Chapter XXIII: Part 23

28. Gen. Prentiss, with 5 companies 3rd Missouri cavalry, under Col. John Glover, and 5 companies of Col. Birge’s sharpshooters, 470 in all, attacked a rebel camp at Mount Zion, in Boone Co., Mo., numbering nearly 900 men. The rebels were routed, losing 25 killed, 150 wounded, and 40 prisoners. 90 of their horses and 105 stand of arms were captured. The Federal loss was 3 killed and 46 wounded.

28. A squadron of Federal cavalry, from Col. Jackson’s regiment, commanded by Major Murray, left their camp near Calhoun, Ky., on a scouting expedition across Green river. They were attacked near Sacramento, by a large force of rebels under Col. De Forrest, and after a short engagement compelled to retire. Capt. A. G. Bacon was killed, and Lieut. R. H. King, of Frankfort, and 8 privates wounded. Capt. Merriweather and two privates of the rebels were killed, and a number wounded.

30. The rebel Gen. H. H. Sibley having entered New Mexico with a military force without opposition, took possession of it, and annexed it to the Southern Confederacy by proclamation.

30. Messrs. Thomas and Burnett, of Ky., were “qualified” and took their seats in the rebel Congress at Richmond, Va.

31. Two boats under Acting Masters A. Allen, and H. L. Sturges, from the U. S. steamer, Mount Vernon, destroyed a light ship off Wilmington, N.C., which the rebels had fitted up for a gunboat. The expedition was at night, and the boats were under fire from Fort Caswell, but escaped injury.

31. Capt. Shillinglaw and Mason, N. Y. 79th, and Lieutenants Dickinson, 3rd U. S. infantry, J. W. Hart, 20th Indiana, and other officers and men were released by the rebels from Richmond, Va.

31. Capture of the town of Biloxi, Miss, by U. S. gunboats Lewis, Water Witch, and New London, with national forces from Ship Island. The town and fort surrendered without a fight. The guns were removed by Commander Smith, and the Federals retired.

=1862.=

=Jan. 1.= The rebel Commissioners Mason and Slidell, with their Secretaries, left Boston for England, via Provincetown, Mass., where the British war steamer Rinaldo received them.

1. Col. H. Brown opened fire from Fort Pickens on the rebel vessels and fortifications within range of his guns, which was returned by the enemy.

1. The British bark Empress arrived at New York as a prize, with 6,500 bags of coffee, captured by the U. S. sloop-of-war Vincennes, off New Orleans bar.

1. Part of the Louisville and Nashville railway was destroyed by order of the rebel Gen. Buckner.

1. Skirmish at Port Royal Ferry, S. C. Federal troops under Gen. Stevens, with the assistance of five gunboats, crossed from Beaufort to the mainland and attacked batteries erected by the rebels, who retreated towards Grahamville. Federal loss, 3 killed, 11 wounded. Rebels, 6 killed, 12 wounded.

1. Jeff. Owens, Col. Jones, and 50 rebel bridge-burners were captured near Martinsburg, Adrian Co., Mo., by State militia under General Schofield.

1. Four Federal soldiers were captured, 1 killed, and 10 guns taken by a party of rebels on Green river, Ky., near Morgantown.

2. The U. S. gunboats Yankee and Anacosta, exchanged shots with the rebel batteries at Cockpit Point, on the Potomac.

2. Daniel P. White of Ky., qualified and took his seat in the Confederate Congress.

3. Col. Glover, with 300 Federal troops, attacked a rebel camp 9 miles N. of Hunnewell, Mo., taking 8 prisoners, putting the rest to flight, and capturing a quantity of arms, &c.

3. 240 released Federal prisoners arrived at Fortress Monroe from Richmond.

4. The 84th Pa., 39th Ill., 500 cavalry and other troops were driven from Bath, Va., by a superior rebel force under Gen. Jackson, who took 30 Federals prisoners. The Federals retreated to Hancock, Md. 7 rebels were killed and a number wounded. 3 of the Federals were killed, several wounded.

4. Skirmish at Huntersville, W. Va. A portion of the 25th Ohio, 2d Va., and Bracken’s Ind. cavalry, all under Major Webster, attacked a rebel force of 400 cavalry and 350 infantry who were guarding the rebel supplies at that depot. They were routed with a loss of 2 killed and 7 wounded, leaving $50,000 worth of army stores which were destroyed by Unionists.

5. Skirmish on the mainland near Port Royal, S. C. 7 rebels were captured.

5. Rebel army under Gen. Jackson bombarded Hancock, Md. from the opposite Va. shore, but were driven away by artillery forces under Gen. Lander without a close engagement.

5. Five Federal soldiers were killed by rebels in ambush in Johnson Co., Kansas.

6. 4,000 Cherokee Indians were driven from their homes by Texas rebels.

7. Destruction of bridges and culverts on the Balt. and Ohio railway, near the Cacapon river, by rebel Gen. Jackson.

7. Engagement at Blue’s Gap, near Romney, W. Va. Federal troops under Col. Dunning, of the 5th Ohio, attacked 2,000 of the enemy, routing them with the loss of 15 killed, 20 prisoners, 2 pieces of cannon, their wagons, &c. No Federal loss.

7. 300 of the 32d Ohio, under Capt. Lacey, were sent by Gen. Milroy into Tucker Co., Va., where they dispersed 400 rebels, capturing 2 officers and a private, and a large quantity of stores. 4 rebels were found dead and many were wounded.

7. Three brigades of Gen. Smith’s division, S. side of the Potomac, proceeded toward Peacock Hill, Lewinsville, Fairfax Court House and Vienna, and captured an immense quantity of hay, oats, corn, &c.

