Fremont Relieved of

his Command.

directed to pass over his “One regiment and two

Disposition for Battle. command to General Hunt- pieces of artillery of General

er, and to report himself Pope's division to remain as a reserve in Springfield. by letter to the War Department. It came “ The different divisions to come into their posilike a defeat. The camps were in commotion tions at the same time, about eleven o'clock, at at once, and the officers and men of Siegel's which hour a simultaneous attack will be made.

“ The baggage-trains to be packed and held in and Asboth's divisions to a great extent be

readiness at Springfield. Each regiment to carry came disastrously disaffected. It was a ter

three two-horse wagons to transport the wounded. ribly unwelcome fact, at that moment, when

“J. C. FREMONT, the consummation of the commander's hopes

“Major-General Commanding." seemed so near. Three months of almost But, Hunter arrived during a council of superhuman labor, of enormous expense, of Generals held at midnight. Fremont infinite sacrifice, were swept away by the laid all matters before him, including the dash of a pen.

dispositions for battle, and then resigned the Price pushed on rapidly. command, to depart, early on the morrow, for Disposition for Battle.

A reconnoissance by As- St. Louis. He was accompanied by the Body both, November 3d, reported the enemy to Guard and Sharpshooters, as a special escort. be concentrating in force at Wilson's Creek- Most of his staff also returned with him, and McCullough's army being also reported as at soon were dismissed from service. The faDug Spring. Though suspended from office mous Guardsmen were not recognized as Fremont could not, with any propriety, having any official existence, and they laid abandon his charge - Hunter not having aside their sabres in mortification: disgrace come in, up to the evening of the 3d, with was not for such as they. his division. A deputation of one hundred Hunter's retreat from and ten officers waited upon Fremont during Springfield soon followed.

Springfield again

Abandoned. the evening, to present an address of sympa- November 8th the divisions thy and confidence. A request was also made, of Siegel and Asboth pushed forward to that he would lead them to battle. The re- Wilson's Creek, not as a menace to Price and sult of the interview was the promulgation McCullough, but as a feint to cover the Fedof an order for battle, reading :

eral retreat from South-western Missouri. “ The different divisions of the army shall be put the day following the remaining three diin the following order of battle.

visions started for the North by way of Act'g Major-General Asboth, right wing.

Rolla. The cause of this retrograde has McKinstry, centre.

been variously accounted for. A correspondSiegel, left.

ent, who seemed well informed, wrote from Pope, reserve. “ General McKinstry's column to leave camp at

Rolla stating that Hunter acted under orders six o'clock, and proceed by the Fayetteville road to from Washington, sent along with the disthe upper end of the upper cornfield on the left, patch superseding Fremont-it having been where General Lyon made his first attack.

ascertained at headquarters that Price and “General Siegel to start at six o'clock by Joak. McCullough were only “drawing on" the am's Mill, and follow his old trail, except that he is Federal forces, to prevent their concentration to turn to the right some two miles sooner, and pro- along the Mississippi, up which the Confedeceed to the old stable on the lower end of the lower rates hoped to move. He further said: “That cornfield.

General Price did not intend to fight, was “ General Asboth to start at six and one-half shown by his falling back whenever our o'clock, by the Mount Vernon road, then by a forces advanced. Two days before the main prairie road to the right of the ravide opposite the

body of the Federal army left Springfield lower field.

"General Pope to start at seven o'clock by the (for Rolla), the rebels fell back from Cassville Fayetteville road, following General McKinstry's to near the Arkansas line.” From the fact column.

that the enemy were not in force at Wilson's "General Lane to join General Siegel's division. Creek, as reported by Asboth to Fremont on General Wyman to join General Asboth'e division. the morning of November 3d-only their ad

MCCLELLAN IN CHIEF

COMMAND.

841

Disastrous state of Affairs in Missouri.

vance guard of seven thousand having occu- / of them their lives, as a pied the place for a brief time—it was as- sacrifice to a cause which sumed by Fremont's enemies that there was could return them only no enemy to fight him; but, such a statement suffering for devotion. found credence only with those glad to be- Major Dorsheimer thus stated the prevaillieve anything adverse to the late Command-ing impressions of Fremont's friends: "Fortying-General. Still, the circumstance that eight hours more must have given to General when Siegel and Asboth occupied the Wil- Fremont an engagement. What the result son's Creek battle ground and found no foe, would have been no one who was there rendered it certain that there had been a doubted. A victory such as the country has retreat of the Confederates, and made plausi- long desired and sorely needs—a decisive, ble the theory of their pressing forward thirty complete and overwhelming victory-was as thousand men only to retire and thus “ draw certain as it is possible for the skill and valor on” the confident Federal Commander-in- of man to make certain any future event. Chief. The truth undoubtedly was that Fre- Now, twenty thousand men are required to mont did not design to stop at Springfield : hold our long line of defense in Missouri ; his programme looked to Little Rock. This then, five thousand at Springfield would have the enemy learned, and he retired to fight on secured the State of Missouri, and a column his own soil and near his supplies.

