the fire for about an hour and a half, a number handkerchief and collar were removed, and it was of the shell exploding in the streets and in the announced to him that it was time to die. Getground, one building only being hit; no other ting up, he walked firmly out on the scaffold, and damage done. Our batteries did not reply. All stood in the bright sunlight with thousands of is now quiet, it being four P.M. eyes fixed upon him. Doc. 65. EXECUTION OF W. B. MUMFORD. NEW-ORLEANS, June 7, 1862. EARLY yesterday morning it was announced that William B. Mumford, a man sentenced to death for tearing down the United States flag, hoisted on the Mint by Commodore Farragut upon the occupation of the city by the Union forces, would expiate his offence on the gallows. Crowds were soon wending their way toward the Mint, where all doubts were dispelled by the ghastly spectacle of a gallows projecting from a window in the second story of that building, fronting on Esplanade street, directly under, as it were, the flag-staff that had borne the colors in question. In the mean time the unfortunate man was awaiting his fate in the Custom-House. On the evening of the fifth instant, three days ago, the order of execution was read to him by Deputy Provost-Marshal Stafford, he being charged with carrying into effect the details of the sentence in consequence of the illness of Provost-Marshal French. The document reads as follows: William B. Mumford, a citizen of New-Orleans, having been convicted before the military commission of treason and an overt act thereof in tearing down the United States flag from a public building of the United States, for the purpose of inciting other evil-minded persons to further resistance to the laws and arms of the United States, after said flag was placed there by Commodore Farragut, of the United States navy: The order of execution was then read amidst a breathless silence. Upon concluding it, he was asked if he had anything to say to the assembled multitude. He signified that he had. He then addressing the crowd, stated, in substance, that he was a native of North-Carolina, but had been a citizen of New-Orleans for many years. That the offence for which he was condemned to die was committed under excitement, and that he did not consider that he was suffering justly. He conjured all who heard him to act justly to all men, to rear their children properly, and that when they met death they would meet it firmly. He was prepared to die; and as he had never wronged any one he hoped to receive mercy. At thirteen minutes before eleven A.M., after a moment's pause, that seemed an age to every one present, the signal was given, the platform, loaded with iron to accelerate its fall, swung heavily down with a sullen crash, and in a few minutes the soul of Wm. B. Mumford passed into the presence of his Maker. During all this time a vast crowd swayed to and fro in front of the Mint, and thronged the levee, every eye fixed upon the awful scene, while along the long line mounted men galloped, preserving order. Upon the consummation of the sentence the assemblage quietly dispersed to their homes. Black, Acting-Surgeon to Gen. Shepley's staff, After hanging twenty-five minutes, Dr. W. T. and Dr. Geo. A. Black, Agent of United States Sanitary Commission, approached the body and ascertained the heart had ceased to beat. It was allowed, however, to remain suspended about twenty minutes longer, when it was cut down At five o'clock P.M. it was conveyed to the Fireand placed in a coffin prepared for the purpose. men's Cemetery, and there interred. Requiescat in pace. -N. O. Delta, June 8. It is ordered that he be executed, according to the sentence of the said military commission, on Saturday, June seventh instant, between the hours of eight A.M. and twelve M., under the direction of the Provost-Marshal of the district of New-Orleans; and for so doing this shall be his FIGHT AT THE WADDELL FARM, ARK. sufficient warrant. By command of Major-General Butler, Mumford exhibited little emotion, and comported himself with great coolness and self-possession. It was At a quarter before ten o'clock A.M., the prisoner arrived at the Mint and alighted. noticed his eye immediately sought out the scaffold. He gazed at it for a moment, and then, naturally turning away his head, entered the building through the portico and was immediately conveyed by two officers into a private apartment. Doc. 66. COLONEL BRACKETT'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS NINTH REGIMENT ILL. CAVALRY, CAMP TUCKER, NEAR JUNCTION OF BLACK AND WHITE RIVERS, ARK., June 12. GENERAL: It gives me great pleasure to report