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WAR PICT

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THE SOUTH.

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B. ESTVlN,
COLONEL or OAYALET IK THE COKTEDEKAIE AKMT.

NEW YORK :
D. APPLETON AND COM!' ANY,
443 & 445 BEOADWAY.
1863.

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Entered, accordiug to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Southern DieLrict of New York.

PREFACE.

I HAVE, as a refugee, for the second time set my foot
upon the rocky shores of Old England, to complete,
under the shelter of her glorious banner, a narrative of
the remarkable events that occurred during a period of
more than eighteen months' campaigning in America,
the knowledge of which I acquired from my personal
experience as an officer of the Confederate army.
Now that my book is ready, I can confidently place
it before the reader, with the assurance that these
"War Pictures" have been deUneated not only to the
best of my abUity, but with a conscientious regard to
truth. Although circumstances led me to take service in
the Confederate army — my long residence in the
Southern States being, however, the main inducement
thereto — I have not been the less disposed to do justice
to both sides engaged in this lamentable contest.
Thus, while ever ready to bestow my hearty admiration
on all the instances that came to my knowledge of
heroism, patriotic devotion, and high-principled con
duct, whether displayed on the part of my own com
rades or on that of their opponents, I have, on the
other hand, not hesitated to lay bare the errors and
blamable acts, by whomsoever committed, that have

PKEFACE.

been conducive to so much disaster and misery, uor
have I spared the wrong doers.
Having completed my task, my thoughts naturally
recur to the land wherein this unholy war is raging.
To America, my second home, whose image I cling to
with fond attachment, I cannot look back without sor
row for her misfortunes. I there contemplate deplor-
ingly the spectacle of a people once united, now
dissevered through mad dissensions — dissensions which,
involving in their fatal course the principle of the
defence and maintenance of sacred rights, have issued
in a suicidal conflict. My memory, in reverting to the
fearful scenes so recently witnessed, painfully recalls
those sanguinary battle fields whereon many a gallant
soldier breathed out his spirit, struck to death by the
bullet of a man whom he had been wont to regard in
the light of a brother. Again the gaunt spectre of
discord rises before me, with lightning flashing from its
eyes, and rancor foaming at its lips, as, armed with a
scourge of serpents, it frantically urges on whole popu
lations to mutual destruction !
Now that my boot is ready, I dedicate it to the
soldiers of the two contending armies, as a greeting
from afar. I have only to add, that if some of my
criticisms may appear too severe to those whose con
duct I censure, I have, in making use of them, been
actuated solely by a fearless resolve to tell the truth
and state my honest convictions. In the exercise of
this, which I claim to be a,n undoubted right, have I
written my book.
The Author.
Dover, May, 1863.

CONTENTS.

PASS
CHAPTEE I.
Secession of South Car::'.iTia, . ... .1
CHAPTBE II.
The Eiot at Baltimore;' .... . , . S6
CHAPTEE III.
DeBtraction of the Fleet at Portsmouthj .... 42
CHAPTEE IV.
The Battle of Bethel, .  45
CHAPTEE V.
Colonel Porterfield's Volunteers, ...... A9
CHAPTEE YI.
K'Clellan's Victory at Eich Mountain, . . . . .52
CHAPTEE VII.
Movements on the Potomac, . ..... 61
CHAPTEE VIII. i
BullEnn, . . .  66
CHAPTEE IX.
The Battle of Manassas, ........ 71
CHAPTEE X.
Eichmond after the Battle of Manassas, ...... 103
CHAPTEE XI.
Beauregard Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Potomac, . . 107
CHAPTEE XII.
The Campaign in Western Virginia, . . . . . ,110
1*

Vi CONTENTS. ri.t}i
CHAPTEE XIII.
Operations on Gauley Eiver, ....... 114
CHAPTEE XIV.
Camp Dehanoe, Cheat Mountain, Cotton Hill, . . . . .122
CHAPTEE XV.
M' Clellan appointed to the chief command of the Federal Army, . . 131
CHAPTEE XVI.
The Campaign in Missouri, ........ 135
CHAPTEE XVII.
The Battle of Carthage, ........ 140
CHAPTEE XVIII.
The Battle of Oak Hill, or Wilson Creek, . . . . . .147
CHAPTEE XIX.
A General without an Army, ....... 151
CHAPTEE XX.
Battle of Lexington, ......... 155
CHAPTEE XXI.
Eecruiting at Eichmond, . ..... 162
CHAPTEE XXII.
Hospitals of the Wounded Prisoners, . . . . . .165
CHAPTEE XSIII.
The Prisons at Eichmond, . ..... 169
CHAPTEE XXIV.
A Christmas Eve, . . . .... 171
CHAPTER XXV.
The Battle of Belmont, ... ... 176
CHAPTEE SXVI.
Battle in East Tennessee. . . . . ... 186
CHAPTEE XXVII.
Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, ....... 195
CHAPTEE XXVIII.
John Morgaji, the Guerilla Chieftain, . ... . . 208
CHAPTEE XXIX.
Johnston on the Tennessoo Eiver— Floyd and Pillow, . . . 214
CHAPTEE XXX.
The Battle of Shiloh,  219

CONTENTS. vii
PAOB
CHAPTEE XXXI.
Surrender of Cape Hatteras, . . .... 233
CHAPTEE XXXII.
Surrender of Eoanoke Island, . . . . , , .235
CHAPTEE XXXIII.
General Wise, ......... 246
CHAPTEE XXXIV.
The Battle of Newbem, ........ 251
CHAPTEE XXXV.
The " Merrimao " and the " Monitor," ...... 261
CHAPTEE XXXVL
Destruction of the " Merrimac," ...... 269
CHAPTEE XXXVII.
Siege of Yorktown, . . . ... 275
CHAPTEE XXXVIII.
The Battle of Fair Oaks,  282
C HAPTEE XXXIX.
Battle of Seven Pines, ........ 288
CHAPTEE XL.
Investment of Eichmond, ........ 297
CHAPTEE XLL
The Seven Days' Battle befoeb Eichmono : June 25th to Jult 1st. 1862
I. — A Council of War, . ..... 310
II. — First Day : Commencent of Operations, ..... 311
III.— Second Day : Battle of Gaines's Mill, .... 313
IV.— Third and Fourth Days : Battle of Peach Orchard, . . .318
v.— Fifth Day : Battle near White Oak Swamp, . . .321
VI. — Sixth Day ; Battle at Frazer's Farm, ..... 323
VII.— Seventh Day : Battle of Malvern Hill, . . . , 327
CoNCLUDtNG Observations, ....... 338
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES.
General P. G. Toussaint Beauregarfl, ...... 335
" The late Alhert Sidney Johnston, . , . S30
" Eobert Edmund Lee, ....... 337
" Thomas Jefferson Jackson, . , . , , .337
" Sterling Price,  342

CONTENTS.

Genera] C. Frederick Henningsen, .
" Joseph Eccleston Johnston,
" Edmund Kirby Smith,
" Braxton Bragg,
" James Longstreet,
" G. B. M'CIellan, .
" Francis Sigel,
" Ambrose Everett Burnside,
" Don Carlos Buell,
" Henry Wager Halleck, .
" Ulysses S. Grant,
" John Charles Fremont, .

PAei
. 342344

345
346347

351351

WAR PICTURES

CHAPTER I.
SECESSION OF SOUTH CAEOLINA.
Election, of Mr^ Lincoln — Excitement in the South — South Carolina secedes — Ma
jor Anderson destroys Fort Moultrie — Eesignationof Secretary Floyd— Journey
to Charleston — Commotion there— Fort Sumter — President Buchanan rejects
the ultimatum — Major Eipley, commander of Fort Moultrie — ^Warlike prepara
tions — General Bragg — Uncle Sam — Montgomery— Fort Pickens — President
Jeff. Davis and Vice-President Alex. Stephens— Secession ofthe States of Mis
sissippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas— Peace Congress at
Washington — Complete rupture — Lincoln's installation at Washington — Danger
of the city — The new Cabinet — Bombardment of Fort Sumter — Sham Fighting
— Capitulation — President Lincoln's Declaration of War — Condition of the
Confederacy — My return to Richmond— Virginia joins the Southern States.
As SOON as the election to the Presidency of the Republican
candidate, Abraham Lincoln, became known, the South at
once made preparations to dissolve the Union, urged thereto
hy the conviction that henceforth it had no guarantees or
safeguard for the preservation of its rights. South Caroli
na, the mother of the Southern States, took the initiative in
this movement, with but little foresight, however, and with
very inadequate preparations for an effort of such magnitude
hut it had resolved to take up the gauntlet which it conceived .
had been thrown down by the North in the election of Lin
coin; and, on the 20th December, 1860, proceeded to declare
itself an independent sovereign State.
1

WAR PICTURES.

Patriots now poured in on all sides, eager to support the
young Government, not only by their countenance and coun
sel, but by deeds, if needful.
Major Anderson, of the United States army, who was in
command of Fort Moultrie, one of the strongholds of Charles
ton, evacuated that post, after burning all the Government
stores, spiking the guns, and destroying everything he could;
and embarked, on the 20th December, with his detachment
of 132 men of the United States army, to take possession of
Fort Sumter, erected on an islet in the middle of the bay.
This place offered him greater security ; and within its bomb
proof walls he would be able quietly to watch the progress
of coming events.
The indignation of the inhabitants of Charleston was in
tense when the flames arising from Fort Moultrie made them
aware of its abandonment and demolition by its late com
mander. A number of steamers were prepared in all haste,
and ordered, with various companies of State troops, to take
possession of both Fort Moultrie and Fort Pinckney ; which
double occupation was effected without bloodshed, the small
garrison of the former having already been withdrawn to
Fort Sumter.
On the 30th December, Mr. J. B. Floyd, the United States
Secretary of War, notified to President Buchanan his with
drawal from the Cabinet ; and, leaving his office in the greatest
confusion, hastily left Washington for his estates in Virginia.
The secession of South Carolina from the Union, however, did
not disturb the equanimity of the North, as the people of
that portion of the United States were firmly convinced that
the Government could easily put down the rebellion. But
the events which occurred shortly after, apprized the North
, that the Southerners were not unprovided with ways and
means to begin a war, and that in the coming struggle they
would prove anything but despicable opponents.
Thus the first signal step toward disunion was taken ; to

CHARLESTON. 3
what it might lead, no one could then foresee, especially as
the first hasty and somewhat imperfect preparations did not
imply any very extensive plan of operations. Popular pas
sions were violently aroused ; but who could have guessed in
those dawning symptoms of strife the disastrous consequences
of a fratricidal war, which was destined to overwhelm alike
friend and foe, and to undermine the prosperity and wealth
of the whole community 1
Scarcely had South Carolina seceded from the Union,
when I received a commission from two of the most influen
tial Southern leaders, with directions for me to proceed at
once to South Carolina to superintend the military prepara
tions going on there, and the arrangements for bombarding
Fort Sumter, where Major Anderson had taken up his posi
tion, and where, under the banner of the Great Republic, it
was expected he could hold out to the last extremity. My
arrangements for departure were speedily made, and I was
ready to start on my knight-errant's mission. On quitting
Richmond, the dreary morasses and monotonous rice, cotton,
and tobacco fields of Virginia and of North and South Caro
lina were quickly passed ; for the railway runs in a contin
uous line through this unpicturesque portion of the South.
After a twenty-five hours' journey, the train came to a stand
still, and the voices of the guards announced to the drowsy
passengers the welcome news that we were at Charleston.
All was now life and bustle ; we had arrived at the theatre
of impending war.
An omnibus took me quickly to Mills' Hotel, the best in
Charleston, and far surpassing those of Richmond. After I
had made myself presentable, I proceeded to the dining room
to restore my somewhat wearied faculties. Here I found at
the well-supplied table a host of Southern cavaliers, who
seemed to enjoy the good things before them with considera
ble ffusio. The events of the-, day were loudly discussed
among them, and strong words uttered against the Govern-

4 WAR PICTUEES.
ment at Washington. Several of these gentlemen had al
ready donned brilliant uniforms ; and as they clanked theii
spurs, rattled their swords, and made dashing inroads upon
the viands before them, I could hardly fail to be impressed by
such evidences of chivalrous courage.
As soon as dinner was over, I hastened to deliver my des
patches to his Excellency Mr. Pickens, Governor of the State
of South Carolina. In him I found a perfect gentleman, full
of amiability and courtesy ; and on my applying to him for
the necessary information to guide me in my endeavors to as
certain the military resources of the State of South Carolina,
he ordered one of his numerous adjutants to attend me, be
sides directing that I should be provided with horses and a
negro servant. Captain Nelson, the officer in question, at
once tendered his services with that urbanity peculiar to the
planters of the South ; and, much pleased with my reception,
I left the Governor's headquarters to pay my respects to the
Hon. William Porcher Miles. After passing through some
of the principal streets, we came in view of the Bay of
Charleston. The sight which now burst upon me was so en
chanting that I stood on the shores of the bay gazing with de
light upon the noble spectacle before me. It was one of those
glorious visions of beauty which, once seen, can never be for
gotten. The magnificent deep-blue waters of the bay lay
slumbering before me, and from out their midst arose the un
sightly, dingy walls of Fort Sumter, Avith its formidable-
looking guns and casemates; whilst a gentle south wind
caused the majestic flag raised in the centre of the fort to give
its ample folds to the breeze, displaying the Stars and Stripes
to the many thousand citizens of Charleston assembled on the
beach. There, in the middle of the bay, within that unseemly mass
of dark-looking rock, was housed a small band, all, no doubt,
trusty sons of that great Republc whose banner seemed to
intimate unmistakably to the crowd of Southern loungers on

CHARLESTON. 6
the opposite shore their resolve either to maintain the post
entrusted to their keeping, or to die as brave soldiers in the
performance of their duty. On the left side of the bay stood
Fort Moultrie, from the battlements of which was displayed
the banner of the Southerners — the Palmetto — which the
people glanced at with eyes beaming with proud satisfaction.
I tore myself away reluctantly from the spot, and in
company of the officer appointed to escort me, I proceeded
to the residence of the Hon. William Porcher Miles. This
gentleman gave me a hearty welcome, accompanied with re
peated offers of service. After a long visit, I and my com
panion took leave of him, and proceeded to the hotel, in the
saloon of which we remained but a short time before retiring
to rest. I had not, however, been long asleep, when I was
aroused by a violent ringing of bells, and by the prolonged
blast of trumpets. On hastening down stairs to ascertain the
cause of this turmoil, I found unmistakable signs of military
activity all around me, reminding me of scenes I had wit
nessed in Italy in the year 1848. Halls and stairs resounded
to the clank of spurs and swords — music familiar to the ear
of an old soldier ; and in the great room below were crowded
together military men of every description — grenadiers, hus
sars, and others ; whilst a corps of cadets had mounted guard
in front of the hotel. Moreover, troops of all arms were
marching past, and artillery rattled heavily through the
streets. Captain Nelson shortly made his appearance, and with a
beaming countenance informed me that orders had just been
received for the bombardment of Fort Sumter. President
Buchanan had, in fact, rejected the ultimatum of South Caro
lina : namely, the withdrawal of the United States troops
from Fort Sumter; and the plenipotentiaries had returned
with this virtual declaration of war on the part of the Presi
dent. -All the impediments that had hitherto restrained the
impatient Southerners from giving full scope to their courage.

6 WAR PICTURES.
vanished as the barriers which had hitherto existed between
the belligerents were removed. Some hundred oificers were
soon assembled in the dining hall, and the hubbub received
additional stimulus from the incessant drawing of champagne
corks, while all present seemed animated with martial ardor.
In a short time Captain Nelson arrived, with horses and ser
vants, and we set out for Fort Moultrie, where Major Ripley,
formerly an officer of the regular United States army, held
the command, and where the ball was to commence. My
charger was a quiet old nag, which never in its life had faced
such an excited crowd as that now surging hither and thither.
Poor fellow, after having for a long course of years quietly
munched his oats and hay in peaceful security, it was now his
fate to smell gunpowder all at once, and prove his nerve
amidst the thunder of cannon. As if he had some foreboding
of what was to happen, he pricked up his ears and cast shy
glances at the military life teeming around us. Nevertheless,
without needing the admonition of spur or rein, he readily
carried me up the heights which led to Fort Moultrie.
It was a charming day. The -sun shone, mild and smiling,
upon the deep-blue waters of the lovely bay. The green
hills on the shore were reflected in the crystal mirror below,
and all nature seemed so happy and peaceful as to present to
the mind a strange contrast to the spirit of discontent and
warlike strife which then brooded in the breast of man.
Leaving our horses, we went on board a steamer, which con
veyed us to the fort.
Through my excellent Vogtlander telescope I saw many
indications of great military activity in Fort Sumter ; guns
were being brought into position, and new- works thrown up
in front of the fort ; in short, it was quite clear to my mind
that Major Anderson was not only determined to show us his
teeth, but to bite hard if necessary. I handed my glass to my
friend the Captain, who was standing near me, drawing his
attention to the preparations in active progress then making

FORT MOULTRIE. 7
by the commandant of Fort Sumter ; observing that so old a
fox as Anderson would hardly fail to receive such a distin
guished party as ourselves with allele courtesy and attention.
" What the devil do you mean ? the confounded fellow is-
surely not going to fire at us 1 " anxiously inquired my heroic
companion, while his face became remarkably pallid, and his
well-waxed mustache lost considerably in its warlike appear
ance. " Believe me. Captain," I rejoined, " that all those prepar-
tions he is so busily engaged in making mean mischief, and
denote his intention to make good use of his formidable
guns." At these words a slight shiver pervaded my companion's
frame, and pleading sickness, he retired in a state of trepida
tion, to find a place of greater security behind the bulwarks
of the steamer. The other bold sons of Mars who had
accompanied me from Charleston, now all gathered around,
and pressed me to give them some account of my former
military adventures under similar circumstances, which re
quest I readily complied with.
In the midst of my narrative the captain of the steamer
shouted out, "Fort Moultrie, gentlemen!" and we all pre
pared to leave the vessel. On landing, we were warmly wel
comed by a number of officers and soldiers of the garrison,
assembled at the landing place, and we then proceeded without
delay to the interior of the fort, where we found the com
mander, Major Ripley, surrounded by a crowd of- negroes
busy at work. As soon as I made myself known to the
Major, he begged me to excuse him for a few moments, as he
was anxious to give his final orders in person. It was evident
to me at a glance that vigorous warlike measures were in ac
tive preparation in the fort. Guns of every calibre were
being placed in position ; furnaces to heat the shot were get
ting ready for use ; ammunition was being brought to the
different batteries, and shot and shell of all sizes piled up in

8 WAR PICTURES.
symmetrical pyramids. A portion of the garrison was like-
wise under arms, in readiness for immediate service, if re
quired ; indeed, the whole scene convinced me that the officer'
in command was an excellent soldier, notwithstanding a few
slight mistakes that I could not fail to notice, which showed
that his work had come upon him rather suddenly, and that
this was, in all probability, the first time in his life he had
been on active service. For instance, the defensive works of
the fort were of too weak a construction to offer any effectual
resistance to the heavy guns of a bomb-proof fort like that of
Sumter. A well-directed bombardment from its formidable
batteries, by skilful and experienced gunners, would have
knocked Fort Moultrie to pieces in a dozen hours.
One of the chief departments, moreover, that of the hos
pital, had been very badly provided for. There were no sur
geons present, with their assistants, provided with instruments,
bandages, ambulances, and other needful appliances, ready for
instant attention to such casualties as might occur. There
was an utter absence of the usual hospital details on the eve
of hostile operations : no surgeons with sleeves tucked up,
ready for their grave work, giving directions to their assist
ants, pointing out where and how their services might be re
quired and turned to the best account. Nothing of the kind
was visible, although such precautions were obviously of vital
importance to the soldier about to confront a determined foe.
The good-natured doctors in Fort Moultrie were strolling
about the works in fine uniforms, as if it was an understood
thing that there would be no wounded, and consequently no
work for them to do.
As soon as I had made this inspection, which brought a
smile to my lips more than once, I went into the inner court,
where Captain Nelson imparted the very important news that
Major Ripley was awaiting me with a capital bowl of punch.
On taking the seat politely offered to me, I found the worthy
commander of the fort sitting, like Bacchus, on an upturned

MAJOR RIPLET. 9
barrel. His officers lay around him in picturesque groups,
smoking their cigars, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the
punch, which was being brewed by a young cavalry lieutenant.
I was most enthusiastically welcomed by Major -Ripley and
his officers, as I was almost the only European officer serving
under their flag. We made ourselves as comfortable as we
could upon the bales of cotton placed for our accommodation,
whilst a host of slaves handed round the punch, together with
excellent Havana cigars. The glasses went merrily round,
and many toasts were drunk to the success of the Palmetto
State. It was one of those martial orgies which only the hot-
blooded Southerner can fully appreciate and enjoy. We were
presently interrupted, however, in our unflinching attack upon
the punch bowl, by the sentry on duty, who conducted an
orderly from the Governor in charge of despatches for the
commander of the fort. A dead silence now ensued, and all
eyes were turned inquiringly toward Major Ripley. As
soon as this officer had read the despatch he dismissed the
orderly, thrust the papers into his pocket, and telling a young,
active, woolly-headed negro to hand him a glass of punch, he
thus addressed his companions in arms, who were waiting for
intelligence in eager expectation :
" Gentlemen, fill your glasses ! As regards the bombard
ment of Fort Sumter, it is all over for the present." (Great
astonishment now manifested.) " I am to proceed, at once to
the headquarters of his Excellency," he continued ; and then,
raising his glass, he proposed a cheer for the Palmetto Re
public and its brave sons. This was responded to by a round
of cheers from the officers present, in which the garrison out
side promptly joined. This scene, I confess, made me look at
the Palmetto banner with thoughts of a rather serious nature.
Major Ripley then turned to Captain Lamb, and handed
over to him the command for the day, while I and my com
panion started forthwith on our return to Charleston. On
arriving there we proceeded to the headquarters of the
1*

10 WAR PICTURES.
Governor, to ascertain the cause of the jevocation of the
previous orders. All the leading men of the State of South
Carolina were assembled there.
We learned that after a lengthy debate it had been re
solved to abstain from the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and
that endeavors should be made to induce Major Anderson, by
diplomatic means, either to evacuate the fort or to capitulate.
Major Ripley, Captain Nelson, and myself then adjourned
to my hotel, to recruit ourselves after the fatigues of the day.
On our entrance, however, one of the numerous waiters of the
hotel handed me a despatch from Virginia, ordering me to
start without delay, after my inspection was over, for General
Bragg's headquarters in the State of Florida, in order to
report upon the state of things there, General Bragg having
already received orders to take Fort Pickens, which was held
by the troops and fleet of the United States.
I was soon ready to commence my journey to Florida and
Alabama, and took a hearty farewell of my comrades, whom
I had learned to like during our short acquaintance; they
made me promise that, should the bombardment of Fort
Sumter actually take place, and I should receive information
of the fact by telegraph, I would immediately return to be
a witness of the valor and efficiency of the troops of South
Carolina. We shook hands all round ; and, accompanied by
Captain Nelson, I proceeded to the railway.
Here I found my black servant, good old Uncle Sam, who,
with his woolly head, came to me with a melancholy look,
saying : " Massa Cornel take old Sam with him. Understand
horses. Onkel Sam kill all mosquitos." I was really touched
by the poor fellow's earnest entreaties as he chronicled allhis
good qualities, in the hopes of making a favorable impression
upon me ; so, shaking the old man's hand, I comforted him at
once by telling him that he might come with me. He now
gave vent to that unconstrained outburst of joy so character
istic of the negro race when any one of their wishes is gratified.

MY NIGGER " UNCLE SAM." 11
Pushing aside a young ebon-skinned negro who was standing
near, gaping at us with open mouth and staring eyes. Uncle
Sam exclaimed, in utter forgetfulncss of his own coal-black
hue, " Get out of the road, you dam black nigger ; make place
whar Cornel comes ! " accompanying his words with a look
of magisterial authority.
I requested Captain Nelson to allow me to take Uncle Sam
with me as my servant, which he readily assented to. As the
train did not start immediately, I sat down in the waiting
room to read the newspapers. At last, when the signal for
departure was given. Uncle Sam made his appearance, but
completely metamorphosed. A pair of very scanty light-blue
trousers encompassed his huge nether limbs ; a light-yellow
waistcoat brought his powerful chest into high relief ; whilst
a grass-green frock coat, adorned with gilt buttons, a black
broad-brimmed hat — which also did the duty of an umbrella;
a shirt collar — the ends of which nearly touched his eyes —
and a Patagonian pair of boots none too big for his elephantine
feet, completed his costume, of which he seemed ineffably
proud. Uncle Sam, who evidently fancied himself irresistible
in his new and rather " loud " style of dress, handed me with
great dignity into one of the carriages, and then went to look
after my luggage. He tramped along the station with that
air of importance which negroes are so fond of assuming when
they fancy their master to be a man of consideration.
When we were just about to start. Uncle Sam took good
care to display himself in all his bravery on the platform of
the carriage, that he might gladden the eyes of his admiring
brethren, numbers of whom, hearing of his departure, had
assembled to see him off. " Good-by, Bell ; don't forget
me," he shouted out to a thick-lipped, ugly negress, as she
handed up some fruit. " Bob, don't forget you owe me ten
cents." " Tim, my compliments to your lady. Onkel Sam
is going to the wars, and kill many Yankees. Massa Cornel
hab swords. Good-by, good-by;" and thus he took leave,
perhaps forever, of his sajjle acquaintances.

12 WAR PICTURES.
My new journey was just as monotonous as that from
Richmond to Charleston. In Augusta, in the State of Georgia,
I made a halt to have an interview with the Hon. Mr. K  ,
to whom I had letters of introduction. I found this gentleman
a devoted patriot of the great Republic. He shook his head
sadly at the startling events in the Southern States, and em
phatically condemned the inconsiderate, hasty action of the
State of South Carolina, as likely to lead the country to ruin.
On my observing to him that the whole of the Southern
newspapers approved of the conduct of South Carolina, not a
single dissentient voice having been raised against it, he re
plied, " Yes, yes, the newspapers join in this wolfish howl ;
but ask the people, appeal to the inhabitants of Georgia, and
I will stake my head that four fifths of the population are in
favor of the Union, and opposed to a separation from it.
And this is not only the case here," he continued, "but you
will find it to be the same in Alabama, North Carolina, and
Virginia. But that portion of the community which has long
been waiting for a pretext to get up this revolution has found
an opportunity for commencing their odious game in the elec
tion of the Republican candidate, Abraham Lincoln."
I took a cordial leave of this worthy man and patriotic
citizen, and continued my journey to Montgomery.
Some of the reflections I had just heard, I could not help
fancying had already flashed across my own mind. It was in
telligible enough that a factious party, actuated by ambition
and restless discontent, with the press at their command,
should persistently preach -disunion, hoping by the overthrow
of the existing state of things to bring about the accomplish
ment of their designs. I could not forget how majestic had
been the growth'of the Union, that vigorous plant which had
been developed in such strength and power as to command
the admiration of the civilized world. Each State was a
glorious stem of this noble tree, and ea(di leaf bore the words,
Law, Liberty, Prosperity, Concord ! These four elements of

MONTGOMERY. 13
its flourishing condition were individually and collectively es
sential to its further development : a truth felt and cherished
by the smallest member of the least part of this colossal
Union. Why, then, were not the noxious insects at once
crushed which had crept into the calyx of so fair a flower in
order to destroy if? Why was not every rotten leaf at once
cut off that threatened to poison the sap of the whole plant ?
But who could have then dreamt that the small snowball
moulded by the hand of discord would become ere long a
mighty avalanche, increasing as it rolled on ; would, in its de
structive career, overwhelm thousands of the homesteads of
peace ?
MoNTGOMERT, in the State of Alabama, was selected by
the revolutionary party as the place best suited to concoct
their schemes, and to lay out their plans in undisturbed se
curity. On my arrival in this small town I found the great
est excitement and flurry prevalent amongst the citizens, who
had assembled together by thousands. With some difficulty
I procured a lodging for myself and Uncle Sam, and then
hastened to the Capitol, where I had a short interview with
some of the members of the Southern Convention, which was
then holding a sitting. Without allowing myself any further
respite, I proceeded at daybreak next morning to the seat of
war in Florida, to investigate the state of affairs there.
At Pensacola, a miserable little town on the Mexican
Gulf, in a sandy plain where yellow fever and alligators had
it all their own way, was posted the army of the famous
General Bragg, who, from this point, commenced operations
to storm Fort Pickens, situated in the middle of the bay,
which post was then covered and defended by a United
States' squadron and a small body of troops. Hitherto
General Bragg had done nothing except to concoct and issue
forth his pompous reports to the world. The impression he
made upon me was precisely that of a strolling acrobat stand
ing outside his booth, announcing the wonderful things that

14 WAR PICTURES.
were to be seen within. It must be admitted, however, that
his reports and bulletins were calculated to produce a telling
effect in exciting the masses. Here is a specimen of the style
of these precious effusions : " Prepare your cannon to destroy
the world ! I will disperse the dogs to the four winds ! Not
one stone of the fort shall remain upon another ! "
In short, by such laconic proclamations he successfully
courted the approval of the multitude, who began to fancy
that Bragg was the only general in the world worth having —
a second Alexander the Great. Indeed, if big words sufficed
to make heroes, there would be no lack of supply in America ;
but as a makeweight they have happily a local proverb
which teaches them that " Words are not cents ! "
Bragg would not allow me to open my lips, but, in wild
excitement, at once launched forth a vainglorious boast, that
in less than four weeks he would capture Fort Pickens, put
the garrison to the sword, and blow it in the air. " All this
is very well. General," I quietly observed ; " but what meas
ures have you taken to carry out this great plan 1 " On this
point, however, the gallant General declined to enter into any
explanations ; it was his wish, he said (pulling up his shirt
collar at the same time, as if to give weight to his words), to
astonish the public by his success. After this rather unsatis
factory interview, I proceeded along the shores of the bay to
inspect his camp and the condition of his army. The defen
sive works were of the most primitive kind, and constructed
with a carelessness which might have led to the supposition
that we were in a state of peace, had it not been that a hos
tile fort opposite stood where the vigilant activity of the enemy
was evident enough.
The sun's rays were so fierce that the dry sandy soil
glowed with scorching heat. I therefore ordered a horse, and
rode, accompanied by General Bragg's first adjutant. Major
Self, through the camp. Major Self was a good-humored
cavalry officer, who might be a good soldier but he was

SECESSION OF OTHER STATES. 15
rather too enthusiastic an admirer of General Bragg, and
was never tired of talking about the great things which the
General intended to do. The troops assembled here consisted
exclusively of volunteer militia, who had only been a few
weeks in the service. They were a set of fine-looking young
men. Camp life had given them much of the fantastical ap
pearance of the French troops in Algeria, but they lacked
their light-hearted good humor and ready wit ; they seemed,
at any rate, greatly to enjoy their military life : it was a re
lief from the monotonous routine of their plantation exist
ence, and this change in their habits seemed to be not at all
unpalatable to them. I had only been a few days in the
camp when the news arrived that the Convention at Mont
gomery had elected Jefferson Davis as President, and Alex
ander H. Stephens as Vice-President of the Confederacy. I
took a hasty farewell of General Bragg and of the chief of
the staff; ordered Sam to pack up my things, and on that
same evening started on my way back to Montgomery.
In a very short time the circumstances of the South had
undergone a great change. After the secession of South Car
olina, that of other Southern States soon followed. Early in
January, 1861, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida seceded
from the Union, and at the end of the same month Georgia
and Louisiana did the same. Texas seceded in February. So
that in less than three months after the election of President
Lincoln all the cotton States had separated from the Union,
taking, moreover,. at the same time, the precaution to seize
all State property, with the exception of the forts in Charles
ton Bay and Fort Pickens in Florida, which were held by the
troops of the United States, who did not show the least incli
nation to give them up at the first bidding.
At the end of January the Legislature of the State of
Virginia proposed a Peace Congress, to avert, if possible, the
calamity of a civil war. This Congress actually met on the
9th of February at Washington, for the purpose of taking

16 WAR PICTURES.
counsel to devise friendly and conciliatory measures calculated
to quench the smouldering sparks of revolution, and Mr.
Tyler, a former President of the United States, was elected to
preside ; but after a few days' sitting the Congress broke up,
as it was found impracticable to come to any understanding.
The seceding States thereupon organized a Government of
their own, and thus laid the foundation of the future Confede
racy. The delegates of the six seceding States met at Montgom
ery, and there, on the 8th of February, a constitution for the
Confederate States was framed and adopted. The Congress
then proceeded to the election of a President and Vice-Presi
dent, and after some discussion, Jefferson Davis was, as
already stated, elected President, and Alexander H. Stephens,
of Georgia, Vice-President of the Confederacy.
I looked forward with no little interest for the arrival of
President Davis, who, I learned, was, on the news of his
election, hastening to Montgomery to assume the functions of
his office. On the 19th February he made his solemn en
trance into that town amidst the ringing of bells and the roar
of cannon. Followed by a host of office hunters, he found a
still greater number of the same gentry awaiting his arrival.
The 22d February was the day fixed upon for the installation
of the President. The ceremony took place with all the pomp
that was possible, under the circumstances. Bells pealed, sar
lutes were fired, and military detachments from every part
of the Confederate States came forward to take a share
in the great show. But the whole thing was dona i*i such
a hurry that the election, arrival, and installation of the
President were scarcely made public before they were ac
complished. It almost seemed as if there had been a pre
vious rehearsal, so rapid was the performance. On the
22d February, at 2 p. m., the Southern States possessed
a President and a Cabinet, and the people stared at each
other in amazement, not exactly understanding how this

JEFFERSON DAVIS. 1*?
hasty election came about. A candidate for the Presi
dency had arrived in the night without the people knowing
anything about it, without giving the citizens time to voto
for or against him. Some politicians naturally took advan
tage of this to treat the citizens of this free country as serfs,
and the latter, silently and without a murmur, put up with
this contemptuous treatment of their rights. But not to
allow them time to brood over their wrongs, the Government
immediately took measures which were well calculated to
completely bewilder them.
Forts Moultrie and Pinckney in Charleston Bay were
taken possession of, as we have seen, as also were Forts Pu
laski, Jackson, and Philip. The arsenals at Baton Rouge and
Mount Vernon, the Custom House at New Orleans, and the
Mint were also seized, the cash found there confiscated, and
new officials appointed.
At this period the court of the newly elevated Jefferson
Davis was thronged by all those who had contributed in the
slightest degree to rend asunder the republic of the United
States. It seemed as if from every part of the land the
crows had flocked together to share in the anticipated feast.
The ex-Secretary of War, Floyd, played no unimportant part
here, as also a certain Mr. Tochman, formerly of the New
York bar, who was at once appointed a general of brigade.
A great number of former officials in the United States ser
vice, both civil and military, joined the new Confederacy.
Many of these gentleman had a convenient elasticity of con
science, and understood perfectly well how to proclaim their
love of country and disinterested conduct ; while the Govern
ment which comprised within itself many similar elements,
had naturally no cause to disavow this outburst of patriotic
feeling. These men were, accordingly, received with open
arms, and appointed to good situations.
Whilst the revolution was gradually preparing on a large
scale in the South, the Buchanan Cabinet at Washington dis-

IS

WAR PICTURES.

played an indifference which bordered upon insanity, to say
the best of it. The relief of Fort Sumter, for instance, where
Major Anderson was shut up with 132 men, was then appa
rently not even thought of; and the 4th March, the day fixed
for the installation of the Republican President, Abraham
Lincoln, was fast approaching.
To reach Washington, Lincoln had so many obstacles to
overcome on the way, that probably some men in a similar
position would have turned back ; but quietly and calmly did
this simple, clear-headed man pursue the course he had laid
down for himself; and, despite all hindrances, not dismayed
even at the pious wishes of the Southerners that he might
come to serious grief on the road, he arrived safely at the
capital of the United States.
The hour for his installation at last struck, and General
Scott, commander-in-chief of the United States' army, received
instructions to take all possible precautions to put down any
attempt at an outbreak, as it was currently reported that a
great demonstration had been resolved upon by the many
thousand Southerners who had assembled on the occasion.
The old General displayed the greatest activity on this occa
sion. He occupied the Capitol with regular troops ; he or
dered the by-roads which lead into Pennsylvania Avenue, the
main street leading from the President's house to the Capi
tol, to be closed ;^while the flat roofs of the houses were oc
cupied by riflemen, and large bodies of infantry and cavalry
were stationed at various points, ready at a given signal to
act in concert. Cavalry was ordered to form the advanced
and rear guards of the Presidential procession, and to serve
also as an escort. The marine brigade in the port was like
wise ordered to be ready in case of any emergency.
A portentous cloud thus hung over the Capitol of the
Union. Had a single unlucky shot been fired, the city of
Washington was doomed ; for General Scott was not the man
to shrink at trifles, and would certainly have cleared tha

LLNCOLN'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 19
Streets with grape had any mad attempt been made to oppose
the installation of the President. When favorable reports
from different quarters came in on all sides, the old General,
addressing his officers, said : " Thank Heaven that I was not
compelled to have recourse to force, for in that case it would
have been a very sad business."
Merry peals of bells and the roar of cannon announced
the ceremony of the installation. Thousands of people had
arrived from all parts to see the old railsplitter of Illinois
installed in one of the highest of earthly dignities, and I too
formed one of the curious spectators. The procession which
left the White House was headed by a number of volunteers,
detachments of military, and various deputations ; then came
a plain carriage, wherein sat the ex-President Buchanan,. and
on his right, his successor, Abraham Lincoln. The President
elect appeared pale and careworn from the fatigue and excite
ment he had undergone, and he oast a weary and cold glance
at the moving mass of human beings at each side of the pro
cession. Was he endeavoring to discover his Brutus among
them? Buchanan sat at his side with a beaming face ; it was quite
clear he was delighted at being relieved from the duties of his
responsible position. The representatives of foreign States
followed the simple carriage of the President in magnificent
equipages, attended by the whole personnel of their respective
embassies and consulates, in their official costumes.
President Lincoln made his inaugural speech — a serious
and dignified oration — from the east portico of the Capitol.
He swore solemnly with upraised hand that he would observe
and defend the rights and laws of the United States, and that
he would govern in such wise that he should be able one day
to render a good account of his acts before his Supreme Judge.
He declared that there was no necessity for the shedding of
blood, or to have recourse to force, at least not unless — and
he placed great emphasis upon that word — the insurgent peo-

20 WAR PICTURES.
pie should drive the Government to it. He further declared
that he should make use of the power intrusted to him by the
majority of the people to maintain with a firm hand, under
all circumstances, every town and citadel which belonged to
the Government.
In the South, President Lincoln's speech was looked upon
as tantamount to a declaration of war, especially when it was
found that he had conferred the most important Government
appointments upon the most determined enemies of the South.
Thus he appointed —
William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury.
Montgomery Blair, Postmaster General
Anson Burlingame, Minister to Austria.
Cassius M. Clat, " to Russia.
C. ScHURZ, " to Spain.
J. E. Harvey, " to Portugal.
Charles Francis Adams, " to England.
In the Senate of Congress, Charles Sumner was appointed
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations ; William
P. Fessenden, Chairman of the Finance Committee; and
Henry Wilson Chairman of the Committee on Military
Affairs. Mr. Douglas, the leader of that portion of the
Democratic party which still adhered to the National Gov
ernment, paid great court to the President, and during the
installation ceremony held his hat in his hand. At the ball
which took place afterward he paid the greatest attention to
the President, and to Mrs. Lincoln. Evil tongues spoke dis
paragingly of this, and attributed his conduct to interested
motives : we prefer remaining silent on the subject.
On President's Lincoln's accession to the Presidency the
condition of the finances was far from discouraging. In fact,
the Government found itself in this point of view in a suffi-

WARLIKE PREPARATIONS. 21
ciently comfortable position. The War Department alone,
under J. B. Floyd's administration, was found to be in a
state of great disorder ; the head of that department having
thought the moment very opportune to join the banner of
the Confederacy with all the material aid he could bring to
them. Meantime, the Confederate Government, stumbling from
one step to another, burning all its bridges behind it, so as to
prevent any possibility of a reconciliation, sent Mr. Crawford
of Georgia, and Mr. Forsyth of Alabama, as delegates to
Washington to negotiate the withdrawal of the United States
troops from Forts Sumter and Pickens. Moreover, in con
sequence of the separation of the South from the North, they
were to make proposals respecting a division of territory.
Mr. Seward, Secretary of State, declined, however, to receive
them as delegates from a sovereign State.
Whilst the greater portion of the population of the South
anxiously watched the course of events, many still hoping for
a peaceful settlement, I had long given up all such hopes, be
lieving that the men who took the lead in the South were de
termined to oppose any attempt at reconciliation. Most of
these men, it appeared to me, had little or nothing t-o lose, but
hoped to gain a good deal, and, consequently, were decidedly
in favor of forcible separation. As soon as the festivities of
the installation were over, I started for Charleston.
Military committees now sat daily in Washington, under
President Lincoln, to concert measures for sending reenforce-
ments, ammunition, and provisions to Fort Sumter. These
sittings lasted for nearly a fortnight, without any important
decision having been adopted. The new Secretary of War at
length took steps to be prepared for any eventuality. The
regular troops stationed on the Southern frontier were recalled
to Washington ; the naval squadrons in all parts ofthe world
were ordered to return home, with the exception of those ves
sels whose duty it was to protect the commercial interests of

22 WAR PICTURES.
the United States at sea. Washington soon had the appeal
ance of a great military school. These arrangements proved
that the Government was aware of the critical state of affairs.
In fact, it was high time that order should be restored out of
the confusion which had arisen during the latter period of
Buchanan's presidency, and that nothing should be wanting to
show the firm resolve of the United States Government to
bring back to the Union, either by conciliatory measures or
by force of arms, those States which were declared to be in
open rebellion.
On the other hand, the Confederate Government had not
been idle. Three military bills passed the Congress sitting at
Montgomery, which was also temporarily the seat of the
Government. The first bill empowered President Davis to
call out 100,000 volunteers for service; the second, to organ
ize a regular Confederate army ; the third, to form a local
force. What, however, most alarmed the United States
Government at Washington, was the fact that a great num
ber of officers of the army and navy were leaving the service
of the United States to join the Confederates.
At this trying time for the Government at Washington,
many Governors of Northern States tendered aid in both men
and money. It was also resolved that the Government should
be empowered to employ the military force at its disposal, if
no other means could be found, to suppress the rebellion of
the Southern States. As soon as Lincoln's Government found
that the Northern States intended to support it manfully with
every means at their disposal, it was decided at once that re-
enforcements of men and supplies should be sent to Fort
Sumter. With the view, moreover, of avoiding, if possible,
even at the last moment, all aggressive measures. Colonel
Lamon was sent to South Carolina, on a special mission to
Governor Pickens, with the notification that the Government
intended to send supplies to Fort Sumter. Governor Pick
ens listened quietly to the notification, but made no reply to

ACTIVITY AT THE DOCK YARDS. 23
indicate how the Government of South Carolina intended to
act under the circumstances.
It was now resolved at Washington that not a minute
should be lost in taking active measures. The Navy Depart
ment received orders to issue the necessary instructions to get
the fleet ready at once for service. The greatest activity was
displayed in all the dockyards, and in the arsenals of West
Troy, where the works were carried on day and night. A
great number of steamers and sailing vessels were purchased,
large contracts entered into for war materials, and at last the
Washington Cabinet showed the people that it was going
earnestly to work. Recruiting for the regular army was car
ried out with no little success, so that in a very short time
from 12,000 to 15,000 troops were assembled on Governor's
Island. On the 6th April, the naval officer in command of the
squadron apprized the Secretary of the Navy that he was
awaiting further orders.
Tlie force ready for service consisted of —
The Powhatan frigate, carrying 10 heavy guns, with a crew
of 400 men ;
The cutter Harriet Lane, 8 heavy guns, with a crew of
100 men ;
The sloop of war Pawnee, 10 heavy guns, with a crew of
150 men ;
together with the Baltic, the Atlantic, the Illinois, and
other steamers ; the squadron numbered altogether 11 ships,
carrying 285 guns, and 2,400 men.
There was now no doubt that the first blow would be
struck against Charleston. President Lincoln hesitated no
longer, and showed to the world his determination, if all at
tempts at peace should fail, to have recourse to arms.
The Southern Government at Montgomery was, through
its spies, kept perfectly well informed of all President Lin
coln's measures, and appointed P. G. T. Beauregard com-

24 WAR PICTURES.
mander of Charleston, with the rank of general in the Con
federate army.
Beauregard had this appointment bestowed upon him
without much being known about his military talents. The
son of a rich planter in the State of Louisiana, he was edu
cated at the Military Academy at West Point, and, on leaving
that institution, he obtained a second-class certificate. When
the Mexican war broke out, he is reported to have distin
guished himself as a captain of engineers, and was twice
honorably mentioned for his brave and meritorious conduct
in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco. • After the battle
of Chapul tepee, he was promoted to the rank of major. On
the termination of the Mexican war, he received a commission
from the United States Government to construct a mint and
custom house in New Orleans ; he was subsequently appoint
ed Superintendent of the Military Academy at West Point, by
President Buchanan. That appointment, however, was can
celled forty-eight hours after it had been made, and he then
joined the army ofthe Confederacy, with the rank of general.
On my return to Charleston, I found a complete change in
the aspect of the place, the whole town and its neighborhood
having the appearance of a vast camp. An army of 30,000
men was assembling against Fort Sumter and its small garri
son, just as if a place as strong as Gibraltar was about to be
invested. Including the United States squadron, which was
cruising in the vicinity, the enemy could not oppose to this
force more than 2,500 men.
Beauregard displayed great activity in his operations.
He ordered siege works to be erected on Morris and Sullivan's
Islands, and batteries to be placed in position, many, indeed,
without any apparent object. As soon as a mound of earth
was thrown up and a gun mounted, a commander of a battery
rose, like magic, from the earth. In a short time, no less
than thirteen batteries were noted down in Governor Pickens's
list, with Forts Moultrie and Pinckney, under the able man-

FORT SUMTER. 25
agement of Major Ripley, and there were also two colossal
iron-plated ships. The preparations portended a tremendous
siege and bombardment, and my curiosity was greatly excited.
To stimulate the energy of the troops. Governor Pickens
visited the different quarters accompanied by his beautiful
wife and his niece. Grand parades were held, flags presented
to the different regiments by fair hands, and patriotic speeches
made ; in short, both officers and men declared that they were
determined to conquer or die before Charleston. Oh, Sum
ter ! poor Sumter ! thy doom, thought I, is near at hand !
Whilst all these preparations were going on outside that
stronghold, Major Anderson, within its walls, was not idle.
When he took possession of Fort Sumter, it was in a very
tolerable state of defence ; according to the statement of well-
informed Americans, the fort was bombproof. It lies about
three English miles from Charleston, and is a prominent
feature in the bay. It is built upon an artificial islet, having
a foundation of sand and mud, which, by sunken blocks of
stone and granite from the qnarries of the Northern States,
had been transformed into a hard and solid mass. Some
idea may be formed of the cost and care bestowed on its
construction, from the well-known fact that the foundation
alone cost more than half a million of dollars, and took ten
years in completion.
The walls, covered with slate and masonry, were sixty feet
in height, and from ten to twelve feet in thickness, containing
three galleries on the north, east, and west sides. Major
Anderson found more guns and ammunition there than his
small garrison needed. As regards supplies, he was equally
well off, for since the 24th of December, 1860, the State of
South Carolina had taken care to send them in regularly.
Nothing now remained to put these works and the skill
of the commander to the test but a little real fighting.
On the 8th of April, an agent of the Government at
Washington made his appearance at General Beauregard's
2

26 WAR PICTUEES.
headquarters, with the intelligence that the United States had
despatched a squadron with supplies for Fort Sumter. Gen-
eral Beauregard at once forwarded the despatch to his Gov
ernment at Montgomery, and shortly after received a despatch
in reply from Mr. Walker, the Secretary of War, ordering him
to demand, categorically, the surrender of Fort Sumter, and,
in case of refusal, to commence tbe bombardment without
delay. General Beauregard sent his first adjutant, as com
missioner, to Major Anderson, and through him peremptorily
demanded the surrender of the fort. The gallant Major
smiled at so naive a demand, and stated in reply that his
honor and his duty compelled him to hold the fort for his
Government.' On being asked whether he intended to treat
the unprotected city as a hostile town, he replied, " Only if I
am compelled to do so." So ended the parley.
President Lincoln's message created a lively sensation
amongst the good people of Charleston, especially as, at the
same time. Governor Pickens issued an order calling upon all
men from eighteen to forty-five years of age to assemble at
the Capitol for the purpose of being formed into new regi
ments. Further orders were sent into the immediate neigh
borhood for the creation of four other regiments of infantry
and two regiments of cavalry. It was not until then that
ambulances were prepared for the wounded, and that the med
ical men of the town and vicinity were ordered to join the
army. The Government, indeed, was intent on taking meas
ures, as if some great battle was on the eve of being fought.
When at last seven guns were fired as a signal for the men of
Charleston capable of bearing arms to present themselves at
the Capitol, the excitement in the population knew no bounds.
Every man seized upon some weapon or other, no matter
what, resolved to fight in good earnest.
It was a curious sight to see men carrying guns without
locks, bayonets without muskets, Turkish sabres too, and
some men even had old French cuirasses buckled on; all

FORT SUMTER. 2*7
anxious to play a part in the attack on Fort Sumter, then
quietly reposing three miles off in the middle of the bay.
Drums beat throughout the whole of the night, and the
bells kept ringing so incessantly that Major Anderson and
his little garrison must have been in an awful state of alarm.
At the corner of every street, in every bar room, crowds as
sembled and warlike speeches were made, whilst cannon rat
tled along the pavement, and bodies of horse and foot marched
past in rapid succession. The elder portion of the commu
nity took upon themselves the duties of police, whilst the
blacks looked on with a shrewd eye to see if perchance any
thing might turn up in their favor. Every man was deter
mined to do something, and these disinterested citizens made
such a noise and confusion that one might have fancied they
were so many Bedlamites. To add to the tumult, about mid
night one of those terrible storms so common in the Southern
States burst forth ; the thunder pealed and roared to an ex
tent that threatened to shake the earth to its centre, and the
lightning flashed in forks of lurid light through the dark roll
ing clouds, until the storm terminated in real torrents of rain.
It was a grand spectacle of Southern nature in one of its most
striking aspects.
As early as half past four on the morning of the 12th of
April, orders were sent to Major Ripley, at Fort Moultrie,
and to Captain Wilson, commander of the battery on Cum-
ming's Island, to open fire. The batteries soon commenced
firing, and two hours afterward were responded to by the
guns of Fort Sumter. Gradually every battery was engaged,
and the air resounded with the prolonged roar of heavy guns.
The whole population of Charleston was now in the greatest
state of excitement. The church steeples and housetops were
crowded by thousands of spectators, eager to see a contest of
artillery, and watching with feverish excitement the progress
of the struggle. At length all the forts, batteries, and ships
were engaged ; when suddenly a ship of war of the United

28 WAR PICTUEES.
States hove in sight, on Charleston Bar. Shortly afterward
a second ship made its appearance, and signals were exchanged
with Major Anderson. Beyond this interchange of signals,
however, nothing was done in that quarter ; the ships kept at
a very respectful distance from our land batteries, leaving
Major Anderson to his fate. As evening came on, the fire
from the batteries increased, but evidently producing little or
no decisive effect. The firing was kept up by our batteries
during the whole of the night, which not only afforded much
harmless amusement to the good citizens of Charleston, but
as much also to the contending soldiers themselves ; for, de
spite the eighteen hours' bombardment, not one drop of blood
had been shed in our batteries ; and if Major Anderson had
not suffered more from our artillery, he might feel satisfied,
on this score at least, with the day's work. The reports re
ceived at' headquarters, from the various batteries engaged af-
. ter eighteen hours' bombardment, up to eleven o'clock at
night, established the fact that no casualty had occurred : not
one man was killed or wounded, nor was there a disabled gun.
General Beauregard, at the close of the day's proceedings,
could therefore wipe, not the blood, but the dust from his
sword, and complacently say, " Enough for to-day! "
On the following morning Major Anderson recommenced
firing. The soldiers in our batteries had, however, already
come to the conclusion that little harm would ensue, and,
therefore, did not allow themselves to be disturbed in their
usual avocations. Any experienced European officer could
not fiiil, on taking a glance at our camp, to be considerably
astonished at the Spartan self-confidence of our men.
About ten o'clock a dense pillar of smoke was seen to rise
from Fort Sumter, whilst the flag was lowered half-mast high,
as a signal that the fort was in distress. The United States
vessels, which had drifted away during the storm, had again
collected together near the bar, and made signals to Fort
Sumter. Major Anderson returned the compliment by tele-

MAJOR -ANDERSON CAPITULATES. 29
graphing back to them that he stood in need of speedy help.
Meanwhile the fire which had broken out within the fort had
spread to the barracks and officers' quarters. The sudden
cessation of fire from its batteries was hailed by a loud cheer
from our troops, for all now anticipated the moment when
Major Anderson and his garrison would surrender" uncondi
tionally to the triumphant Beauregard and his valiant army.
Notwithstanding that the firing from Fort Sumter had
ceased, our troops kept up theirs with renewed energy, as if
they feared that this harmless amusement would too soon be
over. As the smoke and flames in the fort increased. Gene
ral Beauregard, true on this occasion to tis chivalrous char
acter, despatched one of his adjutants, bearing a flag of truce,
to Major Anderson, with the message that he trusted the
latter would not take it in bad part if he had done him
serious damage, and that in case the Major could not master
the fire in the fort by the unaided efforts of his men, he should
be most willing to send him a detachment of his own troops
to help him to do so.
Major Anderson now thought fit to discontinue further
resistance, and ordered the white flag to be hoisted as a sign
of capitulation. I confess that at this moment my sense of military honor
suffered a keen pang on beholding the flag of the United States
lowered, and supplanted by the little flag of the Palmetto
State of South Carolina.
In this manner did Major Anderson surrender a stronghold
of the Republic, when he ought rather to have buried himself
under its ruins than have given it up in so pusillanimous a
manner. What could have been the motive that impelled
him to commit so disgraceful an act I could not possibly
conceive. His garrison, during a thirty hours' bombardment,
suffered no loss in either killed or wounded ; he had ammu
nition and provisions enough for full twenty days ; the works
were in a good state of defence ; moreover, outside the bar

30 WAR PICTURES.
was a squadron of United States ships of sufficient force to
give him confidence and eventual succor.
That little Armada could undoubtedly have soon found a
favorable moment to get in motion, and enable him to
obtain better conditions than an unconditional surrender.*
He could indeed have claimed more favorable conditions
from any enemy, however powerful, if he had but resolved
to decline all proposals for at least a week, and with the ad
vantages he had, he could have defied superior numbers for
that space of time. But the commandant of Fort Sumterj
by thus prematurely yielding — uncrippled as he was, except
by his own want of resolution — degraded himself in the eyes
of all military men — in Europe at least.
Meantime the news of the capitulation spread like wildfire
through Charleston, and, as may be imagined, created the
greatest sensation. The church bells began to peal, and the
cheers and shouts and the bombastic boasting and speechify
ing of men in a condition of mind more like that of lunatics
than reasonable beings, produced a most disagreeable impres
sion upon me.
Couriers were despatched with the astounding news of the
fall of Fort Sumter throughout the length and breadth of the
land, and drove the excited population everywhere into a
state of frenzied delight.
When Major Anderson left the fort, where he had sullied
his military reputation, he delivered up his sword to Gene
ral Beauregard, who, in the politest manner, returned it to
him with some well-turned complimentary remarks upon the
gallant defence he had made. The JMajor and the whole of
his garrison were allowed free passage to New York, and on
their leaving the fort the United States flag was saluted with
a salvo of fifty guns. It would seem as if enough powder
* The fort "was surrendered because the provisions were exhausted. The com
mand took their arms and all private and company property, saluted the flag as it
was lowered, and "were conveyed to any Northern port they desired.— Am. Ed.

LINCOLN'S WARLIKE PROCLAMATION. 31
had not been already wasted in this sham fighting affair, and
so it was deemed advisable to get up a sort of spectacle at
the conclusion.
Whilst this complimentary salute was being fired, two of
the guns burst, thereby causing four of Major Anderson's
men to be mortally wounded. This was the only blood shed
during the whole of the operations connected with the capture
of the redoubtable Fort Sumter.
This siege and bombardment of Fort Sumter will occupy a
conspicuous and not very enviable space in military annals.
It will, hereafter, surely be deemed incredible that a bom
bardment which lasted forty -eight hours, and in which more
than 500 missiles from powerful guns were fired, came to a
close without causing a single casualty on either side !
The fall of Fort Sumter did not produce the slightest
effect upon President Lincoln and his Government ; on the
contrary, he, as well as the population of the Northern States,
thought fit to pay the highest honors to Major Anderson.
The President promoted him to the rank of brigadier-general,
and his friends hurried in crowds to pay their respects to him.
Some two years have elapsed since that disgraceful capitu
lation. The name of General .Anderson is all but forgotten ;
and he has not again appeared on any battle field.
On the 14th April, 1861, President Lincoln issued his
declaration of war. It is couched in earnest and dignified
terms, and runs as follows :
" Whereas, the laws of the United States have been for
some time past, and now are, opposed, and the execution
thereof obstructed in the States of South Carolina, Georgia,
Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, by
combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary
course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers invested in
the marshals by law ;
" Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the

32 WAR PICTURES.
United States, in virtue of the power in me vested by the
constitution and the laws, have thought fit to call forth, and '
hereby do call forth, the militia of the several States of the
Union, to the aggregate number of seventy-five thousand, in
order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to
be duly executed.
" The details for this object will be immediately commu
nicated to the State authorities through the War Depart
ment. " I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and aid
this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and the ex
istence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular
government, and to redress wrongs already long enough
endured. " I deem it proper to say that the first service assigned to
the forces hereby called forth will probably be to repossess
the forts, places, and property which have been seized from
the Union ; and in every event the utmost care will be ob
served, consistently with the objects aforesaid, to avoid any
devastation and destruction of or interference with property,
or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the
country. And I hereby command the persons composing the
combinations aforesaid to disperse and retire peaceably to
their respective abodes within twenty days from this date.
" Abraham Lincoln.''
In my opinion, this proclamation did not protest vigor
ously enough against the conduct of the Southern seceding
States. President Lincoln ought to have seen, from their ener
getic preparations, that Jefferson Davis and his supporters
v.ere exerting every nerve to do battle with the Union. He
ought to have called out for active service, not 75,000 men,
but half a million, and another half million as a reserve. By
so doing, he would have given a guarantee to some hundred
thousand of dismayed Unionists in the South that he was re-

excitement at RICHMOND. 33
solved in earnest to support and protect all loyal subjects
throughout the Union.
At Montgomery, President Lincoln's proclamation was
received with contempt and derision ; illusion reached so far,
indeed, that it was rumored the seat of the Confederate Gov
ernment might shortly be transferred to Washington, as it
was confidently hoped that they would make very short work
with the United States. Disaffection to the Union now spread
rapidly, and one State after another refused passage to the
forces of the United States. Maryland alone, of the Southern
States, represented by Governor Hicks, promised the Presi
dent to support him with troops, in his endeavors to compel
the seceding States to rejoin the Union by force of arms. At
the same time. Governor Hicks issued a proclamation to the
citizens, calling upon them to await quietly and patiently the
course of events, as he would soon give them an opportunity,
through the election of members for Congress, of expressing
their opinion whether they wished to remain true to the Re
public of the United States, or whether they wished to range
themselves on the side of the Confederate Government.
My mission in South Carolina having terminated with the
fall of Fort Sumter, I returned forthwith to the State of Vir
ginia, to watch the course of events there.
On the 15th of April, after nearly three months' absence,
I arrived safely at Richmond. The appearance of the good
old State of Virginia had undergone a complete change. As
I entered its capital, my attention was at once attracted to-the
motley mass of adventurers who had flocked here from every
part of the Confederacy ; Baltimore, especially, being well
represented. These gentry had positively taken possession
of the city, as well as the State, and were powerful enough to
overawe the Government.
The fall of Fort Sumter, and the bombastic reports, issued
in all quarters, glorifying tba bravery of the troops of South
Carolina, under their great leader, Beauregard, put these vagar-
2*

34 WAR PICTURES.
bonds into the greatest state of ecstasy. They compelled the
inhabitants to illuminate the city in honor of the renowned
victory, under the threat that all windows not lit up were to
be smashed, and the occupants of the houses ill treated and
handed over to the tender mercies of the rabble. Money and
promises from the Government at Montgomery were not
wantino- to aggravate this sad state of things. At every cor
ner of a street, bar-room brawlers, seasoning their speeches
with oaths and curses, might be heard prophesying that on
the following day Virginia must leave the Union. An inter
view, which I had on the very evening of my arrival, with
Governor Letcher, who had not escaped insult from the law
less rabble, and with the Hon. John Minor Botts, gave me
some hope, however, that the Government of the State of
Virginia would make an appeal to the loyal citizens of the
United States. Meantime, all that could be done was to await
quietly the course of events.
On the following morning, the 18th April, tumultuous
crowds assembled at the Capitol, in the square in front of
Governor Letcher's house, and, amidst shouts of execration
and defiance, demanded the removal of the United States ban
ner, and that the flag of the Confederacy should be forthwith
hoisted in its place. One fellow in this unruly mob was too
impatient to wait for formal compliance with this demand, so,
rushing up the steps of the Capitol, and climbing on to the
roof, he attempted to mount the flagstaff that he might tear
down the flag of the Union, encouraged and cheered in his
efforts by the tumultuous multitude below. He had nearly
reached the top when he slipped, and falling on the roof, was
severely hurt. This was a bad omen. Shortly afterward a
detachment of soldiers was ordered to the spot to keep the
crowd ill order. In the afternoon, however, the mob increased
to such an extent that the small knot of respectable citizens,
who resolutely aided the soldiers in their efforts to keep order,
were driven back, the Capitol taken by storm, the flag of the
Union torn down, and that of the Confederacy hoisted.

SECESSION OF VIRGINIA. 35
I could not but feel moved at this outrageous act of the
populace, in thus ignominiously hauling down the flag of the
Republic, under which I had found a refuge and a home, espe
cially when I saw how deeply affected were many of the by
standers of both sexes — loyal adherents of the Union — on
witnessing the occurrence.
The separation of Virginia from the Union created the
greatest enthusiasm amongst those States which had already
•seceded, for the Confederacy now counted ten States under its
iron rule. By the secession of the State of Virginia, — which
throughout the whole country, not only from its great extent
and prosperity, but from its historical associations and the
eminent statesmen it had produced, enjoyed so high a reputa
tion, — the Government at Montgomery hoped effectually to
supersede that of Washington. It was firmly believed, more
over, that the State of Maryland would take advantage of this
opportunity to leave the Union, and that the Government at
Washington would be compelled to remove its seat further
northward. All the inducements held out, whether by bribery
or otherwise, failed, however, to shake the stanch honesty and
strong will of Governor Hicks, who was determined to remain
true to the cause of the Republic.

36 WAR PICTUEES.

CHAPTER n.

the RIOT AT BALTIMORE.

