November 8.–The Charleston Mercury of this day has the following:

South Carolina began the war, and it is, perhaps, fitting, in the nature of things, that she should end it. The rage and hate of her enemies have precipitated them on her coast. They come to punish her for daring to assert her liberties and independence. Hence, as General Butler, of Massachusetts, says: “The war is to be illuminated by her burning cities and villages.” We have foreseen and have deprecated the wretched policy which has induced the invasion of the State. We have wished that it could have been otherwise, and that the redemption of Maryland and the protection of South Carolina had been accomplished by fighting on the banks of the Potomac.

But since all our efforts to shield South Carolina from invasion have failed, we await with cheerfulness the fate which is upon us. There are few calamities without some redeeming advantages to these who suffer. We can, and we will, make this invasion another occasion for illustrating the characteristics of Southern soldiers. “Let the invaders come” is the unanimous feeling of our people. Our Yankee enemies will, sooner or later, learn to their cost the difference between invaders for spoils and power, and defenders of their liberties, their native land. If they can take Charleston with twenty-five thousand men, let them have it We are unworthy to possess it; and it will be a fitting memorial–laid in, ashes–of our imbecility and base degeneracy.

But if, on the contrary, we shall give to every one of our invaders who shall remain on our soil a prison above it, or a grave beneath it, will it not end the contest? Carolinians, the great cause of the Confederacy rests on your arms. Strike for the independence of the Confederate States, your homes, and your native land. It has pleased God to place upon you the responsibility of closing, as He did that of commencing, this glorious war. Free and far let your names spread amongst the nations of the earth as one of the freest, bravest, and most enlightened people that has lived in the tide of time. Let us all, with one heart, repeat the noble sentiment of one of her dead sons: “It is better for South Carolina to be the cemetery of freemen than the home of slaves.”

–There were two military executions in the rebel army, at Pensacola, Florida: the one, a volunteer, shot for the killing of an orderly sergeant while in the discharge of his duty as an officer; the other, a regular, for the striking of a captain. He was said to have been a most excellent soldier, and at the time of committing the offence was crazed with liquor. He met his fate like a man.–Mobile Register, Nov. 11.

–At Washington, D. C., the new Minister Resident from Sweden and Norway, Edward Count Piper, was .presented to the President by the Secretary of State. He addressed the President as follows:

Mr. President: The King, my august sovereign, having vouchsafed to name me as his Minister Resident near the Government of the United States of America, I have the honor to deliver the letters which accredit me near you, Mr. President, in such a capacity. The King, my sovereign, having sincerely at heart the desire of maintaining the good relations which have at all times subsisted between his kingdom and the American Union, has ordered me to become near you, Mr. President, the organ medium of the sentiments of friendship which animate his Majesty, and of the value which his Majesty attaches to cultivating and cementing still more the relations so happily existing between the two Governments. Upon my heart, Mr. President, I shall be happy, if, during the period of my mission, I may be enabled to maintain and strengthen the bonds of perfect understanding which at all times, to the profit of international interests, have so happily united the two Governments, and I shall not fail, believe me, Mr. President, to give my entire zeal to contribute thereto.

To which the President replied:

Sir: I receive with great pleasure a Minister from Sweden. That pleasure is enhanced by the information which preceded your arrival here, that his Majesty, your sovereign, had selected you to fill the mission upon the grounds of your derivation from an ancestral stock identified with the most glorious era of your country’s noble history, and your own eminent social and political standing in Sweden. This country, sir, maintains, and means to maintain, the rights of human nature, and the capacity of men for self-government. The history of Sweden proves that this is the faith of the people of Sweden, and we know that it is the faith ad practice of their respected sovereign. Rest assured, therefore, that we shall be found always just and fraternal in our transactions with your Government, and that nothing will he omitted on my part to make your residence in this capital agreeable to yourself and satisfactory to your Government.

–The United States gunboat Rescue went up the Rappahannock River, as for as Urbanna Creek. Off the mouth of the creek, she captured a large schooner, from which she took off all her stores and movable property, and burnt her to the water’s edge. The Rescue was fired upon by a masked battery on shore. The fire was returned, and the rebels were completely shelled out. The commander of the Rescue occupied the entire day shelling every spot where were indications of the presence of rebel troops. Subsequently a small boat was seen crossing the river with three men. The Rescue’s boat was sent in pursuit, and captured the boat and two of the men, but the third managed to escape by jumping out and wading to the shore with a bag of letters.–(Doc. 132 and 138.)

–Five railroad bridges were burnt in East Tennessee by Unionists. Two on the Georgia state road, two on Chickamange Creek, Hamilton County, and one on the East Tennessee and Georgia railroad on Hiawessee River, Bradley County. Five minutes after the guard passed through, the whole bridge was in flames. Two bridges on the East Tennessee and Georgia railroad on Lick Creek, Green County, and another on Holstein River, were also burned. The guard at Lick Creek were unarmed. They were overwhelmed, tied, and carried away and kept during the day. The bridge on Holstein River was not guarded. It was thought unnecessary to guard it, Sullivan County being strongly Southern in feeling. The bridge at Holstein River is at Strawberry Plains. In Jefferson County the bridge was fired, but the fire was put out by the people.

–The city of Savannah, Ga., was in a state of intense excitement. The news of the capture of the Walker battery on Hilton Head, and the arrival of retreating troops, among them many of the wounded, aroused the intensest feeling. Everybody was in the street, and large crowds collected around the news and telegraphic offices throughout the day until late at night. Families commenced packing up, and large numbers of females and children were sent from the city by the night train to the up-country. The efflux will probably continue, and upon the whole we think this portion of the population should not be present to embarrass the defensive preparations.–Savannah Republican, Nov. 9.