pushed into Arkansas would have turned the General Halleck arrived enemy's position upon the Mississippi. In in St. Louis November 12th, the same time and with the same labor that

to assume command of the the march to the rear was made, two States Department of the West, which then no long- might have been won, and the fate of the er included Kentucky. He soon found the rebellion of the Southwest decided.” enemy thundering at his door. That last

It will not require years for the public to retreat from Springfield let loose all the wild arrive at conclusions regarding affairs in Miselements of disorder, rapine and murder. souri during Fremont's rule: if time writes The long suffering Unionists of the South- its verdict of approval it will give satisfacwestern section offered up their homes, many tion to many and pain but few.

Disastrous state of

Affairs.

CHAPTER X

ICCLELLAN'S CAMPAIGN IN EASTERN VIRGINIA UP TO NOVEY.

BER FIRST. THE SECOND CAMPAIGN OF THE POTOMAC.

After the Defeat.

After the Battle.

The anxiety which fol- | there followed, from peo

lowed the disaster to our ple and press, a storm of arms at Bull Run, July 21st, was profound- indignant comment that must have appalled the excitement intense. Confidence in Gen- those in power. This hurricane of words, howeral Scott's prudence had been unbounded; ever, was quickly silenced by the dangers of defeat was not regarded as possible. The the hour. The enemy had but to push his shock was, therefore, all the more stunning advantages in order to lay the National CapBut when, added to defeat, came the specta- ital under his guns. That he refrained from cle of a stampede before a non-pursuing doing so was not because the way was not enemy, the humiliation was complete; and open up to the Potomac intrenchments, but

to * The fortifications erected up to Vetober lot, wero

owing to a disagreement exact of their own men. After the Defeat.

McClellan in Com. in the plans of the rebel This was preliminary to

mand. leaders—President Davis opposing an at- the rigid discipline and tempt upon the Capital as premature. But, accountability which, ere long, followed; and the loyal North beheld the danger, and pub- the country witnessed, with pleasure and a lic opinion was hushed in the one overmas- feeling of relief, an army grow up under the tering sentiment of opposing the rebel ad- young General's hands to wbich it would vance. Regiments seemed to spring from be safe to trust the fate of the campaign on the ground. The tireless engine rushed from the Potomac. the North and West with its burthen of hu

The Federal position during August and man freight seeking the ranks at the point September was one of defense, in his departof danger.

Transports swept the rivers and ment. The fortifications around the Capital the sea, loaded to their guards with men who

were strengthened and extended, * but there counted the hours of their journey as if to hasten the speed of the wheels. In the coun- named and located as follows: try village, in the great city's thoroughfares, The work south of Hunting creek, “Fort Lyon." were the sound of marching troops, the shriek

That on Shuter's Hill, “ Fort Ellsworth.”' of the fife and the wild huzza-at once a

That to the left of the Seminary, “' Fort Worth."

That in front of Blenker's brigade, “Fort Blengreeting and an adieu. It was a solemn,

ker." imposing uprising-more solemn and signifi

That in front of Lee's house, “ Fort Ward." cant of blood than the uprising of April ;

That near the mouth of Four Mile creek, “ Fort and Washington soon found its streets clog Scott." ged with the advent of men eager to wipe

That on Richardson's Hill, “Fort Richardson." out the disgrace of that mortifying defeat.

That heretofore known as Fort Albany, “Fort

Albany."
Major-General George B.
McClellan in Com-

That near the end of Long Bridge, “ Fort Runyor."
McClellan was called from

The work next on the right of Fort Albany, "Fort the successes of his West- Craig.” ern Virginia campaign to assume the active The work next on the right of Fort Craig, "Fort field command of the forces around Wash

Tillinghast.”