Consequences of the secession of Virginia — The Confederate Government is trans
ferred from Montgomery to Eichmond— Eiot at Baltimore— Movement of the
troops.
It ought not to be matter for astonishment that the Govern
ment of Washington was greatly incensed at the secession of
Virginia from the Union, for the consequence of that act was
that the States of Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Carolina
quickly followed, and thereby the Confederate Government
was sufficiently strengthened to carry on the war on a grand
scale. All the railways were voluntarily placed at the
disposal of that Government ; and it certainly made the best
use of this generous offer. The Congress at Montgomery
authorized the Government to contract a loan of five million
dollars, which was subscribed for immediately. In all the
States which had of late seceded, regiments were raised
zealously and at much personal sacrifice. All the male pop
ulation between the ages of eighteen and forty years pressed
forward to be enrolled under the Confederate banner ; and,
indeed, many men of even sixty years of age would not be
deterred from taking up arms for their new Government. It
is at the same time true that many regiments were only thus
suddenly raised because a number of dues and charges were
bound up and connected with their formation. Everybody

VIRGINIA THE SEAT OF WAR. 37
was enthusiastic in support of the war ; in mjj opinion,
however, not so much for the sake of fighting in defence of
the Confederacy, as from the opinion that, their States having
seceded, matters would be soon, if they were not already,
arranged ; and none looked forward to the terrible events
which were to follow. A great many persons availed them
selves of their military position in order to travel on their
business avocations, or to make little pleasure excursions at
the Government's expense. Equipped in stately uniforms,
and armed to the teeth with excellent weapons from the
military storehouses, which had all been seized by the insur
gent Government, these gallant soldiers strutted about without
any apparent fear or alarm. It was a kind of general mas
querade or carnival. That this was to be succeeded by the
stern reality of war, with its bloodshed and misery, never
seemed to enter any one's mind. That a future was ap
proaching replete with disaster to the country, which would
break up all unity and concord, and lead to the derision of
their enemies and the inexpressible sorrow of their friends,
was not thought of
After a while the Govermnent began to put a little
military order into this chaos, by placing detachments of
troops in the forts of Charleston, Pensacola, Morgan, Jackson,
Philip, and Pulaski; whilst all the forces of the different
States belonging to the Confederacy were ordered to the
State of Virginia, which latter had been selected for the
theatre of war. On the 20th of BJay, the seat of Government
was transferred from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond,
Vipginia; and Jefferson Davis, the benefactor elect of the
pe'&ple, made his entry into Richmond amidst the vocifera
tions of his friends and worshippers.
Richmond, the capital of the State of Virginia, and, virtu
ally, indeed, of the whole South, was at this time, as regards
its resources in mechanical industry, quite in its infancy,
particularly as respects the manufacture of arms, for which

38 WAR PICTUEES.
the Confederates would indeed have been badly off, had it not
been for the opportune aid they received from J. B. Floyd,
the late United States Secretary of War, who helped them in
their dilemma, dexterously contriving to transfer 115,000
excellent muskets and rifles from the United States military ¦
stores at Springfield and Waterford to the camp of the
Secessionists. Thus, at the commencement of the war the
South had, thanks to Mr. Floyd's good offices, from 150,000
to 200,000 muskets ready for the equipment of their troops.
The Government at Washington was not idle whilst these
movements were occurring in the South, and assembled large
bodies of troops. And it cannot be denied that, during the
confusion and disorder with which it was at first surrounded,
the people of the Northern States generally manifested the
same kind of patriotic devotion as had been shown in the
days of the great Revolution. The men who first responded
to the call of their President were the volunteer militia regi
ments of Massachusetts, who hurried to Washington for the
protection of their President and the Republic. The first
regiment, on arriving at the railway station of Baltimore, was
obliged, in order to reach the station of the railway for Wash
ington, to traverse the city ; a portion of the regiment was
then conveyed by the horse tramway, the rest being obliged
to walk. On the news arriving of the approach of these
troops, the vagabond population of the place, always ready
for mischief, became highly excited ; whilst the police,
although well acquainted with the intentions of the mob,
offered little or no opposition. This passive conduct of the
police authorities can only be construed as actually favoring
the riot. Encouraged by this inactivity, and excited by
drink, the leaders of the mob proceeded to violent acts. The
rails were torn up, and barricades erected in the streets)
whilst a part of the rioters, with the Confederate flag at their
head, threw themselves in the way of the military, in order
to dispute the passage through the town ; and stones were

RIOT AT BALTIMORE. 39
thrown at the soldiers, as they were proceeding quietly on
their way. Although the officer commanding the troops ex
horted the people to let them pass quietly and unmolested,
his efforts were in vain, and he was received with groans,
hisses, and abuse. This officer maintained perfect self-posses
sion ; but when the soldiers were assailed by the mob, and
showers of stones increased, he ordered the drums to beat
and the men to make ready; and presently, at the word
" Fire ! " a deadly volley was discharged at the rioters, who,
armed with knives and revolvers, commenced a regular
struggle with the military. The soldiers forced their way,
despite repeated attacks, to the railway station, with the loss
of but few men. There, however, they found awaiting them
a still more enraged multitude. The directors of the railway
had, meanwhile, not been inactive, having hurriedly collected
carriages for the conveyance of the troops to Washington.
Nevertheless, the train was stopped, and the scene at the
station became terrific. The soldiers, having taken their
seats in the carriages, the mob continued to abuse them,
threatening them with their knives and revolvers, howling
and cursing at them incessantly. The police at last made
some show of interfering, but without effecting much good ;
and the people were by this time so excited, that any attempt
at expostulation was more calculated to inflame than to soothe
them. The train got off at last, leaving the populace howling and
raging at the escape of its intended victims ; and to compen
sate for this they completely demolished the station. As the
train was moving off, some soldiers fired into the people, who
were collected on each side ; and, as is but too frequently the
case on such occasions, many fell who had taken no active
part in the riot. Several respectable citizens of Baltimore
paid for their curiosity with their lives, and many others were
dangerously wounded. The revolutionary party in Baltimore,
of which we have already had occasion to speak, now devel-

40 WAR PICTURES.
oped itself and proceeded to great extremities. The railway
brido-e over the Susquehanna was burnt down, and Governor
Hicks forced unwillingly to join in the movement against the
President and the Washington Government. He did not,
however, allow himself to be led astray by these would-be
representatives of the people of Maryland ; and before long
placed four regiments at the disposal of the Union Govern
ment. For a long while subsequent to these events great dis
order and discontent continued to prevail at Baltimore.
Baltimore had to submit to the military power of the
Union, whilst the revolutionary element migrated further
south. The railroads were soon put in order again, and they
enabled the Government to forward from 4,000 to 5,000 men
daily to Washington. The Southern party in Maryland pro
tested in vain against the passage of these troops, as also
against the military authorities, who had now taken posses
sion of Baltimore and its fortifications. President Lincoln
let them protest as much as they liked, and quietly pursued
his course. General Butler, who was named Military Gove^
nor of Maryland, was a proper man to reestablish quiet and
order after the riotous proceedings which had taken place.
The mayor of the city of Baltimore and all the chiefs of the
police were dismissed and sent into the fortress as prisoners,
and all rebels and criminals brought before a military tri
bunal, so that in a short time peace and tranquillity were
restored. In the North nothing was heard of but preparations for
the war, and " Down with the rebels ! " was the general watch
word. Nobody seemed, however, to take the trouble to solve
the problem of how this end was to be accomplished.
To prove in black and white that the North had a greater
population and more wealth than the South — that it possessed
a navy — seemed to be every man's favorite occupation ; in
deed, the merchants in the North went so far as to announce
as an unquestionable fact, that the South would surely be

CONFIDENCE OF THE NORTH. 41
starved, if they resolved simply to withhold corn and other
articles of consumption from them.
The warlike plans of the North at this time may be thus
succinctly summed up :
Simply to send 25,000 men across the Potomac to march
on Richmond ; to send another body of 25,000 men to Cairo
on the Mississippi ; to close all communications with the
West ; and to keep 25,000 more men as a reserve force.
In short, the journalists of the North had plamied their
strategical movements with such nicety and military genius,
that a mere parade and march was all that was required for
the subjugation of the half-starved Southerners. Soldiers
were only enlisted for three months ; and it was hoped and
expected that the whole campaign would be over in that time.
President Lincoln, however, fortunately did not allow himself
to be led astray by these newspaper vagaries ; and issued a
second proclamation, calling out a further body of 45,000
men to serve for the time the war should last ; giving orders
at the same time for ten additional regiments to the regular
army, and for an augmentation of 18,000 men in the navy.
.From all this it was clearly to be deduced that President
Lincoln ftdly foresaw the dangers and difficulties of the task
he had before him. As soon as a sufficient body of troops
had been assembled at Washington, they received orders to
cross the Potomac immediately, and to proceed along the
Orange and Alexandria Railway in the direction of Richmond ;
whilst another column was sent from Pennsylvania through
Maryland into the valleys of Virginia. The first military act
was the occupation of the not unimportant town of Alexan
dria, which was effected on the 24th of May ; on which the
Southern troops fell back to the Manassas Junction, Gen
eral Bonham assuming the command of those from Soutli
Carolina.

42 WAR PICTURES.

CHAPTER III.
DESTRUCTION OF THE FLEET AT PORTSMOUTH.
Proclamation of President Lincoln — ^Virginia the seat of War — General Leo com-
mander-in-chief- Destruction of Harper's Ferry— Establishments at Ports.
mouth — Burning of the fleet.
On the 19th April, 1861, President Lincoln issued a procla
mation, in which he declared all ports of the Southern States
under blockade. Hostilities between the North and South
had therefore regularly commenced ; troops were drawn to
gether on both sides, and Virginia was generally acknowledged
to be the chief seat of the war. It now became the endeavor
of both parties to inflict as much damage as possible on each
other ; and this frequently was carried out with such a spirit
of Vandalism as to shock the civilized world. One of these
acts was the destruction of the fleet at Portsmouth ; and I
will endeavor to describe this event in a few words.
Immediately after the publication of President Lincoln's
proclamation. President Jefferson Davis appointed the quon
dam United States colonel of cavalry, Robert E. Lee, com
mander-in-chief of all the forces in Virginia. The troops of
the United States army abandoned Harper's Ferry, one of
the most important manufactories of arms in America, on the
19th of April, after destroying the greater part of the build
ings and machinery, and retreated to friendly territory. Thi.
destruction of property was, however, carried out so hurried-

DESTRUCTION OF SHIPS AT PORTSMOUTH. 43
ly, that a great many most valuable machines fell into the
hands of the Confederate Government almost wholly intact,
and they rendered very good service subsequently.
Great preparations were on the same day made at Rich
mond for the purpose of attacking the harbor of Portsmouth,
which is situated at the estuary of the James river. The
officers and Government officials of the harbor, who were
preinformed of this plan, lost no time in consummating their
preparations for the destruction of this, the greatest military
port of the United States. The officers in command, instead,
of endeavoring to hold these works for their Government,
seemed to have become quite bewildered, and incapable of
recognizing the great importance of their position ; so in the
face of the most favorable circumstances they condemned to
the flames that fine military harbor, on which all the former
Governments of the United States had spent millions of dol
lars in order to render it one of the first in America.
It was a grand and imposing spectacle to see the columns
of flame ascending from the majestic ships at anchor in the
port and in course of construction in the docks. Amongst
the ships lying there were, the line-of-battle ship Pennsyl
vania, of 3,500 tons, carrying 131 guns (once the largest
man-of-war in the world), the beautiful frigates Columbus and
Delaware, and the subsequently so-dreaded Merrimac. The
frigate Rariian and schooner Dolphin were consumed by the
flames, and the docks, which had cost millions of dollars, were
blown up. The signal for this general destruction was given
at midnight ; and in a few minutes these magnificent produc
tions of the energy and genius of man were encircled by a
girdle of flame ; ai^ a slight breeze which sprang up increased
the conflagration rapidly. The naval workmen and the whole
garrison were meanwhile busily employed in conveying valu
ables on board the two vessels. Pawnee and Cumberland,
which were riding at anchor, and both vessels were laden to
the very portholes. At four o'clock in the morning the tide

44 WAR PICTUEES.
turned, and a signal sent up by a rocket from the Pawnee an
nounced to the men in the dockyard that the moment had
arrived for consummating the work of destruction, and in a
few minutes the dockyard was one blaze of flames— a truly
grand but saddening spectacle. The crackling of the fire and
rustling of the flames, the falling of the masts, the explosion
of the ships doomed to destruction, the blowing up of the
buildings, which had been undermined — in fact, the whole of
this gigantic work of destruction — was a catastrophe on which I
cannot look back, even now, after the time that has elapsed,
without a shudder. It was one of those silly and cowardly
acts of destruction which, while causing no harm to the enemy,
crippled their own Government, and caused them irremediable
loss. Had the commandant of this place, his officers, and the
garrison of the naval dockyard of Portsmouth, understood
how to preserve this valuable and important place to their
Government and country, their names would have lived in ,
history, and been gratefully recorded in the hearts of their
countrymen. They might well have waited for the indulgence
of this strange eagerness for destruction until the moment of
attack, instead of forestalling that event by the premature
sacrifice of the accumulated wealth of so noble a harbor.
The military port and harbor of Portsmouth ceased to exist
on the 20th of April, 1861, and the country around was light
ed up for miles as the Pawnee and frigate Cumberland sailed
down the bay, laden with the valuables saved from the fiery
wreck, to seek shelter under the guns of Fortress Monroe.

BATTLE OF BETHEL. 45

CHAPTER IV.

THE BATTLE OF BETHEL.

The Southern troops, about 1,800 strong, had, under the com
mand of General B. Magruder, constructed defensive works in
the vicinity of the church of Bethel : which place is about
nine miles distant from Hampton, where the enemy's troops
had established their camp. On the 9th of May, Major-Gen
eral Butler, who commanded the Federal troops, sent forward
a detachment of 4,000 men, who were to advance on Bethel
in two separate columns, with the view, if possible, of driving
away the enemy and destroying the defensive works which
they had erected. The command was given to Colonel Pierce.
The first column crossed the river a little below the Southern
posts, whilst the second column effected a similar passage
lower down. No opposition whatever was made to the land
ing of these troops ; and while the first column was attacking
the Confederate troops in flank, the second assailed them in
front. A battery of Richmond mortars, under the personal
command of Major Randolph (now Secretary of War) opposed
the attack. On this day Major Randolph gave the first proofs
of his undaunted courage, and gallantly maintained his post.
In the meanwhile the Federal troops attacked with such reso
lution that they succeeded in gaining possession of the first
outwork without suffering much loss, and our soldiers were
obliged to retreat in disorder, and with the loss of two pieces

46 WAR PICTURES.
of artillery. This impetuous attack of the enemy somewhat
dismayed our young and inexperienced soldiers, who were
frightened, moreover, at the numbers of the attacking force,
and not considering that a covered position has a threefold
advantage, they rapidly abandoned that position, throwing
themselves into the principal work, which lay to the rear.
The enemy took a firm footing in the stormed outposts ; in
deed, the Confederates were very near losing their whole line
of fortified works, and the troops became so disheartened that
the consequences would certainly have been most disastrous,
had not General Magruder, with great presence of mind and
calmness, ordered four companies of the 1st North Carolina
regiment, under the command of Major Bridges, to retake
the outwork at all hazards. This order was splendidly carried
out by the fbur companies. They advanced with coolness and
determination, in the fiice of a heavy fire of artillery, which
assailed them from the front, and on arriving within sixty
yards' distance of the outwork, with loud hurrahs, they ad
vanced at a run to the attack, and dislodged the Federal sol
diers who held possession of it, with the greatest ease, causing
them to retreat in the greatest disorder, leaving what they had
but just before stormed in the hands of the Confederates.
The enemy continued to keep up an uninterrupted fusilade,
which, however, being directed in a most irregular manner,
inflicted but little loss on the Confederate troops. Whilst we
established ourselves again in the reconquered outwork, our
batteries reopened their fire — not, however, with much effect,
the enemy's position being too well covered. His right flank
leaned on a small, but dense wood, and his left was closed by
some houses. A twelve-pounder battery responded to our
own ; it was, however, so well hidden by the wood and the
houses, that we were only enabled to guess its position from
its fire. The enemy's battery sent forth a hail of projectiles
at us from a distance of from five hundred to six hundred
yards ; but, fortunately for us, their practice was so bad that

BATTLE OF BETHEL. 47
the damage occasioned by this continual fire was inconsidera
ble. General Magruder at the same time ordered the com
mander of our batteries only to reply to the enemy's fire
with the utmost care, and when large masses of troops ap
peared in line of battle. A little after one o'clock a large
column of the enemy was descried on the road from Hamp
ton, hastening to reach a small bridge in our front. This
column was under the command of Major Winthrop, the first
adjutant of General Butler. Major Winthrop led his men
on to the attack admirably, and they advanced boldly against
our outposts, but were received with such a tremendous fire
from the 1st North Carolina Infantry, that they were hurled
back in complete disorder.
Our marksmen, who were under fire for the first time, oc
casioned us no small confusion. They were utterly wanting
in self-confidence, and would inquire before each shot, " May
I fire 1 I think I can hit him," &c. As the enemy was being
repulsed, a ball struck Major Winthrop in the breast. He
was one of the most meritorious officers of the United States
army, and his gallantry earned for him the admiration of our
officers and soldiers. Colonel Hill, commanding the 1st
North Carolina regiment, paid a high tribute to the memory
of this brave officer, in his report of the battle. Major Win
throp fell while vainly endeavoring, from a height, to rally
his discomfited men. The United States lost in him a most
excellent officer. During the hottest part of the fire, a small
body of the enemy had ensconced themselves in a house to
our left, and occasioned us much annoyance by their inter.
mittent fire.
A company of volunteers was ordered to clear this house
of its troublesome occupants, and to raze it to the ground.
This work was performed with consummate coolness and en
ergy. The volunteers boldly attacked the house, and dis
lodged the enemy, who availed themselves of every aperture
to fire on them.

48 WAR PICTURES. ?
After a while the enemy ceased firing, and leaving their
dead and wounded on the field, retreated in haste beyond
range of our guns. The results of the battle of Bethel were
of incalculable advantage to our troops, as it inspired them
with great confidence in their own capabilities. Although our
little army generally behaved well and gallantly in the face
of an enemy double its strength on this day, yet the bearing
of the 1st North Carolina regiment is especially worthy of
praise, as it was the most exposed of all our corps to the fire
of the enemy's artillery, and behaved with the greatest cool
ness and determination.

COLONEL PORTERFIELD. ¦ 49

CHAPTER V.
COLONEL porterfield's VOLUNTEERS.
Whilst the South was thus showing a front to the enemy in
the Virginian Peninsula, and earning its respect, it met with a
reverse in the West, which nearly obliged the Confederate
Government to withdraw further south from Richmond.
Colonel Porterfield, commanding the Confederate forces at
Philippi, received an order from General Lee, the command
er-in-chief of the army, in Virginia, to raise the volunteers to
the strength of 5,000 men, and to act in concert with the offi
cials of the Baltimore and Ohio railway.
General Lee had, however, quite misunderstood the char
acter of Colonel Porterfield, who was one of that numerous
class of heroes that discourse much and profess to execute all
kinds of impossibilities, but are at a loss how to act at the
first really serious encounter. Porterfield was truly a fine
example of such heroes. He had no sooner arrived in the
district in which he was to recruit, than he discovered that all
the counties were very favorably disposed to the Union.
His first move therefore was, to ensconce himself in a com
paratively safe nook, and instead of proceeding to act with
energy and circumspection, he addressed a. most wonderful
letter to General Lee. In this letter poor Porterfield de
scribed himself as surrounded on all sides by thousands of
enemies, and begged the General to send him a sufficient mili-
3

50 WAR PICTURES.
tary force, that he might be enabled to proceed effectively
with the organization of the volunteers. It was only afler
receiving reinforcements, that Colonel Porterfield actually
commenced organizing his army. This beginning, however,
showed but poor results, and the general reply which he re
ceived to his invitations to join the Confederacy was given in
the negative by the people, coupled with the intimation that
if they did want to fight they should do so in defence of the
Union. Colonel Porterfield strolled through the mountains of Vir
ginia, like a minstrel of the olden time, exhorting the popula
tion to join the gallant army to which he belonged, and to
follow the banner of the exalted Government of the Confede
ration. After resorting to numerous expedients, he succeeded
in gathering under his flag a wonderful assemblage of raga
muffins. In a short time his little army had increased to 200
infantry and 300 cavalry, and at Grafton he pitched his tents.
As soon as the United States general was informed of the
circumstance, he broke up his camp, and overcoming all diffi
culties, advanced straight against Porterfield's force.
When informed of the enemy's advance, Porterfield might
have fallen back on Philippi, and he did actually order the
destruction of the Cheat bridge. This order was, however,
imperfectly carried out. Even his outposts were so carelessly
placed, as to betray an utter ignorance of military tactics ;
thus it befel that the enemy came upon him like a thunder
bolt, when he and all his men indiscriminately took to their
heels. Throwing away their arms, all Porterfield's levies fled for
safety to the mountains, and the Colonel himself, who on this
occasion displayed an activity of movement quite surprising,
arrived at General Lee's headquarters more dead than alive.
The poor Colonel had positively nothing to say either for him
self or for his men, further than to affirm that his little force had
been attacked by overwhelming numbers, and that they had

COLONEL PORTERFIELD. 51
fought like lions ; that his army might be, for all he knew,
cut to pieces. This was the sum total of the account he had
to give of himself and his followers. The Colonel could not
explain how he alone had managed to escape and reach head
quarters. He was subsequently brought before a court mar
tial at Richmond, but gave so clever an explanation of his
conduct, that the members of that court, who, possibly from
a fellow feeling for the accused, not only acquitted him of all
blame, but also bestowed their praise upon him for his valor
ous conduct.

52 WAR PICTUEES.

CHAPTER VI.
m'CLELLAn's success at rich MOUNTAIN.
State of affairs in Western Virginia— The Confederate army under General Gai-
neti^M'Olellan's plans— The ground in Virginia— Strength of the Southern
army— Attack— General Eosecrans remains behind— Colonel Pegram— M'Clel-
lan's indefatigable pursuit— Eetreat—Surprise-The engagement at Cari-iolt's
Ford— Colonel Tagliaferro— A mistake— General Garnett falls— Loss of artillery
and baggage— Disorganized state of the Confederate army — M'Clellan's talents.
Whilst the events just described were taking place in Win
chester and Manassas, a great change had occurred at the
theatre of war in Western Virginia. What under all circum
stances may be considered as a large army of the Confederates,
had been collected, and the command intrusted to General
Garnett, who at Rich Mountain, Randolph Comity, North
western Virginia, took up a position admirably adapted by
nature, from whence he could without any anxiety watch the
movements of General M'CIellan, who was advancing on
Beverley, and had not masked his intention to take up a posi
tion ill General Garnett's rear, so as to cut off his communi
cations with General Lee. No military man in Europe can
form any idea of the position and circumstances of this Westr'
lern campaign, unless he possesses an accurate knowledge of
the terrain upon which the military movements took place.
The whole of Western Virginia consists of barren, unpro
ductive, mountainous tracts, intersected by strips of forest
land. The roads and means of communication are of the

M'CLELLAN'S first COMMAND. • 53
most primitive description; and as regards supplies for his
troops, the General is obliged to draw them from a long dis
tance. The strength of General Garnett's corps was from 7,000
to 8,000 men, infantry, 15 guns, 6-pounders and 12-pounders,
and 6 squadrons of cavalry. The troops were well armed,
suited for mountain warfare, and hardened to their work by
long habit. As already stated. General Garnett's position
was judiciously chosen and well adapted for an excellent de
fensive basis of operations, both by nature and as by the aid
of art. Colonel Pegram, with a body of 3,000 men, took posses
sion of the district of Rich Mountain ; whilst General Gar
nett, with the main body of his army, took up his position at
Laurel HUl.
For this wearisome and tiresome campaign, the Govern
ment of the Northern States selected two of the best and
most experienced officers of the United States army — Gene
rals M'CIellan and Rosecrans. It was in this campaign that
M'CIellan for the first time drew public attention upon him
self, and won the hearts of his men by the circumspection as
well as by the bravery which he displayed. It was he who
shook the Federal army out of the lethargy into which it had
fallen, and led it to a victory which, under other circumstances,
would have put an end to the existence of the Confederate
army in the West.
General M'CIellan, who was well informed of the position
of the Confederate army, contemplated, by a determined blow,
on the 5th of July, to annihilate our corps, and thus to put
.an end to the campaign in Western Virginia, which had be
come a very troublesome one for the Federals. At a confer
ence between the two generals of the enemy's army, the
following arrangement was made : That M'CIellan should un
dertake the front attack, whilst General Rosecrans, with his
force, was to manoeuvre in such a way to attack the enemy's

54 • WAR pictures.
army without delay, and endeavor to reach the main body of
the army by the flank. By combined and energetic action in
the execution of this plan, it was hoped that the campaign
would terminate in the capture of the whole of General Gar
nett's division.
In this campaign, General M'CIellan for the first time ap
peared in the character of an independent commander ; and
we cannot refrain from bearing testimony in favor of a man
who commenced his career as a leader in so brilliant a man
ner. M'Clellan's army was by no means in good campaign
ing order ; it consisted of troops gathered together from all
parts of the Union. Not only were the regiments collected
and mixed up together • from different States, so that the
troops had scarcely any knowledge of each other, but they
were also unequally and badly armed. Despite these draw
backs — so trying to an energetic general — M'CIellan by his
prudence and precautions overcame them all.
With care and attention he endeavored to form the spirit
of his troops, and to make them regardless of fatigue and
privations. And as soon as he felt that he had gained the
confidence of his officers and men, he did not delay one mo
ment to carry out the plans which he had formed.
On the 8th July he commenced his march with his troops,
and on the same day took up a position at Bealington, oppo
site Laurel Hill, then left a portion of his troops behind as a
corps of observation, and advanced with the main body in
rapid strides toward Rich Mountain. This march was one
of those fatiguing operations which such a country as America
can alone offer an example of. Through pathless woods, over
high hills, through streams and rivulets, the soldiers had to
force their way. Added to this, the rain never ceased to pour
down. Despite all these obstacles the men kept on without
murmuring ; they overcame every difficulty with a facility
which entitled them to an honorable comparison with the
tried soldiers of Europe. M'CIellan himself was always at

SURRENDER OF COLONEL PEGRAM. 55
the head of his men, to whom he set a good example by
cheerfully putting up with every annoyance and privation.
Early on the morning of the 11th July, General Garnett
received a despatch from Colonel Pegram, reporting the cap
ture of a United States soldier, who had given information
that General M'CIellan, with nine regiments, had arrived near
Rich Mountain, and had given orders for the attack to com
mence on the following day ; further, that General Rose
crans, with 4,000 men, was manoeuvring in his rear, to cut
off any retreat that might be attempted on the part of Gene
ral Garnett ; that consequently he, Colonel Pegram, had or
dered Colonel Scott's regiment to take up a good position,
there to await the enemy's approach.
On the receipt of Colonel Pegram's despatch General Gar
nett sent him orders to hold his position against all odds, and
to defend it to the last man.
Colonel Pegram had scarcely got his troops placed ready
for action, when General M'Clellan's men, with a loud cheer,
rushed forward from a defile and attacked the Colonel in his
excellent position. At this moment the artillery opened fire,
which was reechoed by all the mountains round. It was a
fine military spectacle. The thunder of the guns, the break
ing of the branches of the trees as they were smashed, the
cheers of the enthusiastic Federal troops, the crack of the
rifles, the beating of drums and clanging of trumpets : in
short, the whole battle ground and its vicinity offered a pic
ture such as would be indelibly impressed upon the memory
of a soldier. The battle had waged for nearly two hours on
this side when Colonel Pegram began to feel that he could
not hold his ground much longer. He therefore endeavored
to retreat, as his men were tired and their ammunition nearly
expended. General M'CIellan, however, was by no means inclined to
lose the ground he had already gained, and thus Colonel Pe
gram had no other alternative than to fall at his post or sur-

56 WAE PICTUEES.
render. Pegram adopted the latter alternative, and surren
dered his post with guns and baggage.
General M'CIellan, however, was not, as yet, satisfied with
the result of the day's work. He hourly expected the ad
vance of General Rosecrans, but he found that on this occa
sion he had overrated his activity. Rosecrans proved timid
at this emergency : he was swayed by doubts ; he first march
ed, then halted, as if he did not quite comprehend the com
pleteness of M'Clellan's plans. If he had performed his part
as well as that General did his, not one man of General Gar
nett's corps would have brought the news of its defeat to Eich
mond ; the whole corps would have been annihilated or made
prisoners. As soon as General M'CIellan had made Colonel Pegram's
troops lay down their arms, he proceeded to carry out his
manoeuvre without delay, without waiting for General Eose
crans, and accordingly advanced to attack the forces under
General Garnett.
When General Garnett received the unexpected news of
the capitulation of Colonel Pegram, he, fearing the energy
and determination of M'CIellan, ordered the position on Lau
rel Hill to be abandoned, and in all haste fell back on Huttons-
ville. Colonel Scott, who, with his regiment, had received
orders to prevent the advance of General Rosecrans, imme
diately on receiving intelligence of Colonel Pegram's capitular
tion, hastily left his position and withdrew to a more respect
able distance from the enemy. Even now, if General Eose
crans had, in the spirit of a brave and intelligent officer, car
ried out the plan agreed upon, and advanced to the attack,
there was still plenty of time for him to take a brilliant part
in the conclusion of the action. Colonel Scott's rapid flight
must have dispelled any doubts he might have entertained
respecting the inexperience and bad equipment of his troops.
There can be no doubt that the conduct of Rosecrans on
this occasion offers a remarkable contrast to that of General
M'CIellan.

fight at caerick's ford. 51
General Garnett was placed in a desperate position by
M'Clellan's bold advance and Colonel Pegram's capture. In
his retreat on Huttonsville he found that, owing to Colonel
Scott's sdmewhat too hasty retreat, he would have to force
his way over the best practicable mountain passes to Hardy
County. The retreat was effected in some order, although the roads
were scarcely wide eoough to allow a cart to pass ; and on
the following morning, the army, after a most fatiguing march,
reached Little Cheat, where officers and men laid down upon
the grass to restore themselves, in some degree, from the
fatigue they had undergone.
They had scarcely been encamped one hour, when a roll of
musketry along the whole line of outposts announced that the
indefatigable enemy was already upon them, and had renewed
the attack.
Without allowing his tired soldiers a moment's respite,
M'CIellan hotly pursued our army, and although continually
checked and kept at bay, by our gallant reserve, still con
tinued the attack with unabated energy. Without hesitation,
he boldly gave battle at every point ; and although the fight
ing cannot be called more than skirmishing on a large scale,
it, nevertheless, lasted throughout the day.
In the evening the news came in that a company of a
Georgia regiment had been cut off by the enemy and made
prisoners. ?
This little episode is known by the name of Battle of Car-
rick's Ford. M'CIellan followed it up, and drove our troops
from their covered position across the river, and captured the
greater portion of our baggage.
The activity displayed by the General on this occasion is
deserving of high praise. Nothing seemed to stand in his
way ; despite the heavy, intermittent rain, the execrable roads,
his troops displayed a fortitude and an energy that commands
admiration. For two days, with indefiitigable determination,
3*

58 WAR PICTURES.
he followed close upon our heels. Whenever we sought a
few moments' rest, we were aroused by the fire of his rifle
men at our outposts ; and the bullets, which were flying about
in all directions, made our position anything but comfortable.
As soon as we had got our artillery safely over Carriok's
Ford, Colonel Tagliaferro was ordered to occupy the high
banks of the river with his regiment, and to keep the enemy
occupied as long as possible, so that our troops, who were
quite worn out, might get some rest. Colonel Tagliaferro had
scarcely taken up his position when the advanced skirmishers
of the enemy appeared in view. At first our men fancied that
they were the Georgia troops supposed to have been cut off,
and they welcomed them with a loud cheer ; but when, in
stead of a courteous response to this compliment, an un
friendly shower of bullets was sent as a greeting, knocking
over many of our men, the mistake was discovered somewhat
too late ; but the enemy's fire was promptly returned. The
officer in command of the enemy's outpost now got one of his
batteries into position, and hammered away at us most un
mercifully. Twice he attempted to cross the river, but was
each time driven back by our men at the point of the bayonet.
Whilst this skirmishing was going on. General Garnett had
ordered the guns and baggage he still had left to be hurried
forward, and sent orders to the troops engaged to form the
rear guard of the retreat.
¦• Our retreat was effected without much opposition, as the
enemy, probably exhausted by fighting and forced marches,
and by our energetic resistance, needed rest. At the second
ford, a short distance beyond the first, General Garnett was
shot by one of the enemy's riflemen. This officer had scarcely
got his troops across the river, when he ordered a company
of the 23d Virginia regiment to occupy the bushes along the
bank, and promised that he himself would take the command
of the company charged with the defence of the ford. At the
same time, firing was heard in the rear of our army. The

DEATH OF GENERAL GARNETT. 59
enemy must have outflanked us, and a panic ensued in our
rear guard. General Garnett, however, remained calm and
unconcerned. He ordered the soldiers to remain firm, and to
retreat without fear. He had scarcely given the order when
he sunk to the earth, shot through the body by a bullet. One
of the enemy's riflemen had fired the fatal shot which de
prived us of one of our bravest officers. The General's horse
galloped off up the road, besprinkled with blood, announcing
the sad news of the death of our leader.
General M'CIellan, who might feel well satisfied with the
result of the day, here gave up the pursuit. Having defeated
and demoralized our army, he remained master of a large
number of prisoners, with the greater portion of our guns
and baggage as booty. Verily could he report to Washing
ton :
" Our success is complete ; secession in this part of the
country is stopped."
The loss of the battle of Rich Mountain was a severe
blow to our young army, and created a painful sensation
throughout the Southern States. If the Government at Wash
ington had only had the sense to take advantage of this suc
cess, it would probably, in a short time, have brought back
the whole of Virginia under its rule. Instead of staking its
existence and intrusting the weal and woe of the country to
the hands of inexperienced generals, it ought at once to have
shown its appreciation of the talent and energy of General
M'CIellan, and without hesitation have given him the com
mand of the army on the Potomac. Had it done so, the dis
aster at Manassas, so detrimental to the Federal cause, might
have been avoided; for, after the successes achieved by
M'CIellan in the western portion of Virginia, he would have
been received by the troops of the Potomac, not as a stran
ger, but as an old acquaintance, with confidence and enthu
siasm. The soldiers would then have had a commander whose
success and devotion must have inspired them with respect.

60 WAR PICTURES.
and they would have fulfilled their hard duties with cheerful
ness and zeal.
That the Government at Washington was aware of
M'Clellan's talents is proved by the fact that, when seriously
pressed and alarmed, the command of the army of the Poto
mac was offered to him at a time when that army was all
but destroyed, and Washington itself in danger of being cap
tured by the Confederates. Then, as we shall presently see,
when no one had the courage to rally the army which had
been so terribly cut up at Manassas, when man_y a bold hero
shrugged his shoulders and kept aloof, he came forward as a
saviour of his country's cause, to fill up the sad void caused
by a disastrous defeat. By prudence and determination he
soon succeeded in again forming an army which, by its extent
and efficiency, created considerable alarm in the South. But
the enemy they had most cause to fear was General M'CIel
lan himself, the ablest and best officer of the Union, whose
military qualities commanded the respect of .his opponents.

THE POTOMAC. 61

CHAPTER VII.
MOVEMENTS ON THE POTOMAC.
Harper's Ferry — General Johnston joins the Confederacy — Position of the troops
on the Potomac — Harper's Ferry evacuated — The railway bridge blown up —
Colonel Jackson operates against General Patterson— Battle — Patterson's cun
ning — Manceuvre to wealien General Beauregard's main army— Johnston's po
sition.
The war now began to develop itself with activity on the Po
tomac, especially in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, which
had been abandoned by the Federal troops. General Joseph
Johnston, who previously had held ¦ the rank of Quartermas
ter-General in the United States army, tendered his resigna
tion as soon as the war commenced, and placed himself at the
disposal of the Confederate Government, which did not hesi
tate for a moment to accept his services, and intrusted him
with the command of the important post of Harper's Ferry.
On the 27th of May, 1861, General Beauregard was relieved
of his command at Charleston, and was at first ordered to
proceed on service to Corinth, in Mississippi ; but whilst on
his way to Richmond he received counter orders, and was ap
pointed to the command of the Confederate army, known by
the name of the Army of the Potomac.
General Johnston's whole force at Harper's Ferry con
sisted of thirteen regiments of infantry, ten companies of
cavalry, and seven companies of artillery ; doubtless a re-

62 WAR PICTURES.
spectable force. His duty was to watch both banks of the
Potomac, and to drive back any attempted advance of the
enemy in that quarter. Having reconnoitred the whole
neighborhood he resolved to maintain his position as long
as the Government should deem it necessary for him to do so.
The demonstrations of the United States troops were
chiefly confined to outpost skirmishes, and their plans de
pended upon the movements of General M'CIellan, who was
to push forward with his corps d'armee into the valleys of
Virginia. General Patterson, who was posted with his troops
in Maryland and Pennsylvania, also waited for General
M'Clellan's movements, previously to advancing by Harper's
Ferry on Winchester, to form a junction with M'Clellan's
army. On the 13th of June our outposts announced the ap
proach of General M'Clellan's troops. A detachment was
at once ordered forward to stop him in his advance, and on
the 15th of June, early in the morning, the order was given
to evacuate Harper's Ferry, and to fall back on Winchester.
The day after the order had been given for the evacuation of
Harper's Ferry, one of those painful catastrophes occurred,
which always follow in tl^e wake of war. All the able-bodied
inhabitants took to flight, and preparations were made to give
up the whole place to destruction. The first prey to demoli
tion was that wonderfully constructed railway bridge which
here spans the broad stream of the Potomac. At a given
signal this structure was blown up into the air with a terrific
explosion. All the buildings connected with it, the station^
engines, locomotives, warehouses, as well as a flourishing
town, with all its trade and prosperity, were condemned to
destruction. It was a sad spectacle to see the columns of flame and
smoke rolling upward ; and with a feeling of sadness I turned
away from this deplorable spectacle of ruin, and rode after
the troops, which in dense bodies were marching along the
Martinsburg road. The object of this flank movement was

JACKSON'S ADVANCE. 63
to get between Winchester and the army of General Patter
son, which was now crossing the Potomac at William's Ford.
Patterson, hearing of our evacuation of Harper's Ferry,
ordered his troops to cross the Potomac in all haste to see if
he could not arrive in time to save something.
General Johnston quietly continued his march to Win
chester, where it was very easy for him to hold General
M'CIellan in check, as also to prevent any further advance of
Patterson, whilst at the same time it was very easy for him
to form a junction with General Beauregard, who was
stationed at Manassas Gap.
Advices, however, which we received from Maryland, gave
us certain information that General Patterson intended to
make another manceuvre, and induced General Johnston to
direct Colonel " Stonewall " Jackson to advance with his
brigade to the vicinity of Martinsburg, to support Colonel
Stuart, who, with his regiment of cavalry, was acting as a
corps of observation.
On the 2d July, General Patterson again crossed th* Po
tomac. Colonel Jackson carried out the instructions he had
received to the letter, and retired with his troops. The ad.-
vanced guard of General Patterson's division, fancying that
Jackson's brigade had taken to flight, made rather too hasty a
pursuit. Colonel Jackson took two battalions of the 5th Vir
ginia regiment and a six-pounder battery, and placed them in
a most advantageous position, where his small force was well
covered. He then accepted the battle that was offered him,
and it was not until he feared that his communication with
the main army might be cut off that he retired, quietly and
unmolested, taking with him fifty-three prisoners. As soon
as General Johnston was informed of Colonel Jackson's com
bat, he hastened to offer General Patterson battle. He took
up a position five miles from Martinsburg, which was occu
pied by the Federal troops, and waited patiently four days
for the appearance of General Patterson. The latter, how-

64 WAR PICTURES.
ever, had neither the courage nor the inclination to return the
compliment and accept the challenge of Johnston, although
his troops numbered nearly double those of his opponent.
After waiting in vain. General Johnston ordered his troops,
who were eager for battle, back to Winchester. They had,
however, scarcely reached their old quarters when the corps
of observation of Colonel Stuart announced the advance of the
enemy under General Patterson. Johnston, delighted, hoped
now to cross swords -with him. At Bunker's Hill, about
seven miles from Winchester, Patterson again came to a halt,
and remained there quietly till the 7th July.
General Patterson then made preparations as if it was his
intention to attack our left wing, but General Johnston now
guessed what his plans were, and saw through his subtlety.
The sole object ofthe operations and movements ofthe enemy
was to keep Johnston at Winchester, in order that General
Beauregard might be exposed to the main body of the United
States army, which, under the command of Major-General
M'lJowell, was concentrated near Manassas. Johnston now
placed his army in such a position that on the first notification
from General Beauregard he should be able to advance di
rectly on Manassas, and thus Patterson's very clever plans,
on which he had so confidently calculated, were not attended
with a.ny result.

BULL RUN. 65

CHAPTER VIII.
BULL RUN.
l*reparations of the hostile armies — Strength of the Federal forces — The decisive
moment approaches — M'DowelPs attack — Inexperience of the artillery — Gen
eral Bonham — Longstreet's brigade at Blackburn Fort— Energetic attack of
the Federals — Progress of the fight — Object of the battle to try the strength
of both armies.
At the commencement of July, 1861, two of the largest
armies which America ever beheld were ranged in hostile
positions at a short distance opposite each other, and awaited
with eager anxiety the approach of the sanguinary day when
North and South were to measure their strength. The
Northern troops thought themselves already sure of victory,
as they fancied it would be an easy task to disperse the
Southern army, and to advance victoriously without much
obstacle to Richmond, there to hoist again the star-spangled
banner of the great Republic. This opinion was shared by
many members of Congress who, it may be supposed, ought
to have exercised a wiser judgment. That the whole affair
would be over in twelve or fourteen days was considered
certain. As regards the equipment of the great Federal army,
nothing had been neglected by the Government to place it
upon the footing of -any European army ofthe same size. It
was provided with excellent artillery, and contained, more
over, bodies of regular troops which the Government had
collected together from all its extended territories — the Rocky

66 WAR PICTURES.
Mountains, St. Louis, Jefferson Barracks, Fortress Monroe,
&c. — and this fact gave a sort oi prestige to this army.
As regards its strength, if we do not err, we should esti
mate it at 50,000 men, inclusive of nine companies of dragoons
of the United States regular army, and a park of artillery, of
between fifty and sixty pieces, nearly all rifled cannon.
This imposing force was placed under the command of a
leader who throughout the whole of the United States enjoyed
the reputation of a soldier of the highest military genius, Gen
eral M'Dowell. This reputation having for its foundation the
success he had gained at the Military College at West Point.
General Beauregard was perfectly well informed of all that
was going on in General M'Dowell's army, and of the inten
tion of the enemy to force their way to Richmond; every
, precaution had therefore been taken by him to prevent that
plan being carried out. It was a most critical moment for
the Confederate army ; for, if they were beaten, they had no
more resources for carrying on the war to fall back upon.
What Schiller's William Tell says to his arrow, Beaure
gard might well have said of his army —
" Should it fall harmless from my hand,
I have not a second at command ; "
and, truly, if the army of the Confederate host were beaten
they could scarcely manage to bring another army into the
field. Moreover, what would have been the effect in Em'ope
if the South should be defeated ? The leaders of the Confed
erate army must have had an anxious moment when they
considered all the circumstances which seemed to combine for
their destruction ! It must not be forgotten, too, that it was
here for the first time that the elite of the two hostile armies
stood opposite each other.
What changes had taken place in a short lapse of time !
For more than eighty years these same enemies, who now
looked at each other with feelings of bitter animosity, had led

FIGHT AT BULL RUN. 67
together the life of peaceful citizens, and had made themselves
but little acquainted with the art of war, for the war in Mex
ico was comparatively insignificant. . And now this people,
who were bound together by brotherly ties, who had the same
interests in common, are suddenly split into two factions,
arrayed as mortal enemies against each other. " On to
Richmond " is the battle cry of one party ; " Independence or
Death " that of the other.
At Bull Run these exasperated warriors met, indeed, but
for a short time. The battle did not last long, but was fierce
enough to show, on a small scale, how the hostile factions
would exert their energies to make some future battle a deci
sive one. The engagement at Bull Run may, in fact, be
likened to an overture before the great spectacle of war,
which, in a short time, was to be performed at Manassas.
Bull Run forms the north frontier of the county which
separates it from Fairfax, and on its smiling banks, three
miles north of the junction of the Manassas Gap, and the
Orange and Alexandria Railway, was fought this memorable
engagement, on the 18th of July. Bull Run is a small river
which, at this point, runs from west to east, and lower down
joins the waters of the Occoquan river. Fine, open, cheerful
roads intersect the country here, nearly in every direction.
The banks of the river are rocky and steep, but provided
with a great number of fords, which from olden time had
always been in use. Mitchell's Ford is about halfway between
Centreville and Manassas. Each road is about six miles in
length. To oppose the enemy's movements, who, as General
Beauregard suspected, were operating on Manassas, he with
drew his farthest advanced troops from the lines of Bull Run
more toward his centre. On the morning of the 17th July,
Beauregard's troops had taken up a position from Mills Ford
to Stone Bridge, a distance of about eight miles. On the
following day. General M'Dowell made preparations to at-

68 WAR PICTURES.
tack Bonham's brigade. He advanced large masses of infan
try, covered by some batteries of artillery. At noon, the
enemy opened a heavy artillery fire from rifled cannon.
Owing to the inexperience of the artillerymen, who were now
probably for the first time in action, they did but very little
damage to our troops. It was only after they had fired some
hundred aimless shots, that they began gradually to acquire
coolness and precision in pointing their guns, and their fire
then occasioned deadly havoc amongst our men. Our bat
teries, as well as our troops, kept very quiet, but nevertheless
impatiently waited the moment for orders to engage.
After a few moments, a light field battery of the enemy
advanced to ' within a much nearer position. At the same
time. General Bonham ordered one of his batteries to drive
back that of the enemy, which order was so promptly and
energetically obeyed, that after a short artillery duel, it was
compelled to relinquish its position in all haste. The bold
attempt they had made was thus completely defeated by our
troops. The wonderful coolness and self-possession which
our battery displayed in this affair, excited the admiration of
our officers, and General Bonham promoted the officer in
command to the rank of Major on the spot. Bonham now
promptly withdrew the battery from the position it had
taken, and placed it at Mitchell's Ford, where its guns could
baffle any attempt of the enemy to cross.
Whilst this little cannon duel was going on. General
M'Dowell threw forward large bodies of infantry,, cavalry,
and artillery, upon Blackburn Ford, where Longstreet's bri
gade was stationed, with orders to hold the position. Gen
eral Longstreet, informed of the advance of this large body of
the enemy, withdrew his outposts quickly behind the ford,
whilst he manned the whole length of the south bank of the
stream with a thick line of sharpshooters. The enemy's
masses, sheltered by the undulating ground, were enabled to
come up within 100 yards of our riflemen, whilst the enemy's

FIGHT AT BULL RUN. 69
»
batteries attached to both flanks, allowed the masses of infan
try to get up close to us, under the protection of their mur
derous fire. As soon as the enemy's columns had deployed
under cover of a heavy fire of their guns, which they did with
gi-eat coolness, although it was probably the first time these
regiments had been under fire, they were formed into an at
tacking column, and with a loud cheer rushed on Longstreet's
position, who, however, received them with equal coolness
and bravery.
It was at this point that, for the first time, these two hos
tile armies actually came into contact. The conflict which
now ensued became every moment more dea^y, and the
mutual animosity of the men was increased to fury. The
fighting had lasted already two hours, and yet neither party
had gained one inch of ground. Every tree, every rock,
every hollow was occupied by our Texan sharpshooters, who
poured their deadly bullets into the enemy's ranks with fear
ful havoc. At last, Longstreet's division began to show
symptoms of fatigue, and slightly wavered. At this critical
juncture. General Early's brigade came up in the nick of time,
and by this needful reinforcement the balance in the battle
was reestablished. Ere long, the enemy's general became
aware that he could do nothing against our solid masses. He
therefore retired his troops from the line of battle, and con
fined his action to an artillery fire, which now opened on both
sides, and afforded us the opportunity of ascertaining our
superiority over the enemy in this arm. The commanders
of the batteries could only take as a guide for their aim the
glittering bayonets above the brushwood, and our men kept
up an incessant fire amongst these partly concealed foes with
rifled cannon. But we had scarcely thrown the enemy's
columns into some slight confusion, when a Rhode Island bat
tery came up at a trot within 800 yards, and poured in a hail
of projectiles upon us, with the most destructive effect.
Many of our best horses having now been killed, our bat-

70 WAR PICTURES. •
teries were withdrawn from this devastating fire, while those
of the enemy still continued to pound away for a time; hut
gradually the fiue slackened, and when night threw her veil
over the earth, the roar of artillery had ceased altogether.
Thus terminated the engagement of Bull Run, which I looked
upon as the prelude to a greater battle that must need to be
fought between the two hostile armies. The battle of Bui]
Run had no other object than an attempt on the part of the
enemy's general to cross the river, and to try the mettle oi
his troops. Although he did not succeed in crossing the ford,
he nevertheless acquired sufficient knowledge of the bravery
and self-pos|ession of his troops, and, at the same time, no
little respect for his opponents, whom he could no longer look
upon as a despicable foe.
Both armies retired as if to recruit their strength, and to
nerve themselves to the utmost for the coming great struggle,
which it was hoped would. decide the question ofthe existence
of the Confederacy. The game had begun in earnest ; what
would be the issue of the throw ?

THE BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 71

CHAPTER IX.
THE BATTLE OF MANASSAS.
Movements of the Confederate army — Patterson perplexed — Espionage — ^Federal
camp scenes — Scott's inactivity on the Potomac — Morning of the battle — A
glance at both armies — The Confederate generals — Strength of the two armies —
The battle commences — Advance of the enemy's columns — Our left wing at
tacked — Fierce engagement on the plateau— General attack — Beauregard and
Jackson attack the enemy — Retreat — Heroism of Johnston — Corcoran's Irish
regiment — Generals Fisher and Barton are killed — A fruitless struggle — Once
more at them — Stonewall Jackson — A fresh massacre — Eetreat — All apparently
lost — Arrival of Jeff. Davis — Jackson, why called " Stonewall" — Help at need :
Kirby Smith comes up — The decisive blow — The retreat— The battle field-
Wounded foes — A horrible scene — Hospitals and attendance —Plunderers —
Eesults of the battle of Manassas.
It was on Sunday, the 21st of July, that General Scott issued
the order for General M'Dowell to advance with his troops
against Manassas. This plan of operations was no secret to
us. For, despite the severe check the United States army
met with at Bull Run, very little foresight was shown by the
Cabinet at Washington. General Beauregard received the
very earliest information from a friend of his there, and had
plenty of time to make all his preparations. He promptly
made General Johnston acquainted with the enemy's inten
tions, and requested him to fall back on Manassas with all his
troops, to form a junction with his corps. General Johnston
performed this march in the most masterly manner. In or
der not to betray his retreat to the enemy's corps under Gen
eral Patterson, stationed at Martinsburg, he ordered Colonel

M WAR PICTURES.
Stuart to make a reconnoissance with his cavalry, on a large
scale, to induce the enemy to believe that Johnston had the
intention of shortly offering battle. Colonel Stuart carried
out his instructions with such intelligence that poor General
Patterson was at his wits' end, so he reported Johnston's
demonstrations to Washington, and pressed for reenforce-
ments. General Scott gave credence' to the views contained
m this report, and chuckled at the idea that Johnston was
thus seriously occupied at Winchester with Patterson, as he
hoped thereby to be able to annihilate Beauregard's army at
Manassas, and strike a terrible blow at the Confederate army.
Johnston, on seeing the success of his stratagem, laughed in
his sleeve, and quietly took his departure from Winchester
for Manassas. Kirby Smith's corps alone, with ten compa
nies of cavalry, was left behind, with orders not to follow till
next day.
From the very commencement of operations the Confed
erates enjoyed a decided advantage on the score of intelli
gence; and so it now happened that while we were accurately
informed of every projected movement of the enemy, Scott
and M'Dowell on the other hand were almost completely ig
norant of our plans and intentions. They had not the slight
est notion that General Johnston's corps had two days pre
viously formed a junction with the army at Manassas, for,
had they known of it, the corps under General Patterson, near
Winchester — who still fancied he was threatened by John
ston's army, and was anxiously expecting an attack — would
surely have been immediately ordered to occupy that town
and make a demonstration in the Shenandoah valley. Had
this really been done, however, the enemy would have cut off
all our supplies from that rich valley, and have obstructed
our communications in that direction. But the United States
at this period had thought proper to employ several generals
who were content to draw their pay, without choosing to put
themselves much out of the way in the performance of any

GENERAL SCOTT'S CAMP. 73
duty that required exertion or the exercise of great precau
tion, so confident were these men in their own superior
abilities. General Scott's headquarters at this season had more the
appearance of a great fair than that of a camp of soldiers.
Thousands of spectators had thronged there with the view of
witnessing the bravery of the Federal troops, and the inevit
able defeat of our army. Senators, members of Congress,
politicians, clergymen, journalists, and idlers of every descrip
tion, even women (if we may dare to rank them under the
latter category) had then and there gathered together to wit
ness the spectacle of the grand struggle about to take place,
the successful issue of which, and the glorious results that
would ensue, every one of the motley assemblage confidently
predicted. Nothing is so mischievous to an army in the
field as to harbor in its midst so many useless and detrimen
tal elements. General Scott, however, it is certain, took no
sort of measure to prevent this encumbering crowd of visit
ors from swarming in his camp. He placidly allowed in
quisitive ladies and gentlemen to stroll through the various
encampments, where each of these amateur critics was eager
to display his or her copious strategical knowledge. To lis
ten to the boasting rhodomontade, and other absurdities of
these people, one would have fancied that all the heroes of
ancient and modern times had met together on the side of the
Federals, and that our army was to be utterly vanquished
and slaughtered without mercy, down to the lowest drummer
boy. Every one of these declaimers fancied himself for the
nonce a Hannibal or a Napoleon, and disinterestedly promul
gated his ideas for the benefit of all. Whole wagon-loads of
champagne and other wines found their way to the camp for
the great jubilation that was to take place in honor of the
victory. It need scarcely be remarked that all this was det
rimental to the troops, as it loosened the bonds of discipline
and strict subordination, and lowered the standard among
4

74 WAR PICTURES.
both officers and men of those essential military elements,
coolness, self-possession, and mutual reliance. The whole
matter was treated by the generals and officers with danger
ous levity. Buoyed up as they all were with the confident
expectation — almost amounting to conviction — that the scales
of war were already turning in their favor, they really seemed
to be incompetent to look earnestly ahead, and to solve with
anything like accuracy the problematical course of coming
events. *
If we compare with the above picture the activity and
demeanor of the United States troops under the command of
General M'CIellan in Western Virginia — who, when cut off
from all communications, deprived of the means of corre
spondence, in a country where every rock and every hillock
was turned into a fortification, were always ready for action,
day and night, in spite of all sorts of fatigue and privation—
what a contrast does it not offer to the army on the Potomac!
Nothing was more noticeable there than indolence, with an
absence of military order and discipline, unless it was the os
tentatious -display of a variety of uniforms combining the
quiet costume of the rough hunter just arrived from the far
woods of Minnesota, to fight for the stars and stripes, with
the ridiculous uniforms of the so-called Turcos, Zouaves,
Arabs, and other theatrical dresses which decked the persons
of their strutting owners.
But a truce to this description of a scene of egregious
folly ; we have stated enough to lay bare the root of those
weaknesses and errors which proved the destruction of the
army of the Potomac, and will now resume our narrative of
events. It was, as we have already stated, on the 21st of July,
that General Scott issued the order to General M'Dowell to
advance with his army against Manassas. The sun rose glo-
liously in the cloudless heavens on this lovely Sunday morn
ing, and its rays unmistakably indicated a coming hot day.

MORNING OF THE BATTLE. 75
Our troops had quietly partaken of their breakfast ; the cler
gymen of the different regiments had preached their sermons,
and prepared the soldiers by impressive words for the dread
doings that would be enacted on this eventful day. The few
remaining moments were devoted to exchanging words of
farewell with beloved relatives and friends. It was a sad and
touching spectacle to behold sons pressing the hands of their
fathers, brothers those of brothers, and affectionately embra
cing one another, perhaps for the last time ! Many a blessing '
followed the departing columns ; many a reiterated farewell
was shouted after them ; many a tear was suppressed. The
troops assembled round their respective standards, and took
up their appointed places. Everything was done earnestly
and seriously, every one present feeling convinced that a
great and decisive moment was at hand. It was an enliven
ing sight to behold the cavalry regiments rattle past, headed
by their brave commanders, Stuart, Ashby, and Davis. The
general officers had assembled round Beauregard and John
ston, the latter of whom was, in reality, commander-in-chief,
but he nevertheless left the command to General Beauregard,
as it was he who had prepared all the plans and made the ne
cessary disposition for the coming struggle. The counte
nances of the generals were serious, and many a thoughtful
glance did they cast upon the columns as they marched past.
Finally, their horses were brought, and the chiefs mounted,
dispersing in various directions, each to his own post.
Though prevented by a fall from my horse from taking
any active part for the last few days, I could not resist the
attraction of at least witnessing the battle. Accompanied by
a comrade, Prince de Polignac, lieutenant-colonel of artillery,
on General Beauregard's staff, I accordingly proceeded to a
hillock where a heavy battery had been placed in position.
It was one of those clear days when the air is so free from
mist or vapor, as to allow the eye to discern objects at the
greatest range, and from our position we could distinguish the
most distant objects.

76 WAR PICTURES.
In front of us was extended the vast plain of Manassas,
oovered broadcast with innumerable masses of gaily dressed
soldiers. It was truly a magnificent sight. Stretched out be
fore us lay the Federal army, its long wings resting upon
great woods, whose dark green foliage offered a fine back
ground to the varied uniforms and glancing bayonets arrayed
in front. A slight breeze brought over to us the stirring
melodies of their numerous bands, resounding cheerily in the
morning air. This brilliant spectacle of warlike array be
neath our feet had all the appearance of a painted panorama;
and, fascinated with the scene, we gazed untiringly upon it,
until the eager-looking faces around us, and the light from the
gun matches in the batteries, aroused us to the knowledge
that, in a very short time, the work of death would commence
in earnest. Signs of active movement were now visible in the masses
below. Like swarms of bees, bodies of troops kept crossing
each other ; batteries, ammunition carts, ambulances, flew
past, marking with a cloud of dust the road each had taken.
The troops took up their ground and formed slowly, but
steadily, in the positions assigned to them. The sun shone
with increasing splendor on the scene, while a fresh breeze
blew playfully over the plain ; and the heavens looked down
smilingly, as if utterly unconscious of the fearful havoc that
must ensue from the sanguinary work about to commence.
There stood, in the full possession of life and youth — their
breasts heaving with hope and courage — thousands who in a
few short hours would be swept away by the merciless angel
of death — would breathe out their last breath — and with their
hearts' blood stain the green summer grass.
The picture suddenly changes, and the poetical coloring
w^hich a moment before pervaded it vanishes before the roar
of artillery, which now issues with fearful violence along the
whole line.
General M'Dowell had received orders from General

TACTICS OF THE CONFEDERATES. 77
Scott to let the men take four days' rations with them, on the
21st of July, preparatory to his taking possession of Ma
nassas, which position he was to maintain by every exertion
in his power, as he could then receive his supplies per railway
from Alexandria. These were the first instructions of the
Federal generals for the expected battle of Manassas.
Meanwhile great activity prevailed in the headquarters
of the Confederate army. Our chief, Beauregard, did not
exhibit his generalship to the best advantage, having pro
posed various plans to his generals, which they could not
comprehend. Thus, when Beauregard learnt that General
Scott had given orders to M'Dowell to take the offensive and
offer battle, he himself wished to adopt that plan, and it was
only by General Johnston's interposition that the idea of so
injudicious a manoeuvre was abandoned. Johnston advo
cated defensive tactics, and showed in the clearest manner
that, owing to the actual position of affairs, we ought first to
await the shock of the enemy before taking the offensive.
Despite these arguments, Beauregard remained unshaken in
his opinion, and this day placed his talents as a great com
mander in their true light.
General Johnston's troops advanced in dense masses
through Ashby's Gap, establishing a communication with
Beauregard's corps on the Potomac, the left wing of which it
now formed.
General Bee then occupied the advanced posts with the 4th
Alabama, 2d and 11th Mississippi, and the 2d, 4th, 5th,
9th, 19th, and 35th Virginia regiments, so as to allow the
remainder of the army time to effect its movements unmo
lested, and take up its proper positions.
Ewell's brigade had taken post at Union Mill; whilst
General Jones occupied M'Lane's Ford ; General Longstreet
Blackburn's Ford ; and General Bonham, with his division,
Mitchell's Ford. General Coke and Colonel Evans were
placed at the extremity of the right wing, and Holmes's and

78 WAR PICTURES.
Early's brigades were held in reserve, ready to advance
whenever their services might be required. The centre and
flanks were covered by our heavy batteries.
The order of battle this day comprised, on the side of the
Confederates, including Johnston's corps and General Kirby
Smith's division, a force of 65,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry,
and a park of artillery of 68 guns, partly rifled and partly
smooth-bored cannon. Thus we were numerically in greater
force than the enemy, and it was only in the event of Patter
son's corps coming up in time that the Federal army would
have outnumbered ours.*
The Confederates held Bull Run river to the extent of
from nine to eleven miles, and with eager impatience awaited
the battle. As soon as the enemy's artillery opened fire
generally upon our line, a number of their batteries were
needlessly brought into play, their services not being yet re
quired or likely to prove useful. But the men were ani
mated with such ardor that possibly no counter order could
have prevented them from firing. Perhaps these overzealous
combatants fancied that the roar of their guns would give
courage to the timid and hesitating. Many a wondering
glance followed the balls as they flew over our heads, and it
was almost ludicrous to see the men duck their heads at a
given signal, and pay a respectful salaam to the iron missile
as it overshot its mark.
After the batteries had maintained a steady fire for some
time, without either army showing any intention of coming
to closer quarters, General Beauregard rode along our lines
urging the men to display unfaltering bravery. Just then a
body of the enemy's infantry was seen to move rapidly from
the centre, and to form into attacking columns : these troops

* In making this comparison between tbo forces of the hostile armies, it iB
only fair to state that about half of the Confederate order of battle as abovo
computed— that is, Kirby Smith's corps of some 30,000 men — did not arrive in the
field xmtil near the close of the action.

ADVANCE OP THE FEDERALS. 79
being probably sooner tired than our own, of the cannonade,
and were consequently impatiently eager to attack us.
This was a moment of exciting and painful suspense. The
military bands of our foes struclc up " Yankee Doodle " to
encourage their advancing troops. The necessary dispositions
having been promptly made, their columns advanced against
a small group of houses that had been occupied by our men,
under General Evans, to whom the command of the position
had a few hours previously been transferred from the hands
of General Bee.
About noon the enemy sent their sharpshooters forward
in large numbers, and these kept up a well-sustained fire.
Immediately afterward the heads of the attacking columns
came into view, entering the battle field in tolerably good
order, but not with sufficient rapidity ; a few minutes later
the battle raged violently in this quarter. By the side of the
cluster of houses we had drawn up a battery of sixteen guns,
and these dealt death and destruction amongst the ranks of
the enemy. The Federal troops, however, stood our fire
with great steadiness ; they advanced boldly, and drove out our
men from the houses in question.
Beauregard now sent Fisher with his brigade to support
them, and he attacked the successful assailants with such de
termined spirit that he recovered possession of the houses,
driving the enemy's troops before him. Scarcely, however,
had our troops regained ground, when General Evans issued
an order that Fisher's brigade on the right should manceuvre
toward Longstreet's division, whilst himself would endeavor
to maintain the position that had been recovered. But the
enemy, now coming up with strong reinforcements, and sup
ported by a battery of horse artillery, made a desperate on
slaught on Evans's division. The battle at this point was now
at its height. In vain did that General endeavor to maintain
his position until reinforcements should arrive. The enemy's
leaders were indefatigable in urging on their troops, and their

80 WAR PICTUEES.
attack was so overpowering that our men were at length
driven back, and the cluster of houses once more fell into the
hands of our foes. General Evans then withdrew reluctantly
behind the batteries with his shattered force, to give his men
time to draw breath and recruit themselves after their hard
toil and desperate but baffled efforts to hold their ground.
Whilst this minor but deadly contest was going on on
our left. General Beauregard about one o'clock gave the order
along his entire line to advance. General Jackson, with his
whole division, supported by that of Ewell, then made a despe
rate attack upon the enemy's centre. The collision was fearful.
The Federal troops held their ground without wavering, and
Jackson's close encounter recoiled before the dense mass of
foes opposed to him. The desperation and endurance with
which both sides fought at this point entitled them to high
praise. Despite the most gallant efforts General Jackson
was obliged to leave the field with his mangled division. At
this conjuncture General Beauregard made his appearance, and
in person led Bee's and Early's divisions in support ; but the
men now seemed discouraged, and advanced reluctantly. The
enemy then attempted to strike a blow at our left, when
Colonels Stuart and Ashby, at the head of their cavalry,
dashed into them with a loud cheer, using sword and revolver
with such effect that they cut quite through them. This dash
ing and successful exploit inspirited our troops with renewed
courage. Meanwhile General Jackson had again collected
his forces and made strenuous efforts to redeem his mishap.
Like lions his men rushed headlong upon the foe, stemmed
their advance, and recovered some of the lost ground.
During the progress of these operations, those of our
troops on the left wing who occupied the cluster of houses
before mentioned, had again lost their position. The enemy
tried hard to derive still greater advantage from this further
success, and accordingly constructed a masked battery upon
the plateau opposite to the houses ; and they succeeded, in

CRITICAL POSITION OF OUR ARMY. 81
the course of the day, in posting, at this critically important
point, Rickett's and Griffin's batteries. As soon as the bat
tery was planted, it opened fire, and sent forth a storm of
projectiles amongst our unprotected men. The havoc which
these guns caused in our ranks was most serious. General
Johnston, feeling that the plateau was easily accessible,
ordered up a battery of twelve-pounder rifled cannon from
the reserve, and gave orders that the enemy should be driven
from that point. With the greatest coolness and energy the
commander of our battery set to work ; but all his efforts
failed before the activity of the enemy's fire, which had been
concentrated upon our guns as soon as the commander of the
hostile battery divined our intention. Their first shot killed
the artillery officer in command, besides dismantling two of
our guns and killing and wounding a number of the gunners.
Our position at this part of the field was very critical. As
often as our battalions were marshalled in order to advance
to the attack, their columns were riddled by the enemy's shot,
which was poured in with such deadly effect as to cause dis
order and confusion in our ranks.
General Johnston repeatedly cast anxious glances toward
that part of the field where Kirby Smith's division was ex
pected to advance from Winchester. From the effect of five
hours' almost incessant fighting his men had become sadly ex
hausted, and their distress was greatly augmented by the
force of the sun's rays, which darted down so scorching a glare
as to take away, for a time, what little strength remained to
his wornout troops. There was yet no sign of Kirby Smith's
advance, and a moody despair began to . show itself in the
men's countenances, as if indicating that their courage was
about to droop from sheer hopelessness. In this state of
matters General Johnston made another resolute attempt to
rally his troops, and, seizing the flag ofthe 6th North Carolina
regiment, conjured his men to stand by him and save the
honor of the Confederate cause : then at the head of the
4*

82 WAR PICftlRES.
above-named regiment, he rushed furiously on the advancing
foe. Nothing could now prevail against these men, who
fought with all the madness of despair. Nothing could stop
their onward rush; they broke through the enemy's ranks,
and a terrible hand-to-hand conflict ensued, to depict which
adequately would be impossible. Who could relate all the
scenes of desperate daring and almost superhuman bravery
that were here displayed? Without stopping, Johnston,
followed by the North Carolina regiment and a portion of
Bonham's brigade, made a rush for the plateau occupied by
the hostile brigades of Rickett and Griffin.
General M'Dowell, convinced of the importance of this
post, had sent Corcoran's Irish regiment to its support. The
latter had on the way thrown aside everything that could im
pede their movements, and, at the point of the bayonet, re
pelled, in splendid style, all Johnston's attacks. Johnston,
driven to despaii-, and almost fatigued to death by excitement
and exertion, now leaned against a tree, and unable to sup
press his vexation, continually stamped his foot on the earth.
The fighting here was truly heroic. Generals Fisher of
North Carolina, and Barton of Georgia, fell nearly at the
same time; and right and left the men dropped, bathed in
blood — yet not an inch of ground was lost or won.
At this most critical moment of the day, a portion of
General Jones's brigade now makes its appearance on the field,
with a fresh body of troops from Texas, Arkansas, and
Louisiana. With a loud " hurrah," these men throw them
selves impetuously upon the enemy, already confidently ex
ulting in anticipated victory. At the same time, in order to
stem their farther advance, Johnston, with his aide-de-camp,
hastens down to the thinned ranks of his fine division, and en
deavors again to rouse the dejected spirit of his men. They
respond to his appeal; although panting from heat and
fatigue, the brave fellows cannot refuse to follow their
beloved and gallant commander. Again his shaken ranks

THE PLATEAU REGAINED. 83
are formed into a compact column, and stimulated by the
rallying cry of " Forward ! " this heroic band, with their
physical strength all but exhausted by their previous exer
tions, dash irresistibly into the battle, determined there to
seek either victory or death.
Even the Irishmen, who had hitherto stood like a rock
under their able colonel, Corcoran, could not withstand this
shock. They, too, were dead beat by the incessant hard
fighting. Thus we were enabled to gain a little ground,
which served still further to rouse the courage of our men.
Like two thunder clouds driven into collision by a fierce
tempest, the hostile masses closed. " Hurrah for Jeff.
Davis ! " shouted our men, and " On to Richmond ! " was
responded by the foe. The Federal gunners were obliged to
cease firing, in order not to mow down their own men, and
sword and bayonet were alone used to do their deadly work
in this murderous meUe.
Gradually the resistance of our opponents slackened — they
began to give way. One more attack — one more headlong
wild rush, regardless of death and horrible mutilation — one
more desperate grapple — and the enemy is hurled back. A
loud cheer then burst from our ranks, accompanied with ex
ulting cries of, " They give way ! they give way ! " and exert
ing their remaining powers to the utmost, our men make a
final and crushing onslaught. The enemy is compelled to re
linquish his hard-earned advantages, and seeks shelter behind
his guns, which are brought up in all haste, but in vain.
The Confederates having become again masters of the im
portant plateau, with a portion of the batteries posted there,
forthwith turn the guns against the columns advancing to the
support of the enemy, which are now exposed to a galling
fire. The battle on the left wing had thus terminated in our
favor. Johnston had defeated all the attempts of the enemy
to maintain the plateau and the group of houses, and drove

84 WAE PICTUEES.
them back, with a great loss in killed and wounded, on their
reserve. We now stood in special need of a good body of
cavalry. If Johnston, at the moment the enemy gave way,
had been so fortunate as to have two or three cavalry regi
ments at his disposal, our success would have been a decisive
one. Our infantry was so worn out with heat and toil, that
the men were not capable of performing the comparatively
light duty of pursuing the beaten foe. Our success was, con
sequently, not complete. Moreover, had we been better pro
vided with cavalry, we might have effectually relieved our
centre when it was so hard pressed by General M'Dowell.
General Johnston felt very anxious lest the enemy should
become aware of our weakness and return to the attack. He
therefore sent aide-de-camps and orderlies, in all haste, in the
direction where Kirby Smith's division was expected. If his
troops should arrive in time our men might get some of the
rest they so much needed ; but this hope was likely to prove
a vain one : not a trace was to be seen either of Kirby Smith's
or of any other fresh troops, and the mind of Johnston was
sorely troubled at contemplating the dearly purchased advan
tages he had obtained with his gallant soldiers thus placed in
jeopardy, as the prospect of maintaining the ground they
had won and following up their success seemed to fade away.
Meantime, the battle had been raging along the whole
line. General Beauregard, informed of Johnston's success on
the left wing, did not wish to be behindhand on his part, and
exerted all his energy to strike a decisive blow at the enemy.
He therefore ordered General Longstreet to place himself at
the head of the attacking columns, and directed a general ad
vance. Admirably did Longstreet lead his men on, and he
was followed by the brigades of Kershaw and Coke in supr
port. The enemy's troops calmly awaited our attack, and
from a masked battery opened a destructive fire upon Long-
street's corps. This, however, did not check its advance for
one moment ; on it dashed in utter contempt of death, with

LONGSTREET REPULSED. 85
fixed bayonets, across the plain and over some small brush
wood which separated it from the foe. At this moment the
enemy displayed his front; various guns, hitherto unper-
ceived, poured a regular shower of grape into our attacking
columns, causing whole ranks to be swept down on the blood
stained field. The two supporting brigades, beholding this
terrible havoc of their comrades, with cries of rage and
anguish burst from their hitherto well-kept ranks, and rushed
wildly across the plain to their aid ; but before they could
come up with them, they in turn fell stricken to the ground.
Our foes, confident in the ultimate success of a well-con
certed plan of action, defended their position with great skill
and determination. Longstreet, rendered desperate by tbe
terrible loss sustained by his men, endeavored in vain to
rally them and inspire them with new courage. His corps
was almost annihilated, and many of his men became mixed
up with the other brigades so inextricably that great confu
sion necessarily ensued, and it was scarcely possible to pro
cure any obedience to orders. Soldiers no longer recognized
their officers, nor the officers their men, so incurable was the
confusion at that moment. Like madmen the men fired and
struck at their foes without order. All the appeals of Beau
regard and his officers were disregarded. The troops, at last,
struck with a panic, quite gave way and ran across the plain
which separated them from the wood. They had scarcely
turned when some squadrons of the United States regular
cavalry followed them in pursuit. Happily for our men the
leader of these horsemen did his work inefficiently. Profiting
by this, some companies which had hastily got together, some
what recovered their order, making a sufficient show of resist
ance to lead him to suppose they meant to repel the attack ;
thereupon, he turned back and allowed the remainder of our
dispersed troops to save themselves.
The disheartened soldiers had scarcely reached the verge
of the wood when Colonel Ashby made his appearance with

86 WAR PICTURES.
some companies of cavalry, and under this welcome protect
ing cover many of the fugitives found safety.
The enemy now advanced slowly, but with evident dis
trust, whilst their artillery kept up a useless fire. Our troops
were not disposed to make any further stand. Their great
and unlooked-for losses had disheartened them, and it was
only when Beauregard came up with a few fresh battalions
and a battery that the officers could succeed in enforcing
obedience, when they endeavored, to the best of their ability,
to get the disorganized mass into some order and discipline.
Beauregard looked sadly, almost beseechingly, toward hea^
ven, as if no aid could be expected from any other quarter.
The few battalions he had brought up were sent to the front
and spread themselves out in an extended line of skirmishers,
opening a brisk fire upon the slowly advancing enemy, who
probably fancied that much larger reinforcements had arrived
than was really the case. Had they known at this critical
moment how to turn their advantage to account, there was no
need for them to force Beauregard's centre, disorganized and
scattered as it then was.
From the left wing there was no help to be expected ; for
General Johnston, with his wornout troops, was incapable of
more work, and was only too thankful that he had succeeded in
doing so much. The reserves had been so lavishly employed
from the very outset, that there were none now available ;
consequently, our troops were wholly insufficient to resist a
fresh attack on the part of the enemy ; and if to this be added
the general discouragement and the wornout state ofthe men,
we may infer that in a few minutes more the battle of Manas
sas might have been decided in favor of the Federals. But
it was not to be so : thanks to the slowness of our over-prudent
foes, we were saved in our hour of greatest need, and the
mighty blow that threatened our destruction fell short of its
mark. Our brave sharpshooters were meanwhile busily annoying

ARRIVAL OP THE PRESIDENT. 87
the advancing enemy ; and the few battalions we still had to
cover us kept the enemy at bay, like well trained hounds
when facing a lion ; and profiting by his unaccountable inert
ness and overcaution, seized the opportunity to attempt, hope-
less as the chance appeared, once more to restore our fallen
fortunes. At the very time these momentous events were taking place
on the right wing and in the centre, President Jefferson Davis
made his appearance on the field, surrounded by a brilliant
staff. For a triumphant procession, he must have soon per
ceived that he came somewhat too early, as he rode in silence
along the columns of the brigades. What a sight ! The glo
rious army was, so to say, dissolved. The pride and the flower
of the South lay bleeding and broken on the ground, and only
a small body still rallied round its tattered banners. The
hopes of thousands had been baffled, the joy of other thousands
crushed ; groans, lamentations, and piteous cries for help were
painfully audible on every side. In the midst of the fearful;
sickening sight that met the eye of the President, what must
the proud heart of that man have felt at this spectacle of mis
ery 1 What must have been his feelings when the corpses of
his friends. Generals Barton and Fisher — men who had found
the death of heroes — were brought in ?
With an uneasy hand he clutched his reins, his. eye look
ing dull and sad, his, face twitching nervously, influenced per
haps by a painful feeling of responsibility on beholding around
him on all sides the poor victims who had fallen in support of
the cause identified so closely with his own ambition.
General Beauregard communicated to the President, in a
few words, the details of the progress of the battle. The sol
diers, meanwhile, stood around in silence, leaning on their wea
pons. There was something of discontent visible in their
looks, which may have seemed to upbraid the President for
the policy that had brought them to make such fearful sacri
fices.

