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kind committed by a man named Si Gordon, a leader of rebel marauding bands, I give you notice that unless you seize and deliver the said Gordon to me at these head-quarters, within ten days from this date, or drive him out of the connty, I shall send a force to your city with orders to reduce it to ashes, and to burn the house of every secessionist in your county, and to carry away every slave.

Col. Jennison's regiment will be entrusted with the execution of this order.

the Seneca, the second vessel of the line, had turned, a well-directed shot was fired at her, apparently from a rifled cannon, which fell not more than two hundred yards astern.

A shot was also fired at the Pembina, apparently from a heavy smooth-bore gun, which fell much short. We did not fire from the vessels, being at too long range for effective practice. Nor was I willing our simple reconnoissance should be reported for the comfort of the enemy as an engagement and repulse. Passdirect-ing again in to Ossabaw Sound, we entered the Great Ogeechee, and steamed up it about four miles to Morrell's plantation and Össibaw Island, where I landed, but found it abandoned. There are no batteries on Ossabaw Island for the defence of the Sound. I saw Vernonsburg, but could observe no battery, save the one off Green Island. We saw over land two or three schooners at the head of Warsaw Sound, which had probably passed from Ossabaw through Romilly Marshes.

The following persons are particularly ed to this notice:-David Hunt, Clinton Cockerill, James Merryman, Robert Cain, Jolin Murray, H. T. Freeland, William Paxton, W. C. Bemington, Andrew Tribble, R. P. S. Ely, Jackson Miller, Robert Clark, W. Tutman, II. M. Cochrane, Samuel M. Hayes, Joseph Todd, and Jonas Burkhart. D. HUNTER, Major-General Commanding.

The part of Missouri in which Platte County is situated borders on Leavenworth County, Kansas, the Missouri River only being the dividing line; and as long as the rebels are allowed to roam about in the former county, committing depredations without let or hindrance, so long will this part of Kansas be hourly in danger of a raid from such lawless vagabonds. The rebels there are not an army fighting for independence, but more like a body of reckless banditti, who would scarcely have any more respect for those who sympathize with the doctrine they pretend to uphold, than they would for those who are opposed to them, providing that by an attack they could obtain plunder of any value. Such being the case, General Hunter issued his proclamation.

Doo. 221.

EXPEDITION TO OSSABAW, GA.

COMMANDER RODGERS' REPORT.

UNITED STATES FLAGSHIP WABASH,
PORT ROYAL HARBOR, Dec. 12, 1861.

I ain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. P. R. RODGERS,

Commander.

To Flag-officer S. F. DUPONT,
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

A WRITER on board one of the vessels composing the expedition relates the following:

UNITED STATES GUNBOAT OTTAWA, PORT ROYAL, S. C., Dec. 11, 1861. A third of the series of important reconnoissances projected by Flag-officer Dupont, for the purpose of ascertaining the practicability of penetrating, by our light draught gunboats, the internal waters of the rebel coast, and then, by cutting off the illicit commerce of the same, was made to-day, proving a complete success. Of course, in addition to the foregoing object, these reconnoissances have another equally important object-to obtain a correct knowledge of the position, nature, and extent of the rebel works erected to defend these internal waters from visits of our dashing gunboats; and in pursuing this object we are frequently treated to a discharge of shot and shell, which have as yet done us no injury.

Sia: I left Tybee Roads before daylight_yesterday morning, with the Ottawa, Seneca, Pembina, and Henry Andrew, and crossed the bar at Ossabaw soon after eight o'clock. Entering The reconnoissance in the direction of Verand passing up Vernon River, we discovered, on nonsburg-a village on the Vernon River, of the eastern end, on Green Island, a fort mount-Georgia-which we made to-day, was made in ing eight guns, apparently of heavy calibre. force. Our force consisted of the gunboat Near it we saw about seventy-five tents. There Ottawa, Captain Stevens, the flagship of Capwas a barrack near the fort, and another build- tain C. R. P. Rodgers, of the Wabash; the ing was in process of erection. I think the Seneca, Captain Ammen, the Pembina, Captain work is not yet completed. John Bankhead, and the Mary Andrews, in command of Acting Master Mathews, late of the Quaker City. We left Port Royal yesterday (Tuesday) at noon, and, the Ottawa leading, followed by the Pembina and Mary Andrews in the line, steamed sonth, and at sundown anchored in Cockspur harbor, off Tybee Island, Savannah River. The Seneca came in half an hour later. As we passed over the bar the water was dotted by hundreds and thousands of wild ducks of every variety, which lazily