–It having been reported that there were sundry rebel batteries near Beaufort, which is about ten miles above Port Royal, the gunboats Seneca, Ottawa, and Pembina were detailed to go up and clear the way, if they, perchance, should find any thing to clear. They, however, ran the whole distance without encountering any opposition, or seeing any thing to lead to the belief that there were any masked guns along the river.

They found the village entirely deserted by white people, the only man remaining being too drunk to get away. There were a number of negroes remaining, however, who stated that the inhabitants had left in the utmost hurry, fearing the advent of the Yankees would be their immediate destruction. The slaves had broken open some houses for the purpose of plundering.

–Capt. Wilkes with the U. S. steam sloop of war San Jacinto, overhauled the English mail steamer Trent in the Bahama channel, and demanded the surrender of the rebel emissaries Mason and Slidell, passengers on beard that vessel. Resistance on the part of the Trent was impossible, as the San Jacinto was prepared to enforce the demand, and against the violent protest of the English captain the commissioners and their secretaries were transferred to the San Jacinto.–(Doc. 139.)

–The Court of Inquiry, in the case of Col. Miles, made its report. About fifty-eight witnesses were examined, and their evidence presents the most extraordinary conflict of testimony. Twenty-eight swear positively that they saw Col. Miles on the day of the battle of Bull Run, and that he was drunk. About twenty swear just as positively that they saw him within the hours alleged, and he was not drunk. After weighing the testimony, the Court gave the following decision:

First–That Col. J. B. Richardson was justified in applying the term drunkenness to Col. D. S. Miles’ condition about seven o’clock P. M., on the 21st of July last.

Second–That the evidence is clear that Col. Miles had been ill several days before July 21 last, was ill on that day; that the surgeon had prescribed medicines for him on the day of the battle; had prescribed for him small quantities of brandy. The Court, however, considers his illness as a very slight extenuation of the guilt attached to his condition about seven P. M., on July 21 last.

Opinion–The Court is of opinion that evidence cannot now be found sufficient to convict Col. Miles of drunkenness before a court-martial, and a court-martial cannot be convened for this trial without great inconvenience to the service, and recommends that no further proceedings be had. The proceedings were laid before the Major-General commanding, and approved to-day.–Baltimore American, Nov. 8.

–Governor Gamble, of Missouri, arranged with the President the organization of the militia of that State, to be employed in the defence of the State against invasion, and the suppression of rebellion within its limits. The number of troops to be raised is not specified, but they are to be mustered into the State service and be armed, equipped, clothed, subsisted, transported, and paid by the Government. Governor Gamble stipulates that there shall be but one major-general of the militia, and to secure unity of action, the general commanding the department of the West becomes also the major-general of the State Militia, by the appointment of Governor Gamble to the position. As many brigadier-generals are to be appointed as there are brigades of four regiments each, and the staff officers shall not be paid more than the same are allowed in the regular service, whatever be their rank under the State law. As the money to be disbursed in this service is the money of the United States, United States staff officers are to be assigned to make the expenditures, or if United States officers cannot be spared from the regular service to perform the duties, Governor Gamble will appoint from the State Militia such officers as the President shall designate.–Idem.

–Colonel Grensle reached Rolla, Missouri, on his return from an expedition against the rebels in Texas County, bringing nine prisoners, five hundred head of cattle, and forty horses and mules, the property of armed rebels. Among the prisoners are Spencer Mitchell, quartermaster, and Lieut.-Col. Tyler, inspector of Gen. McBride’s brigade. Before leaving Houston, the county town, Col. Grensle issued a proclamation to the effect that the rights and property of Union men must be respected.– (Doc. 140.)

–Colonel John S. Williams, with one thousand rebels at Piketon, Pike County, Ky., informed of the march of General Nelson against him, made every preparation for defence. At Prestonburg General Nelson had divided his command into two bodies. One of them, composed of the Ohio Thirty-third regiment and a few hundred irregular Kentuckians mounted, under command of Colonel Sill, was sent by a circuitous route to Piketon in the hope to take that place in the rear, and prevent a rebel retreat, while the main body under General Nelson advanced by the direct road along the Big Sandy River. Colonel Marshall’s Ohio regiment, the advance of Nelson’s main body, near four P. M. was ambuscaded by two hundred rebels in a very strong natural position, about twelve miles from Piketon, when a brisk fight took place, the enemy firing upon the Ohio troops from each side of the road; but after standing their ground for a time, they give way and scattered in the surrounding brash, making good their escape. Colonel Marshall’s loss was four men killed and twenty wounded. Some skirmishers of the enemy were met and driven in, at night, by the force under Colonel Sill. The rebels lost ten killed, fifteen wounded, and forty missing.–(Doc. 141.)

November 8, 1861

• Battle of Belmont, Mo., between the expedition under Grant and the rebels. The Union men retired before large rebel reinforcements from Columbus, Ky., their retreat being covered by the gun-boats. Great slaughter on both sides ; Union loss–killed 84, wounded 288, and missing and prisoners 235–total 607; rebel loss–killed 261, wounded 427, and prisoners 278–total 966.
• Rebels captured 120 Union troops at Little Santa Fe, Mo.
• Capture of the rebel commissioners Slidell and Mason on the British mail steamer “Trent” by the U. S. war sloop ” San Jacinto.”
• Com. DuPont, of the naval expedition, sent a force up Port Royal Harbor to examine the town of Beaufort; the place was found to be deserted.