The work next on the right of Fort Tillinghast, ington. General Scott was too feeble in body

“ Fort Ramsay." to meet the requirements of the hour; and,

The work next on the right of Fort Ramsay, “Fort at his request, McClellan was called.* All Woodbury.” that host, gathering from the loyal firesides

That next on the right of Fort Woodbury, " Foit of the Free States, was to be taught the art

DeKalb." of war: order was to be brought out of canal,

The work in rear of Fort Corcoran, and near the

Fort Haggerty." chaos: confusion was to be confounded, and That heretofore known as Fort Corcoran, “ Fort the enemy to be kept at bay until the army

Corcoran." of the Union, reorganized and remounted,

That to the north of Fort Corcoran, “Fort Ben.

nett." should again essay the “Onward to Rich

That south of Chain Bridge, on the height, “Fort mond” programme. August 1st saw him at Ethan Allen.” the Capital, and not a week had passed be

That near the Chain Bridge, on the Leesburg road, fore the stringent measures of a strict disci

“ Fort Marcy."

That on the cliff north of the Chain Bridge, “ Batplinarian began to be felt. The first steps tery Martin Scott.” were to compel officers to return to their That on the height near the reservoir, " Battery posts—then to inspire them with the spirit Vermont.” of military obedience and promptness toward

That near Georgetown, “ Battery Cameron." superiors which they were only too eager to

That on the left of Tenallytown, “ Fort Gaines."

That at Tenallytown, “Fort Pennsylvania." * It is stated that Mr. Lincoln first proposed to

That at Emory's chapel, “ Fort Massachusetts." call McClellan to Washington, but the facts are that

That near the camp of the Second Ruode Island

regiment, Fort Slocum." Scott, in a conference with the President, suggested

That on Prospect Hill, near Bladensburg, "Fort McClellan for the command.

Liucoln."

mand.

THE

OCCUPATION

OF DRAINESVILLE.

343

McClellan in Com.

mand.

Drainesville,

was no movement beyond | evacuated by the Confed

The Occupation of their precincts which could erates on the 17th, was still

be construed into an ad held by General Evans with vance, for nearly two months. The massing his division. For several days prior to the of men, at that point continued, during that 21st, the brigades on the right bank of the time. At the date of October 1st, it was es- Potomac, above the Chain Bridge and the timated that from Harper's Ferry down to Falls of the Potomac, had been pushed up in Alexandria fully two hundred and fifty thou- the direction of Leesburg. These brigades, sand troops were aggregated. This vast however, commanded by General McCall, did army it was McClellan's study to place in a not advance further than Drainesville, twelve state of high efficiency. His camps became miles south-east of Leesburg, although their schools for the officer as well as for the sol- scouts were pushed forward to Goose Creek, dier. Order, precision, obedience and stern four miles from that place. On Saturday and discipline gradually superseded the indiffer- Sunday General McCall made two reconnoisence and disorder which would appear to be sances towards Leesburg, and could find no inseparable from the volunteer system; and trace of the enemy. Tlie country people dewhen, on September 28th, the first Grand | clared that the rebels lad abandoned that Review was held, the country witnessed a place some days before, and the belief at headpageant which must have made the spirit of quarters was that the rebels had withdrawn the Great Napoleon restless in the skies. Such to Aldie, ten miles to the south-west, where an army, in men and equipments, the world the enemy could place Goose Creek between never before beheld: may the country never themselves and the advancing Federals. again witness such a host called together for Goose Creek is about the size of Bull Run, the defense of the Capital against its own but has high and steep banks, and cannot be sons!

crossed by artillery, except by bridges. On A reference to the His- the right bank of the creek are high hills, torical Summary, No. 5, admirably calculated for defense, and these,

will give, in brief, the sev- it was understood, the rebels were fortifying. eral minor conflicts which transpired up to General Stone, commanding at Point of Rocks, the first forward movement of the Federal determined, upon his own responsibility, it forces, October 9th, when Lewinsville was would appear, upon a demonstration toward occupied. On the 16th General Geary held Leesburg, looking to its occupation. Bolivar Heights overlooking Harper's Ferry,

McCall's demonstration on Drainesville exrepelling a large force of rebels. This ap- cited the enemy to renewed vigilance. A regiparent advance was but a reconnoissance to ment of infantry and a troop of cavalry were determine the enemy's lines. On the dispatched by General Evans to watch the vi. 16th the rebels retired from Vienna-on the cinity of Edwards' Ferry—these forces taking 17th from Fairfax Court House, drawing in possession of a hill about one mile and a half their lines preparatory to a stand at Centre- from the river crossing. Evans had, it afterville and Manassas, where extensive earth- wards appeared, feinted an evacuation of work defenses were reported to have been Leesburg in order to draw one of the constructed during August, September and Federal Generals into his cleverly laid net. October.

He was near at hand with his entire divi. Leesburg, though reported to have been sion.

Stone having completed his arrangements, Tuat next on the left of Fort Lincoln, “ Fort Saratoga."