The fort is advantageously placed, and its approaches landward are well protected by marshes. It has three faces, upon two of which guns are mounted. It commands not only Vernon River, but Little Ogeechee and Hellgate Passage from Vernon River into Great Ogeechee. Its long-range guns will also reach the channel of the Great Ogeechee. We were exactly two nautical miles from the fort, and after observing it carefully, we steamed down the river. When

VOL. III.-Doc. 38

flapped their wings and sailed slowly away, | intricate, sandbars putting out on either side at without exhibiting the least alarm at our presence. The waters hereabout are black with water fowl, and I am told that they have but just begun to arrive. Throughout the winter millions upon millions throng the bays, rivers, and lagoons of the Southern coast, and afford to the sportsman one of the finest fields for his art imaginable.

When our vessels had come to anchor, Commander Rodgers visited the Savannah frigate, which lies at anchor inside the bar; and during the evening the commanders of the gunboats visited the Ottawa to obtain their instructions for the morrow. They were the same as on previous occasions. As we shall need in a few days the services of every light draught vessel in the fleet for an important expedition, of a military as well as naval character, the gunboats were not to risk an engagement and not to fire a shot unless actually necessary. The accommodations on the Ottawa being rather cramped, on account of the large number of guests, your special accepted Captain Bankhead's courteous invitation, and went on board with him to his vessel-the Pembina-calling on Commander John Rodgers, of the Flag, on our way, who set before us some good cheer. As it is desirable not to afford the rebels a too conspicuous mark for their artillery, all the lights were out in the harbor; but the moonlight was so strong that each hull was brought out quite distinctly. Commodore Tatnall, having already enjoyed a taste of our metal, keeps safely out of our way and troubles not our fleet.

At four o'clock this morning three white lights were displayed from the Ottawa, as a signal for getting under weigh, and in a few moments she had her anchor up and steamed out of the harbor. The Seneca followed, her and we (the Pembina) took our position astern of her, the Mary Andrews bringing up the rear, in line. Daylight found us at sea, standing south, and at about eight o'clock we stood in toward the low, marshy shores that lie on either side of the entrance to Ossabaw Sound, about eighteen miles south of Tybee. Our engine was slowed down, and, following the Ottawa and Seneca, the Pembina ran cautiously in over the bar, the lead going constantly to guide us, as there were no buoys or spars to mark our course. We carried nearly five fathoms across the bar, which we passed at nine o'clock, and nearly as much clear up to the mouth of the Vernon River. When we entered the river, taking the north channel, every one was engaged in scrutinizing the low wooded shores and the marshes to find batteries. Nothing of the kind was seen until we reached a point about ten miles from the bar, when we discovered tents upon the point of Green Island, and on approaching nearer made out a strong field work, over which flew the dirty rebel stars and bars. The river here winds about through marshes and low lands, and the channel is very