Battle of Belmont, Mo., Opposite Columbus, Ky, November 7th, 1861–Federal Forces Commanded by U. S. Grant; Confederate Forces, by Leonidas Polk

(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, New York, 1895)

“Explanation.-1. Brigadier General Grant and staff directing the movements of the troops. 2. Brigadier General McClernand leading the charge at the head of the Thirty-first Illinois. 3. Thirty-first Illinois, Colonel Logan. 4. Body of Lieutenant Colonel Wendtz, Seventh Ohio. 5. Body of Captain Pulaski, aid-de-camp to McClernand, killed while leading the charge. 6. Caisson ordered to the field from the rear. 7. Twenty-seventh Illinois, Colonel Buford, taking the camp colors of the Confederates. 8. Thirtieth Illinois, Colonel Fouke. 8 A. Twenty-second Illinois, Colonel Dougherty. 9. Light artillery, Captain Taylor. 10. Seventh Ohio, Colonel Lamon. 11. Captain Schwartz, acting chief of artillery, taking the Confederate battery. 12. Watson’s Louisiana field battery. 13. Confederate artillery horses. 14. Battery of heavy ordnance at Columbus. 15. Encampment near Columbus. 16. Confederate ferryboat. 17. Columbus.”

Thursday, November 7. – Mark this day with a white mark for we have been victorious in battle. We took a pilot from the R. B. Forbes, and one from the Vixen, and started off at 9.30 o’clock for the anchorage of the other ships. We had to proceed slowly and cautiously, for we drew 22 feet of water, and at low tide there is not more than three fathoms according to the chart. Just as we started we saw the Wabash and the gunboats getting under weigh, and heading for the Sound. It was a most exciting moment for every one, as we expected to see the smoke from the rebel cannon every second, announcing that the fight which we had so longed for and on the success of which so much depended, had begun in reality.

When we were about six miles from the land, we saw the white smoke curling up in the air from a point on the left of the sound called Hilton Head. This was followed by the heavy “boom” of the report, and by several more cannon fired from two batteries on the opposite side and from rebel gunboats in the Sound. We, of course, were very much excited and watched the proceedings with great earnestness. The Wabash soon gave the rebels a broadside, to which they responded briskly. Finally we dropped our anchor about two miles and a half from shore, and just out of the reach of their batteries. Here we could get a fine view of the whole fight, our ship being the nearest one of the transports.

During the first of the fight the rebel batteries on both points fired quite vigorously, but the one in Bay Point soon ceased firing except at intervals, either because our ships were out of range, or because they were disabled. It was probably from the first reason, as our ships during the whole fight paid more attention to the Hilton Head battery than to any other. The ships would go round in an ellipse, firing at each battery as they passed it. At first they went within 800 yards of Hilton Head, but the second time round they approached within 600 yards. The scene was a truly magnificent one. The Wabash would lead off with a perfect storm of shot and shell, followed closely by the gunboats and the Susquehannah. The rebels seemed to like the Wabash better than any other ship, as she was a much larger mark, and whenever she came round they would make a spurt, and man their guns quite well. During the whole of the fight I could see shot strike the water, sending a fountain up in the air some 15 or 20 feet high. They would drop on all sides of some of the vessels, but not many seemed to hit. The second time the Wabash came round was well worth travelling a thousand miles to see. She looked like a cloud of smoke and flame, so incessant a fire did she keep up. Then, at the same time, the gunboats increased the rapidity of their fire, so that the fort was pretty well rained upon. From the water’s edge, where some of the shot struck, to the woods two miles back of the fort, the air was filled with rings of smoke, and with dust and dirt. Around the fort it was terrific. I counted over 50 shells bursting at once in and close around it. So thick was the air with dust and smoke from the shells, that frequently the fort would be hidden from sight. This would continue for about 15 or 20 minutes, when the Wabash would haul off, and go on her rounds to the other battery, letting fly a few shot at it. The woods behind the fort were well shelled, and if any rebels were there, they must have suffered severely.

By the time the Wabash left on her second round, four of our gunboats had taken up a position where they could enfilade the rebel batteries, which they did in a handsome manner. When the Wabash went at her work for the third time, a little steam-tug, the Mercury, with a 20- pound Parrott rifled gun, ran right up to the battery, and got in so near they could not hit her. Then she backed round with her stern towards the fort and let drive her one gun. It was the best thing done during the whole action, and was loudly cheered from all the transports. The last broadside of the Wabash frightened the rebels, and at about 2 o’clock the marines from the Wabash landed, and took possession of the island.[1]

At 12 M. General Wright came on board, and I spoke to him about my commission on his staff, which he had made out. He told me to get ready instantly, which I did, appearing in a good deal of borrowed plumage. At 3 o’clock the general and his staff got into a boat and shoved off from the Baltic, and went to the Illinois, where we found the 7th Connecticut embarking in boats. Soon the Winfield Scott took about 50 of these boats in tow, carrying them as near the shore as she could go. By 5.30 o’clock we were on South Carolina soil, and we instantly went up to the fort. We found all the marines jolly drunk on whiskey which they had found in the canteens, and in a house there. They were sent on board ship as soon as possible, and the place handed over to the military authorities.

The fort was a very strong one, and not much damaged by our fire. It mounts 22 guns besides a small battery, outside, of one gun and two mortars. Its name is Fort Walker, and it was built by an engineer named Lee, as we found out from a plan in what used to be a hospital and General Drayton’s headquarters combined. Here I found an envelope on the floor with $291.31 marked on the outside. The envelope was torn open and most of the money taken out, but on opening it still more, I found two shinplasters, a 20- and a 10-cent one. I also got a one-dollar bill on the Bank of the State of South Carolina, from Captain Goodrich. I found in Dr. Buist’s trunk, the rebel surgeon, a wreath for the hat, which I appropriated.

