that the advance of McDowell's column would Į did by taking position at the Ferry. Had Macommence Tuesday. On that day, General nassas been attacked on Tuesday, victory, doubtPatterson was at Bunker Hill, having driven less, would have been ours, for Patterson had Johnston's cavalry into Winchester. That even- Johnston cooped in Winchester, expecting an ating scouts brought information that Johnston's tack from us, which supposition was caused by force had been under arms, anticipating an at- the reconnoissance made by our force. tack from us. They numbered from thirtyfice to forty-two thousand men, and were drawn up in line one mile north of their intrenchments, wherein there were mounted sixty-four guns. This statement of the enemy's force has been since confirmed by all our accounts, by every deserter, and by Samuel Webster and John Staub, Esqs., both well-known Union citizens of Martinsburg, the latter being a leading lawyer of the place, and a Union candidate in the spring for the Legislature. Both gentlemen had been impressed in the secession force. Mr. Staub escaped in the confusion of the march from Winchester to Manassas. Immediately after the return of our scouts, a council of war was held, at which it was decided unanimously that the force should be moved to Charlestown. The reasons for so doing, as given, were that a position at Charlestown would preclude the possibility of Johnston's going on the left of Beauregard and marching on Washington; again, that Patterson would be on the line of the railroad to Harper's Ferry, and could, therefore, better receive supplies and reinforcements; and, lastly, that in the case of the three-months men refusing to remain ten days beyond their time, the army could fall back on Harper's Ferry. Upon our arrival at Charlestown, the volunteers were sounded on the subject of remaining ten additional days. A vote was taken, and but four regiments consented to stay. The reasons given by the men for refusing to remain, were that they had been badly treated by the State, that their pork was unfit to eat, their clothes ragged, their feet bare, and that they received often but two to three crackers a day. These were the reasons given by the men; not one word was said by them touching Gen. Patterson. I appeal to the officers (who did not themselves oppose the remaining for ten days) to sustain the accuracy of this statement. Gen. Johnston left Winchester. Could Gen. Patterson with eighteen thousand men (many of whom would be free to return home in a day or two) follow and offer battle to a force of forty thousand men ?-recollecting that he was to offer battle only when success was at least probable, with any degree of prudence. Had he done so, a battle would have been inevitable -an overwhelming defeat certain-and the road to Washington open. He could not prevent the march to Manassas, but he could prevent Johnston's advance on the left to the Capital. Gen. Patterson then fell back on Sunday morning to Harper's Ferry; two-thirds of his force would leave him in a few hours, and he must select the best place for protection to his force of less than five thousand men, which he The foregoing is based upon information whose reliability can be vouched for by Col. Longnecker, (commanding the fourth brigade,) and by every general officer under the command of General Patterson. In sending this to yon, I am actuated by a desire to do justice to my adopted State, whose brave and slandered son has been so foully attacked. AN OFFICER TENTH REGIMENT OF PA Doo. 117. MISSISSIPPI SECESSION ORDINANCE. ADOPTED JANUARY 9TH, 1861. THE people of Mississippi, in convention assembled, do ordain and declare, and it is hereby ordained and declared, as follows, to wit: That all the laws and ordinances by which the said State of Mississippi became a member of the Federal Union of the United States of America be, and the same are hereby, repealed; and that all obligations on the part of said Stato or the people thereof to observe the same be withdrawn; and that the said State shall hereby resume the rights, functions, and powers, which, by any of said laws and ordinances, were conveyed to the Government of the said United States, and is dissolved from all the obligations, restraints, and duties incurred to the said Federal Union, and shall henceforth be a free, sovereign, and independent State. Doc. 118. CHARLESTON PRESBYTERY. MEETING AT COLUMBIA, S. C., JULY 25. AT the meeting of the Charleston Presbytery, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: Whereas, The relations of the State of South Carolina, of ten other adjacent States, and of the people thereof, with the other States and people previously composing the United States of America, have been dissolved, and the former united in the separate and independent Government of the Confederate States of America, thereby making a separate and independent organization of the Church within the said Confederate States desirable and necessary, in order to the more faithful and successful fulfilment of its duty to its Divine Lord and Master; And whereas, The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, by the adoption of a paper known as Dr. Spring's Resolutions, ignoring the estab lishment of the Government of the Confederate | may seem best; the action of said delegates and 5. That this Presbytery prefers