frequent intervals, making navigation somewhat difficulty. We proceeded cautiously and slowly on, guided by the lead, and stood toward the battery on the island, at a bend of the river, and commanding the approaches by either the north or south channel. Our men were at quarters; the huge eleven-inch gun cast loose, looked fiercely toward the rebel encampment, and the rifled piece on the forecastle, pointing the same way, was ready for the fray. Slowly we steamed on until reaching a point in the river less than two miles from the battery. After we had counted the guns in position, ascertained the character of the work, and satisfied ourselves of our ability to shell them out, the Ottawa turned and steamed down the river again. The Seneca, close behind her, began to turn, and while presenting her broadside to the battery a flash was seen, a cloud of thick white smoke arose over the ramparts, and in an instant a rifled shot, probably a sixty-pounder, struck the water about fifty yards from the Seneca's side. The sound of the shot striking the water was heard in the twinkling of an eye, followed by the hum of the projectile, and lastly the explosion of the gun. The Seneca made no reply to this shot, but turned down the river. The Pembina had nearly turned when the battery fired a shot at her; but it full far short of us. We did not burn a grain of powder, but passed along in a dignified silence. The Mary Andrews, in obedience to orders, had stopped at the first discharge, and when we passed by her she turned and followed the line down the river. The battery on Green Island was an open work, mounting eight or nine guns, one or two of which are rifled, and all of a heavy calibre. To the right of the battery was an encampment of seventy-five tents, with a small building on the extreme right, occupied as a hospital. The troops manning the works were undoubtedly members of the Georgia Coast Guard, and were doubtless very glad to see us turn without firing a shell, of which they have a well-founded fear. While we were approaching within range the greatest commotion among them was visible. They ran to and fro in the most hurried manner, and otherwise exhibited a most extraordinary state of alarm. We could see the gleam of bayonets above the ramparts, and the men at their guns. As we only desired to learn their strength and the calibre of their guns, we drew their fire and retired, having accomplished our object. We shall hear of a victory from rebel sources; but what it was based upon you now know.

After we had reached the confluence of the Vernon and Ogeechee rivers, we ran up the latter to a point abreast of Racoon Key, opposite Bryan Morell's plantation, where boats were sent ashore from the gunboats after they had come to anchor. The boats penetrated the isl and through a creek, and landed at Morell's plantation. They found it perfectly deserted— not a living animal, man or beast, was seen

us.

commenced firing on the house, killing three and wounding several.

At this time the enemy retreated back to the woods, and after waiting some time, Capt. Williams, of Company E, obtained permission to cross over and reconnoitre; and upon going near to the house they had been firing at he observed a company of infantry, who commenced firing upon him and his men, consisting of Corporals H. W. Wescott, R. S. Richards, privates; James McGuire, Lemuel Hazzard, Oliver Hubler, T. Robbins, of Company E, and private Isaac Hall, of Company K. They returned the fire and retreated while loading. In the mean time, while their attention was directed to the infantry, some eighty cavalry rushed in between them and the river, thereby cutting them off from the assistance of their friends. As soon as they discovered their position they returned their fire upon the cavalry, unhorsing several. In a few minutes they were completely overpowered and borne off prisoners in the sight of their friends, as the distance was too great to reach with the guns and there being no artillery, all hope of relieving them for the present disappeared, as it was understood the enemy was two thousand one hundred strong; one thousand five hundred came from toward Shepherdstown and six hundred from Martinsburg, bringing with them fourteen boats to use in crossing the river.

upon the plantation. All the negro cabins were vacant and empty. On their flight they had removed household furniture, poultry, and pigs, and every thing movable. It was desolation itself. The party soon returned, and, as the Pembina was to run into Tybee to get despatches, I again went on board the Ottawa, and the flotilla steamed rapidly toward Port Royal. A short time after dark, while we were between Tybee and Port Royal, a strange steamer was seen ahead. The men were sent to quarters, the guns cast loose, and the ship prepared for action. We ran down toward her, and an officer was despatched in the gig to ascertain her character. While on the way he was met by a boat from the steamer, coming toward An officer stepped aboard and stated it was the Rhode Island, bound from Port Royal to Tybee. Having lost her way, he wished directions. They were given, and we both went on our respective ways. We arrived at our anchorage at nine o'clock, after a most delightful trip of two days. The weather throughout was lovely-perfect June weather-perhaps a trifle too warm in the noonday sun for comfort, but altogether very desirable weather. The sea was smooth and the sail delightful. Of one thing all are now fully convinced, and that is that the new gunboats are the most efficient and serviceable vessels that we have in the navy. Their light draught enables them to penetrate into the waters that lead into the It was the intention for one part to attract States along the coast, and go anywhere they the attention of our troops, and in the mean can be of the least service. Unfortunately time the other company were to cross at the they were not put together so well as they lock and come in on the rear, and either capture might have been, and their engines fall far or drive away our men, and then rush to the short of the contract standard. In short, they Dam and break it, thereby rendering the canal are not what they ought to be, and what they entirely useless. In this they were foiled, and were contracted to be. But with all their fail-kept at a distance until reinforcements were ings I wish we had fifteen or twenty more in these waters this very day. We could then accomplish much.