After we had been on shore about half an hour, General Wright sent me to order boats to the Cahawba, and as one had to wade some 20 or 30 feet in the water in order to get near a boat, it was not so pleasant as it might have been. The scene on the beach when the soldiers were landing, surpasses description. Guns going off, some fired by drunken marines and others by disorderly soldiers; men screaming, yelling, and rushing about in perfect disorder, made altogether a perfect pandemonium of the place. It could hardly be avoided though, owing to the manner in which the soldiers were landed : they being in small boats and easily getting scattered, it was a work of much difficulty getting them together again. General Wright soon got his brigade together, and immediately garrisoned the fort and stationed pickets, and posted all the regiments, making them sleep on their arms, ready at a minute’s notice. He took me with him at about two o’clock in the morning, and went the rounds. I got about an hour’s sleep in the headquarters, and was glad enough to get it. I was so busy most of the time that I had no chance to get any plunder, and then too the general was going round, stopping the men from plundering, and of course under such circumstances I did not wish to do it. Many of the marines got swords, pistols, guns, watches, etc., from the tents. It was quite a pretty sight in the evening, when the moon had gone down, to see over a hundred fires burning in every direction, and groups of soldiers round them, talking, smoking, and joking as if safe at home. The rebels left one of the guns in the fort all loaded and ready to fire, and from many such signs it would seem as if they must have left in quite a hurry.

[1] It turned out that this fight had for its object the capture of Port Royal, in which we succeeded, as these two forts controlled the entrance to the bay on which Port Royal is situated.

London, November 7, 1861

We have just received the account of the disaster to the 20th, and I tell you, I feel bad. That there was a blunder somewhere I have no doubt, and I am inclined to believe that it was Baker and that he paid for it with his life. But to lose Lee and Paul Revere and to have your friends wounded and defeated is not atoned for by the fact of its being a blunder. Thank God it was no worse and that no one was killed. You can imagine I trembled when I ran down the list of losses.

The anxiety with which we are waiting now for the struggle that is coming is not pleasant to bear. A general battle must come before the month is over, and on its result everything will turn. I shall wait to hear of it before I discuss anything about what is to follow.

Affairs here remain in the old position and promise to remain so until there is something decisive on your side. There is no danger of any movement from England, of that you may be sure, and I have done my best to induce the New York press to change its tone towards this country, but they are damned fools, and they will remain damned fools, I suppose, and make our difficulties as great as they possibly can be. The English Government are well disposed enough, at least so far as actions are concerned, and now we hate each other too much to care a brass farthing what our opinions may be, on either side. Last May was the time for the contest of opinions. Now it is the most wretched folly to waste a moment over what this or any other country thinks. We must induce them not to act, but as for their thoughts, I, for one, have been thoroughly satisfied that America can expect no sympathy or assistance in Europe from any Government. They all hate us and fear us, even the most liberal. We must depend wholly on ourselves, and so long as we are strong all will go on, but the instant we lose our strength, down we shall go. The New York press are playing into the hands of the party here which is organized on the basis of antiblockade.

As for me, I am not wholly lazy. A few days ago I called again on Townsend, the editor of the Spectator. He says that the present Ministry will stand and that there will be no interference with us even in the case of another defeat. But he doubts about France. Then I called on “Tom Brown” Hughes and had a long talk with him, but not about politics entirely. He is a regular Englishman and evidently one who prides himself on having the English virtues. He is to ask me to dine with him next week.

But my great gun is the Manchester one. Tomorrow evening I start with a pocketful of letters for Manchester to investigate that good place. With such recommendations I ought to see everything that is to be seen and learn all that is to be learned. I am invited to stay with a Mr. Stell, an American there, and have accepted. My present plan is to report with as much accuracy as possible all my conversations and all my observations, and to send them to you. Perhaps it might make a magazine article; except that it should be printed as soon as possible. If I find that I can make it effective in that form, I shall write it out and send it to you for the Atlantic. If not, I shall contract it and send it to you for the Advertiser or Courier.

As for the matter of your becoming a correspondent of some paper here, I have had it always in my mind, but the difficulty is that every paper here has already one or more American correspondents. I intend to suggest it to Townsend, and should have done so earlier but that I do not think the Spectator cares for correspondents. As for papers against our side, of course I could n’t get you onto one of those, nor would I if I could. George Sumner is writing weekly vile letters in the Morning Post. I wish you would put the screws on him to stop it. He does more harm than his head’s worth. So does Charles, here and at home. They’re both crazy, and George, at least, unprincipled. Charles, though I believe him to be honest, is actuated by selfish motives. . . .

Commodore Samuel F. DuPont, the commander of the naval forces of the expedition, is a native of the State of Delaware, and received his appointment into the navy from that State. His original entry into the service of his country was on the 19th of December, 1815; he has been, therefore, nearly forty-six years in the service, and his forty-sixth anniversary has won more glory and raised him higher in the estimation of the people, both at home and abroad, than all previous ones. Up to the present time Commodore DuPont has spent nearly twenty-two years on sea, eight and a half years in active duty on shore, and the balance of his time has been unemployed. His present commission bears date September 14, 1855. He was last at sea in May, 1859, and since that time he has been commandant of the Navy Yard at Philadelphia, where his kindness of manner, together with his strict discipline, won for him many friends.

Commodore DuPont is a man a little past what is usually termed the prime of life, although possessed of all the vigor, bodily strength, and ambition that usually characterize younger men. In his personal appearance the Commodore is a person that would at once attract attention.