Atlanta, Ga., as the place, and the 15th of August next as the time, for the meeting of the proposed Convention; but that our delegates be authorized and instructed to meet at any time or place that may be agreed on by the majority of the Presbyteries appointing similar delegates, previous to the next stated meeting of this PresbyJOHN DOUGLAS, And whereas, These resolutions of the Gene-tery. ral Assembly require us to continue united to a people who have violated the Constitution under which we were originally confederated, and broken the covenant entered into by their fathers and ours; And whereas, The said action of the General Assembly in the United States of America demands of us, and of all members of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States, thic approval and support of the wicked and cruel war now waged by the other States of the former United States of America against the States and people of the Confederate States, against our fellow-citizens, against our friends and neighbors, against our own households and ourselves; And whereas, We do most heartily, with the full approval of our consciences before our Lord God, unanimously approve the action of the States and people of the Confederate States of America; therefore, Stated Clerk of Charleston Presbytery. Doo. 118. THE DE KALB REGIMENT. THE BANNER PRESENTATION TO THE REGIMENT A CORRESPONDENT of the New York Herald Thirty-fourth street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, presented a gay and festive scene on the occasion of the presentation of a regimental flag, an American ensign, and a set of guide colors, by R. A. Witthaus, Esq., and family, No. 21 West Thirty-fourth street, to the De Kalb regiment. The regiment, of which Mr. Witthaus is the founder and patron, paraded for the first time in their new and handsome uniform, creating not a little enthusiasm in their route of march. Be it resolved by the Charleston Presbytery, 1. That the ecclesiastical relations heretofore subsisting between this Presbytery and the At two o'clock half of the command staPresbyterian Church of the United States oftioned at Yorkville left their rendezvous, and America are dissolved; that we do not recog-soon after joined the other portion of the regi nize the right or authority of the General As-ment at Landmann's, Hamilton Park, from sembly to adopt the resolutions above referred to; and that we disown and repudiate those resolutions, both in their letter and their spirit, as having no authority over us, and as entitled to no respect or consideration from us. At whence they marched down Third avenue to Forty-second street, through Forty-second street to Fifth avenue, filing into Thirty-fourth street, where the regiment was drawn up in line in front of the mansion of Mr. Witthaus. 2. That, in the judgment of this Presbytery, Forty-second street the regiment was joined by it is expedient and necessary that the Presby- the members of the Liederkranz, who paraded terian churches in the Confederate States should for the purpose of giving them an escort on formally separate themselves from the Presby- their route of march. The Liederkranz was acterian Church in the United States, and estab-companied by a fine band of music. lish a separate and independent ecclesiastical organization. 3. That this Presbytery heartily approves of the proposition for holding a Convention of all the Presbyteries in the Confederate States, for the purpose of considering this whole matter, securing the united and harmonious action of the whole Church, and devising and recommending such measures as may be necessary fully to organize the Church in the Confederate States. The police arrangements were the most perfect that could be desired, Superintendent Kennedy and Inspector Carpenter being both present to supervise the duties of the police force. Shortly after four o'clock the regiment arrived, and the street was immediately cleared of all obstructions. Colonel Von Gilsa, Lieutenant-Colonel Duysing, Major Holmsted, and Adjutant Kleinschmidt were mounted, while the staff and line officers marched on foot. Every evolution gone through with by the 4. That this Presbytery will proceed to ap-regiment was the signal for an outburst of enpoint two ministers and two ruling elders, with alternates, to attend such Convention, who shall be authorized to advise and act with similar delegates appointed by other Presbyteries in the Confederate States, as in their judgment thusiasm. The front presented by the regi 1 passed over to Colonel Von Gilsa, the regiment | nation. Take, then, this flag, which I intrust saluted Mr. Witthaus and the assembly on the stoops and balconies. At half-past four Mr. Edward Jones carried out the American flag, which was followed by Mrs. Witthaus, leaning upon the arm of Hon. George Folsom, who addressed the regiment briefly. In introducing Mrs. W., he said: Officers, Soldiers, and Citizens:-I have the honor to introduce Mrs. R. A. Witthaus, who will present to you this American flag, that you are to bear in the war in which you are about to take a part. Mrs. Witthaus, in a clear, silvery voice, addressed Colonel Von Gilsa and the officers, the latter forming a hollow square, as follows: to your hands with unbounded confidence; and feeling certain, as I do, that it can only return with you from victory, I shall await with