Doc. 225.

SKIRMISH AT DAM No. 4,
POTOMAC RIVER, DECEMBER 11, 1861.

SHARPSBURG, December 13, 1861.

sent for. One messenger was despatched to Williamsport for artillery, and another sent to this place. But a short time elapsed, when Company B, commanded by Captain Noel, and Company G, commanded by Lieutenant Baldwin, were on their way to meet the enemy, and as the report of the guns were heard in the distance, it gave renewed vigor to those who had already marched to Shepherdstown and returned without a shot at Secesh; and having partaken of a light dinner, were off in another direction, prepared for a heavy conflict with those marauders who attack the unprotected portion of our picket lines. We arrived at Dam 4 just after dark, and it then being too late to see the enemy, and as they had threatened to break the Dam at daylight, our men were set to building breast works and digging rifle pits, which were finished and occupied in time to give them a warm reception; but, as they have done in every skirmish along our lines, they finished their work, and left before the reinforcements arrived.

On the morning of the 11th instant heavy cannonading was heard in the vicinity of Dam No. 4, and about one o'clock P. M. a messenger arrived in haste for reinforcements, stating that the enemy had attacked the pickets and were endeavoring to demolish the Dam, by cannonading. When the enemy were first seen they appeared to be out on a scouting expedition, and Major Hubler immediately sent twentyfive men to a lock about one mile above the Dam, and so soon as the enemy arrived at that point they commenced firing on our pickets. They returned the fire, instantly killing four We remained in our position until about nine and wounding ten, three mortally. The enemy o'clock A. M., and no one being observed on then fell back to a house about one mile from the other side it was supposed that quite a the river, when the men remaining at the Damnumber had taken refuge in an old church,

when the cannon was placed in position and threw a ball into the building, but no one was there. About eleven o'clock Lieut. Gallagher crossed the river, under cover of our guns, to see if he could learn any thing relative to Capt. Williams and his party, and learned that they were safe, though prisoners, and on their way to Martinsburg. Captain Williams was much beloved by the entire regiment, and his vacancy will be hard to fill, and all that were with him were picked men. That they fought hard for their freedom was plainly seen and sensibly felt, as they killed five and wounded quite a number during their capture.

is known as the old "Greenbank Road" to attack the enemy on his left-the Ninth Indiana under Col. Moody and Major John B. Milroy; Second Virginia under Major Owens. At ten o'clock A. M., December 13th, the Thirteenth Indiana, Twenty-fifth and Thirty-second Ohio, and Bracken Cavalry under Major Dobbs, Col. J. A. Jones, Captain Hamilton and Captain Bracken, accompanied by Brigadier General R. H. Milroy, his staff, consisting of Captain S. J. Drumm, A. Q. M., Lieut. J. O. Craven, Aide-deCamp, and Lieut. Aide-de-Camp Isaiah B. McDonald, of Gen. Reynolds' staff. This column took the Staunton pike and moved along very cautiously, meeting with no opposition till within sight of the rebel camp, when one of the advance guard, a young man by the name of Latham, of the Twenty-fifth Ohio, was shot and killed by a rebel picket. After throwing out additional skirmishers, the column proceeded and marched to a point within a half mile of the enemy's camp, where a halt was ordered. Here the column waited only a short time, when they were ordered to march, when the same left the road and commenced to ascend the depart-mountain to the enemy's right. After driving in and capturing some of the rebel pickets, the column reached the top of the mountain to the enemy's right in good order.

There is much credit due Companies E and K for the coolness and decision shown during the time, and every shot fired was expected to tell, and for that reason the enemy fell back, as the officers thought best to leave the Dam rather than lose their men. While they were in consultation one man was struck in the right eye and instantly killed, at a distance of seven hundred yards. During the evening a few cavalry made their appearance at the Lock, when Orderly Brown, of Company K, fired and killed one instantly, and the rest took a hasty ure and have not been seen since.