to you that I have this afternoon had a most successful fight with the rebels. This morning I sent out a train of thirty-six wagons, for the purpose of getting corn and bacon at the Waddell farm, near Village Creek, Jackson County, Ark. I sent as an escort, parts of four companies of the Ninth regiment of Illinois cavalry, under Major Humphreys. The farm is about five miles from Jacksonport, and when the train In a few moments a large black cossack was was within about half a mile of it my men were brought in, and he was invested with it, his neck-suddenly attacked by a large force of the enemy. Major Humphreys, seeing his command was too weak to cope with the rebels, sent word to me to join him as soon as possible with reënforce ments. I started with two companies of Bowen's battalion, with two small howitzers. I found the train halted in the road about half a mile from the farm, and the enemy in strong force in front and shooting at my men, and occasionally exchanging shots. I removed the fence on the right and unlimbered the howitzers in the road. I then formed companies A, M, K, and C, Ninth Illinois cavalry, under Captains Burgh, Knight, Cameron and Blakemore, on the right in a cottonfield, with orders to charge the enemy as soon as Lieut. Madison, of Bowen's battalion, should fire the howitzers, which were supported and defended by Capt. Williams and Lieutenant Ballou, of Bowen's cavalry battalion. I fired two shots directly into the enemy, when the four companies of the Ninth Illinois cavalry rode forward with drawn sabers, and made the finest charge I ever witnessed. The enemy was scattered in every direction, being completely routed and broken up. I continued to fire several rounds into Waddell's building, and then advanced upon it with Capt. Blakemore's company. I then filled my thirty-six wagons with corn and bacon, and returned to this place, arriving after dark. Capt. Cameron behaved with the greatest gallantry, as did his company K, Ninth regiment Illinois cavalry. I must particularly recommend to your notice the conduct of Major Humphrey, Captains Cameron, Cowan, Blakemore and Perkins; Lieuts. Benton, Hillier, Shear, Conn, Butler and Smith, and First Sergeant Clark, of the Ninth Illinois cavalry, and Capt. Williams, Lieuts. Madison and Ballou, and First Sergeant Miller, of Bowen's cavalry battalion. My thanks are due to Surgeon Jas. A. Brackett, for his care of the wounded, and to BattalionAdjutant Blackburne, Quartermaster Price, and Sergeant-Major George A. Price, Ninth Illinois cavalry. The enemy lost twenty-eight in killed, wounded and prisoners. Private Futrell, of Hooker's company, one of the prisoners, is mortally wounded. Capt. Shuttleworth, in command of Hooker's, is also wounded. My loss was one taken prisoner by the enemy and twelve wounded, all of them of company K, Ninth Illinois cavalry. I am, very respectfully, etc., ALBERT G. BRACKETT, Colonel Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Commanding. JACKSONPORT CAVALIER" ACCOUNT. JACKSONPORT, ARK., June 18, 1862. Yesterday an engagement took place between a portion of the United States forces, stationed near this place, and the confederates known in this vicinity as "Hooker's company," about three hundred strong. In the morning a train of thirty-six wagons was sent out by Col. Brackett, for the purpose of getting corn and bacon at the Waddell farm, near Village Creek, with an escort of parts of four companies (K, M, D and C,) of the Ninth Illinois cavalry, under Major Humphrey. The farm is about five miles distant from Jacksonport, and when the train was within about one half mile from it, the advance-guard (company K, Capt. Cameron) were suddenly attacked by a large force of the enemy. This attack on the part of the enemy was gallantly resisted by Capt. Cameron and his command, who made, in his retreat before greatly superior numbers, several stands, firing upon and wounding and killing several of the enemy, until he had fallen back to the main body, where there seemed, by common consent, to be a cessation of fighting for some considerable time- Major Humphrey deeming his command insufficient to charge upon the enemy successfully, without sacrificing the lives of his men, which could be easily avoided by waiting a little while for reënforcements from Camp Tucker, sent for at the firing of the first volley by the enemy. Two hours after the attack upon the train advance-guard, Col. Brackett was at the Waddell farm, having crossed Black River by ferry with two companies of Bowen's battalion, Missouri volunteers, and two small howitzers. He found the forage train in the road halted, and the enemy in