— Harper’s Weekly, November 30, 1861

__________

Top image is from The Rebellion Record–A Diary of American Events, page 69, Volume 3, edited by Frank Moore

November 7.–Gens. Grant’s and McClernand’s forces landed at Belmont at eight A. M., were formed into line of battle and immediately attacked the rebel works. They were met by the rebels in force, under General Cheatham, whom, however, they drove to and through their camp, captured a battery of twelve guns, burned their camp, and took the rebel baggage, horses, and many prisoners. Large bodies of rebels crossed from Columbus and reinforced these at Belmont, when another severe fight took place, and the National forces withdrew to their boats. Their retreat was well covered by the gunboats.–(Doc. 133.)

–A large and influential meeting was held in Cooper Institute, at New York, to express sympathy for and take measures to furnish relief to these loyal inhabitants of North Carolina, who, deprived of their usual means of support, and overawed and crushed by rebels in arms, are reduced to great straits of suffering. The Hon. Geo. Bancroft presided. Eloquent addresses were made by the Chairman, by the Rev. M. N. Taylor, T. W. Conway, William Cullen Bryant, Gen. A. E. Burnside, Prof. Roswell C. Hitchcock, Dr. Lieber, the Rev. Dr. Tyng, and others. J. M. Morrison and W. E. Dodge, jr., were appointed to receive subscriptions and donations of supplies.

–The New York Second regiment of Light Artillery left their camp at Elm Park, Staten Wind, for the seat of war. Previous to its departure the regiment was presented with a stand of colors, the gift of Gen. Morgan, whose name the regiment bears.–The Fifty-eighth regiment N. Y. V., Col. W. Krzyzanowski, left New York city for the seat of war.

–Get. Hunter repudiated Gen. Fremont’s agreement with Price, in Missouri, and in report to head-quarters assigned his reasons to be –that it would render the enforcement of martial law impossible, give absolute liberty to the propagandists of treason, and practically annul the confiscation act.–(Doc. 134.)

–Two Federal gunboats went up the Cumberland River together as far as Tobacco Port, eight miles below Fort Donelson, Tenn., when one of them proceeded up the river within three miles of the fort, and lay there under the point ten minutes. She fired three cannon, and then started back down the river to Tobacco Port –Nashville Gazette, November 10.

–At a meeting of the merchants of Santa Fé, New Mexico, it was resolved that they would indorse for the National Government to any amount that may be advanced to the territory. This action was taken in consequence of the scarcity of coin, which has heretofore made up the circulating medium in the transactions of business, and has, from some cause, almost entirely disappeared.–N. Y. World, Nov. 29.

–The New York Chamber of Commerce, upon the occasion of the retirement of Gen. Scott, adopted a series of resolutions highly appreciative of his great services.–(Doc. 135.)

–This day a battery of two rifled cannon was opened from Gen. Rosecrans’ position on the New River, Va., and silenced the rebel battery opposite on Cotton Hill. The rebel battery thus silenced had been opened on the 30th ult., and by its command of the only road by which Gen. Rosecrans’ position could be reached from Gauley Bridge, it had maintained a siege ever since, and supply trains previously run at all hours had been run only at night. By its silence the “siege” thus established was raised. –(Doc. 136.)

–The United States fleet, under command of Commodore S. F. DuPont, achieved a great victory to-day on the coast of South Carolina. The expedition arrived off Port Royal harbor, S. C., last Sunday evening, Nov. 3. The next morning, the Vixen and Mercury, with several gunboats, entered the harbor to take soundings, and were attacked by the rebel battery on Bay Point, known as Fort Beauregard, assisted by five rebel steamers, under command of Commodore Josiah Tatnall. A skirmish ensued, lasting till darkness came on. The following morning, Nov. 5, the whole National fleet went inside, and seven gunboats went up to make a reconnoissance and discover the location of the rebel batteries by drawing their fire. In this they were successful, and consequently withdrew at about nine o’clock. In the afternoon the heavy men-of-war moved inward to get into position, but the Wabash grounded, where she remained for an hour and a half. This circumstance postponed the general engagement. On Wednesday, the 6th, the day was stormy and unfavorable, and a council of war decided to “wait a little longer.”

This morning, at nine o’clock, the fleet got under way, and soon after the rebels opened fire. The Wabash gave one broadside to Fort Walker, on Hilton Head, and another to Fort Beauregard, on Bay Point. The rebel navy also opened fire, but kept at a distance from the big guns of the National ships. The Wabash, Susquehanna, and Bienville swept down in line, and “delivered their compliments at Hilton Head, in the shape of ten-second shells, while the lively gunboats put in the punctuation points for the benefit of the rebel commodore,” at the same time enfilading the two batteries. The firing was now incessant, and a perfect shower of shot and shell fell inside the rebel forts. At noon, the three ships above named came down, and poured full broadsides into the two forts, the gunboats keeping their positions, and doing excellent service. The flag-ship, the Susquehanna, and Bienville went within six hundred yards, and made terrible havoc with their five-second shells, silencing several of the rebels’ guns. This fire was continued for four hours, during which the National fleet delivered over two thousand rounds. The rebels fought with desperation, and inflicted considerable damage on the National vessels, nearly all of which were hit by shots. At three o’clock P. M. the guns of the enemy had been dismounted or silenced, and Commander John Rogers went on shore at Fort Walker, found it vacated, and hoisted the Stars and Stripes. A considerable number of killed and wounded were discovered, and it was estimated that the rebels must have suffered a loss of at least one hundred men killed and an equal number severely wounded. The rebels fled in the greatest confusion, leaving every thing in their tents, even to their swords, watches, private papers, and clothing. The loss on board of the National fleet was eight killed, and six severely and seventeen slightly wounded. Not one of the National vessels was disabled or destroyed, though several of them were badly cut up.– (Docs. 36 and 137.)