Doc. 226.

BATTLE OF CAMP ALLEGHANY, VA.,

FOUGHT DECEMBER 13, 1861.

A CORRESPONDENT of the Cincinnati Commercial gives the following particulars of the battle.

CHEAT MOUNTAIN SUMMIT,
December 20, 1861.

On Thursday morning, December 12th, the Union troops under command of Brig.-Gen. R. H. Milroy, took up their march for the enemy's camp, which is situated on the top of the Alleghany Mountains, eight and a half miles beyond the Greenbrier River, or what is better known, Camp Bartow. This Camp Bartow is the Camp at which Gen. Reynolds reconnoitered so effectually October 3d last, and from which the rebels have since fled. This Camp Bartow, is at a point on the Staunton Pike, called "The Traveller's Repose." The Union command, consisting of detachments from the Ninth and Thirteenth Indiana, Twenty-fifth and Thirtysecond Ohio, Second Virginia regiment, and Bracken's Cavalry, numbered in all about two thousand men. The column reached Camp Bartow about eight o'clock P. M., where the same halted and rested.

At this point the column was divided into two divisions one consisting of the detachments from the Ninth Indiana and Second Virginia regiments, numbering about one thousand strong; the other consisting of the detachments from the Thirteenth Indiana, Twenty-fifth and Thirty-second Ohio regiments, and Bracken Cavalry. At 11 P. M. the Ninth Indiana and Second Virginia took up their march on what

The fight commenced about twenty minutes after daylight. The following, from the report of the fight by Col. Jas. A. Jones, of the Twenty-fifth Ohio regiment, I am permitted to extract. Col. Jones is a cool and brave officer, and saw the whole action on the enemy's right, He says: "After leaving the pike we advanced up the mountain, which was very steep and rocky, for about one mile, to the summit, on the right and rear of the enemy's camp, to await the attack of the Ninth Indiana and Second Virginia, as you directed. But as we approached the top of the hill we discovered the enemy's pickets, who immediately retreated on our ap proach. I gave the order to pursue them in double-quick, as the enemy would be informed of our advance. One company of the Thirteenth Indiana, being in advance, was conducted by Lieut. McDonald, of Gen. Reynolds' staff, until we arrived at the edge of the woods, in full view of the enemy's camp. Finding them already formed, and advancing with a large force to attack us, Lieut. McDonald halted the company of the Thirteenth Indiana, and ordered it to deploy into line, immediately formed the Twenty fifth Ohio on his left, and the other two companies of the Thirteenth Indiana on our left, and a detachment of the Thirty-second Ohio formed on their left. The fire was already opened on the right, and was carried through the lines. After a few rounds the enemy re treated in great confusion, with great slaughter, leaving their dead and wounded. They now again rallied, and commenced to advance, re turning our fire with great vigor. Some of the men commenced falling to the rear all along the line. Captains Charlesworth and Crowe,

of the Twenty-fifth Ohio, Lieut. McDonald, and the amount of fallen timber thrown in their Captains Myers and Newland, of the Thirteenth way by the rebels the day previous, their march Indiana, and Captain Hamilton, of the Thirty- was much impeded, so that they did not reach second Ohio, rallied then, and brought them in time to make a simultaneous attack with up into line in a few moments. The enemy fell Gen. Milroy's column on the right. Col. Moody back, and attempted to turn our right flank, but arrived with his force just about the time the was immediately met and repulsed. Our men Twenty-fifth, Thirty-second Ohio, and Thirby this time had become broken, but were again teenth Indiana had retired, hence had to fight rallied by the officers of the different commands, the rebels single-handed, which he, Major Milwho conducted themselves nobly. The enemy roy, of the Ninth, and Major Owens did until again attempted to advance upon us, but shared three o'clock P. M., when they retired in fine the same fate as before, and, after making order, bringing off all their wounded and most several attempts to drive us from the woods, of their dead. Whenever the rebels would deployed to the left to turn our left flank and come out of their works, the Ninth and part of get in our rear. I ordered a portion of the the Second Virginia would drive them back command to advance and attack them, which with great slaughter. This force fought the rebwas done in a gallant manner, the enemy re-els for six hours, killing many men and officers. tiring to their cabins. They soon appeared again, however, and our men finding that they were not receiving the support of the Ninth Indiana and Second Virginia, quite a number commenced retreating, and it was with great difficulty that they were rallied. Some did not return, but disgracefully left the field. The remainder of the command fought like veteran soldiers, and drove the rebels again to their cabins; but they were soon rallied by their officers, and renewed the attack with a large reinforcement, pouring a galling fire into our thinned ranks; yet our men held their position, and returned the fire with great energy and slaughter, the officers of the different detachments urging and cheering them on.

