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field-pieces; my men then generally discharged | their pieces and jumped from the right to the left of the road, and recommenced loading and firing. In a few minutes the regiment was reformed in the midst of this heavy fire, and by the General's directions, retired in a thoroughly military manner, and in order to withdraw his supposed enemy from his position. On ascertaining that the enemy were our friends, and on providing for the wounded, we joined Col. Duryea and Col. Bendix.

The former having returned and proceeded on the reconnoissance at Big Bethel, some seven or more miles on, we found the enemy in force, well fortified with a battery said to be of twenty guns, in position, some of them rifled cannon. The information relative to the guns in position at the Bethel battery was given to me on the ground by Col. Duryea, who informed me that he received it from a reconnoitring officer whom he had sent to the front to ascertain the position of things. On arriving at this point, in order to feel the enemy, battle was immediately given by the orders of the General. We were ordered to take up a position in a field about eight hundred paces from the battery. I was then directed by the General to advance to a position in a road at right angles to the main road leading to the battery, and about two hundred paces from it, on the left of Col. Duryea. I was then directed to send out skirmishers to ascertain the strength of the enemy's right, for which purpose I detailed Capts. John G. Butler and Edward S. Jenny, with their companies, to cross the field immediately in front of the right of the battery, and so to skirmish as to draw the enemy's fire, which they gallantly performed. The enemy's fire was delivered vigorously almost immediately upon these companies.

ceived it to be my duty to immediately retire
and repel that advance. I resumed, therefore,
my original position on the left of Col. Duryea.
Shortly after, all the forces were directed to re-
tire, the design of the reconnoissance having
been accomplished. I am not, of course,
speaking of the movements of other corps ex-
cepting as immediately connected with my
regiment, and it were especially gratuitous, in-
asmuch as their General was upon the field
and directed the movements of the various
commands in person.
FREDERICK TOWNSEND,
Colonel Third Regiment

REBEL OFFICIAL REPORT.

YORKTOWN, Va., June 11, 1861. Hon. J. W. Ellis, Governor of North Carolina: SIR-I have the honor to report that eight hundred of my regiment and three hundred and sixty Virginians were engaged for five and a half hours with four and a half regiments of the enemy, at Bethel Church, nine miles from Hampton.

The enemy made three distinct and well-sustained charges, but were repulsed with heavy loss. Our cavalry pursued them for six miles, when their retreat became a total rout. Fearing that heavy reinforcements would be sent up from Fortress Monroe, we fell back at nightfall upon our works at Yorktown. I regret to report the loss of one man killed-private Henry L. Wyatt, Edgecomb Guards—and seven wounded.

The loss of the enemy, by their own confession, was one hundred and fifty, but it may be safely estimated at two hundred and fifty.

Our regiment behaved most gallantly. Not a man shrunk from his post or showed symptoms of fear. When more at leisure I will give you a detailed report of the operations.

Our Heavenly Father has most wonderfully interposed to shield our hearts in the day of battle. Unto His great name be all the praise for our success. With much respect, D. H. HILL,

Col. First Regiment N. C. Volunteers.

Doc. 31.

Entering the field and crossing it myself, and considering that there might be a possibility of our capturing the battery, I moved the regiment up to the point where our skirmishers were engaged, a movement which the regiment performed in line of battle, as if on parade, in the face of a severe fire of artillery and smallarms, and in a manner entirely to my satisfaction. By the time the regiment had arrived at its position, it became evident that the right portion of the battery had been strongly rein- GOVERNOR MCGILL'S PROCLAMATION. forced by men from the enemy's left, and that an effort to take the battery there was useless; THE following is the first response from besides, a company of my regiment had been Washington Territory to the President's proseparated from the regiment by a thickly-clamation for troops :hedged ditch, and as the regiment moved forward towards the skirmishers, this company marched in the adjoining field in a line with the regiment.

This was not known to me until after the engagement. I supposed that when the regiment approached that it was the entire regiment; consequently, upon seeing among the breaks in the hedge the glistening of bayonets in the adjoining field, I immediately concluded that the enemy were outflanking us, and conVOL. II.-Doc. 12

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Whereas, the President of the United States has issued his proclamation, stating that the laws of the United States have been and now are opposed in several States by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary way, and therefore calling for the militia of the several States, now, therefore, deeming it expedient that the militia of the Territory of Washington should be placed in readiness to meet any requisition from the President of the United States, or the Governor of this Terri

Doc. 83.