88 WAR PICTUEES.
His Excellency, unable to dwell upon so painful a scene,
hastily rode off toward our left wing, but only to see a repe
tition there of the spectacle he had just endeavored to avoid.
Scarcely had the President left with his staff, when the
enemy made a show of ending by one blow the work that had
been so far advanced.
They came boldly forward, drove back our sharpshooters,
and approached the spot where we had posted our reserve, our
hospitals, and magazines. If our foes could have succeeded in
establishing a footing here, all resistance must necessarily have
ceased. At this critical moment, Beauregard ordered General
Jackson to attack the enemy on the left flank, whilst he should
attack them in the centre.
Poor Jackson was, on every occasion, the last resource,
and was therefore ordered forward when any difficult or
almost impossible work was to be done. But he was always
willing and ready, and no one ever heard him utter a com.
plaint, or grumble at any order, however unreasonable. And
so it happened to-day : he was again to attack the enemy, al
though no division had been so hotly engaged and suffered so
much already as his own. He stirred up the courage of his
men, and with unbounded confidence, they prepared to follow
him. A few moments after Jackson had received his orders
he was again alongside the enemy, engaged in a desperate
hand-to-hand encounter.
The Federal troops had just crossed a ditch, but Jackson
drove them back helter skelter, and hotly pursued them. The
enemy was startled at this forward movement of the Confed
erates, who scarcely an hour before had appeared defeated and
about to retreat. They pulled up, however, at a small ravine,
and then made so stout a stand that every attempt of Jackson
to drive them from this post failed.
Generals Scott and M'Dowell, observing the fatigued state
of our men, resolved at once to make a general attack upon
our wornout line.

JOHNSTON'S DESPERATE COURAGE. 89
General Mills was sent with three brigades to Centreville,
to make a demonstration as a feint upon Blackburn and Mit
chell's Ford, with a view to mislead General Beauregard ; and
General Tyler was, meantime, to operate against Stone-
bridge ; General Heintzelman to advance as quickly as possi
ble against Red House Ford, and take possession of that point.
General Hunter, with two brigades, was, in the interval, to
clear the ground and drive back the skirmishers.
The enemy carmed out this manoeuvre with alacrity and
a feeling of confidence, whilst our army, owing to the immense
length of our line of battle, was so widely distributed that
some portions were left unsupported. Our troops could not
prevent the enemy from carrying out their operations, as there
was scarcely any possibility of concentrating large masses on
one point, an operation that would have been attended, not
only with great difficulty, but with much loss of time. Owing
to the concentration of the enemy, it was much easier for them
to support each other. Without giving us time thoroughly
to understand their plans and to counteract them, the enemy's
troops now made a sudden and simultaneous attack upon our
whole line. Generals Heintzelman and Burnside made a furi
ous onslaught upon Johnston's wearied troops, and attempted
to drive them out of the position they had gained with so much
resolution and perseverance.
Johnston was well aware of the importance of his position,
and saw at a glance exactly how he was situated. If the Fed
erals were victorious here, the only chance for the Confeder
ates was to fall back on the centre, in which case Johnston
would have to advance his left wing toward it. But this
would cut off the communication with Kirby Smith's corps,
for the enemy could then occupy the position thus vacated,
throw itself between Johnston and Smith, and capture or crush
the latter, who would then have to sustain the attack of their
main body.
The enemy's two generals exerted themselves to the ut-

90 WAR PICTURES.
most to effect their object ; but Johnston stood as firm as a
rook, and was determined to hold the precious ground he oc
cupied with his troops, until the last man should fall. A con
flict on a large scale was, meantime, raging along the whole
line. The sultry atmosphere was almost unbearable, and the
troops, heated by continual fighting, were tired almost to
fainting. With difficulty Johnston gathered his men together,
and brought them up, almost desponding, against the enemy.
Both parties fought with almost incredibie obstinacy. The
cannon roared, the rifles cracked, and with wild hurrahs the
opponents met in mortal fight. Clouds of smoke and dust
shrouded the horrible scenes of butchery here displayed.
More than once had they driven back the enemy's attack,
when suddenly Hunter's division came up to the support of
the latter, thns bringing fresh troops against our wornout
men. This was too much. Despite the great disregard of
death which Johnston himself had personally displayed — de
spite the most heroic attempts at keeping up the courage of
his men, it was evident that the position could no longer be
held. Attacked on all sides, our troops retreated gradually
from their dearly bought positions, defending every inch of
gromid with their last remaining strength.
Johnston was now in a state of despair ; all seemed to be
lost, and the exertions of the whole day fruitless. Like a
wounded boar, he rushed about, endeavoring to collect the last
remnants of his defeated corps ; and the tide of fortune was
fast setting in against the cause of the Confederacy, when, as
an expiring effort, Hampton's legion was now brought up to
support Jackson. " You cover the retreat," shouted Jackson ;
" we are beaten, and must fall back. Then," added he, reso
lutely, " I will again show the enemy our bayonets." In a
very short time he had formed his troops into order; and
General Bee exultingly exclaimed, "Here stands Jackson
like a ' stone wall,' and here let us conquer or die ! "
The exclamation was received with enthusiasm along the

THE CONFEDERATES NEARLY OVERPOWERED. 91
whole line. " Stone wall ! stone wall ! " shouted the men ;
and their courage was renewed as if by magic. Here it was
that Jackson earned the imperishable term of Stonewall as a
prefix to his name. Meantime the enemy was already in
possession of nearly all the important positions. Jackson,
fully aware of their value, turned his attention to that quar
ter. Making a furious rush upon the scared enemy, he at
tacks them in their centre, and endeavors to hurl them back.
A half battery of 12-pounders did very good service here;
and General Bee followed up with the troops of the other di
vision. But all these heroic attempts proved fruitless ; the
enemy was too strong. Heintzelman and Burnside defended
their position with great skill. Johnston tried a desperate
flank movement ; but the enemy was not to be deceived.
They merely sent their disposable cavalry and a few guns to
oppose him ; and these troops, by their firm attitude, kept
him at bay.
Jackson was finally obliged to leave Johnston to himself,
and make a retrograde movement. As soon as the enemy
observed this, they determined to annihilate us at one fell
swoop. There was no time to be lost now, and only the
most heroic resistance could save the fresh regiments that had
come up.
The condition of affairs on our side was at this moment
desperate indeed. Our left flank was overpowered, and with
out support it was impossible to do anything with the worn-
out troops in that quarter. General Holmes with three regi
ments, and General Early with some others, and a 6-pounder
battery under Captain Walker, accordingly advanced to the
support; whilst the routed brigades of Bonham, Kemper,
Longstreet, Ewell and Jones were ordered to make a general
attack upon the Federal forces. By the greatest good luck,
it so happened that at this moment a body of fresh troops
came up from Virginia and Tennessee, and by their gallant
bearing revived the drooping spirits of our men.

92 WAR PICTURES.
Beauresard and Johnston held a conference at Robertson's
Farm, at which President Jefferson Davis was also present.
But few words could have passed between them ; they proba
bly referred to what appeared to be our inevitable retreat.
In a few minutes the generals gallopped back to their respect
ive posts. It was high time that they did so, for the enemy
were pouring in on all sides, overthrowing Beauregard's line
of defence. Once more Jackson gathered his men together,
and led them on to fight ; but every attack failed against the
obstinacy of the foe, who resolutely frustrated every attempt
made by our men. This hot and sanguinary day was already
drawing to a close ; the sun was murkily setting in the west,
as if it had already witnessed too much misery ; darkness
was beginning to spread its merciful wings over the scene of
battle, over the downtrodden, mutilated corpses, and over the
numerous wounded that lay scattered over the vast plain.
The position of the Confederates became gradually more un
tenable ; and when stragglers from Beauregard's defeated di
vision came hastily up, one after the other exclaiming, " Beau
regard is beaten ! Longstreet is killed ! all is over ! " even
the bravest spirits gave way. The roar of cannon drew nearer
and nearer, and announced that we really were defeated. Vain
were all attempts to stop the confusion which ensued ; prepa
rations were made by many for flight, and some, indeed, threw
away their arms, and fled.
Johnston and Jackson rode like madmen through the
ranks of the disheartened soldiers, but their zeal was of no
avail. The confusion increased, and masses of Beauregard's
routed division came hurrying back, adding to the general be
wilderment. All discipline was at an end ; the enemy's bul
lets already began to shower in upon us, and the shout of
' Run ! " was raised. And now at this moment appeared in
sight, at no great distance too, the advancing columns of the
anxiously expected corps of Kirby Smith.
Like an electric shock, the words ran from mouth to mouth

KIRBY SMITH'S OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL. 93
through the ranks, " Kirby is coming ! " and a thousand voices
thundered forth, " Kirby is advancing with 30,000 men ! "
Each eye now flashed with enthusiasm, and each breast heaved
with renewed courage.
It was now an easy task for the officers to restore order
amongst their men. The newcomers are greeted with shouts
of " Welcome ! " The help that was needed to save the army
had come at last. Kirby Smith advanced at once to the at
tack, and every one felt that his opportune arrival had ope
rated a miraculous change in the state of affairs. The loud
cheer that rang along our broken lines now startled the elated,
advancing enemy.
Like a thunderbolt Kirby Smith fell upon the foe ; our
men fought desperately; and in a moment the Federal troops,
who had felt certain of victory, were everywhere driven back.
Scarcely had they commenced retiring, when it became im
possible to restrain our troops. A giant Texan, throwing
away his rifle, took out his Bowie knife. With one blow he
split the skull of a wounded man who had fallen to the
ground ; and this became the signal for a general butchery.
Like wild beasts, the incensed soldiery fell upon their victims,
hewing, stabbing and slashing like madmen.
Afearful panic seizes upon the Federal troops. Even the
bravest fly before such an onslaught ; they give way, and, in
mortal fear, officers and men run for their lives like startled
deer. Only a few regiments hold their ground, and amongst
them Colonel Corcoran's Irish regiment, standing like a rock
in the whirlpool rushing past them, and which threatened to
carry them along with it. The Irish fought like heroes ; and
not until a great number of them had fallen, and their brave
colonel had been made a prisoner, did they slowly retire.
These poor fellows, who had certainly done their full share
of the work, could not possibly understand that the day was
to end to their disadvantage. The savage spirit of our sol
diers now almost bordered upon the horrible. Beauregard

34 WAR PICTURES.
took advantage of this vengeful mood ; he ordered his whole
army forward, and with wild exulting cheers fell upon the
broken enemy. Stuart meantime had collected all his cavalry
together, and swept across the plain like a whirlwind, clearing
everything before him.
The enemy was now in full flight at every point, and so
quick was our advance that all order in our ranks was lost,
and no regiment kept in its proper position. A rumor sud
denly spread among the men that Kirby Smith had fallen. A
cry of anger and horror passed through the ranks of the whole
army. Our troops, now maddened with rage, fell mercilessly
upon their opponents, and a fearful massacre commenced.
Scenes of horrible cruelty too fearful for description ensued.
Our men were no longer human beings ; covered witl^ blood
and dust, and gunpowder, they fell upon their flying oppo
nents with ungovernable fury.
The whole of the enemy's army was dispersed, and re
treated in indescribable disorder to Bull Run. The whole
plain was covered with fugitives, followed by our men in hot
pursuit. The victory we had gained was complete.
Scarcely was Beauregard informed of the unexpected
success of his arms at every point, when he wended his way
to the spot where President Jefferson Davis had posted him
self with his staff.
" President," said he, " the battle of Manassas has been
won by the indomitable bravery of the Confederate troops.
The victory is ours ! "
The President, with emotion, embraced the hero of
Manassas ; the Confederacy was safe now for some time to
come, and with it the position of its President.
It was past midnight, and at headquarters nothing was
yet known of the actual position and condition of the troops.
In the wild, disorderly pursuit, all the regiments had become
disorganized, and in many cases the commanding officers
failed in getting their orders obeyed. The roar of cannon

ASPECT OP THE BATTLE FIELD. 95
had' now become fainter, and the sound of musketry had
ceased altogether.
¦The destruction and devastation which this battle of nearly
twelve hours' duration occasioned is beyond my powers of
description. On the field lay by thousands the wounded, the
dying, and the dead ; groans and piteous cries for help echoed
through the silence of the night, but few took any notice of
the poor sufferers lying on that field of blood. The prepara
tions for conveying and taking care of the wounded were so
defective, the means for attending to their wants so insuffi
cient, and the staff destined for this purpose so small, that but
little real help could be bestowed. The sultry air was still
insufferable, and augmented the pangs of the wounded ; yet
the surgeons had no idea of their duties, although the most
energetic action on their part was so indispensable.
Beauregard and the other generals were fairly bewildered
by the victory they had achieved. They already pictured to
their fancy tbe Confederate Government safely seated at
Washington, issuing decrees from the Capitol to the van
quished North. But where the army was that had to effect
all this, no one knew. A great portion of it lay dead on the
field of battle, while the more unfortunate wounded were
abandoned heartlessly to their fate. No hospital accommo
dation had been provided ; but little surgical attendance had
been prepared for the wretched sufferers. With the greatest
difficulty the quartermasters managed to find room for some
1,500 to 2,000 of our own wounded, while those ofthe enemy,
in still greater number, required accommodation. But whose
business was this? The greater portion of the army was
busied in plundering ; from which occupation many repaired
joyfully homeward, refusing obedience to their officers, and
inflated with pride at the valiant deeds they had performed.
Our army was just then de facto dissolved, and there weie
but few troops amongst them who could be counted upon.
But in the sad scene that lay before me, I could not stand by

96 WAR PICTURES.
unconcerned at the sight of so much uncared-for misery ; my
heart bled at the lamented cries for help of the poor fellows
lying around me. I then proceeded to visit the prisoners,
and on inquiring if there were no medical men amongst them,
I found a few, and with these proceeded to our left wing,
where the fight had been fiercest. It was a sorrowful kind of
work we took in hand : as soon as we came to the scene of
the struggle, friend and foe lay side by side in one undis-
tinguishable mass, the dead and dying crowded together in a
frightful heap, mixed with broken ammunition carts and frag
ments of baggage.
We set about putting the houses which stood near the
plateau, that had been the scene of such murderous strife,
into the best order we could. Riddled as they were, how
ever, with cannon shot, they were now mere shells. Carpen
ters and joiners did their best to turn them into a sort of tem
porary hospital, but the darkness of the night much impeded
our exertions, and it was not till three o'clock in the morning
that our first preparations were completed.
At five o'clock I again visited the field of battle. Our
generals had given up all further pursuit of the enemy, and
were occupied in restoring order amongst the troops — order
out of chaos indeed ! The whole population of the neighbor
hood was collected together, partly in search of booty, partly
to inquire after the fate of relations and friends, and being
intermingled with the troops, the whole presented the appear
ance of a roving mob. No one seemed disposed to obey the
orders of his superiors or attend to his duties ; the command
ers themselves relaxed their grasp on the troops, and were
dragged into the whirlpool. Numerous bands of soldiers
strolled about, howling and bawling, and otherwise mis
behaving themselves. Many deserted, for discipline and
subordination were at an end ; and the army of the Con
federates was virtually broken up, despite the victory it had
achieved.

INCIDENTS OF THE FLIGHT. 97
If General Scott had had a reserve at hand, behind the
ranks of which his troops could have been reformed, he might
easily have restored the fortunes of the day, and at any rate
have deprived the Confederates of all the advantages of the
victory. His cavalry had not suffered much, and he could
have ordered up Patterson's corps in all haste from Martins
burg by forced marches, and by displaying a little energy and
presence of mind, have retrieved the disaster that had befallen
the Union banner.
But, on the other hand, the disorder and panic in the Fed
eral army must nevertheless have been very great. The
whole line of road taken by the Federals in their retreat was
strewn with weapons, dead and wounded horses, wagons,
baggage, in sad evidence of their utter rout. At Cub Run
Bridge, to all appearance, there must have been an awful
crush amongst the fugitives, the main stream of which, being
pursued by Early's and Stuart's cavalry, infantry, and artil
lery, hurried on in such a helter-skelter style to place the
river between themselves and the pursuers, that the bridge
was thoroughly blocked up by the jamming together of wag
ons and horses. In fact, confusion reached its culminating
point at this bridge. In their frantic efforts to escape, the
Union soldiers climbed over the obstructing carriages, some
of which were overturned ; while in the midst of all this
tumult the first shots of Kemper's pursuing battery began to
take effect, thereby increasing the panic to the most fearful
height. Hundreds of curious spectators, who had come in carriages
and on horseback to witness the victory ofthe Federal troops,
now added, by their useless and obstructive presence, to the
disastrous effects of the retreat, beseeching the exhausted
soldiers to help them, who could not save themselves ; horses
without riders, bespattered with blood and frantic from
wounds, dashed into the human mass, and contributed another
phase of terror to the deplorable scene. Self-preservation
5

98 WAR PICTUEES.
was now absolute in its sway. Every man sought to save
his own life, regardless of that of his comrade, whom he
savagely thrust out of his way ; for they well knew that the
Confederate horsemen were at their heels. On they came,
like the wind, sweeping all before them, and trampling many
a poor wounded fellow to death. Nearer and nearer, too,
the dreaded roar of the cannon reached their ears. Thus but
one thought, but one idea, self-preservation, prevails with the
tangled mass of hunted fugitives.
The flight of the Federal troops continued till they
reached Centreville, where was posted MUes's brigade. There,
in fact, were reserves which had not been turned to account
in the action : reserves that might have done good service if
made use of at the proper time and place ; but it would seem
as if every man lost both head and heart. The very thought
of a retreat had never entered their minds, still less that of a
defeat, with such confidence had the generals gone to work.
But what is no less singular, no arrangements for the pursuit
of the enemy in case of victory had been made. All things
considered, it is impossible to avoid severely censuring the
Federal commanders for their want of foresight.
Neither General Scott nor General M'Dowell had given
any orders to Colonel Miles to be prepared with his brigade in
readiness for any emergency, and consequently this officer found
his efforts to check the torrents of fugitives, and to collect any
of them so as to make a stand utterly futile : the panic was
overwhelming, and the reserve itself was presently whirled
away in the vortex.
Let us, in conclusion, bestow another glance on the field
of battle. What a horrible", lamentable episode in this fratrici
dal contest did it not present to the mind ; and the man who
could, on beholding it, remain unmoved at the terrible scene
must have had a heart of stone. The reader must forgive me
if I now refer to details in which my own active participation
became essential. My description is only meant to give a

NEGLECT OF THE WOUNDED. 99
faint sketch of the utter helplessness and neglect of precaution
that I was shocked to witness. Prompted by feelings of con
scientiousness and humanity, I made it my duty to seek out
and attend upon the wounded ; and the more so when I found
that the work of alleviating their sufferings was performed
with evident reluctance and want of zeal by many of those whose
duty it was to do it. I looked upon the poor fellows only as suf
fering fellow mortals, brothers in need of help, and made no dis
tinction between friend and foe ; nay, I must own that I was
at times prompted to give preference to the latter, for the reason
that some of our men met with attention from their relations
and friends, who had flocked to the field in numbers to seek
for them. But in doing so I had to encounter opposition, and
was even pointed at by some, with muttered curses, as a trai
tor to the cause of the Confederacy, for bestowing any attention
on the "d  Yankees." To insure safety from my own
comrades, I waited upon General Jackson, and explained to him
the task I had undertaken. He shook me warmly by the hand
saying : " You are right ; as a European officer you must
know what a new army most stands in need of. Act, there
fore, according to your own judgment, and, if necessary, shoot
any ruffians who may dare to interfere with you in your work
of humanity." Thus sanctioned, I returned and went cheerfully to work.
I took up a position in the centre of the battle field ; and from
this, as a radiating point, sent my men out with stretchers,
bandages, refreshments, &c., to succor the wounded. Many
of our officers and men looked on with more than indifference
at my exertions when bestowed on wounded enemies. But I
persevered, and toward evening We had three hospitals : one
for the slightly wounded, one for amputations and othef serious
cases, and one for those who were wounded beyond all hope.
The picture of human misery di.splayed in these ill-provided
asylums was a heartrending one. A young Federal officer
especially engrossed my sympathy. Pale as death, he lay

100 WAR PICTURES.
with his eyes shut and closed lips, whilst tears rolled down his
cheeks. " Courage, comrade," I said, cheeringly ; " the day
will come when you will calmly remember this battle as one
of the things of the past." Gradually opening his eyes, and
holding out his hand, he pressed mine, and exclaimed, in a
trembling voice, " Do not give me false hopes, sir : it is all
up with me.'' In vain did I endeavor to cheer his flagging
spirit. " I do not grieve that I shall die," he quietly observ
ed ; " for with these stumps" (and he lifted the coverlet, to
show me that both his feet had been smashed by a round shot)
" I cannot live long ; but I weep for my poor, distracted coun
try. But had I a second life at my command, I would willing
ly sacrifice it for the cause of the Union." Deeply moved, I
stood by the couch of this gallant youth, who with his dying
breath still spoke in the same patriotic strain. His eyes had
again closed ; a faint smile passed over his face, like the young
dawn of another world. Suddenly he rose nervously in the
bed, while his whole frame quivered ; and after exclaiming in
distinct tones, " Mother ! — father ! " he fell back. His fea
tures became rigid — his spirit had fled.
Here, amongst enemies, he breathed out his young life, far'
away from his beloved relations, and none of them will prob
ably ever learn where and how he died. There was nothing to
give us any clue to his identity, with the exception of a small
locket with the portrait of a fair young girl, which ho wore
round his neck. I put it upon the dead man's breast, and took
care to have it buried with him in the small grave that had
been dug to receive his body, under the shade of a large cher
ry tree. How many must have died in a similar manner, far
from their friends, without one word of consolation, without
one friendly look to cheer their last moments !
But enough of this : I could describe a hundred similar
scenes which I witnessed in the hospitals, but the liveliest
imagination ofthe reader could not portray the sad reality of
such pictures of woe and misery as it was my fate to behold.

AFTER THE BATTLE. 101
If the great and powerful among men could but once make
themselves acquainted, by personal observation, with such
hospital scenes, they would shudder more than they are prone
to do at the horrors of war, and would resolve never to draw
the sword or advocate a resort to it for any light cause.
Our Generals did their best to reorganize the army, and
proceeded to draw up a report of the battle, but this was but
imperfectly accomplished. Johnston's and Longstreet's brig
ades had suffered most, as they were nearly the whole day under
fire. Nearly every company lost from forty to fifty men in
killed and wounded. The loss in officers especially was ex
cessive, some regiments having nearly every officer hors de
combat. The deaths of Generals Bee, Barlow, and Fisher were
universally regretted. General Barlow fell at the head ofthe
4th Georgia regiment, and with his dying breath encouraged
his men. Fisjier had only arrived a few days previously with
the 6th North Carolina regiment, and here found the death of
a hero. General Bee, a former pupil at West Point, was much
beloved by his men ; he fell in the last attack, and his troops
became almost frantic when they learned the death of their
commander. According to the report drawn up, the loss of the Confed
erate army was 879 men killed, and 2,963 wounded. The loss
of the Federal army could not have been less — rather greater
if anything. The brigades of Generals Tyler, Heintzelman,
Hunter, and Franklin were fearfully cut up. These troops,
officers and men, who held out to the very last, are entitled to
the highest praise. Griffin's battery rendered admirable ser
vice. The spoils won by the Confederate army were very con
siderable. Besides capturing 28 guns, partly dismounted,
they took about 1,600 prisoners, including several officers,
a quantity of arms, carriages, ammunition, baggage, &c. ;
amongst other things, a state carriage and pair, in the inside
of which a pair of epaulettes were found, without an owner.

102 WAR PICTURES.
A rumor prevailed that this was the victorious car of General
Scott, in which he had intended to make his triumphal entry
into Richmond.
However, the severe blow dealt to the Federal cause by
the defeat at Manassas, so far from discouraging the Union
Government, aroused it to new activity. A desire for ven
geance spread through the whole North. The greatest excite
ment prevailed ; recruits poured in from all quarters ; and
in a short time a larger and more powerful army was collected
and brought into training than ever before was seen on that
continent. General M'CIellan was appointed to the command
of this army, and it may be fairly asserted that if this general
had held the command a few weeks earlier, the battle of
Manassas would not have been lost.
In the South, on the other hand, matters proceeded more
recklessly than ever. No attempt was made to remedy the
confusion and carelessness that had got the upper hand. Our
politicians were intoxicated with the success of our arms.
They felt as if they could dictate to the world. " Had not
the battle of Manassas," they reasoned, " shown that we
possessed the best generals in the world, that every soldier
was a hero, — in short, that the South must conquer, and that
the subjugation of the North was at hand ? "

EICHMOND. 103

T J »^

£^ -f^ ^n

'^----,^,

CHAPTER X.
RICHMOND AFTER THE BATTLE OF MANASSAS.
Rejoicing in the town — ^Adventurers — Gambling hells— Provost-Marshal Winder —
Secret police — John Minor Botts one of their innocent victims — His sufferings
— Deplorable state of Richmond.
The exultation at the defeat of the great Federal army bor
dered in Richmond upon the fabulous. The whole town was
in a state of the greatest excitement, and this was kept up by
the public press. Since the Government had fixed its seat at
Richmond, a complete change seemed to have come over the
population. The town was thronged with adventurers from
every quarter ; and the popul.ition, which was formerly 30,000,
had greatly increased. A number of gambling houses from
New Orleans and California had started into existence, and
were plying their nefarious trade with an impudence that is
scarcely credible. They seemed to spring out of the earth
like weeds, so that Richmond in a short time counted no less
than one hundred and seventy of them. Added to this,
robberies of the worst description were perpetrated amongst
our quiet population, so that the better classes began seriously
to think of migrating from Richmond into the interior of the
country. The Government having lost nearly all power of control,
appointed as provost-marshal for the State of Virginia, with
the rank of a brigadier-general, a former colonel of the

101 WAU PICTUEES.
United States army, J. H. Winder, of Baltimore. All the
Baltimore men who had taken up their quarters at Richmond
now fancied they could all have their own way, and scenes
occurred which created the greatest alarm amongst the peace
able citizens. In the public streets, at the theatre, and in the
boarding houses, men were attacked and murdered, and at
night scarcely any one dared to walk in the streets. General
Winder, who seriously intended to put down these disorders,
formed a secret police, which, however, unfortunately con
sisted for the most part of banished Baltimore men, and, to
their disgrace be it said, of a number of German Jews. A
fearful state of things now grew up in Richmond. Assassina
tions and murder were the order of the day ; all attempts of
General Letcher and Mayor Mayo to restore the former state
of order and tranquillity failed in presence of this secret police,
whose first victims were a number of our most esteemed
citizens — amongst others, the Hon. John Minor Botts.
The accusation brought against him was that he was in
secret communication with the enemy, that he was a member
of a secret society, whose object was to capture President
Davis and his Cabinet, and to give them up to the enemy.
To crown this act of villany, an individual from New Orleans,
who had brought with him the reputation of a resurrectionist,
and had only escaped imprisonment by flight, came forward
as accuser. Despite the evident proofs of the falsity of the
accusation, the secret police kept hold of their victim. These
scoundrels wished especially to show the Government that
they did not earn their pay for nothing, but that they had a
care to the safety of President Jefferson Davis. The town,
on the other hand, was not quieter or safer. Peaceable
citizens, at their daily avocations, were attacked by armed
soldiers, whilst drunken bands rendered the country unsafe
for miles round. Against these scandalous proceedings the
police took no measures ; but worthy citizens not chargeable
with any misdemeanor, except that of being loyal subjects

NUMEROUS ARRESTS AT EICHMOND. 105
and well inclined toward the United States Government, were
brought before the Provost-Marshal and locked up.
Whenever the old State Government of Virginia made a
show of punishing the real disturbers of the town, these men
were forcibly rescued by the secret police and allowed to
resume their villainous work.
For a long time did John Minor Botts, accused of being a
traitor, remain a prisoner in durance ; and it is almost a
miracle that, in face of the mob, which was urged on by the
newspapers, he escaped with his life. If ever the United
States has to indemnify a brave patriot for ill treatment, John
Minor Botts is the man.
Attacked and persecuted on all sides, unprotected by his
own Government, placed at the tender mercies of an excited
populace, he throughout displayed the calmness and dignity
of a man conscious of his right, and claiming to be regarded
as a free citizen of the United States. Declining all the
proposals of the new Government, he remained true to his
convictions. The arrests at Richmond increased daily. An imprudent
word heard by one of the secret police agents, who were
always spying about to get men into their clutches, was
sufficient to bring the speaker before the Provost-Marshal,
and from thence to prison. Owing to the prevailing espion
age, no one felt himself any longer free, or safe from his
neighbor ; even friends of long standing began to mistrust
each other. A fearful state of things had befallen Richmond,
which will ever be remembered by its inhabitants. In this
city, as elsewhere in the South, trade and commerce came to
a standstill, so much so that no man would buy or sell or
barter. It was just as if the town had been occupied by
hostile troops, bent upon doing all they could to effect its
ruin. Richmond during this period, owing to the misman
agement of the authorities, friends, and protectors, lost all its
former prosperity ; and the once fine, flourishing town had
5*

106 WAR PICTUEES.
more the appearance of a den of robbers than the chosen
meeting place of the friends of their country. Many an
honest citizen in this fearful time offered up a heartfelt prayer
to Heaven : " Preserve me, O Lord, from my friends, for I
have no fear of the enemy."

BEAUREGARD. 107

CHAPTER XI.
BEAUREGARD COMMANDER-IK-CHIEF OF THE ARMY OF "THE
POTOMAC.
The victors at Manassas — Inertness of the Confederates — Activity of M'CIellan
— Beauregard fortifies Virginia — Disorders and sickness in camp — Beauregard
goes to the Mississippi — The Army of the Potomac.
Whilst the enemy was working with the utmost zeal to
remedy the losses which they had suffered, and whilst their
whole attention was concentrated on improving the condition
of their troops, carefully adopting every measure which
tended to repair the injuries they had received, our generals
did literally nothing in the way of preparation for the future.
The genius of Generals Smith, Jackson, and Johnston had
shone out brightly at the battle of Manassas. It was they
who saved the honor of the day, and turned the balance of
victory in our favor. Beauregard was, however, the ostensi
ble hero of Manassas, the man, too, who took Fort Sumter ;
and whosoever entertained any doubts on the subject, had
only to purchase, at the cost of two cents, the Richmond
Despatch, where it was printed in black and white that the
most victorious warrior of the age was no other than Gen
eral Beauregard. It was really most surprising to observe
the inertness which followed the battle of Manassas. Our
War Department, our generals, our soldiers, were all re
posing on their laurels, lost in the happiest dreams of their

108 WAR PICTURES.
late success. Nothing was done toward insuring the fruits
of this victory. The idea of having beaten the Northern
army was so consoling, that the Southerners began to think
that what every experienced military man urged — namely,
that the soldier should be taught, as he had still everything
to learn — was pure folly. " We have now," they said,
" beaten the greatest general of the age," (for poor Winfield
Scott was up to that time so regarded,) " we have destroyed
his army, and consequently it would be a waste of time to
drill, exercise, and do other things of that kind ; they would
now be superfluous."
" Europeans," they said, " who do not know how to kill
time, and who are not made of the same stuff as we, who all
are born heroes and soldiers, believe in all this nonsense.
We need only draw our dreaded bowie knives, and every
enemy who is able to run will do so."
These ideas predominated among the soldiers of the army
of the Potomac, and the officers took no pains to counteract
them. This was indeed a great pity, as the raw material
existed, and every element was there for the creation of a
firstrate army, if in the hands of a general competent to the
task. When General M'CIellan was appointed to the su
preme command of the Federal army, and set to work to
strengthen his position by the construction of fieldworks, in
order to be enabled to proceed the better with the reorgani
zation of his forces, Beauregard at last began to bestir him
self and to rouse his officers and men from their lethargy.
Fortified works on a grand scale were now undertaken, and,
indeed, the preparations were so extensive that it appeared
as if the whole State of Virginia was to be fortified. No
steps were, however, taken to provide for a winter campaign,
for the erection of hospitals, the improvement of the roads,
or the instruction of the soldiers. While the strict blockade
maintained by the United States fleet" deprived us of many
necessaries.

CHANGE OP COMMANDER. 109
We were especially ill provided with medicines and
clothes, and the troops suffered greatly in consequence.
Added to this, sickness broke out in Beauregard's camp. It
was the more serious, inasmuch as our authorities had never
directed their attention to any sanitary precautions. Wound
ed men and horses were alike treated in the most negligent
manner, and the consequences were indeed appalling. Dead
horses lay about in hundreds as they had fallen, and nobody
seemed to care about it, or to take any steps to put an end to
a state of things so detrimental to the health of the army.
Before long, the hospitals in Beauregard's camp became enor
mously overcrowded, and the scythe of death reaped a large
harvest in the narrow lanes of the camp, mowing down the
lately blooming youth of the South. Happily for the army.
General Beauregard received orders to assume the command
of the Confederate army on the Mississippi, and he at once
left for his new destination, to try conclusions with the
Federal General Buell. It was, indeed, high time for a
change in the administration of the army of the Potomac,
as the demoralization, negligence, and the lax discipline
which permitted the soldiers to assume a bearing which
verged on actual insubordination, were becoming quite un
bearable. Pale, haggard faces peered out upon you from the
tents, and forms worn to the bone by hunger and disease
tottered about. Nobody seemed to exert any authority, and
nobody was disposed to obey. Like master, like man; no
one Cared for the other; no one looked to the future — all
lived for the day, as if no to-morrow was to come, and there
was no enemy to contend with. Beauregard left his army in
the most deplorable condition, hurrying straight to the scene
of his future defeat, a defeat which he had only escaped at
Manassas by sheer good fortune.

110 WAE PICTURES.

CHAPTER XII.
THE CAMPAIGN IN WESTERK VIRGINIA.
Western Virginia— General Wise— General Henningsen— Headquarters, Charles
ton, Va.— The enemy crosses the Ohio— General Wise abandons Charleston,
and hands over the command to Henningsen,
The campaign which now commenced in Western Virginia
offered features of peculiar interest. It is to be regretted
that the Confederate Government did not sufficiently appre
ciate the value of this mountainous region. It was looked
upon as a sort of Siberia, and the generals and troops sent
there were regarded as exiles.
General Wise, who was feared on account of his upright
and straightforward character, received orders to establish his
headquarters in Western Virginia ; to drive back the Federal
troops, which had already crossed the Ohio ; to keep the coun
try clear, and to make a demonstration in the direction of
Wheeling, in order to dislodge the Virginian Legislature,
which still lingered there and remained true to the Union.
This was no small task in itself; but the orders which had
been given him with no friendly intent, did not daunt the old
soldier. He inquired with quiet earnestness of manner, what
troops would be placed at his disposal for the accomplishment
of his task, and was told by the Secretary of War, that as the
Government had principally to keep the Potomac in view,

GENERAL WISE. Ill
the War Department was under the necessity of sending all
reinforcements in that direction; that he (General Wise)
must endeavor to collect what troops he could in Virginia
itself, and that the Government would take care that he
should be well supplied with ammunition.
Any other general would, in all probability, have thrown
up his commission. General Wise, however, politely took
leave of the official authorities, and resolved to accomplish
the difficult task allotted to him.
At Richmond his friends received him with the most
hearty welcome. Officers and men tendered their services.
General Henningsen, an Englishman by birth, well known in
Europe, was one of the flrst to wait upon him. General
Henningsen, a man gifted with a fine commanding exterior,
and endowed with great abilities, proffered his services in
the most handsome manner. General Wise, though suffering
from ill health, then worked day and night in making the
necessary preparations for the campaign. He issued a procla
mation to the people of Virginia, which was heartily responded
to. In a short time, having assembled a considerable force,
he resolved to move his headquarters to Louisburg. From
this point he proceeded down the Kanawha Valley, where he
was received with great respect, not from his being a general
of the Confederate army, but from the grateful sense enter
tained of his conduct when formerly acting as governor of
that district.
The Virginian representative at Congress was George
Summers, member of the Washington Government, who en
joined his constituents to remain true to the Union, or, at
least, to observe a strict neutrality.
General Wise, without impediment, arrived at the small
town of Charleston, and there established his headquarters.
In a short time his little army numbered 2,500 infantry,
700 cavalry, and three battalions of artillery. Colonel Tomp
kins, formerly in the United States army, joined him shortly

112 WAR PICTURES.
afterward with a few companies, which brought up his
effective strength to 4,000 men. As regards the Virginian
recruits, or volunteers, they were scarcely of any use what
ever. General Wise chiefly depended upon a small body of
men, consisting of one company under the command of his
son, and upon three to four squadrons of cavalry, and the
artillery, which was deficient, however, in guns.
The Federal troops took up a position at Parkersburg
and Point Pleasant, on the Ohio. Their commander having
ordered his troops up the Kanawha river, in order to dispute
the possession of the valley. General Wise directed Colonel
Patton to drive the enemy from the river. An engagement
ensued, in which Colonel Patton was severely wounded ; but
he succeeded partially in driving back the enemy.
It was at this juncture that the news arrived of General
M'Clellan's success at Rich Mountain. General Wise there
upon, fearing an attack from superior forces, ordered de
fensive works to be constructed on Gauley river, and sent in
a report of what he had done to the Government at Rich
mond, requesting reinforcements and supplies of arms and
ammunition. Suddenly the news reached the camp that the
enemy, after crossing the Ohio, had arrived at Marietta.
General Wise immediately advanced against them. An en-
gagement ensued, in which the enemy got the worst of it and
retreated. The tide of battle, however, turned presently after,
and after a brilliant cavalry engagement. General Wise found
it advisable to fall back on Charleston (Va.). Colonel Tomp
kins, who commanded at Charleston, was ordered to send
forward all the troops he could spare toward Ripley, while
Colonel Richardson, who commanded the important post at
Gauley Bridge, was ordered to keep a sharp look out for
General Rosecrans, lest he should make a diversion on Gauley
river, which would have placed General Wise in the predica
ment of surrendering at discretion to the enemy.
General Wise effected his retreat in good order. After

GENERAL WISE RESIGNS. ilD
setting fire to Charleston he withdrew to Gauley Bridge. He
sent his son. Captain Wise, to Richmond, to lay a complaint
before the Confederate Government that he had not been
properly supported, and tendered his resignation, offering the
command to General Henningsen, which was accepted.

114 WAR PICTURES.

CHAPTER XIII.

OPERATIONS ON GAULET RIVER.

General Henningsen assumes the command of Wise's legion — Floyd as a genera.
— Floyd and Wise — A-wkward position of the General — Floyd is attacked—
His defeat — Hasty fiight — His report to the Ministry of War.
General Henningsen is one of those men who speak little,
but act quickly and with decision. He knew how to gain the
love and confidence of his soldiers in the highest degree. As
soon as he had reached the headquarters of General Wise,
there to assume the command, after a short interview the
two officers soon understood each other, and Henningsen,
without loss of time, ordered a careful reorganization of the
army, which had suffered considerably from fatiguing
marches. In a few days it was manifest that an able soldier had
taken command ; so that all the Government had to do was
to send reinforcements, ammunition, arms, and money to pay
the troops. The Confederate Brigadier-General Floyd, the
former Secretary of War of the United States, who had taken
up a position in Whiteville, near the Virginia and Tennessee
Railway, received orders to hasten his arrangements, and
proceed to the support of General Wise's legion. General
Floyd, however, preferred a more quiet kind of life. He
liked to receive his friends at his country seat in the vicinity,
where they could thoroughly enjoy themselves at his well-
furnished table, with his excellent wines.

GENERAL FLOYD'S DOINGS. 115
Generals Floyd and Wise were bitter enemies. Floyd
often laughed at Wise's mishaps, and when urged by the
latter to hasten his preparations, he coolly replied, that as
soon as he had assembled his troops he should move ; adding
that he would undertake to drive General Rosecrans across
the Ohio in a fortnight.
Floyd was much given to expatiate on the great and
mighty deeds that were to immortalize his name. He was
liberal too in making presents. It is no wonder, therefore,
that under such circumstances, he had many friends and ad
mirers ready to sing his praises.
He remained, meantime, quietly at his country seat ; and
it was not until he had been repeatedly urged to move, that
he resolved to start with his troops and afford relief to poor
General Wise.
He now proceeded to organize his staff. For its chief, he
appointed the editor and proprietor of the Lynchburg Re
publican (a paper said to be in Floyd's pay). His first aide-
de-camp was the sub-editor ofthe same paper; chief engineer,
a former mechanist ; the leader of his cavalry, a farmer
named Harnan, to whom he solemnly promised to bring back
the cavalry precisely in the same condition in which it was
on going forth to the wars : that is to say, without any loss
whatever. Floyd must, therefore, have fully intended to
spare his men as much as possible, and to avoid fighting.
These extraordinary arrangements having been completed,
General Floyd resolved to commence his victorious career.
He sent his baggage and guns to the railway depot, that they
might be forwarded as far as possible by the train ; but here
he met with a sad obstruction. Nothing had been prepared for
such an eventuality, neither carts nor horses ; and although
the great general had held his headquarters at Whiteville for
three months, he was quite ignorant of the capabilities of the
railway for military purposes. So he had to issue an order
for the baggage and artillery to be taken on to the depot at
Newbern, to have it conveyed from thence.

116 WAR PICTURES..
After a three days' inarch, the officers charged with the
mission met with the same annoying obstacle, nothing having
been done here to provide the means of transport. The wag-
ons and batteries had, therefore, to return to Whiteville,
and to proceed thence over the hills to the appointed place of
meeting. White Sulphur Spring.
Floyd's brigade now began to move like a worm, whilst
the chief of his staff and his aide-de-camp gave a grand account
of the wonderful march in the Lynchburg Republican. The
store of flour at Wolf Creek, which had been six months
there, was found unfit for use ; the bridges over the streams
were broken down, and the roads in such a state that they
were scarcely passable even for pedestrians, much less for
baggage and artillery. At a distance of scarcely forty miles
from the city, one of his 12-pounder rifled cannon fell down
a declivity, killing men and horses. Thus his operations
commenced with a bad omen. Moreover, on the road, many
of his men deserted ; and when, at last, after a most fatiguing
march, the brigade reached the appointed rendezvous, instead
of 3,400 men, with which he started, it numbered only 1,200.
It is plain, therefore, that before having seen a battle field,
the precious management of the commander had ruined the
efficiency of his brigade.
Meantime, Wise's legion, under the admirable manage
ment of General Henningsen, had undergone a complete
metamorphosis, and, considering the few means placed at his
disposal by the Government at Richmond, he had already
effected wonders. Both officers and men placed the fullest
confidence in him. Great as were his deserts, he was not
properly appreciated by the Confederate Government — most
probably by reason of his being a foreigner. This would
have not prejudiced his chances of success, had he been in
clined to take service in the Federal army.
After much delay, Floyd's brigade did at last make its
appearance, and still later came the general himself The

FLOYD AND WISE. 117
meeting of Floyd and Wise was anything but amiable. Gen
eral Floyd, as holding superior rank, received with a patroniz
ing air General Wise's address, and his report on the state
of the brigade and the measures he deemed advisable. It was
really humiliating for the old officer, who had just gone
through, if not a successful, at least an honorable campaign,
to find himself the subordinate of a man whom he despised,
and from whom, he knew very well, he had to expect every
species of petty annoyance, for the mean gratification of show
ing off his superior rank. With a proud bearing, and earnest
look. General Wise paid his visit, but declined the proffered
hand, and in a few curt words said that he awaited his supe
rior officer's orders. On General Floyd inquiring into the
condition of his troops. Wise replied that he would order the
chief of his staff to present him with the lists, and thus the
two commanders separated as unreconciled as before.
On the same day. General Floyd received reenforcements
from the 1st Mississippi, Louisiana, and Virginia regiments,
and also nine guns from the regular army, which gave to his
brigade a formidable accession of strength. On the following
day a general order was issued by Generals Floyd and Wise
for the troops to advance to Sewell Mountain.
Floyd then proceeded westward toward Sewell Moun
tain, where he was followed, a few days afterward, by Wise's
legion ; and after driving in the enemy's outposts, he rapidly
approached his destination.
General Rosecrans now withdrew his advanced troops
from Locust Lane and took up a position near Hawk's Nest,
there to await the further operations of our generals. Gen
eral Floyd, unmolested, reached Dogwood Gap, where the
road from Summersville crosses that from Louisburg to
Charleston (Va.) Here he placed in position a small battery
of two guns to prevent a flank movement on the side of the
Federal general Cox, who was at Carnifex Ferry with about
2,000 men.

118 WAE PICTUEES.
The main body of the troops then took the direction of
Picket's Mill, a few miles distant from the enemy's outposts.
Scarcely had we arrived there when two orderlies hastened
up to inform us that the enemy's generals, Matthews and
Tyler, had made a show of attacking our rear. General
Floyd immediately broke up his camp and commenced his
march about midnight, to save his rear as well as his baggage,
both of which were in danger.
Generals Wise and Henningsen were ordered to hold
Picket's Mill at all risks, and to prevent any flank movement
the enemy might attempt at Hawk's Nest. Floyd marched
with his brigade rapidly on Carnifex Ferry, which place he
reached about noon. He found on his arrival there that the
United States troops had made a retrograde movement to
prevent an attack by our troops on Hawk's Nest. General
Floyd then resolved to raise the boats which the enemy had
sunk, and therewith convey his troops to the opposite bank to
take possession of the favorable position abandoned by the
enemy. As soon as the chief of the engineers had informed
General Floyd that he had completed that prodigious feat,
which took him full twenty-four hours, whilst General Price,
in half that time, took an army of 13,000 men across the
river Osage, the troops were at once conveyed across to the
other side. The infantry got safely over, but in conveying
the cavalry, one of the large boats was upset, and six men
and two horses were drowned. The unfortunate general now
found himself in an awkward position : there he was with his
infantry on one bank, whilst the whole of his cavalry and ar
tillery remained on the other. The alarm amongst the infan
try became every minute greater, for should the enemy get
wind of the predicament in which the general was placed,
they would not have failed to capture the whole army without
firing a shot. The general shouted to his chief of engineers
on the other side to construct boats in all haste ; but it would
have been just as easy for him to jump over the moon as to.

PASSAGE OP GAULEY EIVEE. 119
build a boat. He, therefore, did the best thing he could do ;
he mounted a horse, and set off as hard as he could go, to in
form Generals Wise and Henningsen of the awkward position
of their comrade, which news caused the greatest hilarity at
headquarters. General Henningsen, in this emergency, sent over his
chief engineer. Captain Bolton,* who constructed floats quite
capable of taking the troops across, although the river was
now swollen by heavy rain.
Meantime General Floyd set earnestly to work to fortify
his position, and sent out patrols, to ascertain the movements
of the enemy. On the following morning, when all the infan
try was safely over, news arrived that the enemy, in great
strength, was moving down from Gauley Bridge, and had
already occupied Cross Lane. The commander of the Fede
ral troops had already been apprised of General Floyd's mis
hap with the ferry boats, and hastened to endeavor to cut off
his infantry. Colonel Tyler, indeed, felt so certain of Floyd
and his infantry that he did not go to work seriously enough.
Instead of first ascertaining Floyd's real strength and the na
ture of his position, he was imprudent enough to place his
outposts no further than 200 yards from his camp. Floyd,
on being informed that the strength of the Federal troops did
not exceed 1,200 men, resolved to attack them. The plan
succeeded. After driving in the outposts by a sudden attack,
he compelled the rest to beat a retreat. But this coup-de-main
was not of much, importance, for the Federal troops were
driven back with very little loss ; but the chief of the staff
delighted the readers of his newspaper with a glowing report,
as if General Floyd had achieved a great victory. Floyd
could hardly have been ignorant of the motive for this at
tempt to glorify him ; moreover, he loved to see himself fig
uring in print as a great general.
* An Englishman by birth, who had served in the British army.

120 WAR PICTURES.
This little affair made him, his officers and men feel quite
presumptuous ; indeed the idea was entertained of advancing
between the forces of Rosecrans and Cox, so as to defeat the
one in the vicinity of Hudsonville, and to cut off the retreat
of the other on Charleston, and capture him ; in short. Gen
eral Floyd entertained great Napoleonic ideas. His quarter
masters received orders to provide ten days' rations for the
men, which was done ; and his troops having gained some
rest, he resolved to commence operations.
As soon, however, as General Rosecrans had been in
formed of the crossing of the Gauley river by Floyd's troops,
as also of the mishap to Colonel Tyler, as quick as lightning
he dashed forward on Floyd's flank, and before the latter had
become aware of his presence he boldly attacked him, despite
the fatigue of his own men, who had performed a march of
twenty-five miles on execrable roads, without any opportunity
of taking rest ; it was only with the greatest difficulty that
Floyd could maintain himself in his position. At nightfall
General Rosecrans again led his men to the attack, and after
a short engagement drove Floyd's army from all its positions.
Without giving himself the trouble to look after his defeated
men, or to attempt to organize an orderly retreat, Floyd, ac
companied by his staff, was the first to reach the other side
of Gauley river. Gradually his men dropped in with all
haste to put the waters of the stream between them and their
pursuers. That so many of them contrived to reach the
other bank in safety, can only be ascribed to the fatigue of
General Roseorans's troops.
Yet scarcely bad General Floyd recovered from this de
feat and flight, when he must needs appear in a brilliant light
before the world, and accordingly forwarded the following re
port to the Confederate Secretary of War i
" I am fully convinced that I should have driven back
General Rosecrans on Toussansville, beaten Cox's army, then

FLOYD DEFEATED BY ROSECRANS. 12]
marched direct down the Kanawha valley, and have occupied
Charleston, if the reinforcements which I had ordered General
Wise to send me had reached me in proper time. I am con
vinced that if I had had 6,000 men instead of 1,500, 1 should
have annihilated the enemy and taken the rest prisoners.
" J. B. Floyd, C. S. A."
Now it is well known that as soon as General Floyd asked
General Wise to send him reenforcements, he forthwith com
municated with General Henningsen, when that officer started,
in all haste, to join him with 2,000 men. Moreover, Hen
ningsen left orders for two other regiments to follow imme
diately. Not only did the last-named general send off all the
disposable troops he could, but he even sent more reenforce
ments to Floyd than he was justified in doing, in order that
he might give him the utmost possible support. Unfortu
nately those troops arrived when the light-footed Floyd had
already recrossed the river with his defeated soldiers, and had
destroyed the timber bridge which had been constructed. It
is likely enough that General Floyd in person accompanied
the officer across the Gauley river who took the despatch to
General Wise. He had no wish to be captured by Rosecrans
and sent off to Washington.
Floyd managed to save the greater part of his brigade.
And so it happened that, notwithstanding the simple, truthful
report of this affair which Generals Wise and Henningsen
sent ill to the War Department, Floyd's report was believed,
and he himself praised for the great bravery he had displayed.
6

132 WAR PICTUEES.

CHAPTER XIV.
CAMP DEFIANCE, CHEAT MOUNTAIN, COTTON HILL.
General Wise proceeds to Fayette County — Vain attack — Floyd goes to Big Sewell
Mountain — Henningsen and Wise intrench themselves in Camp Defiance — Gen
eral Lee goes to Huttonsville- Floyd, Wise, and Henningsen operate against
each other — Animosity of the two brigades — General Lee acts as conciliator-
He concentrates an army of 28,000 men — Jackson's defeat at Cheat Mountain-
Changes in the command — Floyd is appointed to the chief command — Wise and
Henningsen are compelled to submit — Floyd breaks up Wise's legion and goes
to Cotton Hill — Outpost skirmish at night — German soldiers and their songs—
Rosecrans defeats Floyd — Floyd is transferred to Tennessee — Wise's legion at
Eichmond.
When Floyd took post at Carnifex Ferry, General Wise
marched down Big Creek to Fayette County, where the ene
my's troops lay in considerable numbers. He had to out
flank the enemy's position, and sent Colonel Anderson with
his regiment over one of the narrow mountain passes to at
tack them on that side. The road was, however, so bad and
impracticable that Anderson was soon obliged to return.
Meanwhile serious fighting had taken place at Big Creek, be
tween our troops and the hostile batteries, and our riflemen
were briskly engaged with those of the enemy, without, how
ever, any result being attained, and General Wise was com
pelled to fall back again on his- old quarters.
Meantime General Floyd continued his retreat toward
Big Sewell Mountain, where he reposed for a few days to give
Bome rest to his men. He then held a council of war, at

CAMP DEFIANCE. 123
which it was unanimously decided to move still further back,
and the army, consequently, retreated twenty miles more.
Generals Wise and Henningsen declared to Floyd that he
might retreat quietly to Meadow Bridge, but that they were
determined to maintain the position which they held. Gen
eral Henningsen ordered Captain Bolton to make an in
trenched camp, which received the name of Camp Defiance.
General Wise approved the plan of keeping a footing here,
so as to maintain communications with General Lee in the
northwest of Virginia, in order to carry out a plan mutually
agreed upon.
In conformity with this plan. General Lee had received in
structions to take the remnant of Garnett's corps, which had
been dispersed by General M'CIellan, and with this force,
aided by strong reinforcements, to clear the northwest coun
ties, which were occupied in great strength by the enemy, and
to bring them back to allegiance, as they were of great im
portance to the Government. This was Herculean work ; but
General Lee did not shrink from it. He commenced his
march from Henfersville to Huttonsville, with the intention
of cutting off the Federal general Reynolds, with his 6,000
men, posted at Tygart's river. He ordered General Jackson,
stationed at Greenbriar river, to advance through Cheat Moun
tain Pass, rendered so celebrated by General M'CIellan, to
outflank the enemy. General Jackson carried out his instruc
tions to the letter, and, although the roads were in a dreadful
state from heavy rains, he overcame every obstacle, and ar
rived at his destination. Here, however, he found the enemy
well protected by blockhouses and intrenchments, and ready
to resist any attack.
Not having received the signal agreed upon with General
Lee, General Jackson, after much exertion, withdrew to his
former position. Here he learnt that General Lee, with all
his forces, had advanced into the Kanawha valley to relieve
Generals Wise and Floyd of their respective commands, and

124 WAR PICTURES.
to drive the enemy out of the western frontiers. He at once
took the direction of Meadow Bridge, with all his troops,
where General Floyd had established his headquarters, whilst
Generals Wise and Henningsen held their position at Sewell
Mountain. General Floyd, who was greatly annoyed at his having
gone so far with his brigade, ordered General Wise (on the
strength of his rank as a full brigadier-general) to give up
Sewell Mountain and to retire to Meadow's Bluff, as that po
sition was a safer one. Old Wise, however, knew Floyd too
well, and was aware that as soon as he obeyed the order,
Floyd would take the advantage of the departure of his troops
to gain access to his position by another road. Floyd would
then have saved his reputation as a general, and held up Wise
to the derision of the world for having taken flight. General
Wise, therefore, resolved to remain in his strong position,
and paid no further attention to General Floyd and his orders.
Floyd thereupon sent a complaint to the War Department
against Wise and Henningsen ; and such a state of animosity
grew out of this between the two brigades, that the enemy,
had they only been made aware of it, could have annihilated
the two separated corps.
At this juncture. General Lee made his appearance with a
portion of his troops, and assumed the superior command.
He fixed his headquarters near Floyd, and after a long con
versation with the latter he hastened to the camp of Gene
rals Wise and Henningsen to inspect the state of the brigade,
and, if possible, to put an end to the misunderstanding which
existed between Wise and Floyd and their respective corps.
General Lee is an open-hearted, honest soldier, free from
all that pomposity which the younger generals are so fond of
displaying. After Generals Wise and Henningsen had can
didly and frankly communicated to him the details of their
campaign, he, accompanied by these generals, inspected the
Btate of tho brigade and the intrenchments. After a careful

GENERAL ROSECRANS. 125
inspection he expressed his full satisfaction at the excellent
appearance of the corps, and then returned to Meadow Bluff.
He next ordered Floyd's brigade forward to Big Sewell
Mountain, and desired that general to take up his position
there without delay. General Floyd, who had received large
reinforcements, set to work at once, and had soon a line of
defence to the extent of twelve English miles.
Meantime, General Rosecrans remained inactive at the
other side of Sewell's Mountain, contenting himself by merely
sending out a few detached companies to watch the move
ments of Floyd and Wise, without, however, firing a single
shot to disturb them. General Lee's troops now advanced,
bringing up the effective strength of the army in Western
Virginia to about 28,000 men, with a very good park of ar
tillery. General Lee had scarcely concentrated all his forces
and made the necessary preparations for a general attack,
when our patrols and skirmishers brought in the news that
during the night General Rosecrans had assembled his troops
and fallen back upon his position at Gauley Bridge. The ex
pected battle did not, therefore, take place, for General Lee
wisely refrained from pursuit.
General Rosecrans was no sooner aware of the presence
of General Lee and his forces at Big Sewell Mountain, than
he hastily gave up his post of observation, and proceeded
by Gauley Bridge, Toussansville, toward Greenbriar river,
where a corps of observation, under the Confederate General
Jackson, was posted.
General Jackson had not the slightest notion of the storm
that was gathering over his head. He was aware that both
the enemy's armies were at Sewell's Mountain, and indulged
in a feeling of perfect security. News of the movements of
hostile troops on the road to Toussansville did not cause him
the slightest alarm, and he laughed at the anxiety expressed
by some of his officers. General Jackson had a number of
officers on a visit at his house, and was enjoying himself in

126 WAR PICTURES.
their society, while a violent autumn storm was raging out
side. The company was startled in their revelry by an aide-
de-camp suddenly rushing in with the news that large masses
of troops were in rapid advance from Cheat Mountain. This
information was received with some derision, but General
Jackson ordered Colonel Rust to advance with a battalion to
drive back the skirmishing force, as it was supposed to be,
that had advanced so near. A moment aftei*a heavy fire of
musketry, accompanied by the sound of artillery, made the
guests jump to their feet. They all rushed out uncovered to
their respective posts ; the enemy was then already debouch
ing through the pass, and kept up a well-sustained fire, which
caused the greatest confusion amongst Jackson's men, who
were not at all prepared for this sudden attack.
In vain did the officers exert themselves to get their troops
together and make them stand firm ; it was impossible to
bring the men, so suddenly disturbed from their rest, to any
sort of order and steadiness, and General Rosecrans poured
such deadly volleys into the assembling troops that they took
to flight like a herd of startled deer. General Jackson, there--
fore, was soon compelled to abandon his position, and to re
tire to the mountains, where finally, after great loss, he suc
ceeded in taking up a position at Ford Creek. The enemy,
satisfied with the success that they had achieved, destroyed all
the buildings, barracks, and fortifications, and, laden with a
considerable booty, returned again to their quarters at Gauley
Bridge. General Lee never brought General Jackson to account
for this mishap, as he himself was perhaps in some measure
the cause of it. After the departure of General Rosecrans
from his front, he must have known that that active general
would not so willingly have left his position before Sewell
Mountain unless he saw a certain chance of success in another
quarter. He ought, therefore, at once to have informed Jack
son of Rosecrans's movements, and urged him to be on his

CHANGE OF COMMAND. 127
guard. General Lee, usually a most cautious general, did not
on this occasion show sufficient prudence, and had to pay dearly
for it. Happily, winter now set in in these mountains, and
compelled thehostile parties on both sides to remain inactive.
The Secretary of War, annoyed that General Lee should have
allowed Rosecrans to escape from Sewell's Mountain, de
prived him of his command, and sent him to Georgia and
South Carolina. General Loring was ordered to Winchester
to reinforce Stonewall Jackson, and the latter, after his mis
hap at Cheat Mountain, had to transfer his services to Louisi
ana. Generals Wise and Henningsen, moreover, were or
dered to Richmond to defend themselves against the charges
brought against them, and during their absence General Floyd
was appointed to the chief command of both brigades.
It will be apparent from these alterations in the respective
commands, that a complete change was effected in the Virgin
ian army. General Floyd, on assuming his new authority,
displayed his aptitude for command by contriving so to mix
up artillery and cavalry, horses and harnesses, &c., that if
General Wise had returned, he would have had the labor of a
giant to perform, to put things straight again.
Winter having set in with great severity. General Floyd
requested the Secretary of War to order him to proceed with
his brigade to Cotton Hill, in Kanawha valley, as he should
there have a better chance of encountering General Rosecrans.
This request was granted, and one fine day. General Floyd
took his departure, carrying with him everything that he
thought might be serviceable, and leaving only a remnant of
Wise's brigade behind.
Cotton Hill is situate in Fayette county, on the river
Kanawha, just opposite the mouth of Gauley river. From
its heights the enemy's camp could be seen, spread over the
plain, which is there some miles in extent ; General Rose
crans having his headquarters at Hawk's Nest, at the hand
some plantation belonging to Colonel Tompkins, who was

128 WAR PICTURES.
serving in our legion, while from the top of the house waved
the flag of the United States, as if in derision of the owner.
After a very difficult march. General Floyd reached Cot
ton Hill, and his first step was to seize all the boats upon the
Kanawha river. Shortly after his arrival, some sharp outpost
skirmishing commenced. This, which is always the most un
pleasant sort of fighting, was here particularly so, for rifle
bullets kept whistling about in such numbers in the valley,
that it was impossible to relieve guard in the daytime. The
enemy's riflemen lay concealed behind every rock and tree,
and wherever they saw the slightest stir, crack went their ri
fles. The petite guerre carried on in this quiet valley was ren
dered additionally fierce by mutual animosity, for our men
did not wish to remain one jot behind the enemy in the ri
valry of deadly strife. Even the river which separated the
combatants seemed to partake of the turmoil that raged on
its banks. And when the firing was over, as night came on,
nothing was to be heard but the roaring of the waters, inter
mingled now and then with snatches of song from some of the
German soldiers on either side, which produced a touching
effect at such an hour. Ofttimes one of our Germans could
be seen leaning on his rifle, listening to the sounds of his
mother tongue as they were wafted over from the enemy's
camp. At times, one of the sentinels would shout across,
" From what part do you come, countryman ? " " I am a
Bavarian. From whence art thou 1 " " Halt ! Who's
there 1 " The dialogue is interrupted by bullets whistling by
in all directions. Who knows that those two Germans, who,
only a few minutes before, were talking peacefully together
about their fatherland, may not be now lying dead far away
from their native land ? But such is a soldier's life !
Meantime a portion of the cavalry of Wise's legion came
into camp ; the General himself, who still at Richmond, had
sent in a request to proceed with his legion to Roanoke Island,
as the enemy was shortly expected there.