Taking the whole matter as a fight, the Union troops did very well-though their plans were thwarted by the fallen timber on the left of the rebel camp, thereby frustrating a simultaneous attack. The fight has done much good

in the first place it has taught the rebels that our boys are not afraid of them, even three to one. Considering the severity of the battle, and the length of the same, our loss is small when compared with that of the enemy, which cannot be less than two hundred killed, thirtyone prisoners, and a great many wounded. The gallant Union boys feel encouraged by the result. Col. Anderson, Major Rigger, Capt. Mollibon, and many other officers, are acknowledged to be killed, and that Gen. (or Col.) Johnson, commanding, was wounded in the mouth. So you see that the late battle was a good thing on our part-the rebels so regard it.

"Many of the men had left the field with the wounded, and some without cause, which had very much reduced our number, and our ammunition was almost exhausted. Their artillery I here venture to say that there has not been was turned upon us with shot and shell, but a single fight of the war as nobly fought as the without any effect, and the enemy was again late one at Camp Alleghany. The troops which compelled to retire to their cabins, with great attacked the enemy on the right of their camp slaughter, as usual. Our ammunition being ex--the Thirteenth Indiana and Thirty-second hausted, I thought it prudent to fall back to the head-quarters of the Commanding General, which was done in good order."

Ohio, together with over two-thirds of the Twenty-fifth Ohio-fought beyond description; never did old veterans fight more bravely; and had the column on the other side succeeded in making time, one of the grandest victories of the war would have been achieved in a short time. As it is, our boys did well, and are satisfied.

The fight here lasted about three hours. The Union forces engaged at this point were about seven hundred and fifty strong; the rebels about twenty-five hundred, and nine pieces of artillery. The following are the officers who were engaged on the right, all of whom, it is Bracken's Cavalry, though not directly ensaid, behaved well to the last: Colonel Jones, gaged, were on the ground anxious for a "pitch Twenty-fifth Ohio; Captains Charlesworth, in." The gray-haired Captain Bracken is a Crowell, Johnson, and Askew; Lieutenants cautious and watchful man, and has splendid Dirlam, Bowlus, Merriman, Wood, and Haugh- boys. Gen. Milroy, the commander of the exton, of the Twenty-fifth Ohio; Lieut. Aide-de-pedition, was quite energetic, and always in the Camp McDonald, of General Reynolds' staff, lead in the proper place-no braver man lives. Major Dobbs, Adjutant C. H. Ross, Captains Newland, Johnson, Harrington, Clinton, Kirkpatrick, Myers, Smith, Delong, Shields, Bailey, Durbin, Jones, (killed,) and many others, of the Thirteenth Indiana; Captain Hamilton and Lieutenant Brent, of the Thirty-second Ohio. All of these did their duty manfully, and made great slaughter among the rebels.

The following is a list of our killed and wounded, as many friends will look with interest to see the fate of their friends in the battle, to wit:

KILLED, WOUNDED, AND MISSING. TWENTY-FIFTH OHIO REGIMENT.-Killed.-Co. D-Private Charles Latham. Co. E-Corporal Levi S. Stewart; Privates Christopher J. ThayOwing to the very bad road which the Ninther, Isaac Nyne. Co. F-Private John C. FulIndiana and the Second Virginia had to travel, ler. Co. G-Private Wm. J. Maher.

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