The Bombardment of Fort Walker, Port Royal Harbor, S. C.–View of the Interior during the Bombardment by the Vessels of the Federal Fleet, November 7th, 1861

(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, New York, 1895)

“Fort Walker was an irregular bastioned and curtained work, constructed on a bluff eight feet above high-water mark, and in a position commanding important points and channels in Port Royal harbor. The whole plan of attack had been admirably arranged by Commodore DuPont, and was at once daring, simple and original. It was for the ships to describe a circle following one another, each giving its fire on the fort as it steamed past. The firing on both sides was incessant, and about noon the Wabash, Bienville and Susquehanna approached within six hundred yards of the fort, and delivered their broadsides with a deliberation and effect which was terrible. This desperate combat lasted for three hours, principally with 10-second and then 5-second shells, when the firing ceased, the guns in the fort being completely silenced.”

November 7, 1861

• Great naval fight off Hilton Head, Port Royal entrance; forts Walker and Beauregard bombarded and captured by the Union forces.

Wednesday, November 6. – Came to our anchorage again, the night having been pretty rough; but towards morning the sea was calmer, and we had a pleasant day. The Ericsson got off the bar without any injury. The R. B. Forbes towed the Dale in nearer to us. The Great Republic is outside the bar and has set signals of distress for want of water. It will be bad as she has 500 horses on board. A boat came to us from the Ericsson, and said that the fight on Monday was with the shore batteries, and was simply a reconnoissance. In the evening we had music from the band and dancing on the deck. Sea calm.

November 6.–The extra session of the Legislature of South Carolina, after sitting three days, adjourned sine die, after choosing Presidential Electors, and ordering the banks to loan the State three hundred thousand dollars. The names of the Presidential Electors are: Henry C. Young, Wm. H. Trescott, Robert F. W. Allston, John S. Palmer, J. Duncan Allen, John C. Hope, T. Edwin Ware, and Franklin I. Moses.–Atlanta (Ga.) Southern Confederacy, November 9.

–An expedition from the U. S. steamer Cambridge went up the Corrotowan Creek, Va., in the tug boat Rescue, and burned a large schooner. On their return the expedition was fired upon by a large number of riflemen, concealed on the bank, and was several times grazed by shells from a rifled cannon.–(Doc. 132.)

–Two parties of rebel troops met on the peninsula, above Newport News, Va., and mistook each other for enemies. Brisk firing at once commenced, and a number on each side were killed and wounded before the mistake was found out. Among the killed was Major Bailey, of Mobile.–Memphis Appeal, November 16.

–The Grand Jury in session at Frankfort, Kentucky, adjourned, having found indictments for treason against thirty-two prominent citizens, among whom were Robert J. Breckinridge, jr., J. C. Breckinridge, Humphrey Marshall, Ben. Desha, and Harry T. Hawkins. Nineteen persons were also indicted for high misdemeanor.–Baltimore American, Nov. 13.

–Electors for President and Vice-President were chosen throughout the revolted States, and also members of Congress. The Congress is to meet at Richmond on the 18th of February, 1862, .and the votes for the two highest offices in the Government will be counted next day.–New York Tribune, November 18.

–One hundred and Twenty Federal troops, under Capt. Shields, were captured by the rebels near Little Santa Fé, Mo., this morning. The Federals were on their way to join Gen. Fremont’s column. The force of the enemy was five hundred men.–N. Y. World, Nov. 8.

–The Thirteenth Indiana regiment, under the command of Col. J. J. Sullivan, and a portion of Capt. Robinson’s Ohio Cavalry, returned to Huttonsville, Va., from an arduous scout of nine days’ duration through a very rough country, heretofore not penetrated by the Union troops.

They accomplished a march of some one hundred and eighty-five miles, and had a successful skirmish with the rebels in the mountains of Webster County. Several were killed and wounded, and thirteen prisoners captured, the notorious Bill Bennet being among the latter. The Nationals were very fortunate, having only one man, a private in Company G, Thirteenth Indiana, wounded.–Louisville Journal, November 9.

–The Tenth Legion N. Y. S. V., under the command of Colonel C. H. Van Wyck, left Newburgh for the seat of war.–The Forty-first regiment of Ohio Volunteers, under the command of Colonel William B. Hazen, left Camp Wood, at Cleveland, for the seat of war in Kentucky.–N. Y. Herald, November 7.

–Gens. Grant and McClernand, of the United States forces, left Cairo for Belmont, a rebel post opposite Columbus, Ky., on the Mississippi, with the Twenty-second Illinois regiment, Colonel Dougherty; the Twenty-seventh Illinois regiment, Colonel Buford; the Thirtieth Illinois regiment, Colonel Fouke; the Thirty-first Illinois regiment, Colonel Logan; the Seventh Iowa regiment, Colonel Lamon; Taylor’s Chicago Artillery, and Dollen’s and Delano’s Cavalry, in all three thousand, five hundred men, on the steamers Alex. Scott, Chancellor, Memphis, and Keystone State, accompanied by the gunboats Lexington and Tyler.

November 6, 1861

• A Union force of 3,500 men, under Gen. Grant, left Cairo, Ill., in four steamers and two gun-boats, and landed three miles above Columbus, Ky.