GENERAL ROSECRANS. 129
The Confederate troops remained for a long time con
fronting the troops of General Rosecrans, but all the fighting
was confined to outpost skirmishing. General Rosecrans at
last, weary of this inactivity, crossed the river Kanawha one
fine winter's morning, with two or three columns, and sud
denly attacked our position. General Floyd never expected
such an uncivil proceeding on the part of Rosecrans : probably
he did not expect to be molested at such a vile season of the
year, in his by no means comfortable position.
Scarcely any preparations had been made for repelling an
attack, as no one imagined that we should have to encounter
a winter campaign. General Rosecrans, consequently, had it
all his own way, especially as Floyd, as soon as he heard of
the enemy's advance, pleaded illness and. handed over the
chief command to the head of his staff, who deemed the only
safe course was to retreat. To fight shy at the approach of
a resolute enemy, seemed to be a species of chronic disease
with both Floyd and the chief of his staff. This time the
retreat was so hasty, that a quantity of property belonging to
the Government fell into the hands of the enemy. It was
just as well, however, that we did make good speed, for
Rosecrans's advanced troops had already attacked our rear
and were with difficulty kept at bay. Our troops endeavored
by clambering over stony paths to gain the crest of the
mountain, and fortunately our rear guard was commanded by
a brave officer. Colonel George Croghan, who manfully re
sisted all the enemy's attacks. For defence or attack, the
colonel was always at hand, and the safety of Floyd's brigade
was undoubtedly due to the resolute conduct of Colonel
Croghan. •
But my valued comrade did not live long enough to wear
his laurels. A team of carts laden with provisions had been
delayed, and ran the risk of falling into the hands of the
enemy, who were almost at our heels, and already sending a
few bullets amongst us to hasten our flight ; when Colonel
6*

130 WAR PICTURES.
Croghan, followed by twenty-five of his lancers, dashed down
the road to check the enemy, with the view to save the carts,
but he had scarcely reached the latter, when two bullets
brought him to the ground. His men on seeing this imme
diately fled. In Colonel Croghan we lost a worthy, gallant
comrade, and the State an excellent officer.
General Rosecrans pursued Floyd's troops for nearly
twenty-five miles, and only gave up the chase on finding the
roads so blocked up by broken carts, dismounted guns, and
other obstacles ; he then left the brigade to pursue its way
unmolested. Floyd pulled up at the banks of Wolf's Creek,
a rocky, uncongenial spot, and then endeavored to reassemble
his scattered men. In a few days, an order came from the
War Department, for General Floyd and his brigade to pro
ceed to Tennessee, at the same time recalling Wise's legion
to Richmond. Joyfully did Wise's troops part company with Floyd's,
and a few days after Richmond presented an exciting scene.
With banners flying and drums beating, the remnants of
this once fine legion entered the town, whilst thousands of
citizens came forth to greet the warriors from the west ; fair
hands waved their handkerchiefs from the windows in token
of welcome, whilst the populace vociferously cheered. Yet
many an eye was dim, for the thinned ranks showed the loss
of many a lamented relative. A carriage, with two ladies in
deep mourning, moved silently along — conveying the mother
and the intended bride of Colonel Croghan; they brought
with them a handsome flag as a token of remembrance to his
regiment of their late brave commander. In the evening a
banquet was given by the citizens to the legion, and toasts
drank in honor of Generals Wise and Hemiingsen, and to tha
glory and prosperity of the country.

GENEBAX, h'CLELLAN. 131

CHAPTER XV.
m'CLELLAN APPOINTED TO THE CHIEF COMMAND OF THE
FEDERAL ARMY.
M'CIellan appointed Commander-in-Chief of the army on the Potomac — Condition
of that army — Its reorganization — The General beloved by the soldiers — His
activity — His energy and talent.
After the severe blows which the Federal army had re
ceived at Bull Run and Manassas, the eyes of the Govern
ment were opened to the fact that some other system must
be adopted, and that men of talent were needed to carry out
its views; it had to cast about for a general who should be
found to combine in his person all the qualities necessary to
shield the country from a repetition of such disasters. Now
it happened that not long before. General George M'CIellan
had, with a mixed body of troops, in a country which had
offered every facility to the enemy to maintain a long and
wearisome guerilla warfare, in a very short time achieved a
victory which drew upon him the attention and favorable
opinion of military critics both in his own country and in
Europe. A zealous sense of duty and an enthusiastic and patriotic
spirit enabled him to overcome every obstacle that stood in
his way. He understood, as his recent brilliant success over
General Garnett amply proved, how to inspire his men with
much of his own daring and energy, and they followed their

132 WAR PICTURES.
commander, with devotion; in the path which rarely fails to
lead to honor and victory.
When, as already stated, the Federal Government was
anxiously looking around for an efficient general to organize
as well as to lead an army capable of protecting the State
and of winning victory back to the Union banner. General
Winfield Scott, whose advancing years no longer allowed him
to take the command himself, at once proposed George
M'CIellan as the man who combined the requisite energy and
talents for such a post. The Government at Washington
followed his advice, and summoned General M'CIellan to the
capital ; without hesitation they intrusted him with the chief
command of an army which, recently defeated and disorgan
ized, had lost all confidence in its commanders.
The army that needed this reorganization and a competent
chief to take it into the field was assembled at Washington
and its environs. It was a difficult task for any one to at
tempt, that of imparting confidence to a body of men who,
from recent disasters, had been completely discouraged.
However, General Scott succeeded in overcoming all M'Clel
lan's objections to take the command, by promising to assist
him with his advice ; and he finally consented to undertake
the thankless task.
When the official notification appeared that General
M'CIellan, the hero of Rich Mountain, was to assume the
command of the army of the Potomac, the intelligence was
cordially welcomed by the troops. All were eager to serve
under a commander who had given evident proofs of his
military capacity. When he arrived with his staff in the
midst of the great body of troops now confided to his com
mand, he was welcomed by them, not as a stranger, but as an
old comrade from the western mountains of Virginia, who
had come to restore their lost confidence and to lead them
once more to victory. Without being led away by the en
thusiasm of the soldiers, M'CIellan went quietly and steadily

GENERAL M'CLELLAN. 133
to work to restore the spirit and discipline of the men, and to
re-establish a good understanding between them and their
officers. He neglected nothing to make himself thoroughly
acquainted with tbe smallest details connected with tbe army.
Unaffected by the high rank conferred upon him by his Gov
ernment, and by the compliments paid him on all sides ; but,
like a skilful physician, he probed and examined into all the
wounds, that he might know best how to heal them.
All the measures taken by M'CIellan proved that he was
quite up to his work, and that he knew perfectly what an
arduous task he had before him. He took care to see in per
son the wants of the men provided for ; devoting his whole
time to the most minute investigations ; and thus, while re
minding the men of the duties they had to perform, he was
careful to set them a useful example himself By such means,
he soon gained the confidence of the whole army, was readily
and cheerfully obeyed, and was looked up to as a leader
capable of surmounting any obstacle.
By keeping his men hard at work, he strove to bring
them into a state of good discipline, in order that they might
be efficient on the battle field, and that they might get accus
tomed to the voice of their officers. The latter also, sharing
in his own confidence, assisted him to the best of their ability ;
in a short time a complete change was discernible in the army
of the Potomac. Fortifications, for the defence of Washing
ton, arose on all sides. Sham fights, practice with the bayo
net, cavalry manoeuvres, daily took place. In short. General
M'CIellan completely reorganized the army by his energetic
reforms; and when he rode through the ranks back to his
tent, he was always loudly cheered by the troops.
I willingly pay the tribute of my impartial admiration to
General M'CIellan for the success of his zealous efforts in or
ganizing, out of the raw materials at his disposal, so efficient
an army ; and no soldier, capable of forming an opinion on
the subject, could refuse to join in that admiration.

134 WAR PICTURES.
The devotion of the army for their chieftain displayed it
self again at a later period, when he was intrusted with the
chief command at Frederick, in Maryland, on which occasion
he was received with a regular ovation by the troops.

MISSOURI. 135

CHAPTER XVI.

the CAMPAIGN IN MISSOURI.

Events in Missouri— German troops — St. Louis — Governor Jackson joins the Con
federates — Troops assemble at Boonville and Lexington — Colonel Marmaduke
— General Lyon — Cole Camp — General Price — Movement of the Federal troops
—Hopeless condition of the Confederates — Sigel.
Whilst these events were occurring in Virginia, the other
border States were not idle. The State of Missouri took the
initiative. With the permission of the Confederate Govern
ment, a body of troops had formed a camp outside St. Louis.
The captain in command of the Federal troops stationed
there, did not, however, allow this germ of a revolutionary
movement to grow apace under his very eyes. Relying upon
the German population of St. Louis, as well as upon the loy
alty of their feelings as citizens of the Union, he assembled
some battalions of German troops, marched to the revolution
ary camp, and, after an energetic summons, made them sur
render. This gave great annoyance to the Confederates at St.
Louis. The Germans were received with showers of stones
and pistol shots, which unpleasant welcome was responded to
by the poor fellows with a volley which killed some of the
ringleaders. The excitement increased, and St. Louis, that
beautiful and flourishing city, was on the point of becoming
the scene of strife between two contending factions, which it
only escaped through the presence of mind of Captain Lyon,

J 36 WAR PICTURES.
ofthe United States army. To him it is due that St. Louis
did not share the unhappy fate of Richmond. He placed a
cordon of troops round the town, and handed over the ring
leaders to the local authorities.
A few weeks after the capitulation of Fort Sumter, Gov
ernor Jackson of Missouri had thrown off his sheep's clothing
and taken the side of the Secessionists, seeking a refuge at
Boonville, whither he transferred the seat of the provincial
government, there to carry out his further plans. One of
his first acts here was to appoint his friend. Sterling Price, a
major-general ; he also appointed as brigadier-generals. Par
sons, Clark I., Clark II., Slack, Stein, Harris, Raines, and
Thompson ; and he further issued a proclamation calling out,
50,000 men. Major-General Price and the other newly
created generals were ordered to levy troops as quickly as
possible, and to send them on to Boonville and Lexington.
General Lyon resolved to crush the force already got to
gether. Toward the end of June he assembled some thousand
German troops, and after sailing to within a few miles of
Boonville, he effected a landing, and proceeded to disperse the
rebels, who mustered some 1,200 strong, commanded by
Colonel Marmaduke. Whether Colonel Marmaduke was at
heart true to the Union Government, or whether he did not
put much trust in the courage of his followers, he, at all
events, declared to them that, considering the superior strength
of his opponent, he had resolved to abandon his position and
take one up further back. His men, however, refused to
obey him, and declared their intention of exchanging shots
with the enemy. Colonel Marmaduke then left the place,
transferring the command to Colonel Brand.
After a short, spirited engagement, in which both parties
lost some hundred men in killed and wounded, the Secession
ists dispersed in great disorder.
Generals Jackson and Price had their headquarters at
Boonville, but as soon as they heard of the above defeat they
embarked for Lexington.

SURPRISE OF COLE CAMP. 137
The remnant of the body of men dispersed by General
Lyon withdrew westward, commanded by Generals Clark and
Parson, and accompanied by the majority of the officials of
the different State departments. Their object was to reach
Cole Camp, about twenty-seven miles further on, but General
Lyon, convinced of the cowardice of the Government, sent
800 men to take possession of it.
Our troops had arrived within ten miles of the place, when
they were startled by the news that the enemy was in the
vicinity. In their hopeless position they were informed by
a spy that Colonel Raines, with 700 men, was at no great
distance, and was coming up to their support. It was then
resolved to make a joint attack upon the troops under
Colonel Cook. The scheme was attended with perfect suc
cess. The troops ordered by General Lyon to Cole Camp —
a force of militia — fancied their work was done when their
march was over ; so, after having feasted themselves, they
formed their camp without taking any precautions. Now, as
their orders were to cut off the enemy's advance, they could
hardly have been ignorant of his proximity. So confident,
however, were they in their safety, that they retired to rest
without even placing outposts, and the whole camp went un
suspiciously to sleep.
During the night our two divisions had formed a junction,
and advanced with precipitation upon the enemy. The sen
tinels were cut down, and the slumbering troops aroused by
the sound of musketry. Our men fell with a cheer upon the
unarmed soldiers, and made short work with them. All that
could escape did so, and amongst the first to run away, it is
said, was Colonel Cook, to whom the whole disaster must be
attributed. Of course this small affair was trumpeted forth by the
public press as a great battle. Governor Jackson now reap
peared on the scene to take part, at least, in the last act. It
was decided to attack Colonel Tatten. But Colonel Tatten

138 WAE PICTURES.
having learnt the numerical superiority of our troops, fell
back with the intention of forming a junction with General
Lyon. The Confederate troops, thus thwarted in their inten
tion, resolved to continue their march southward, to join our
other forces there, which they succeeded in doing. As soon
as a body of 4,000 men had been assembled, General Price
took the chief command in person, and transferred his basis
of operations to the Arkansas mountains, where Colonel
Prince, of the Federal army, was stationed with a force of
from 3,000 to 8,500 men, and made a show of cutting off
General Price's retreat. General Price now resolved to make
a retrograde movement, and, despite many obstacles, success
fully effected this operation ; so that on the 3d July, he was
able to join the other troops in Cedar county.
In Cedar county the troops were formed into regular
brigades. Generals Clark, Parson, Slack, and Raines were
each appointed to a brigade of 1000 men, under the chief
command of Governor Jackson. Before the troops had com
menced moving, Governor Jackson received the information
that the Federal troops, under General Lyon, were advancing
on the north-eastern side, with a view to form a junction with
Generals Lane and Sturgis, and then to fall upon his rear in
large numbers.
Governor Jackson, seeing the dangerous position in which
he was placed, exerted himself to the utmost to escape from
this manoeuvre of the enemy, which threatened him with
destruction. He immediately set his small army in motion,
and performed one of those forced marches which often have
been the means of saving a whole army. By nine o'clock
in the evening, after encountering many obstacles, he had
marched twenty-three English miles, and could afford to allow
his fatigued men a few hours' repose. On the following
morning he received the certain news that a body of men,
3,000 strong, under General Sigel, had started for Rolla, by
railway, and had already arrived at Carthage, a small town in

GOVERNOR JACKSON'S DANGER. 139
his front, with the intention of giving him battle in a few
hours, which, considering the fatigued state of his men, who
were, moreover, but badly armed, was by no means a consol
ing piece of intelligence. Such was the predicament in which
Major-General Jackson found himself and his Missouri army
one fine morning : a strong body of the enemy in his rear,
and General Sigel in front. He made up his mind, however,
to attack Sigel, and after a forced march of sixteen miles
came upon that general's outposts early on the morning of
the 5th July, and found his army drawn up in order of battle
on the slope of a hiU.

140 WAR PICTUEES.

CHAPTER XVII.

BATTLE OF CARTHAGE.

Attack of the Confederates— Sigel falls back on tbe town — Ben M*Cul}och, tna
guerilla chieftain — Noble conduct of General Price.
As soon as the Missouri army debouched upon the open
prairie it was immediately formed into line of battle. The
infantry, in a compact body, was under the orders of Generals
Clark, Parson, and Slack. General Raines took command of
the cavalry, whilst Governor Jackson acted as commander-in-
chief. The infantry took up a position at a distance of about
600 yards from the enemy, and the cavalry was placed on the
right and left wings to attack the enemy's flanks, while the
infantry was attacking him in front.
The few old guns our troops possessed were of little or
no service. As soon as the Confederate cavalry deployed
right and left, General Sigel poured a volley of grape, canis
ter, and round shot into them from his excellent battery.
Governor Jackson's guns replied as best they could, but with
no success. In default of better ammunition the guns were
loaded with broken pieces of iron and stones. Our cavalry
made a vain attempt to capture the enemy's battery ; but
Sigel handled his guns so well that they were repeatedly
repulsed with loss. This sort of amusement had lasted
nearly two hours, when Governor Jackson, convinced that he
could not do anything with his cavalry, resolved to storm

BATTLE OP CARTHAGE. 141
the enemy's position with his infantry, the cavalry following
in support at a short distance. The Missouri troops advanced
courageously to the attack. With a loud cheer they rushed
upon the enemy, and compelled General Sigel to yield
ground and fall back upon Bear Creek, a river of some depth
and width ; after making his way across he destroyed the
bridge, and finding that our troops greatly outnumbered his,
he retreated about a mile, and then he made a halt. Then
commenced one of those rifle skirmishes which so perpetually
occur in American warfare. Weary at last of this sort of
desultory fighting, which led to no great result, our troops
cut branches of trees and made rafts, upon which they crossed
to the other side ; the cavalry swimming across. General
Sigel, who was too far away from his reserve, now resolved
to retreat to Carthage, about eight miles distant, and per
formed his retreat in good order, beating back our repeated
attacks. At Carthage he made a halt to rest his men. After
several unsuccessful attacks. Governor Jackson feeling that,
notwithstanding his numerical superiority, he could do noth
ing, ordered the fighting to cease, that he might attend to his
wounded, who lay in considerable numbers along the road.
General Sigel then continued his march toward Eolla. Gov
ernor Jackson had reason to be well satisfied with his success,
as it caused considerable sensation amongst the inhabitants
of the prairie, who by hundreds left their families, and seized
their rifles to join in the guerilla warfare. On the following
day large masses of troops appeared in sight, which proved to
be those of General Price, and the band of the famous guerilla
chieftain, Ben M'Culloch. There were some thousands of
these men, who, from their capability of enduring privation
and hardship, were especially suited to this sort of warfare.
Sigel, who was also aware of the approach of these
numerous guerilla bands, anxiously endeavored to save his
little army. Great was the joy of the Missouri men on again

142 WAR PICTURES.
beholding General Price, who had just recovered from a
serious illness, but it became unbounded when the men of
Arkansas and the men of Missouri mingled together. It was
an exhilarating sight to see the bold hunters of the Western
prairies and virgin forests, men who had waged war against
the savage Indian, the wolf, and the bear, give their rough
greeting to the sons of the sister State, and grasp the hands
of many whom they had supposed dead, whose scalp they
fancied hanging possibly at some Indian's girdle as a trophy ;
libations of whiskey and brandy, as may be guessed, were
now freely indulged in by these swarthy warriors.
This was the first occasion on which the famous guerilla
chieftain, Ben M'Culloch, made his appearance. He had been
given the rank of a brigadier-general in the Confederate army,
and it was extraordinary to see how the sunburnt sons of the
plain, heedless of his rank and fine uniform, pressed around
him, and with their brawny hands nearly crushed his in their
friendly but eager gripe.
The festivities ceased ; the shades of evening came on, and
the stillness of night watched over the slumbers of the two
armies. The sentinels alone crept about like snakes, or like
spies on the trail of an Indian, to insure safety to their sleep
ing comrades. The god of dreams mildly swayed the thoughts
of those sleeping warriors, drawing many a fanciful picture
of future adventure. There lay those unconquered sons of
America, their rifle by their side, calm, like children, dreaming
some of their sweethearts far away, others of battle, or of
booty, and they smiled as they slept. Yet many of them,
perhaps on the morrow, would sleep the last sleep of death,
with the long grass of the prairie for a tomb : struck by some
hostile bullet — cut down like the ripe fruit from the tree.
On the following morning the troops were formed into
divisions, and the march commenced for Conwoskin prairie,
in M'Donald county, an Indian station at no great distance,
as it had been ascertained that the enemy's forces, under

SPRINGFIELD. 143
Generals Sigel, Lyon, Sturgis, and Sweeney, were endeavor
ing to form a junction at Springfield. Before, therefore, un
dertaking anything against the amalgamated forces, a halt was
made for a few days at Croskin prairie, to bring more order
into, and better to divide, the troops. The reenforcements,
which hourly dropped in, brought up the effective strength of
our army to 12,800 men. A council of war was now held.
M'Culloch, as brigadier-general of the Confederate army, pre
sided. After a somewhat lengthy debate it was resolved to
follow the enemy to Springfield, and to give him battle. Pre
parations were immediately made to carry out this plan.
General Ben M'Culloch took the command of the vanguard,
and advanced toward Barry county, from whence the opera
tions against Springfield were to be undertaken in common.
However,.before the Confederate troops had reached Crane
Creek, news was brought in that the Federal troops had aban
doned Springfield. The enemy's outposts were seven miles
distant from ours. Our forces were ordered to halt, and for
some days the fighting was confined to outpost skirmishing.
After this mutual watching, and the inactivity evinced by
the enemy's generals, who, probably, had delayed an attack until
their plans were more mature and their artillery had arrived.
General Ben M'Culloch suddenly lost confidence, and after a
council of war it was decided to abandon our position, and to
beat a retreat. The causes which induced Ben M'Culloch to
take this step were the superior number of the enemy, armed
with excellent weapons, and their greater number of guns,
whilst his troops were badly armed, and not properly organ
ized. Much of this, however, was untenable. First of all, the
Federal troops did not outnumber ours ; moreover, the enemy
had commenced their military career at the same time that
our men did, so that there could be no advantage in that re
spect ; on the contrary, if there was any, it was on our side.
As a set-off to the better arming ofthe Federal troops, it may
be said, that they consisted chiefly of Germans who, when the

144 WAR PICTURES
war broke out, had left their peaceful homes to take up s tvord
and rifle in order to fight for their adopted country : they had
given up their quiet, industrial pursuits to undergo all the
hardships of war. Whilst on the Confederate side, the ele
ments of which the army consisted were men inured to war
like doings of every description ; who had been brought up to
the use of arms from children ; and who, under able command
ers, were capable of doing good service in the field. How
ever, Ben M'Culloch took it into his head to retreat, and he
was obstinate enough to carry out his will. In vain did
General Price endeavor to persuade him to alter his mind.
He proposed an immediate advance ; pointed out the enthu
siasm which prevailed amongst the troops, and which ought
to be turned to account to strike a blow against the enemy ;
but it was like talking to the wind. As nothing could shake
the obstinacy of M'Culloch, General Price asked him to give
up the better arms which his followers possessed, and he
(Price) would attack the enemy without him. But this he
also declined, and General Pric^, much annoyed, left the tent.
On that same evening, whilst all the necessary prepara
tions were being made to commence a retreat, an aide-de-camp
arrived at the camp from Major-General Polk of the Confed
erate army, bringing the order for General M'Culloch to at
tack the enemy at Springfield without delay. As soon as he
had read the despatch, he summoned all the generals together
and communicated General Polk's order to them, declaring
that he was ready to march at once on Springfield, provided
he was given the chief command.
General Price nobly replied that it was immaterial to him
in what capacity he fought, provided that he had an oppor
tunity of doing service in the defence of his country, and that
he was willing not only to give up his command, but his life
if necessary. He then handed over the chief command to
M'Culloch. These quiet, earnest words of General Price did
not fail to produce a powerful effect upon the minds of the as
sembled officers.

PATRIOTISM OP GENERAL PRICE. 145
Even Ben M'Culloch felt ashamed when his officers re
proached him for his ambition. He advanced toward General
Price, and held out his hand, but the latter drew back, and
said, " Do your duty as the general in command, as I intend
to do mine, and we will endeavor to forget what has passed."
Ben M'Culloch having assumed the command, his first
general order was that all unarmed persons should remain in
the camp, that those who had rifles or muskets should get
them ready, should provide themselves with fifty rounds of
ball, and be prepared to march at midnight.
Ben M'Culloch now divided the army into three divisions.
The first he commanded himself, and the others he intrusted
to Generals Pierce and Price. About midnight, the troops
quietly left the camp, leaving the sick and wounded, baggage,
&c., behind, and commenced their march in the direction of
Springfield. The men were all in excellent spirits and con
fident of success. They expected to come upon the enemy's
outposts at about nine miles' distance from the camp ; but
when, after a fatiguing march, our troops reached the place
and began to reconnoitre cautiously, they found that the
enemy had decamped on the previous day, and were now re
treating. Despite the great heat, our troops immediately
followed in the enemy's track. As they had no canteens,
they suffered considerably from thirst, but nevertheless ad
vanced steadily until they reached Big Spring, about two
miles from Wilson Creek, and about ten miles from Spring
field, where they encamped that evening. Our troops, who
had left all their provisions behind them, had not tasted food
for twenty-four hours, and in their eager craving began to eat
the green corn with which the fields were covered. They had
neither tents nor blankets to protect them from the night air,
and their clothing was in bad condition ; indeed, nearly four
fifths of the men were without shoes, yet they cheerfully per
formed this fatiguing march. The officers, too, were scarcely
better off, with the exception of General Ben M'Culloch, who
7

140 WAR PICTDEBS.
displayed his brilliant uniform to the admiring looks of oui
poor ragged fellows.
The army resumed its march on the following morning to
Wilson Creek, and there encamped ; the large fields of green
corn they met with there supplying them with the only kind
of food they had tasted for two days. At eight o'clock in the
evening a general order was issued for the troops to be ready
to march at nine against Springfield. After a council of war,
General M'Culloch resolved to attack the enemy at daybreak,
on four sides at once. The soldiers had already satisfied their
hunger, prepared their ammunition, and were ready to.,march,
when, owing to the heavy rain, a counter order was issued,
postponing the attack till the following day.

BATTLE OF OAK HILL. 147

CHAPTER XVIII,
THE BATTLE OF OAK HILL, OR WILSON CREEK.
The Federal troops under Generals Sigel and Lyon commence the attack — Sigel
retreats — Lyon is obliged to give way — The Confederates are victoriouB — Death
of General Lyon.
Before General M'CuUoch's excellent plans could be carried
out, and our troops put in readiness to attack the Federal
General Sigel, General Lyon had already commenced an at
tack upon us, and our men had just got into position, when
General Sigel also assailed us on our right wing and in our
rear, while the artillery on both sides opened fire. General
M'Culloch did all that was possible to keep his men in line of
battle and repulse the repeated attacks of Generals Sigel and
Lyon. The men of Missouri, under the command of their
Brigadier-Generals Slack, Parsons, and Raines, had taken up a
position in front, and were ordered by General Price to ad
vance in all haste upon the enemy. After proceeding a few
hundred yards, they came upon the main body of the enemy,
under the personal command of General Lyon. Both sides
immediately opened a brisk fusilade, the artillery being at the
same time in full play ; a Federal battery under Captain Tat
ten, and a Confederate battery keeping up a regular duel.
General Price then ordered two regiments — the Louisiana
volunteers, and a regiment of dismounted chasseurs — to attack
the battery in front. In a few minutes they were ready,

148 WAR PICTUEES.
when these wild sons of the prairie resolutely advanced with
fixed bayonets, and attacked the enemy's left flank, posted in
a large cornfield. Our two regiments were received with a
terrible discharge of musketry, but persevered in their attack,
and succeeded in repulsing the enemy, who had to fall back
on the main body. As soon as General Lyon saw his
troops thus retreating, he led forward in person one of the
German regiments posted with his reserve. It was a fine sight
to see these Germans rush on the advancing foe, and by their
determined courage impede his further advance. Whilst the
troops under General Price were nobly holding their ground
in the centre. General Sigel observed that several Confeder
ate regiments had assembled on his left flank, and threatened
to attack this, his weak point. One of our batteries had
already taken up a position to protect these troops with their
fire, when General Sigel promptly ordered up some guns, and
pouring a storm of grape upon the 'regiments who were pre
paring to advance to the charge, caused them serious loss.
General M'Culloch, observing the confusion among his
troops, caused by the enemy's fire, ordered the mounted chas
seur regiment under M'Intosh to their immediate support.
This regiment was to the Confederate army much what the
Old Guard was to Napoleon, and kept in reserve for any
emergency. Such disorder had already spread among the
Confederate forces, that it was indeed high time for the mount
ed Jagers to come to the rescue. Without losing precious
moments in forming, they threw themselves headlong upon
the battery which was causing such damage to our people,
and in spite of a gallant defence. General Sigel was obliged to
give way before superior numbers, and as the Texas and Mis
souri cavalry regiments threatened to cut off his retreat, in
the event of his maintaining his ground much longer, he
abandoned his position. •
The Confederate forces having obtained these great advan
tages on their right wing, it became necessary for them to di
rect their attention to the enemy's centre, where the bulk of

BATTLE OP OAK HILL. 149
General Lyon's forces were posted. General M'Culloch,
therefore, directed the cavalry regiments of Colonels Embry
and Churchill to dismount, attaching them to the infantry regi
ment of Gratiot, and adding M'Rae's regiment as a reserve ;
he ordered these troops to make a general attack on the front
of the enemy's position. Our brigade was received by a tre
mendous fire as they advanced to the attack, protected by
small columns at their flanks. Generals Sigel and Lyon de
fended their position gallantly, and in spite of the vigorous
attack made by our troops, it was impossible to drive the
Germans from their position. The German is a good and
brave soldier when fighting from conviction, and for a cause
which he loves. Quarter was neither asked for nor given,
and the battle had already raged for several hours, without
any particular advantage on either one side or the other. It
was at this juncture that General M'Culloch assembled some
regiments, and attempted to storm Captain, Tatten's battery,
which was causing such havoc among our soldiers. Our men
attacked the enemy's battery with great courage; General
Lyon, however, making a rapid flank movement, in his turn
attacked our storming parties, inflicting great loss upon them
by a well-directed fire, which mowed them down by columns.
General M'CuUoch's men were already beginning to waver,
when, at this critical moment, three regiments of General
Pierce's brigade hurried to his support, and he ordered up
Reid's battery and the Louisiana volunteers, with which addi
tional forces the struggle at the centre was renewed with des
peration. The troops under General Pierce attacked the
enemy with such determination that they began to falter and
gradually give way. This retrograde movement of the Fede
ral troops produced immense excitement among the Confede
rates, and the Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana forces
threw themselves at once, with loud hurrahs, on the wavering
line of the enemy, and drove him completely from his posi
tion. The retreat of the Germans was, however, executed with

150 WAR PICTURES.
praiseworthy coolness, in the face of the furious onslaught of
the Confederates. Generals Sigel and Lyon now perceiving
the futility of trying further to repel the attacks of an enemy
so superior in numbers, they issued orders for the whole army
to retreat. Owing to the losses sustained by the Confederates,
and their exhaustion, they could not molest them in effecting
this movement. General Lyon fell at the close of the engage
ment, and the command-in-chief consequently devolved upon
General Sigel, an able officer, who succeeded in withdrawing
the Federal forces from the scene of action in good order.
Thus ended the battle of Oak Hill, as we named it, or
of Wilson Creek, as named in the official report of Gene
ral Sigel. The battle lasted full seven hours, and our loss of 2,000
killed and wounded shows the desperation of this fierce strug
gle. Our trophies consisted of merely two dismounted can
non and some hundred muskets. The enemy lost in General
Lyon a brave defender of the State of Missouri, and a good
patriot. He fell whilst encouraging his men by word and
deed ; two bullets penetrated his heart at the same moment,
causing immediate death. His doctor came to us after the
battle with a flag of truce to claim his body, and General
Price had the politeness to offer his own carriage for its re
moval. The body could not, however, on account of the heat,
be conveyed further than Springfield, and General Price or
dered Colonels Elgen and Mercer to provide a proper funeral,
and a Mrs. Phelp, of that place, presented them with a coffin.
A few days afterward the body was conveyed to his friends
at St. Louis.
After the battle of Oak Hill, our generals found their di
vision so cut up, that they were olsliged to go to work very
cautiously. General Sigel being just the man to give them but
little leisure for recovering themselves. General M'Culloch
determined to proceed to Arkansas with his forces ; whilst
General Price, on the other hand, advocated a continuation of
the campaign in Missouri.

IHOMAS HARRIS. 151

CHAPTER XIX.
A GENERAL WITHOUT AN ARMY.
Tliomaa Harris — His nomination as general— General Harris and General Price-
Fort Scott— An abortive escursion to Warrensburg.
A MAN now appeared in the north of Missouri, with every in
tention of making a name for himself, — no other than Thomas
Harris, who was on his way to the rendezvous of Boonville,
with the intention of joining the Confederate army as a pri
vate. At Paris (a small hamlet in the county of Monroe),
he was recognized by one of Governor Jackson's couriers,
who forthwith handed him his commission as brigadier-gene
ral of the Missouri State Guard, with orders to undertake the
organization of the forces in the northern part of the State
with the utmost expedition, and to assume the defence of that
portion of the State which was north of the river Missouri.
At the time Harris received his commission and his orders
he had no opportunity for expressing his thanks to Governor
Jackson, as the latter had been defeated by the enemy's
troops, and was wandering about the Western prairies without
roof or resting place.
The unfortunate Harris, therefore, found himself all alone
with his commission and the order to defend the northern line
of the Missouri, without soldiers, without arms, without tents,
and without money. He might have exclaimed like another
celebrated general, " Can I make an army spring from the
ground ? " Harris was, however, the reverse of a despondent

162 WAR PICTUEES.
character, and he tried his best to do honor to his exalted
rank. He quietly pocketed his commission and his orders
and repaired to his native county. Immediately on arriving
there he held a grand political meeting, described the position
of Missouri in the most ghastly colors, and in order to in
crease the general effect he publicly took the oath of alle
giance to the Confederacy ; that solemn act being administered
by a clergyman who happened to be present. Fifty-three
persons at this assembly immediately joined him, agreeing to
serve under him. General Harris then gave his future army
the permission to go to their homes, provide themselves with
arms, and then rejoin him at his headquarters.
The reader will perceive that this new defender of the
country went to work with great circumspection, establishing
his headquarters first, with the conviction that an army would
ere long be got together.
Before his newly raised force of fifty-three men had, how
ever, joined him, the rumor spread that a detachment of the
enemy was approaching.
General Harris was not long in moving off to a more
convenient spot, followed by his forces, then consisting of
some staff officers and three privates, and proceeded with the
organization of a band of guerillas. Wherever there is a
chance of booty the crows will gather, and he managed in a
very short time to get a body of men together, which would
enable him to take a prominent part in the complicated events
of the period. He soon collected 3,000 men under his or
ders, and it was on account of this force that General Lyon
was at the commencement of his operations obliged to detach
a corps to watch its movements. On General Price being re
lieved of his duties in the Confederate army, he advanced
toward the river Missouri. No sooner did General Harris
get wind of this, than he broke up his camp and marched a
distance of sixty-eight miles in thirty hours in order to join
him. General Price was not a little pleased at being joined by

FORT SCOTT. 153
Harris and his forces, and received them with open arms.
The two generals immediately determined to march on Fort
Scott. After a tedious march they came in sight of Fort
Scott — but only to learn that Generals Lane and Tennison
had moved further westward with their forces ; they then de
termined to proceed toward Lexington, as they had ascer
tained that some of the enemy were there encamped under
Colonel Mulligan. Fremont had at this time been named by
the Government at Washington to the chief command of the
Federal army in Missouri. Fremont was the very man for
this post. Immediately on assuming the command he issued
a proclamation, threatening every traitor to the Washington
Government with the confiscation of his property and the
liberation of all his slaves.
As was to be expected, this proclamation created an in
tense feeling of indignation among the Southerners, and many
of them left the army in order to save their property, whilst
others, whose property was already greatly involved in debt,
abandoned it on the plea of patriotism. The Confederate
Government hastened to indemnify these latter by State
bonds, and both parties became gainers by the transaction.
The Government played a fatherly part, whilst the proprie
tors who were thus indemnified abused the Federal Govern
ment, and by extolling the Confederation, drew many persons
to its standard. At the beginning of September, 1861, Gen
erals Price and Harris, who were about to encamp, received
information from spies that a detachment of Federal troops
was proceeding from Lexington to Warrensburg, a small
town in the vicinity, for the purpose of bringing away the
Government moneys there, and the cash at the bank, to de
posit them for safety at Lexington. This news spread like
lightning through the camp, and in spite of the bad weather
and the length of the march, the troops got ready with the
utmost haste for the expedition.
The whole brigade appeared electrified. The prospect of

154 WAR PICTURES.
capturing some hundred thousand dollars worked wonders in
putting the troops on their legs, and an immediate and general
start was made, for fear that the booty might be lost. The
men had never been so active before; indeed, the officers,
although mounted, could hardly keep up with the briskly
moving mass. Money is indeed a powerful magnet. Even
the sick seemed to have suddenly recovered, and were not to
be prevented from hurrying on with the rest, in the hope of
sharing the spoil.
Although the troops had been much fatigued by the late
marches, this was now quite imperceptible, and indeed when
some of the officers wanted to rest they found it impracticable,
as the men would not hear of dallying by the way. So on
they went without stopping, until they reached Warrensburg.
But here they were doomed to disappointment; the com
mandant of the enemy's forces had already accomplished his
task the previous evening, and left the place with all valuables,
breaking down the bridges behind him. The rage of the sol
diers at the loss of the expected booty was indescribable, and
became ludicrous when they saw the caricatures which the
German soldiers of the Federal army had sketched on the
walls of tho houses, in anticipation of the arrival of the Con
federates. On the bank itself there was an artistic charcoal
drawing in crayons, representing an empty cash box, with a
Confederate soldier peeping into it. All this caused bad
blood among our people, and they cried for vengeance. The
poor inhabitants had to suffer in consequence, and everything
eatable or drinkable that was to be found in the little town
was laid hands on by the soldiers, who were famished after
the exertions of their long march. The generals resolved to
assemble all their forces at this place. After a rest of two
days the army moved on to Lexington, as it was known that
the money had been conveyed to that place. The march was
consequently willingly resumed, and on the morning follow
ing the advanced guard came in view of the enemy's outlying
pickets.

BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 155

CHAPTER XX.

BATTLE OF LEXINGTON.

General Price — Attack on Lexington — Colonel Mulligan's defence— Capitulation
—Booty— Price's retreat— Secession of the State of Missouri— Fremont re
called.
At daybreak a lively outpost skirmish commenced between
the Missouri forces and the Federal troops. After a short
engagement. General Price, finding that the enemy was too
strong for him, ordered his men to retire and the whole army
to fall back. He resolved first to await the reinforcements
which had been promised him, and then to renew the attack.
Like wildfire the news had spread through the country that
General Price intended to make a small razzia to sack some
cash, and hundreds flocked in to help him at this work. The
numbers of the army increased hourly, and it was really
amusing to hear the newcomers anxiously inquire if any
booty had been made yet. On receiving a reply in the nega
tive, their looks would brighten : they were elated at finding
they had arrived in such good time. In a short time, the
army of Generals Price and Harris had been increased by
nearly 2,000 men, and a general advance was resolved upon.
The enemy's outposts were driven back, and the attacking
columns approached Lexington, where the Federal troops
were strongly intrenched in a position where they were
secure unless attacked by very superior numbers. There

156 WAR PICTURES.
was one building especially, formerly a schoolhouse, which
they had fortified with consummate skill.
General Price ordered up two batteries, and opened a
heavy fire upon this post, but it was so well responded to by
the Federal troops, that in all haste he ordered his batteries
to retire out of range of the enemy's murderous fire. Gen
erals Price and Harris, again losing confidence, withdrew
their troops and retreated to Fair Ground, in the vicinity,
there to await further reinforcements and fresh supplies of
ammunition. In a few days they deemed themselves strong
enough to renew the attack upon Lexington.
General Raines was ordered to attack the town on the
east and northeast, whilst General Porter attacked on the
south side, and all the guns were at the same time to open
fire on the enemy's outworks in front. Swarms of sharp
shooters were sent from both divisions to annoy the enemy
by a continuous fire, and to cut them off from the place which
provided them with drinking water. The riflemen did their
work well, and in a short time took possession of the enemy's
water station.
Immediately on arriving before Lexington, the fourth divi
sion, which in the absence of General Slack was commanded
by Colonel Rivers, had been ordered to a position west ofthe
enemy's fortifications, whilst a portion of M'Bride's and Har
ris's brigades was stationed near, to act in support. Colonel
Rivers speedily commenced operations, and attempted to cap
ture a steamer which was on the river, and to cut off a chance
of retreat to the enemy. The Federal troops, however, poured
in such a volley upon him from a house which was used as a
hospital, and which had hoisted a white flag, that he had to
relinquish the attempt. Shortly afterward, however, a de
tachment of Colonel Jackson's men, after a sharp engagement,
captured the steamer and some small craft on the river,
freighted with clothes, provisions, and ammunition, all of
which things our troops stood much in need of. This cap-

BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 157
ture was hailed, therefore, with great joy by our men, and
spurred on their zeal. At the same time. Generals M'Bride's
and Harris's troops took possession of the hills lying to the
north of the building already alluded to as serving for a hos
pital. As soon as Colonel Mulligan, who was in command
of the fort, was made aware of the presence of the Confeder
ates, he made a sortie, with a view to drive them from the
position they had taken. It is a pity that the colonel had not
a larger body of men at his command, for he possessed many
of the requisites for an able general. He was enterprising,
and always ready to make a dash at his enemy when the lat
ter least expected it, and was beloved and respected by his
soldiers. Fortunately for us, the advantages gained by the Federal
troops could not be followed up for want of men, dnd the
Confederates, though driven back at first, recaptured the posi
tion during the day, and effected this with the very same
troops that had been driven back by Colonel Mulligan.
The hilly ground was now promptly placed in a good
state of defence, so that the position was rendered strong
enough to withstand any attack on a large scale. On the .
following day General Price erected batteries, and the serious
preparations made by him to bombard the fort must have
caused considerable anxiety to the garrison. Cut off from all
help, short of provisions, opposed to a force more than three
times its number, even the bravest might feel discouraged.
But Colonel Mulligan met our attacks with undaunted bravery,
and when we approached too near, he sallied forth and drove
us back. It was only after fifty-two hours' uninterrupted
fighting, when all- its means were exhausted, that Mulligan,
finding his small garrison worn out by exertions, and without
a chance of relief, resolved, after holding a council of war, to
hoist a white flag as a sign of capitulation. General Price at
once ordered the firing to cease, and sent two of his officers to
settle the conditions of surrender. The stipulations were soon

158 WAR PICTURES.
made. The garrison, with their commander, were to lay dovra
their arms and remain prisoners of war of the Missouri troops
commanded by Major-General Price.
This surrender does not cast the slightest discredit on
Colonel Mulligan, his officers and men. After having ex
hausted all their means against an enemy of three times their
strength, they had no choice left but capitulation. The booty
was considerable. In addition to arms, clothing, and ammu
nition, they took more than a million of dollars in hard cash.
These dollars nearly rendered our fellows frantic, for this was
the object which had induced the majority of them to take
up arms against their former Government. General Price
received Colonel Mulligan's sword, which he returned to him
with a compliment : " I should be sorry," he said, " to see so
brave an officer deprived of his sword." He offered to place
Colonel Mulligan on parole, but the Colonel declined, as he
said the Government at Washington did not acknowledge
Missouri as a sovereign State. General Price politely placed
his headquarters at the disposal of Colonel Mulligan and his
wife, gave them up his carriage, and paid them every possible
attention. It is thus that one brave man honors another, and
by so doing honors himself
The Confederate army had scarcely taken possession of
Lexington, when a strong force of Federal troops showed
themselves on the other bank, coming from St. Joseph, under
the orders of Colonel Sturgis (of the cavalry), to support
Colonel Mulligan. Had they come a few days sooner, a
different result might have occurred. Colonel Sturgis, on
hearing of the capitulation of Lexington, after the exchange
of a few shots, returned to St. Joseph, there to form a junction
with the army of General Lane.
Whilst the Confederates were celebrating the capture of
Lexington, their generals in the southwestern portion of Mis
souri sustained a series of defeats. Generals Pillow, Horde,
and M'Culloch were driven out of the field. This intelligence

price's retreat 159
compelled General Price to relinquish the advantage he had
gained, and to make a retrograde movement. Without losing
time he commenced his retreat, and as he was badly provided
with ammunition, he sent one of bis aide-de-camps to Arkansas
to arrange matters so that his wants should be immediately
attended to, and the necessary ammunition forwarded under
good escort.
General M'Culloch promised to escort the transport, but
as soon as he heard of General Price's success- he ordered the
convoy to halt, on the ground that it might be dangerous to
forward the ammunition, as General Fremont was advancing
in the direction of Missouri.
Harassed on all sides, without ammunition, hated by Ben
M'Culloch, General Price adopted the resolution of first
reducing the extent of his army, and then of making a rapid
retreat. His army before Lexington had swollen to 25,000
men ; and this resolution of their honored general gave them
great pain, and they did all they could to dissuade him from
the step which he contemplated. General Price, after having
designated what regiments were to accompany him, took a
touching farewell of the remainder of his officers and men.
He now turned all his attention to his reformed small
division. His task was not an easy one, and required good
generalship. He could not count upon M'Culloch. Fremont
had assembled his forces at Georgetown, whilst Sturgis was
advancing from the north and General Lane from the west ;
and these three divisions were marching on Lexington to
compel General Price to give battle. The plan was not a bad
one ; but General Price, fully aware of the position he was in,
endeavored to counteract the enemy's plans. He sent all his
cavalry forward, and ordered them to make a demonstration
on the Georgetown road, to attract General Fremont's atten
tion in that quarter, whilst be, with his infantry and artillery,
would oppose Generals Sturgis and Lane. Neither of those
generals was aware that Price's large army had been reduced,

160 WAR PICTURES.
and that he had now only a small portion of it under his
command ; hence they were too cautious in their movements,
and would not venture to undertake anything until the three
divisions had approached closer to each other. Taking ad
vantage of the slowness of the enemy. General Price made a
rapid move southward, leaving orders to his cavalry to fol
low him and to cover his retreat. He reached the Osage
without any obstruction, and crossed that river in boats with
his infantry, the cavalry swimming across. Without any
loss, either in time or men, he reached the other bank in
safety. In military annals, this passage of a river by 13,000
men will figure conspicuously, as it was performed without
pontoons or any other facilities, and, as already stated, with
out the loss of a man.
General Price continued his march without delay on Ne
osho, where the few members of the State of Missouri held
their sittings under the presidency of Governor Jackson.
General Price was received with marked honor " by his Gov
ernment; and found his comrade in arms here, General
M'Culloch, with 5,000 men. The rivals met with great cool
ness. General Price had good reason to be dissatisfied with
Ben M'CuUoch's conduct ; whilst the latter's envy was aroused
at Price's victorious march. The members of the Missouri
Government here resolved to send two of their members to
the Confederate Government at Richmond, and General Price
had the honor to celebrate the formal secession of Missouri
from the Union with a salvo of 100 guns. After this harm
less ceremony, General Price allowed his forces a respite to
recover themselves from the fatigue they had undergone, and
remained here fourteen days, when he resumed his march
toward Pineville in Macdonald county, there to reorganize his
men. Meantime Generals Sigel and Fremont concentrated their
troops at Springfield, with the intention of putting an end to
the war in Missouri. Sigel having proceeded from thence

FREMONT RECALLED. 161
with the advanced guard to Wilson Creek, General Price or
dered our troops to retire on the appearance of the enemy ;
but whilst about to carry out this order, our rear was at
tacked by Fremont's body guard, under the command of Ma
jor Zagony, formerly in the Hungarian service, doing us a good
deal of damage, and compelling us to accelerate our retreat.
On reaching Pineville, General Price made arrangements to
await General Fremont's attack, and then to leave Missouri
without once more trying the chances of a battle. He well
knew how to inspire his men with confidence in his plans.
And now that General Fremont had caught us, as it were,
in a net, what saved us ? A battle 1 No : the Government
of Washington at this juncture deprived Fremont of his com
mand. This caused a complete change in the enemy's plans,
and allowed our generals full scope to alter their position.
The Federal army was now compelled to beat a retreat, aban
doning tbe rich district of Springfield to General Price. The
latter at once took possession of it, and settled himself down
comfortably for a time in the position abandoned by the en
emy.

1 6 '2 WAR PICTURES.

CHAPTER XXI.
RECRUITING AT RICHMOND.
Stringent measures of the Government— Price of substitutes— The Nevr Orlcani
Zouaves.
After the unfortunate campaign in Western Virginia, and the
reverses the Confederates had met with in Louisiana, Mis
souri, and Tennessee, the Government of Richmond resolved
to take the most energetic measures to redeem its losses. A
bill was passed by the Legislature, ordering all citizens,
whether natives or settlers, to take service. All men capable
of bearing arms, from eighteen to forty-five years of age,
were called out. The Government was fully bent on being
prepared for the winter campaign. Recruiting offices were
established at every corner. General Wise's brigade soon
received a large increase of men ; for old Wise, despite his
rough manners, always shared danger and hardship with his
men, and was looked up to with respect. The system of
paying for substitutes was now introduced, and a regular traf
fic in human flesh was the result ; not a sale of blacks, but of
whites. A portion of the rich planters of the South were
discontented with the policy of President Davis and that of
his Government, and were eager to leave a service which had
lost all attraction for them, and the discoir^forts and hardships
of which had become daily more distasteful. All such en
deavored to get off, and the newspapers teemed with adver-

RICHMOND. 163
tisements for substitutes, the price rising from the modest
sum of 10 up to as much as 3,000 dollars. Agents travelled
all through the South buying up substitutes, whom they dis
posed of at a profit. Soldiers, too, were induced to desert,
and then drafted into another regiment. I know the captain
of a small trading vessel, who within a fortnight disposed of
himself twice in this way, and having pocketed some thousand
dollars, succeeded in getting off to sea.
The Government endeavored to put a stop to this melan
choly state of affairs, but it was too late, the evil had struck
too deep a root, and could not be eradicated. However, to
obviate it in some measure, the Secretary of War issued a
decree, proclaiming the punishment of death as the penalty
of those who dealt in this nefarious traffic.
Troops of every possible description continued to arrive
at Richmond to take part in the war in Virginia. It was a
fine sight to see them arrive. The North Carolina troops,
especially, attracted the attention of the citizens by their frank
and courteous bearing. It is true they did not boast of the fine
names of their Southern brethren, such as " Tigers," " Wild
cats," " Alligators," &c., their regiments being simply desig
nated by numbers, but they were fine-looking, brave fellows.
Then came the Zouave regiment of Colonel C  , for
merly a noted professional gambler at New Orleans, who,
when he found his trade spoilt, took to forming a regiment.
With the sanction of the mayor of the city of New Orleans,
he established recruiting booths in the different jails there.
Each criminal was given the option to stay out the full time
of his sentence, or join Colonel C  ^'s body guard.
Hundreds took advantage of the offer to escape from prison,
and in a short time the regiment was complete. The officer's
staff consisted of noted gamblers of New Orleans, and this
noble band started, not to fight for their country so much,
perhaps, as in the hope of a little freebooting. In their wide
red breeches, blue jackets, and capped with the Turkish fez,

164 WAE PICTURES.
these men, bronzed by a Southern sun, made a warlike show,
and excited much attention wherever they made their appear
ance. "It was a strange, heterogeneous corps, formed of daring
men from every country ; but wherever a Zouave had been
seen, something or other was pretty sure to be missed shortly
afterward. Never, at any previous period, were so many
robberies. committed in and about Ricbmond, as during the
stay of these defenders of their country. They laid their
hands upon everything that came within their reach, and were
the dread of the farmers all round. The poultry of the peas
antry was carried off at night ; yet wbat were the poor
Zouaves to do ? the officers kept back their pay, so they re
venged themselves upon the population. It soon became
necessary to assign them a separate encampment, as the offi
cers and men of the other regiments would not mix with
them. Strife and bloodshed wer« the order of the day : no
man's life was safe who showed himself within the precincts
of their encampment. Among other cases of lawlessness
attributed to these men, I may mention that of a poor Ger
man gardener who lived in the vicinity, and who was com
pelled to abandon his house and garden, which was all he had
to depend upon for his livelihood, owing to the ill treatment
he received. The Government was at last under the necessity
of ordering the .^ou'aves to leave Richmond, and sent them to the
Peninsula, where they were soon dispersed, either by the en
emy's bullets or through desertion.

STATE OF THE HOSPITALS. 16fi

11^:^^,..

Yak

1

CHAPTER XXII.
HOSPITALS OF THE WOUNDED PRISONERS.
Bad state of the hospitals— General Winder — Gross neglect of wounded prisoners
— The want of surgeons — ^Humanity of Captain T  .
I TOOK a great interest in the fate of the poor wounded pris
oners in the hospitals at Richmond, — firstly, because, owing
to the animosity which prevailed against the Yankees, I fan-
¦ cied they would not be much cared for ; and, secondly, be
cause I was aware that, even with the best intentions, the
Government could not do much for so many as 30,000
wounded men. Richmond, at that time, had the appearance
of a great hospital. Every public building was filled with
the sick and wounded. Many of the patients had never been
in action. Bad food, insufficient clothing, and want of proper
attention had brought them into a state of disease. Two sur
geons to attend upon 600 patients were all I found in one hos
pital ; happily, among the prisoners there were a few medical
men, who did what they could to alleviate the suffering of
their comrades. I shuddered at the spectacle I had to wit
ness ; the wounds of many had not been attended to, and
maggots were eating into their flesh, whilst their clothing
was stiff from clotted blood. I did what I could to improve
their condition. I went from bed to bed, promising to exert
all my influence in their favor, and many a poor fellow looked
me his silent thanks.

166 WAR PICTURES.
I called upon General Winder to represent the case of
these unfortunate men. Whilst every attention was paid to
our own wounded and sick by the inhabitants, the unfortunate
prisoners were allowed to rot and die. General Winder could
not withstand my appeal, and promised me his assistance. I
then appealed to the German and Irish population to come
forward and do something for the poor prisoners, and in a few
hours that appeal was responded to. I myself sent everything
I could spare from my wardrobe. Many a bottle of wine
and parcel of lint, prepared by German ladies, now found
their way to the hospitals, and the Irish population, with their
natural good nature, brought all the linen they could spare
to the surgeons of the prisoners. When it is considered that
the persons who did this ran the risk of being arrested by the
secret police, the very smallest gifts rank as great sacrifices,
for even a glance of pity at a poor sick enemy would have
brought them under the suspicion of being traitors to their
country. In a few days some sort of system was introduced
into the prisoners' hospital. The sick were attended to and
waited upon, received changes of linen, and were cheered
with the hope of recovery. Many a tear rolled down their
pale cheeks, and many a blessing was bestowed on me on the
day when I took leave of them, and I left with the conviction
that I had preserved the life of many a brave fellow. It is
almost impossible to form an idea of the want of feeling of
the population of the South. I will only mention one in
stance which subsequently came under my own observation.
It was after the seven days' fight before Richmond, and
hundreds of wounded, friend and foe, were brought into Rich
mond, where for a long time they were left exposed to a broil
ing sun upon the platform of the railway station. I went
with a friend of mine. Captain T  , son of an admiral in the
Confederate fleet, to the station, to render help. Owing to the
destruction of the Merrimac, Captain T  was out of em
ployment, and was in plain clothes. Captain T  was a

SOUTHERN PREJUDICE. 167
fine-looking man, had travelled far, and was a perfect gentle
man. When we reached the station, the greatest confusion
prevailed ; groups of wounded lay in all directions ; a num
ber of benevolent ladies, with their black servants, were dis
tributing tea, coffee, chocolate, and broth, to the wounded. I,
however, soon observed that they took no notice of many of
the sufferers. Some one touched my spur, and on looking
down, I beheld one of those ghastly faces which can never be
forgotten. It was that of a stately-looking soldier of the
enemy, in full uniform. " You are a German officer," he said.
" Yes, comrade," I replied ; and his eye brightened. " Then
I beg of you, most earnestly," he said, " to get me a cup of
coffee." Both T  and myself immediately went up to a
lady who belongs to one of the best families of the South,
and who had just passed the poor fellow by, without taking
any notice of him. " Madame St.  ," I said, " will you
give me a cup of coffee for a wounded man ? " " Oh, cer
tainly," she said, and her servant handed me a cup. I hasten
ed back, but whilst I was stooping down to give it to the
wounded man, some one pulled me by the sleeve, and to my
astonishment, it was Mrs. St.  , who, in a harsh voice, asked
me if I was aware I was helping a miserable Yankee. " No,
madam," I replied, " I do not know that, but I know that he
is a brave soldier, as is proved by his wounds." At the same
time I gave this prejudiced woman a look of scorn, which
made her beat a hasty retreat, and I then gave the coffee to
the wounded man. Tears ran down his furrowed, sunburnt
cheeks, and having somewhat recovered himself, he whispered
to me, " I am a Swiss ; I served for ten years in the Kaber-
matter regiment at Naples, but never thought I should die in
such a hole as this." I endeavored to console him as best I
could. Captain T  now arrived with a basket of straw
berries, and pressing some between his fingers, put them into
the poor fellow's mouth. Whilst thus occupied, a man seized
him by the arm, and said, " I arrest you." It was one of the

168 WAR PICTURES.
police agents. Captain T  drew himself up to his full
height. " On what ground 1 " he said. " Because you are help
ing the enenuy," he replied, " and all the ladies here are talk
ing about it." " Then tell those ladies that I have been taught
to practise humanity, and do not act by their standard, and if
it is your intention to arrest me, you can do your vile work
at the American Hotel, where I am staying. My name is
Captain T  ." As if he had been bitten by a snake, the
miserable wretch started back, pleaded duty and the instigar
tion of the ladies as his excuse, and went away. Captain
T-— looked both at him and the ladies with contempt, and
continued his attentions to the wounded soldier.
Should these pages ever fall into the hands of Captain
T— — , he will see how keenly his noble conduct was appre
ciated by the writer, and he will, I trust, excuse that writer
for pointing to him as an example of the contrast which exists
between true humanity and the heartless feelings exhibited by
the more prejudiced citizens of the South.

THE PRISONS AT EICHMOND. 169

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE PRISONS AT EICHMOND.

Hi treatment of prisoners of war— Foul state of the prisons— Colonel Corcoran—
A contrast.
When the first prisoners taken from the enemy arrived after
the battle of Bethel, a certain amount of pity prevailed amongst
the authorities, but this, small as it was, soon disappeared
after the murderous battle of Manassas, when they were
brought in in large numbers. The strictness with which they
were guarded was nothing to the severity that now took
place. The prisoners were locked up by hundreds, without
distinction of rank — officers and men huddled together in
buildings formerly used as tobacco warehouses and factories,
from three to four hundred in one room. Amongst others,
the gallant Irishman, Colonel Corcoran. The foul air of the
building was enough to poison the men ; but the authorities
seemed to take pleasure in exercising barbarous severity, and
stuck to that principle. As, under a broiling sun, each of the
buildings alluded to was the compulsory residence day and
night of 400 men, it may easily be supposed that on entering
it from the open air, the stench was overpowering. To get a
breath of fresh air, the prisoners had to lean against the win
dows, where they were stared at' and often hooted by the
crowd below. The feeling of humanity sank daily lower at
Richmond ; and brutality increased so much, that at last it
8

170 WAR PICTUEES.
even reached the better classes. Pity vanished altogether;
even women, who usually are so ready to give a helping hand
to a suffering fellow creature, without inquiring who he is, be
came hard hearted. Colonel Corcoran put up with this un
dignified treatment and the insults of the mob with the great
est courage. He was ultimately sent to Columbia in South
Carolina, where at least he found human beings, and where he
was allowed to breathe fresh air without being stared at by a
crowd. How did the officers and soldiers of the United States
treat their prisoners 1 When, in February, the greater por
tion of Wise's legion were made prisoners on Roanoke Island,
General Burnside and his officers treated them with respect
and attention. The officers of the Confederate army were
allowed to go free on parole. Both officers and men of Burn-
side's army showed them many acts of civility, and gave them
gold for their Confederate paper money, of little value there.
In a few days General Burnside liberated all the prisoners on
their giving their word of honor not to serve until an exchange
had taken place. If either of the two Governments had a
right to treat the prisoners as enemies, surely it was the
United States Government, as the Southerners were the origi
nators of this disastrous war. We were the rebellious sons
of a worthy mother. She was not the cause of the war ; it
was we who had applied the torch' and set fire to our once
quiet and peaceful home.
Our men, when taken prisoners, were usually treated, not
like convicts, but as misguided children. But the Confederate
Government, which had already despoiled the Union of so
many things, now wished even to deprive its adherents of the
ordinary rights of humanity and respect.
It is true that many of our officers felt the injustice of the
treatment inflicted upon the prisoners, but what could they
do ? Orders came from headquarters, and they were bound
to obey them, for the first duty of a soldier is obedience.

A CHRISTMAS EVE. 171

CHAPTER XXIV.
A CHRISTMAS EVE.
Camp hfe in winter— Sad reflections — Petersburg— Christmas Eve — The Author.
On the 23d December, 1861, I rode back, after inspecting the
outposts of our division of the Confederate army. It was a
cold, dreary day ; the snow fell in heavy flakes, so that my
cloak soon had the appearance of ermine. Silently I rode
along the banks of the New River, and the stillness around
only seemed to make more audible the roar of the waters as
they splashed over the rocks in the stream.
No joyous shout greeted me from the camp ; none of the
gay excitement of a soldier's life was visible. A few groups
might be seen sitting silently and musingly round their watch
fires, worn out and careless at what was going on or of what
might happen next : most of the men were in their huts, and
everything appeared cold and cheerless. Why so 1 Our
proud hopes of victory were for the moment at an end ; we
were compelled to give way before the all-powerful enemy ;
we were beating a retreat — and the retreat of an army, even
if performed in the best order, has, as every soldier who has
been at the wars well knows, something discouraging in it.
Winter added to the dreariness. Here, in cold and snow, were
encamped the sons of those Southern districts, where the sun
is always bright and warm ; where the green meadows are

172 WAR PICTURES.
never covered with snow or ice. Some cast dreary looks at
the summit of Hawk's Nest, where the once beloved, now hos
tile banner of the Republic of the United States unfolded its
stars to the wind. Many joyful reminiscences of home andfor-
mer times were awakened in the breasts of the soldiers on be
holding that flag, under whose powerful protection their own
section of the community had also grown great and prosperous
and they themselves had lived in comfort. Tattered and hun
gry lay encamped the sons of the South, here, in Western
Virginia, deprived of their former prosperity and content, ly.
ing on the hard" ground with their rifles by their side, eager to
aid in lowering that flag for which their forefathers had shed
streams of blood, perhaps to become, instead of free citizens,
the subjects of some foreign adventurer or native despot.
My mind also was disturbed by these sad reflections ; but
a soldier's heart must not brood over sorrow, and I urged my
horse to a quicker pace along the river side to rejoin my regi
ment. The dark night and the roaring stream were not con
genial to lively thoughts ; in vain did I endeavor to recall
the happy dreams of my youth : they were dispelled by dark
er thoughts more in keeping with the shades of the night.
How could it be otherwise 1 It was now thirteen years that
I had been away from my native home, and now, drawn into
the whirlpool of events, I found myself, almost against my will,
serving in the ranks of a foreign army, and fighting for a cause
with which neither my head nor heart could thoroughly sympa
thize. Occupied with these rather depressing reflections, I reached
my tent. I threw off my cloak and sat down by the fire ;
nature claimed her rights, and, with a physical enjoyment
which for a moment set aside mental annoyance, I warmed
myself at the glowing embers.
Suddenly I heard the voice of a friend calling out my
name. It was General Henningsen, who soon joined me.
" Here," he said, " are despatches for the Secretary of War,

A CHRISTMAS EVE. 173
and which must be taken by a trustworthy hand immediately
to Richmond. Will you take them ? " I jumped up at once,
ordered a fresh horse to be saddled, shook the General warmly
by the hand, and, accompanied by an orderly, set out on my
mission. " Keep a sharp lookout," shouted Henningsen after
me, for he knew I had resolved to take the shortest road,
through a defile which might probably be occupied by the
enemy. A few shots, indeed, were fired at me from the
heights ; but, happily, owing to the darkness of the night,
they missed their mark, and once through the pass we were
safe. It was only on the evening of the following day that I
reached the little town of Petersburg. What a contrast it
offered to the monotonous life in camp ! Cheerful-looking
houses, with well-lit shops, and busy people going to and fro,
making purchases or looking in at the shop windows. Merry
children, with their parents, buying Christmas gifts.
My path now took me through a dark street, where I was
suddenly brought to a standstill. It was blocked up by a de
tachment of soldiers.
" What's the matter here ? " I shouted ; " why do you stop
up the road ? " " We are waiting for a sure conveyance,"
was the reply, " to send these d  Yankees on to Salisbury,
as they cannot march any farther."
I hastily got off my horse, ordered my orderly lancer to
see the horses properly attended to, and accosted the prisoners.
Here I found men of every nation, as is common in some
regiments of the United States army. Germans, Poles, Hun
garians, Frenchmen, Italians, and Irishmen were all mixed up
together, each, in his own tongue, trying to describe his mis
fortunes, and beseeching my assistance. Many of the poor
fellows lay wounded and footsore on the ground. It made
my heart bleed to see them. What a contrast was this scene
of misery to the gay shops of the town ! What a Christmas
Eve!

174 WAR PICTURES.
With a round English oath, I asked the officer in command
of the detachment why he did not get shelter for his prisoners,
for this one night, at least. He answered insolently, " That
the vile dogs were not worth the trouble."
Convinced that if I was to give a distinct order it would
wholly fail of effect upon so coarse a nature, and that the
brutal officer would have found a hundred pretexts not to
provide a shelter, I went myself in search of one, and suc
ceeded in getting the large outhouses at the railway station
arranged as best I could ; and I then ordered the lieutenant to
follow me with his men.
The prisoners, who numbered about 120 men, now lay
down on benches and dry sacks, sheltered, at least, by walls,
from the inclemency of the night. Good fires were lit, and
the railway authorities sent in food for the hungry men. I
gave twenty-five dollars to two subalterns, and sent them into
the town for rum, sugar, and lemons, and the courage of the
poor fellows gradually revived as the hope of better days
dawned within them. On my taking leave they gave me a
hearty cheer.
I remounted my horse, and was off for Richmond. I had
spent my Christmas Eve !
Here I must be allowed to anticipate events, by introducing
an incident that some time after pleasantly recalled this
Christmas Eve to my mind.
Months had passed. Heaven had protected me. I had
escaped without harm from the many sanguinary engagements
which, as we shall see by and by, took place in the first half
of 1862, when I was suddenly attacked by the yellow fever
in the swampy ricefields of Savannah. With death in my
heart, I had myself conveyed to Richmond for medical advice.
The doctors were not wanting in good counsel ; but the
apothecaries' stores were exhausted. By the advice of my
physician, I asked for leave and a free pass to the North,
where the change of climate might restore me to health.