THE following is a list of the officers:FIELD-OFFICERS.-Colonel, John H. McCunn; Lieutenant-Colonel, John Burke; Major, D. C. Minton; Adjutant, C. Murphy.

tory, to aid in "maintaining the laws and integrity of the national Union," I do hereby call THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. V. upon all the citizens of this Territory capable of bearing arms, and liable to militia duty, to report immediately to the Adjutant-General of the Territory, and proceed at once to organize themselves into companies, and elect their own officers, in the manner prescribed by the act of January 26, 1855, and the amendatory act of February 4, 1858, to organize the militia. The organization of each company will be immediately reported to Adjutant-General Frank Matthias, at Seattle, W. T., and through him to the Governor, when the commissions will issue to the officers elected.

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EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,

CITY OF WHEELING, June 22, 1861.

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WHEREAS, by an ordinance of the Convention of the people of Virginia, which assembled in this city on the 11th inst., entitled "An ordinance for the reorganization of the State Government," it was, among other things, ordained that "the delegates elected to the General Assembly on the 23d day of May last, and the Senators entitled under existing laws to seats in the next General Assembly, and those who may be hereafter elected to fill vacancies, who shall qualify themselves by taking the oath or affirmation" thereinafter set forth, "shall constitute the Legislature of the State, to discharge the duties and exercise the powers pertaining to the General Assembly," and it being by the same ordinance further ordained that the General Assembly shall assemble in the city of Wheeling, on the 1st day of July, in the year 1861, and proceed to organize themselves, as prescribed by existing laws, in their respective branches:

Now I, Francis H. Pierpont, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, do, by this my proclamation, summon the Senators and members of the House of Delegates, thus composing the Legislature of the State, to assemble at the United States District Court room, in the city of Wheeling, at noon, on the 1st day of July,

1861.

STAFF OFFICERS.-Doctors, John McNulty and William O. Meagher; Lieutenant, George W. Clarke; Colonel's Aide-de-Camp and Quartermaster, Hoyt; Chaplain, Rev. J. Tissott.

Co. A—Captain, Gilbert Riordan; First Lieutenant, Philip Doherty; Ensign, Andrew J. Dregnan. Co. B-Captain, James T. Maguire; First Lieutenant, David Ren; Ensign, Robert Johnstone Bassett. Co. C-Captain, Michael Doran; First Lieutenant, Martin E. Lawlor; Ensign, Josiah W. Willett. Co. D-Captain, F. McHugh; First Lieutenant, Jas. D. Clark; Ensign, P. H. Hayes. Co. E-Captain, John Kavanagh; First Lieutenant, J. McCorman; Ensign, James P. Boyle. Co. F-Captain, Dominick O'Connor; First Lieutenant, -Long; Ensign,Vosburg. Co. G-Captain, Michael Murphy; First Lieutenant, Richard S. Barry; Ensign, James Keeler. Co. H-Captain, Luke G. Harmon; First Lieutenant, John R. McConnell; Ensign, Patrick H. Jones. Co. I-CapW. Baillett; Ensign, C. S. Treavitt. Co. K tain, Wm. T. Clarke; First Lieutenant, George Charles Dunleavy; Ensign, W. C. McCarty. -Captain, W. Johnston; First Lieutenant,

NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.-The non-com-
missioned staff are as follows:-Sergeant-Major,
Jeremiah O'Leary; Drum-Major,
Fife-Major, Frank W. Murphy; Quatermaster's
Rollins;
Sergeant, John Phelan.

-New York Herald, June 24.

Doc. 34.

PROCLAMATION OF GEN. MCCLELLAN.

HEAD-QUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
GRAFTON, (VA.,) June 23, 1861.

To the Inhabitants of Western Virginia:
Virginia troops, is rapidly occupying all West-
THE army of this department, headed by
ern Virginia. This is done in cooperation with
and in support of such civil authorities of the
State as are faithful to the Constitution and
issued by me, under date of May 26th, 1861,
laws of the United States. The proclamation
will be strictly maintained. Your houses, fam-
lies, property, and all your rights will be re-
but armed rebels, and those voluntarily giving
ligiously respected. We are enemies to none
them aid. All officers of this army will be held
responsible for the most prompt and vigorous
action in repressing disorder and punishing ag-

Given under my hand and seal, at the city of Wheeling, this 22d day of June, in the year of our Lord 1861, and the 85th of the Common-gression by those under their command. wealth.