7. A band of rebels having seized a quantity of army stores from the depot at Sutton, Braxton Co., W. Va., information was sent to Col. H. Anisansel, commanding 1st Virginia Cavalry, at Clarksburg. The Col. overtook the rebels 30 miles E. of Sutton, and, attacking them, killed or wounded 22, took 15 horses and 56 head of cattle, and recaptured the greater part of the stores.

7. Skirmish at Paintsville, near Prestonburg, Ky. Col. Garfield dispersed 2,500 rebels under Humphrey Marshall, killing 3, wounding a large number, and capturing 15. Federal loss 2 killed and 1 wounded.

8. The newspapers of Missouri were put under military censorship, and their editors ordered to send two copies of each issue to the Provost-Marshal.

8. Riot at Warsaw, Mo. Two secessionists were shot.

8. Reconnoissance of gunboats towards Savannah, Ga., under command of Capt. Davis.

8. Capt. Latham and 17 men of 2d Virginia regiment, encountered about 30 rebel guerrillas on the Dry Fork of Cheat river, W. Va., and after a severe fight of an hour’s duration, the rebels were driven from the field with the loss of 6 killed and several wounded. Federal loss 6 wounded. Capt. Latham destroyed the rebel tents and provisions.

8. The 1st Kansas regiment, on its march from Sedalia to Lexington, Mo., was fired upon from ambush, and a sergeant and 2 horses killed.

8. A. W. Bradford was inaugurated as Governor of Maryland, and made an eloquent address, expressing in the strongest terms devotion to the Union and the Constitution.

8. Major W. M. G. Torrence of the 1st Iowa cavalry, assisted by detachments of the 1st Missouri cavalry, Major Hubbard, 4th Ohio and Merrill’s Horse, in all 500 mounted men, attacked a rebel camp at Silver Creek, Howard Co., Mo., where six or eight hundred men were stationed, under Col. Poindexter. The enemy were routed with a loss of 12 killed, 22 wounded, and 15 prisoners, leaving their horses, guns, and camp and garrison equipage. The material was destroyed by Major Torrence. Federal loss 3 killed and 10 wounded.

9. A division of the Chamber of Commerce at St. Louis, Mo., was occasioned by disloyal sentiments. A new and loyal Chamber was formed.

10. A reconnoitering force of 5,000 men under the command of Brig. Gen. McClernand, left Cairo, Ill., and proceeded toward Columbus and Mayfield.

10. Waldo P. Johnson and Trusten Polk, U. S. Senators from Missouri, were expelled from the Senate for disloyalty.

10. Skirmish at Pohick Church, Va. The 5th Michigan dispersed a body of rebels.

10. Skirmish at Bath, Va., between a detachment of Federals under Capt. Russell and rebels from Gen. Jackson’s division.

10. Battle near Prestonburg, Ky. Gen. Garfield, with 1,500 Federal troops, overtook Humphrey Marshall with 3,000 rebels, compelling him to destroy his stores and putting him to flight. Rebel loss 50 killed many wounded and 25 prisoners. Federal loss, 2 killed, 25 wounded.

11. The 1st Kansas regiment arrived at Lexington, Mo., and arrested several prominent rebels. They also seized a large quantity of stores designed for the use of Gen. Price.

11. Fifty rebels belonging to Col. Alexander’s regiment were captured 6 miles from Sedalia, Mo.

12. The Burnside Expedition sailed from Fortress Monroe, under command of Com. Goldsborough and Gen. Burnside, for Albemarle Sound, N. C.

12. Secretary Seward telegraphed the British Consul at Portland, Me., that British troops might pass through U. S. territory on their way to Canada.

12. The rebels in Kentucky burned the houses, and carried off or destroyed the property of loyal men at Horse Cave and in Cave City and vicinity, and the people sought refuge at Munfordsville.

13. Hon. Simeon Cameron, Secretary of War, resigned his position, and Edwin F. Stanton was appointed in his stead on the 15th inst.

13. The steamship Constitution, with the Maine 12th regiment, and the Bay State regiment, sailed from Boston for Ship Island, Miss., via. Fortress Monroe.

15. Gen. McClernand’s column advanced to Mayfield, Ky., and Gen. Grant to Fort Jefferson. 20,000 rebels reported at Columbus, Ky., under Gen. Polk.

16. Hon. Edwin B. Stanton, the new Secretary of War, assumed the duties of his office.

17. 150 wounded Federal prisoners arrived at Fortress Monroe from Richmond, Va. Eight rebel officers were released from the Fortress the same day.

17. Capture of British schooner Stephen Hart, loaded with arms, ammunition and stores for the rebels, by the U. S. storeship Supply.

17. Ex-President John Tyler died at Richmond, Va.

17. Skirmish near Ironton, Mo. Rebels under Jeff. Thompson were defeated by Col. Miles.

17. Two companies of the 1st Kansas cavalry, under Major Halderman, arrested Capt. Whitney, Joe Shelby and several other rebel officers, and also recovered a number of horses, mules, wagons, etc., taken from Col. Mulligan’s command at Lexington, Mo.

17. The Fortification Bill passed the U. S. House of Representatives, appropriating $5,960,000 for fort and harbor defences.

18. Gen. Grant made a reconnoissance in force towards Columbus, Ky.

18. Gen. Halleck levied an assessment on the wealthy secessionists of St. Louis, Mo., to provide for the wants of loyal refugees in the city who had been driven from their homes in the S. W. section of the State by rebels.

18. Capts. Murdock and Webster, with their commands, returned to Cairo from an expedition to Bloomfield, Mo. They captured Lieut. Col. Farmer and 11 other rebel officers and 68 privates, with a quantity of army stores.