CHRISTMAS EVE. 175
This being granted, I reached the outposts of the Union with
out difficulty, and received a hearty welcome from the gene
ral in command, who allowed me to continue my journey to
New York unmolested. In fact, what was there to fear from
a man who was more dead than alive ?
I regained my health, nevertheless, in a wonderfully short
time ; and going down the railway one day, in 6th Avenue,
New York, with a friend, I was suddenly addressed by a sol
dier with only one arm, with the question : " Are you not a
colonel in the Confederate army ? " " Yes, yes," I replied,
hastily, fancying he wished to pick a quarrel with me, and
seek revenge for his lost limb. " Well, then. Colonel," he
said, " I am happy that I still have one hand left thankfully
to shake yours, for I am one of the prisoners for whom
you provided a never-to-be-forgotten Christmas Eve at
Petersburg." Much moved, I shook the brave man's left hand, and quickly
left the carriage, around which a crowd had assembled.

176 WAR PICTUEES.

CHAPTER XXV.
BATTLE OF BELMONT.
Kentucky remains neutral— Exertions of the Federals and of the Confedcnaes—
Violation ofthe neutrality by the Confederates — General Polk occupies Colum
bus — Appeal of Governor Magoffin — The Federal troops enter Kentucky-
Colonel Tappon — General Grant commences hostihties — Pillow's division-
Defeat of General Cheatham — The Confederates victorious.
Much to the vexation of the Southerners, who had always
regarded Kentucky as one of their stanchest adherents, this
latter State still continued attached to the Union. All the
endeavors of the South to persuade Kentucky that its interests
as a Slave State rendered it imperatively necessary for it to
join those States which had already seceded from the Union,
proved of no avail ; the majority of the citizens of Kentucky
declined to listen to any such overtures. After the election
of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of the United States,
the Kentucky Legislature resolved, by a large majority, not
to secede from the Union, but to exert all its influence to re
store the broken pact between the old Government and the
States actually in rebellion. Should it not succeed in achiev
ing this object, it was proposed that Kentucky should main
tain a strict armed neutrality.
In reply, however, to the demand ofthe Washington Govern
ment for Kentucky to send its contingent to the army of the
Union, the Governor of that State, Magoffin, declined to do so,
and the Soulhern States e-xulted at this, as they fancied that this

VIOLATION OF NEUTRALITY. 171
refusal was to be regarded as the expression ofthe sentiments
of the people of that State. Subsequent events, however,
soon showed that there was no foundation for their hopes.
President Lincoln requested that a special Commission of the
State should proceed to Washington, there to consider the
measures the United States Government might think fit to
propose, in consequence of the attitude Kentucky had assum
ed. In compliance with this request, the various districts of
that State selected for commissioners men whom they knew
to be averse to a separation from the Union. The result of
the elections for the Legislature of the State were also in fa
vor of citizens who were known to be loyal supporters ofthe
Union. The neutrality of Kentucky was first violated by the Con
federate Government, which ordered a division of troops to
occupy Columbus. General Polk, it is true, who commanded
these troops, declared, in a proclamation which he issued to
the citizens of the State of Kentucky, that the Confederate
Government had been driven to this step because, the United
States Government had first violated the neutralify, by organ
izing a military force upon that neutral ground. It stated,
moreover, that fortifications had been erected on the Missis
sippi, opposite Columbus, with the object of serving as a
point d'appui for the United States troops which the Cabinet
of Washington intended to despatch for the purpose of occu
pying Columbus. The object ofthe Confederate Government
was forcibly to prevent the State of Kentucky from forjning
an alliance with the Union, which might have been fatal to
the interests of the South, but all these manoeuvres failed.
The United States Government had ordered General Rous
seau to organize a brigade in Kentucky, and to establish his
headquarters at Louisville, which order he executed so well
that in a short time he had collected together 10,000 men.
Thus, after General Polk had occupied Columbus for a short
time with his division, he found one day, to his alarm, the
8*

178 WAR PICTURES.
opposite bank ofthe river occupied by Federal troops, who,
on his making his appearance, took up a threatening attitude,
pointing their batteries toward Columbus. The citizens of
Kentucky now sent delegates to Governor Magoffin, with an
urgent appeal that he should order General Polk to evacuate
the territory of the State immediately, which request the
latter reluctantly complied with. Polk, indeed, at first signi
fied his intention of only obeying the injunction on the con
dition that the Federal troops should abandon the opposite
bank at the same time, and that the State of Kentucky should
give a guarantee to his Government that it would refuse per
mission to any troops of the United States to enter its terri
tory or occupy any portion of the same ; but, as might have
been expected, this attempt at interference with the rights of
the State was indignantly rejected.
As soon as the Government at Washington was informed
of this violation ofthe territory of a neutral State, it ordered
the occupation of Paducah at the mouth of the Tennessee
river. Convinced that the Confederate Government was ex
erting every means at its disposal to induce the State of Ken
tucky to join the revolutionary movement, it ordered large
bodies of troops to be concentrated on the Ohio, so as not to
abandon without a struggle this rich State to the Confed
erates. Preparations on a large scale were made to convince
the enemy of the firm will and intention of the United States
Government. Meantime, General Polk had sent for General Pillow's
division, in order that he might be enabled to offer battle to
the enemy if necessary ; and Albert Sidney Johnston, Com
mander-in-Chief of all the Confederate forces, so planned his
movements, that he could operate in concert with General
Polk. The hostile armies now took up positions on the Mis
sissippi, on the banks of which river they resolved to uphold
the flags of their respective Governments by force of arms.
Before daybreak on the 7th November, General Polk

BATTLE OP BELMONT. 179
received the information that a body of the enemy's troops
under Major-General Grant was advancing in the direction of
the village of Belmont, apparently with a view to give battle
to the Confederates. On the other side of the Mississippi we
had no other force than a single regiment under Colonel
Tappon, acting as a corps of observation, and General Polk
had not previously the slightest suspicion that it was the
enemy's intention to attack that regiment before we coulif
send reinforcements to its support. But now awakened to
the importance of the position, he ordered Pillow, whose
division was the nearest to Colonel Tappon's corps, not to
lose a moment's time in pushing his troops across the river
to the other bank. After personally superintending the
crossing of his men. General Pillow with. his whole staff
passed over to assume the immediate command. The enemy
lost no time in commencing the attack upon Colonel Tappon's
regiment. The outposts and sentries were driven back upon
the main body of the regiment, and Colonel Tappon found
himself in a critical position, when Pillow's troops came up
to his support. The attack of the enemy was repulsed, and
the batteries opened a heavy fire, which must have convinced
General Grant that General Polk was determined to maintain
his position. The former, instead of needlessly exhausting
his men by skirmishing, should, with his knowledge of the
locality, have at once fallen upon us with all his disposable
forces, and driven us Confederates back to the banks of the
river. But as we have already said, instead of doing this, he
contented himself with desultory outpost skirmishing, which
gave General Pillow time to inform General Polk how
matters stood.
The Federal gunboats having meantime taken up a posi
tion, they opened fire upon us, and a daring attack was then
made upon our centre, after an attempt to outflank our right
wing had been defeated by Colonel Betzhoven's battery.
This officer handled his guns in such admirable style that the

180 WAR PICTURES.
enemy's columns were compelled to fall back upon their
centre. The attack upon our front was then carried on with
such vigor and effect on the part of the enemy that they suc
ceeded in breaking our line, and our men were for a moment
thrown into some confusion. The troops then reformed in
squares, as best they could, to resist an attack of cavalry.
General Pillow now bringing up his reserve, consisting of
two batteries and the half of another, was enabled to keep the
advancing enemy in check and to restore the communication
between his two wings; he then also ordered up Lindsay's
battery, and placed it in a favorable position for raking the
enemy's columns. All now went on well enough on our side,
when word was brought that the regiments of Bell, Wright,
and Russell had no ammunition left. This piece of bad news
had scarcely reached us, when a message was received from
Colonel Betzhoven that he too was out of ammunition, and
must needs withdraw his battery. This was enough to dis
hearten most men, but General Pillow, fully aware of the
critical state of the battle, displayed undaunted resolution on
this emergency. After ordering Betzhoven to keep his bat
tery in position, he formed the three regiments that had ex
hausted their ammunition into a compact mass, and boldly
led them against the enemy with fixed bayonets. The Fed
erals were now driven back to the edge of a wood, from
the cover of which they opened a smart fire upon us to which
we could not respond. Pillow then sent bis aide de-camp.
Captain Anderson, to General Polk to inform him of the pre
dicament he was in, but the latter, uneasy for his own safety,
hesitated to send reinforcements. To understand this, it must
be stated that Polk had become fully persuaded it was the
enemy's intention to attack Columbus this same day, al
though all our cavalry pickets sent in word that there was
nothing to indicate any such intention on the part of the
enemy, they having made no preparations for an attack. But
Polk thought differently and was not to be undeceived, and

BATTLE OF BELMONT. 181
consequently adhered to his own view of the matter, in order
to show his Government that he was as good a general as he
had been a priest.* So he allowed Pillow's troops on the
other bank to be shot down, without taking any steps to re
lieve them from a position which was becoming every mo
ment more critical. It was only after reiterated messages
from General Pillow, and when our men had almost fired
their last cartridge, that General Polk gave the order for a
portion (jf his division to cross the river.
All this time Pillow had to withstand the incessant and
determined attacks of the enemy. In vain did he display the
most chivalrous bravery, and make the most strenuous efforts
to maintain his ground ; it was impossible for him to hold
out much longer. General Grant, aware of the advantage he
had already gained, vigorously renewed his attacks whenever
he saw the Confederates endeavoring to rally. It was a sad
spectacle to contemplate : the Confederates were gradually
forced from all their positions by the fire of the enemy's bat
teries, and had no other resource left than to rely on the
bayonet as a means of resistance ; and in this plight were
compelled, moreover, to abandon many of their wounded to
the enemy. General Grant now got his most effective men
together, and with these making another desperate onset,
effectually broke our ranks, and drove us pellmell down the
banks of the river. Pillow's whole division was disorganized
and sadly cut up^not one company remained intact — and
the men were huddled together in the greatest confusion.
Although the Confederates were just then protected in some
measure by a hill, numbers were picked off by the enemy's
bullets, and there now appeared but two alternatives left to
choose between : either to capitulate, or to fight to the last
man. At this critical juncture, a Tennessee regiment came
up to our support. In their eagerness to help their comrades,
* He was formerly a Bishop at New Orleans.

182 WAE PICTURES.
many of the soldiers jumped from the boats and swam ashore,
and the moment they got across rushed forward to fall with
fury upon the enemy. No quarter was asked or given, no
orders obeyed; it seemed as if all the worst elements of
human nature had been let loose, to indulge in a fiendish
gratification. Additional troops from Texas and Louisiana
successively arrived on the field of battle, which ere long at
tained its full development. The tide turned, and it was novv
General Grant's lot to be on the losing side. Attficked in
front, flank, and rear, he exerted all his energies in vain to
maintain the fortunes of the day. He found that he had a
fierce and determined foe to cope with, and his men, discon
certed by the furious charges made upon them, began to
waver ; General Grant was unable to rally them ; they were
driven back from one position to another, until they fell back
discomfited upon their reserve.
General Grant here halted to collect his men, and rein
forced by some regiments, from his reserve, he ordered up
fresh artillery from the same source and recommenced the
contest. Observing that the Confederate General Cheatham
was advancing in very careless order, he threw himself head
long upon him, and completely routed his force, capturing
300 prisoners and 2 guns ; after which he made so dashing an
attack upon our centre that he not only checked the advance
of our troops, but compelled them even to waver. General
Pillow now galloped along the line, bravely encouraging his
men. Though nearly all his staff were by this time shot at
his side, and his own clothes were riddled by bullets, the old
general miraculously remained unhurt. The Federal troops
continued their advance, steadily driving back our forces ; and
their general then, pushing forward his batteries closer to the
river, opened a murderous fire upon our flank as well as upon
the steamers which were bringing fresh troops to our assist
ance. General Polk now ordered Captain Smith to run up
his twelve-pounder rifled battery to the bank opposite the

BATTLE OP BELMONT. 183
battle field. Smith performed this duty in the most masterly
manner, and in a short time the destructive missiles from his
battery, flying across the broad stream of the Mississippi,
were seen to plough through the enemy's ranks. General
Grant on this immediately ordered up a battery of the same
strength, and a very spirited cannon duel forthwith com
menced. It was interesting to watch the precision and cool
ness with which the guns were handled : it almost seemed, as
if the batteries were simply engaged at target practice, and
every shot told. A great deal of damage to the steamers
now ensued, splinters of wood flying about in all directions,
killing and wounding many men. Meanwhile fresh reinforce
ments continued to reach the Confederates, which enabled
the exhausted men to take breath and recover their failing
strength. As soon as General Polk felt convinced that we were
gaining the upper hand, he crossed to the other bank to
assume the command at the conclusion of the battle, so that
he might be enabled to despatch a victorious bulletin in his
own name.
General Grant, finding that he could not hold,, his ground
against the superior numbers now opposed to him, made his
dispositions for a retreat : his troops had now been engaged
for full seven hours, and he feared they could not withstand
another attack. A previously planned movement, by which
the Federal troops were to make a demonstration against
Columbus, had not been carried out, and he was consequently
eSposed to a conflict with all General Polk's forces as they
were successively brought up to the field" of battle. His ma
noeuvres at the close of the action betrayed his intention of
reaching his flotilla, as he commenced his retreat in that
direction. This was a sure proof to our men that the victory
was ours; and accordingly with a cheer they threw them
selves upon the enemy's retreating columns ; but General
Grant, who had already given so many proofs during this

184 WAR PICTUEES.
battle of his prudence and energy, successfully repelled the
attack. We at last succeeded in taking possession of all his
positions, and the depot where he had kept his stores and
ammunition. Little remained there, however, for the victors
to capture — only a few cooking utensils and a number of our
wounded enemies. The surgeons of the Federal forces on
this occasion evinced a commendable spirit of zeal and devo
tion to their professional duties by remaining behind to at
tend to the wounded. I grieve to say, that these worthy men
were, in the blind fury of the final onset, attacked by our sol
diers with sword and bayonet, and it was not until General
Pillow came up that order could be restored.
General Grant had meantime succeeded in reaching his
boats, and set about conveying his troops across; which
operation had no sooner commenced than our men kept up a
brisk fire on them, and this became hotter when the enemy's
boats fairly got under way. Nevertheless, great order was
maintained on board, although the vessels were exposed to
our fire for at least a mile.
Our return of casualties after the battle showed a list of
680 killed, and 1,370 wounded— many of the latter severely.
The battle of Belmont was won by the daring, personal
bravei-y of General Pillow. General Grant lost it through
the misconduct ofthe Federal general in command at Paducah,
who, as we have already said, ought, in pursuance of a pre
concerted plan, to have manoeuvred so as to threaten Colum
bus, and hold Polk in check, whilst General Grant should.
make himself master of the river bank. Whatever was tho
reason that obstructed the execution of this plan on the part
of the general at Paducah, it has not been ascertained. At
all events, General Polk, as we have seen, was enabled to
cross to the other side of the river with all his forces. Grant
was, consequently, not enabled to offer further opposition to
the superior numbers of the Confederates, and had no other

BATTLE OF BELMONT. 185
alternative than to retreat. This operation he performed in
a manner highly creditable to his talents as a commander.
It will be a long time before the battle of Belmont is for
gotten by the soldiers of either of the opposing armies ; it was
so well contested as to make them practically acquainted with
each other's bravery.

186 WAR PICTURES.

CHAPTER XXVI.

BATTLE IN EAST TENNESSEE.

General ZoUicoffer— Rising of the Unionists— General Crittenden attacks the
enemy— Midnight march — The fight— Death of ZoUicoffer.
The consequences of the defeat at Belmont were most detri
mental to the cause of the Union. Kentucky was placed by
it in an embarrassing position, and the Southern newspapers
took care to trumpet forth the victory as a decisive one.
Early in the summer, the Confederate Government sent
Brigadier-General ZoUicoffer with a force of several thousand
men to East Tennessee, by way of Knoxville, as it was re
ported that Federal troops were advancing in that direction,
through Cumberland Gap. ZoUicoffer, acting upon the in
structions of his Government, sent a telegraphic message to
Governor Magoffin to the effect, that in order to protect Ten
nessee he had occupied the mountain passes of Cumberland,
and the three long mountain ridges of Kentucky ; that the
Confederate Government had always maintained the greatest
respect for the neutrality of Kentucky, and that if the Federal'
troops would give up their menacing position at Hoskins
Cross Roads, he would immediately withdraw the troops under
his orders.
A few days afterward, a detachment of General Zolli-
coffer's force proceeded to Barboursville, in the State of Ken
tucky, where, after a short engagement, it dispersed a small

UNIONIST RISING. 187
body of Federal troops. Encouraged by this success, ZoUi
coffer advanced on Somerset, where he hoped to meet with
the same success. The Government at Washington, fearing
lest General ZoUicoffer should stir up a hostile feeling against
them in Kentucky, issued orders for the concentration of a
large force from the Western States of Ohio and Indiana,
and gave the command of it to an ex- Hungarian officer, named
A. Schoepf, with the rank of brigadier-general. The Govern
ment could not have made a better selection, as this officer
possessed all the necessary qualifications of a general. As
soon as Schcepf had collected his forces, and made the neces
sary preparations for so arduous a march, he lost no time in
commencing operations. His plan was, first, to endeavor to
defeat General ZoUicoffer ; next, to drive him back into Ten
nessee ; and then to make himself master of Cumberland Gap,
from which point he could always exercise a certain pressure
upon Tennessee. He was advancing with quick strides to
ward ZoUicoffer's position, hoping to be soon able to give
him battle, when the news of the rapid advance of the Con
federate General Hardee induced him to halt.
The advance of General Schcepf 's corps had revived the
hopes of the Unionists, who numbered largely in this quarter,
and their leaders, Andrew Johnson, William G. Brownlow,
and R. Nelson, confidently looked forward to the success of
their party. These men had, despite all the dangers and ob
stacles they had to contend against, formed a conspiracy on a
large scale, which extended its ramifications over the whole
of the western portion of Tennessee, and into North Carolina,
and were only waiting for a favorable opportunity to put their
schemes into execution. Their chief plan, it should be added,
was to destroy all the railway bridges in Tennessee, Virginia,
and Georgia.
Scarcely had Brigadier-General Schoepf advanced through
Kentucky, when the Unionist party took up arms, and pro
ceeded to carry out their plan of burning or blowing up all

188 WAR PICTURES.
the railway bridges, many of which had to be first captured ;
for instance, the bridge at Strawburg plain, where the officer
in command made a stout resistance. This rising of the
Unionist party, however, which threatened to be most serious
for the cause of the Confederates, failed in effecting its object,
in consequence of General Schoepf retiring, and the Govern
ment forthwith sent troops to arrest the ringleaders. General
Schoepf having soon after formed a junction with General
Thomas, they agreed to offer battle to General ZoUicoffer, and
commenced operations accordingly.
General ZoUicoffer had, meantime, taken advantage of his
opportunity, and had marched through Kentucky, where num
bers flocked to join his standard from the towns and vUlages
along the line of his march, which he continued as far as Cum
berland river. Here he halted, resolving to take up a strong
position on its banks. ,
He accordingly set actively and promptly to work to in
trench his camp, in order there to await the course of events
in Kentucky. As soon as his works were completed, he
crossed the river, and commenced throwing up defensive
works on the other side. He had scarcely finished this opera
tion, and got his army into quarters, when Major-General
Crittenden arrived to take the chief command.
When tho war broke out between the Union and the
Southern States, Crittenden was a captain in the United States
army, and President Jefferson Davis rewarded him for join
ing the Confederates by conferring a high military rank upon
him. The intrenchments of the camp, and the works on the
opposite bank, were all that could be desired : great skill
having been employed in their construction. The troops
were tolerably well armed and efficiently organized, and were
amply supplied with provisions ; but their firearms were
somewhat defective. Both officers and men were elated at
the successful march they had just performed, and looked for
ward with confidence to victory. Thus, General Crittenden,

MIDNIGHT MARCH. 189
on his arrival, found an exceUent army, ready to fight zealously
for the Confederate cause ; the bad weather and the state of
the roads being the chief drawbacks.
Generals Crittenden and ZoUicoffer, having satisfied them
selves of the efficient state of their troops, were prepared for
the enemy's attack. Ere long the news reached them that the
Federal Generals Schoepf and Thomas, despite the execrable
state of the roads, were advancing from Columbus, and from
their movements it was pretty evident that they were bent on
attacking the Confederate forces on Cumberland river. Gen
eral Crittenden accordingly hastened his preparations to meet
the attack. The cavalry was sent out to forage, troops and
batteries were held in readiness to march at a moment's notice ;
in short, everything indicated that General Crittenden was re-
solved to march against the approaching enemy, to anticipate
his attack, and to fall vigorously on his two columns separate
ly, before they could form a junction or receive reinforcements.
Crittenden, convinced of the success of this plan, then com
menced his march, contrary to the advice of General ZoUicoffer.
After one day's march, so much discontent manifested itself
amongst his men, owing to the hardships they had to encoun
ter, that it needed all the strictness of the officers to maintain
order amongst them. The poor fellows, who were badly pro
vided with shoes, could scarcely get along the execrable roads ;
whilst snow and rain continued to fall incessantly, turning the
roads into a swamp. Crittenden was, from this cause obliged
to abandon a portion of his baggage in the mud. Our troops
put great faith in the artillery, and, according to the number
of guns they had with them, so did their courage rise or . sink.
Therefore, whenever a gun stuck in the mud and the horses
could not get it along, there were a hundred ready hands to
perform the work. After a council of war, held during a
halt, it was resolved to start again at midnight, so as to fall
upon the enemy early in the morning, and surprise them by
a sudden and unexpected attack. The plan was an excellent

190 WAR PICTURES.
one, if well-disciplined European troops had been ordered to ex
ecute it, but was rather hazardous for recruits like ours. The
resolution was, however, unanimously adopted, and a little af
ter midnight the troops were called under arms. The men
were literally soaked through by the rain ; many amongst them,
indeed, were already laid up by illness, and measures had to
be taken to provide for their wants.
ZoUicoffer's brigade being the first ready, commenced its
midnight march; the other troops followed in silence; and
the cavalry formed the van and the rear guard. The march
was a most fatiguing one ; the ground being so saturated and
softened by snow and rain that it was difficult to get along,
especially as we had to carry arms and provisions with us.
Added to this, the night was so dark that we could scarcely
see a hand's length before us ; and the men were therefore
obliged to follow close upon each other. Morning was begin
ning to dawn, the rain still continued to fall in torrents, and
yet it seemed as if the weary march would never come to an
end. Suddenly the solemn sound of bells was faintly audible in
the distance ; some church or chapel was evidently not far
off, and its bells were inviting the pious to pray^er; it was
Sunday morning. The effect produced upon our men was pe
culiar and striking. In the distance peaceful chimes betokened
piety and prayer ; while on the spot hostile columns were ad
vancing in the dark, bent upon destruction ; proceeding not to
pray, like good Christians, but to slay and maim their fellow
men. Suddenly a shot was fired — then a second. A general
halt was now made, and orderlies galloped about like gaunt
shadows in the midst. In a few minutes a heavy roll of mus
ketry followed. Like wildfire the news spread that the enemy
had discovered the approach of our advance guard, and had
fired upon them. The heavy sound of cannon soon added its
deep base to the musketry. " Chapman's battery, forward ! "

BATTLE IN TENNESSEE. 191
shouted the commanding officer, and our men pressed up close
to the roadside to allow the battery and ammunition cars to
pass ; the lighted matches of the gunners looking like so many
fireflies in the misty gloom of the atmosphere.
As soon as the battery had passed, the spirits of our men
revived. Orders were issued with decision, and were prompt
ly obeyed. General ZoUicoffer alone seemed not to share in
the general confidence displayed by the troops. Silent and
sad, he sat on his horse at the mouth of the pass, casting an
anxious look on the animated troops as they marched forward.
Nothing seemed capable of rousing him. Like a statue he re
mained on one spot ; indeed, had it not been that his black
charger sent forth incessant volumes of steaming breath from
his nostrils, both the rider and his steed might have been sup
posed to be oast in iron. Usually so cheerfiil, why was the
brave general now so melancholy and sad ? Suddenly he put
spurs to his horse, and in a few minutes man and horse were
out of sight.
In a very short time the Confederate troops were hotly
engaged. The intention of their leaders had been, as we have
seen, to make an unexpected attack upon the enemy, and the
very reverse had happened ; they had been anticipated. The
whole air now resounded with the roar of cannon, the roll of
musketry, and the cheers of the contending combatants. Zol-
licoffer, as was always his custom, headed the first attacking
columns in person. Despite the snow, the rain, and the fog,
which spread like a pall over the surrounding country, the
spirits of our men were excellent. The different columns ad
vanced cheerily to the respective positions allotted to them. As
soon as it was sufficiently light to allow friend and foe to be
distinguishable. General ZoUicoffer, placing himself at the head
ofthe 15th and 17th Mississippi regiments, addressed them in
a few appropriate words and led them against the enemy.
The first man to fall was the standard bearer, who, grasping
his flag, sank mortally wounded. This somewhat disconcerted

192 WAR PICTURES.
our advancing columns. Two or three men rushed forward
to seize the flag, which was again raised on high. Our troops
now boldly advanced against the enemy's well-protected posi
tion ; they were received by a murderous fire which spread
death and devastation in their ranks. The officers showed
the most determined bravery, leading on their men with sword
in hand. General ZoUicoffer was aware that he must perse
vere in this attack without flinching, so as to allow the other
troops sufficient time to take up their positions. The two
Mississippi regiments fought with a courage which excited uni
versal admiration, although their loss was most severe : more
than half their number fell dead or wounded on the ground,
but it was impossible to remove the latter in the heat of
the fight. The enemy were well aware that, if once driven
out of their strong position, there was but little chance left
for them, as, owing to the state of the ground, it would have
been impossible for them to manoeuvre with any chance of
success. General Crittenden now ordered up Carroll's brigade to
support ZoUicoffer. These sunburnt sons of the West rushed
furiously upon the enemy, ZoUicoffer in person leading them
on. His black charger was seen suddenly to leap a barrier,
and at the same moment the general fell backward, horse
and man rolling over together, both of them struck dead.
A cry of anguish and even fury ran along the ranks.
" ZoUicoffer is shot ! ZoUicoffer is killed ! " Then using the
but ends of their muskets, which were of little use as fire
arms owing to the wet, the infuriated soldiery rushed upon
the foe, felling them to the ground right and left. The battle
now became a regular melee ; the Federals, overcome by the
furious onslaught of the Confederates, gave way ; their bat>
teries were left unprotected, and as the artillerymen did not
flinch, they were bayoneted at their guns. The attack and
the defence were most obstinate, and the fierceness of the
struggle showed that kindred blood ran in the veins of the
contending foes.

DEATH OF ZOLLICOFFER. 193
The officer in command of the Federal batteries was cut
down in front of one of his own guns, and a regular massacre
ensued, which was only put a stop to by the arrival of the
Confederate Colonel Morgan. The Federals made a hasty
retreat toward the wood, but our men were too much fatigued
to pursue them. General Schoepf got his troops together
again, and having received reinforcements, attempted to re
cover the position which he had lost. A desperate struggle
ensued, and our troops, despite all their efforts, were driven
back over the hill, and lost the batteries they had captured at
so heavy a sacrifice ; the Federals poured an incessant shower
of bullets into our ranks, and although General Crittenden
did everything he could to rally his men, it was a useless
effort. He ordered his cavalry to charge the enemy's infan
try, but that, too, was unavailing. The death of ZoUicoffer
had caused a panic; the flight became general. To add to
the day's disaster, the bridge over Big Creek broke down,
and men and horses were precipitated into the stream. Gen
eral Crittenden fell back upon his intrenched camp, pursued
by the enemy. This, too, he was compelled to abandon, with
the loss of his guns and baggage, and retreated hastily toward
Monticello, where he hoped to find food and shelter for his
troops. The poor inhabitants had nothing to offer, and the
men had to satisfy the cravings of hunger with the standing
produce of the fields.
The death of General ZoUicoffer caused a painful sensation
throughout the whole State. The remnant of his army
reached Nashville in safety.
The corpse of General ZoUicoffer fell into the hands ofthe
enemy, who did not refuse a tribute of respect to the remains
of the brave soldier. The Federal general in command had
the body carefully washed and embalmed. The face of the
dead soldier bore an expression of calmness and melancholy,
and exhibited no traces of that animosity which commonly
disfigures the features of those killed in battle — he seemed al-
9

194 WAR PICTUEES.
most as if he slept. Who knows whether he was not happy
at having thus met his end ? A rifle ball had penetrated his
heart, and his death must have been instantaneous. General
ZoUicoffer was one of those men whose bearing and manners
make an impression not easily to be forgotten by those who
have once seen him. He was adored by his men, and his
State honored and esteemed him as one of her worthiest sons.
As long as he was there to lead them, his troops would never
have experienced any great defeat ; but when they saw him
fall they lost all hope of a successful termination of the battle,
and their courage forsook them. His death was a heavy and
irraparable blow to the whole army of East Tennessee.

m'clellan's plans. 196

CHAPTER XXVII.
FOET HENRY AND FORT DONELSON.
Retreat of the Confederate army— M'Clellan's plan of operations- Bombardment
of Fort Henry — General Tilghman — Surrender of Fort Henry — Bombardment
of Fort Donelson— General Floyd caught in a trap— Attack of the fleet— Pil
low's activity — iron-plated ships— Capitulation and surrender of Fort Donel
son.
Despite the humiliating reverses which it had sustained, the
Confederate Government, not dismayed at its waning popu
larity, was fully determined to persevere in the war, notwith
standing the imputation of being actuated in so doing by per
sonal motives.
It had learned, through private sources of information,
that General M'CIellan purposed making a flank movement
with his army, with a view to transfer the seat of war to the
Peninsula; nay, that he had even made all the preparations
for doing so. This news had a powerful effect upon the Con
federate Government and upon its generals. There can be no
question, that if M'CIellan had been able to keep his well-de
vised plan a secret, he could have taken Richmond, and, with
it, put an end to the war without much loss or sacrifice. But
as soon as the Government of the South got an inkling^ of
M'Clellan's plans, it at once issued orders for the withdrawal
of its army from the Potomac. The plans of M'CIellan were
so much dreaded that, despite the inclemency of the season.

196 WAR PICTURES.
the Confederate troops were ordered to abandon their quarters
without delay, and give up works at which an army of 100,000
men had been laboring for months ; works which had cost
hundreds of lives, and the erection of which was in direct
proximity to Washington, had hitherto caused no little alarm
to the inhabitants of that capital, who must have had their
slumbers occasionally disturbed by the thought of having the
Confederate army so near a neighbor. These works, which
were on a very extensive scale, were all to be abandoned, in
consequence of the Federal general's understood intention of
attacking us at our weakest point. This fact alone entitles
General M'CIellan to a page in history. Within twenty-four
hours, he compelled an army of 130,000 men, posted within
strong fortifications, to give up all the advantageous positions
which they held, and to retreat one hundred and twenty miles
back into the interior of the country, there to form a new
basis for their operation. Surely this must suffice to prove
that General M'Clellan's plan was a grand and skilful one.
As soon as the Confederate army had. commenced its march
toward the Southern capital, Richmond, the Government or
dered the now indispensable Beauregard to proceed to Tennes
see, in order to concert measures with General Johnston for
a plan of operations in that part of the country. But even
before General Beauregard had started. General Grant, with
a Federal army, was on his way to endeavor to drive the
Confederates out of Tennessee and Kentucky. Moreover, the
enemy's fleet had steamed up the Tennessee river, with a view
to capture the fort situated on the eastern bank.
Fort Henry, the stronghold in question, was in an excel
lent state of defence, and was quite capable of giving a foe
plenty of hard work. It was well provided with guns, and
was commanded by General Tilghman, a brave and expe
rienced officer, with a strong garrison under him. The United
States general. Grant, armed with a powerful squadron and
a considerable body of land troops, lost no time in going to

ATTACK ON FORT HENRY. 197
work. The attack was commenced by the guns from the ships
opening a continuous fire upon the doomed fort. General
Tilghman responded to the bombardment to the best of his
endeavors ; and although his tents were set fire to, and the
fort enveloped in smoke, he made a gallant defence. Shot,
shell, and grape were incessantly poured into Fort Henry,
whose brave commander, cut off from all retreat, adopted the
resolution of defending himself to the last.
This determined conduct of General Tilghman and the
garrison of Fort Henry, offers a striking contrast to the in
glorious surrender of Roanoke Island.
It was not until more than half of his guns were disabled,
and a great portion of his men killed or wounded, and that
the conflagration inside the fort threatened to spread to the
ammunition magazines, that General Tilghman reluctantly
consented to hoist the white flag as a signal of surrender.
The enemy's ships, seeing this, like a flock of birds of prey,
darted forward to take possession of the fort. General Grant,
actuated by a feeling of respect for the gallantry of its defend
ers, returned General Tilghman his sword and treated him
with marked regard.
As soon as the Confederate General Johnston, who was
stationed at Bowling Green, heard of the surrender of Fort
Henry, he turned all his attention to Fort Donelson. He
sent reinforcements thither, with exhortations to the officers
to use all speed in perfecting their defensive works, so as not
to be taken by surprise by the victorious enemy. General
Johnston had scarcely issued all the necessary orders for the
defence of the lines and of the fort, when the arrival of Gen
eral Beauregard was announced. A conference was held be
tween the two generals, at which Beauregard expressed his
entire concurrence with all the measures taken by John
ston ; he further promised the latter to exert all the influence
he possessed with the Confederate Government to send him
such reinforcements as they could spare, and to see that

198 WAR PICTUEES.
arms and clothing, of which the troops stood much in need,
should be provided, and also that their arrears of pay should
be forthcoming. General Johnston having ordered the chief
of his staff to give General Beauregard a copy of his plan of
defence, as also his order of battle, the two generals then
shook hands and separated. Johnston now ordered General
Pillow to take the command of Fort Donelson, and having
impressed upon his mind the importance of that post, he or
dered Floyd's brigade, which was encamped at Repelsville,
to proceed to Fort Donelson without delay, there to receive
further orders from General Pillow.
General Floyd reluctantly obeyed this order, deeming
Fort Donelson, no doubt, to bear too much resemblance to
a mousetrap, particularly as a Federal general was advan
cing with a large army for the purpose of taking the fort at all
risks. General Floyd, who had a particular aversion to the
Federal troops, preferred fighting in the open plain or in the
mountains to being shut up in a fort, where the only alterna
tives before him were either to be killed or to become a pris
oner of war. He advanced slowly with his brigade, hoping
every moment to receive the news that Fort Donelson was
invested by the enemy, and that thus his chance of entering
it would be prevented. But his hopes were doomed to be
disappointed. He arrived just in time to be able to enter the
fort before General Grant appeared at the head of his army,
accompanied by the naval squadron.
Fort Donelson was now blockaded both by land and
water, and the ships forthwith commenced shelling the fort,
until night put a temporary stop to hostilities. General
Pillow took advantage of this lull to strengthen his defensive
works during the night as much as possible. At daybreak
the Federal ships were ordered to resume the bombardment;
and in a very short space of time. Fort Donelson and the
hostile squadron, which had approached so close as to bring
Its broadsides to bear, were hotly engaged in a cannonade

FOET DONELSON. 199
that lasted till noon, when General Grant made preparations
to storm the fort.
The Federal troops, elated by the capture of Fort Henry,
advanced boldly up to the moats which were then fuU of
water, and endeavored to carry the outworks, but General
PiUow turning some of the guns he had been using against
the ships upon his assailants upon the land side, poured a des
tructive shower of grape into their columns.
The havoc inflicted upon his troops by this discharge,
compelled General Grant to order them to retire from the
assault, a movement that was executed with some difficulty.
General Pillow, up to this moment, had reason to congratu
late himself upon this partial success. Despite the severe
bombardment, the works of the- fort had not suffered much,
and the garrison worked manfully at the guns.
As soon as night set in. General Pillow again went
actively to work with his garrison in improving his means of
defence. He erected a new battery of seven 32-pounders,
and made every possible preparation to annoy his opponents.
General Grant, on his part, was not idle : he was quite aware
of the serious position he was in, well knowing that if the
siege should be prolonged until General Johnston received
reinforcements, the latter would not hesitate to give him
battle under the walls of the fort, which might, under such a
contingency, not improbably terminate in a defeat of the Fed
erals. Notwithstanding the wet and mud, his troops, who
were ankle deep in water, set cheerfully to work, as the gene
ral had promised them that the flag of the Union should in a
very short time float from the battlements of Fort Donelson.
A siege battery was brought up during the night to a position
within six hundred paces of the walls, whilst another was
erected on the flank. When morning broke, the work had
not yet been completed, and General Grant would not allow
a shot to be fired till all was quite ready, so as not to expose
a half-finished battery to the fire of the garrison. About

200 WAE PICTUEES.
noon he ordered his iron-clad ships to advance to the attack.
In a few minutes these destructive monsters got up their
steam, and on their approach General Pillow opened fire with
his 32-pounders on the leading ship, but in spite of the heayy
fire the iron-clad vessel crept closer, the shot flying off her
sides like hail on the roof of a house. When within four
hundred yards of the fort, she veered round and showed her
broadside, the other ships following close in her wake.
Like a hut in a forest surrounded by famished wolves, so
lay Fort Donelson, encircled by enemies on every side. As
the besieging troops were not at that moment engaged, num
bers, of the officers and men lined the batteries to witness the
fight between the fort batteries and the ships. About three
o'clock the ironclads were nearly all in position, and at a
short range opened a terrible fire upon the fort. As our 32
and 48-pounders seemed to have little effect upon them. Gen
eral Floyd ordered double charges to be used, which was so
far successful that it compelled the nearest ship to sheer off, a
fact that gave occasion to a loud cheer from the garrison. A
second ship was soon in the same predicament, and, finally, the
officer in command withdrew all his ironclads from the con
test, satisfied with the mischief he had inflicted upon our
works. The Confederates were, on their part, not less satis
fied with the result of their labors. The casualties in the
garrison were few, and the men had got accustomed to the
presence of the formidable ironclads. From hour to hour,
however, it became more evident that (as experience has so
often shown) it is almost impossible to resist successfully a
series of energetic and simultaneous attacks by land and by
water. Some of our works were considerably damaged by
the cannonade from the Federal ships, and it was not to be
doubted that when General Grant had completed his land bat
teries he would be able to carry the fort by storm. Timely
aid by reinforcements from General Johnston could not be
confidently reckoned upon, as he had already furnished all the

A SORTIE. 201
troops he could well spare, and he must remain in observation
at Bowling Green with the residue of his force. All these
points were duly weighed by General Floyd, and with much
anxiety he looked forward to the impending capture of the
fort. In the evening he assembled his officers in a council of
war, to deliberate upon the best means to be resorted to un
der the circumstances. After a long debate, it was resolved
that a general sortie should be made on the following morning.
The officers forthwith received instructions to prepare
everything for this desperate service. At midnight intense
cold and a snowstorm set in, and the soldiers of the Confeder
ate army, already greatly wearied by night watches, and en
feebled by the want of many comforts, had lost much of their
energy. Moreover, the troops selected for the sally were
soon covered with snow, then fast falling, which did not help
to encourage them.
The following is an outline of the arrangements made for
the sortie :
General Floyd, with his brigade and one battery of twenty-
four pounders, was to endeavor to occupy the heights lying to
our right, and, on driving the enemy from that point, to main
tain himself there. General PUlow, with Baldwin's and
M'Causland's brigades, was meanwhile to attack the centre of
the besieging forces, and, if possible, to break through them ;
and then, if successflil, by having the enemy between him and
Floyd, to rout them or make them prisoners. Each brigade
being required to tell off a sufficient number of men to defend
the intrenchments.
The plan was a good one ; detailed orders were not given,
as the bravery of the troops was counted upon as much as the
effect of combined action. The men assembled at one a. m.,
and had to endure for a tedious interval all the inclemency
of the weather ; they, however, stood cheerfully under arms,
ready to obey to the letter the orders of their officers.
At three o'clock, in the midst of a heavy snowstorm
9*

202 WAR PICTURES.
they began gradually to leave the fort. The snow lay so
deep that no noise of wheels could be heard, and the guns and
ammunition vans moved silently along. The van of the ex
pedition consisted of troops from Virginia and Mississippi.
These trusty men could be implicitly relied upon, and they
hoped to come upon the enemy unawares whilst wrapt in
slumber. But they had miscalculated that enemy's watchful
ness. At midnight. General Grant, anxious for the safety of
his encampment, had visited all his outposts, recommending
his officers to keep a sharp lookout. This indefatigable officer
then made a personal reconnoissance of the ground round the
fort. It was a bitter cold night, as we have said, with a strong
northwester blowing, and the snow falling in thick flakes.
Grant, now fancying he saw a dark, solid mass moving over
the snow, immediately ordered one of his regiments to pre
pare for an attack on the part of the enemy. He had scarcely
given the order, when along his line of outposts the words
" Halt ! Who's there ? " were uttered. Our men, who had
hoped to force an entrance into the enemy's camp immedi-
diately after driving in the pickets, now found that the vigil
ance of their opponents had baffled them in that expectation :
so they proceeded at once to open fire and to attack them res
olutely. The enemy's pickets fell back, but without our
troops gaining any marked advantage ; while the regiment
ordered up by General Grant soon made its appearance ; and
it was high time it did so, for the few troops engaged had a
difficult task to hold in check our attacking columns.
Alarm signals having been promptly made, the Federal
troops speedily took up their respective positions. The sound
of heavy guns announced that the squadron of ships also was
preparing for action. General Pillow now ordered his men
to fix bayonets and charge, and by this succeeded in gaining
some ground. The cold was so intense, however, that the
men could not reload their rifles, and the fight was carried on
solely with the bayonet and the but ends of muskets. It

A SORTIE. 203
was a curious sight to witness the combatants struggling
almost noiselessly in the middle of the night. Pillow had
already pushed on so far that he hesitated about advancing
farther, lest he should be too distant from Floyd's brigade on
his right, and be left single handed to cope with the main
body of the enemy. He therefore sent one of his officers to
General Floyd to request him to form a junction with him as
effectually as possible. But the latter had very difficult
ground to get over, and endeavored to seize upon the road at
Winn's Ferry, hoping from thence to effect a junction with
Pillow's brigade. The enemy opposed his advance foot by
foot, and when he had nearly reached the summit of the high
ground, General Grant ordered a twelve-pounder battery to
open upon his flank, which caused great havoc in Floyd's
ranks and threw his troops into confusion. General Buckner,
who commanded the reserve, immediately ordered up two
regiments to Floyd's support ; but Grant, observing signs of
confusion amongst the Confederate troops, directed a general
attack upon the enemy along the whole line. He, himself,
led his men against our right flank, and drove us back from
one position to another. Never, since the battles of Rich
Mountain and Manassas, had the Federal troops displayed
greater steadiness than they did on this occasion. Here was
another proof how a popular general can influence the con
duct of his troops. The struggle was a hand-to-hand one.
The bayonet, the bowie knife, and the but end of the musket
were the only weapons used. No quarter was asked — none
given. Blood was shed in torrents, tinging the snow-clad
earth all around with red patches. This conflict had now
lasted nearly four hours, and numbers had fallen on both
sides. At daybreak the ships opened the fire of their guns
upon our troops, but soon desisted from firing, as friend and
foe were so mixed up together that their deadly missiles would
have been equally fatal to both. Our men were at last com
pletely overcome, and many sank down in the snow from
sheer fatigue, never to rise again.

204 WAR PICTURES-
Under these circumstances, General Pillow ordered a re
treat to be sounded. To effect this was no easy task ; and
owing to the state of the roads, the wounded had to be left
upon the ground. Pillow's sadly mauled brigade now retired
hastily ; Floyd's and Buckner's brigades bringing up the
rear. Even the successful enemy seemed to have had enough
of fighting, for he did not molest our retreat ; the ships, how
ever, continued to shell us, and immolated a few victims.
About noon the last men of the Confederate army had re
entered the fort. Our troops were now convinced that the
enemy was not wanting in courage, and that their general was
not only prudent and cautious, but quite capable, by his reso
lute spirit, of repelling any attack; A horrible spectacle now
presented itself The whole plain around the fort was strewn
with the bodies of the dead and wounded. Many of our
wounded men held up their hands imploring help, as the snow
continued to fall upon them. Some brave fellows ventured
outside the fort, in order to rescue some of them, but they
paid the penalty with their lives — the enemy being masters
of the field of battle. For two whole days the Confederates
could hear the groans of their dying comrades, without having
the power to help them. Inside the fort the condition of the
garrison was not much better. There were a great many
wounded whose cases could scarcely be attended to ; and
many of the men had their fingers, toes, noses, and ears frost
bitten. Moreover, there was no adequate supply of provi
sions requisite for so large a force as 14,000 men. In the
night. General Buckner, having assembled the officers of the
fort at his quarters, plainly stated the condition in which the
garrison was placed, and pointed out the impossibility of
making a much longer defence : advising a capitulation. All
had been done tliat honorable men and gallant soldiers could
do ; they were shut up in the fort, surrounded by enemies,
and could not reasonably hope for any relief from General
Johnston for six or eight wrecks to come. In his opinion, it

GENERAL FLOYD'S ESCAPE. 205
was advisable, therefore, to treat for honorable terms of capitu
lation. This explanation created a painful feeling amongst
the officers, and a long pause ensued before any one would
answer. General Floyd at last declared that, as far as he was con
cerned, he should object to any capitulation, and would sooner
try to cut his way through the enemy. That general had no
particular wish to be taken to Washington as a prisoner of
war, for he had rather an aversion to that capital. The ex-
Secretary of War probably would have sooner encountered
any risk, from cold, hunger, or other privations, than that of
becoming a prisoner under the Federal authorities. Despite
all the entreaties of General Buckner, Pillow agreed with
Floyd's opinion, and the two set to work at once to arrange
their flight. The latter picked out his best troops, and added
to them a regiment of cavalry under Colonel Forrest. A
little after midnight, this body of troops, under the personal
command of Generals Floyd and Pillow, issued forth from the
fort, to attempt to cut their way through the enemy. General
Buckner, who had now assumed the command of Fort Donel
son, listened anxiously from the battlements for the expect
ed sounds of the conflict. The whole garrison was on the
walls equally anxious. A short roll of musketry, and then
all was still. In a few minutes the sentries on the walls an
nounced the arrival of some stragglers of Floyd's troops, who
had lost their horses. The escaping force had cut its way
through the enemy and escaped.
Early the next morning. General Buckner sent a flag of
truce to the enemy's headquarters, to negotiate terms for a
capitulation. General grant at once accepted the armistice
proposed by Buckner. He expressed to the Confederate offi
cer charged with the delicate negotiation his admiration of the
bravery and firmness displayed by the garrison of the fort ;
entertaining the highest esteem for a gallant foe, and he should
do everything in his power to make the condition of the

206 WAR PICTURES.
prisoners as comfortable as possible. He then ordered the
chief of his staff to accompany the Confederate officer back to
the fort to settle the terms of capitulation with General Buck
ner, and at the same time gave orders to his own surgeons to
attend to the Confederate wounded generally. The surrender
of the fort was to take place that day before four o'clock.
" If not completed at that hour, the bombardment would be
immediately recommenced, and the fort razed to the ground."
These words, spoken in a decisive tone of voice, did not fail
to have due effect upon the Confederate officer. Whilst they
were on the point of leaving. General Grant inquired how it
came that General Buckner was charged with settling the
capitulation, instead of either Generals Floyd or Pillow, both
of whom held superior rank to him. On being informed in
reply, that they both had escaped with a considerable portion
of their troops during the night, he was fairly staggered at
the unwelcome intelligence, and for the moment was com
pelled to lean for support against a table.
" What, Floyd escaped ! " he exclaimed, as he struck the
table furiously with his clenched fist. " Floyd escaped ! the
very bird I wished to catch ! " It will be seen by this out
burst of disappointment, that Floyd was not far wrong when
he fancied that the United States Government was very anxious
to have the pleasure of seeing him safe at Washington, when
they would no doubt have clapped him in a very pretty cage.
Finding that his coveted prey was lost. General Grant turned
sulkily away, and ordered the chief of his staff to settle the
terms of capitulation with General Buckner as speedily as
possible. At 1 p. M. the stipulations of surrender were so far settled
that a Michigan regiment — a fine set of fellows — was allowed
to enter the fort with drums beating and colors flying, then
to assume the duty of sentinels. The Confederate troops as
sembled gradually, and, under the personal command of Gene
ral Buckner, marched out. Once again the poor fellows

THE CAPITULATION. 207
crossed the battle field, where many a frozen patch of blood
denoted the spot where their fellow comrades and themselves
had struggled so manfully, though so unsuccessfully, in the
great sortie. As they marched past in no cheerful mood, a
cold winter sun shed its pale rays through a veil of clouds
upon the scene.
At a given signal the Confederate flag was hauled down
from the flagstaff of the fort and the remaining portion of the
Confederate garrison laid down their arms. A salute of can
non then announced that the flag of the United States was
about to be hoisted on the fort, and when the banner floated
majestically in the air, the bands of the various regiments
struck up " Hail Columbia," amidst the cheers of the Federal
soldiers, proclaiming that Fort Donelson had fallen.

203 WAR PICTURES.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
JOHN MORGAN, THE GUERILLA CHIEFTAIN.
General Johnston, hard pressed by General Buell, retires to Nashville— Secret
evacuation of Nashville — Fear and anxiety in the town — A general flight-
General Floyd makes his appearance with the remnant of his troops — En
trance of the Federal troops — Order restored — John Morgan, the guerilla
chief.
The surrender of Fort Donelson placed the whole of the
State of Kentucky and a great part of Tennessee in the
enemy's power. This was a most serious blow to the Con
federate Government, as, independent of the great loss that
thus ensued to the State, it left General Johnston opposed to
the whole of the Federal forces under General Buell, who
was advancing with ' 40,000 men to attack him. Johnston
was, consequently, obliged to abandon his ground at Bowling
Green; he took up a position opposite Nashville, there to
await reinforcements and to watch the enemy's movements.
But Nashville was as good as lost ; on the day following his
arrival he was obliged to fall back on Murfreesborough.
A scandalous scene now took place at Nashville, not easily
paralleled in modern history. General Johnston, with the
object of getting away with his troops unperceived, had quiet
ly marched out in the night from that town. This sudden
and unexpected departure created great consternation and con
fusion amongst the inhabitants ; the tumult reached its climax
when Governor Harris galloped through the streets announ-

NASHVILLE. 209
cing that the enemy was at hand, and that every man who was
capable of doing so should save himself by flight. All the
offices, courts of justice, house of legislature, where the mem
bers were holding a session, broke up ; the whole population,
in fact, was in a state of the most feverish excitement, and
every one prepared to leave the town. The members of the
State Government, and others high in office, were the first to
take to flight. The hasty departure of the members of tho
Government to Memphis, and the retreat of General Johnston
to Murfreesborough, added to the fear that the enemy would
make reprisals, caused almost as great a panic as if an earth
quake had taken place. Women and children ran wailing
through the streets. Trunks, boxes, and furniture were
thrown out of the windows, and lay scattered about the pave
ment. It was as if the whole population had gone stark mad.
Every one was shouting and running about not knowing
wherefore. In the midst of this scramble and hubbub a shout
suddenly arose. " The enemy ; the enemy is coming ! "
On the heights above the town a body of troops was
really in sight. They advanced slowly and cautiously, and
entered the town. But these were no hostile troops ; the new
comers proved to be Floyd with the remnants of his brigade.
As cautious as an old fox who feared his snare, he made his
approach. The noise and confusion, and the number of per
sons taking to flight had arrested his attention, and dictated
prudence. As soon as it was known in the town that the
troops which had entered were not those of the enemy, but
Confederates, with the brave General Floyd at their head, tho
despair of the population was turned into the most ridiculous
rejoicing. The Confederates were welcomed as victors ; pro
visions and wine were brought out for their use ; chUdren
danced in the streets, and many of the inhabitants, who had
returned to the town, gathered round them to implore their
protection. But when the soldiers, after havmg refreshed
themselves with the good things laid before them, began to

210 WAR PICTURES.
saddle their horses to proceed farther on their march, the as
tounded population discovered that these were not troops sent
to protect the town, but that they were men who, themselves?
were escaping from the enemy. Fort Donelson had fallen,
and the enemy was advancing in great force on Nashville.
Deep curses were uttered against Floyd and his men, and the
population sought to make up for the time they had lost.
The rabble of the town, who only awaited an opportune mo
ment, now began the work of plunder and robbery. All the
shops that contained food or drink were broken into ; a regu
lar scene of looting ensued. Women and children, laden with
stolen goods, were running about in all directions, and gangs
of drunken scoundrels rolled about the deserted streets. The
black population streamed into the town to have their share
in the general pillage, and, though more than one had his
brains knocked out for his pains, many had the opportunity
of making a large booty. Several adherents of the Union,
who resided at Nashville, were in imminent danger of their
lives, as they dreaded an attack from the mob. Millions of
dollars worth of goods were destroyed or carried off during
the night ; and the stock of provisions which the Confederates
had for months stored up here was sacrificed. In fact the
total destruction of Nashville was imminent, if the Federal
troops did not soon make their appearance to save it from so
deplorable a fate.
In the night the news spread that the enemy's troops had
arrived outside Nashville. All the peaceful citizens who had
remained in the town looked anxiously forward for their
entrance. Pistol shots were heard, and a detachment of
United States dragoons galloped into the town, sabring right
and left all whom they met in the streets. The rioters and
pillagers fled in every direction, leaving the town in the pos
session of the troops and of the honest citizens who had not
fled. A few hours afterward, large bodies of troops under
General Grant entered Nashville, and soon restored order and

JOHN MORGAN. 211
tranquillity. With astonishment the Federal troops must
have looked at the closed country houses and villas, which
seemed quite deserted, and betrayed no sign of life within
their walls. The owners of these had fled with the retiring
troops of Floyd. While the Federal troops took quiet pos
session of Nashville, the partisans of the Confederates on the
other bank were preparing for resistance, under the leadership
of John Morgan, a man who had rendered himself famous by
his extraordinary feats of daring.
Of vulgar extraction and of no education, but gifted with
extraordinary courage and self-possession, John Morgan had
formed a body of men of his own stamp, who preferred
fighting, and the hardships of a roving life, to any peaceful
occupation. His band roamed about the country with such
audacity as to become a perfect dread to the enemy. Scarce
ly a day passed without some daring act being recorded of
John Morgan and his horsemen. Although he and his band
belonged, properly speaking, to General Hardee's division,
and his duty was to watch the enemy's movements, he much
preferred doing a little business on his own account.
One day he proposed to his men to make a raid upon the
little town of GaUatin, twenty miles north of Nashville, then
occupied by the enemy. The very idea of such an expedition
created a joyful excitement amongst his desperate followers,
and like lightning they fell upon the town and took possession
of it. Whilst his men were robbing and plundering to their
heart's content. Captain Morgan proceeded to the office of the
telegraph in the expectation of finding important despatches
there. The official on duty had not the slightest idea of what
was going on in the town, and when Captain Morgan asked
him with great politeness what news he had received, the
agent took him for an officer of the United States army, and
replied, " Nothing particular ; but inquiries are being made
continually respecting that rebel bandit, Morgan. But if he
should ever come across my path I have pills enough to sat-

212 WAR PICTURES.
isfy him ! " pulling out his revolver as he said this, and flour
ishing it in the air before he thrust it back into his belt. As
soon as he had finished, the strange officer thundered forth,
" You are speaking to Captain Morgan ; I am Morgan, you
miserable wretch." The poor official sank on his knees, and
with the fear of death full upon him, sued for mercy. " I
will not hurt you," retorted Morgan, " but send off this des
patch at once to Prentice :*
" Mb. Prentice — As I learn at this telegraph office that
you intend to proceed to Nashville, perhaps you will allow
me to escort you there at the head of my band ?
" John Morgan."
It is easy to conceive what a fright Mr. Prentice must
have been in, when the authenticity of this despatch was
proved a few days afterward.
After sending off this friendly invitation, Morgan has
tened to the railway station to see the train come in. In a
few minutes it came up, upon which Captain Morgan ordered
one of his men, with pistol in hand, to take charge of the en
gine driver, whilst he examined the carriages, and proceeded
to take five officers prisoners. He then had all the carriages
set fire to, and filling the engine with turpentine, tow, and
other inflammable matter, stopped up the vents, and sent it
back on fire in full speed toward Nashville. The engine,
however, exploded, after going a few hundred yards. After
this exploit, Morgan and his men, with their prisoners, re
mounted their horses and gained the camp in safety, where
they were enthusiastically welcomed by their comrades.
On another occasion he surprised a picket of six Federal
soldiers, and made them prisoners. He was quite alone.
On coming across them he went straight up to the corporal
in command, and, passing himself off as a Federal officer, ex-
* Editor of a paper at Louisville, and a mortal enemy of Morgan.

JOHN MORGAN. 218
pressed his indignation at their slovenly appearance, and or
dered them to lay down their muskets, and regard themselves
as under arrest. The order was obeyed ; but when the men
saw that he was taking them in a contrary direction, they ob
served that they were going the wrong road. " Not so,'' he
retorted ; " I am Captain Morgan, and know best what road
you have to take." These little adventures, amongst many of
-a similar nature, made his name well known, and acquired for
him a widespread popularity.

914 WAR PICTURES.

CHAPTER X-XIX.
JOHNSTON ON THE TENNESSEE EIVER  FLOYD AND PILLOW.
General Johnston collects a new army — He occupies South Nashville on the Ten
nessee river— Outposts-Pillow and Floyd are brought before a court martial
by order of President Jefferson Davis— Pillow's farewell to his troops.
Meantime, General Johnston was not idle ; he gathered to
gether the dispersed remnants of Generals Crittenden and
ZoUicoffer's forces, and also of what remained of Floyd's bri
gade, so that the army under his orders again numbered about
21,000 men, a force sufficient to enable him to take the field
with some chance of holding his ground. The fall of Fort
Donelson had compelled him to make considerable altera
tions in his previous plans, and to organize a new line of de
fence. Without deliberating long about it, he resolved to
form a junction with General Beauregard, in Mississippi, and
to undertake the defence of South Nashville, so as to keep
open the southwestern railway for the use of the Confederate
troops. It was here, on the Tennessee river, that the most sanguin
ary outpost skirmishes occurred. North and South, with all
the animosity which hatred and fury could excite, which cun
ning or deception could devise means for gratifying, endeav
ored mutually to destroy each other. Here is an example :
One day two sentinels were posted opposite each other.
The one was a son of our sunny South, the other a moody

AN OUTPOST DUEL. 216
Northern. The Confederate lay behind a rock, and with the
eyes of a lynx watched every movement of his foe, who was
sheltered by a tree. The latter belonged to a regiment from
the cold, frosty, western region of Michigan, and was a man
of colossal stature, a fine specimen of a fearless soldier. For
some hours the Northerner and the Southerner had been watch
ing each other, without either having had a fitting opportunity
for a shot. This wearisome inactivity at last annoyed the
Southerner, who shouted to his foe to come forth from behind
his cover. The latter obeyed the request, and coolly drew
himself up like a tower, by the side of his tree. " Ping," and
a bullet grazed his head without hurting him. " Too high ! "
he shouted back to his enemy ; " it's my turn now." Like a
snake the son of the South glided from behind his rock, and
stood leaning on his musket as self-possessed as the other, op
posite his enemy. Crack went the rifle.
" Too low ! " shouted the untouched Southerner.
This game was carried on for some time, until a bullet
from the Northerner grazed the ear of the Southerner. " Let
us stop firing," shouted the latter, " my ammunition is out ;
let us go to camp for more." Whereupon both men shoul
dered their rifles and walked cheerfully away, the Northerner
whistling " Yankee Doodle," and the Southerner his favorite
time of " Dixie."
General Johnston intrusted the joint command at Chatta
nooga to Generals Floyd and Pillow with their brigade ; he,
himself, taking up a position between the above-mentioned
town and Memphis. One morning, a messenger arrived at
Johnston's headquarters, bringing an order from President.
Jefferson Davis to the effect that Generals Floyd and Pillow
should be deprived of their command, and that those two
generals should proceed forthwith to Richmond, to explain
their conduct when in command at Fort Donelson, and to
give an account, before a court martial, of behavior which
threw such discredit upon the Confederate army.

216 WAR PICTURES.
Whatever might have been thought of Floyd's conduct,
there was, surely, no blame to be attached to General Pillow.
This latter general, by his conduct at the battle of Belmont,
by the energy he displayed in the sortie from Fort Donel
son, had given sufficient proofs of his zeal and courage. It
was very disheartening for so honorable and brave a man to
find that the fussy officials at Richmond should challenge his
conduct, as every one of his acts had been performed with the
welfare of his country in view, for the glory of which he had
often faced death, and shed his blood upon the battle field.
And yet the all-powerful President must needs bring before a
court martial a man universally honored and respected by his
countrymen. Rather an unfavorable prognostic for the fu
ture Confederate Republic, should it succeed eventually in
achieving its independence ! General Johnston himself did
not fail to see the risk the Government incurred by such con
duct ; and other excellent and experienced officers, on hearing
of what had occurred, frankly declared they would no longer
serve the Confederate cause, if they were to be subjected to
any such treatment at the hands of their_Government. A for
midable agitation pervaded the whole camp, which hourly be
came more serious ; the feeling of indignation which had been
aroused among the officers being shared by the men. All
concurred in denouncing Benjamin, the Secretary of War,
and the influential adviser of the President, as the evU
genius of the Confederate cause, and the source of more mis
chief than the loss of many battles. In fact, the discontent
in the camp increased to such an extent that an outbreak was
apprehended. General Johnston was placed in a most critical position.
In front of him he had an enterprising enemy flushed by re
cent success, and behind him a mutinous army. In this dilem
ma, he requested General Pillow to exert himself to calm the
excitement that existed amongst the troops, and that zealous
officer, true to his duty, immediately issued an order for all

GENERAL PILLOW'S FAREWELL. 217
the men of his division to assemble at his headquarters, as he
wished to take leave of them. Like a raging sea lashed into
fury by the wind, with its waves breaking violently on the
beach, the troops proceeded, in a grumbling mood, through the
avenues ofthe camp, whUe here and there groups ofthe more
discontented might be seen standing at different points discus
sing, in angry tones, the events of the day. A great number of
men belonging to other divisions joined in the crowd to hear
General Pillow's farewell address to his faithful soldiers.
The excitement amongst the troops, in their eagerness to hear
what the general had to say, reached its highest pitch ; and,
had some energetic leader just then come forward to denounce
the Government, it might have fared ill with the cause of the
Confederacy. Had President Jefferson Davis and his fides Achates, Ben
jamin, made their appearance at this critical moment, I doubt
very much whether their high position would have shielded
them from the insults of the incensed soldiery.
At last a roll of drums, and a flourish from the staff trum
pets, announced that General Pillow was about to take leave
of his troops. Like a swarm of bees, all rushed eagerly for
ward to get as near to the general as possible.
Pale, and evidently laboring under great emotion. General
Pillow, surrounded by his officers, appeared in front of the
troops, to see them, perhaps for the last time. In anxious ex
pectation all eyes were turned upon him ; it was a solemn
moment. In a powerful, yet trembling voice, the general bade
farewell to those whom he had so ably led, with whom he had
so cheerfully shared the hardest fare on many occasions ; to
those who had followed him into the hottest fire, wOlingly
facing death and destruction, that they might participate in the
dangers he was ever ready to confront. As he stood before
them, the cold winter wind blowing through his scanty white
hair, his heart heaved with scorn at the malice of his enemies ;
but not one word of anger passed his lips. He exhorted the
10

218 WAR PICTURES.
soldiers, as true sons of their country, to hold firmly together^
and remain faithful to that cause for which they had already
expended so much blood ; and urged them to be prepared to
fight for it again. With an ironical smile, he added, " We
have not been fighting for the interests of President Davis, but
for the common welfare ofthe whole Southern people, and for
the Confederacy ; we are ready to fight and die for our coun-
try, not for the private interests of a few. I am about to quit
the theatre of war ; but you must persevere in the path which
you have selected. Wherever I may be, however, my heart and
my thoughts will accompany you ; and when the news of
your gallant deeds reaches me, then I shall proudly exclaim :
' Well done, my own my brave fellows !' " Many an eye
grew dim, and many a sunburnt, brawny hand was now stretch
ed out to shake that of the general, who thus concluded his
address : " The Government has the power to deprive me of
my command, but it has net the power to deprive me of the
love of my brave comrades !" When he had uttered these
words, the enthusiastic cheering of the men knew no bounds.
They all rushed forward, each eagerly bent on shaking hands
once more with his gallant commander, and it was quite affect
ing to see, amongst this excited crowd, one of the wild hunt
ers of Arkansas advance to General Pillow, and exclaim, in
simple but energetic terms : " Never mind. General, though
you leave us, you may be sure that, far off as we may be from
you, you will never have reason to be ashamed of your brave
boys."

GENERAL ALBERT SIDNEY JOHNSTON. 210

CHAPTER XXX.
BATTLE OF SHILOH.
General Johnston, with his army, joins General Beauregard— General Grant's
plan of attack — March on Shiloh — Commencement of the battle on the morn
ing of the 6th April— Prentiss's division lays down its arms — General Johnston
mortally wounded — Desperate attack of the Confederates — Brave conduct of
General Grant — Grant breaks through our centre — Bravery of the German
brigade — ^The attack of the Federal troops— The Confederates hard pressed—
Want of ammunition — Beauregard compelled to fall back — Names of tho
generals who fell in the battle — Loss of the Confederates — Prince Polignac —
Beauregard collects a new army — Charles Van Dorn and General Price come up
in support.
General Johnston expressed his deep sense of obligation to
General Pillow for the manner in which the latter had re
sponded to his request, and thus put a stop to any further act
of insubordination amongst his troops, and he now lost no
time in taking the necessary steps to form a junction with
General Beauregard, on the Mississippi. Beauregard had
assembled his army at Corinth, and was carefully watching
the movements of the enemy on the Tennessee and the neigh
boring rivers, when he received the information that General
Johnston was approaching with the army under his orders.
The news spread like wUdfire through the camp, and when
that officer and his aide-de-camp rode, one fine morning, up to
Beauregard's headquarters, the rejoicing was unbounded.
The strength of General Johnston's army was 25,000 men,
and this addition to Beauregard's force was very opportune,

220 WAR PICTUEES.
as the Federal Generals, Halleck and Buell, held positions at
no great distance, and an attack from either of them might be
expected at any moment. Johnston's columns gradually
poured into the camp, where they met with a hearty welcome
from Beauregard's troops, who, however, stood high in their
own estimation, on account of the deeds they had performed
in Arkansas, Texas, and Pensacola. Johnston's troops were
in a very sorry condition ; many of the men had no shoes or
cloaks, and Beauregard's officers eagerly inquired if it was
true that they had gone through the severe winter campaign
in such a plight. " We were often much worse off than we
are now," was the reply of these hardy, weather-beaten fel
lows. Eagerly did Beauregard's troops bring all they could
spare in the shape of clothing and provisions, for they admit
ted that these brave men had undergone greater hardships
than they themselves had. Generals Johnston and Beaure
gard held a private conference to communicate their views to
each other, and adopt some fixed plan of action. Beauregard
assumed the command of the position on the line of railway
which runs from Corinth to luka, whilst Johnston took up a
position on the line between Corinth and Bethel ; and thus
advantageously posted, they resolved to organize their army,
all the time watching the enemy's movements.
General Grant, whose efforts had met with so much suc
cess, now wished to attack the enemy in the cotton-growing
districts of the South, and, with this object in view, he con
centrated all his troops on the west bank of the Tennessee,
in the direction from Pittsburg toward Savannah, as he
looked forward to form a junction with General Buell, who
was moving in the direction from Nashville to Columbus.
General Johnston, who saw with some anxiety this attempted
junction of the two armies of the enemy, as it would place
him in an awkward position, proposed to General Beauregard
to make a combined attack upon Grant's army before Buell
joined him, as the odds were two to one they would beat him.