By the Governor,

F. H. PIERPONT.

To my great regret I find that the enemies of the United States continue to carry on a

L. A. Hagans, Secretary of the Common- system of hostilities prohibited by the laws of

wealth.

war among belligerent nations, and of course far more wicked and intolerable when directed against loyal citizens engaged in the defence of

the common Government of all. Individuals You will pursue a different course; you will and marauding parties are pursuing a guerilla be honest, brave, and merciful; you will rewarfare, firing upon sentinels and pickets, spect the right of private opinion; you will burning bridges, insulting and even killing citi-punish no man for opinion's sake. Show to zens because of their Union sentiments, and committing many kindred acts.

I do now, therefore, make proclamation, and warn all persons that individuals or parties engaged in this species of warfare, irregular in every view that can be taken of it, thus attacking sentries, pickets, or other soldiers, destroying public or private property, or committing injuries against any of the inhabitants because of Union sentiments or conduct, will be dealt with in their persons and property according to the severest rules of military law.

All persons giving information or aid to the public enemies will be arrested and kept in close custody; and all persons found bearing arms, unless of known loyalty, will be arrested and held for examination.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. A., Commanding Department.

ANOTHER PROCLAMATION.

To the Soldiers of the Army of the West: You are here to support the Government of your country, and to protect the lives and liberties of your brethren, threatened by a rebellious and traitorous foe. No higher or nobler duty could devolve on you, and I expect you to bring to its performance the highest and noblest qualities of soldiers' discipline, courage, and mercy.

I call upon the officers of every grade to enforce the highest discipline, and I know that those of all grades, privates and officers, will display in battle cool heroic courage, and will know how to show mercy to a disarmed enemy. Bear in mind that you are in the country of friends, not of enemies-that you are here to protect, not to destroy. Take nothing, destroy nothing, unless you are ordered to do so by your general officers. Remember that I have pledged my word to the people of Western Virginia that their rights in person and property shall be respected. I ask every one of you to make good this promise in its broadest

sense.

We have come here to save, not to upturn. I do not appeal to the fear of punishment, but to your appreciation of the sacredness of the cause in which we are engaged. Carry into battle the conviction that you are right and that God is on our side. Your enemies have violated every moral law; neither God nor man can sustain them. They have without cause rebelled against a mild and paternal Government; they have seized upon public and private property; they have outraged the persons of Northern men, merely because they came from the North, and of Southern Union men, merely because they loved the Union; they have placed themselves beneath contempt unless they can retrieve some honor on the field of battle.

the world that you differ from our enemies in these points of honor, honesty, and respect for private opinion, and that we inaugurate no reign of terror wherever we go.

Soldiers, I have heard that there was danger here. I have come to place myself at your head and share it with you. I fear now but one thing, that you will not find foemen worthy of your steel. I know that I can rely upon you. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General commanding.

Doc. 35.

PROCLAMATIONS OF GOV. LETCHER, JUNE 14, 1861.

To the People of North-Western Virginia: THE Sovereign people of Virginia, unbiassed, and by their own free choice, have, by a majority of nearly one hundred thousand qualified voters, severed the ties that heretofore bound them to the Government of the United States, and united this Commonwealth with the Confederate States. That our people have the right "to institute a new Government, laying its foundations on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness," was proclaimed by our fathers, and it is a right which no freeman should ever relinquish. The State of Virginia has now, the second time in her history, asserted this right, and it is the duty of every Virginian to acknowledge her act when ratified by such a majority, and to give his willing cooperation to make good the declaration. All her people have voted. Each has taken his chance to have his personal views represented. You, as well as the rest of the State, have cast your vote fairly, and the majority is against you. It is the duty of good citizens to yield to the will of the State. The bill of rights has proclaimed "that the people have a right to uniform government; and, therefore, that no government separate from or independent of the government of Virginia ought to be erected or established within the limits thereof."