anxious heart that happy day, hoping to meet you again, most if not all of you, in our country's name, for the love which you show for it in thus going forth to its rescue, when, alas! some of its own misguided members seek to destroy it, becoming, as you will then have done, doubly its sons; sons by adoption, and noble sons, as were our forefathers, who perilled their lives, as you are now about to do, in its defence. May God watch over you and crown your efforts with success, so that future generations may honor your names even as we do theirs, and may our flag again wave in triumph and peace over every portion of our beloved country. Colonel Von Gilsa approached and received the flag, and in a voice choked with emotion said: "Madam, do not expect a speech from me. I thank you." His remarks were checked by the lady saying that she would receive his speech on his return. Officers and Soldiers of the De Kalb Regiment: -It affords me much satisfaction to meet you here upon this occasion, to offer you my thanks for your noble response to our country's call, when rebellion and lawless violence have at last compelled us sorrowfully to lay aside the olive branch and draw the sword in self-defence when treason hath raised its fratricidal arm to strike a death-blow to that Union which our fathers made for us-therefore, I The Liederkranz, accompanied by the band, repeat, it is with satisfaction and heartfelt grat- sang the Star-Spangled Banner, the chorus of itude that I see such men as you bravely which was chimed in by the thousands of peostanding forth in its defence. And I desire to ple gathered on the spot. Frederick Kapp, present to you our country's flag, emblem of Esq., the able historian and President of the that Union as our fathers gave it into our "Liederkranz," stepped forward, holding in hands; and as star after star has been added his hand a superb steel-scabbard cavalry sword, to its azure field, the world's history has re- of French fabric, also a belt and cartridge-box corded the manner in which we have kept the of gilt material. In a loud, manly voice, he talent committed to our care; and as our fathers addressed the Colonel, the officers, and the bravely fought to make for us that Union, so are regiment, in a patriotic speech, frequently alwe now called upon to prove ourselves worthy luding to the chivalrous deeds of Baron de of them by defending and preserving that Kalb, describing how that noble chieftain Union and that flag which have proved so fought on the field at Camden, S. C., and how great a blessing to ourselves and to the world he fell, pierced by eleven wounds, in the at large. Go forth, then, in the name of God, arms of his adjutant. Mr. Kapp also deprecatto uphold the authority of law, and to wrest ed the hireling system of the Hessians in furfrom the lawless rebels this our fair land, which nishing warriors for the Revolutionary war of has been truly the land of the free and the '76, and hoped that the De Kalb regiment, and, home of the brave. Not for ourselves alone, in fact, all the German citizens now engaged in but for the loyal hearts South as well as North; this glorious cause of sustaining the best govfor in ny heart I firmly believe there are ernment man ever instituted, would wipe out thousands in the rebel States faithful and true, the stain resting upon the escutcheon of the looking on and waiting with painful anxiety for German nation, which the Hessians blurred in the hour in which your noble efforts shall re- their fighting against liberty and right. The lease them from the reign of terror under speaker was frequently interrupted in his adwhich they are now bowed down; and for dress, and concluded by presenting the sword, their sakes I implore you, in the hour of vic-belt, and cartridge-box to the Colonel, hoping tory, forget not mercy. But while, as instruments in the hands of an avenging God, you go forth to punish and subdue those who, for their own selfish ends, would sacrifice our country, forget not that the same God is also the God of mercy, and as you are his soldiers in battle, so are you also his instruments in the protection of innocence and helplessness; and your efforts may preserve unto us many who, when these sad troubles shall have passed away, will gladly return like the prodigal of old to the protection of that time-lionored flag, under whose folds wo have become so prosperous a that the blade will never be sheathed until the peace of our common country is again restored, and the Star-Spangled Banner waves from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The entire speech of Mr. Kapp was a meritorious production. Colonel Von Gilsa replied in German, as follows:-Mr. Kapp, and members of the Liederkranz, I can only in the name of my regiment offer you my heartfelt thanks, which I feel more deeply than words can express. In their name I will promise you, that wherever we may be ordered to maintain the honor and integrity of the country, that we will not allow oppose the enemies of our adopted country. We shall hear of many a high example of noble daring and heroic endurance, and you will not let the enemy destroy our liberty and Union-those glo our friends to blush for our deeds. We cannot erect a stone monument to the memory of the brave man whose cherished name we bear, but we will erect a mausoleum to De Kalb's memory