19. Battle of Mill Spring, Ky. The rebels completely routed, with loss of 192 killed, and 140 prisoners. Gen. Zollicoffer, their commander, was killed. The Federal troops were under Gen. Thomas. 1,200 horses and mules, over 100 large wagons, and 14 cannon, 2,000 muskets, etc., were captured. Federal loss 39 killed, 207 wounded.

19. The U. S. gunboat Itasca captured the rebel schooner Lizzie Weston, off Florida, laden with 293 bales of cotton, 152,500 pounds, for Jamaica.

23. The property of several wealthy secessionists at St. Louis was seized under execution by Gen. Halleck, and sold to pay the assessment to support Union refugees.

23. The second stone fleet was sunk in Maffit’s Channel, Charleston, S. C., harbor.

24. The Federal light boat off Cape Henry, at the mouth of the Chesapeake, went ashore and was captured by the rebels, with its crew of 7 men.

24. Two rebel vessels laden with cotton, while attempting to pass the blockade at the mouth of the Mississippi, ran aground, were deserted and burned. The fire was extinguished on board the Calhoun and that vessel captured.

26. The Burnside Expedition reached Pamlico Sound.

26. A military Commission at Palmyra, Mo., sentenced 7 bridge-burners to be shot.

28. Federal troops occupied Lebanon, Mo.

28. Rev. Bishop Ames and Hon. Hamilton Fish, of N. Y., were appointed by Secretary of War Stanton to visit the U. S. prisoners in captivity at Richmond, Va., to devise means for providing for their comfort. The Commissioners were not allowed to visit Richmond, but they opened negotiations for the exchange of prisoners.

28. Skirmish between 50 men of the 37th N. Y. regiment under Lieut.-Col. Burke, and a body of Texas rangers near Colchester, on the Occoquan river, Va., in which 9 rebels were killed. Two Federals were killed, and 2 wounded.

29. The iron-clad battery Monitor was launched at Greenpoint, N. Y.

29. Reconnoissance on either side of the Savannah river from the Federal fleet at Port Royal, through the Wilmington Narrows and Wall’s Cut, by which the feasibility of cutting off Fort Pulaski from communication with Savannah was demonstrated.

30. Gen. Beauregard took command of rebel troops in Tennessee.

30. The rebel commissioners, Mason and Slidell, arrived at Southampton, England.

30. Rebels under Capt. John Morgan, seized six Union men at a church near Lebanon, Ky. They set fire to the church, and attempted to burn one of the prisoners in the flames, who effected his escape.

31. An order from the Secretary of State released all civilians who were captured on board vessels attempting to violate the blockade.

31. Five telegraph operators were captured by the rebels near Campbellsville, Ky.

31. Queen Victoria declared her determination to observe strict neutrality during the American contest, and to prevent the use of English vessels and harbors to aid the belligerents.

=Feb. 1.= The 2d Cavalry, 41st Indiana, had a skirmish near Bowling Green, Ky., in which 3 rebels were killed and 2 wounded. No loss on the Federal side.

1. The Spanish steamer Duero arrived at Liverpool, England, from Cadiz, bringing as passengers Captains Minott, of the Vigilant; Smith of the Arcade, and Hoxie, of the Eben Dodge—three American vessels which had been burned by the privateer Sumter.

1. An octavo volume of 1,100 pages was published as a report by a Committee from the U. S. House of Representatives, appointed July, 1861, to investigate frauds in Government contracts.

1. The President of the U. S. was empowered by act of Congress to take possession of all the railway and telegraphic lines throughout the country, whenever requisite for military purposes, till the close of the rebellion.

1. An interesting conference was held by U. S. Commissioner Dole with the loyal chiefs of the Seminole, Creek, Iowa, and Delaware Indians, in which the warriors pledged themselves to conquer the rebel Indians who had driven them from their homes.

2. A skirmish occurred in Morgan county, Penn., between a body of rebel cavalry, under Lieut.-Col. White, and a company of Federal infantry, under Captain Duncan, in which the Federals were defeated, with a loss of seven men.

2. 386 rank and file and 11 officers, rebel prisoners, were sent to Fortress Monroe, from Boston harbor, to be exchanged for an equal number of Federal prisoners.

3. The privateersmen confined in the City Prison, N. Y., were transferred to Fort Lafayette, and there held as political prisoners.

3. In conformity with the decision of the British Ministry, the privateer Nashville was sent off from Southampton, England, and the U. S. gunboat Tuscarora detained from pursuing her for the space of 24 hours.

3. A flag of truce from the rebels to Gen. McDowell, brought a document from Jeff. Davis to President Lincoln, threatening to hang Cols. Corcoran, Lee, and others, prisoners in their hands, in retaliation, should the punishment of death be inflicted on the bridge-burners who had been convicted in Missouri.

3. The Federal army under Gen. Grant were within 3 miles of Fort Henry, on the Tennessee river.

4. Capt. Lowing, with 80 men from Cos. F and H, Third Michigan, encountered a body of rebels near Occoquan, Va., whom they dispersed. 4 of the rebels were shot. No loss sustained by the Federals.

4. A scouting party under Capt. Harkness, of Col. Miles’ 81st Pa. regiment, returned from the vicinity of Fairfax Court House, Va., bringing several rebel prisoners.

4. Steamship Constitution, with the Mass. Bay State, and the Maine 12th regiments, and other troops, under Gen. Phelps, left Fortress Monroe for Ship Island, Miss.

5. Attack on Fort Henry, Tenn. commenced by Federal gunboats under Com. Foote.

5. Queen Victoria, of England, removed the prohibitions relating to the export of material of war from the British dominions declared on the 30th Nov. and 4th Dec., 1861.

6. Jesse D. Bright, of Indiana, was expelled from the U. S. Senate, for complicity with treason.

7. A band of rebels concealed near the landing at Harper’s Ferry, Va., having, by means of a flag of truce, decoyed a boat from the Maryland shore, and then fired on its occupants, by order of Col. Geary, the block of large buildings facing the landing were burned. But seven families, 40 persons in all, then resided in the town.