The majority, thus declared, therefore, have a right to govern. But notwithstanding this right, thus exercised, has been regarded by the people of all sections of the United States as undoubted and sacred, yet the Government at Washington now utterly denies it, and by the exercise of despotic power is endeavoring to coerce our people to abject submission to their authority. Virginia has asserted her independence. She will maintain it at every hazard. She is sustained by the power of ten of her sister Southern States, ready and willing to uphold her cause. Can any true Virginian refuse to render assistance. Men of the Northwest, I

appeal to you, by all the considerations which |vided for taking the sense of the qualified have drawn us together as one people hereto- voters of this Commonwealth, upon the ratififore, to rally to the standard of the Old Do- cation or rejection of said ordinance, and diminion. By all the sacred ties of consanguin-rected the Governor to ascertain the vote so ity, by the intermixtures of the blood of East taken, and without delay to make proclamation and West, by common paternity, by friendships of the result, stating therein the aggregate vote hallowed by a thousand cherished recollections for and against the ratification; and, whereas, and memories of the past, by the relics of the the returns of several counties have not been great men of other days, come to Virginia's received, and of others cannot be obtained, in banner, and drive the invader from your soil. consequence of the presence of a hostile force There may be traitors in the midst of you, in the north-western and of the blockade in who, for selfish ends, have turned against their the eastern portions of the State; and by the mother, and would permit her to be ignomi- returns which have been received, it appears niously oppressed and degraded. But I cannot, that an overwhelming majority of the people will not, believe that a majority of you are not have voted for the ratification of the said orditrue sons, who will not give your blood and nance; now, therefore, I, John Letcher, Govyour treasure for Virginia's defence. ernor, in pursuance of the authority so given, do hereby proclaim the aggregate aforesaid to be as follows:

I have sent for your protection such troops as the emergency enabled me to collect, in charge of a competent commander. I have ordered a large force to go to your aid, but I rely with the utmost confidence upon your own strong arms to rescue your firesides and altars from the pollution of a reckless and ruthless enemy. The State is invaded at several points, but ample forces have been collected to defend her.

There has been a complaint among you that the eastern portion of the State has enjoyed an exemption from taxation to your prejudice. The State, by a majority of 50,000, has put the two sections on an equality in this respect. By a display of magnanimity in the vote just given, the East has, by a large majority, consented to relinquish this exemption, and is ready to share with you all the burdens of Government, and to meet all Virginia's liabilities. They come now to aid you as you came in former days to aid them. The men of the Southern Confederate States glory in coming to your rescue. Let one heart, one mind, one energy, one power, nerve every patriot to arm in a common cause. The heart that will not beat in unison with Virginia now is a traitor's heart; the arm that will not strike home in her cause now is palsied by coward fear.

The troops are posted at Huttonsville. Come with your own good weapons and meet them as brothers!

Given under my hand, and under [L. S.] the seal of the Commonwealth, this 14th day of June, 1861, and in the 85th year of the Commonwealth. By the Governor :

GEO. W. MUNFord,

JOHN LETCHER.

Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the People of Virginia:

Whereas the Convention of this Commonwealth, of the 17th of April, 1861, adopted an ordinance to repeal the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America by the State of Virginia, and to resume all the rights and powers granted under said Constitution; and by a schedule thereto annexed, pro

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And to the end that the entire vote of the State, as far as it can be ascertained, may be known to the people, I have estimated the vote of the counties from which returns have not been received, taking the same from the local papers and from sources believed to be correct, or nearly so, and append it to this proclamation.

I do, therefore, further declare that the said ordinance has been ratified by the qualified voters of this Commonwealth, and in conformity to its provisions, do annex hereto a copy thereof, together with the schedule accompanying the same. And whereas, by another ordinance, "for the adoption of the Constitution of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America," passed on the 25th of April, 1861, it is provided that the said ordinance shall cease to have any legal operation or effect if the people of this Commonwealth upon the vote directed to be taken on the Ordinance of Secession shall reject the same; and it now appearing by the said vote that the people have ratified the said Ordinance of Secession; therefore, I do further proclaim, that the Constitution of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America, ordained and established at Montgomery, Alabama, on the 18th day of February, 1861, is now in full force in this Commonwealth, and must be respected and obeyed.

Given under my hand, as Govern[L. S.] or, and under the seal of the Commonwealth, this 14th day of June, 1861, and in the eighty-fifth year of the Commonwealth. JOHN LETCHER.

By the Governor,

GEO. W. MUNFORD,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Doc. 36.

FIGHT AT CARTER'S CREEK,

ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER, June 24.
U. 8 STEAMER MONTICELLO,

Off Fortress Monroe, June 25, 1861.
"DEAR SIR: In accordance with your desire,
I send you a short statement of our action at
Carter's Creek, up the Rappahannock River,
which took place yesterday P. M.