that will ever after have a place in the his-rious legacies for which you have left the homes tory of our adopted country. This short and pertinent speech of the warrior chieftain elicited the most enthusiastic approbation. The Singing Society then chaunted a splendid chorus, entitled the "Warrior's Prayer." of your birth, that dear fatherland, whence many an anxious eye is now watching the issue of events. Officers and soldiers of the De Kalb Regiment: By a special favor from the military authorities of the Empire State you are permitted to bear the name of that gallant hero Hon. George Bancroft, the eminent historian, who, together with a galaxy of your gifted led Miss Pauline Antoinette Witthaus to the countrymen, flew hither, in the times that tried centre of the stoop, the son and little daughter men's souls, to array themselves on the side of of Mr. W. standing on each side, and the father the oppressed in a struggle which resulted in above them. On the left Mr. Amos F. Eno the blessings of a liberty which we now enjoy, held in his hand the costly and chaste regi- and which we are sacredly bound to preserve mental banner which the young, accomplished, for our children. I am requested to present to and patriotic lady presented to the De Kalb you on the part of my children-American by regiment. Mr. Bancroft, in a pure German their mother, German by their father-this accent, addressed the regiment as follows:- regimental flag and guide colors, bearing the Worthy, brave, and gallant soldiers: I am portrait of Baron de Kalb, of whom the father greatly honored by introducing to you this of this country, the illustrious George Washblushing maiden, who is desirous of expressing ington, so truly said, "The generous stranger her patriotism for her country by presenting who came from a distant land to fight our batyou, through her father, with this beautiful tles and to water with his blood the tree of our banner, bearing the likeness of Baron de Kalb, liberty; would he had lived to enjoy its fruit." your patron saint. When, in the heat of bat- Among all the heroes of the Revolution we may tle, you rally around this standard, let that flag well challenge comparison for him. Side by remind you of the virgin beauty who stands side with the heaven inspired patriots and before you, and inspire you with a valor char-warriors he bore the burthen and heat of the acteristic of the brave General whose features adorn the banner about being handed to you. (Great applause.) Mr. R. A. Witthaus addressed Col. Von Gilsa as follows: Officers and Soldiers of the De Kalb Regiment: This war has been forced upon us for the necessary defence of our national security, for the maintenance of our laws and the Constitution. The war has actually begun, and the clash of resounding arms is borne to us upon the wings of the zephyrs from the sunny South. We have no choice which course to pursue. A lawless minority of rebels, enemies to our peace and strangers to our laws, hold the conservative and sober-minded under military despotism. Each hour cries protection for them, and, therefore, we do not engage in any sanguinary exploits to subjugate millions; it is not our object to perpetuate hostilities, or even to cherish a military spirit. No, soldiers, our duties are higher and purer-our work is consecrated to our liberty and Union. They are our safeguard at home, our dignity abroad-the patrimony of our patriots and the inheritance of our children. The adopted citizens of German birth are marked by industry, modesty, and honesty of heart in times of peace; but in times of war and strife a Hermann proved himself the victor of the Romans, and I fear not but you whose sturdy limbs were fostered by the bracing climate of Germany will prove yourselves worthy of your breeding. Attack the foe manfully, and let your sinewy arms charge home upon him. You will gallantly perform deeds of valor and battle; his acts gave you the title deeds to your share of America as adopted citizens; and how well that right is treasured and most jealously guarded by you is best proved by the many regiments of patriotic Germans who, since the first fire on the Stars and Stripes at Fort Sumter, have enrolled themselves for the maintenance of the laws of this our adopted country. This country is dear and sacred to us by the ties of our wives and children, by the blood of our patriots, and by the ashes of our departed. I have asked myself the question, whence this ardent and spontaneous patriotism on the part of our German citizens? and I have found the answer quickly. They know too well, from experience in their dear fatherland, what it is to have a country torn asunder and divided into many small kingdoms and principalities; they know full well the insurmountable difficul ties to move the commerce, practical science, manufactures, and agriculture as with one united effort, and while this their adopted country has done for them all in time of prosperity, the German cardinal virtues, "honesty and gratitude," prompt them to do all in their power now in its time of need. Officers and soldiers: I see many among you who have left honorable positions of trust and emolument in order to oppose the enemies of our adopted country, and I sincerely hope, when peace is once again restored, and you have placed the wreath of victory upon the brow of the country