7. Unconditional surrender of Fort Henry to Com. Foote, with Gen. Tilghman and staff, one colonel, two captains, and 80 privates. Com. Foote transferred the fort to Gen. Grant.

7. Federal troops took possession of the Memphis and Ohio railway.

7. The rebels driven from Romney, Va., by Gen. Lander, who occupied the town.

7. Successful skirmish with rebel cavalry near Fairfax Court House, Va., by Col. Friedman, with the Cameron Dragoons; 1 rebel killed, and 12 captured, with 12 horses, &c. 2 Federals wounded.

8. Portions of Gen. Butler’s expedition sailed from Boston and from Fortress Monroe, for Ship Island, Miss.

8. Capture of rebel forts and garrisons on Roanoke Island, N. C., by the Federal forces under Com. Goldsborough and Gen. Burnside. 2,500 prisoners, 6 forts, 40 guns, 3,000 small arms. Federal loss, 50 killed, 150 wounded.

8. Capt. Smith, of the 5th Virginia (loyal) with 21 men, surprised 32 of Jenkins’ cavalry on Linn Creek, Logan County, Va., killing 8, wounding 7, and capturing the remainder, with 32 horses. One Federal was killed and 1 wounded.

9. Skirmish of a body of Federal cavalry with rebels near Fort Henry, Tenn. 5 rebels killed, and 30 taken prisoners.

9. Edenton, N. C., occupied by Federal troops.

10. Destruction of rebel gunboats in the Pasquotank river, N. C., also of the rebel battery at Cobb’s Point, and the occupation of Elizabeth City by Federal forces from 14 gunboats, commanded by Capt. Rowan.

10. Gen. Charles P. Stone, U. S. A., was arrested by Gov’t. order, and imprisoned in Fort Lafayette.

10. Arrest of several male and female secessionists in Washington. Also, of Dr. Ives, N. Y. _Herald_ correspondent.

10. Capt. Phelps, of Com. Foote’s squadron, commanding the gunboats Conestoga, Taylor, and Lexington, captured a new rebel gunboat, and destroyed all the rebel craft between Fort Henry and Florence, Ala.

11. Bursting of the “Sawyer” gun at Newport News, Va., by which 2 Federal soldiers were killed and 2 wounded.

12. An expedition under the command of Col. Reggin returned to Fort Henry, Tenn., from up the Tennessee river, having captured $75,000 worth of contraband goods at Paris, Tenn., and also the tents and camp equipage of the rebel troops that retreated from Fort Henry.

13. Evacuation of Springfield, Mo., by the rebel army under Gen. Price. Occupation of the town by Federal troops of Gen. Curtis’ army. 600 of the rebel sick, and many forage wagons were left behind.

14. The rebel camp at Blooming Gap, Va., was surprised by forces under Gen. Lander. 65 prisoners were taken, including 17 officers, and 13 killed and 20 wounded. Federal loss, 7 in killed and wounded.

14. Fort Donelson was invested and attacked by the Federal army under Gen. Grant.

14. E. M. Stanton, Sec. of War, issued an order releasing all political prisoners upon their taking an oath of allegiance.

14. A skirmish took place near Flat Lick Ford, on the Cumberland river, Ky., between two companies of cavalry, under Col. Munday, two companies of the 49th Indiana, and some rebel pickets, in which the latter lost 4 killed, 4 wounded, and 3 taken prisoners. There was no Federal loss.

14. Com. Foote, with 6 gunboats, attacked Fort Donelson, but was repulsed, the Commodore being severely wounded. Federal loss 60 in killed and wounded.

14. The rear guard of Gen. Price’s army in S. W. Missouri was attacked by Gen. Curtis’ command, and many prisoners taken.

14. Bowling Green, Ky., was evacuated by rebel troops, who destroyed most of the available property in the town that could not be removed.

14. Three rebel schooners and one sloop, laden with rice, were destroyed by the crews of armed boats from the U. S. bark Restless, Lieut. E. Conroy, in Bull’s Bay, S.C.

15. The national batteries at Venus Point, on the Savannah river, were attacked by 4 rebel gunboats, which were repulsed, one of them being severely injured.

15. The railway bridge crossing the Tennessee river at Decatur, Ala., was destroyed by Union men.

15. Gen. Burnside administered the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants of Roanoke Island.

15. The iron-clad steam gunboat Galena was launched at Mystic, Conn.

16. Gen. Price was driven from Missouri by Gen. Curtis, who followed him into Arkansas, capturing many prisoners.

16. Gen. Mitchell’s troops occupied Bowling Green, Ky.

16. Fort Donelson surrendered to the Federal army, under Gen. Grant, after three days’ desperate resistance. 15,000 prisoners were captured, including Brig.-Gen. Buckner, and an immense quantity of war material. Gens. Floyd and Pillow escaped, with a portion of the garrison.

16. Destruction of the “Tennessee Iron works,” owned by John Bell and Messrs. Lewis & Wood, on the Cumberland river, six miles above Dover, by order of Com. Foote.

17. The First Missouri cavalry fell into an ambush of rebels at Sugar Creek, Ark., by which 13 of their number were killed and wounded.

18. Gov. Rector of Arkansas, by proclamation, called every man subject to military duty into service within 20 days.

18. First session of the Congress of the “permanent” Government of the Confederate States opened at Richmond, Va.

18. The wire and suspension bridges over the Cumberland river at Nashville, Tenn., were destroyed by Gen. Floyd, despite the remonstrances of the citizens.

18. A skirmish at Independence, Mo., between a detachment of Ohio cavalry and a band of rebels under Quantrel and Parker. 3 rebels killed, several wounded and taken prisoners. 1 Federal killed, 3 wounded.