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with the other. One of our quartermasters, while getting in on the quarter of the launch, was struck in the stomach by a ball. This case is considered hopeless. Several others were slightly wounded. The ship was not struck to my knowledge, although the balls came thick and close about it; but a few well-directed shots from our guns drove the rebels away, and we had it all to ourselves. We were in action over an hour, and fired 61 times in all. We Agreeably to orders received from Flag steamed down the river and bay, after doing Officer Pendergrast, we were relieved at our all the damage we could, and reported last station off Cape Henry by the Quaker City, night at midnight in Hampton Roads to the and came up and reported on Sunday morning. flag officer. The wounded were returned to Was ordered away in the afternoon and an- Fortress Monroe, and will receive all necessary chored in Lynnhaven Bay. Yesterday morn-medical attendance. It is wonderful that so ing we steered up the Chesapeake Bay, and about 2 P. M., were at the mouth of the Rappahannock. Hoping to capture the rebel steamer Virginia, plying on that river, we steamed a short distance with the Cumberland's launch in tow, armed with a 12-pound howitzer. Seeing nothing of importance, we turned round, and, at the request of our pilot, sent the launch on shore with our gig in tow, fully armed and equipped for any emergency, although our errand was a peaceful one, as the owner of the house was an intimate friend of the pilot's, and reported a Union man.

few were wounded, as the launch was not more than sixty yards from the fire.

"We learned afterwards, from those who went on shore, that they were warned by this friend to leave right away, as picket guards were stationed near by. Lieut. D. L. Braine, in charge of this ship, commanded the pivot gun, and your obedient servant the two after ones; the Paymaster in charge of the magazine, and Acting Master at the wheel; and great credit is due to the men for their courage, as we had to make our firemen do the duty of a gun's crew. The officers of the ship are as follows:

"Lieut. D. L. Braine, "in charge; " Edwin V. Gager, Acting Master; G. de F. Barton, Acting Paymaster; Geo. W. Havemeyer, Acting Captain's Clerk; Heber Smith, Acting Assistant Surgeon; Geo. Wait, Acting Assistant Engineer; L. A. Brown and Winchester, Master's Mates.

"All the officers except Braine are from New York, and volunteered their services for the defence of the United States Government in this, its hour of peril, and hold appointments from the Navy Department."

Doc. 37.

"Owing to the shoaling of the water, a howitzer's crew and four men were left in the launch, and the balance, with Dr. Heber Smith, our assistant-surgeon, Pilot Phillips, and Master's Mate Brown in command, went on shore in the gig, and were very cordially received by all hands and introduced to the ladies present. Immediately after, we saw from the ship our men running rapidly down the beach, and wading towards the launch, and then several volleys of musketry were fired from armed and uniformed men who were seen stealing along the beach. We immediately opened on the thickets whence the fire came, from the ship's bat--Account of G. W. Havemeyer, N. Y. Tribune, June 28. teries, and must have done execution, as we were less than 600 yards from shore, and could see any and every movement of the enemy. The howitzer in the launch was likewise opened GOVERNOR HARRIS'S PROCLAMATION. on them, and completely routed them and silenced the fire. We then opened on the house and out-houses, and demolished them. Our pilot was seen wading towards us from the shore, he having been left behind in the hurry. I sent a boat and crew after them. We were very short-handed on board, as twenty men were on the launch, but every man did the work of half a dozen, so enraged were they at the rascally treachery of the rebels on shore, and their enthusiasm could not be controlled, but burst out in loud huzzas as each shot, shell, or grape did its deadly work. I regret to say that Dr. Smith, while wading to the launch, was shot in the mouth and likewise in the hand. The former shot passed through both cheeks, and tore out his teeth and gums. The wound, though severe, is not dangerous. The wound in the hand was slight in comparison

JUNE 24.

To all whom these presents shall come, greeting:

WHEREAS, By an act of the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, passed 6th May, 1861, an election, on the 8th day of June, 1861, was held in the several counties of the State, in accordance therewith, upon the Ordinance of Separation and Representation; and also, whereas, it appears from the official returns of said election (hereto appended) that the people of the State of Tennessee have, in their sovereign will and capacity, by an overwhelming majority, cast their votes for "Separation," dissolving all political connection with the late United States Government, and adopted the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America.

Now, therefore, I, Isham G. Harris, Governor

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