JOHNSTON'S PLAN OP ATTACK. 221
General Beauregard, who admitted the superior strategic
tactics of General Johnston, at once agreed to his plans, and
it was resolved to make the proposed attack without delay,
with the purpose of driving General Grant from his position,
and, if possible, to take him and his army prisoners, but in
any case to compel them to fall back on their transport ships,
and thereby oblige them to leave all their abundant stores
and ammunition in our hands. The requisite preparations
were forthwith made for conveying the intended booty to
Corinth. According to General Johnston's plan, Saturday
morning was fixed for the attack, and 300 carts were to be
ready with their drivers to carry off the captured stores at
once. General Beauregard had commenced his movements
already on the Thursday, but the roads were in such a bad
condition that it was Saturday morning before he was ready
to commence operations ; consequently the general attack
was postponed till the Sunday morning. If Beauregard had
more carefully provided for the wants of his men, and been
enabled to make the attack on the Saturday, as had been pre
viously agreed upon, it is more than probable that on that
day the Confederates would have achieved a victory, because
before General Buell would have had time to come up to sup
port Grant, the latter would, in all probability, have been
routed. It is thus evident that Beauregard had delayed many
preparations which ought to have been made long before.
The orders for the attack were now issued. General
Hardee was to march, with his corps, and with a brigade of
General Bragg, against Pittsburg, whilst the cavalry was to
occupy the plain. Close on its heels was to follow General
Bragg's 2d corps darmie, whUst the corps d'armee of Generals
Johnston and Polk were to advance on a much worse road,
which ran in a paraUel line with the other, and the whole of
the reserve was to foUow on a third road, under the command
of General Breckinridge.
Despite the bad roads, the troops advanced cheerfully.

222 WAE PICTUEES.
Every man seemed confident of victory, and before midnight
on Saturday they had reached the vicinity of Shiloh, and were
consequently in face of the enemy.
The morning of the 6th of April had scarcely dawned, and
the first rays of light were only just fringing the undulating
ground, when we beheld the enemy's army spread out before
us. They had taken up a position near Shiloh, making the
church their chief point d'appui, and occupying the road which
leads from Pittsburg to Corinth, with a strong force. The
whole conformation of the ground appeared as if purposely
made for a battle between two large armies. A better battle
ground could scarcely be found anywhere than the one now
spread before us. It was not an extensive plain, but one of
those undulating, broken tracts of country upon which both
armies could carry out splendid manoeuvres. There was
scope here for the movements of both cavalry and artillery to
their hearts' desire, and the ground, in fact, offered opportuni
ties for the full display of good generalship.
The watchful enemy had scarcely perceived the heads of
our first advancing columns, when a shot from a rifled cannon
sent us a morning greeting, and in a few minutes a complete
change had come over the whole scene. In the stead of the
peaceful stillness which only a few moments previously
reigned around, the whole air now resounded with noise and
tumult. Federal regiments, with flags flying and bands play
ing, marched into their respective positions ; batteries and
ammunition vans rattled forward, whUst generals, officers,
and their aide-de-camps could be seen galloping ,0 and fro
like misty shadows. A similar life and activity soon display
ed itself in the CoLtederate army, and it was a grand spectacle
to behold the regiments file past one by one. Each regiment
could be distinguished by its colors, appearance, and manner
of marching ; and these indicated to what State it belonged.
The fiery, sprightly sons of Louisiana seemed almost to dance
oast, whilst the men of Texas and Arkansas advanced with a

BATTLE OP SHILOH. 223
steady, firm step, and a self-possessed look ; while the firm
grasp with which they held their muskets indicated that the
enemy would have hard work to do in dealing with them.
Small bodies of light cavalry, splendidly mounted, now
swept past, under the command of Young, Lewis, and Connor,
and the batteries of the different corps d'ai-mee followed up
quickly with a thundering noise. In a short time the firing
commenced along the top outpost's line, and gradually in
creased in vigor. As yet, however, none of the batteries had
been brought into play ; no whole regiment had been engaged ;
the troops were taking up their respective positions before
the conflict was to begin. Every man felt that a great battle
was on the eve of being fought, and made his preparations
accordingly. At last the distribution of the troops was completed, and
each corps had taken up the position allotted to it.
The avant-garde which was to commence the battle was
annexed to General Hardee's corps d'armee ; whilst Generals
Johnston and Beauregard commanded the centre. General
Bragg the right, and General Polk the left wing ; and General
Breckinridge took up a well-covered position, with the re
serve forces under his orders. General Beauregard now or
dered Hardee's columns to advance to the attack, which was
directed chiefly against General Prentiss's troops, stationed be
tween Owl and Lick Creeks.
Our men charged the enemy with fixed bayonets, and
gained ground at once. General Johnston sent up Trabues's
brigade in support, which decided the fight in this quarter ;
General Prentiss, with 5,000 men of his division, being com
pelled to lay down their arms, and these were sent as prison
ers to the rear. This was not a bad beginning for the Con
federates, and their courage rose in consequence.
General Grant, seeing that Prentiss's division was cut up,
and that our men had occupied that officer's positions, imme
diately' ordered up all the batteries he could dispose of, and

224 WAE PICTURES.
opened a tremendous fire of grape upon the Confederate
troops. In vain did General Johnston endeavor to keep
Hardee's men together: the enemy's artillery made such havoc
in their ranks that they broke and dispersed. General Beau
regard then ordered his centre to advance to the attack, whilst
Johnston hastened to support Hardee with one or two regi
ments. But scarcely had Johnston reached Hardee's lines
when a rifle bullet struck him, and he fell from his horse
mortally wounded.
His death caused a momentary panic amongst his troops ;
but resolved to avenge the loss of their beloved general, they
rushed upon the foe with such energy that the Federals were
driven back toward their gunboats, the commanders of which,
on perceiving the critical state of affairs, opened a heavy fire on
our men. General Grant found it a very difficult task to keep
his centre unbroken ; but despite the repeated attacks of Gen
erals Beauregard and Polk, he held his ground.
The enemy's centre was in a very critical position, for if
broken through, the whole Federal army would have been
lost. General Grant made the most determined resistance to
every attack we made upon him, and endeavored to fall back
under the protection of the guns of his flotilla. All his troops
had been actively engaged since five o'clock in the morning,
and no fresh troops were available, as nearly the whole of the
Federal reserve had been ordered up.
The loss of life this day was extremely severe, especially
on our side ; for in General Johnston we lost one of the bra
vest and most talented generals of the Confederate States. He
was the real Commander-in-Chief — the heart and soul which
gave life to the whole army. Whenever he was present,
officers and men seemed to fight better, for they felt that his
orders were all for the best, and placed implicit confidence in
him. Through the death of Johnston, the army lost its main
stay. He was almost the only general, with the exception of
Beauregard, who was not teased with orders from Richmond,

BATTLE OF SHILOH. 225
and who was allowed to exercise his own judgment as re
garded his plans and movements : it was quite evident he knew
best how to act. By his death, the combined armies came
under the sole command of Beauregard ; and although the
latter had many warm admirers among both officers and men,
he did not, on the whole, enjoy that full confidence of tho
army so necessary to a commander-in-chief
When darkness had put a stop to all further operations
for the day, various instances of negligence, unpardonable on
the part of a general, were discovered. The men had been
fighting incessantly the whole day without tasting food, and
yet nothing had been provided to satisfy their hunger ; nor
could the different divisions procure any more ammunition,
although this was known to have been on the road since the
morning ; but it had not reached them at nine in the evening,
while further dispositions had been taken for renewing the
attack on the following morning. This damped the spirits of
the men, and made them feel less confident in success.
At the very commencement of the battle. General Beaure
gard ought to have taken the necessary steps to prevent such
mistakes ; but when General Johnston fell, he was so much
occupied with the duties of the sole command, which had thus
unhappily devolved upon him, that he forgot to attend to
what he ought to have done long before.
Whilst the troops bivouacked on the battle field, the rain
poured down in torrents, so that the men had to sit in so
many small pools, and vainly endeavored to keep their fire
arms dry. The officers occasionally consulted together, counted
up their losses, and spoke despondingly of the awkward posi
tion they would be placed in if General Buell should succeed
in forming a junction with General Grant. The night thus
passed dismally in drenching rain, the silence being only in
terrupted occasionally by the stray report of a musket fired
by some sentry.
At last a faint gray streak of light in the far horizon aii-
10*

226 WAR PICTURES.
nounced that day was beginning to dawn. The different bri
gades and divisions at once commenced taking up their re
spective positions, and were still doing so, when the enemy's
troops opened a heavy fire of musketry and artillery upon us.
Without leaving us any time for consideration. General Grant
now made a most determined attack upon our centre and our
left wing. The attack was so energetically made, that the
whole of our line began to waver. Our men became alarmed.
The enemy, whom they had almost annihilated the day before
— whose ranks they had almost decimated, and whom they
had hoped to rout completely to-day — that beaten, defeated
enemy, now reopened the battle. But the Confederate troops
were not allowed much time to indulge in their reflections ;
the conquerors of Fort Donelson pushed them so hard, that
it was all they could do to hold their ground, and General
Grant, like a wounded lion, led on his men, who all seemed
animated by one feeling — the desire to wipe out the stain of
the previous day's defeat. The battle raged with actual
ferocity in the centre and on the left wing. The Federal
troops fought desperately, and did great havoc in our ranks,
though our men stood their ground for a long time with great
bravery. But, lo I a Mississippi regiment begins to waver.
In vain do the officers exhort the men to remain firm ; they
gradually give way. General Grant, observing the disorder,
directed a heavy fire upon the weak point, placed himself at
the head of some Ohio regiments, and cut his way through
our broken ranks. In spite of the efforts of General Bragg,
who opened a 12-pounder battery upon him, he maintained
the footing he had gained, and his men held their ground.
Like corn cut down by the sickle, numbers were mowed
down, but those who remained unscathed only fought with
the more determination. Two brigades now advanced to
General Grant's support, but at the same moment Beaure
gard made his appearance with the reserve cavalry and two
batteries. The cavalry was ordered to charge the two ad-

SAD ASPECT OF THE FIELD. 227
vancing brigades, but before they could come to close quar
ters a terrible volley from the enemy brought down many
from their saddles, causing great confusion in their ranks. In
a few moments their unhurt comrades charged at full speed
into the enemy's battalions, where a hand-to-hand fight ensued.
Pistol and sabre did active work. Beauregard, finding that
General Grant had lost the expected support of the two
brigades, immediately attacked him in front, and compelled
him, after a most fierce and sanguinary struggle, to abandon
the position he had acquired at so much loss. Grant fell back
in good order with the remnant of his fine German brigade —
for it was they who had braved the storm that waged round
them — but only to allow his men a short respite.
The battle field presented a sad spectacle, for the loss on
both sides had been enormous. No preparation had been
made for conveying away the vast number of wounded ; in
vain did these implore help from their own men — it was of
no avail; all feeling of humanity had vanished, and the living
walked unconcerned past the dead and the dying, bent only
upon dealing more destruction.
General Beauregard, followed by his staff, now galloped
along his whole line, visiting all the positions. At every
point the fighting had been most severe, and the reserves had
been made use of so lavishly during the battle, that now that
they were expressly needed there were none at hand. Anxious
and perplexed, he directed his glances around, but there was
now not much time for consideration, for General Buell had
succeeded in joining General Grant.
The enemy again took the offensive in great force, to try
and wrestle from us the laurels which we already fancied we
had won. We now learnt from some of the prisoners that
the corps d'armee of the enemy, under Generals Nelson,
M'Cook, and Crittenden, had joined General Grant's army.
All the energies of the enemy's generals were now directed
to one object — to force Beauregard's centre — so as to regain
the positions they had occupied on the previous day.

228 WAR PICTUEES.
In fine order the regiments of Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin,
and Indiana advanced to renew the battle, and, if possible, to
bring it to a final issue. Our men stood this attack with un
flinching courage, and succeeded in driving back the columns
ofthe enemy, who fell back, terribly cut up, but trusting by
the aid of their supports to be again able to attack us. The
Confederate generals now earnestly entreated Beauregard to
relieve them by reinforcements, that they might partially
withdraw their exhausted troops from the fight, as most of
the regiments had lost their staff officers, and had fired away
all their ammunition. Beauregard urged them to hold out
for one hour more with the troops they had, and he should
then be able to send them reinforcements and ammunition.
This was but poor comfort, as he had not the means at his
disposal to keep his promise. A great portion of his reserve
was already actively engaged, and the remnant, joined by a
rabble of plunderers, was away pillaging the enemy's camp.
Thousands of these vagabonds left their posts to make what
booty they could, robbing alike friend and foe. Beauregard,
whose personal daring and bravery is beyond challenge, did
not possess all the necessary qualifications for a commander-
in-chief If he had striven to collect these pillagers he could
have brought them up to the support of his centre and held
his ground there, even if his flanks were driven in. The
troops, weakened by their heavy losses, might then have
formed into a closer aiid more compact body, without dis
turbing their plan of action.
All eyes were now anxiously turned toward the centre,
where, for some minutes, the firing on our side had ceased.
Even the bravest breathed hard when he saw the defenceless
condition of our men at this point. Fresh columns of the
enemy now advanced to the attack. With loud shouts and
cheers these Western regiments threw themselves upon our
decimated ranks, destitute of ammunition. Our men firmly
awaited the attack and the volley of the enemy's columns

RETREAT OF THE CONFEDERATES. 229
without being able to respond to it. " Fix bayonets and for
ward ! " was the order now given by our general. It was the
only resource left. A terrible meUe ensued. General Grant,
seizing the opportune moment, ordered his small body of
cavalry to charge our men, who were fighting with their side
arms only, whilst he was driving our left and right flanks
from one position to another. Our condition was a desperate
one, when General Beauregard ordered the whole of our artil
lery to take up position near Shiloh Church, to cover our re
treat. General Breckinridge was ordered, also, to gather
together all the troops he could, to form them into a body of
reserve to cover our retreat. About noon the order to retire
was given, and the movement was commenced in very fair
order. It was difficult, however, to induce the troops engaged
in the centre to leave the battle field, and their own officers had
positively to compel them to retreat. At last, about 3 o'clock
in the aft,ernoon, our army, after having suffered immense
loss, was in full retreat, and Generals Grant and Buell lost no
time in endeavoring to make it a rout. But want of cavalry,
and the excellent position taken up by our guns, as also the
fatigue of their own men, compelled them to be satisfied with
what they had already achieved. Our troops withdrew, with
much exertion, to their new positions.
Many of our poor fellows, who had been incessantly en
gaged for nearly twenty hours, sank on the ground, utterly
beaten by fatigue, and besmeared with blood, gunpowder, and
dust. The loss sustained by some of the brigades and regi
ments appears almost incredible. Some regiments were so
decimated that the remnants had to be at once incorporated
into other regiments.
Our greatest loss was, however, in general officers. First
on the list stands the name of our commander, Albert Sidney
Johnston : as we have already stated, he fell whilst leading his
men to the attack. He was struck in the leg by a musket ball.
He continued to give some instructions to his aide-de-camp,

230 WAR PICTURES.
Harris, ex-Governor of Tennessee, and when the latter return
ed from executing the order, he found the General sitting like
a corpse on his saddle. "In Heaven's name!" exclaimed
Harris, " I hope you are not wounded." " I believe I am
dying," said Johnston, and almost at the same moment he fell
dead from his horse. The next name on this black list is that
of ex-Governor Johnston, of Kentucky, who commanded the
troops of that State. He was struck by three bullets almost
at the same moment, and fell to the ground. Some of his
officers rushed up to help him, but he ordered them back to
their men, and to leave him to die alone. His body was
found subsequently, after a long search, scarcely recognizable,
amongst a heap of dead and wounded. Brigadier-General
Glodden was killed with his horse by a ball from a rifled gun.
Major-General Cheatham received a mortal wound, after hav
ing had three horses previously shot under him. Major-General
Clark was also mortally wounded. Generals Hindman, B.
R. Johnston, and Bower were severely wounded, and render
ed incapable of service for a long time to come. So great
had been the casualties on both sides, that there was not a
house within ten miles round but was full of wounded sol
diers. Corinth was one great hospital, and straggling wound
ed men continued daily to drop in, though many poor fellows
died on the road. To add to all this misery, the weather be
came fearfully cold, with a strong north wind blowing, which
proved the death of many a poor, wounded soldier.
Our loss in men in this memorable battle amounted,
according to the first rough return, to 2,400 killed, 10,000
wounded (chiefly severely), and 2,000 to 3,000 missing, mak
ing a total loss of nearly 15,000 men.
Indeed, the fearful slaughter which took place at this bat
tle entitles it to a marked place in military records, for, fear
ful as was our loss, that of the enemy was as great, if not
stUl greater. These sad results prove incontestably what enor
mous sacrifices t powerful people is capable of making, when

EESULTS OF THE BATTLE, 231
it fancies it is combating for its rights and for its existence as
a nation, however delusive may be that impression.
The troops on our side were chiefly from the States of
Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, and
Arkansas. Their conduct during the battle places them on
the same level as that of the best European troops, and,
although a portion of the reserve did neglect its duty, and,
instead of helping their comrades, took to pillaging the ene
my's camp, that isolated act does not in the slightest degree
tarnish the blood-stained laurels earned by their gallant com
rades in that fine army, which so nobly performed its duty
toward its own Government that it earned even the admira
tion of the enemy.
It is, at the same time, but just to pay a tribute of admi
ration to the troops of the enemy's army, and to their generals.
Grant, Buell, Sherman, Nelson, and others. It was truly no
small task for the conqueror of Forts Henry and Donelson
to have to sustain, with his comparatively small army, the
Confederate attack ; and it was a critical moment for him
when the whole of Prentiss's division had, despite their bra
very, to lay dowti their arms.
After this sanguinary two days' battle, the Federal army,
under Generals Grant and Buell, after their hard-earned vic
tory, greatly needed rest, and, consequently, they were unable
to hinder Beauregard from maintaining his position at Cor
inth, where, being unmolested, he set to work to reorganize
his army. If this battle was not attended by any great results to the
advantage of the United States, the consequences were, never
theless, important, as it convinced the Confederate troops that
their opponents, whether in Missouri or Virginia, or anywhere
else, were foes not to be despised. Another consequence of
some importance to the enemy was that they got possession
of the western frontier of the States of Georgia and of Alaba
ma, which allowed them to make raids as far as Huntsville

232 WAR PICTURES.
and Decatur, and thus enabled them to parade their successes
before that portion of the Southern States.
General Beauregard, having set actively to work at Cor
inth to reorganize his army, was most ably seconded in his
efforts by his aide-de-camp. Colonel Prince de Polignac. The
active part taken by this latter officer on the day of the battle,
in which he displayed the bravery of a true French soldier,
ought to have procured for him a special notice in Beauregard's
report to President Jefferson Davis : why it was not done, can
only be attributed to an aversion to render justice to a foreign
er, attributed to the Southerners, who are jealous of any one
else sharing their own glory.
In a short time large bodies of fresh troops joined us from
the more distant Southern States. The troops under Charles
Van Dorn excited especial attention. They had hastened up
from Arkansas to fight for the cruse of the South. Other
troops from Missouri followed, under General Price, their
favorite commander, and were received with great rejoicings.
Thus powerfiiUy reinforced. General Beauregard soon assem
bled another fine army, with the help of which he hoped, ere
long, to try once more his fortune in the field.

STATE OF AFFAIRS IN EICHMOND. 233

CHAPTER XXXI.
SURRENDER OF OAPE HATTERAS.
Btate of affairs in Richmond— High price of provisions— General Winder- Desti
tution in Richmond— The blockade— Surrender of Fort Hatteras.
During the winter of 1862, the Government of the United
States displayed the greatest activity. It had increased its
fleet to such an extent as to be able to blockade all the South
ern ports. Whilst the Federal troops were provided with
everything which they required, and were thus enabled to
withstand all the severities of the winter, our troops, on the
other hand, especially the army on the Potomac, began to
feel the inconvenient effects of the blockade. All those ar
ticles which the soldier so much needs for his comfort fflid
health, gradually fell short, or were only to be had at prices
so exorbitant that he could not afford to procure them. The
non-combatant citizens took advantage of so fevorable an op
portunity to turn a penny, at the cost of the defenders of their
country, and at Richmond the prices of provisions rose daily
to such a height that many a father of a family looked forward
with great anxiety to, the future. More particularly, meat,
vegetables, butter, and lard were so extremely dear that, in
the hospitals, it became necessary to place the sick on half
rations. The Provost-Marshal at Richmond, General Winder,
issued a regulation, fixing the market prices, and imposing a
heavy fine upon all who exceeded them. Mattei-s, neverthe-

234 WAR PICTURES.
less, grew rather worse than better; the farmers preferred
remaining at home and keeping back their produce, rather
than sell it at a scanty profit ; and as they had to pay fabulous
prices for articles needed by themselves, such as tea, sugar,
Aic, the Provost-Marshal was obliged at last to withdraw his
regulations, and so the farmers were again enabled to sell'
their provisions at their own prices. Every other article of
food rose in proportion ; tea and sugar became luxuries out
of the reach of the majority ; instead of coffee, burnt rye was
used ; milk rose to extravagant prices, as it was most wanted
in the hospitals. No beer was allowed to be brewed, and
what little remained on hand could not be obtained except by
means of a medical certificate. Sickness prevailed to a great
extent on the Potomac as well as in the interior of Virginia,
and thousands of invalid soldiers were brought to Richmond
to receive medical aid in the hospitals. Here again great
misery was occasioned by the scarcity of medicines. All such
stores were spoilt, and it was impossible to procure a further
supply ; thus hundreds died continually from the sheer want
of proper remedies.
A report was spread at this time that a Federal squadron
had sailed from the Northern ports for the purpose of attack-
in* some point upon our coast, and in a few days we received
the nevvs ofthe fall of Fort Hatteras. This blow, although it
did not fall quite unexpectedly upon us, nevertheless made a
deep and painful impression upon the people of Richmond, as
it proved to them that the Government of the United States
was not only resolved to maintain a vigorous blockade, but
was bent on gaining a footing on some part of our coast.
The Government at Richmond, thereupon, bestirred itself,
and Mr. Benjamin, the Secretary of War, took counsel with
Generals Wise and Henningsen, as to the adoption of measures
best calculated to meet the emergencv.

EOANOKE ISLAND. 235

CHAPTER XXXII.
SURRENDER OF ROANOKE ISLAND
General Wise ordered to Roanoke Island— General Henningsen's report to tho
Government — Neglect shown toward Wise's legion— General Wise proceeds
to Ricbmond— Interview with the Secretary of War — Arrival of the hostile
fleet— Bombardment of Port Barton— Sinking of the Confederate steamers
Curlew and Forest— Abandonment of the works — Death of Captain Wise and
surrender of the forts.
As already observed in the preceding chapter, a squadron of
the United States navy had succeeded in gaining a footing at
Fort Hatteras, thereby securing a point from whence further
offensive operations could be carried on against us. Although
we were kept well informed by our agents of the plans of the
Federal Government — which afforded us, in most cases, time
to concert the best means for counteracting them — yet, we
had the misfortune to possess a Secretary of War quite un
fitted to hold so important a post. Now that North Carolina
was threatened, and it became necessary to take the most
active and energetic measures to oppose the enemy, Mr. Ben
jamin resolved to send General Wise to Roanoke Island ;
being glad of the opportunity of intrusting to the general a
post which he well knew was, through his own neglect, in
such a plight as to afford to its commandant but little scope
for any display of military skill, still less for making a suc
cessful defence. Both the Secretary of War and President
Davis were not sorry thus to get rid of Generals Wise and

236 WAR PICTURES.
Henningsen ; dreading the influence of those officers, especially
of the former, on the minds of the people. But it may be
doubted whether either the Secretary of War or the Presi
dent desired to give General Wise a command in which that
distinguished soldier would have any chance of success ; well
knowing his energetic character, they were convinced that if
he achieved any great success in the field he would exercise
an irresistible influence over the whole army. The other
generals of the Confederate army had always been supplied,
on making application, with whatever number of guns, horses,
and warlike stores, &c. they deemed necessary ; but Wise's
requisitions on such points were never heeded : on the con
trary, the heads of the Government seemed bent on placing
him in a dilemma, and he thus found himself under the neces
sity of making good the negligence of the officials from his
own resources. The same course of conduct was adopted to
ward General Henningsen. Instead of giving him an im
portant command, they persisted in selecting seme favorite
officer, however deficient he might have been in any kind of
military talent, but who, in the estimation ofthe heads ofthe
Government, was deemed a far more valuable man if he hap
pened to possess personal influence in the South. Henningsen
was looked upon in the light of a stranger ; and it was feared
that his upright, manly character might one day prove an
embarrassing obstruction to the Government officials.
General Wise was, as already stated, ordered by the Sec
retary of War to take the command of Roanoke Island. He
was, moreover, to increase his legion to the strength of 10,000
men, and to proceed to Albemarle Sound, and after taking
possession of Roanoke Island, to oppose the further advance
of the enemy. General Wise was assured that for more
than six months Captain Selden of the engineers had been ac
tively employed in placing the island in a fit state of defence,
and that the works were so fiir advanced that all that re
mained to be done was to get the guns into position ; that the

ROANOKE ISLAND. 237
island was well supplied with provisions, and that he would
find in the flotilla of the Confederacy, cruising in those waters
under the orders of Commander F. Lynch, a powerful auxil
iary to prevent any further advance of the enemy. Wise and
Henningsen were not the men to hesitate ; the former set to
work at once to organize the infantry, whilst Henningsen toolc
charge of the artillery ; and Colonel E  had the cavalry
placed under his orders.
General Wise and his associates set actively to work to
bring the legion to the required strength of 10,000 men ; re
cruiting was resorted to, but they had scarcely received their
instructions when their difficulties commenced. Recruits were
not forthcoming. In vain did General Wise solicit the Secre
tary of War, on the ground that the interests of North Caro
lina were at stake, to let him have a portion of the troops
then encamped by thousands near Richmond, that he might be
enabled to commence his march without delay, so as not to
be exposed to the chances of a battle without being adequately-
prepared for such a contingency. But General Wise had to
deal with a man who was determined to follow his own views.
The Secretary replied to his earnest solicitation by expressing
his sincere regret that he could not help him in this matter,
even had it been in his power to do so ; the President, who
exercised great control over the War Department, having al
ready decided that all the troops assembled at Richmond were
to serve on the Potomac and Tennessee. He, therefore, en
treated General Wise not to make any further delay, but to
assume the command of Roanoke Island at once, as the news
had been received that another hostile expedition was in prep
aration at Baltimore and Philadelphia under General Burn
side, the object of which was the capture of Roanoke Island ;
that if the enemy succeeded in forcing the entrance of Albe
marle Sound, and once got possession of the granaries of
North Carolina, it would be a very difficult task to drive
them out again. To dispel any further" doubts on the part of

238 WAR PICTURES.
General Wise, the Secretary of War promised him that in
structions should be sent to General Huger, at Portsmouth,
to give him every assistance in his power. These various
promises, none of which were ever fulfilled, induced General
Wise to hasten his departure, to take command of Roanoke
Island. Before starting, however, he held a sort of council of
war at his headquarters to consider the condition of the legion
under his orders.
At this conference. General Henningsen stated distinctly
that, owing to the neglect of the Secretary of War during
the campaign in Virginia, the legion was wanting in nearly
everything which it required, and had thereby suffered in its
organization and efficiency so much, that the fruits of a five
months' campaign had been thrown away ; that, even now,
though we had been six weeks in camp at Richmond, nothing
had been done for the equipment of the troops of the legion:
the batteries were still unprovided with horses, and the mus
kets of the infantry scarcely fit for use. Whilst the War
Department paid all due attention to the wants of other corps,
by providing them with efficient arms, and throwing open to
them all the resources at the disposal of the authorities, the
legion had been totally neglected ; and the Secretary of War
had made it a point of always giving that corps the most dif
ficult work to do. This, indeed, might certainly be consid
ered as an honor, and would be eagerly accepted, if the legion
could be satisfied that the Government appreciated the sacri
fices that were required of it ; but this, unfortunately, was
not the case. It was only on the previous day, that the officer
in command of the cavalry had informed him that as yet no
saddles had been provided by the store department for the
cavalry of Wise's legion, whilst a company of another body
of horse, which had only just arrived at Richmond, was at
once provided with them. Therefore, continued General
Henningsen, he was of the opinion that before undertaking
the task committed to them, they should carefuUy consider

WISE'S LEGION. 239
the serious consequences which might result to the legion, and
whic'i might in fact draw upon it the disfavor of the Govern
ment. He then proceeded to state that Captain Bolton, whom
he had sent to inspect the condition of the defensive works at
Roanoke Island, had sent him the following report :
" The island is in anything but a satisfactory state of de
fence ; the works have been constructed with such an utter
want of care and skill that they wiU scarcely be of any ser
vice. Of the twelve batteries which are put down upon the
list furnished by the'Secretary of War, there is only one that
can be regarded as serviceable ; all the others are totally use
less. Moreover, the roads in Portsmouth are in such a bad
condition that it will be difficult for the infantry to march
along them, and for guns and wagons they are quite impracti
cable." This brief and clear report could not fail to cause much
anxiety to all who heard it. General Henningse» then hav
ing issued .instructions to the various officers on whom the
duty devolved, to exert themselves to provide for the prompt
equipment and completion of the batteries, as well as that of
the cavalry and infantry, left the meeting still engaged in
warm debate.
Before the departure of the legion. General Wise again
made requisition on the Secretary of War, but in vain. Mr.
Benjamin was not tho man to be overawed ; he promised the
general that everything that was possible should be done, and
relying on this assurance, the latter was at last induced to
make final preparations to proceed to his post.
The first regiment of the legion, under Colonel Richard
son, commenced its march, followed by the regiments of An
derson, Tyler, and Green ; next came the first and second
cavalry regiments and the park of artillery, the latter under
the personal command of General Henningsen. The weather
was execrable, and everything held out the prospect of a very
disagreeable march. The columns advanced in dogged si-

240 WAR PICTURES.
lence, for the men were laboring under an impression that
they were being sent on a desperate service, in which, cut off
from all communication with the rest of the army, they
would, in all probability, fall a prey to the enemy. At Pe
tersburg a mutinous feeling became evident amongst the
troops, and the officer in command found it necessary to have
two of the ringleaders shot as an example to the others. This
act of strict discipline had a good effect upon the men, and
order was promptly restored. Notwithstanding the bad
weather, the troops marched forward at a good pace, very few
failing through fatigue. But on reaching Portsmouth our
miseries commenced in good earnest ; General Huger, who
was in command at that place, treated our officers and men
with a sort of lofty condescension ; he seemed, indeed, to look
upon the whole legion as men beneath his notice. The troops
were allotted the most miserable quarters, and no complaints
or representations on our part were at all heeded by him.
The Secretary of War had given a solemn assurance to Gene
ral Wise that he had sent instructions to the officer in com
mand at Portsmouth to do everything he possibly could to
aid the legion ; this promise was shamefully broken. To add
to the general annoyances we experienced. General Henning
sen, who had been led to expect he could procure horses at
Portsmouth for his artillery, found his hopes deceived. This
rendered his artillery almost useless, and the troops had, con
sequently, to proceed on their march without it.
Generals Wise and Henningsen then held another confer
ence, which led to the following results : General Wise was
to take command of all the infantry, and assume the com
mand of Roanoke Island as quickly as possible ; the defensive
works were to be placed under the superintendence of Captain
Bolton, of the engineers, and forthwith put in a proper state ;
the cavalry was to take up cantonments on the shore of Albe
marle Sound ; whilst General Hemiingsen would do his ut
most to procure every requisite that was needed to render hia
artillery efficient.

wise's LEGION. 241
At the conclusion of this conference, the Generals separat
ed, and at the moment of taking leave. General Wise, on shaking
his worthy associate Henningsen by the hand, could not re
frain from taking a foreboding view of the errand on which
his friend was about to start. Smarting as he was under the
effects of the broken promise of the Secretary of War, he turn
ed round in his saddle, to bestow a look of ill-concealed scorn,
in the direction of Richmond — where he had been so grossly
misled — and then started off, little suspecting that when he
and Henningsen should meet again it would be as fugitives
without their legion.
Our cavalry now advanced under great difficulties through
swampy ground to reach its intended cantonments on the
shores of Albemarle Sound. Wise, meanwhile, with a heavy
heart, pushed forward as quickly as he could, that no want of
zeal on his part should be wanting in the service of his coun
try. Handing over the command of his troops to the chief
of his staff, he hastened forwai-d, accompanied by two or three
officers only, that he might superintend in person the arrange
ments for the reception of his troops, and also assume the
command ofthe whole district. Although suffering from fever,
occasioned by the continued annoyance he had recently expe
rienced, he took no heed of his physician's advice to avoid ex
ertion, but performed the ordinary duties allotted to him with
an energy and self-denial that deserved a better reward. On
reaching Elizabeth City that night, he immediately went on
board a small war steamer lying off the town, and was con
veyed to Roanoke Island, that he might learn from the officer
in command the exact condition of the fortress. That officer's
report was most unsatisfactory. According to Mr. Benjamin's
representation, defensive works had been under preparation
for the last six months ; the truth being that little or nothing
had been done. On the following morning, the general was
on horseback by daybreak ; and, accompanied by Captain
Bolton, he made a survey ofthe island.
11

242 WAR pictures.
There can be no doubt that Roanoke is the key to the
northwest portion of the State of North Carolina ; it com
mands Albemarle Sound as well as Currituck, and is the only
point which covers Norfolk. If placed in a proper state of
defence, it is able to command no less than eight estuaries,
four canals, and two railways ; moreover, it serves to pro
tect the richest and most important part of North Carolina ;
and it is obvious that a stronghold of such value ought to have
been specially cared for by the Secretary of War. Should the
island fall into the hands of an enterprising enemy, General
Huger, in command of the troops at Portsmouth, would be
inevitably obliged to surrender with his troops, as all his
means of retreat would be cut off, and we should be obliged
ourselves to destroy our own ships to prevent them falling
into the hands of the foe. The possession of Roanoke Island
would give the enemy everything he could require to carry
out an extensive plan of operations, and thereby cause the
greatest danger to the Confederacy ; yet the Government at
Richmond seemed to be completely ignorant of or indifferent
to these obvious truths, and gave no attention whatever to the
means for rendering this important place secure. Even Gen
eral Huger seemed to be unaware of the importance of his
command, and made no preparations to meet the enemy, al
though every man of the garrison was aware that the destina
tion of the Federal naval and military forces under General
Burnside was Roanoke Island.
General Wise set to work with the most determined
energy. On the east side of Fuller Shoals, he ordered a num
ber of large pallisades to be planted so as to stretch across
from the shoals to the island, thus closing up one passage, and
ordered a new post. Fort Barton, to be constructed in such a
position as to command the sound. Commander Lynch placed
a small flotilla at bis service, and promised to keep him ac
curately informed by his cruisers ofthe enemy's movements.
The news came at last that General Burnside, with the enemy's

TREATMENT OF GENERAL AVISE. 24^
fleet, had sailed, and might be expected shortly in Pamlico
Sound. General Wise, upon receipt of this intelligence, has
tened back to Richmond in person, to point out to the Govern
ment the importance of firmly holding such a position as Roan
oke Island, and urging the necessity for their granting the
support of the 20,000 men who were lying idle at Portsmouth
under the orders of General Huger. All his representations
were fruitless. Mr. Benjamin desired him in the most uncour-
teous terms to return to his post, adding that they could not
spare him any more troops, believing as they did that, under
an able general, his force was quite strong enough to repulse
an enemy three times his number. This unreasonable way
of evading so urgent an appeal, rendered still more annoying
by the ungracious tone in which it was conveyed, greatly irri.
tated General Wise. To a few friends he confided what had
taken place, and he must then have called to mind Henning
sen's warning words at the Richmond conference. Gifted by
nature with an iron constitution, even that gave way under all
the repeated annoyances he had undergone. On reaching
Elizabeth City, he was taken seriously ill, and desired to be
conveyed in a litter, without delay, to Nagg's Plead, a promon
tory opposite to Roanoke Island, that he might be near his
troops. Here he was seized with a violent fever. A climax
to his sorrow and suffering was now at hand. The news was
brought to him the following morning that Commander Lynch
had received the information, through one of his gunboats,
that the enemy's squadron was in sight. Commander Lynch
at the same time informed him that he would engage the ene
my, so as to keep them at bay as long as possible. To appre
ciate the general's distress of mind, it should be remembered
that the defensive works on the island were not yet half finish
ed. The garrison of the fort consisted of the 8th and 31st
regiments of the State of North Carolina, and one battalion
of the 17th. As soon as General Wise received information
of the approach of the enemy, he ordered up the two regi-

244 War PICTURES.
ments of Anderson and Richardson, belonging to the legion,
and as he was incapable of assuming the direct command of
the place, he handed it over to Colonel Shaw. He despatched
one of the war steamers immediately to Edenton, where
General Henningsen was quartered with the artillery and cav
alry, with an order for him to come over at once to Roanoke
Island, to take the chief command. But before this order
reached Henningsen, the island was already in the hands of tho
enemy. On the 7th of February, 1862, the United States squad
ron of steamers and sailing vessels was reported in sight, and
the Confederate flotilla, under Commander Lynch, sought
shelter under the guns of the forts on the island. Lynch
drew up his little fighting squadron in line of battle at the
entrance of the harbor to meet the enemy. It was a dull,
foggy day. A small steamer sent out to watch the move
ments of the Federal ships, now came back at frill speed,
pursued by one of the enemy's gunboats. A 48-pound shot
from Barton's battery, athwart the gunboat's deck, warned
the commander that he had better not advance any farther.
After firing a few shots at the fort, which did no damage, the
gunboat turned back and rejoined the Federal fleet. Great
activity was now displayed in Barton's battery, and more
guns were brought into position. About noon the fog partially
cleared off, and the Federal fleet appeared in view. Their
ships at once opened fire, which was briskly returned by the
fort. Ere long, however, two of Commander Lynch's ves
sels, the Curlew and Forest, were sunk by the enemy's guns,
which disaster induced him to sail away with his remaining
vessels, and leave Roanoke Island to its fate. During the
night the Confederates worked hard to improve their defences,
and to bring more guns into position, under the superintend
ence of Major Schermerhorn and Commanders Kinney and
Selden. It was impossible to convey any information either
to Nagg's Head or to General Henningsen, as the enemy's

PALL OF ROANOKE ISLAND. 245
cruisers cut off all means of communication. At daybreak
next morning the enemy reopened fire, which was quickly
responded to by our batteries. Colonel Shaw, upon whom
the command had devolved, soon became convinced that the
defence was hopeless. He, therefore, ordered the guns to be
spiked, and with his troops withdrew to the north side of the
island. The enemy continued to pour shot and shell into
Fort Barton, which, in less than two hours, became a total
ruin. Colonel Shaw, in spite of the entreaties of his officers,
resolved to surrender. The news that Captain Wise, son of
the general, had been killed, confirmed him in this resolution,
and he sent one of his aide-de-camps to stipulate for the terms
of capitulation. The fort was, however, surrendered uncon
ditionally on the 8th February. General Wise's grief on
receiving the news of the surrender of the fort and also of
the death of his son can be more easily conceived than de
scribed. I was now charged with despatches to Richmond, to
announce the surrender of Roanoke Island at headquarters.

246 WAR pictures

CHAPTER XXXIII.
GENERAL WISE.
Anxiety at Eichmond, consequent on the surrender of Eoanoke Island — General
Wise claims the body of his son — Great grief of the father— He sends to Con
gress a formal accusation against the Secretary of War and General Huger— A
Committee appointed by Congress adopts his views— Want of confidence in
the Government — Burnside releases the prisoners of war.
Great excitement prevailed at Richmond respecting the fate
of Roanoke Island. All sorts of rumors were in circulation.
Every one knew well enough that the island had been sur
rendered, but the most contradictory statements respecting
the defence passed from mouth to mouth, or appeared in the
newspapers. It was reported, for instance, that a great battle
had taken place ; that the engagement commenced by our
small squadron under Commander Lynch, who, after he had
succeeded in sinking half the enemy's fleet, was compelled at
last to yield to superior numbers ; and that, in order to pre
vent his own ships falling into the enemy's hands, he had
blown himself up in the air ; that the enemy, provoked at
this determined resistance, had stormed Roanoke Island and
put half our men to the sword. The more absurd these
statements were, the more eagerly were they believed ; and,
as the greater portion of Wise's legion consisted of men from
Richmond and its vicinity, the excitement in the town was the
more intense. Notwithstanding my assurance that Colonel
Shaw, to avoid bloodshed, had capitulated — that our loss con-

PUNBEAL OP CAPTAIN WISE. 247
sisted of only eight killed and thirty-one wounded — no one
would believe me. All thought it far more probable that the
slaughter had been immense, that no man was left to tell the
tale, and that Richmond would have to go into general
mourning. President Jefferson Davis and Mr. Benjamin, his Secretary
of War, held long conferences together ; the subject of which
was, most probably. General Wise and his legion.
I received an order from General Wise to join him at
Portsmouth, as he wished me to apply for the body of his
son, and also to take a temporary command. Burnside im
mediately complied with General Wise's request, and issued
the necessary orders to give up the body of the captain tp the
brave old general. In a small inlet of the bay, on board a
Federal war steamer, the coffin containmg the body was
brought to us. The officers and men spoke to us in the most
friendly terms, and informed us that every attention had been
paid to Captain Wise until he breathed his last. I shook
hands with the officer who had landed, thanking him in the
general's name. He took a courteous leave of me, and his
boat was soon gliding along toward his steamer with measur
ed strokes. I stood for a few moments on the shore, watch
ing his progress, and then returned in a mournful mood in
charge of the body of poor Captain Wise. On reaching
Portsmouth all the church bells tolled, and a procession was
formed by the numerous friends of the deceased. At the
porch of the church we made a halt, awaiting the arrival of
General Wise. With bowed head and faltering step, the old
general approached, leaning on the arm of another of his
sons, the Rev. — Wise, and accompanied also by his son-in-
law. Dr. Lyons. Evincing great emotion, he went up to the
coffin, and ordered the lid to be raised, that he might once
more behold the features of his lamented son. The brother
and brother-in-law of the departed could no longer suppress
their grief, and burst into tears. The old general took the

248 WAE PICTUEES.
dead man's hand in his own, and exclaimed, in a tone of an
guish which startled all present : " You have died for me ;
you have died for your father! " And large tears rolled down
his cheeks. " He died for me ! he died for me ! " he repeated
in broken accents, and then fell insensible to the ground.
I never could have supposed this man to be capable of
showing so much feeling. I remembered seeing him, some
years previously, in his capacity as Governor of the State of
Virginia, sign the death warrants of John Bro'wn and Cook
with a firm hand, though his own daughter, on her knees be
fore him, with tears in her eyes, besought him to pardon
them ; when Cook's brother-in-law, formerly Governor of
Indiana, who had come all the way to Richmond to intercede
for him, pleaded also in vain. I remember it well. Wise
took out his cigar case, and turning to me, " Do you smoke.
Colonel ? " he said ; " these are good Havanas." He lit one
of them, and then addressing tbe suppliants, said, in a stern
voice — " This man has forfeited his life to the law, and the
law must have its course." And now, to see that that heart
of stone could melt, to see that giant mind prostrated by all
that it had undergone, made a powerful impression upon me.
More dead than alive, the stricken sire was taken away from
the coffin of his son, and removed in a carriage to Richmond.
The affair of Roanoke Island created the most indescribable
sensation, not only in the city of Richmond but through the
whole South. The people began to feel that something must
be wrong at headquarters, and a strong feeling of animosity
grew up against the President, and his confidential advisers.
For two days the effigy of a black coffin with a rope upon the
lid might be seen conspicuously displayed near the residence
ofthe President, bearing a very ominous inscription. Despite
all the efforts of the police, the perpetrators of this scurrility
could not be discovered. It was decided in the Senate that a
special committee should be formed to inquire into all the

PROTEST OP GENERAL WISE. 249
circumstances connected with the attack and defence of
Roanoke Island. It was thought that this was due to the
reputation of the army. Meantime the state of health of
General Wise was so precarious that the news of his death
was almost hourly expected. But his strong frame enabled
him gradually to recover, and he was soon well enough to
make an official report on all that had occurred. He assem
bled his staff at his bedside and dictated a formal protest
against the conduct of the President, of Mr. Benjamin, and
of General Huger. This protest was couched in moderate
but firm language, but contained such unanswerable proofs of
the failings of the Government that even the obstinate Secre
tary of War must have been astounded when he read it.
On the 3d of March, General Wise forwarded a formal
accusation to the Congress. He stated that he had willingly
accepted the command of Roanoke Island, but that after satis
fying himself by a personal inspection of the defenceless state
it was in, he reported to that efl'ect to the Secretary of War,
pointing out to him the consequences that must be expected
to result, as the island was the key to the whole coast ; and
that shortly afterward he informed the Government of tha
approach of a hostile squadron consisting of twenty-four ships,
quite capable of destroying all the batteries on the island
within twelve hours, with the distinct avowal that the garri
son was not in sufficient strength to withstand the enemy.
This report, as we have previously shown, had been treated
with contempt, no notice having been taken of it, and his per
sonal appeal to the Secretary of War had met with no better
success, although at that interview he took great pains to
demonstrate the necessity for having reinforcements as well
as supplies of ammunition without delay. That, in short, all
his efforts to' effect his object had been fruitless ; whUe an
effectual check was given to any further remonstrance on his
part oy the foUowing peremptory order, brought to him by
an aide-de-camp from the Secretary of War :
11*

250 WAR PICTUEES. " OFrioE OF Seoketart of "War,
"January 22rf, 1862.
" General Wise is ordered to proceed at once to his post
at Roanoke Island. "JuDAH P. Benjamin,
" Secretary of War."
General Wise concluded by stating, that in pursuance of
this order he left, although fully convinced he had been sacri
ficed. The result we have already shown.
Such was the purport of the accusation which was laid
before the Congress, and that body immediately ordered the
matter to be referred to a special Committee of Inquiry.
The result was that the Secretary of War was made responsi
ble for the defeat of the Confederate troops at Roanoke Island,
as it appeared that defeat might have been avoided if the
representations of Generals Wise and Henningsen had been
attended to.
" If blame attaches to any one (said the report of the com
mittee), in this matter, it ought to fall upon the Secretary of
War and General Huger." The committee further proposed
that they should both be dismissed, and that a vote of thanks
should be passed to Generals Wise and Henningsen for their
conduct. President Jefferson Davis and Mr. Benjamin had little
expected such a result, and it even startled the public mind
not a little. Confidence in the measures of the Government
was already on the wane. The President, nevertheless, pro
moted Mr. Benjamin to the post of Secretary of State of his
Cabinet, and this had the effect of still more weakening the
trust of the people in the Government.
Fourteen days after the capitulation of Roanoke Island,
General Burnside released all the prisoners of war on their
taking an oath not to serve against the United States.

BATTLE OF NEWBEEN. 251

CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE BATTLE OF NEWBEEN.
My mission to Ealeigh, North Carolina — Generals Clark and Martin — General
Branch and Colonel Spreil — My inspection of the cavalry at Newbern — A trap
per's adventures — Burnside's attack of Newbem — Conduct of the cavalry —
Eailway bridge destroyed— Eetreat on Ealeigh — ^Dismissal of Generals Branch
and Gattlin.
As soon as the men of our legion had arrived at Richmond, I
received orders to proceed to Raleigh, the seat of the Gov
ernment of North Carolina, to concert measures with Gover
nor Clark for the fortification of the coast, as the new Secretary
of War was of opinion that General Burnside, after the easy
conquest of Roanoke Island, would lose no time in attacking
Beaufort and Newbern, with the view of acquiring possession
of the whole of the North Carolina line of coast.
I found General Clark an upright soldier-like man. After
listening to all the details connected with the surrender of
Roanoke Island he sent for the officer in command of the
troops in North Carolina. That officer, a gallant veteran
with only one arm — having lost the other at the battle of
Matamoras, in Mexico — soon after made his appearance,
when the Governor requested us to make a general inspection
of the coast. After I had taken my leave of the Governor,
General Martin, the officer above alluded to, took me with
him to his headquarters that we might concert together fur
ther proceedings. Here I was introduced to his aide-de-camp.

252 WAE PICTUEES.
a Scotchman, who had only recently joined the Confederate
army. We formed a very cheerful party, and freely dis
cussed the general state of affairs in America. I expressed
the hope that my new acquaintance would live to see peace
restored on that continent — a hope that was never fulfilled,
for he fell at Baton Rouge. After inspecting the coast de
fences. General Martin. directed me to proceed to the two
most important points of defence along the coast, with orders
to send him a report of their condition. I proceeded forth
with to Goldsborough, which commands four lines of railways.
Here I was introduced to General Gattlin, whose manners I
found anything but pleasing; he spoke, too, of the enemy
with contempt. He had a considerable force under his or
ders, but the state of his troops showed a great want of disci
pline. From Goldsborough I proceeded to Newbern, at the
railway station of which place I was met by the commanding
officers of the cavalry force quartered there, and I then pro
ceeded to pay my respects to General Branch, the chief officer
in command. On the following day I accompanied the general and his
aide-de-camp on a visit of inspection to the forts which de
fended Newbern. Colonel Spreil, the aide-de-camp, belonged
to the 2d cavalry regiment, and led the way at a rattling pace
over the fine railway bridge which here spans the river Neuse,
and we reached the forts just as the men were going through
their drill. Fort Thompson, which, according to the gene
ral's idea, was a masterpiece as a defensive work, mounted
fifteen 64-pounders, two of which were rifled. The officer in
command ofthe battery was not up to his work, but felt con
vinced that if the enemy's fleet should make its appearance,
its commander would very soon manage to establish his head
quarters at Newbern. Fort Ellis was not completed, but
nevertheless, it mounted nine guns, also 64-pounders. The
works were carried on here just as if no danger was appre
hended. The commander of the place was an easy-going sort

A DINNER AT CAMP. 253
of man, smoking his pipe by his fireside, and apparently car
ing as little about his general and staff as he did about Burn
side and his fleet. This man's coolness and unconcern were
quite astounding. " If my comrades," said he, " should really
attempt to defend the place, I will stand by them ; should
they run away, I am not far from the bridge, so I may as
well smoke my pipe quietly, and not bother myself by an
ticipating the course of events."
We then proceeded to Fort Thompson, where we found
the commandant practising his men at the guns. My as
tonishment, I must own, was aroused at the precision the ar
tillerymen consistently displayed in not hitting their mark ;
and I came to the conclusion that if General Burnside had
only the slightest notion of how matters stood, he would at
once make sail for Newbern, and take the place without risk
ing the loss of a man.
Exhausted by our long ride, I requested General Branch
to accompany me to the cavalry encampment, where I had
been invited to dine. General Branch offered his arm to the
colonel's wife, and the other officers followed. As long as
dinner lasted, which, by the by, was a very good one, all went
on smoothly ; but as soon as the champagne went round,
every man present was "eager to make a speech. Americans,
I have observed, are all fond of displaying their oratorical
powers on festive occasions. After a speech of some half an
hour's duration. General Branch proposed a toast in honor of
the Confederacy, which was responded to in a speech scarcely
inferior in length, by the colonel of the 2d regiment of cavalry,
in the course of which he dilated in glowing terms on the
matchless gallantry of his troops — their prowess being such
as to throw the deeds of the Greeks and Romans into the
shade ; according to him the whole corps was ready to die,
if needful, to the last man. I need not add that this speech
was received with tumultuous applause. " Gentlemen," con
cluded the gallant colonel, rising from his seat, " let us make

254 WAR PICTURES.
Newbern a second Sebastopol — before the walls of which the
enemy must perish ! " Cheers resounded on all sides ! " Yes !
Newbern shall be a second Sebastopol ! " General Branch
then rose and made another speech, and stated that his guest,
Colonel Estvan, had, with 10,000 men, defended Sebastopol
against all the combined forces of England and France ! The
noise increased. Colonel Spreil was again on his legs, and
said that with 10,000 of his own brave fellows he would have
taken Sebastopol in fourteen days, and not have left one stone
upon another.
I was now called upon to make a speech in reply. " My
friends," said I, " how would you go to work if General
Branch, with 10,000 of his best men, undertook the defence
of Sebastopol, and Colonel Spreil, with 10,000 of his cav
alry attacked it ? What would be the result ? " They
stared with astonishment at these words, and I sat down,
curious to see how they would solve their own problem.
Another subject was then broached, but I soon perceived that
I had lost their favor. At last^ the general rose to depart,
and we returned to Newbern with our small staff.
On the following day I visited the cavalry encampment,
to inspect the two regiments there. I found them a fine body
of men, but as regarded their weapons, there was much room
for improvement ; a great portion of the troopers were armed
with heavy carbines with bayonets, in addition to a sword and
revolver. When on horseback, fully accoutred, one of these men
had the appearance of a movable arsenal ; probably the colo
nel did not deem himself safe unless his men were thus armed
to the teeth. The horses, too, were in a very bad condition ;
whUe the manoeuvring was indifferent, and the men seemed
to have no idea of sword exercise, each man using his weapon
as best suited his own notions. So I returned to Raleigh
anything but satisfied with the result of my inspection. Be
fore waiting upon the Governor, I solicited an interview with

GENERAL MAETIN. 255
General Martin, and was received by him with a bland smile.
" Well, Colonel," said h'e, " what do you think of the troops 1 "
" If," I replied, " they can fight as well as they talk, we need
not be under the slightest anxiety for the safety of our coasts."
" You are right," he replied ; " all that they can do is to talk,
and that I fear will be our ruin. If General Burnside only
knew how to turn his recent advantage to good account, he
would be in the possession of our whole line of coast within
a fortnight. Look here," he continued, as he spread a map
on the table, " if Newbern and Beaufort are taken, Burnside
will push on to Goldsborough and Weldon by a flank move
ment, which will place our main roads of traffic and railways
in his hands, and our army will be split in two. His fleet
will attack WUmington, and our forts, Caswell, Smithville,
anjd Fisher, under Commander Iverson, will have to surrender.
All these gentlemen, with the exception of Commander Iver
son, who formerly served in the United States army, have no
idea of the importance of the posts which they hold, and, be
lieve me, it is a most difficult task to make them aware of
their duties. Often whole companies will leave a battle field
with their commanders, not from cowardice, but simply be
cause they fancy they have had enough fighting for the day,
and that others should have their turn also. When you re
turn to Richmond, Colonel, I wish you would seriously fSpre-
sent to the Government the necessity that exists for sending
out new commanders to all the forts along the coast, as well
as some able engineer officers ; the cavalry might be very
well spared from Newbern, and that force replaced by some
efficient battalions of infantry. We also stand in need of a
few thousand stand of arms. If this is not done, I look upon
Newbern as lost, and Goldsborough, Weldon, and Wilming
ton, also. Having frankly given you my opinion, I recom
mend you now to pay your respects to Governor Clark."
After taking a cordial leave of the general, I proceeded to
pay the Governor a visit. He happened to be out, but I ac-

256 WAR PICTUEES.
cepted the invitation of his secretary to take a stroll with
him outside the town. As we went along, this amiable old
gentleman also opened his mind to me. " This unfortunate
war," he said, "can never have a happy termination; all
revolutions end badly, and I fear this will be the case with
ours. The people generally have never been consulted by the
leaders of the movement, and I suspect that many amongst
them are simply working upon the minds of the people for
their own ends. I grieve, when I think how many loyal
Unionists have been compelled to pretend to show a feeling
of sympathy for a Government which, hitherto, has only
brought misery upon them."
About two mUes outside the town, we met a tall, impos
ing looking man, dressed in leathern clothes, with moccasons
on his feet. Two revolvers and a bowie knife were stuck in
his belt, together with a tomahawk, while on his shoulder he
carried a rifle of unusual length. His hair and beard seemed
quite unacquainted with the use of a comb, and altogether, his
appearance was remarkable. This prairie trapper passed by
us with a polite "good evening." As we turned round to
look after him, with some curiosity, he suddenly stopped,
leaned upon his rifle, and stared hard at my companion, whose
countenance suddenly betrayed great emotion. " Father !
fathel- ! " exclaimed the trapper, as he rushed into my friend's
arms and met his embrace. Fourteen years previously he
had left his home to seek his fortune in the far West, and
since then no tidings had been heard of him. After the father
had presented to me in due form the son whom he had sup
posed dead long ago, the latter related his adventures to us.
He had been to Oregon, where he tried his hand as a gold
digger and hunter. When he heard of the civil war between
the North and South, he resolved to return home ; but having
no money, he performed the journey of 8,000 miles on foot,
from Oregon to North Carolina, over mountains, and through
forests and prairies ; having, on his venturous journey, en-

APPEOACH OF THE ENEMY. 257
countered wild beasts and hostile tribes ; and at last, on
reaching the frontier of Missouri, he was made prisoner by a
detachment of dragoons under Colonel Sturgis, but who, on
hearing his story, allowed him to proceed home unmolested,
influenced, no doubt, by the reflection, that as the Almighty
had, in so wonderful a manner, watched over the safety of this
man in his perilous journey homeward, it was not for man to
stop him in the fulfilment of his object. The news of the re
turn of this long-absent wanderer from the remote region of
Oregon on foot, spread like wildfire through the town, and
the whole population crowded round him to hear his adven
tures. He did not remain long in his father's house. A com
mission as captain in a regiment of infantry was granted him,
and the poor fellow was shot in action shortly afterward,
and thus his ardent wish to die for his country was accom
plished. On my return to Richmond, I delivered my despatches,
but was soon summoned back to Raleigh. On my arrival
there, I was informed that General Burnside had already col
lected his fleet, with the apparent intention of attacking New
bern. I started accordingly at once for General Branch's
camp, to see what steps he had taken for the defence of the
place. At Goldsborough the most extraordinary rumors
were in circulation. Thus General Burnside was said to have
attacked Beaufort, and, as had been reported after the surren
der of Roanoke Island, had put the garrison to the sword,
after a valiant defence. As I proceeded on my way, I found
the excitement had increased. At Kingston I left the railway,
and procured horses, and rode on as fast as I could, accom
panied only by an aide-de-camp.
As I approached Newbern, the distant roar of cannon be
came more and more distinct. Suddenly a number of horse
men galloped past me in full flight, and amongst them I fancied
I could discern the gallant colonel with whom I had dined not
long ago. He gave me a hurried nod and passed on. On

258 WAE PICTURES.
reaching Newbern I did my best to rally the men, and so fai
succeeded, that they sunk one of the enemy's gunboats, and
blew up the forts, that they might not fall into hostile hands,
and thereby impede the movements of our troops. A 24-
pound gun just then burst, and the fragments fell amongst my
men, who forthwith took to their heels. Newbern I found
looking bad enough.
General Branch had secured a railway carriage for him
self, and started off inland. Troops without their officers
passed me in confusion, and throwing away their arms, rushed
across the bridge. They all told wonderful stories of the
feats performed by their respective regiments. According to
their account they had all fought like so many devils, but the
force of the enemy not being less than 100,000 men, they had
no chance against them. The fact is. General Branch had run
away, and all discipline was at an end. I crossed the bridge
and endeavored to restore some kind of order amongst the
troops, but in vain. The 19th regiment of infantry, under
Colonel Burgwine, now came up ; I asked him to throw out
his men as skirmishers, in order to protect the baggage, and
to allow time for the withdrawal of the guns. The colonel,
who was a brave soldier, acquiesced in my request, and or
dered his men to halt. A few other companies joined, and
they kept up so well-sustained a fire that the enemy's advan
cing troops, which, on the flight of our own, had pushed too
far forward, were compelled to fall back, fancying that we had
received reinforcements. This was a great point gained, as it
enabled us to save our valuable baggage. The Federal troops
now delivered so deadly a fire that our troops were driven
from their positions, and we bad to cross the bridge, to which
we set fire immediately after, in order to prevent its falling
into the hands of the enemy. In a few moments dense
columns of smoke denoted that this work of destruction was
in progress. Whilst this noble bridge, once the pride of tbe people of

FRIGHT AT NEWBERN. 259
North Carolina, was thus becoming a prey to the flames, the
enemy actually stopped firing to witness the grand and awful
spectacle. The flames rapidly increased, the timbers crackled,
and the whole structure finally fell with a tremendous
crash into the river below ; and then, for a brief interval, all
was still again. The enemy presently reopened fire, and
drove the Confederate troops from their position in front of
the town. Inside all was confusion. The inhabitants endeav
ored to save themselves and their chattels, and every kind of
vehicle serviceable for such a purpose was eagerly laid hold
of In vain did we endeavor to persuade the scared citizens
that General Burnside was an honorable enemy, a man of
humane disposition, and that there was no reason for this
precipitate flight ; it was all in vain. As the last train start
ed the enemy's shot reached the station, but fortunately did
no damage. The Confederate troops rallied at Kingston.
General Branch found it no easy task to reestablish his repu.
tation for bravery. General Burnside, apparently satisfied
with the advantages he had so easily gained, turned his atten
tion more to the civil administration of the place than to
military measures. Had he been aware of the disorganized
state our army was in, he might have then given it a death.
blow. Had he taken advantage of the moral defeat which we
had sustained, he could have easily driven us out of both
Kingston and Goldsborough, and have caused our local gov
ernment at Raleigh to decamp ; he might have threatened
Weldon and Wilmington, and no doubt many inhabitants of
North Carolina would have greeted his arrival among them
very cordially. As it happened, however, Burnside, who had
us really in his power, allowed us to escape with only a
fright. The confusion which prevailed at Newbern spread to
Raleigh, for as soon as General Gattlin, who was at Golds
borough, heard of Branch's retreat, he became so alarmed that
he was incapable of doing anything. General Branch's re
peated orders to join him with all the troops he could gather

260 WAR PICTURES.
together met with no attention ; his officers shielded them-
selves behind the general's responsibility, and would not take
orders from any one else. The managers of the banks at
Raleigh packed up their cash and fled toward Charlotte, as it
was feared the enemy might soon occupy the former place.
But as General Burnside desisted from any further onward
movement, the Confederate troops were allowed time to re
organize. On these events becoming known at Richmond, the Secre
tary of War ordered Generals Branch and Gattlin to resign
their commissions. The command was then given to General
Anderson ; and the Confederate Government also ordered all
the disposable troops on the Potomac, under General Ran
som, to proceed to the support of the army in North Caroli
na. Indeed, the Secretary of War exerted himself to the
utmost to make good the losses suffered by the Confederate
forces in that quarter through the misconduct and incompe
tence of their commanders.

MERRIMAC AND MONITOR. 261

CHAPTER XXXV.
THE " MERRIMAC " AND THE " MONITOR."
Activity in the dockyards at Portsmouth— Mysterious naval preparations— The
M&rrimaG completed — The Confederate squadron steams out of harbor — Speech
of Captain Buchanan to the crew of tho Merrifnao— Position of the enemy's
squadron— The Merrimac first attacks the Congress, and theu sinks tbe Ctim-
berland — Renewed attack on the Congress: surrender and destruction of that
ship- Captain Buchanan wounded — Arrival of the Monitor — Action between
the Monitor and the Jferrimac— The Merrimac returns to Norfolk.
The Confederate troops had left their positions on the Poto
mac and at Manassas, and were quickly retreating on all sides
toward Richmond, in order to make that capital the basis of
their operations. Only Jackson's corps and Ewell's division
had been ordered to take up positions in the Shenandoah
Valley, for the purpose of repelling any movements which
the enemy might undertake in that direction. In the interval
every means was devised to convert the town of Richmond
into a second Sebastopol. The James River had to be put in
such a state of defence as to protect the capital from an attack
by the enemy's fleet. To this end the inspectors and superin
tendents of the dockyards at Portsmouth displayed the great
est activity. The naval establishments, which had all been
repaired and rebuilt since their demolition, were, consequent
ly, all set busily to work, and an extraordinary number of
hands were engaged in hastening all kinds of warlike prepa
rations. The dockyards and the arsenals were also put in a

202 WAR PICTUEES.
State of defence, and large slabs of sheet iron from Ander
son's foundery were brought to Portsmouth for the casing of
ironclads. The people were, as usual, very inquisitive, but
the Government kept its secrets effectually ; so much so, that
the public only acquired information in a general kind of way,
and of such a character as it suited the Government to spread.
Everybody talked of ihe ship that was being constructed in
the dockyard, and which was to be cased over with iron of
such a thickness as to be impenetrable to even the heaviest
shot. This was, however, not fully believed in ; it was rather
construed as a boastful rumor purposely spread by the naval
authorities, by way of accounting in somewise for the large
sums which had been lavished without any apparent result.
A few days before the Merrimac put to sea there was a
rumor current that she had - sunk in the basin of the dock
yard, and no little discontent was manifested by a portion of
the public, which went so far as to cause a demand to be made
upon the Government for the removal of Mallory, the incom
petent Secretary of the Navy, as he was held to be.
In the meanwhile Commodore Tatnall and Captain Bu
chanan daily made regular inspections throughout the dock
yards. At length, on the 12th May, 1862, the riddle was
solved, much to the satisfaction of the impatient citizens ; and
tbe Confederate fleet, consisting of the ironclad Merrimac,
mounting ten heavy 68-pounders ; the corvette Patrick Henry,
with twelve guns (24 and 32-pounders); the steamer Jamestown,
mounting two guns, and the gunboats Leager, Beaufort, and
Ealeigh, with one gun each, started for Hampton Roads. Thou
sands of spectators had assembled to witness the animating
spectacle of a naval engagement of so novel a kind, and it was
indeed an interesting sight to see the little Confederate arma
da steaming out.
This small squadron was commanded by Captain Bu
chanan, who had hoisted his flag on board the Merrimac ; and
before starting that officer harangued his officers and crew in
th© following tpnns •.