19. 1,000 additional rebel prisoners were taken at Fort Donelson, they having come down the river to reinforce Gen. Buckner.

19. Evacuation of Clarksville, Tenn., by the rebels. The Federal forces, under Com. Foote, took possession of the town, and captured a large quantity of army stores.

19. Bentonville, Ark., was captured by Gen. Curtis, after a short engagement with the rebels, in which more prisoners and supplies were taken.

20. The rebel steamer Magnolia, with 1,050 bales of cotton, was captured in the Gulf of Mexico, by the U. S. steamers Brooklyn and South Carolina. An attempt to fire the vessel was frustrated by the Federal seamen.

20. The town of Winton, N. C., was partially burned by the national forces.

20. The track of the Memphis and Ohio railway was torn up, and the bridges burned in many places, by order of rebel Gen. Polk.

21. Battle of Valvende, N. M. 1,500 Federals, under Col. Canby, were defeated by an equal force of rebels, under Col. Steele. Federal loss, 55 killed, 140 wounded. Rebel loss, about the same.

22. Inauguration of Jefferson Davis, of Miss., as President of the “Confederate States,” at Richmond, Va., and Alex. H. Stevens, of Ga., as Vice President, they having received the unanimous vote of 109 delegates representing 11 States, viz.: Ala., Ark., Fla., Ga., La., Miss., N. C., S. C., Tenn., Texas, Va., for the permanent organization of the Confederate States.

22. The U. S. sloop-of-war Adironac was launched at Brooklyn, N. Y.

23. 347 released Federal prisoners arrived at Fortress Monroe, among them Cols. Lee, Wood and Coggswell.

23. Lieut. Guin, of Com. Foote’s command, made a reconnoissance up the Tenn. river as high as Eastport, Miss., being well received by the inhabitants. At Clifton, Tenn., he took possession of 1500 sacks and barrels of flour and 6,000 bush. of wheat.

23. Gallatin, Tenn., occupied by Gen. Buell’s forces.

23. A skirmish at Mason’s Neck, near Occoquan, Va., between Texas rangers, and part of the N. Y. 37th, in which 2 of the latter were killed and 1 wounded.

24. Harpers’ Ferry, Va., occupied by the 28th Pa. regiment.

25. Nashville, Tenn., was occupied by Federal forces of Gen. Buell’s command.

25. The 9th Ohio and 2d Minnesota regiments received handsome flags from ladies of Louisville, Ky., in compliment of their valor at Mill Spring, Jan. 19.

25. The remainder of Gen. Bank’s division crossed the Potomac and occupied Bolivar and Charlestown, Va.

25. All the telegraphic lines that could be used by government were taken under military control, and the transmission of reports of military operations forbidden, without permission of the military censor.

26. Cotton and tobacco planters of Va., at a meeting held at Richmond, refused to consent to the destruction of their crops.

26. The command of Capt. Montgomery, was surprised by a large force of rebels at Keittsville, Barry Co., Mo. 2 Federals were killed, 1 wounded, and 40 of their horses captured.

26. The U. S. gunboat R. B. Forbes ran ashore near Nag’s Head, N. C., was set on fire and destroyed.

27. Fayetteville, Ark., was occupied by Gen. Curtis, who captured a number of prisoners, stores, &c. The rebels retreated across the Boston Mountains.

27. 42 Federal soldiers were poisoned at Mud Town, Ark., by eating food which had been left for them by rebels.

27. Col. Wood’s cavalry drove rebels out of Dent, Texas and Howell Cos., Mo., capturing 60 prisoners.

27. U. S. iron-clad battery Monitor, Lieut. Worden, sailed from N. York for Fortress Monroe.

28. The British ship Labuan, with a valuable cargo, arrived at N. York, captured by the U. S. sloop-of-war Portsmouth off Rio Grande river.

28. The rebel steamer Nashville ran the blockade of Beaufort, N. C., and reached the town.

28. Capt. Nolen with 64 of the 7th Ill. cavalry attacked 90 of Jeff. Thompson’s cavalry and a battery, west of Charlestown, Mo., and captured 4 guns, losing 1 man.

=March 1.= The U. S. gunboats Tyler, Lieut. Gwin, commanding, and Lexington, Lieut. Shirk, on an expedition up the Tenn. river, engaged and silenced a rebel battery at Pittsburg, Tenn., 7 miles above Savannah.

1. Evacuation of Columbus Ky., by rebel troops, leaving their heavy guns, and a large quantity of war material. 400 of the 2d Illinois cavalry occupied the town next day, and troops from Com. Foote’s flotilla the day after.

1. U. S. steamer Mount Vernon, captured the schooner British Queen, at the blockade of Wilmington, N. C.

1. John Minor Botts, Valentine Hecker, Franklin Stearns, and others were arrested at Richmond Va., on a charge of “treason.”

2. Death of Brig.-Gen. Lander, at Camp Chase, on the Upper Potomac, from a wound received at Edwards’ Ferry Va., Oct. 22, 1861.

3. Brig.-Gens. S. B. Buckner and Lloyd Tilghman, rebel prisoners, arrived at Fort Warren, Boston, Mass.

3. U.S. Senate confirmed Gens. McDowell, Buell Burnside, McClernand, C. F. Smith, Lew. Wallace and Sigel as Maj.-Gens.; and Cols. Speed, of Tenn., Logan of Ill., McArthur of Iowa, Lauman of Iowa, Wallace of Ind., McCook of Ohio, Berry of Maine, and Terry of Conn., as Brigadiers.

4. Occupation of Fort Clinch and Fernandina, Fla., and St. Mary’s and Brunswick, Ga., by Federal forces under Com. Dupont and Gen. Wright.