force in front, shouting and jeering at our men with that profuseness of obscenity and blasphemous profanity for which the chivalrous, hightoned confederate troops are distinguished. The rest of the fight, outside of their braggadocio, was of very few moments' duration. Two shots from the howitzers, and a brilliant charge of four companies, A, M, K and C, of the Ninth Illinois cavalry, upon the enemy, and he was seen plying both spur and whip to his fleet animals, seeking a safe refuge from the glittering sabres and determined hearts and heads, and strong arms, that were in hot pursuit. The result of the skirmishes throughout, was to the enemy, in killed, wounded and prisoners in our hands, twenty-eight, so far as we can learn, though Capt. Cameron's men think the figure too low. On our side, we have a loss of one taken prisoner by the enemy and twelve wounded, two of them seriously. The following is a list of those wounded and missing on our side: WOUNDED.-Corporal Joseph O. H. Spinney, Corporal Judson II. Waldo; privates, William Luce, badly, Joseph Chamberlain, Thomas A. Foster, James Sherlock, Oscar D. Herrick, John R. Wilder, Hiram D. Sturm, William Farnsworth, James Kelley, Frank Doyle, all of company K. MISSING.—Private Harvey Strong, company K, Ninth Illinois cavalry, a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. Thirty-six wagons went out-thirty-eight returned, laden with corn, bacon, flour, vinegar, etc. Col. Brackett speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of Major Humphrey of the Ninth Illinois cavalry, Capt. Williams, and Lieuts. Madison and Ballou, and First Sergeant Miller, of Bowen's Missouri cavalry battalion; as also of Capts. Burgh, Knight, Cowen, Blakemore and Perkins, and Lieuts. Benton, Hillier, Shear, Conn, Butler and Smith; Battalion-Adjutant Blackburn, and Sergeant-Major George A. Price; and especially of First Sergeant Clark, of company K, Ninth Illinois cavalry. Dr. James A. Brackett, Surgeon of the Ninth, was promptly on the ground with all the proper appliances for the comfort of the wounded, and Quartermaster Price, of the same regiment, (always ready for duty,) was "on hand" looking after the material interests of Uncle Sam. It has been said by some military men, that cavalry are ineffective in the field. We would have been pleased to have had a few spectators of that mind at the scene of action yesterday. The men were ordered by Col. Brackett to put up their revolvers and take their sabres. It was in every respect a cavalry charge. The four companies were drawn up in line of battle, in a cotton-field, and when the order for the charge was given, away went the men of the gallant Ninth, with sabres raised, at top of speed, but preserving perfect lines, and with such shouts as only troopers give. The "bandits were dismayed, and without even firing a shot fled in every direction, scattered like chaff before the wind. march was the quintessence of prudence. The destination of the expedition was kept a profound secret, (so essential to success,) and was known to my command only as the actual march developed it. The force was quietly concentrated beyond the Chickahominy, near Kilby's Station, on the Richmond, Fredericksburgh, and Potomac Railroad, and moved thence parallel to and to the left of that road. Scouts were kept far to the right to ascertain the enemy's whereabouts, and advancedguard flankers and rear-guard to secure our column against surprise. I purposely directed my first day's march toward Louisa, so as to favor the idea of reenforcing Jackson, and camped just opposite Hanover Court-House, near Southanna Bridge, (Richmond, Fredericksburgh, and Potomac Railroad,) twenty-two miles from Richmond. Our noiseless bivouac was broken early next morning, and, without flag or bugle sound, we resumed our march, none but one knew whither. I, however, immediately took occasion to make known my instructions and plans confidently to the regimental commanders, so as to secure an intelligent action and cooperation in whatever might occur. Scouts had returned indicating no serious obstacles to my march from that to Old Church, directly in rear of, and on the overland avenue of communication to New-Bridge and vicinity. Company D, Ninth Illinois cavalry, Capt. Cow- I proceeded, therefore, via Hanover Courten, were placed in charge of the train during the House, upon the route to Old Church. Upon fight, and are entitled to great credit for the faith-reaching the vicinity of Hanover Court-House, I ful performance of that kind of duty-when all were eager and anxious to be in the fray. Doc. 67. GENERAL STUART'S EXPEDITION HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, D. N. V., found it in possession of the enemy; but very little could be ascertained about the strength and nature of his force. I therefore sent Col. Fitz Lee's regiment, First Virginia cavalry, to make a detour to the right, and reach the enemy's route behind him, to ascertain his force here, and crush it if possible; but the enemy, proving afterward to be one hundred and fifty cavalry, did not tarry long, but left-my column following slowly down, expecting every moment to hurl him upon Lee; but, owing to a bad marsh, Col. Lee did not reach the intersection of roads in time, and the cavalry GENERAL: In compliance with your written in- (the regular Sixth) passed on in the direction of structions, I undertook an expedition to the Mechanicsville. This course deviating too much vicinity of the enemy's lines, on the Pamunkey, from our direction, after the capture of a sergeant, with about twelve hundred cavalry and a section they were allowed to proceed on their way. Our of the Stuart horse artillery. The cavalry was march led thence by Taliaferro's mill and Edon composed of portions of the First, Fourth, and Church to Haws' shop; here we encountered the Ninth Virginia cavalry, (the second-named hav- first pickets, surprised and caught several viing no field-officer present, was, for the time dettes, and pushed boldly forward, keeping adbeing, divided between the first and last-men-vanced-guard well to the front. The regiment in tioned, commanded respectively by Colonel Fitz front was the Ninth Virginia cavalry, Col. W. H. Lee and Colonel W. H. Fitzhugh Lee,) also two F. Lee, whose advance-guard, intrusted to the squadrons of the Jeff Davis Legion, commanded command of Adjt.-Lieut. Rodins, did admirable by Lieut.-Col. W. T. Martin; the section of ar-service-Lieut. Rodins handling it in the most tillery being commanded by First Lieut. James Breathed. Although the expedition was prosecuted further than was at first contemplated in your instructions, I feel assured that the considerations which actuated me will convince you that I did not depart from their spirit, and that the boldness developed in the subsequent direction of the skilful manner, managing to clear the way for The leading squadron was ordered forward at a brisk gait, the main body following closely, and gave chase to the enemy for a mile or two, but did not come up to him. We crossed the Tolopotomoy, a strong position of defence which the enemy failed to hold, confessing a weakness. such places half a squadron was deployed afoot In as skirmishers, till the point of danger was passed. 193 which still further narrowed the chances of escape in that direction; the enemy, too, would naturally expect me to take that route. These circumstances led me to look with more favor to my favorite scheme, disclosed to you before startto Tunstall's station, on the York River Railroad, ing, of passing around. and that point once passed, I felt little apprehenIt was only nine miles which I felt sure the enemy would never expect sion; beyond, the route was one of all others me to take. On that side of the Chickahominy infantry could not reach me before crossing, and I felt able to whip any cavalry force that could be brought against me. City side, I knew you would, when aware of my position, if necessary, order a diversion in my Once on the Charles favor on the Charles City road, to prevent a move to intercept me from the direction of White Oak Swamp. Beside this, the hope of striking a serious blow at a boastful and insolent foe, which would make him tremble in his shoes, made more agreeable the alternative I chose. On, on dashed Rodins, here skirting a field, there leaping a fence or ditch, and cleaning the woods beyond, when, not far from Old Church, the enemy made a stand, having been reënforced. The only mode of attack being in column of fours along the road, I still preferred to oppose the enemy with one squadron at a time, remembering that he who brings on the field the last cavalry reserve wins the day. The next squadron, therefore, moved to the front, under the lamented Capt. Latane, making a most brilliant and successful charge, with drawn sabres, upon the picket-guard, and after a hotly contested hand-tohand conflict put him to flight, but not till the gallant Captain had sealed his devotion to his na- officers, I disclosed my views, but while none acIn a brief and frank interview with some of my tive soil with his blood. The enemy's rout (two corded a full assent, all assured me a hearty supsquadrons by one of ours) was complete; they port in whatever I did. With an abiding trust dispersed in terror and