THE FEDERAL SQUADEON. 263
" We are now about to see the faces of our enemies ; this
honor has for a long time been withheld from us, and granted
only to the land forces. This day, however, we shall have
that gratification. You shall see your enemies ; and I pro
mise you that it will not be long before you are engaged with
them. Remember that you fight for your rights and
for your country. You see the enemy's ships yonder. You
must destroy them. I do not say. Will you do it ? for I know
you will ! "
This curt address was not lost on the men ; they received
it with loud cheers, and even those who, up to that moment,
may have felt some scruples in serving on board such an iron
prison as the Merrimac, plucked up in spirit. The iron mon
ster now steamed away into the bay, but looked withal so dark,
ominous, mysterious, and uncouth a structure, that it seemed
to move along unnaturally on the waters. No human being,
indeed, was to be seen on this moving fortress, as it towered
gloomily over the little flotilla of gunboats, which sought the
protection of its formidable armament. The thousands who
had gathered together on the shores, to watch the progress of
the Confederate fleet, looked on with beating hearts, and eyes
anxiously strained.
The formidable ships of the Federal navy were anchored
out in the quiet bay, within easy distance, their pennants
waving gently in the breeze. The Cumberland, a splendid
frigate, mounting forty guns, was in advance, and to the right
the frigate Congress, whUst a little further back the stately
Minnesota rode at anchor, surrounded by several small steam
ers, and in the distant horizon appeared the numerous masts
of merchant vessels.
The enemy now began hurriedly to signal from their
mastheads, which certified plainly enough to our crews that
their approach was not unexpected. Presently a tremendous
fire was opened from the ports of the Minnesota, on which ship
was hoisted a flag, as a signal for the commencement of the en-

264 AVAR PICTURES.
gagement. All the enemy's small craft now scrambled under
the protection of her guns like chickens under the wings of
their parent bird, seeking shelter in the direction of Fort
Monroe. Great activity was now observable on board the enemy's
two frigates. Their ports opened, and their formidable guns
showed their angry mouths as if in defiance of the approach
ing foe. As soon as our vessels had got within range, all the
gunboats kept some distance astern, and the Merrimac passed
on steadily by herself. As soon as she got alongside of the
Congress, she fired a broadside into her, which was imme
diately replied to by that frigate, and by all the land batteries
as well, but with literally no effect, for the shot glided harm
lessly off the J/errmac's iron sides like so many hailstones.
Thus unhurt, she steamed toward the Cumberland without
taking the slightest notice of the fire directed upon her by the
unfortunate ship which she had doomed to destruction.
When within forty yards of the Cumberland the crew of the
Merrimac could distinctly hear the orders that were given on
board that frigate, and the remarks made by her crew, " What
the devil is this, coming 1 What can she be about 1 "
The commander of the Merrimac now raked the Cumber
land's decks with an enormous cylinder shell, and this fearful
missile dealt tremendous havoc amongst her crew. The Mer
rimac then swept round in a half circle, running her pointed
beak straight into the sides of the Cumberland. The captain
of that frigate, meanwhile, directed a heavy fire upon the
Merrimac from every gun which could be brought to bear
upon her at such close quarters ; the shots, however, glanced
harmlessly off the deck and sides of this sea monster, which
continued its course, and the Merrimac' s sharp point was soon
buried in the frigate's stalwart hull. A stunning crash is
heard, and the next minute the magnificent frigate is seen
reeling about like a drunken man. Her brave captain, un
willing to yield, continues his fire in spite of tbe desperate

MERRIMAC AND CONGRESS, 265
condition of his ship. Gradually the frigate settles down
deeper and deeper in the water, and the waves are seen, pour
ing in at the portholes ; once more she rises and vomits forth
fire on her assailant, and then, finally heeling over, the fine
ship sinks to rise no more, carrying a large number of her
ill-fated crew along with her. She went down noiselessly —
her brave crew emulating her in this respect by meeting their
fate without uttering a cry. For a few moments after she
sank, the waters were disturbed where she had but so lately
been riding in all the pride of conscious strength, and then
settled calmly over her.
The destruction of this splendid ship, with so many of her
crew, in broad daylight and the calmest weather, in the midst
of this beautifiil bay, must have caused a panic among the re
mainder of the enemy's squadron. Nevertheless, the Congress
kept her ground, and prepared to defend the honor of her flag
against the redoubtable ironclad. The Merrimac now steered
straight for that frigate ; but her career was presently checked
by her getting into shoal water. Her captain, judging that it
would be impracticable for him to get any closer to the Con
gress, then opened a heavy fire upon that ship. Ere long the
Merrimac's projectiles pierced through the frigate's wooden
walls, and caused such destruction on board that her com
mander was obliged to strike his flag and surrender. Captain
Buchanan then ceased firing, and signalled the gunboat Beaio-
fort, ordering Lieutenant Parker, her commander, to go on
board the Congress and receive her flag, and to bring away all
the officers and crew. Captain Smith and Lieutenant Pren-
dergast of the Congress, in reply to this latter summons, re
quested permission to remain on board their ship, in order to
take care of the wounded, which was readily granted by Cap
tain Buchanan. At this juncture, however, the land batteries
most injudiciously again opened fire upon the gunboat Beau
fort, and although no casualty ensued therefrom. Captain
Buchanan was so incensed that he ordered red-hot shot to be
12

266 WAR PICTURES.
fired into the Congress to effect her total destruction. Just
about this time, however, he was struck on the foot by a
Minie bullet, and was obliged to hand over the command to
his first lieutenant, Jones, to whom he gave stringent orders
to sink the unfortunate Congress. The lieutenant executed
this command to the letter, and in spite of all the efforts of
the enemy's frigate Minnesota, and of the Roanohe and Law
rence, to assist their stricken consort, the Congress was utterly
destroyed. MeanwhUe a feeling of prodigious excitement pervaded
the crowd of spectators on shore. Two of the enemy's for
midable frigates had already been destroyed by our iron
scourge, and the next day no doubt she would effect the demo
lition of the enemy's remaining ships. Our sanguine people
already indulged in pleasant anticipations of a reopened in
tercourse with, Europe. So certain, indeed, did many feel at
the realization of their hopes, that they at once set about
taking measures for the opening of the port preparatory
to various mercantile speculations. They complacently di
lated, too, upon the consequences that might be expected to
ensue from the triumphal progress of the Merrimac to Wash
ington ; not doubting that she would destroy everything in
her way thither. Probably but few were composed enough
to sleep that night. Thousands, indeed, encamped on the
shores of the bay, eagerly awaiting the dawn of day and the
recommencement ofthe naval battle.
The day broke at last, and discovered an enormous as
semblage of people awaiting the coming event in eager ex
pectation. The enemy's frigates Roanohe and Lawrence had
sought protection under the guns of Fort Monroe, but the
colossal frigate Minnesota still lay quietly at anchor in the
bay. Alongside of her, however, was to be seen a curious
little craft of no particular form, resembling more a capsized
whaler than anything else. By and by, the Merrimac steamed
out into the bay toward her antagonist, amidst the vocifei-ous
cheers of the thousands mllected on the shores.

DUEL OF THE IRONCLADS. 267
Captain Buchanan had sent his gunboats Jamestown and
Yorktown ahead, to reconnoitre the strange-looking little craft.
They approached her with the utmost caution, and as they
gradually drew near, she fired two shots at them from the
enormous guns that now peeped from the turret on her deck,
by way of welcome or warning ; they received the compli
ment in the latter sense, and hastily retreated. The Merri
mac now put on full steam, and bore down on her little enemy
with the object of running her beak into her so as to sink her
by sheer weight. She had already got to within thirty yards'
distance, and was preparing for the fatal thrust, when the
Monitor twisted suddenly round, like a fish, and at the same
moment discharged one of her heavy guns point blank at the
Merrimac, to let her know that she had now to encounter a
foe as formidable as herself The Merrimac then slowly
ranged alongside her diminutive antagonist, and both opened
fire with ordnance of a more destructive character than had
ever before been employed in naval encounters : 100 and
120-pounder Armstrong, and other equally powerful guns,
discharging their fire at a distance of 150 yards. But it was
to little purpose ; the balls glancing off equally from the iron
sides of both ships.
This useless cannonade continued for more than two
hours, when another attempt was made by the Merrimac to
run down her enemy ; but the Monitor again skilfully avoided
the intended shock, and managed, moreover, to send a shell
through one of the portholes of her antagonist, spreading
death and destruction among the crew. The Merrimac now
continued her fire with redoubled fury ; but it was steadily
replied to ; and the commander of the Merrimac, seeing the
impossibility of seriously damaging his opponent, at last
veered round, and steamed away toward Norfolk, leaving the
Monitor in possession of the waters which had been the scene
of this unparalleled conffict.
The multitude assembled on the shores, eagerly watching

2t)8 WAR PICTURES.
the progress of the fight, could not comprehend how it was
that the Merrimac failed to destroy the insignificant-looking
craft that had dared to attack her. But, when they ascer
tained the real state of the case, and that the little enemy was
also one of those wonderful ironclads, capable of disputing
the entrance of the port with the Merrimac, they were ex
ceedingly wroth, and denounced in no measured terms, not
only the Merrimac, but the Naval Secretary, by whose direc
tions she had been constructed, for not having built at the
same time a couple of such ships, in order to insure the open
ing of the harbor.
It happened, however, that the movements of M'Clellan's
army were assuming such an aspect as speedily to divert the
attention of these politicians to other and no less important
matters.

.m'clellan's plan op OPERATIONS. 269

CHAPTER XXXVI.
DESTRUCTION OF THE " MERRIMAC."
M'Clellan's ill-concealed plan of operations in the Peninsula — Preparations on both
sides — M'CIellan not supported by the Government — He assembles his troops at
Fortress Monroe — Alarm at Richmond — General Huger ordered to destroy the
fortifications at Portsmouth — Federal troops take possession of Portsmouth —
The MerTtjnac destined for New York — Arrival of the enemy's ships — The
Merrimac ordered to he blown up.
It was no longer a secret to the Confederate chief that it was
General M'Clellan's intention to transfer his operations to the
Peninsula. Large forces were, accordingly, ordered to pro
ceed there forthwith, and instructions sent at the same time
to General Magruder to place Yorktown, as well as Williams
burg, in such a state of defence that, if threatened, both should
be able to stand a siege. General Magruder, who had for a
long time held a command on the Peninsula, lost no time, ac
cordingly, in carrying out these instructions, and he soon for
tified Yorktown so strongly, that it was in a condition to
stand the siege of a large army.
General M'CIellan, who had been greatly annoyed at the
defeat of the Federal army at Manassas, must have been
much mortified to find that all the secret plans he thought he
had so carefully prepared should be, as they now were, re
vealed through some underhand agency. No sooner was his
intended scheme of operations kno-wn at Washington, than it
was communicated by means of active espionage to the Gov-

270 WAR PICTURES.
ernment at Richmond, where the necessary steps were forth
with taken to counteract it. As our generals were thus pos
sessed long beforehand of the knowledge of M'Clellan's in
tentions, they were enabled to prepare for every contingency.
Our voluntary abandonment of Manassas must have caused
no small astonishment to the enemy. If the secret of M'Clel
lan's comprehensive plan of operations had not oozed out, and
if the Federal Government had given him all the support in
their power needed to carry out that plan, and had placed all
the disposable troops at his command, its success would have
been brilliant, and this fratricidal war might, probably, have
been long since terminated.
But, as I have already said, the authorities at Washington
acted with very little foresight, and they still continued to
display the same want of common sense that led to the disas.
ters at Bull Run and Manassas. By this mismanagement on
their part, M'CIellan was deprived of the triumphs which he
fancied he had effectually secured. Now that the general's
plan was known to a great extent, he had no further reason
for concealing it, and he proceeded at once to superintend the
embarcation of his troops with all his habitual zeal and en
ergy. As he was prevented from making use of the direct
communication between James river and Richmond, owing to
its being blockaded by the Merrimac, he promptly collected a
fleet at Alexandria, and by its aid succeeded in conveying his
troops to Fortress Monroe, with the intention of advancing
from that point upon Richmond by land. The Federal Gov
ernment acted as if it really wished to thro\v every possible
obstacle in the way of the execution of a plan which was al
ready beset with difficulties. Thus it deprived the general of
M'Dowell's corps, and condemned the latter to inactivity ; a
measure which at a subsequent period became the cause of a
very serious misfortune to the arms of the Federal Govern
ment. At last, General M'CIellan, having succeeded in assembling

ALARM AT RICHMOND. 271
his army under the walls of Fortress Monroe, resolved to
push on by the shortest road with the greater portion of his
force to Yorktown — Cleaving the fleet to convey the remainder
of his troops up the York river — in order to cut off any at
tempt at retreat on the part of the Confederates.
The news of M'Clellan's operations in the Peninsula
caused the greatest consternation throughout the South. The
confusion which prevailed, at Richmond especially, but indeed
all throiigh the Peninsula, was extreme ; and although the
Confederate Government had for weeks past been informed of
M'Clellan's plans, the news of his landing at Fortress Monroe
fell upon them like a thunderbolt, and the most contradictory
orders were thereupon issued. The dread that then prevailed
at Richmond must be ascribed chiefly to the .conduct of Presi
dent Jefferson Davis and his wife, who, as soon as intelligence
of the advance of the enemy had reached them, not only took
every precaution to place their family in safety, but despatched
to North Carolina all the valuable property at Richmond
which had been placed at the President's disposal ; such as
plate, pictures, works of art, jewels, &c. Such a course of
proceeding caused much unnecessary alarm to the good citi
zens of Richmond, and no little irritation. So complete was
the removal of the President's effects, that it was said that
Mrs. Jefferson Davis actually ordered all the curtains to be
taken down, and the carpets taken up, that they might be
packed up with the rest of the furniture of the presidential
residence for removal to North Carolina. This was not con
sidered a becoming example ofthe firmness and magnanimity
expected from the elected head of the Confederacy for the
purpose of encouraging the citizens. The effect was, as may
be supposed, to bring about a general removal from the town.
Great confusion also prevailed at the various public offices ;
the Government property was removed to North Carolina,
and all the bank-note presses to Columbus. The Secretaries
of War and the Navy, Randolph and MaUory, proceeded to

272 WAR PICTUEES.
Norfolk and Portsmouth ; not, as might have been supposed,
to take measures for saving what could be preserved at those
important naval stations, but to destroy everything. A hu
miliating day for the cause of the Confederacy was now at
hand. General Huger was intrusted with the disgraceful task
of destroying the valuable docks and Government stores at
Portsmouth. Although there were no less than 30,000 excel
lent troops in and around Norfolk, the order he received was
fully carried out, and thus the docks and building yards be
came a prey to the flames. General Huger proved by his
zeal in performing this work that he was well suited for it.
Property to the value of many millions, much of which might
have been saved, was destroyed in the most reckless manner.
Such precipitation, indeed, was displayed in the process of
general demolition, that the fact of the Merrimac's lying in
the bay was quite overlooked. As soon as the Secretary of
War had ordered Huger to burn the dockyard at Ports
mouth, the chief of the naval department lost no time in
sending orders to Captain Tatnall, who commanded the Mer
rimac, to send all the smaller vessels to Richmond, and then
to sail with the Merrimac toward New York, to destroy all
vessels laden with corn he should meet with, and after having
performed this service to blow up the Merrimac — his instruc
tions appearing to imply also that he was to share the same fate !
It will be seen from this that the Confederate ministers
knew how to issue orders on a grand scale ; but it was a much
easier task to burn trading vessels than to oppose a foe like
M'CIellan. The Confederate troops conveyed all their guns
to Suffolk and Petersburg. The flames from the burning
dockyards at Portsmouth made General Wool, in command
of the Federal troops at Fortress Monroe, aware of the retreat
of our forces, and he did not hesitate to take immediate posses
sion of that port so pusUlanimously abandoned, which might
have held out for months against an army of 30,000 men.
The example lately shown by the commanders and crews

PATE OF THE MERRIMAC. 273
of the Federal frigates Cumberland and Congress, in the gal
lant but hopeless defence of their ships when opposed to the
Merrimac, ought surely to have inspired the Confederate
authorities with sufficient resolution to make some attempt to
retain their hold of such valuable naval stations as Ports
mouth and Norfolk.
Thus Norfolk and Portsmouth were abandoned or demol
ished by the Confederate troops, while outside in the bay lay
the victorious Merrimac, little aware of the sad fate that
awaited her. Captain Tatnall, her commander, being quite at
a loss how to obey the orders he had received, was anxiously
pacing up and down the deck of his ship. To attempt to
destroy the shipping at New York was practicable enough,
but to blow himself up in the air to please Mr. Mallory was
rather too much to be expected of him ! He thought it ad
visable, under the circumstances, to hold a sort of council of
war in his cabin, when he put the following questions to his
officers :
1. "Are the officers of the Merrimac ready to take her to
New York, and there to fulfil the orders that have been sent
to me 1 "
Reply: "Yes."
2. " Is the Merrimac so constructed that she can stand the
fire of all the batteries of Fortress Monroe 1 "
Reply: "No!"
After a long debate it was finally resolved to run up the
James River to assist in its defence. Captain Tatnall accord
ingly set to work, and during the night everything that could
be spared was thrown overboard ; but as she rose some eight
feet in the water in consequence, she could no longer be prop
erly called an ironclad, for her hull below the water line was
unprotected, and she was, therefore, no match for the Moni
tor. The hostile fleet shortly made its appearance in the bay,
and Captain Tatnall, perceiving the hopeless position he was
in, ordered the boats to be lowered, sent his crew of 340 men
12*

274 WAR PICTURES.
on shore, and ordered the Merrimac to be set on fire from
stem to stern. The work of destruction was more speedily
completed than could have been imagined. Dense volumes
of smoke rushed out of the portholes. Gun after gun ex
ploded, and in a short time that famous vessel, a striking in
stance of man's constructive power, so recently the conqueror
of two formidable frigates, was wrapped in one mass of vivid
flame. Ere long a fearful explosion announced that the
flames had reached the powder magazine, and so terminated
the career of the Merrimac.

SIEGE OF YORKTOWN, 275

CHAPTER XXXVII.
SIEGE OF YORKTOWN.
M'CIellan advances on Yorktown, and commences the siege— Abandonment of
that city— Magruder' s retreat — M'CIellan advances against Williamsburg— At
tack and repulse of General Hooker — He is supported by Kearny and Heint
zelman— Activity of Magruder — M'CIellan sends reinforcements — Hancock's
successful attacks- Desperate exertions of General Magruder — M'CIellan comes
up and drives back the Confederates — Consternation at Williamsburg — Ma
gruder holds out — General Johnston takes the chief command — Retreat on
Richmond— A cavalry combat — Retreat of the Confederates.
General M'Clellan, in spite of the bad condition of the
roads, continued his advance on Yorktown, resolutely over
coming every obstacle on the way, and thereby inspiring his
troops with full confidence in their commander. On approach
ing that place, however, he found that the Confederate General
Magruder had, by using the utmost exertion, placed that city
in an excellent state of defence, and that consequently it
would be necessary for him to lay formal siege to it. The
requisite siege works were then comrhenced under great diffi
culties, and the heavy guns brought up. It is only those well
acquainted with the topography of the country who can fully
estimate the jlifficulties which the Federal troops had to over
come. After a month's hard labor the batteries were so near
completion that the guns could be mounted. During all this
time the Federal troops had to sustain a continual fire, and to
bear the brunt of occasional sorties from the garrison. Ma-

276 WAR PICTURES.
gruder, moreover, had assembled a force at Yorktown strong
enough to enable him, if necessary, to take the open field and
give battle to the enemy. Whilst thus actively at work and
animated by a feeling of confidence, Magruder received an
order from the Secretary of War to evacuate Yorktown as
quietly as possible — leaving all his guns in position — and to
fall back upon the second line of defence at Williamsburg.
This unexpected order gave, as may be supposed, the greatest
annoyance to Magruder, who, most reluctantly, issued direc
tions for the retirement of his troops. To conceal this move
ment from the enemy he ordered all the guns to open a heavy
fire upon the besiegers, and at the same time sent two or
three regiments to make a demonstration by way of a feint.
As soon as it grew dark, CuUen's brigade commenced the re
treat as noiselessly as possible, on the road toward Williams
burg. On the following morning two other brigades followed
in the same manner. By the 3d of May the greater portion
of the troops had left Yorktown, only three regiments of in
fantry remaining behind. The whole of the cavalry and two
batteries of horse artillery occupied the farthest outworks-
During the night all the men were called in, and, under the
personal command of General Magruder, proceeded on their
march toward Williamsburg, the cavalry being ordered to
remain in the vicinity of Yorktown to watch the enemy's
movements. Our retreat was effected with so much secresy,
order, and silence, that even the outlying pickets of the enemy
were not aware of it.
As soon as the news of the evacuation of Yorktown reach
ed General M'Clellan's headquarters, he ordered the cavalry
under General Stoneman to follow in pursuit ; in pursuance
of which a detachment under the orders of a daring young
officer, whom we afterward learned was the Due de Chartres,
rapidly attacked our rear, doing us considerable mischief
After a few of these cavalry skirmishes, the Confederates
finally succeeded in reaching the lines at Williamsburg.

¦ DEFEAT OF HOOKER. 277
From the quantity of military stores left behind us at York-
town, the enemy's general must have been no little amazed
that so strong a force should have abandoned a place so well
supplied with war materiel, and which, moreover, was so well
fortified as to be capable of sustaining a long siege.
Without loss of time, M'CIellan resumed active operations,
and advanced with his whole army. General Hooker led the
van, and as soon as he reached our first intrenchments, he
proceeded to attack Williamsburg. The attack was so de
termined that Colonel Miller, of the Confederate army, was
unable to hold his position, and his troops began to waver.
General Hooker continued the attack with renewed vigor, and
a fierce fight ensued, in which the Confederates had the worst
of it ; but Colonel Cobb coming up to Miller's support, threw
himself upon Hooker's division, and brought him to a stand
still. Anderson's brigade shortly afterward made its appear
ance, and fell upon Hooker's right flank ; thus, this officer,
although his troops behaved well, was compelled to give up
his vantage ground and fall back. The numerical superiority
of the Confederates told seriously against Hooker, who was
compelled to retire with a loss of 1,700 men and some guns.
The roads were in such a dreadful state, that the artillery and
ammunition vans could scarcely move along. General Hook
er, who is an able soldier, did his best to save his fine divis
ion, but Cobb was not inclined to let him off easily, and
compelled him to retreat, fighting step by step.
Hooker's position became every minute more critical and
desperate. His daring had imprudently led him into an en
gagement which he might have avoided, but he was too high
spirited and too ciuch excited now to acknowledge it. It
was only when he found out the mistake he had made that he
had not to deal with Cobb's brigade alone, but with a whole
corps d'armee, that he sent to General M'CIellan for support.
The general acceded to his urgent request, and immediate
ly ordered up Kearny's division to his aid. He could not

278 WAR PICTURES.
have sent a better man. Kearny was of that chivalrous
character so often to be met with in the French army. He
had lost an arm in the Mexican war, and he afterward joined the
French army as a volunteer aide-de-camp in the Italian cam
paign, greatly distinguishing himself at Solferino and Magen
ta. Kearny brought up his men at the double quick to support
Hooker, although the execrable state of the roads somewhat
retarded him, but he eventually reached the hard-pressed divi
sion. It was a fine sight to see Kearny lead on his men,
eager for the fight as they were. He seemed to be ubiqui
tous ; now leading on his centre, now ordering up a battery ;
in another moment charging at the head of his troops; his
striking, manly form was prominent, wherever the fight was
thickest, setting a noble example to his soldiers. The opposing
troops were soon intermingled in a regular m&lee, and both
sides fought desperately. Owing to the state of the ground,
our cavalry was not serviceable, much to the regret of its
officers ; it was also very difficult for the artillery to ma
noeuvre. The struggle, which had commenced at the verge
of a wood, was gradually drawn into the forest itself, and
here, under the crackling branches of venerable trees, amidst
the roar of the artillery, many desperate hand-to-hand en
counters took place, such as have seldom been witnessed in
other wars. There was something so wild and terrible in the
aspect of this strife, that those who survived that day's fight
look back upon it with a shudder.
General Magruder, meanwhile, continued to order up
fresh troops, and in a few hours he had so mauled Hooker's
division, that it was reduced to little more than a fragmerit;
Heintzelman and Kearny also suffered heavy losses. The
goddess of victory already held the balance in our favor,
when General M'CIellan pushed forward some fresh brigades
along a dam, with a view of taking possession of the works on
our left flank, hoping thereby to redeem the fortunes of the
tlay. General Magruder, who had betimes discovered the

ADVANCE OF m'cLELLAN. 279
enemy's intention, forthwith brought up the reserve, which
consisted of General Pickett's body guard, in support of the
works in question. In a twinkling they galloped across the
plain which separated them from the works, and reached
them just as the Federal troops, under General Hancock,
were advancing to storm the post. General Pickett, joined
by a regiment stationed there, now furiously attacked the
Federals, and a most desperate struggle ensued. " Bull Run !
Bull Run!" shouted our men, as a sort of battle cry. The
Federals replied by pouring a fearful volley into our ranks.
The carnage was terrific, compelling our men to fall back,
when General Hancock followed in close pursuit. General
Magruder then ordered up the 2d and 9th cavalry regiments
to charge the enemy. But this was of no avail ; the ground
had been so soaked with rain that the horses sank up to their
knees. Suddenly a shout of a thousand voices broke upon
the ear like the rushing of a mighty wind from the wood.
What did this portend ? There was little time left for us to
speculate. Charge after charge was made upon our men, and
the news then spread that General M'CIellan, with the main
body of his army, had arrived on the field of battle. This
explained the loud cheers from the wood. Our men could no
longer stand their ground. M'CIellan, in person, led on his
troops into the midst of the fire. Magruder, now finding that
the battle was lost, ordered a retreat to be sounded, and di
rected Hill's division, which had just come up, to cover the
movement. All the wounded, and a great portion of the
baggage, were left in the enemy's hands. The shades of night
put an end to the fight ; a heavy rain, too, began to fall, and
these circumstances fortunately prevented the enemy from
completely overwhelming us. Tired and worn out, our troops
returned to Williamsburg, where the excitement had become
intense. It was now resolved to abandon Williamsburg, and to fall
back on Richniond, much against the will of General Magru ¦

280 WAE PICTUEES.
der, who had seen the fortifications of the town growing grad
ually under his own inspection, and he had great confidence in
their strength. But the dread of the energetic M'CIellan pre
vailed at this juncture.
General Johnston having now arrived, he was intrusted
by the Confederate Government with the chief command of
the army. He at once ordered the retreat to commence,
although Magruder insisted that he could still hold Williams
burg against the enemy. But the Federal General Keyes had
already taken up a position between Williamsburg and Rich
mond, a manoeuvre which allowed us no time to hesitate, as
he not only menaced the retreating troops from Williams
burg, but threatened the safety of Richmond itself. General
Magruder consequently made the necessary dispositions to
rejoin the main body ofthe army at Richmond. Hill's divis
ion was ordered to hold Williamsburg until the retreating
army had at least twelve miles' start, and, with the cavalry
and Cobb's legion, to cover 'Ijie retreat. When the sun rose
blood red on the following rhdrning the streets of Williams
burg were deserted by the tr<5ops, with the exception of a few
patrols of cavalry with drawn swords and revolvers in hand.
Some anxious-looking citizens or wounded soldiers might oc
casionally be seen, but every house and shop was closed.
Our cavalry, charged with the duty of covering the retreat,
drew up in excellent order, in double line, to await the enemy ;
and in a few moments pistol shots announced the approach of
the foe. Small bodies of Federal cavalry dashed into the
town, but on reaching the outskirts they found our troopers
drawn up, ready for action, and immediately galloped back.
In a short time the advancing tramp of a large body of horse
became distinctly audible. We drew our swords, looked to
our revolvers, and prepared for the expected fight. The very
horses seemed to be aware of what was coming, and pawed
and neighed and chafed continually. A squadron of lancers
first made its appearance, and the remainder of the enemy's

TREATMENT OP THE WOUNDED. 281
cavalry soon followed. The word of command was now
issued on both sides, and the hostile squadrons met in deadly
combat. For a long time victory remained undecided. The
clashing of swords and the report of revolvers, intermixed
with words of command, was all that was heard. Our men
now gained a decided advantage, when a column of the enemy's
infantry darted out of the wood in order to cut off our retreat.
General HUl ordered a cavalry regiment of Cobb's legion to
charge them and drive them back into the woods. The com
mander of the regiment. Young, carried out this order in ad
mirable style, and by a brilliant charge drove back the infan
try into the thicket. He had scarcely achieved this, when
another column of the enemy's infantry made its appearance
on the other side, and poured a volley of bullets into our vic
torious ranks. Surrounded on all sides. General Hill now
ordered a retreat. The trumpets sounded, and our men, turn
ing round, cut their way back through the enemy, with some
further loss.
General M'CIellan, satisfied with the day's results, ordered
no pursuit to be made, as his troops stood in need of rest,
and, besides, the poor, wounded fellows on both sides, who lay
in numbers on the roadside, had to be attended to. His hu
mane conduct on this occasion not only earned for him the re
spect of his own troops, but the esteem of our officers, which
they did not hesitate loudly to express. M'CIellan had
achieved a great success. He had driven our troops out of
two of their strongest fortified positions, and by the sanguin
ary battle at Williamsburg had considerably shaken the con
fidence of our men.

282 WAE PICTURES

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS.
Disorganized state of the Confederate forces— The army reinforced by General
Lee— Selfish conduct attributed to Government officials and others— Mutual
recriminations — Movements of the Federals against Eichmond— Pestilence
spreads amongst the Confederate troops— General Johnston determines to
attack the Federal army— Battle of Fair Oaks described— Defeat of the Con
federate forces.
On our troops reaching Richmond after their retreat, they
were there joined by reinforcements organized for the pur
pose by General Lee, which needful aid inspired them with
renewed hope and courage. The poor fellows were, however,
so worn out by forced marches and by the constant pursuit
of the enemy, as well as from inefficient arrangements for
their comfort, that they looked more like spectres than living
men. The roads, the means of transport — in short, every
thing they had to depend on in such an emergency, were in
such a wretched condition that even the stoutest hearts de
spaired of a happy termination to the toilsome sufferings and
privations brought about by this unfortunate war.
It was surely enough to dispirit them at such a moment to
have good ground for believing that some of the chief men at
the helm were more intent on the attainment of their own
ambitious ends than on attending to the sufferings and press
ing wants of the army. Nor were the representatives of the
people free from a similar imputation ; many amongst these

HUMANITY OP GENEEAL m'CLELLAN. 283
legislators were, at all events, not above huckstering about the
price of their not very irksome labor. I do not intend, how
ever, that all should be included in this censure : there were,
undoubtedly, to be found in that body men of sound patriotic
views — men who were eager to do their best to promote the
welfare of the common cause. But these certainly constitu
ted a minority, and their influence was altogether insufficient to
check the growing tendency to self-aggrandizement at the seat
of government. On the arrival of our disorganized and dispirited army at
Richmond, General Lee, who had made himself well acquaint
ed with its condition, immediately set about remedying the
evils resulting from its recent defeat. I was directed to occu
py, with my regiment, the farthest outpost, and there to keep a
good lookout upon the advancing enemy, with strict orders to
remain on the defensive, and carefully to avoid all unneces
sary collision with our foe. I had scarcely returned from
visiting my outlying pickets, when a flag of truce from the
Federal forces was announced. I rode down the road, and
met a young officer who had come, on the part of General
M'CIellan, to request that we would send medical men to look
after our numerous wounded, as his own medical staff was
insufficient to undertake the duty. This humane act proves
incontestably the commiseration felt by M'CIellan for the
wounded of his enemy, and prompted me to despatch forth
with one of my officers to General Johnston's headquarters,
with my urgent recommendation that General M'Clellan's
suggestions should be acted upon, and that a sufficient number
of surgeons should be promptly ordered to proceed to Wil
liamsburg on this duty. The humanity displayed by the
general commanding the enemy's forces created a feeling of
warm admiration among our troops, great numbers of whom
had near relatives among the wounded we had been compelled
to leave behind in the dense woods and sickly swamps, and
who were out of the reach of any succor from us.

284 WAE PICTURES.
In noticing this conduct of General M'CIellan I cannot
refrain from remarking that both our officials and our news
papers had all along been holding forth about the cruelty with
which the enemy treated the prisoners in their hands : charges
entitled, most likely, to about as much credit as those at
tributing to some of our officers the atrocity of throwing
torpedoes into the wells when we evacuated the towns.
It has seemed strange to some amongst the numerous ene
mies of M'CIellan in the United States, that I and others
serving with the Confederate army should entertain so great a
respect for him, and be so candid as to freely express it.
That esteem, as far as I am concerned, rests on the knowledge
I have had many opportunities of acquiring of his straightfor
ward, soldierly conduct, and especially of his humane endeav
ors to protect the enemy's property, and his care for the wel
fare of the wounded and other prisoners who fell into his
hands. To return, however, to my narrative. A number of med
ical officers were, in pursuance of my recommendation, sent
off to Williamsburg, under an escort of the enemy's troops.
M'CIellan, having about this time proceeded with his
forces up the York River, in order to join General Keyes'
troops, that had disembarked at West Point, with the object
of forming plans and commencing the necessary operations'
for the siege of Richmond, we had ample time to reorganize
our scattered forces, and to bring up fresh troops from other
Southern States. The States of North and South Carolina
were cleared of almost all their forces, for now all eyes were
directed to Richmond, at which place it was believed the
drama would be played out.
The enemy, however, as well as ourselves needed rest, for
his forces had greatly suffered from bad weather and its con-
conjitant sickness. MeanwhUe, M'CIellan continued his works
for the siege of Richmond, taking his preUminary measures
with great circumspection. North and South were now fair.

PESTILENCE AT RICHMOND. 285
ly face to face, watching each other's movements — the one ag
gressively, the other defensively. By degrees the warm weath
er made its appearance, and the fields and roads were in so
favorable a state as to enable large bodies of troops to ma
noeuvre again. The end of May came on, and the two armies
still occupied their respective positions on the James River,
the monotony of general inaction being relieved only by oc
casional outpost skirmishes. In the mean while however,
disease spread among our forces to a most alarming extent :
virulent, obstinate fevers, caused by the miasma of the neigh.
boring swamps, prevailed to a great extent, and the ravages
that ensued became so great as to cause much anxiety to Gen
eral Johnston. The deaths, indeed, were so numerous, that
sufficient persons could not be procured at Richmond to un
dertake the task of burying the bodies, which lay exposed in
the churchyards by hundreds, spreading pestilence around.
The medical faculty anticipated fearful consequences from this
state of things, and General Johnston contemplated gloomily
the inroads disease was hourly making in his brave army,
which almost seemed as if it were doomed to sink altogether
into an inglorious grave. In this dire emergency he resolved
at all costs to attack his intrenched opponents. The various
corps (ffarmee chosen for this purpose were therefore prompt
ly drawn together, and on the afternoon of the 31st of May,
during a violent storm. General Johnston attacked the enemy's
troops, then occupying both sides of the Chickahominy. Gen
eral Hill commenced a furious attack on the enemy's left wing,
which being in a well intrenched position, was enabled to make
a good defence, and all Hill's efforts to storm the position were
in vain. Anderson, with his division and two batteries, rush
ed to his "support, and a most desperate struggle ensued, the
enemy defending his position with great resolution ; and ¦ the
ground was ere long covered with the dead and dying. An.
derson so placed his batteries as to establish a cross fire, and
under the protection of these guns again led his men to the

286 WAR PICTURES.
assault. A determined fight now commenced on the parapets
of the enemy's works, whilst the fire from the two batteries
frustrated any attempt on his part to bring up reinforcements.
The federal troops defended themselves obstinately, disputing
every foot of ground with their assailants, and as yet Ihe Con-
federates had no advantage. The commander of the Federal
troops strenuously urged his men to hold their ground, and
they responded to his appeal by standing by their guns till
numbers of them were cut to pieces. At this moment their
leader was struck down by a bullet, and at this sight their
stubborn resistance began to falter, and they gradually fell
back. Thus the Confederate troops by degrees got a firm
footing on the obstinately contested position. Another impet
uous rush was made by the Confederates, and the enemy was
driven headlong from his works and sought safety in flight.
Johnston now ordered our cavalry to take up the pursuit, and
General Wiokman, at the head of his squadron, swept the plain
— his eager troopers, like a flock of ravenous hawks, dealing
death and destruction to all they encountered.
An indescribable panic seized the enemy, and they gave
way along their whole line. Generals Keyes and Naglee in
vain tried to rally the fugitives. It seemed as if no humaii
power could stop them in their disorderly flight.
At this moment, however. General Heintzelman rapidly
brought up his division to stem the pursuit of the Confeder
ate troops, and planted himself like a rock between the pur
sued and their pursuers. His men, Irish and Germans, fought
and died like heroes in this work of salvation. All Hill's and
Anderson's attempts to repulse them were futile ; the Germans
and Irish kept their ground, and succeeded in covering the
flight of their vanquished comrades. They steadily opposed
every fierce onset of our elated troops, and stood like a waU
between them and their own defeated forces, in order that
some of the fugitives might be enabled to reform their ranks,
and thus in their turn try to assist those who had come to

DEFEAT OF THE CONFEDERATES. 287
their rescue. In this way a line of battle was once more form
ed and the struggle was again maintained with desperation.
General Anderson, seeing that it was hopeless to make an im.
pression on those firm columns, now ordered forward Pickett's
brigade to the attack, so as to cut off the enemy's retreat. Before
this order could be executed, however, the troops were met by
the enemy's brigade commanded by General Sumner, who
fell on them with the bayonet, whilst a battery which Sumner
had ordered up played upon them at the same time, causing
great havoc. Pickett's brigade now turned and hastily retired :
this necessarily led to the retreat of the divisions of Anderson
and Hill. Johnston vainly put himself at the head of his best
troops in order to reopen the action ; all his efforts were use
less : the victorious enemy pressed on .with loud cheers. The
generals halted to make a last effort ; but it was of no avail.
Sumner rushed on our troops, who had lost all self-possession,
and drove them back to Fair Oaks, until night put an end to
the struggle.

288 WAR PICTURES.

CHAPTER XXXIX.
BATTLE OF SEVEN PINES.
Efforts of General Johnston and others to reorganize our troops — Touching inter
view between the General and his son, Colonel Johnston — Plans for the coming
battle— My cavalry regiment attached to Longstreet's division — State of the
camp at night — Preparations for action — Approach of the enemy's columns —
Commencement of the battle — Heavy cannonade — Our successful cavalry en
counter—Desperate contest at the centre — General Johnston's repeated attacks
— Resolute stand of the enemy, and heroism of the German troops — General
Lee's attack eventually repulsed — General Johnston makes a final effort at the
head of his troops, and is grievously wounded — The Confederates gain the vic
tory — Fearful losses caused by tbe battle of Seven Pines — Sufferings of the
wounded.
The Confederate troops were, as may be expected after the
loss of so obstinate a battle, and the untoward circumstances
that invariably accompany a hasty retreat, thoroughly ex
hausted — many among them falling to the ground in utter
helplessness ; they were gradually brought in and placed in
the houses nearest the field of battle.
Generals Johnston, Lee, and Longstreet, however, exerted
themselves to the utmost to arouse their sinking spirits, and
promptly ordered that all necessary measures should be
taken to procure the means of transport for those who were
seriously wounded. Besides which, they had to determine
what positions should be occupied by our troops on the ensu
ing day — another day of battle. Tired and hungry, many of
our poor fellows strolled about wearily and moodUy. No
lively song or passing jest — no joyous laugh denoted that

THE NIGHT AFTER THE BATTLE. 289
fiiey felt confident of success in the anticipated battle of the
morrow. They obeyed the orders of their officers sullenly,
and almost reluctantly. But a change was at hand. Fresh
troops from Richmond now came up ; five regiments from
South Carolina and Alabama ; whilst the batteries of the
Washington artillery rattled heavily past under their gallant
commander. Walton next followed, enveloped in clouds of
dust ; regiments of cavalry from North Carolina, Tennessee,
and Kentucky, their bright swords glistening as they reflect
the light of the watchfires that lie on the road. The arrival
of comrades to share in the perils their fellow soldiers have
to encounter has always a happy effect upon the spirits of any
troops. The newcomers were accordingly greeted with joy
ous shouts of welcome, and every scrap of provisions that
had not been consumed was gladly produced and shared with
the newly arrived forces. The events of the recent battle
were eagerly listened to by them, related as they were by the
men who had taken part in this obstinate and protracted con
flict. Hopes of better luck on the morrow were now loudly
expressed, and promises of mutual support eagerly went
round. The camp became quite animated — the men's courage
was renovated ; defeat was no longer deemed possible, and
even fatigue seemed to be for the moment forgotten. More
serious business was meantime in preparation at the head
quarters of the general-in-chief. Seated near a campfire.
General Johnston was thoughtfully occupied in studying a
map that lay before him, a knot of officers standing in a
group close by their chief. The critical state of affairs was
fully understood by all present, and every eye was anxiously
turned upon our beloved commandei-. Presently the general
asked for his son. Colonel Johnston, who was one of the aide-
de-camps of President Jefferson Davis. As soon as the colo
nel seated himself by his father's side, the latter tore a leaf
of paper out of his pocketbook, and, after writing on it a few
lines, he handed it to his son, with the words : " Give that
13

290 WAR PICTURES.
to your mother." He also wrote a- few words upon another
leaf; but this he folded and sealed, and then handing it to his
son, said, " Deliver this to President Davis. You can now
go," he added, bidding him adieu, cordially, " and let me see
you to-morrow." When just about to mount his horse the
colonel hastened back to say a few more parting words to his
father, who had now risen to watch his departure. The gene
ral folded his son in his arms with ill-concealed emotion, and
then repeated in a cheering tone his directions that he would
be sure to come to see him on the morrow. " Yes, yes,
father," replied Colonel Johnston, in a Voice hoarse with emo
tion, as he tore himself away. He then mounted his horse,
and in a few moments was lost sight of in the darkness ofthe
night. For some time after his son's departure the old gen
eral stood with outstretched arms, as motionless as a statue,
staring fixedly at vacancy. Not a word had been uttered by
the generals and other officers present at this affecting inter
view. At length their chief turned round, abruptly exclaim
ing, " Now, gentlemen, to business." The scene, simple as it
may seem in description, was in reality most impressive.
Could the general have had some kind of foreboding of what
was to befall him on the following day ?
We now all jiroceeded to the tent of the commander-in-
chief, where maps and plans were strewed on large tables. In
a few distinct and emphatic words, Johnston gave his instruc
tions to each general in turn, urging one and all, in manly
words, to uphold the honor of the posts respectively assigned
to them. He particularly, urged that those regiments which
had suffered so severely from the late sanguinary battle
should be looked after and well cared for, and that they should
be spared as much as possible. " To you. General Holmes,"
said he, addressing that officer, " I intrust the reserve. As
regards the necessity for employing it, that I leave to your
own judgment, well knowing you will do your duty as a
brave and trusty officer of the Confederate army. And now.

THE COMING FIGHT. 291
good night, gentlemen ; we all stand in need of rest to pre
pare ourselves for the heavy work in store for us to-morrow."
Generals and staff officers now separated — gliding off
silently, like so many shadows of the night, to their respect
ive quarters.All was now still as death in the camp, the silence being
broken only by the occasional challenge of a sentry, or by
the stray report of a musket. Later in the night, I was
directed to join General Longstreet with my regiment, and to
place myself under his orders. We were, on our part, there
fore, obliged to forego the hoped-for rest, and to make our
way to the extreme right wing, where Anderson's troops were
posted. We reached the appointed place about midnight,
when we found the whole division already on the move. All
needless baggage was sent off to Richmond, whilst the sol
diers struck their tents and put out their watchfires. An
derson explained" that he had made most careful preparations
for executing the task allotted to him for the following day.
As soon as I had reached the division to which I was now
attached, I ordered my men to feed their horses, and to examine
their arms and accoutrements, that they might be in proper
order for immediate service. We then encamped upon the
damp ground, all of us impatiently awaiting the dawn of day.
It was a beautiful night ; a mild but refreshing breeze blew
over the encampment, and no one could have supposed that
on so sfiiall a patch of ground lay encamped two hostile
armies, numbering together 100,000 men, mutually animated
by a feeUng of mortal hatred, and who only awaited the first
golden streaks of the rising sun to begin the hideous work of
slaying each other. Before all the preparations were quite
completed the word of command was given to advance, and
the infantry began to move in dense masses over the fields,
while my troopers sprang into their saddles. By this time
noisy sounds, in which was mingled the hum of many human
voices, succeeded the stiUness of the night. Aide-de-camps,

292 WAR PICTURES.
orderlies, officers of every description, rode along the front of
the troops. Suddenly a large body of horsemen was seen
advancing. It was General Johnston and his staff, who had
come to inspect the different columns already drawn up in
position. In a few pithy words the General admonished the
officers to do their duty.
For a few moments all was quiet, but this short lull was
soon disturbed by a musketry fire, which increased in intensi
ty every minute. The prologue of the battle had commenced.
An officer from the outposts came galloping up with the news
that the enemy was already advancing in dense columns, and
that our pickets were obliged to fall back before the heavy
fire to which they were exposed. Cole's legion was immedi
ately sent up in support of our foremost troops. The roar
of cannon now became audible in the centre and on our left
flank, denoting that the battle had commenced in good ear
nest, whereupon the batteries on both sides took up the fire
with spirit. In a few minutes the earth seemed to shake,
while the air vibrated sensibly from the incessant firing of
great guns. Our foot soldiers advanced at the quick step ;
all thoughts not connected with the deadly work in hand had
vanished from the minds of the men — they were intent solely
on slaughter and destruction, so eager were they in their des
perate resolve of taking this day a bloody revenge for their
late defeat. The cavalry, in compact array, impatiently chafed
for the arrival of the order for them to take part in the
battle. The first wounded men were' now brought to the
rear : poor fellows, many of them had already the shadow of
death marked upon their countenances, and as they were car
ried past they called upon us to avenge them. My men were
getting frantically impatient, uttering imprecations between
their long moustaches and beards at being so long kept idle.
At last the wished-for order came: "Cavalry, prepare. to
charge." General Holmes then led our two cavalry regi
ments somewhat to the left, to an open field, where we drew

BATTLE OF SEVEN PINES. 293
up in readiness for action. On our right, one of our batteries
was keeping up so well sustained a fire that the dense clouds
of smoke hanging around concealed everything from our view.
We had scarcely got into order and prepared for the onset
when the trumpet blasts of the enemy's cavalry reached our
ears, and in a few minutes, from behind a small hillock, the
enemy's dragoons and hussars came into view. " Charge ! "
and in a few moments after this inspiring word was uttered
we were upon the enemy, using our swords, revolvers, and
lances with deadly effect ; and in this fierce encounter many a
brave fellow soon bit the dust. We drove back the enemy's
cavalry, but whilst in pursuit, a heavy fire from a body of
the enemy's infantry assailed our flank, compelling us to wheel
round and fall back to our former position with a few captured
horses as trophies. Meantime the battle was raging with
fury in the centre. General Johnston, having ascertained that
owing to the preceding heavy rains the bridges over the
Chicahominy in the enemy's rear had been swept away, re
solved forthwith to turn this circumstance to good account.
Gathering together all the troops that could be spared, he
made repeated attacks upon the enemy's centre. The hasty
manner, however, in which these attacks were made, was un
favorable to their success, and General Lee repeatedly urged
him, but in vain, to be more sparing with his reserve. Our
foes were, in fact, in a very critical position, having behind
them a stream so swollen by the rains as to bar their only
means of communication with their forces on the opposite
bank ; while in their fi-ont they were exposed to the vehement
attacks of an exasperated foe, fighting almost under the walls
of their capital — before the gates of the very sanctuary of the
Confederacy. Column after column was pushed forward by General
Johnston into the thickest of the fight, and the return of each
of the shattered remnants proved the stubborn resistance of
the foe. Some German regiments from Michigan performed

294 WAR PICTURES.
prodigies of valor on this occasion. Most of their officers
were killed, and their ranks were fearfully cut up ; but no
thing could prevail against the stern resolution of their de
fence. Death stared them in the face wherever they looked,
but their courage never flagged. It was a sad episode in this
bloody fight, when these brave German soldiers from the far
West were seen to fall man after man. Such devotion proves
clearly that they cherished the land of their adoption with
cordial affection. General Johnston still persevered in his
attacks with unabated vigor, ordering up regiment after regi
ment, with a stern resolve to succeed, by reiterated blows, in
eventually beating the enemy. General Lee at length brought
up some fresh brigades, with the whole of the reserve, and
with these troops dashed forward at a rush, courteously salu
ting General Johnston with his sword as he passed, whilst the
troops gave the commander-in-chief a cheer ; but it was not
one of those hearty, confident cheers that imply a certainty
of success ; it was rather the solemn war-cry of men in a
state of desperation, and which baffles description. The havoc
now dealt amongst our men was fearful to contemplate.
They kept falling incessantly on every side, their places being
promptly supplied by their comrades. General Johnston sat
on his horse all through this scene of carnage, perfectly calm
and collected, issuing his orders to his aide-de-camps, who flew
right and left to see them executed. The battle had now
lasted for many hours, and yet the scales of victory still hung
on the balance.
General Lee had now to fall back with shattered troops,
the blood streaming from many of his officers, and his survi
ving men powerless from sheer fatigue. At this juncture
General Johnston, putting spurs to his noble charger, galloped
up with his staff to where Longstreet, Magruder, and Hill had
collected their men in something like order. In a hoarse
voice he ordered them to form in a compact mass, and then,
addressing a few emphatic words to the troops, said he would

BATTLE OP SEVEN PINES. 295
lead them in person against the enemy. In vain did Long-
street and the other generals endeavor to dissuade him from
such a step ; they would themselves, said they, with musket
in hand, lead the men on if he wished it, but they urged that
he ought not to expose himself to such a risk. " What a loss
to Richmond it would be — what a loss to the cause of the
Confederacy, if he were to fall ! "
To this remonstrance Johnston replied, he was quite
aware that every man, down to the smallest drummer boy,
had this day done his duty, and that he was resolved also to
perform his. Calmly, but firmly, he ordered the officers to their
various posts, and then in person took the active command
of the attacking columns. It soon spread through the ranks
that General Johnston was going to lead the troops in person,
and a cheer resounded along the lines. The three divisions
of Longstreet, Hill, and Magruder advanced in fine order,
with flags flying, and drums beating, and as they pressed for
ward, even the wounded gave them a cheer. It was clear that
these men were determined to conquer or to die with their
beloved commander. Fearlessly the enemy awaited the
shock. In a few moments a renewed conflict took place, and
the battle raged with redoubled fury on the same ground that
had already witnessed such desperate fighting — such fearful
carnage. A few brigades of the enemy came up in support
of their comrades, who appeared unable to withstand John
ston's furious attack ; the battle had now reached its height.
In the midst of his men, who were falling around him on all
sides, Johnston seemed bullet proof. But suddenly he placed
his hand to his side ; he turned deadly pale, and blood was
seen to flow down his clothes ; he was grievously wounded,
and presently fell from his horse. In a moment his officers
were around him, and endeavored to carry him from the field.
The report that Johnston had been killed spreading through
the ranks, our men, like so many incarnate fiends, fell upon
the enemy, who had, during this hard-fought day, so re-

296 WAR PICTURES.
solutely confronted them. So extraordinary, however, was
the effect of the cry now raised on all sides, of "Johnston is
killed," that the enemy's troops could no longer withstand the
terrific onslaught of our maddened men. Their ranks waver-
ed, and they precipitately fled from the bloody field.
The victory of Seven Pines was dearly bought. Our
commander. General Johnston, was not mortally wounded,
but the injury he received was most serious. The losses in
flicted on both armies by this conflict were indeed fearful in
extent. Killed and wounded were lying by thousands on the
battle field, and the cries of the latter for help were heart
rending in the extreme. Our men, however, were so excited
by the contest, that they seemed bereft of the feelings of
humanity, and were solely intent upon recruiting their ex
hausted frames with food and rest. General Lee, on whom
the command devolved after Johnston's fall, exerted himself
to the utmost to provide for the wounded, and took measures
to have them gradually conveyed either to Richmond or to
the houses that lay near to the field of battle.

STATE OF THE HOSTILE ARMIES. 297

CHAPTER XL.
INVESTMENT OF RICHMOND.
State of the hostUo armies after the late battle — M'CIellan not properly sup
ported by his Government — OflBcial blindness — Disposition of tho Federal
forces- Alarm at Richmond — General Lee's great activity — The Federal army
appears before Eichmond — Destitution in the city — Effective defensive meas
ures — Comparative inactivity of the Federal generals — The Confederates as
sume the offensive — Stuart's dashing raid — ^Desperate cavalry fight — Exciting
single combat — Success of Stuart's raid — M'CIellan remains on the defensive —
General Lee prepares for the attack.
The most important duty that obviously lay before General
Lee, on assuming the supreme command of the Confederate
forces, was to reestablish order and discipline among the
troops, and bring them back to their former state, with a
view to the complete reorganization of the army.
The day succeeding the battle of Seven Pines the beaten
and mortified Federal troops took up their new positions, and
the pickets and patrols, who were generally on the alert, now
remained quietly at their posts, without attempting to disturb
us by desultory firing. Rest was indeed indispensable to both
armies after their late extraordinary exertions. General
M'Clellan's army had greatly suffered, but perhaps not so
much as ours. His officers were enabled, by their coolness
and skilful conduct, to spare the lives of their men, whilst on
our part great losses were often occasioned by the blind
adoption of ill-considered measures.
The commanders of both armies turned their first atten-
13*

298 WAE PICTUEES.
tion to the wounded, and then endeavored to fill up the fear
ful gaps in their ranks by means of reinforcements. General
M'CIellan was, however, only enabled to obtain scanty aid of
this kind, as his Government regarded with no little jealousy
the prospect of the successful career of this young general.
They could not be blind to the fact that in spite of the diffi
culties of the country through which he had made his way,
he had, by his bold flank marches and successful actions, suc
ceeded in pushing his way to the walls of Richmond. That
M'CIellan had instilled a spirit of confidence into his army,
was a fact patent to the world. But his Government, instead
of sending all their disposable troops to the Peninsula, in or
der to gain possession of Richmond by a decisive blow, split
up their forces, leaving General M'Dowell inactive at Freder
icksburg, General Burnside at Newbern, and from 20,000 to
25,000 men before Charleston.
But one object should have occupied the minds of the
Union Government : the capture of Richmond. The mo
ment was opportune. New Orleans, the richest and most
important centre of commerce of the South, had fallen into
the hands of General Butler, after a combined attack by the
Federal fleet and land forces. Memphis, the second most im
portant town on the Mississippi, was in the hands of the
Union ; the dreaded Merrimac had ceased to exist. The York
and James rivers, with their deep channels, v^ere open to the
Federal ships, and the efficient army, under M'CIellan was so
near Richmond as to be within hail of the inhabitants of that
city. All amongst them who could do so were leaving the
place. It only required the employment of powerful means
to destroy the fortifications that protected the tovra. All
political animosity should have ceased at this juncture, and
but one idea should have prevailed at Washington, that of
using every possible exertion to avert the impending disas
ters. Every man, whatever his party, whether Democrat or
Republican, should have thrown' aside factious feeling, and

INVESTMENT OF EICHMOND. 299
united with his fellow citizens in upholding the cause of his
country. Lincoln no doubt meant well, and endeavored to
do his duty thoroughly ; but he was, unfortunately, surround
ed by a party, who, governed by selfish motives, did not
scruple to bring their once happy, but now afflicted country
to the very verge of ruin. M'CIellan was made to suffer
from this factious conduct, which not only grieved him sensi
bly as a patriot, but greatly obstructed his operations as a
military commander, and in fact threatened to endanger the
eventual safety of his army.
The nearer the Federal forces approached Richmond the
greater became the tumult and disorder there. The conduct
of the Confederate Government on this occasion, instead of
allaying, served to increase the confusion ; for instead of
making a decisive effort with the forces then at Richmond,
they ordered all the public officials to pack up their effects
and hand them over to the charge of the ordnance depart
ment, and directed the magazines to be cleared and their con
tents carried away farther South. President Davis himself
showed the white feather, for he hurried off with his wife and
famUy to North Carolina, and, as may be supposed, this did
not serve to allay the alarm of the people. In short, dismay
and confusion reached their highest pitch. General Winder's
secret police lost all power of acting. The civic authorities
of Richmond were anxious to do something, but were too be
wildered to grapple with the mischief A small number of
desperate fellows from Baltimore took advantage of these cir
cumstances, and, at a public meeting which they convened,
actuaUy passed a resolution for burning down Richmond, the
moment the enemy should attack the town. The sick and
wounded were conveyed into the interior ; many public build
ings, as well as private houses, were made ready to be set fire
to, and the distracted city was apparently on the eve of a
great catastrophe.
General Lee actively exerted himself in placing the forti-

300 WAR PICTURES.
fications in better order, and in constructing new works at
various points. Nor was this active energy on his part su
perfluous ; for the defences of Fort James were not far ad
vanced when the Federal ships appeared within six miles of
them. It was indeed only when the enemy was close upon
us, that many measures were adopted which ought to have
been taken weeks before. General Lee was busy in all ways
night and day, exerting himself on behalf of his many sick
and wounded, and was intent not only on increasing the nu
merical strength of the army, bu*- did his best to inspire it
with fresh ardor.
Meanwhile, General M'CIellan advanced slowly and cau
tiously, but with determination, and one morning his troops
were descried encamped in a crescent-like order around Rich
mond. M'CIellan and the chief of his staff. General Marcy,
commenced their operations by encircling Richmond with a
belt of intrenchments, which were calculated not only to pro
tect their men, but were made with a view of effectually in
vesting the place. The hostile armies worked away steadily
at their respective fortifications within gunshot of each other,
and the advanced sentries were so near as to be able to con
verse together. They indeed not unfrequently exchanged
such gifts as tobacco and brandy on the sly, keeping up quite
a friendly intercourse.
In the mean time great distress prevailed in Richmond.
The commonest necessaries of life rose to prices which but
few could afford to pay, and there was such a scarcity of
medicines that thousands of poor fellows went to their graves
for the want of them. The inhabitants of Richmond will
never forget that sad epoch. The soldiers themselves were
in want of the commonest articles of food. These horrors
did not, however, damp General Lee's energy. After having
put Richmond in a respectable state of defence he ordered
Generals " Stonewall " Jackson, Ewell, and Stuart from the
Shenandoah Valley to Richmond, and gave orders to Generals

STUART'S RAID. 301
Beauregard and Smith to send up all the troops they could
possibly spare. The hospitals were all cleared, and arrange
ments made for the reception of 10,000 wounded. Artillery
and ammunition wagons rattled through the streets of Rioh-
mond, while orderlies and aide-de-camps might be seen gallop
ing about in all directions ; troops, too, were hourly arriving.
They came in a sorry plight, it is true ; but ragged and ema
ciated as they were, they nevertheless marched in with their
bands playing and colors flying, and with every appearance
of being determined to make a stout fight for their inde
pendence. All these occurrences could not have been unknown to
Generals M'Dowell, Fremont, and Banks. Information must
have reached them, not only through their own spies, but from
deserters, that General Lee was concentrating aU his forces
round Richmond, for the purpose of striking a determined
blow at M'Clellan's army. These officers ought, therefore,
to have used all their influence with their Government to be
aUowed to join M'CIellan, so that the fall of Richmond might
be insured. But nothing was done. M'CIellan was allowed
to expend his energies unaided before the gates of the belea
guered city, and so the Confederates were allowed to concen
trate their troops at Richmond without opposition.
When our preparations were at last so far completed that
we were enabled to take the offensive. General Lee ordered
Colonel Stuart, with two regiments of cavalry and a 12-
pounder battery of horse artillery, to make a general recon
noissance of the enemy's lines, but to keep a special lookout
upon General M'Dowell's movements, as it was known that
his outposts were within twenty mile# of Richmond. For
this purpose, the 9th and 15th regiments of cavalry were se
lected — tried soldiers, who had served in every part of the
country ; and, under the command of the gallant Colonel Stu
art, they proceeded along the turnpike road, in the direction
of Hanover Court House. The advanced guard made itself

302 WAR PICTURES.
acquainted with the ground through the medium of the farm
ers in the neighborhood. The reserve was intrusted to the
charge of Baron Barke, a Prussian officer who had recently
joined the Confederate army, and was acting as aide-de-camp.
The cavalry rode quietly along the enemy's road. It was
beautiful summer weather, mild and clear, and in every way
suited to a cavalry expedition. The main body was enabled
to ride on in perfect security, so perfect was the confidence
felt in the circumspection of Captain Norton, the officer com
manding the vanguard. So we lit our short pipes, and sang
snatches of songs as we moved along; many a nigger looking
over the fences, and wondering where we ¦were going. Every
half hour a report was regularly sent in by Captain Norton,
who had managed matters so well, that the farmers, apprized
of our raid, kept us informed of all the enemy's movements,
either by preconcerted signals, by word of mouth, or in writ
ing. It was truly a bold undertaking to make this raid be
tween M'CIellan and M'Dowell, for if the latter had only
taken a little precaution, so daring a feat could have been
checked at once. But General M'Dowell seemed to have
been mentally blind just then. It is true that he had sent out
patrols and skirmishers, within twenty miles of Richmond,
but this.had been so carelessly managed, that the precaution
was wholly futile. So long as any kind of information was
forwarded to headquarters, it was deemed sufficient, and all
was believed to be right.
" Our outposts are actually within twenty miles of Rich
mond ! " were words that had a magical effect on those who
heard them ; in truth, the word Richmond had a wonderful
effect upon the Federal troops, and General M'Dowell always
made it a point of dating his despatches to Washington, from
the nearest possible point to the former city. Instead of de
voting all his energy to the prosecution of measures that
would serve to give effectual aid to JM'Clellan, and especially
to protect his right wing, he rather avoided coming at all Ir

STUART'S RAID. 3 OS
contact with the troops of that general. He seemed quite
satisfied that a handful of his troops should be really in front
of Richmond. It was natural that M'CIellan, aware of
M'Dowell's presence near Hanover Court House, should place
sufficient confidence in his skill as a general, as to trust to him
to cover his right wing ; for owing to the immense extent of
his own lines, his chief attention was directed to his centre,
that he might be able to repulse any attack upon that point.
We believed that our ca"valry expedition had but very little
to fear from M'Dowell, and our surmise in this respect proved
to be correct. Scarcely had our foremost troopers come
within sight of M'Dowell's videttes, when the latter hastily
fell back upon Fredericksburg. As soon as we became aware
of this somewhat overcaution of the enemy, great exultation
was felt by our men, who now became convinced of the suc
cessful issue of our expedition. Cheerily did we push for
ward along the fine road to Hanover Court House, when
suddenly one of our foremost troopers came galloping back
at full speed, bringing the news from Captain Norton, that
the advanced outposts of General M'Clellan's right wing were
visible. ,
Colonel Stuart despatched orders to Captain Norton to
halt, and sent six squadrons in the direction where he pre
sumed the enemy's cavalry to be posted in order to attack
them. He then directed Captain Norton to make a flank
movement, and, if he should find the enemy had been defeated,
to follow in pursuit. For the first time, a squadron of our
newly formed lancers was to take part in this attack. Although
the men had only just gone through a few weeks' exercise with
the lance, it was judged desirable to see what kind of service
they would render, in order to determine whether it would be
advisable to increase the number of that arm. The squadrons
were ordered to proceed at a slow trot, on each side of the
road, the leading squadron being directed, as soon as they
tame upon the enemy's outposts, to fall upon them rapidly.

301 WAR PICTURES.
and drive them back in disorder. We had already ridden
some distance when we saw our leading squadron dash for
ward at full speed, amidst a fire of musketry and revolvers.
The enemy's bullets whistled around us also, but fortunately
did us no harm. Scarcely, however, had we reached the
verge of the wood when we saw our troopers hurriedly gal
loping back, hotly pursued by the 5th regiment of the United
States dragoons. There was thus no time to be lost now, and
with a ringing cheer we dashed forward to support our com
rades. On perceiving our advance the enemy wheeled round
and galloped off. We had ridden about two thousand yards
when we suddenly came upon the encampment of another
squadron of the enemy's dragoons. These poor fellows had
barely time to get into their saddles and to draw their swords ;
but their leader (Major Williams, if I remember rightly) per
formed his duty on this emergency like a good soldier, en-.
couraging his men as best he could, but every second brought
us closer, and we were soon in the midst of them. After a
short encounter the Federal dragoons took to flight in the
greatest disorder. We were in full pursuit of them when a
strong cavalry force, consisting of the enemy's dragoons and
lancers, under Colonel Rush, came up to the rescue. We col
lected and reformed our troopers, who, in the eagerness of
pursuit, had become dispersed, and in a few moments the
hostile squadrons were engaged in a deadly conflict. Colonel
Rush and Major Williams led on their men in good style,
and showed us that we had experienced cavalry officers to
deal with. One squadron was left behind as a reserve, while
the whole of the remainder charged. The opposing cavalry
masses met with a shock which shook the ground beneauh the
horses' feet. In this fierce encounter, upon which a cool, re
freshing breeze from the wood played as if in mockery, swords
clashed, horses neighed and plunged, and trumpets sounded.
But, alas, for the issue of the struggle ! our men get the
worst of it ; our rough, well-seasoned fellows from the prairies

HEROIC SINGLE COMBAT. 305
of Missouri and Te-xas turn tail ! The enemy's swords flash
all the quicker, and our flight becomes general. In vain is
our reserve squadron brought up ; it is also carried away in
the flight. At this critical moment for us a thundering cheer
is heard from a new quarter ; Captain Norton and his men
make their appearance through an opening in the wood, and
dash with impetuosity upon the exulting foe. Th^ giant form
of Norton, brandishing his Mexican sabre, is plainly seen at
the head of his men, and in a moment the scene changes; our
scared troopers reform and fall back to renew the fight.
Colonel Stuart with the main body of the brigade then came.
up, and it was the enemy's turn to take to flight, our troops
pursuing them in hot haste. Colonel Stuart after this ordered
men and horses to halt, for the purpose of a little needful
rest. Meantime an episode in the fight occurred, in the shape of
a duel between one of the enemy's dragoons and one of our
Texans, on a small field close by. The dragoon evidently
scorned to join in the flight of his comrades, and displayed
such skill in the management of his horse and in the use of
his sword, that it was quite a pleasure to watch him. In vain
did the Texan make lunge after lunge at him, and try all sorts
of expedients to overcome his antagonist. The dragoon sat as
firm as a rock in his saddle, wielding his sword like a brand
of lightning. By the manner in which he handled his horse
and weapon I judged at a glance that he was an old German
trooper, and I could not help watching the exciting combat
with very great interest. The Texan still continued to wheel
round his opponent on his fleet barb, eagerly seeking to find
an opportunity for dealing a home thrust, whilst the dragoon,
with a cool, steady eye, followed all the movements of his im
petuous antagonist. At last they close in earnest. A blow,
a parry, and a thrust follow close on each other. The Texan
had slashed the dragoon's shoulder, so that the blood began to
flow, which aroused a cheer from the Texans looking on, but.