4. A squadron of 1st Michigan cavalry surprised and defeated a party of rebel cavalry at Berryville, Va., killing 3 and capturing 9 horses without loss.

4. Two bridges on the Nashville and Decatur railway, Tenn., destroyed by rebels.

5. Bunker Hill, Va., was occupied by rebel forces.

6. Two rebel officers were captured at Vienna, Va., by a detachment of Col. Averill’s cavalry.

6 A rebel picket of 5 was captured by Van Alen’s cavalry near Bunker Hill, Va.

7. Capt. Cole’s Maryland cavalry encountered a few of Ashby’s rebel cavalry, near Winchester, Va., 6 rebels were killed and 5 wounded. Capt. Cole had 3 men wounded.

6, 7, 8. Battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. The combined rebel forces under Gens. Van Dorn, Price, McCulloch and Pike, were defeated by the Federal army under Gens. Curtis, Sigel, Asboth and Davis. Federal loss in killed, wounded and missing, 1351. The rebel loss about 2000. Gens. McCulloch, McIntosh and Slack, were killed.

8. Destruction of the U. S. sloop-of-war Cumberland, and the frigate Congress, in action with the rebel iron battery Merrimac, in Hampton Roads, Va. 100 men were killed or drowned on the Cumberland.

8. By order of the President, Maj.-Gen. McClellan was directed to organize and command the army of the Potomac, divided into 5 army corps, under Maj. Gens. McDowell, Brig.-Gens. E. V. Sumner, S. P. Heintzelman, E. L. Keyes and N. P. Banks.

8. Col. Geary entered Leesburg, Va., capturing many prisoners, stores, &c.

8. Manassas, Va., was evacuated by the rebels.

9. Combat of the U. S. iron battery Monitor, and the rebel iron battery Merrimac, in Hampton Roads, Va. After a desperate combat of 3 hours, the Merrimac was compelled to retire, having received severe injuries.

9. The rebel battery at Cockpit Point, on the Potomac captured by Federal troops.

9. Brilliant charge of 14 of the Lincoln cavalry at Burk’s station, near Fairfax Court House, Va., against 100 infantry, 3 of whom were killed, 5 wounded and 11 captured. Lieut. Hidden was killed.

10. Lieut. O. Houston and 8 men of 2d Ohio battery was captured in S. W. Mo. by Texas rangers.

10. Centreville, Va., was occupied by national forces, the bridges, railway track, depot, &c. having been destroyed by rebels.

11. Gen. Pope’s troops occupied Point Pleasant, Mo., 8 miles below New Madrid.

11. Berryville, Va., was occupied by Gen. Gorman, of Gen. Bank’s division.

11. The country intervening between the Department of the Potomac and that of the Mississippi, was organized as the “Mountain Department,” and assigned to Gen. Fremont.

11. The “Department of the Miss.,” was organized and assigned to Gen. Halleck, which included his previous department, and that of Gen. Hunter’s in Kansas; also all of Gen. Buell’s west of Knoxville, Tenn.

11. Occupation of St. Augustine, Fla., by Federal naval forces under Com. Rogers.

12. Winchester, Va., was occupied by national troops, who captured rebel stores.

12. Curtis’s Iowa cavalry and a battalion of the 1st Nebraska, defeated 600 rebels and occupied Paris, Ky.

12. Occupation of Jacksonville, Fla., by Federal forces from the U. S. gunboats Ottawa, Seneca, and Pembina, under command of Lieut. T. F. Stevens.

13. Brunswick, Ga., was occupied by Federal forces under Flag-officer Dupont.

14. The rebels driven from New Madrid, Mo., which was occupied by Gens. Pope and Hamilton’s forces, who captured military stores valued at $100,000. Federal loss during the siege 51 killed and wounded.

14. Battle of Newbern, N. C. Gen. Burnside’s forces attacked and carried a continuous line of redoubts of half a mile in extent, after 4 hours’ engagement. The rebels in their retreat set fire to the town, which was extinguished by the Federals with slight damage. 200 prisoners and 6 forts were taken, mounting 40 heavy guns. Federal loss, 39 killed, 150 wounded. Rebel loss, 50 killed, 200 wounded.

14. A detachment of Ohio and Indiana troops, under Col. Carter and Lieut. Col. Keigwin, from their camp at Cumberland Ford, Ky., attacked 300 rebels on the Cumberland Mountains, and defeated them, killing 3, wounding 6, and capturing 3 officers and 15 privates, 59 horses, 100 guns, 100 sabres and other material.

15. The Federal gunboats and mortars, under Com. Foote, began the investment and assault of Island No. 10, on the Miss.

16. Two rebel captains and 17 privates were captured on Indian Creek, Arkansas.

17. Federal forces in Va., under Gen. Shields, advanced from Winchester and drove the enemy toward Strasburg.

18. The rebel fleet on the Mississippi at Island No. 10, attacked Com. Foote’s flotilla, but retired after slight loss on either side, the rebels crippling two of the Federal gunboats with their rams.

20. 67 citizens of Loudon co., Va., were sent to Richmond on the Central cars, and committed to one of the military prisons.

21. Santa Fé, N. M., was seized by 100 rebel Texans, under Major C. L. Pyron.

21. Washington, N. C., occupied by Federal troops under Col. Stevenson.

22. Rebel forces, under Gens. Jackson, Smith and Longstreet, advanced upon Winchester, Va., where Gen. Shields’ forces engaged them successfully until night.

22. A skirmish occurred between a detachment of the 6th Kansas and Quantrall’s band, near Independence, Mo. The latter was routed with 7 killed. The Federals lost 1 killed, and captured 11 prisoners and 20 horses.