Tuesday, November 5. – We came back to the Sound again without finding the Ocean Express. On our way back we were spoken by the sloop-of-war Dale, which is blockading here. She had her guns double-shotted and would have fired at us if we had not stopped. We reached our old place at 2 p.m. and found that all the fleet had gone over the bar, and were five miles nearer shore than before. We saw the Ericsson fast on the bar. We waited here until 6 p.m., and as no message came for us in regard to the channel, we had to put to sea again. We were passed by the R. B. Forbes this afternoon, going to join the fleet. The day was pleasant and calm, but about 9 P.M. a strong west breeze sprang up.

Letter from Captain Lyon to Mrs. Lyon.

“Nov. 5, 1861.–We are ordered to march to Greenville. I think there will be no fighting–just to show the Secesh that we are about. I expect that we shall be gone 10 or 12 days.”

Daily Times [Leavenworth, Ks],
November 5, 1861

In the District Court, yesterday, Judge McDowell in the course of his charge to the Grand Jury, commented on Jayhawking with such ability, eloquence and patriotism, that we publish that branch of his charge in full. The Judge said:

“I feel it to be my duty, Gentlemen of the Jury, to call your attention especially to a form of lawlessness commonly denominated “jayhawking.” It seems to be a word sufficiently comprehensive to embrace in its signification three of the worst crimes known to criminal jurisprudence, namely, murder, robbery and larceny. It is a monster of Western birth; and its defenders claim that Kansas has the honor of the birth-place. Insidious in its presentiments, it assumes to aid in the suppression of rebellion and the punishment of treason; and it thus endeavors to insinuate itself into the tolerance of loyal citizens by pretending to be clothed in the garb of patriotism. It is not the first time in the world’s history that the “livery of heaven has been stolen to serve the Devil in.” Good citizens and honest men should not suffer themselves to be misled or deceived by it, even though it should receive the quasi endorsement of editors or officials. Any thing that scoffs at law and order–that sets at defiance constituted authority–that ignores the rights of property–that mocks the safeguards of liberty and life, should be challenged in its bad career by every honest man, and promptly suppressed by those tribunals of our State which have in charge the punishment of offenders. . .”

Camp Ewing, November 5, 1861. Tuesday morning.

Dearest Lucy: – … We are having stirring times again. The enemy on the other side of New River are trying to shell such of our camps as lie near the river bank. We are just out of reach of their shot. McCook, in sight of us below, is camped in easy range, and they are peppering at him. I hear their guns every two or three minutes as I write. He doesn’t like to move, and probably will not until they do him some serious harm. They fired all day yesterday without doing any other mischief than breaking one tent pole. A ball or shell would hardly light before his men would run with picks to dig it up as a trophy. It is probable that we shall cross the river to attempt to drive them off in a day or two. You will know the result long before this letter reaches you.

I had a note from Jim yesterday, saying he had reached the steamboat landing below here. We look for him today. I hope he will get up so as to be here to help take care of things here while we cross the river.

I have nearly one thousand dollars, seven hundred or eight hundred dollars of which I will send you the first good chance. Two months’ more salary is due me besides about eighty-five dollars as judge-advocate. So we shall have funds plenty for this winter.

I thought of you all yesterday, and wished I could look in on you at Birch’s birthday dinner. You were thinking of the absent father and uncles.[1] So it is. We love each other so much that on all sad or joyous occasions we shall always have each other in mind. . . . Good-bye. Love to all.

Lovingly,

Rutherford.

Mrs. Hayes.

[1] Mrs. Hayes, writing November 4, said: “All we lacked of happiness was your presence. Not much time passes that you are not thought of, talked of, and sometimes cried over, but that is always done decently and in order, so I think I pass for one of the most cheerful, happy women imaginable. I do not dare to let Birchie see me downcast for he has so much sympathy that it is very touching to see him, and I do not want to cloud his young life with sorrow. Today is his birthday. He is very happy. Uncle George brought him an air-pistol, and he started to school, all of which, makes him really happy. The book which I get for him from you will complete his joy. … I felt finely this morning. Every thing right. . . . But this afternoon, felt almost down. Ruddy’s chill is one cause, Birchie’s absence another and Fremont the last and greatest. I cannot give him up, yet it looks dark and forbidding. It will be the last moment that I give up his honor, patriotism, and power to successfully command an army.”

Camp Ewing, November 5. – Six hundred and fifty-seven present for duty; sixty-nine sick. Total strength nine hundred and thirty-six. Absent one hundred and ninety-three – all sick but about forty on detached service. Captain Woodward worse and in great danger. Enemy firing again on McCook’s camp. No casualties at 10:30 o’clock.

Boston, November 5, 1861

By the last mail I got a letter from you intended for the press. I have not however used it as intended. . . . The great facts of the case stand out. Six months of this war have gone and in them we have done much; and by we I mean our rulers. But if we have done much with our means, the rebels have performed miracles with theirs. At the end of six months have we a policy? Are traitors weeded out of our departments? Is our blockade effective? Is the war prosecuted honestly and vigorously? To all these questions there is but one answer. The President is not equal to the crisis; that we cannot now help. The Secretary of War is corrupt and the Secretary of the Navy is incompetent; that we can help and ought to. With the rebels showing us what we can do, we ought to be ashamed not to do more. But for me I despair of doing more without a purification of the Cabinet. With Seward I am satisfied, and so is the country at bottom, for our foreign affairs are creditable. Chase will do and to Blair I make no objection. But all the rest I wish the people would drive from power. Your historical examples are not good. When was England greatest? Was it not when an angry people drove the drivellers from office and forced on an unwilling King the elder Pitt, who reversed at once the whole current of a war? I want to see Holt in the War Department and a New York shipowner in that of the Navy, or else Mr. Dana. I am tired of incompetents and I want to see Lincoln forced to adopt a manly line of policy which all men may comprehend. The people here call for energy, not change, and if Lincoln were only a wise man he could unite them in spite of party cries, and with an eye solely to the public good.