you have wedded, that many years of honor and prosperity may be the blessings kind Providence will have in store for you. Colonel Leopold von Gilsa, I now close in presenting, in the name of my children, this standard and guides to the De Kalb Regiment. May they prove to each patriotic heart a beacon in the battle field; may your regiment honor them, guard them, and protect them, and when victors, remind them of mercy and humanity; and when the curtain of peace rises, and the martial clouds have disappeared, may the banner of the De Kalb fraternize with the glorious flag of the Stars and Stripes in its full and undiminished coustellation. sented to the De Kalb regiment, N. Y. V., by Miss Pauline A. Witthaus, June, 1861." Among the distinguished guests invited were: Gov. E. D. Morgan, Governor Hamilton Fish, Major-General John A. Dix, Brig.-General Yates, the Union Defence Committee, Colonel Franklin, Hon. George Bancroft, Hon. George Folsom, John Jacob Astor, jr., Ábiel A. Low, Hon. Edward Pierrepont, Gen. P. M. Wetmore, Hon. Samuel Sloan, Henry Grinnell, Archibald Russell, Capt. M. Cogswell, Col. M. Lefferts, Dr. Alexander B. Mott, Elie Charlier, G. H. Witthaus, Egbert L. Viele, Col. Maidhoff, Col. Tompkins, Major Eaton, Amos F. Eno, Edward Jones, and others. After the presentation the officers of the regiment and the invited guests were invited into the dining-room of Mr. Witthaus, where a collation was already prepared and partaken of with a good deal of gusto. The festive scene of the occasion was such as will be long remembered by both the donor and recipient. The great interest_manifested by Mr. Witthaus in the welfare and full equip At the conclusion of this address Mr. Witthaus handed the standard to the Colonel, who faced his regiment, waving the same several times. As with one instinct the entire regiment uncovered, and the cheers that greeted that flag could only be uttered by brave and hardy men, as those constituting the De Kalb regiment are. The guide colors, held by Master Rudolph Witthaus, were also handed to the Colonel, who handed them over to the right and left general guides. The American ensign is manufactured of heavy red, white, and blue silk, trimmed with heavy gold fringe; the staffment of the De Kalb regiment has endeared that is made of hickory, surmounted by a gilt eagle; the cords and tassels are of massive gold bullion. In the centre of the lance, on a metal plate, appears the following inscription: "Presented to the De Kalb Regiment, New York Volunteers, by Mrs. R. A. Witthaus, June, 1861." On the blue field is a shield bearing this inscription, "De Kalb Regiment, N. Y. V.,' around which are clustered the thirty-four stars, indicative of the thirty-four States of the Union. The regimental standard, presented by Miss Pauline A. Witthaus, is a gem of art and workmanship. It was apparently manufactured regardless of cost, and the skill that was lavished upon this emblem challenges the admiration of the beholder. The ground is double dark blue satin, trimmed with heavy yellow silk fringe. On the front of the flag, in a centre piece of drab colored silk, worked with silk chenille, is a life-like portrait of the renowned General De Kalb. Above it appears the American shield, worked in lively colors. Underneath the portrait are the American and German flags interwoven. Around the edges, worked with yellow silk, in German text, is the following inscription: The generous stranger who left his home To water with his blood the tree of our liberty. And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave gentleman to the hearts of not only his fellow countrymen, but to all who have the honor and welfare of our glorious country at heart. Whatever the regiment stood in need of was furnished by Mr. Witthaus, and what the Union Defence Committee did not furnish was purchased from the private fortune of the gentleman whom the regiment have elected as their honorary chief. It must, indeed, have been a proud moment for Mr. Witthaus to view upwards of one thousand brave and stalwart warriors drawn up in front of his mansion, whom, as it were, his indomitable energy and perseverance has called into existence at a short notice of about six weeks, ready, fully armed and equipped, to go forth and battle for the rights of the Constitution and in defence of our beloved flag. History must certainly reserve one page for the record of the disinterested and patriotic achievements of Mr. R. A. Witthaus. The regiment, after the presentation, returned to their head-quarters via Fifth avenue, Twenty-third street, and Third avenue. Doo. 119. } GENERAL ROSECRANS' ORDERS. HEAD-QUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, GRAFTON, July 25, 1861. GENERAL ORDERS No. 1.-By authority of the War Department, Maj.-Gen. McClellan has been relieved from the command of this Department, and ordered to Washington. The command of the Department of the Ohio and Army of Occupation, Western Virginia, devolves upon Brig.-Gen. Rosecrans, U. S. Army, who assumes the command. The staff is made of mahogany, surinounted by a spear head, from which are suspended a red, white, and blue, and red, gold, and black straps and tassels. In the centre of the lance 2. The First Brigade of the Army of Occuis a silver shield, bearing the inscription, "Pre-pation will, until further orders, consist of the |