306 WAR PICTURES.
at the same moment, the former received a back stroke which
cut through the sleeve and flesh of his left arm. The Texan
now backed his horse like lightning, and his fellow troopers
rushed forward to look at his wound ; but without paying any
heed to his hurt he again dashed at his opponent and made a
lunge at his breast. The dragoon parried it with great dex
terity, and at the same time let fly a quarte which caused a
slashing wound in the Texan's back. The latter spurred on
his horse to a little distance, and before I could take means to
prevent the cowardly act, he took out a pistol and deliberately
shot the brave dragoon, who fell dead from his saddle. The
bullet had entered just below the region of the heart.
Much moved at his fate, I ordered a grave to be dug to
receive the remains of the brave German trooper. We buried
him in his regimentals, with his trusty sword on his breast,
and his pistols by his side. This sad act having been per
formed, I sent for the Texan, and after reprimanding him
severely for his cowardly conduct, I ordered him to seek ser
vice in some other corps, telling him that I could not think of
allowing a fellow of his stamp to remain in my regiment.
The Texan scowled at me with his wild catlike eyes, and mut
tering a curse, mounted his horse and rode away.
Touched as I was by the death of the brave dragoon, it
was quite a relief to my feelings when the trumpets gave the
signal to mount. We now started at a good trot toward the
Pamunky river, where, according to the reports of our scouts,
we might expect to find plenty of booty without encountering
much hindrance from hostile forces, inasmuch as M'CIellan
was under the impression that M'Dowell was posted here.
M'CIellan could hardly have imagined that the latter, as soon
as he was infoi-med of our advance, had withdrawn his out-
jiosts. and had abandoned the field to us.
We reached the Pamunky river without difficulty, driving
back the few troops left in charge of the stores. As soon as
this was accomplished, a portion of our men were set to work

STUART'S RETURN TO RICHMOND. 307
to destroy the storehouses and the vessels on the river, -which
were soon in a blaze ; whilst another detachment was em
ployed in driving in the numerous horses and mules that were
grazing here. By nightfall the work of destruction was com
pleted, and we advanced toward the York River Railway to
break up that line. Sending the artillery and captured stores
forward, we continued our march, after a short rest, along
the enemy's lines, they not having the slightest notion of our
proximity to them. About ten o'clock at night we reached
the York River Railway, and our men were just about to be
gin the work of tearing up the rails, when we suddenly heard,
in the stillness of the night, the sound of an approaching train.
Colonel Stuart ordered his men, who were armed with double-
barrelled rifles, to draw up at both sides of the railway, and
to send a volley into the train as it came up. This was done ;
but, happily, as I afterward learned, with no effect. The
engine driver put on increased speed, and the train glided on
ward, and was soon out of sight. In a short time we dis
tinctly heard the sound of approaching cavalry, and our
vedettes came hurrying back with the information that large
bodies of the enemy's troops were advancing in our direction.
There was no time to lose now in crossing the Chickahominy.
This operation we succeeded in performing, after a smart
ride; and we had just reached the opposite bank, when the
advancing enemy came in view.
On reaching Richmond, our troopers met with an enthu
siastic reception ; and the information which we brought to
General Lee was of the utmost importance, as it confirmed
the report that had already gained belief, of General M'Dow
ell's inactivity. General Lee accordingly came to the safe
conclusion that he might now concentrate his whole force
against M'CIellan, who was totally ignorant of the critical
position in which he was placed. With commendable pru
dence, however, he had commenced moving his front a little
more to the north of Richmond, and concentrated his forces

308 WAR PICTURES.
so as to occupy a more defensive position until the expected
reinforcements of Generals Burnside and Pope should reach
him. Cautious and skilful as was this step on the part of
M'CIellan, General Lee was not the man to lose so golden an
opportunity of defeating the enemy as soon as he should, by
the arrival of reinforcements, be enabled to make the attempt.
With what success he achieved his object will be seen in the
succeeding " War Picture.''

CHAPTER XLI.
THE SEVEN DATS' BATTLE BEFORE EICHMOND : JUNE 25Tn TO
JULY 1st, 1862.
I.— A Council of War.
General Kotei-t E. Lee, our General-in-GMef— His active preparations for the im
pending struggle— Holds a council of war : of&ccrs present— Eelativo position
ofthe hostile armies.
IL— First Day : Commencement of Operations.
""Stonewall" Jackson's flank march to Hanover Court House— Drives hack,
M'Dowell's troops— M'Clellan's counter manoeuvre— Jackson's orders to Gene
ral Branch ill executedj rendering HiU'e attack on M' Call's division at Mechan-
icsvllle indecisive.
III.— Second Day : Battle of Gaines's Mill.
Heavy Confederate cannonade — Retreat of the enemy from Mechanicsville — Pass
age of the Chickahominy— Arrival of troops under Longstreet and Hill—
M'Dowell's inactivity— Battle of Gaines's Mill — Severe and obstinate fighting .
bravery of the Irish brigade^Hideous aspect of the battle field— Sufferings of
the wounded aggravated by neglect — Inadequate preparations at Richmond for
their care.
rV.— Third and Fourth Days : Battle of Peach Orchard.
Defeat ofthe Federals by " Stonewall" Jackson — Their severe losses^M'Clellan's
retreat compared with that of Radetzky in Lombardy, in 1848— Arrival of Jeff
Davis on the field of battle— Cool reception given to him— The enemy's strong
intrenchments — Orderly retreat of the Federal army.
v.— Fifth Day : Battle near White Oak Swamp.
Strength of the Federal position— The Confederates compelled to retire— Murder
ous fire of tho Federal troops — "Wilcox's brigade nearly cut to pieces- General
Lee's anxiety as to the issue ofthe contest.
VI.— Sixth Day : Battle at Frazer's Farm.
Destructive artillery fire— M'CIellan receives reinforcements— Alarm of the Con
federate officials at Richmond— The fighting resumed— Heroism of General Hill

.310 WAK PICTUEES.
and his troops — Desperate nature of the struggle : no. quarter-i-Anecdote of
Major Peyton and his son — Critical position of the Confederates — Tardy arrival
of reinforcements under Magruder.
VII. — Seventh Day ; Battle op Malvern Hill.
Magruder opens the battle before daybreak, and drives the enemy to Malvern Hill
— Fearful eifect of the fire of 268-pounders from the Federal ships— M'CIellan
holds his ground firmly until midnight, and succeeds in withdrawing his shat
tered forces to James river — Eeflections on his character and talents as a com
mander.

A COUNCIL OF WAR.
Nothing had escaped the keen perception of General Lee,
and he consequently made his preparations for the execution
of his plans so effectually as to insure success, provided the
troops did thefr duty thoroughly. Once more, accompa
nied only by his aide-de-camps, he visited the most distant
outposts ; again he inspected each separate brigade, each forti
fied post — in short every position, before he proceeded to put
his comprehensive measures in force.
All the available troops from the interior of the country
had been collected together ; and besides the significance of
this fact, everything indicated that preparations were making
for a desperate struggle.
On the 25th of June, another great council of war was
held, at which nearly every man of note in the Confederate
army was present. There stood the general-in-chief, Lee,
calm and dignified, greeting with a friendly smile his col
leagues as they approached him, and for each of whom he
had already cut out his work. With a keen glance he sur
veyed the countenance of each officer separately, as if he
wished to impress the features of all upon his memory ; with
the feeling that he expected much from these men, whom, per
haps, he should never behold together again. By his side
stood conspicuously the portly figure of Colonel Baldwin ; on
his left, the eye of the spectator rested upon the thoughtful

COMMEJS CEMENT OF OPEEATIOKS. 311
face of " Stonewall " Jackson, the idol of his men, who was
twitching the hilt of his sword in a nervous manner, as if the
room was too narrow to hold him, and as if he longed to be
in the open air again at the head of his columns. A little on
one side were the two Hills ; in front of them stood the vete
ran General Wise, with his eager, animated look. Further to
the right was a separate group, consisting of Generals Huger,
Longstreet, Anderson, Whiting, Ripley, Branch, and Magru
der. As soon as all the officers invited to the council had ar
rived. General Lee explained his plan of operations ; pointing
out to each the special duty he had to perform. The scheme
was admirably conceived ; with well combined action, a bril
liant success seemed certain. As soon as the sitting was over,
all the officers shook hands, and each of them left for his own
post in order to proceed to active work.
If we consider the relative position of the two armies, the
advantage was unquestionably on the side of the Confederates ;
for General M'Clellan's army, posted upon both banks of the
Chickahominy, was too much extended, and had moreover
great difficulties to contend with in manoeuvring, owing to the
numerous ravines which intersect the ground. M'Clellan's
front line was more than twenty miles in extent, forming a
semicircle, which extended from James river to Ashland and
Richmond ; while another portion of his army had crossed
the Chickahominy from Meadow Bridge to Bottom Bridge,
and occupied the banks of the river, which had been fortified ;
so that, notwithstanding its immense extent, his army pos
sessed a good line of defence to fall back upon.

II.
COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.
Scarcely had dawn broken on the 26th of June, when
'¦' Stonewall " Jackson's numerous forces began moving in a

312 WAE PICTUEES.
direction parallel with the railway line. After a forced march,
they reached Ashland, in the vicinity of which were General
M'Dowell's outposts, about which, however, Jackson gave
himself no further trouble than to send a few detachments of
cavalry to drive them back upon Fredericksburg. After
Jackson had allowed his troops the rest they needed, he rap
idly continued his march upon Hanover Court House, upon
gaining which point, he drove back the enemy's troops. As
soon as M'CIellan was informed of Jackson's movements, and
was made aware of the dangerous position this manoeuvre had
placed him in, he adopted the best measures in his power to
prevent Jackson's further advance upon his line of communi-
¦cations. He forthwith ordered one of his most active officers.
General Fitz John Porter, to take with him two divisions, as
well as the reserve ofthe regulars, and with this force to hold
their ground against the threatened attacks of Jackson and of
General Hill.
General Jackson's corps d^armee, strengthened by the ad
dition of Whiting's division, now consisted of about 30,000
men. and he was therewith in a position to carry out opera
tions on a large scale. As soon as he had crossed the Chick
ahominy, he sent two brigades, under the command of General
Branch, to operate between the two rivers, Pamunky and
Chicliahominy, with instructions to advance as rapidly as pos
sible, and to endeavor strenuously to overcome all obstacles,
so as to give full scope for the free action of the attacking
army of the Confederates at Mechanicsville — Jackson himself
purposing to advance toward Coal Harbor.
It happened, unluckily, that General Branch, as had oc
curred on a former occasion, proved timid and undecided.
As long as he acted directly under General Jackson's com
mand, he obeyed his instructions to the letter, and his courage
never drooped; but when out of his sight, he became nervous
and unresolved how to act. This was one of his unfortunate
days — he hesitated : delaying his onward march from hour to

BATTLE OF GAUSTES'S MILL. 313
hour, instead of advancing boldly as Jackson had distinctly
ordered him.
In the mean time. General Hill (I.) vigorously attacked
the Federal division under General M'Call, in front of Me
chanicsville. But notwithstanding all his efforts, M'Call held
his ground ; General Hill then sent his aide-de-camp to order
up Branch's brigade, but in this he was foiled, for the latter
did not make his appearance upon the battle field until night
had put an end to the combat. in.
SECOND DAT. BATTLE OF GAINEs's MILL.
By daybreak on the 27th June, our artillery opened a
very heavy fire upon the enemy's front, with such effect, that
when they observed General Branch's brigade advancing to
attack their right wing, they relinquished their position before
Mechanicsville, and fell back, fighting, upon their second line
of defence. Just at the moment we had effected the passage
of the Chickahominy, General Longstreet's splendid corp)s
d'armee, consisting of well-proved troops from the army of the
Potomac, came up, as did also the division of General Hill
(IL). The order was now given for the whole force to ad
vance. The divisions of Hill (IL), Anderson, and Whiting,
forming the centre, advanced upon Coal Harbor, whilst Jack
son, Hill (I.), and Longstreet, forming the left wing, marched
along the banks of the Chickahominy ; and Magruder, who
commanded the right wing, was ordered to remain on the de
fensive, in consequence of the swampy state of the ground.
General Wise assumed the command of Fort Darling, on the
James River. All these formidable operations, in connection
with the two former engagements, must have opened the eyes
of General M'CIellan as to our intention of quitting our un
comfortable position at Richmond, so that we might be en-
14

314 WAK PICTUEES.
abled to act with greater scope. He ought, therefore, to have
immediately ordered M'Dowell's corps d'armie, which had
been lying inactive for four months before Fredericksburg, to
make a demonstration on the Richmond road. Had he done
so, the operation would have prevented General Jackson's
flank march.
But General M'CIellan had been deceived in his estimate
of M'Dowell's generalship, for, notwithstanding all the in
formation he had received of our combined manoeuvre, the
latter remained unpardonably inactive and indifferent in his
own safe position, thereby exposing M'Clellan's army, which
had suffered severely from sickness as well as from desertion,
to our overpowering attacks.
When General Lee was fully assured of M'Dowell's in
ertness, he immediately ordered a general and simultaneous
attack on the whole of M'Clellan's lines. As soon as the
news was announced of General Jackson's arrival at Coal
Harbor, the Commander-in-Chief, accompanied by his staff,
proceeded to Gaines's Mill, and ordered the divisions of An
derson, Hill (I.), Longstreet, and Pickett to commence the
attack. Before our columns were in movement, the roar of
cannon on our left wing informed us that Jackson had com
menced operations in that quarter. This belief caused, the
greatest enthusiasm amongst our troops.
M'Clellan's position on this day was a most peculiar one.
With one portion of his army he had crossed the Chickahom
iny, southward, and faced General Magruder's force, whilst
the main body of his army was posted more to the rear and
closer to the railway, at which point he was firmly resolved
to give battle. His arrangements displayed much skill and
circumspection. The different troops took up their respective
positions with remakable precison, firmly awaiting our onset.
This was the first time that the two hostile armies stood oppo
site to each other on an almost equal footing as regards num
bers. The Federals had, however the advantage of a better

BATTLE OF GAINES'S MILL. 315
covered position, whilst our troops were fully exposed to their
fire. The attack wag opened by the columns of Hill (I.), An
derson, and Pickett. With a loud cheer these troops advanced
amidst a tremendous fire from the enemy. Hundreds fell
from the bullets of the foe ; but this did not daunt our men ;
they advanced till they came face to face, eye to eye, bayonet
to bayonet, and then a terrible conflict ensued. A Federal
brigade, commanded by Meagher, and consisting chiefly of
Irishmen, offered the most heroic resistance. After a severe
struggle our men gave way, and retired in great disorder. At
this critical moment, foaming at the mouth with rage, and
without his hat. General Cobb hastened up, sword in hand,
with his legion, followed by the 19th North Carolina, and
14th Virginia regiments, and renewed the attack. But the
efforts of these troops were in vain : the brave Irishmen held
their ground with a determination which excited the admira
tion even of our own officers. The remnant of Cobb's broken
legion then fell back. The 19th regiment had lost six ensigns,
and most of the superior ofticers were struck down. Gene
rals Hill (I.) and Anderson again brought up their men to
the attack, and the fight was renewed with greater fury than
before, some of the regiments exceeding all their former
deeds. Our soldiers displayed a stoical disregard of death that
placed them on an equal footing with veteran troops, for de
spite the sanguinary harvest which death this day reaped in
our ranks, no kind of disorder ensued, and it should be re
membered that this fearless resolution was evinced not only
by the more experienced portion of our troops, but by many
regiments that had never been under fire before. It is, how
ever, due to our opponents to admit that they sustained the
shock of our incessant attacks with undaunted bravery. Al
though some of their brigades had been fighting from four
o'clock till eight p. m., they had continued to stand firm, and
it was only when they found, at the last named-hour, Jackson

316 WAK PICTUEES.
was about to attack them in the rear that they abandoned
their positions. Although their loss must have been very s.evere
they retired in good order, with drums beating and colors
flying, taking their slightly wounded men and their baggage
along with them ; and when hotly pressed in pursuit by Da
vis and Wickham's cavalry regiments, they faced round and
repulsed them.
Night now threw her sable veil over the field of slaughter ;
it seemed, indeed, as if nature was anxious to conceal from the
eyes of the living the harrowing spectacle of death's doings.
Gradually, all had become still, save the faint echo of a distant
cannonade on our left flank ; but that too presently subsided.
The majority of our soldiers, overcome by the exertions of so
obstinate a contest, sank down helplessly upon the ground, to
catch a little fitful rest. Although 1 was also so fatigued that I
could scarcely Keep my seat on horseback, nevertheless, ac
companied by one of my aide-de-camps, I rode to that part of
the battle field where the struggle had been fiercest. Tbe
havoc of war that was here noticeable, even in the gloom of
night, was fearful to contemplate. Whole ranks of the enemy's
dead lay extended on the ground they had occupied at the out
set of the battle. The number of wounded too, was propor
tionately great, while their groans and cries for help were
audible on all sides, and were truly heartrending. In by
gone days I had been on many a battle field in Italy and
\Hungary ; but I confess that I never witnessed so hideous a
picture of human slaughter and horrible suffering.
The preparations for removing the wounded were on too
small a scale, and the men detached for this service not suffi
ciently numerous for their melancholy work ; and as may be
supposed, the surgeons had more on their hands than they
were able to accomplish. By dint of considerable trouble,
and with the aid of some humane officers, I succeeded event
ually in getting matters into a little better order. Luckily, I
came upon some ofthe ambulances lefl; behind by the enemy, and

WAUT OF HOSPITALS AT EICHMOND. 317
gladly made use of them to convey the wounded to Richmond.
Whilst we were performing this sad task, many a poor fellow
breathed his last, rendering all our efforts to succor him una-
vaihng. By midnight I had the first train of conveyances
ready, viz., sixty vehicles of various kinds, containing 200 men,
all severely wounded, and with great labor 1 got this train of
carriages into town. At the first hospital I came to I was re-
fiised admittance. " All right," was the curt but fruitless reply
to my request for admission ; " pass on to the next hospital." At
the next hospital I met with the same reply. A friend then told
me that if I would wak a little he could help me, as he would turn
a large building he used for storing up tobacco into a hospital. I
had therefore, no alternative but to wait an hour and a half with
my load of dying men in the street. I did my best to alle
viate their sufferings by procuring them water, tea, and
other refreshments ; but the late hour of the night and the
confusion in the town greatly impeded my efforts.
At last the temporary hospital was ready, and a sad hole
it was for such a purpose : an open warehouse, unprovided
with doors or windows, and with merely a few planks to
serve for beds for the dying soldiers. On this memorable
day our brave fellows had to endure everything : hunger,
thirst, and heat, besides facing death in its most fearful forms ;
and now, wounded at the very threshold of the dwellings of
their own friends, whose rights and property they had been
fighting for, we beheld them left to die uncared for in an
open shed !
And yet this city numbered as many as 40,000 inhabit
ants; it contained, moreover, many churches, admirably
adapted for hospitals on such emergencies, and was well pro
vided with clergy. Yet no church door was opened, no min
ister of religion came forward to soothe the last moments of
the dying soldier. With mixed feelings of sadness and indig
nation, I gave, the order to place the wounded men inside the
wretched building, and, having bestowed a parting look on

318 WAE PICTUEES.
the ill-cared-for sufferers, I mounted my horse snd hastened
back to rejoin my regiment. IV.
THIRD AND FOURTH DAYS. BATTLE OF PEACH ORCHARD.
General Jackson had executed his flank march without
much interruption on the part of the enemy ; and as sopn as
he reached the post assigned to him he led his columns to the
attack. Though much tired after their fatiguing march, these
" Sansculottes " attacked the enemy with indomitable spirit,
overpowering all resistance. Like a whirlwind General Stuart
swept all before him with his cavalry ; while Jackson's men
seemed to be frantic ; throwing away their muskets and
drawing their bowie knives, they fell with savage fury upon
their victims. The carnage which ensued was terrible, and,
although the enemy attempted, in their desperation, to make
a stand, they were completely overthrown. Their flight be
came a rout, the men throwing away their muskets and run
ning for their lives.
For a moment it was supposed that the defeat of M'Clel
lan's army was complete; two of the enemy's generals of
brigade had already been abandoned by their men, when, at
this most critical moment for the Federal army. General
Heintzelman made his appearance with his division, and re
newed the combat. With equal bravery and skill he succeed
ed at first in warding off our attacks, and thus enabled the
defeated brigades to reform, but it was of no avail : the flight
of the Federal troops ere long became general.
General Heintzelman was compelled, in Iiis turn, to give
ground, and to fall back on the Chickahominy, leaving
all the wounded, baggage, stores, &c., of the Federal forces
in our hands. General Jackson might well exclaim, " Enough
for to-day." No other general of the Confederate army had

BATTLE OF PEACH OECHAED. 318
achieved the task allotted to him with so much celerity and
success. In this battle the Federals lost 2 brigadier-generals, 115
staff and other officers, and 3,000 men, as well as their bag
gage. In a strategical point of view the success of Jackson
was of far greater importance, as General M'CIellan was
thereby completely cut off from his line of retreat. Conse
quently, when Jackson's success became known at our head
quarters, a firm conviction was entertained that the whole of
M'Clellan's army was lost. The exultation this gave rise to
was extraordinary. On joining my regiment early in the
morning, I found my brave troopers indulging in the greatest
excitement, as each and all of them were anxious to take part
in the hoped-for capture of M'CIellan and his army in the
coming battle. I could not avoid shrugging my shoulders
when the officers of the regiment explained their views to me.
I well remembered what occurred in Italy in 1848, at the time
of Radetzky's retreat. It was a parallel case. The Italians
had then prepared in their imagination comfortable quarters
for the brave old Austrian and his army, and the Podesta of
Milan felt so confident of victory and its attendant conse
quences, that he proceeded to the vanguard of the Italian
army, in order that he might receive with due ceremony the
conquered hero. But by that very time the latter had over
come every difficulty in his path, and had quietly retreated to
his strongholds of Mantua and Verona.
I had scarcely rejoined my regiment when I received the
order to advance with the whole line. I looked sadly at our
once fine division. Many of the regiments were terribly cut
up. Some, whose full complement, like that of my own, was
1,100 men, could not muster more than 300 or 400 efficient
men; nay, the 7th Georgia and 21st North Carolina regi
ments could only muster 180 men each. The number of
officers placed hors de combat was proportionally great. In
deed so palpable was this that I had not the courage to inquire

320 WAE PICTDEES.
after many a missing friend, not doubting that he had met
with a soldier's death on the field of battle.
Just as our division had begun to move, Jefferson Davis
made his appearance, accompanied by Colonels Davis, John
ston, and Smith, of the cavalry, and by the Secretary of War,
Randolph, with members of his Military Cabinet. The con
queror of Buena Vista did not, however, meet with an enthu
siastic reception, as with a cold eye and rigid bearing he rode
along the front of the regiments, addressing, occasionally, a
word of recognition to some personal acquaintance.
As soon as our division had succeeded in wending its way
through the chaos of dismounted guns, tumbrels, dead and
wounded men, and reached the open ground which allowed
room for action, we were astonished to find in the enemy's
positions, of which we now took possession, that nothing had
been left but a few broken weapons and some baggage. They
had taken everything else away with them in their retreat ;
the number of dead bodies alone denoted how fierce the strug
gle had been. The defences were of immense strength, and
of much greater solidity than we had imagined. We received
orders to proceed as quickly as possible ; to watch the ene
my's movements, and follow on his heels ; and we had scarce
ly passed the White House when our attention was attracted
by a dense column of smoke, about a mile and a half to the
right of the railway, apparently rising from the forest. Ap
proaching cautiously in that direction, we discovered a huge
burning pyramid. The Federal general had ordered every
thing that could not be taken away to be piled up and burnt.
Property to the amount of millions of dollars was thus con
signed to the flames, that it might not fall into the hands of
the victors. Our men rushed to the burning pile in order to
save all they could from the flames.
Hundreds of casks of preserved meats, coffee, sugar, rice,
wine, including even Champagne, and similar delicacies, with
which the Federal army was amply provided, and of which

BATTLE OF WHITE OAK SWAMP. 321
we Southerners scarcely knew the names, were here piled up for
destruction. But the enemy had done their work so skilfully
that our poor fellows managed to get but little out of the fire.
Fortunately, however, the whole place was strewed with
serviceable cloth cloaks, which proved most useful to our ill-
clad troops. Everything denoted that M'CIellan had retreat
ed in good order, and that he did not dream of capitulating to
his enemy. From some of the stragglers of his army we
learnt that he had crossed the Chickahominy with his whole
force, abandoning his former plan of retreat, and had taken
the direction of James River, probably with a view to keep
up a communication with his flotilla. I accordingly despatch
ed one of my officers, with this information to General Lee.
Shortly after I received an order to halt ; and just then the
fine divisions of Hill (I.) and Longstreet came up at the
double quick, in order to give the coup de grace to the sup
posed flying enemy.

FIFTH DAY. BATTLE NEAR WHITE OAK SWAMP.
About five mUes from Darbytown, on the Newmarket
road, we came in view of the hostile army, which had taken
up an admirable position. The plain here is grown over with
thickets of fir trees, and the ground is so very uneven and ill-
adapted for cavalry movements that we were compelled to
remain inactive.
General M'CIellan had taken up a position which had
Frazer's farm for its centre. He ordered this point to be de
fended with 19 pieces of heavy ordnance, drew his best troops
together there, and calmly and firmly awaited our attack.
It was of vital importance to us to drive away the enemy
from the vicinity of our capital, no matter at what sacrifice :
there was no alternative. But M'CIellan was well aware of
the critical position in which he also was placed. Through
14*

322 WAE PICTUEES.
the folly of M'Dowell, and through the dilatory conduct of
the Federal Secretary of War, Stanton, he had been fairly
left in the lurch. Many other generals would, perhaps,
under such circumstances, have courted death in the turmoil
of battle. But, notwithstanding the immense losses he had
sustained during the battles of the last four days, M'CIellan,
like a good soldier, resolved to try again the chances of war
at the sword's point.
The spirits of our men, excited by the recent fighting, had
become almost ungovernable. No sooner was the enemy in
sight than they fell upon them furiously. But the Federals
were undismayed, and received the attack as deliberately as
if they were on parade ; while the batteries in their centre,
opening a terrific fire upon our advancing troops, caused havoc
and confusion in our ranks. General Lee, seeing this, ordered
up all the troops he could spare to their support. 'M'CIellan,
however, kept up such an incessant fire upon every column as
it came up to take part in the attack, that whole files of our
men were mowed down by showers of grape. The scene that
then ensued is almost indescribable. For nearly seven hours
did the battle thus fiercely rage, wdthin a very small compass,
without either party gaining an inch of ground. All our
reserves were engaged. Wilcox's brigade was almost cut to
pieces ; the men fell on all sides, and cries for water to quench the
thirst of the wounded painfully resounded in every quarter ;
but there were no springs on these arid plains to assuage their
thirsty cravings.
General Lee, looking somewhat disconcerted, rode along
the lines of the shattered regiments, and with a hoarse voice
ordered up Magruder's and Wise's brigades ; and we then
commenced burying our dead. In a few words he directed
General Longstreet what position he was to occupy on the
morrow, and a moment afterward galloped off with his aide-
de-camps to visit the other brigades.

BATTLE AT FEAZER'S FAEM. 323
VI.
SIXTH DAY. BATTLE AT FRAZEb's FARM.
Dawn had scarcely broken on the horizon when the thun
der of the cannon again shook the earth. A battery which
General Anderson had brought up during the night, and
stationed much closer to the enemy's lines, was discovered by
the Federals, and was terribly mauled by their rifled cannon :
every shot told, and the splinters flew about in all directions.
In a short time five guns out of the twelve of this battery
were dismounted, yet the officer in command unflinchingly
held his ground. Meanwhile our columns had formed, al
though the men were weakened through insufficient food.
Wearied, too, as they were by the exertions of the previous
days, they almost staggered as they marched, but, neverthe
less, were not disposed to shirk the stern work that now re
mained for them to do. When the increasing li'ght rendered
objects more discernible, I took a glance at the enemy's for
mation, and noticed with no little anxiety that, from the
greater massiveness of his columns, M'CIellan must have re
ceived reinforcements in sufficient strength to enable him to
withdraw his wearied men from the front, and to bring fresh
troops to bear against our wornout soldiers.
General Lee, now quite convinced of the critical state of
affairs, gave orders to " Stonewall " Jackson to keep his corps
in readiness to cover the retreat of the army, should that
contingency arise. Instructions were sent to Richmond,
moreover, that proper measures should be taken for the
prompt removal, if needful, of all State property from the
town. Orders were then given to the divisions of Hill (II.),
Longstreet, Anderson, Cobb, and Whitticombe to advance to
the attack.
One of the most desperate actions now commenced which

324 WAE PICTUEES.
has perhaps ever been fought. The loss we suffered on this
occasion is fearful to think of. Perceiving the havoc his ar
tillery was making among our men, M'CIellan brought up
considerable forces from his reserve, and with these troops
poured volley after volley of musketry into our ranks. Step
by step his troops gained ground, till at length some of our
companies threw down their muskets and fled. M'CIellan,
taking advantage of the favorable moment, ordered his cav
alry to move on our flank. Anderson then, rapidly placing
himself at the head of three of our horse regiments, bore down
furiously upon the enemy's squadrons. The charge was a
brilliant one. With a defiant hurrah our troopers dashed
upon their opponents, and such was the dismay produced
among them, that, without allowing us time to try the tem
per of our blades, the hostile cavalry turned tail and fled igno
miniously. But it was impossible to follow up our success
in face of the enemy's rifled cannon, and we, in our turn, had
to fall back out of the reach of the murderous fire poured into
us. The enemy, taking courage from the disorder thus oc
casioned in our ranks, advanced to attack us, shouting as they
approached, " On to Richmond ! " These vaunting words
rang along the whole ofthe enemy's line, and when they be
came audible to us, many hardy soldiers who had successfully
fought our foes in far-off Missouri and in the plains of Arkan
sas, felt their hearts swell with indignation. After six days'
hard fighting — after incessant bloodshed — after all our harass
ing toils and privations — all now seemed lost ! A feeling of
depression, almost amounting to a panic, "now took possession
of the minds of many. For a moment these symptoms were
so alarming that a general flight appeared imminent. In vain
did the officers of the staff endeavor to rally the failing spirit
of the troops. This was a perilous moment for the Con
federacy. In this desperate state of affairs, while the enemy continued
advancing to the reiterated shout of "On to Richmond!"

MAJOE PETTON- AND HIS SON. 325
General Hill brought up some regiments he had managed to
collect for the purpose, and, seizing the flag of the 4th North
Carolina regiment, which he had once commanded, exclaimed :
" If you will not follow me, I will seek death alone ! " In
answer to this powerful appeal, several officers rushed forward
to shield their beloved general with their own bodies, while
the men of the regiment vehemently shouted, " Hill, lead on
your North Carolina boys ! " Cavalry officers, too, were seen
to dismount and to take the vacant places of infantry officers
who had fallen. Hill now rushed intrepidly to the attack,
followed by his men, in whose breasts he had rekindled a
courage amounting to exultation. The enemy was startled at
seeing columns that but a few moments before had been in
full flight thus reappear in fierce array to renew the attack.
Hill fell like a wounded lion upon his pursuers, and the con
flict was then waged chiefly with cold steel, for there was no
time left for loading and firing. The animosity with which
the men on both sides fought was almost diabolic ; quarter
was not thought of, the bowie knife and the bayonet did the
sanguinary work. The son sinks dying at his father's feet —
the father heeds not his dying child. Yon savagely excited
soldier cares not that his brother has been killed within a few
paces of him ; nor do the most intimate friends, in this scene
of unrestrained butchery, heed the last groan of their cherished
comrades ; all the bonds of human nature are broken ; one
hideous craving alone seeks gratification — revenge on the foe !
It was here that the son of Major Peyton, a lad fifteen
years of age, called to his father to help him, as a bullet had
smashed both his legs. " I will help you," replied the major,
" when we have beaten the enemy. I have other sons to lead
in the path of glory ! " Then shouting " Forward ! " he him
self fell only a few yards further mortally wounded. Many
deeds of heroic bravery were performed on both sides. In
deed, it would be difficult to point to any page in military
history where that virtue was more fully displayed than in

326 "WAE PICTUEES.
this memorable battle. So intense was the animosity that
animated the contending foes, that even many a wounded man
lying helpless on the ground would strive with a last effort to
plunge his knife into the breast of some fallen enemy near
him. General Hill's success enabled the other generals to rally
and reform some of their scattered troops, and, in a short
time, by such means, the battle was renewed along the whole
line, and continued to rage until far in the night. It was
essential to our chances of success that we should maintain
the fight until reinforcements could reach us, and we felt
assured that the enemy's troops were quite as much exhaust
ed as our own.
By eleven o'clock at night, the divisions of Magruder.
Wise, and Holmes arrived, and took up a position in our
front. Had these generals performed their duties with ac
tivity and care, a vast deal of bloodshed might have been
spared, and the enepiy would have been driven back upon his
reserves as early as the forenoon. But, unfortunately, these
three divisions arrived just seventeen hours too late. The
generals were not quite certain as to their proper line of
march, and, consequently, their columns kept crossing and
recrossing each other, thus causing the loss of much precious
time. Nevertheless, late as this succor was in reaching us,
the shattered remnant of our army owed its eventual safety
to its interposition.
As soon as the three divisions in question had gone to the
front, the regiments which had been engaged were withdrawn,
and every effort was used to reorganize them, and to recruit
the exhausted strength of the men during the night by the
much-needed supplies of food. Fortunately, there was just
then no lack of such stores. Proper measures were taken.
also, to remove the wounded and to bury the dead.

BATTLE OF MAT.VEBN HILL. 32?
VII.
SEVENTH DAY. BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL.
On the 1st of July, as early as two o'clock in the morn
ing, when the stars were still twinkling in the heavens. Gen
eral Magruder renewed the fight. In a very short time the
cannonade opened along the whole line, and so desperate was
the sustained attack of our forces, that by the time noon had
arrived M'CIellan was driven from all his positions, abandon
ing his wounded, his baggage, and many guns. Magruder
followed closely in pursuit, but with caution, as he had to
clear the surrounding thickets of the artillery and riflemen
that were concealed under their cover.
At half past four in the afternoon, our troops reached the
well-known farm belonging to D. Carter, called Malvern Hill.
Here General M'CIellan had resolved to make a stand, and
had accordingly drawn up his troops in order of battle.
General Magruder lost no time in attacking them. Our
columns, in splendid order, soon cleared the ground which
separated them from the enemy, and advanced to attack
them in their intrenched position. But a hail of bullets
created fearful gaps in our ranks, and our troops had to
retire for shelter behind the trees. Generals Smith, Ander
son, and Holmes again led them on, when suddenly guns of
an enormous calibre opened fire upon us with terrible effect.
This cannonade proceeded from the ships, moored at a dis
tance of no less than two and a half miles from the field of
battle. Our men now attacked the works on Malvern Hill
with desperate courage. But M'CIellan resolutely held his
ground, and it was not until midnight that he was compelled
to give way before the persevering and heroic efforts of our
troops. This battle of the seventh day will ever be remembered

328 WAE PICTUEES.
as the Battle of Malvern Hill, and will hold an enduring place
in the annals of the South.
In none of the previous battles before Richmond had the
fighting been confined to so small a space as in this action ;
and in addition to the effects of this concentrated strife, the
fire of monster guns from the enemy's ships must be taken
into account, as an aggravation of its horrors ; it was a fear
ful sight to see these 268 lb. shells crash through the wood
and explode. This was the first time in the history of war
that such enormous shells were used. I repeat, that the Bat
tle of Malvern Hill will ever be a great and proud memorial
for that people, who here displayed their indomitable spirit
and fixed determination to conquer or die for their liberty and
national independence.
It was at Malvern Hill, moreover, that the enemy's lead
er, General M'CIellan, displayed his talents in the most ad
vantageous light. Notwithstanding his enormous losses, our
desperate attempts to annihilate the Federal host failed to ac
complish that much-cherished object of our whole army ; and
for that unfulfilled wish torrents of blood were prodigally
shed. I may venture to say that, if M'CIellan had received the
support that had been promised him, he might have given a
crushing blow to the Confederacy. But it was only after his
army had been routed that Burnside made his appearance with
his corps. What might not the result have been, if that gen
eral had arrived a fortnight sooner, and if M'Dowell had not
been virtually isolated from M'CIellan 1
As General M'CIellan withdrew his shattered forces
through swamps, forests, and all sorts of difficult ground, he
could well exclaim, like Francis I, after the battle of Pavia,
" All is lost except honor ! " Still undaunted, he retreated
to James River, to find protection under the guns of his
flotilla. The tribute of admiration we here venture to pay to Gen-

FINAL DEFEAT OF m'CLELLAN. 329
eral M'CIellan is conscientiously bestowed. There are few,
if any, generals in the Federal army that can bear comparison
with him. Abandoned at the most critical moment by
M'Dowell ; left to his fate by the Secretary of War, Stanton,
from party pique ; cut off from his line of retreat, he adopted
a basis of operations on a plan of his own, that puzzled the
comprehension of less able men, and in its execution he de
fended every inch of ground with bravery and skill. His last
halt at Malvern Hill is a proof of his military talent, and he
is entitled to as much credit for his able combinations as for
the determined stand he there made. But his troops had, at
the dose of these fierce conflicts, become much demoralized
by the effects of the previous six days' fighting, and had lost
heart ; whilst many of his generals, having failed to compre
hend adequately the ideas of their commander-in-chief, gave
him little or no support.

330 WAR PICTUEES.

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
If the question be raised how it has happened that the success
which the Federal Government reasonably looked forward to
obtain, in the struggle for the maintenance of the Union,
turned chiefly in favor of the South, the only safe conclusion
we can come to is, that it must be ascribed to a want of unity
amongst the Federal generals.
If that Government had only possessed a few such men as
Sterling Price, of Missouri, the Leonidas of the Confederate
army ; if the leading members of that Government could
have been content to sacrifice their own ambition and vanity
to a patriotic regard for the real interests of their cause,
affairs might have taken a very different turn. The honor
awarded by a nation to its sons is not based on the rank or
titles they may hold, but is a consequence of the acts which
they perform. All the distinctions which mere vanity strives
to obtain are utterly barren ; it is only the memory of disin
terested, undaunted patriots that endures in the hearts of their
countrymen. What the Washington Government had to con
tend against, was both a want of unity, and a general craving
for personal notoriety.
Such was the nature of the cancer that ought to have been
cut out before it was so deeply rooted as to become incurable.
Why did Fortune, it may be asked, smile so often upon the
arms of the Confederates 1 Because, we reply, with a few
exceptions, their generals acted harmoniously together, and
were well supported by their Government and press ; whilst

CONCLUDING OBSEEVATIONS. 331
the Federal Government, on the contrary, had to contend
with three distinct political parties, each of which endeavored
to impede the action of the other ; and this practical source
of disunion caused the troops, as well as the people, occasion
ally to lose confidence in their leaders, political and military,
and necessarily rendered the task of the latter much more
difficult than it would otherwise have been. In fact, it is be
yond question that the Federal Government, with its inex
haustible resources, with its powerful fleet and army, might
long since have annihilated the seceding party in the Southern
States, whom they regarded in the light of rebels, if its gen
erals had but energetically concentrated their operations.
The United States Government should only have had two
points in view in directing their offensive operations : the first
and cardinal point being Richmond, which ought to have been
taken at any cost, for, if once in their power, the deathblow
to the Confederacy would have been given. Whatever people
may say about moving the seat of Government further south,
it matters not ; with the fall of Richmond, the Confederacy
would have succumbed likewise, for Richmond was not only
the abiding place of the most rabid Southern fire-eaters, but
of the thousand overawed partisans of the Union, who would
have plucked up courage to judge and act for themselves, had
the pressure upon them been removed. The Confederate
Government — which, it must be remembered, had not been
really acknowledged, for President Davis was elected merely
by a small body of partisans — would then have fallen to
the ground.
The Confederate Government is perfectly well aware of
this, and this is why they exert every nerve to make a stand
at Richmond. All the resources indispensable to carry on
the war are concentrated in and around that city. Virginia is
a rich and productive State, quite capable of providing for the
wants of a large army : iron and coal mines, rich pastures,
corn land, and all sorts of cattle, are to be found plentifully

332 WAB PICTUEES.
within it. Richmond, besides being the seat of the Confeder'
ate Government, is rich in arsenals, arm founderies, manufac
tories of different kinds, and great baking establishments for
the army. If driven from Richmond, the Confederate Gov
ernment might possibly make a stand for a fortnight in North
Carolina, but would then be compelled to decamp hastily to
the other side of the Mississippi.
When General M'CIellan took post before Richmond, he
was perfectly well aware of the momentous task he had before
him. Knowing the enemy's strength, he never treated them
with contempt; but he well knew the vast importance of
unity and self-confidence. It was not his fault that he was
beaten before Richmond ; his failure must be attributed to the
blindness of his Government, who looked upon the foe as one
easily to be vanquished. When M'CIellan had placed an iron
collar round the throat of that foe, which he intended to draw
gradually tighter, and had obtained a footing so close to
Richmond that he could send his cannon balls into the very
centre of the city, the Government at Washington ought to
have concentrated all its thoughts and energies to the one
great object of sending M'CIellan as many troops as would
enable him to assume and maintain the offensive.
The second point which the Union Government should
have kept in view is the command of the Mississippi. The
Federal Government ought, at any price, to have taken pos
session of that great road of communication, no matter what
amount of troops it would have been necessary to employ for
that purpose. If it could have obtained the possession of this
great watercourse, it could at once have cut off a portion of
the Confederate States from all communication with those
places on which they depended for supplies, and compelled
them, through sheer necessity, to return to the Union. With
various stations for her ships on the Mississippi, and an army
of 200,000 men in the field, the United States could hold its
own against all comers. The Government at Washington

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 333
should not have attached, so much importance to its flanks;
for on the one side they were protected by their power.
ful fleet, on the other by a brave and numerous people
ready to step forward in the defence of their Govern
ment as soon as they were satisfied that the latter was
in earnest. If it had collected together all the troops scatter
ed over the different parts of its vast territories ; if it put at
their head a leader provided with the means of conducting
the large army we have designated — a leader who had gained
the love of his soldiers — there can be no question that he
could have achieved the greatest results. One decisive blow —
one great victory — would have sufficed to induce the soldiers
to follow him willingly unto death, wherever he chose to lead
them ; and that, too, without the allurement of bounty, or of
any promised reward, but simply for the honor of fighting for
the national cause.
The various acts of cruelty that have been occasionally
perpetrated during this war may be accounted for by the fact
of the armies being composed of heterogeneous elements.
There was no true soldier-like spirit, no clear conception of
the laws of military honor amongst these great masses, such
as are to be met with in the armies of more civilized na,tions.
The troops comprised a singular mixture of semi-savages?
civilized men, patriots, and hot-headed partisans, with some
few chivalrous adventurers.
This lamentable war would long since have been termi
nated if the Union Government had actively and resolutely
bestowed, at the commencement of the contest, serious atten
tion on its more important issues, and have then readily made
those sacrifices which it is now driven to. The whole affair
was treated with too much levity : indeed, it appeared almost
as if a wish prevailed amongst many to provoke a war.
Over-confidence in their resources, national vanity, party
'spirit, and private interests all served to kindle the spark
which has grown up into a mighty conflagration, that has let

334 WAE PICTURES.
loose the hellhounds of war to ravage this unfortunate land.
When will a controlling hand be stretched forth to restore
peace between the fratricidal opponents 1 When will the
mild angel of peace descend with the olive branch to restore
tranquillity and order in the dwellings of man, and to implant
love within hearts that are now filled with deadly hatred and
revenge 1
Who can tell ?
Ere long, let us hope and pray, for who does not sincerely
desire it ? But it needs the combined efforts of strong will,
powerful intellect, and untiring energy, as well as of undaunt
ed courage, to recover and reunite the loosened elements of
former content, prosperity, and liberty. Anticipating, as I
fervently do, so desirable a consummation, I trust that thou
sands will join me in heartily wishing that the American Re
public, once the pride of the world, may arise strong and
powerful from this disastrous struggle ; that the blood which
has been shed in torrents during this war may serve to fertil
ize the soil of liberty, and that a new Union may arise,
greater, stronger, and more free than its predecessor !

BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES

(^mxnU ssf t\t €sufi)snuti Jirmg.

p. G. TOUSSAINT BEAUREGARD.
General Beauregard, who is of French extraction, was
born in the year 1818, in the State of Louisiana, and is the
son of a wealthy planter there. After being educated at the
Military Academy at West Point, he served with distinction
in the Mexican war, and received the rank of captain after
the battles of Contreras and Churubusco ; for his conduct at
the battle of Chapultepec he was promoted to the rank of
major. On leaving active service he was promised the post
of Superintendent of the Academy at West Point ; but ow
ing, as it is reported, to political intrigues, the appointment
was cancelled. On the eve of the outbreak of the War of
Secession, he was intrusted with the command of the troops
called out by the State of South Carolina to act against Fort
Sumter. The surrender of that stronghold, as well as General
Beauregard's subsequent achievememts, are to be found nar
rated in the text of this work. Beauregard is a short, thin
man, with a dark complexion, and a most lively tempera
ment. Although the expression of his countenance can hard
ly be called prepossessing, his manners are nevertheless most

336 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
courteous and urbane, denoting a man of good breeding and
education. After the great battle of Manassas, praises and
honors were showered upon him by the whole Confederacy,
but the Southern authorities have subsequently treated him
with coldness and neglect.

THE LATE
ALBERT SIDNEY JOHNSTON.
The late General A. S. Johnston was born in the State of
Kentucky in the year 1803. After going through the usual
course of education at the military school of West Point, he
joined an infantry regiment in 1826. Appointed adjutant to
General Scott, he served throughout a campaign against the In
dians, but soon afterward left the army and emigrated to Tex
as. He entered the Texan army as a private soldier, but
General Rusk soon made him adjutant-general of his com
mand. He soon rose to be senior brigadier-general of the
Texan army, and was promoted to succeed General Houston,
which led to a duel between them, wherein Johnston was
wounded. In 1837 he took the command-in-chief in Texas,
and in 1839 acted as Secretary of War of the New Repub
lic. When the annexation of Texas to the Union ended in the
Mexican War, he went to Mexico at the request of General
Taylor, and was elected colonel of a volunteer regiment, the
1st Texan Rifles, and specially distinguished himself at the
battle of Monterey. He afterward took part in the war
against the Mormons. For his distinguished services he was
promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in 1857, and to
the post of Military Governor of Utah. At the outbreak of
the civil war, General A. S. Johnston joined the Southern Con
federacy, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh, near Corinth.
His loss was deeply regretted by the whole Confederacy, but

ROBERT E, LEE — THOMAS J. JACKSON. 337
especially by the troops, who were devotedly attached to him.
He was of noble and commanding presence, courteous and af
fable in his address, of a generous and kindly disposition, and
was universally esteemed and beloved.

ROBERT EDMUND LEE.
General Lee was born in Virginia in the year 1808. He is
a collateral descendant of Washington, and is the owner of
Whitehouse, a splendid property which formerly belonged to
that great man. He was educated at West Point, and com
manded a corps of engineers in the Mexican campaign, during
which he was severely wounded at the battle of Chapultepec,
and was twice brevetted for distinguished gallantry. In 1852
he was appointed Superintendent of the Military Academy,
and in 1855 was made lieutenant-colonel of the 2d Cavalry.
Meanwhile, Lee was sent with M'CIellan, then a captain, to
the Crimea, to watch the operations ofthe siege of Sebastopol.
When the Civil War in America broke out, he was at San
Antonio, Texas, in command of his regiment, but joined the
Confederacy, and was intrusted with the chief command of
the Confederate troops in Virginia, and subsequently was ap
pointed Commander-in-Chief of the whole Confederate army.

THOMAS JEFFERSON JACKSON.
General T. J. Jackson (usually styled " Stonewall " Jackson)
was born at Clarksburg, in the county of Lewis, Virginia, in
the year 1825, of very respectable parents, who both died
when he was quite young, leaving him unprovided for. An
uncle on his mother's side then took charge of him, and gave
him the best education he could afford. His studious habits
15

338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and good conduct procured for him the office of constable for
his county, when he was but sixteen years of age. In 1842,
a young man in his district was offered a cadetship at West
Point, but not having much inclination for a military career,
he declined it. Jackson endeavored to get the vacant ap
pointment, though strongly dissuaded from trying for it by
his friends, who feared he might not succeed in passing his
first examination. Jackson himself was aware that he was
scarcely competent to undergo this ordeal ; but not dis
heartened, he energetically set to work to qualify himself, and,
provided with a letter of introduction from Mr. Hayes, a
member of Congress, he made the venture. Jackson suc
ceeded in gaining admission to the Academy, and in 1846,
having received his appointment as second lieutenant, he was
ordered to join General Taylor's army_ on the Rio Grande.
After the battle of Buena Vista, Jackson was transferred to
General Scott's army, then engaged in besieging Vera Cruz.
He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant for his bravery,
and was present in nearly every affair in which the troops of
General Scott were engaged ; and, for his dashing conduct,
was soon promoted to the rank of major. In this campaign,
his health suffered so severely that he was obliged to retire
from active service. He then accepted the offer of a profes
sorship in the Military College at Lexington, in Virginia,
which appointment he held until that State seceded from the
Union. It has been alleged that Jackson is a fatalist, like
Napoleon and some other great generals ; this imputation,
however, has been denied by his intimate associates ; but all
parties concur in representing him as a highly moral, straight
forward man, deeply imbued with religious faith. As a com
mander he is very strict in the maintenance of discipline, but
is, nevertheless, almost worshipped by his men. Many of
his brilliant exploits, especially his conduct on that memorable
occasion on which the name of " Stonewall " was bestowed
upon him, are to be found related in previous portions of this

THOMAS J. JACKSON. 339
work. His appearance is not prepossessing. He is about six
feet in height, and awkward in his movements, and has a small
but well-formed head, gray eyes, a straight nose, and light
brown hair. He is taciturn rather than communicative, and
his tone in conversation usually serious ; but on occasions he
can be cheerfiil and animated. Friends and foes all concur in
ranking " Stonewall " Jackson as the most distinguished officer,
if not, indeed, the ablest general of the Confederate army.

Note. — Just as these concluding sheets were passing through
the press, the unwelcome news reached England of the death
of the subject of the above brief sketch, from the effects of
wounds received at the sanguinary battle of Chancellorsville.
" He had often dared the extremest dangers of the battle
field, and his hairbreadth escapes were recounted with wonder
by his men, who had almost come to regard him as endowed
with a charmed life. In him the Confederate army has lost a
beloved and trusty leader, whose very name was a tower of
strength. By common consent. General Jackson was pre
eminently the hero of the war. He had no personal enemies,
and no political antecedents lent a sinister aspect to his fame.
The motives which actuated him in espousing the cause for
which he so zealously contended, were pure and lofty. In
deed, we have been assured that it was not without a severe
struggle, and, at last, an earnest conviction that he was doing
his duty, that he drew his sword on the side of the Confederacy.
From the people of the South his memory will receive the
solemn, affectionate, unstinted homage which a nation pays to
its chief martyr, while in this country, the admiration felt for
his brilliant achievements, and the respect to which he entitled
himself by his private virtues, have caused his death to be re
garded with an intensity of regret, rarely bestowed on any
hut our own countrymen. He was, moreover, so pious and
God-fearing a man, that it is said he never engaged in any
unusual enterprise without first making it the subject of
special prayer."

340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
General Jackson was twice married.
The Times thus eloquently adverts to the death of the
hero :
" The Confederate laurels worn on the field of Chancellors
ville, must be twined with the cypress. Probably no disaster
of the war will have carried such grief to Southern hearts as
the death of General Jackson, who has succumbed to the
wounds received on the eve of the great battle of the 3d of
May. Even on this side of the ocean, the gallant soldier's
fate will everywhere be heard of with pity and sympathy.
Not only as a brave man fighting for his country's independ
ence, but as a most consummate general, ' Stonewall ' Jackson
will carry with him to his early grave, the regrets of all who
can admire greatness and genius. From the earliest days of
the war, he has been conspicuous for the most remarkable
military qualities. That mixture of daring and judgment
which is the mark of ' heaven-born ' generals, distinguished
him beyond any man of his time. Although the young Con
federacy has been illustrated by a number of eminent soldiers,
yet the applause and devotion of his countrymen, confirmed
by the judgment of European nations, have given the first
place to General Jackson. The military feats he accomplish
ed moved the minds of people with an astonishment which it
is only given to the highest genius to produce. The blows he
struck at the enemy were as terrible and decisive as those of
Bonaparte himself. The march by which he surprised the
army of Pope last year would be enough in itself to give him
a high place in military history. But perhaps the crowning,
glory of his life was the great battle in which he fell. When
the Federal commander, by crossing the river twelve miles
above his camp, and pressing on, as he thought, to the rear of
the Confederates, had placed them between two bodies of his
army, he was so confident of success as to boast that the en
emy was the property of the army of the Potomac. It was
reserved to Jackson by a swift and secret march to fall upon

THOMAS J. JACKSON. 341
his right wing, crush it, and, by an attack unsurpassed in
fierceness and pertinacity, to drive his very superior forces
back into a position from which he could not extricate him
self except by flight across the river.
"He fell by a cruel chance, having received his mortal
wounds in the confusion of a melee from the fire of his own
troops, ' all of whom would have died for him.' On the
evening of the 2d of May, his men, mistaking him and his
cortege for some of the enemy's cavalry, fired with fatal effect,
killing and wounding several of the party, and the lamented
general himself received three wounds in the arm and hand.
Amputation of the arm was necessary, and from the effects
of this the Southern hero sank, after considerable suffering,
at the end of a week.
" By the death of General Jackson the South has lost a
great and controlling mind — one of those born leaders of men
who can infuse their own spirit into all around them. Such
a commander is the soul and strength of a cause when it as
serts itself in arms. The combination of sincerity and enthu
siasm with the professional skill that amounted to a genius
for war is rare indeed. Power cannot evoke, nor can tho
wealth of empires create it. The adherence of such men to
a cause or principle makes the difference between success and
failure to the side they select. Had his last victory been
more complete it would not have compensated the South for
the loss of General Jackson, whose fall has thrown such a
dark shadow over the memory of the day. That fall was
untimely, for he was still young in years, and the work to
which he devoted his life is unfinished. He might have done
his cause more service, but he had achieved a full measure of
fame; and rarely has so brief a period established such an
unquestioned military reputation."

842 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

STERLING PRICE.
General Price was born in Edward county, Virginia, in the
year 1810. He migrated to Missouri in 1830, where he
settled as a farmer in Charlton county. In 1844 he was
elected a member of Congress, and, as such, took his seat in
the House of Representatives at Washington. When the
events in Texas led to the war between the United States and
Mexico, Price resigned his seat as a member of Congress, and
took the command of a Missouri volunteer regiment, receiving
the rank of colonel. Returning to Missouri on the termina
tion of the Mexican war, he was, some time after, elected
Governor of that State (in 1852). When Abraham Lincoln
had been elected to the presidency of the United States, and
the civil war broke out, the border States soon followed the
example set them by Carolina and other Southern States in
seceding from the Union. General Price, adopting the cause
of the Confederacy, was intrusted with the command of a
body of volunteers, and rendered such service to the cause by
his skill and activity that he has entitled himself to be regard
ed as an able officer and gallant soldier.

C. FREDERICK HENNINGSEN.
Amongst the many military men of talent with which the
present age abounds, there are none perhaps whose career
furnishes more varied interest than the subject of this brief
sketch. In whatever field of action we behold him, whether
in the wilds of Tartary, in Circassia, in the Basque Provinces,
in Hungary, at the sanguinary siege of Comorn, or in the
pathless mountains of Nicaragua, we ever find him manifesting
the same high military qualities and the same scrupulous love

a. FREDERICK HENNINGSEN. 843
of honor. General Henningsen was born in London in tho
year 1816. When scarcely sixteen years of age the civil war
in Spain, consequent on the death of Ferdinand VII, had just
broken out, and attracted the general attention of Europe.
Henningsen, prompted by an energetic spirit, joined the
Carlist chief, Zumalacarreguy, as a volunteer, in the Basque
Provinces. He soon rose to the rank of captain in that
general's body guard, and was made a knight of the order of
St. Ferdinand. On his return to England he published a
" History of the War in Spain," a work which earned for him
the favorable opinion of both the Duke of Wellington and
Marshal Soult. When scarcely twenty years of age he re
turned to Spain with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and,
after the battle of Villar de los Navarros, was entrusted with
the command of the cavalry. As a reward for his gallantry
before Madrid he received the rank of a full colonel, and the
order of Isabella. He next served with the Russian army in
the campaign against the Circassians, and wrote a work on the
Caucasus, which was published by the Russian Government as
an official document. He next published a work entitled,
" The Revolutions of Russia," which was well spoken of at
the time. He subsequently went to Hungary, and was in
trusted with the command of Comorn. When the struggle
there was over, Henningsen turned his attention to the im
provement of firearms^ and superintended the construction
of the first Minie rifles introduced into America. But he con
tinued to devote himself to literary pursuits, and published
the following works: "A Twelvemonth's Campaign under
Zumalacarreguy ; " " The White Slave," a novel ; " Eastern
Europe Sixty Years ago," a Russian novel. But of all his
writings, "Analogies and Contrasts" met with the greatest
success. When the war in Nicaragua assumed a serious
aspect, the want of a good leader was felt. Some of Presi
dent Walker's friends proposed Henningsen, who had then
taken up his residence at New York. An offer was thereupon

344 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
made to him, and, on accepting it, he embarked for Nicaragua.
At the termination of the war there he proceeded to Georgia,
of which State he became a naturalized citizen, and when the
war of secession broke out he accepted the post of second in
command of Wise's legion, in the service of the Confederates.
The dilatory conduct of the Government^ however, has
hitherto not afforded him an opportunity for the display of
his military talents. General Henningsen is tall, and quite
the soldier in appearance ; he speaks eight different languages
with the same fluency as he does his mother tongue, and is
incontestably a most accomplished and well-informed military

JOSEPH ECCLESTON JOHNSTON.*
This offi.cer, who is a native of Virginia, entered the Military
Academy in 1825, passed thence to the 4th Artillery, and re
tired in 1837; but, on the breaking out of the Florida war
shortly afterward, he entered the Topographical Engineers
and served during that contest. In 1846, as lieutenant-colonel
of the Voltigeurs, he served during the Mexican war, having
been present at all the engagements between Vera Cruz and
the capital, was twice wounded and twice brevetted. In 1860
he left the line and became quartermaster-general to the
United States army, with the rank of brigadier-general. He
is very simple and unassuming in his bearing, but his coun
tenance is expressive of great resolution and capacity. Gen
eral Joseph Johnston, who took service in the Confederate
army at the outbreak of the Civil War, was very severely
wounded at the battle of Seven Pines.
* The substance of the above and of the four subsequent sketches is derived,
ny permission of the proprietors, from the columns of Once a Week.

EDMUND KIRBY SMITH  BRAXTON BRAGG. 345

EDMUND KIRBY SMITH.
Kirby Smith, who is from the State of Florida, was a cadet
in 1841, and served through the Mexican war, at first as a
lieutenant of the 5th Infantry — wherein were two other officers
of the same name, both of distinguished bravery, and both
slain in action — and afterward in the 7th Infantry, and was
twice brevetted for gallantry. He was for a time mathemati
cal professor of the Military Academy ; and in 1861 was a
captain in the 2d Cavalry. This able officer joined the Con
federate forces soon after the commencement of the war of
secession, and it was his timely arrival with the strong divis
ion under his command, at the close of the battle of Manassas,
that decided the victory of the Confederate army.

BRAXTON BRAGG.
General Bragg is a native of North Carolina. He became
a cadet of the Military Academy in 1833, and was known by
name at least throughout the Republic for his heroic conduct
during the Mexican war, especially by his gallant defence,
when a lieutenant of the 3d Artillery, of Fort Brown — a lit^
tie earthwork hastily thrown up by General Taylor on the
bank of the Rio Grande, opposite the city of Matamoras ;
and also by his subsequent conduct at Buena Vista, when his
battery, supported only by the 1st Mississippi Rifles, charged
and routed the Mexican army, after the volunteer infantry
had fled en masse. He received four brevets during that war.
In 1854 he was only a captain, and retired from the service
some years since. On the breaking out of the Civil War he
was intrusted with an important command, and received the
rank of a general. 15*

346 biographical sketches.

JAMES LONGSTREET.
This distinguished officer, one of the ablest generals of the
Confederate army, was born in South Carolina. He became
a cadet in 1838, and was attached successively to the 4th and
8th Infantry, was present at Monterey, and all the battles in
the Valley of Mexico ; was wounded at Chapultepec, and
twice brevetted. In 1858 he passed from the line into the
paymaster's department, and belonged to it at the commence
ment of the present struggle in 1861. The very active part
taken by General Longstreet in the great battles and other
military operations of the Cival War, will be found narrated
in the previous pages of this work.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

OP

iinnah af t\& ii'dnnl iaxcts.

G. B. M'CLELLAN.
General George B. M'Clellan was born at Philadelphia
in the year 1826, and is the descendant of an old Scotch fam
ily, the lairds of Kirkcudbright. He received his military
education at the academy of West Point, which he quitted in
1846, after a course of careful study, and with a certificate of
exemplary conduct, and with the rank of second lieutenant of
engineers. He served in the Mexican war, and distinguished
himself at the battles of Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del
Rey, and Chapultepec. For his gallant conduct in the latter
engagement, he received the brevet rank of captain, and had
the command given to him of a company of sappers and mi
ners. At the conclusion of the war he returned to West
Point, and remained there on duty with his company until
1851. About this time he introduced the bayonet exercise
into the American army, and prepared a military manual,
which is now used as a text book in that service. In the
spring of 1852 he served under Major Marcy, in the expedi
tion for exploring the Red river, and soon after joined the
staff of General Persifer Smith, a senior engineer, and was

348 biographical sketches.
engaged in surveying the rivers and harbors of that State,
In 1853 he superintended the western division of the survey
of the North Pacific Railroad route ; returning in 1854, he
received a commission in the cavalry, and was soon after ap
pointed a member of the commission sent by the United
States Government to the seat of war in the Crimea, to watch
the progress of the siege of Sebastopol ; having for his asso
ciates, Colonel R. E. Lee, the present Commander-in-Chief of
the Confederate forces, and Major Mordecai. The result of
his observations was a critical report on the " Organization of
European Armies, and the Operations of War."
At the conclusion of the war, M'Clellan returned to Amer
ica, and after two years' service resigned his commission, and
became Vice-President and Engineer of the Illinois Central
Railroad, which post he held for three years. On the civil
war breaking out, the command was given to him of the mi
litia in the State of Ohio, with the rank of major-general.
He soon greatly distinguished himself by his victory at Rich
Mountain. After the disaster at Manassas, he was placed at
the head of the Army of the Potomac, and on the retirement
of General Scott, was appointed to fill his post as Command
er-in-Chief M'Clellan may truly be said to possess most of
the qualifications required to constitute a good general. The
pages of this work will be found to bear full and impartial
testimony to the bravery, sagacity, and calm judgment dis
played by him on many occasions — especially when in com
mand of the Army of the Potomac — and also to his successful
efforts in organizing the Federal army.

FRANCIS SIGEL.
This officer, who holds a deservedly high place amongst the
generals of the Federal army, was born at Sinsheim, in the
Grand Duchy of Baden, in 1824, and was educated in the

AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE — DON CUILOS BUELL. 349
military academy at Carlsruhe, the capital of that duchy. In
the political outbreak in Germany in 1848, he joined the rev
olutionary party, and eventually emigrated to America, se
lecting the State of Missouri as his new home. When the tide
of civil war threatened the security of Missouri, he appealed
to all the German settlers in that State to rally round him in
defence of their homesteads. All those men who had for
merly served under him in Germany hastened to join his flag ;
a mark of confidence of which he had much reason to feel
proud. The great skill and ability with which he led his le
gion in their progress through the prairies of Missouri, was
so highly appreciated, that the rank of major-general was be
stowed upon him.
AMBROSE EVERETT BURNSIDE.
General Burnside, of the State of Indiana, was born in the
year 1824, and was educated at West Point. In 1847 he re
ceived the appointment of lieutenant of artillery in the United
States army, and served in the Mexican campaign. In 1852
he quitted the army and was appointed a railway engineer.
When the Civil War broke out the command was given to
him of the 1st regiment of volunteers of the State of Rhode
Island. In 1861, in consequence of the great activity and
military skill which he displayed, he was promoted to the
rank of a brigadier-general, and was subsequently, also, in
trusted with the command of the military and naval expedi
tion directed against the coast of North Carolina.

DON CARLOS BUELL.
General Buell, who is a native of the State of Ohio, was
an infantry cadet in 1837, and served with much credit in the
Mexican war, during which he was twice promoted for the

350 biographical sketches.
bravery he displayed. After the battle of Churubusco, in
which he was severely wounded, he received the rank of ma
jor. On the termination of the Mexican war he was ap
pointed adjutant-general, but quitted the service in 1851.
General Buell espoused the cause of the Union, On the seces
sion of the Southern States; he is a distinguished officer,
brave and energetic, and his kind-hearted conduct toward the
prisoners who fell into his hands has won for him golden opin
ions even among the Confederate soldiers.

HENRY WAGER HALLECK.
General Halleck was educated at West Point, as an engi
neer, and at one time was a professor in that military school.
Before the Civil War broke out he was known as the author
of various military works, and also as a rising barrister at
San Francisco, in California, in which State he had previously
served with distinction during the Mexican war, that led to
its annexation to the United States, and he was promoted to
the rank of captain. He left the service in 1854, and subse
quently became Secretary of State for the province of Cali
fornia, under the military government of Generals Kearny,
Mason, and Riley, and was a member of the Convention which
drew up the constitution of California in 1859. He disap
peared for a time from public life, following his profession as
a lawyer on behalf of his Mexican clients in California, until
the war of secession broke out, when he was induced to take
service in the Federal army, with the rank of major-general.
General Halleek's outward appearance by no means indicates
the soldier, although he is not deficient in the dignity due to
his rank ; but whether on active service or not, his bearing
more resembles that of a peaceful citizen than of a general
officer. On the 22d of July, 1862, General Halleck was ap
pointed Commander-in-Chief of all the troops in the United
States.

ULTSSES S. GRANT — JOHN C. FREMONT. 351

ULYSSES S. GRANT.
General Grant was born in 1828, in the State of Ohio.
After being educated at West Point, he received his appoint
ment as lieutenant in the 4th infantry in the year 1845, and
served with great credit in the Mexican war. In 1847 he was
appointed quartermaster of his regiment ; but shortly after
ward left the service and settled in the State of Illinois.
When the civil war in America broke out, the command was
given to him of the 2d volunteer regiment of Illinois. He
was appointed a brigadier-general in 1861, and in the March
of tlie following year was promoted to the rank of major-
general, and was intrusted with the command of the army in
West Tennessee.

JOHN CHARLES FREMONT.
General Fremont was born in the year 1813, in the State
of South Carolina, where his father, a native of France, had
settled. As a youth he was noted as an excellent mathema
tician, and in his twentieth year was appointed professor of
mathematics on board the man-of-war Natchez. He also ac
companied various exploring expeditions in the West, fitted
out by the United States Government. In the year 1838 he
was appointed lieutenant in the corps of topographical engi
neers, and a few years afterward was intrusted with the com
mand of very important exploring expeditions in the West.
In 1845 he was promoted to the rank of captain, and made a
third and extensive journey to Oregon and California. In
California he took the command of the North Americans re
siding there, and in a few weeks cleared the northern part of
the country from the Mexican troops, for which valuable ser-'
Vice he was appointed Governor. In 1849 he succeeded in dis-

362 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
covering a practicable route of communication for connecting
California with the Eastern States of North America. This
was his last exploring expedition previous to his settling in
California, for which State he was elected Senator. Soon after
the commencement of the war of secession he took service in
the United States army, and was intrusted with an important
command in Missouri.

THE END.