22. Lieut. T. A. Budd and Acting Master Mather, attached to Flag-officer Dupont’s squadron, having imprudently ventured on shore, with a portion of their men, to examine a rebel earthwork, near Mosquito Inlet, Fla., were fired upon by a party of rebels in ambush. Both officers and 5 men were killed, and several wounded.

23. Morehead City, N. C., was occupied by Federal troops under Gen. Parke.

23. Battle of Winchester, Va. The fight of yesterday was renewed, and after a desperate engagement, the rebels were driven from the ground in disorder, with a loss of 600 killed and wounded, and 300 prisoners. Federal loss, 100 killed, 400 wounded.

25. Maj. Pyron’s Texans were defeated at Apache Cañon, between Santa Fé and Fort Union, by Federal troops under Maj. Chivington.

26. A band of rebels attacked 4 companies of State militia at Humansville, Polk co., Mo., and were defeated by them with a loss of 15 killed and many wounded.

27. Big Bethel, Va., was occupied by the Federal forces.

28. The Federal gunboats and mortars, under Coms. Farragut and Porter, attacked Forts Jackson and St. Philip, La.

28. Gen. Beauregard concentrated a large force at Corinth, Miss.

28. Morgan’s rebel cavalry captured a train on the Louisville and Nashville railway. The locomotive was run into a ditch and the cars destroyed. Col. Currin Pope, of Ky., and several other Federal officers were taken prisoners.

28. 1,200 U. S. troops, under Col. Slough, engaged the united rebel forces of Col. Scurry and Maj. Pyron at Valle’s Ranch, N. M., from 10 A. M. to 5 P. M., when an armistice was agreed on. A flank movement the next day by Maj. Chivington, with 400 men, threw the rebels into confusion, and after burning their train, they sought safety in flight. Rebel loss, 80 killed, 100 wounded, 93 prisoners. Federal loss, 38 killed, 54 wounded, 17 prisoners. The Texans retired to Santa Fé and the Federals to Fort Union.

29. A detachment of the 1st Iowa cavalry, under Capt. Thompson, overtook the guerrilla band of Col. Parker, 10 miles west of Warrensburg, Mo. 15 rebels were killed and 25 taken prisoners, among the latter Col. Parker and Captain Walton. 2 Federals were killed and several wounded.

30. Maj.-Gen. Hunter arrived at Hilton Head, S. C., and assumed command of the Department of the South, comprising South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

31. 220 rebels, captured at Winchester, Va., arrived at Fort Delaware, Del. Bay.

=Apr. 1.= During a storm at night, Col. Roberts with 50 picked men of the 42d Illinois, and as many seamen under First Master Johnson, of the gunboat St. Louis, surprised the rebels at the upper battery of Island No. 10, and spiked 6 large guns.

1. Col. Carline, commanding the advance of Gen. Steele’s brigade in Arkansas, had a skirmish at Putnam’s Ferry, in which a rebel lieutenant and several privates were wounded, and 5 prisoners taken.

4. All of Maryland and Virginia lying between the Mountain Department and the Blue Ridge, was constituted the military Department of the Shenandoah, and assigned to Maj.-Gen. Banks; and that portion of Virginia east of the Blue Ridge and west of the Potomac constituted the Department of the Rappahannock, and was assigned to Maj.-Gen. McDowell.

1. Gen. Banks advanced from Strasburg, Va., to Woodstock, and thence to Edenburg, driving the enemy with slight skirmishing. The railway bridge at Edenburg was burnt by rebels under Gen. Jackson.

1. Heavy bombardment at Island No. 10.

2. Manassas Gap, Va., was occupied by Col. Geary’s troops by strategy, frustrating a similar attempt by the rebels.

3. U. S. Senate passed a bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, by a vote of 29 yeas, 14 nays.

3. Gen. Steele’s forces in the advance of Gen. Curtis’ army, reached Putnam, Ark.

4. A schooner containing 24 recruits _en route_ for the rebel army, was captured on Black creek, near the Potomac river, Va.

4. The Federal gunboat Carondelet ran past the rebel batteries at Island No. 10, at night, without damage, and arrived at New Madrid.

5. Gen. McClellan’s army advanced through a severe storm from Camp Misery, and after a tedious march arrived in front of the rebel works, and commenced the siege of Yorktown, Va. Heavy firing throughout the day resulted in a loss to the Federals of 3 killed, 22 wounded.

5. Federal transports and barges arrived at New Madrid, Mo., through the inland channel, cut by Col. Bissel’s engineer corps, thus avoiding the rebel batteries at No. 10.

6–7. Battle of Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. The combined rebel army, under Gens. Johnston and Beauregard, attacked Gen. Grant’s army on the morning of the 6th. Federal loss, 1,614 killed, 7,721 wounded, 3,963 missing—total, 13,508; rebel loss, (Beauregard’s report,) 1,728 killed, 8,012 wounded, 959 missing—total, 10,699.

7. Gen. Pope, with the assistance of the gunboats Pittsburg and Carondelet, landed his forces on the Tennessee shore, opposite New Madrid, and took position in rear of Island No. 10, at Tiptonville.

7. Island No. 10 on the Mississippi, and the adjacent works on the Tenn. shore, were abandoned by the rebels and taken possession of by Col. Buford’s brigade.

7. Apalachicola, Fla., was captured by the Federal gunboats Mercedita and Sagamore.

8. Surrender of the rebel army of 5,200 men and all their stores, under Gens. Mackall and Gantt, to the Federal forces under Gen. Paine, of Gen. Pope’s division, at Tiptonville, Tenn.

8. Gen. W. T. Sherman was dispatched by Gen. Grant with a large reconnoitering force on the Corinth, Miss., road. A portion of his force was routed by a charge of rebel cavalry, and 15 killed and 25 wounded of the 77th Ohio regiment.