Herewith you will receive three Independents, in each of which you will find an article by me for your delectation. They answer at some length your suggestion that I am an “abolitionist.” I am also assured that they met with favor in the eyes of Wendell Phillips, which indeed I do not understand. I imagine they will not meet your and my father’s views, but on the whole I am not dissatisfied with the two last in general and the last in particular

Please notice the leader in the Independent of the 24th. I did more than I expected in influencing the editorials of the Independent.

November 5.–Parker H. French, alias Lieut. Carlisle Murray, alias Charles Maxy, who had been travelling in various parts of the West and North, for the purpose chiefly of organizing the order known as the Knights of the Golden Circle, was arrested in Branford, Connecticut, by the superintendent of the Government detective police from Washington and detective Franklin, of Philadelphia. He had been in Branford and vicinity for some weeks, under the alias of Maxy, had organized a lodge of “Knights,” and had succeeded in estranging many from loyalty to the Government. The Boston Post says: “In his possession were found the Constitution and By-Laws of the Golden Circle, and entire authority from parties at the South for organizing the institution. He also had many other documents of interest and importance. Among them were letters purporting to be from Jeff. Davis, Emerson Etheridge, Parson Brownlow, and others, most of which are doubtless forgeries. He is believed to have had much genuine correspondence with influential secessionists. French was one of Walker’s right-hand men in the Nicaraguan affair. Through a forged letter in the name of Parson Brownlow, he obtained the sum of one thousand dollars from Amos Lawrence, of this city, the money being given in support of the Parson’s somewhat famous paper. He has figured in various schemes of villany, particularly in California.” French was sent to Fort Warren.–National Intelligencer, November 9.

–Brig.-Gen. W. Nelson, in command of the Union forces, occupied Prestonburg, Ky., and proclaimed the jurisdiction of the State and protection to the civil authorities.–(Doc. 131.)

November 5, 1861

• Skirmish at Boston, Ky.

Monday, November 4. – A beautiful calm day. We sailed in a southerly direction, and came in sight of about 30 of the fleet at anchor about 10 miles off Port Royal. Several of the gunboats were engaged in sounding the channel, making reconnoissances, etc. I went on board the Oriental and Atlantic. We had orders to start for the Ocean Express and find her, as she had all the powder and ammunition on board. Just as we were under weigh, we heard cannon firing, and saw our gunboats firing at what we suppose were three rebel gunboats. I could not see anything very distinctly. It was very provoking to go off just as we supposed the fight was to begin, but such were our orders, and we had to obey them. It would have been a beautiful day to land troops, as the sea was as calm as a mill-pond. We struck one of our coal schooners in the evening, but did not hurt her any. Saw nothing of the Ocean Express.

Camp Ewing, November 4, 1861.

Dear Uncle: – Your letter of October 21 came to hand the day before yesterday. I am very glad you are so much better. If you will now be careful, I hope you will be able to get comfortably through the winter. You have no doubt heard that Matthews has been promoted to a colonelcy and has left us. I have been promoted to his place of lieutenant-colonel. We regret to lose him. He is a good officer. I have now been relieved from duty as judge-advocate, and will hereafter be with my regiment. The colonel of our regiment is a genial gentleman, but lacks knowledge of men and rough life, and so does not get on with the regiment as well as he might. Still, the place is not an unpleasant one.

The enemy has appeared in some force, with a few cannon, on the opposite side of New River at this point, and on the left bank of Kanawha lower down, and are, in some degree, obstructing our communications with the Ohio. To get rid of this, we are canvassing divers plans for crossing and clearing them out. The river here is rapid, the banks precipitous rocks, with only a few places where a crossing, even if not opposed, is practicable; and the few possible places can be defended successfully by a small force against a large one. We are getting skiffs and yawls from below to attempt the passage. If it is done, I shall do what I can to induce the generals to see beforehand that we are not caught in any traps.

This is Birch’s birthday – a cold, raw November morning – a dreadful day for men in tents on the wet ground. We ought to be in winter quarters. I hope we shall be soon. We are sending from this army great numbers of sick. Cincinnati and other towns will be full of them. . . .

[R. B. Hayes.]

S. Birchard.

Camp Ewing up New River. November 4. Monday. – Cold and clear; rain probably over. My boy’s birthday – eight years old. It was such a morning as this eight years ago. I hope they are all well and happy at home. They will think of me today as they eat the birthday dinner and give him the birthday presents. Dear boy!

This morning four yawls were hauled into camp. It shows that it is intended to cross the river and attack the enemy. The blunder is in hauling them up in daylight. The enemy have thus been told of our design and will guard the few practicable ferries, as I fear, to our serious loss if not defeat. Stupid! stupid!

About seven hundred and fifty men are present this morning. Sixty-nine are sick. This, after sending off one hundred and fifty-nine sick men. Only one second-lieutenant for duty – a bad showing. Sun shining at 11 A. M. All the company officers gloomy and grumbling. The paymaster coming just at this time is all that makes endurable this state of things.

3:30 P. M. – Cannon firing heard. Shelling McCook’s camp on the hills below. I order out Captain McIlrath and company to go with Mack’s Battery.

November 4, 1861

• Twenty-five vessels of the great Southern naval and military expedition, including the flag-ship “Wabash,” anchored off Port Royal Harbor, South Carolina.
• Houston, Mo., taken possession of by federal forces, who captured a large amount of rebel property, a number of rebel soldiers and secessionists, and a large mail for the rebel army.