In coming upon the first deserted camp of the enemy, I regretted to have to leave him in charge of the property captured there, by which, during the action, I lost his services, which, from my knowledge of him, would have been most efficient to me.

attack upon their right, with Colonel Smith's | the acting commissary and quarter-master of the regiment, and a part of the Twelfth and FortySeventh, Colonel Mohr-this attack, as having been first directed by myself, you will recollect I offered to lead upon the enemy, recommending at the same time a simultaneous demonstration | or attack by the Ninth and Twelfth regiments, under cover of the woods, from our right. The command moved forward, however, under the direction of Colonel Smith, but from the lateness of the hour it was compelled to return without attempting any thing, and the lateness of the hour seemed to forbid further operations for the day.

There remains now but the grateful duty of acknowledging the valuable services of the different commanders and other officers, as far as known to me, in the brigade, previously assigned to me within the past week only.

The personal gallantry and chivalrous daring of Colonel Lytle are attested by his wound, and the exposed position in which he received it, and the soldierly conduct and bravery of his Lieutenant-Colonel, Korff, and his Major, Burke, I myself personally witnessed many times during the action.

In Colonel W. S. Smith, of the Thirteenth Ohio regiment, I have found one of the most valuable and efficient officers I have ever known. His great intelligence, knowledge of his profession, skill and caution, coolness and excellent judgment on all occasions, both previous to and during the action, met my highest praise. His Lieutenant-Colonel, Mason, wounded during the attack upon their right flank, I saw bravely ready to guide the way to the second attack; and his Major, Hawkins, both in the action and on all other occasions since my connection with this regiment, has shown himself a most courageous and valuable officer; and Lieutenant-Colonel White, of the Twelfth, I found during the action earnestly seeking the opportunity of an advance against the lines of the enemy, which he soon found in joining Colonel Smith, with his three companies of the Thirteenth, where he rendered most efficient service.

Of Captain Schneider, commanding the two rifled pieces of the Thirteenth Ohio regiment, and of Captain McMullen, commanding the howitzer battery, I can speak in the highest terms, for their soldierly skill in the conduct of their batteries, which repeatedly silenced the artillery fire of the enemy, and forced it to change positions.

And of my staff-officers, but recently connected with me on such duty, I have a most satisfactory report to make. Lieut. J. O. Stanage, Thirteenth Ohio, as acting assistant adjutant-general, has rendered constantly most valuable services in the performance of his proper duties, and, together with my aid, Lieut. S. B. Warner, Twenty-third Ohio, was constantly by my side through the hottest of the fire, while not bearing orders to the different parts of the field; and Mr. W. S. Mallory,

The cavalry companies of Capts. West and Gilmore, being held in reserve for emergencies, were thus prevented from having their share in the action.

I have the honor to enclose herewith the reports of Col. Smith, Thirteenth Ohio, Lieut.Col. Korff, now commanding Tenth Ohio, Lieut.-Col. White, now commanding Twelfth Ohio regiments, and of Capt. McMullen, of the howitzer battery.

Very respectfully, your obdt. servant,
H. W. BENHAM,
Brigadier-General, Commanding First Brigade.

COLONEL LYTLE'S REPORT.

HEAD-QUARTERS MONTGOMERY REGIMENT, 10th O. V. L
CARNIFEX FERRY, Sept. 11, 1861.

Brigadier-General Benham, Commanding First
Brigade, U. S. A.:

SIR: I have the honor to report that, agreeably to your orders, I proceeded with my command on yesterday, Sept. 10th, at three o'clock, yourself accompanying and directing the advance with me, to reconnoitre the position of the enemy, supposed to be in force in the neighborhood of Gauley River; our road led up hill through a densely timbered forest, and as I advanced I threw out flanking parties to the right and left, and skirmishers in advance of my column. After passing through the woods for half a mile, our skirmishers were suddenly engaged in front, and I pushed on to their relief until I reached a cleared space on the summit of the hill, where, for the first time, the enemy came in view, posted in force behind an extensive earthwork with twelve guns in position sweeping the road for over a mile. A ravine separated the hill, by which we approached from the right of the breastworks of the enemy, which were composed of logs and fence rails, and extended for over a mile to the right and left of their intrenchments, affording secure protection to their infantry and riflemen.

When the head of my column reached a point opposite the right centre of their earthwork, their entire battery opened on us with grape and canister, with almost paralyzing ef fect, my men falling around me in great numbers.

I ordered the colors to the front for the pur pose of making an assault on their battery, perceiving which, the entire fire of the enemy was directed upon us.

[graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]
« PreviousContinue »