10. Huntsville, Ala., was occupied by Gen. Mitchel’s forces. 200 prisoners, 15 locomotives, and many cars captured.

10. Batteries on Tybee Island commenced the attack of Fort Pulaski, Ga.

10. President Lincoln, by proclamation, recommended the people throughout the United States on the Sabbath succeeding the receipt of his Proclamation to return thanks to Almighty God for having vouchsafed signal victories over rebellious enemies, and also for having averted the dangers of foreign interference and invasion.

11. Surrender of Fort Pulaski, Ga., after a bombardment of two days. Federal loss, 1 killed, 1 wounded; rebels, 3 wounded 360 prisoners, 47 guns, 40,000 lbs. powder.

11. The rebel steamers Merrimac, Jamestown and Yorktown, came down between Newport News and Sewall’s Point, on the Chesapeake, and captured 3 vessels.

11. Severe skirmishing in front of Yorktown, Va., by General Jameson’s brigade. 20 of the Federals were killed or wounded.

11. Gen. Halleck assumed command of the Federal army at Pittsburg, Tenn.

12. Gen. Milroy, at Monterey, Va., was attacked by a large force of rebels, whom he repulsed with slight loss.

12. The Charleston and Memphis railway at Chattanooga Junction was seized by Gen. Mitchel’s forces, and 2,000 rebels and much property were captured.

12. 4,000 men on five transports, accompanied by the gunboats Lexington and Tyler, left Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., and proceeded up the Tennessee river to Eastport, Miss., where they landed, and destroyed two bridges on the Ohio and Mobile railway, intercepting the rebel communication with Alabama. A body of Confederate cavalry were met on their return, who were routed, and four killed.

14. The U. S. forces were withdrawn from Jacksonville, Fla., and the rebels soon after returning the loyal inhabitants suffered severely, and many were driven away.

14. The Potomac flotilla ascended the Rappahannock river, Va., destroying several batteries. Three vessels were captured.

14. Com. Foote’s mortar boats opened fire on Fort Wright, on the Mississippi.

15. M. Mercier, French Minister at Washington, paid an official visit to the rebel authorities at Richmond.

15. Ex-Sec. of War Cameron was arrested at Philadelphia, Pa., on the suit of Pierce Butler, for alleged illegal arrest.

16. Engagement at Lee’s Mill, near Yorktown, Va. Federal loss, 32 killed and 100 wounded. Rebels, 25 killed, and 75 w.

17. Mount Jackson, in Shenandoah Co., Va., was occupied by Gen. Williams’ troops, who captured 50 of Ashby’s rebel cavalry.

17. A large boat was swamped at Castleman’s Ferry, on the Shenandoah river, Va., by which between 40 and 50 of the 75th Penn. were drowned, among them Adj. Teatman, Capts. Wilson and Ward.

17. New Market, Va., occupied by Bank’s army, and Fredericksburg by McDowell’s.

17. Bombardment of Fort Wright, on the Mississippi, by the national flotilla.

17–24. Bombardment of Fort Jackson and St. Philip, on the Mississippi.

20. Battle of Camden or South Mills, N. C. Gen. Reno’s forces drove the rebels from their batteries and entrenchments. Federal loss in killed and wounded, 90.

22. Rebel steamer J. Robb was captured on the Tenn. river by gunboat Tyler.

24. Yorktown, Va., was shelled by the Federal gunboats.

24. Federal fleet passed Forts Jackson and St. Philip, destroying 13 rebel gunboats, the ram Manassas, and 3 transports.

25. New Orleans captured. Rebel batteries on both sides of the river destroyed.

25. Maj.-Gen. C. F. Smith died at Savannah, Tenn.

26. Rebel schooner Arctic was captured by U. S. steamer Flambeau.

26. Rebel schooner Belle was captured by U. S. steamer Uncas.

26. Skirmish at Neosho, Mo., between 1st Missouri volunteers, under Major Hubbard, and rebels and Indians under Cols. Coffee and Sternwright. Rebels defeated.

26. An advance lunette of the rebels at Yorktown was carried by the 1st Mass.

26. Capture of Fort Macon, N. C., with its garrison of 450 men under Col. White, after a bombardment of 11 hours. Rebel loss, 7 killed, 18 wounded. Federal loss, 1 killed, 3 wounded.

28. Forts St. Philip and Jackson, La., surrendered; Forts Livingston and Pike abandoned, and the rebel iron battery Louisiana blown up.

30. Skirmish of Gen. Mitchel’s forces with the rebels near Bridgeport, Ala.

=May 2.= The U. S. steamer Brooklyn and several gunboats, left New Orleans, ascending the Mississippi, to open the river and connect with Commodore Davis’ fleet.

3. A reconnoissance in force under Gen. Paine from Pope’s division encountered rebel cavalry pickets near Farmington, Miss., in which 8 of the latter were killed.

4. Gen. Stoneman’s advance of McClellan’s army encountered a rebel force near Williamsburg, Va., seven of whom were killed and 25 captured. 2 Feds. killed, 20 w.

5. Battle of Williamsburg, Va. Gen. Kearney’s and Hooker’s divisions engaged the rebel army under Gen. Longstreet from dawn till dark, when the Federals were reinforced and rebels defeated. Fed. loss 2,073 in killed and wounded, and 623 prisoners. Reb. loss heavier, 500 prisoners.

6. Skirmish near Harrisonburg, Va., by Federal troops under Major Vought.

7. Westpoint, Va. Gen. Franklin’s division of McClellan’s army having been conveyed by transports to the head of York river, effected a landing, where he was attacked by a force of rebels, and with the aid of gunboats defeated the enemy.

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TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

1. Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in spelling. 2. Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. 3. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. 4. Enclosed bold and blackletter font in =equals=.