October 20th, proceeded, at one P. M., to That next on the left of Fort Saratoga, “Fort Edwards' Ferry, from Poolsville, with GorBunker Hill."

man's brigade, the Seventh Michigan volunThat on the right of General Sickles' camp, “Fortteers, two troops of the Van Alen cavalry, Stanton."

That on the right of Fort Stanton, “Fort Carroll." and the Putnam Rangers, sending at the That on the left towards Bladensburg, “ Fort Gre.

same time to Harrison's Island and vicinity ble."

four companies of the Fifteenth Massachusetts

The Second Federal

Advance Towards Manassas.

Thc Ball's Bluff Dis

The Ball's Bluff Dis.

aster.

aster.

volunteers, under Colonel | being challenged, the camp
Devens. (who already had having no pickets out any

one company on the island,) distance in the direction and Colonel Lee with a battalion of the of the river towards Edwards' Ferry. Twentieth Massachusetts. To Conrad's Fer- General Stone at once sent orders to Colory he dispatched a section of Vaughn's nel Devens to cross four companies of his Rhode Island battery and the Tammany reg- regiment to the Virginia shore, to march siiment, under Colonel Cogswell. A section lently, under the cover of night, to tae posiof Bunting's New York State militia battery, tion of the camp referred to, to attack and under Lieutenant Bramhall, was, at the time, destroy it at daybreak, pursue the enemy on duty at Conrad's Ferry; Ricketts' batte- lodged there as far as prudent, then to return ry, already was posted at Edwards' Ferry, rapidly to the island; his return to be coverunder Colonel Woodruff. Orders were also ed by the Massachusetts Twentieth, which sent to Colonel Devens, at Harrison's Island, was directed to be posted on a bluff directly to detach Captain Philbrick and twenty men over the landing place. Colonel Devens was to cross from the island and explore, by a ordered to use this opportunity to observe patlı through woods little used, in the direc- the approaches to Leesburg, and the position tion of Leesburg, to see if he could find any- and force of the enemy in the vicinity. In thing concerning the enemy's position in that case he found no enemy, or found him only direction; but to retire and report on dis- weak and in a position where he could obcovering anything of the Confederates. serve well and be secure until his party could

General Gorman was directed to deploy be strengthened sufficiently to make a thorhis brigade in full view at the river crossing, ough reconnoissance, which should ascertain if possible to draw out the lurking rebels, the position and force of the enemy, to hold and thus to learn their strength. No enemy on and report. Orders were dispatched to appeared, to answer to the menace offered. Colonel Baker, to send the First California Shell and spherical shot failed to call them regiment to Conrad's Ferry, to arrive there up. Three flat boats were launched, and, at sunrise, and to have the remainder of his under cover of the artillery, then shelling the brigade in a state of readiness to move after woods opposite, three companies of the First an early breakfast. Also to LieutenantMinnesota crossed and recrossed the stream, Colonel Ward, of the Fifteenth Massachuproving the readiness and gallantry of the setts, to move with a battalion to the river men as well as seeming to assure the Federal bank opposite Harrison's Island, to arrive commander of the absence of any great boily there by daybreak. Two mounted howitzers, of the rebels.

from Ricketts' battery, were detailed to the As darkness came on, General Stone order tow-path opposite Harrison's Island. ed Gorian's brigade and the Seventh Michi- In order to distract attention from Colonel gan to fall back to their respective camps, Devens' movement, and at the same time to but retained the Tammany regiment, the effect reconnoissance in the direction of Leescompanies of the Fifteenth Massachusetts and burg from Edwards' Ferry, General Stone artillery near Conrad's Ferry, in their posi- ordered Gorman to throw across the river at tion, waiting the result of Captain Philbrick's that point, two companies First Minnesota, scout, he (Stone) remaining with his staff at under cover of fire from Ricketts' battery, Edwards' Ferry. About four P. M., Lieuten- and sent a party of thirty-one Van Alen cavant Howe, of the Fifteenth Massachusetts, alry, under command of Major Mix, accomreported to General Stone that Captain Phil- panied by Captain Charles Stewart, Assistant brick had returned to the island after pro- Adjutant-General ; Captain Murphy, Lieuceeding, unmolested, to within a mile and a tenants Pierce and Gouraud, with orders to half of Leesburg, and that he had there dis- advance along the Leesburg road until they covered, in the edge of a wood, an encamp- should come to the vicinity of the battery, ment of about thirty tents, which he ap- which was suspected to be on that road, and proached tu within twenty-five rods without then turn to the left and examine the heights