confusion, leaving many in God, and with such guarantees of success as dead on the field, and blood in quantities in their the two Lees and Martin and their devoted foltracks. Their commander, Capt. Royall, was re-lowers, this enterprise I regarded as most promisported mortally wounded. Several officers and a ing. Taking care, therefore, more particularly number of privates were taken in this conflict, after this resolve, to inquire of the citizens the and a number of horses, arms, and equipments, distance and the route to Hanover Court-House, together with five guidons. The woods and fields I kept my horse's head steadily toward Tunstall's were full of the scattered and disorganized foe, station. There was something sublime in the straggling to and fro, and but for the delay and implicit confidence and unquestioning trust of the great incumbrance which they would have the rank and file in a leader guiding them straight been to our march, many more could and would apparently into the very jaws of the enemy; every have been captured. hope of extrication. Reports of the enemy's step appearing to them to diminish the faintest strength at Garlick's and Tunstall's were conflicting, but generally indicated a small number. Prisoners were captured at every step, and included officers, soldiers and negroes. Col. Fitz Lee, burning with impatience to cross sabres with his old regiment, galloped to the front at this point and begged to be allowed to participate with his regiment, the First Virginia cavalry, in the discomfiture of his old comrades-a request I readily granted-and his leading squadron pushed gallantly down the road to importance as the front, but the duties of rearThe rear now became of as much interest and Old Church; but the fragments of Royall's com-guard devolving upon the Jeff Davis Legion, with mand could not be rallied again, and Col. Lee's the howitzer attached, its conduct was intrusted leading squadron charged, without resistance, to its commander, Lieut.-Col. Martin, in whose into the enemy's camp, (five companies,) and judgment and skill I had entire confidence. took possession of a number of horses, a quantity was not attacked, but at one time the enemy apof arms and stores of every kind, and several of-peared in his rear, bearing a flag of truce, and ficers and privates. The stores, as well as the tents, in which everything had left, were speedily burned and the march resumed-whither? He the party, twenty-five in number, bearing it, actually surrendered to his rear-guard, so great was Here was the turning-point of the expedition. Assistant-Surgeon was also taken: he was en the consternation produced by our march. An Two routes were before me, the one to return by route, and not in charge of the sick. Upon arHanover Court-House, the other to pass around riving opposite Garlick's, I ordered a squadron through New-Kent, taking the chances of having from the Ninth Virginia cavalry to destroy whatto swim the Chickahominy, and make a bold ef- ever could be found at the landing on the Pamunfort to cut the enemy's lines of communication.key. The Chickahominy was believed by my guides large number of wagons were here burnt, and the Two transports, loaded with stores, and a to be fordable near Forge Bridge. I was fourteen squadron rejoined the column with a number of miles from Hanover Court-House, which I would prisoners, horses and mules. A squadron of the have to pass if I returned, the enemy had a much First Virginia cavalry (Hammond's) assisted in shorter distance to pass to intercept me there; this destruction. besides, the South Anna River was impassable, Vo V.-Doc. 13 A few picked men, including my aids, Burke,. Farley and Mosley, were pushed forward rapidly to Tunstall's, to cut the wires, and secure the dépôt. Five companies of cavalry, escorting large wagon-trains, were in sight, and seemed at first disposed to dispute our progress, but the sight of our column, led by Lee, of the Ninth, boldly advancing to the combat, was enough. Content with a distant view, they fled, leaving their train in our hands. The party that reached the railroad at Tunstall's surprised the guard at the dépôt, fifteen or twenty infantry, captured them without their firing a gun, and set about obstructing the railroad, but before it could be thoroughly done, and just as the head of our column reached it, a train of cars came thundering down from the "grand army." It had troops on board, and we prepared to attack it. The train swept off the obstructions without being thrown from the track, but our fire, delivered at only a few rods' distance, either killed or caused to feign death every one on board, the engineer being one of the first victims, from the unerring fire of Capt. Farley. It is fair to presume that a serious collision took place on its arrival at the White House, for it made extraordinary speed in that direction. latter had not yet crossed, the bridge enabled the whole to reach the other bank by one o'clock P.M. Another branch of the Chickahominy, still further on, was with difficulty forded, and the march was continued without interruption towards Richmond. Having passed the point of danger, I left the column with Col. Lee, of the First, and rode on to report to you, reaching your headquarters at daylight next morning. Returning to my command soon after, the prisoners, one hundred and sixty-five in number, were transferred to the proper authority; two hundred and sixty mules and horses captured, with more or less harness, were transferred to the quartermaster departments of the different regiments, and the commands were sent to their respective camps. The number of captured arms has not been, as yet, accurately ascertained. A pole was broken, which obliged us to abandon a limber this side of the Chickahominy. The success attending this expedition will no doubt cause ten thousand or fifteen thousand men to be detached from the enemy's main body to guard his communications, besides accomplishing the destruction of millions of dollars' worth The railroad bridge over Black Creek was fired of property, and the interruption, for a time, of under the direction of Lieut. Burke, and it being his railroad communications. The three comnow dark, the burning of the immense wagon-manders, the two Lees and Martin, exhibited the train, and the extricating of the teams, involved characteristics of skilful commanders, keeping much labor and delay, and illuminated the coun- their commands well in hand, and managing them try for miles. The roads at this point were far with skill and good judgment, which proved them worse than ours, and the artillery had much worthy of a higher trust. Their brave men bedifficulty in passing. Our march was finally con-haved with coolness and intrepidity in danger, untinued by bright moonlight to Talleysville, where swerving resolution before difficulties, and stood we halted three and a half hours for the column unappalled before the rushing torrents of the to close up. At this point we passed a large hos- Chickahominy, with the probability of an enemy pital, of one hundred and fifty patients. I deemed at their heels, armed with the fury of a tigress it proper not to molest the surgeons and attend- robbed of her whelps. The perfect order and ants in charge. systematic disposition for crossing, maintained throughout the passage, insured its success, and rendered it the crowning feature of a successful expedition. I hope, General, that your sense of delicacy, so manifest on former occasions, will not prompt you to award to the two Lees, (your son and nephew,) less than their full measure of praise. Embalmed in the hearts and affections of their regiments, tried on many occasions requiring coolness, decision and bravery, everywhere present to animate, direct and control, they held their regiments in their grasp, and proved themselves brilliant cavalry leaders. At twelve o'clock at night the march was continued, without incident, under the most favorable auspices, to Forge Bridge (eight miles) over the Chickahominy, where we arrived just at daylight. Lee, of the Ninth, by personal experiment, having found the stream not fordable, axes were sent for, and every means taken to overcome the difficulties by improvised bridges and swimming. I immediately despatched to you information of my situation, and asked for the diversion already referred to. The progress in crossing was very slow at the point chosen, just above Forge Bridge, and learning that, at the bridge proper, enough of the debris of the old bridge remained to facilitate the construction of another-materials for which were afterward afforded by a large ware-is especially worthy of notice, as also his referhouse adjacent-I moved to that point at once. Lieut. Redmond Burke, who in every sphere has rendered most valuable service, and deserves the highest consideration at the hands of the government, set to work with a party to construct a bridge. A foot-bridge was soon improvised, and the horses were crossed over as rapidly as possible by swimming. Burke's work proceeded like magic; in three hours it was ready to bear artillery and cavalry, and as half of the The discipline maintained by Lieut. Col. Martin in his command, and referred to in his report, ence to the energy displayed by First Lieutenant |