Civil War Anecdotes
1862
____________
LATEST NORTHERN NEWS
Searching a Secession Lady--A Romantic Affair
Hon. Alfred Ely in New York
Our advice from the North are to the 4th inst. Several very interesting
items from Northern papers of that date have already been telegraphed for
the Dispatch from Norfolk, by our special correspondent at that place; but
the following summary will be found quite interesting. We copy from the
New York Herald:
A ROMANTIC AFFAIR--ATTEMPT OF A SECESSION LADY TO COMMUNICATE WITH HER LOVER--HER
PURPOSE FOILED--SHE IS CHARGED AND DISPOSSESSED OF VARIOUS LETTERS.
The following interesting particulars of the arrest and searching of a Secession
lady who took passage from Old Point to Baltimore in order to communicate
with her lover, a citizen of Baltimore, we copy from the Fortress Monroe
correspondent of the New York Herald, under date of December 30:
On the steamboat Georgiana, Capt. Peirson, plying between Old Point and
Baltimore, an episode happened while making her usual trip on Saturday night
from here, which nipped some of Jeff. Davis's operations in the bud. Among
some ladies coming from Norfolk by flag of truce, was one masculine looking
woman, registered as Mrs. Baxley, who said she was bound to Baltimore. Capt.
Phineas A. Davis, our efficient Provost Marshal, eyed this woman with suspicion,
and communicated his distrust to his assissant, Chas. W. Brigham, who runs
regularly on the Georgians.--When the flag of truce came up it was almost
time for the departure of the Baltimore boat, and in consequence of that
no strict examination of the passengers' effects could be had at that time.
The baggage, letters, &c., of the passengers were found correct, and
the boat was allowed to proceed. Mrs. Baxley appeared gay on the passage,
and at the breakfast table the next morning she made some remarks which
attracted the attention of Mr. Brigham, who asked her jocosely whether she
was a secessionist? To which she answered "Yes." After the gang-plank
was run out the boat having landed at Baltimore, Mrs. Baxley was heard to
say that she "thanked God that she had arrived home safe;" and
when about stepping ashore Mr. Brigham tapped her on the shoulder and requested
her attendance in the ladies' cabin.
As soon as the room was reached she took off her bonnet, between the lining
of which was found upwards of fifty letters sewed in, and she exclaimed
that, having been found out, she thought it best to deliver over the "contrabands"
and be allowed to proceed on her way. But Mr. Brigham insisted upon it that
she had others, when in her shoes and stockings numerous other letters were
also found. The lady was hereupon closely guarded until the Provost Marshal
of Baltimore was informed of the circumstance, when he at once sent a lady
to examine Mrs. Baxley with more scrutiny.
Almost every possible place about her clothing was filled with letters from
Secessia for rebel sympathizers in Baltimore; but in her corset was found
a document which, when taken by the lady examining the smuggler, Mrs. Baxley
rushed at her, and getting hold of the paper, tore it in two. The lady examiner
rushed at Mrs. B., at the same time calling assistance. Mr. Brigham, who
stood outside while the operation was going on, rushed into the saloon and
found Mrs. Baxley hors du combat, but vanquished, and the document, though
torn, in the possession of the Provost Marshal's Aide.
The document proved to be a commission from Jeff.Davis to a Dr. Septimus
Brown, of Baltimore, also passes and direction for him to run the Federal
blockade, in order to gain the rebel domains. The other documents in the
keeping of this female smuggler proved to be a treasonable correspondence,
and by this time some of the implicated parties are closely watched, if
not already immured in a dungeon. Dr. Septimus Brown was immediately taken
prisoner and turned over to the tender mercies of Colnel Morris, at Fort
McHenry.
Mrs. Baxley was taken to a hotel and several police officers placed on guard
over her. While locked in her room she dropped a note out of her window
addressed to her lover, (the rebel doctor,) imploring him, for God's sake,
to fly, as all was discovered. She was also quite disheartened, and said
that she had braved all dangers, for the sake of her lover, and when on
the point of having accomplished all her cherished desires, the cup of happiness
was dashed from her lips as she was about drinking from it.
It seemed to be her only and darling desire to get her lover into the rebel
army, and, having succeeded, she was only detected in her nefarious transactions
when about completing her mission. She stated that when the flag of truce
neared Old Point she was apprehensive that she might be detected here, but
the Provost Marshal having passed her so lightly, she did not apprehend
further annoyance.
In a memorandum book it was found that this fair specimen of a rebel was
taken across the Potomac by a negro, in a skiff. Where a rebel lieutenant
awaited, and carried her to Richmond.
--------------
DAILY DISPATCH
Richmond, Virginia, Friday Morning, January 10, 1862
_____________________________________________________________
An Evening at the President's House
A Morning with the Families of the Cabinet
[Correspondence of the New York Evening Post]
A few nights since we went to the Presidential levee, and on the whole,
we found it what a jovial school boy would call "decidedly jolly."
Our carriage fell into line about nine o'clock, and we were not very long
in reaching the grand entrance.
Depositing our cloaks in one of the compartments of a row of shelves that
surrounded the room and made it look like a shop, and receiving from one
of the guardians who presided behind the counter a ticket for the same,
we undertook to make our way in, but this we found a work requiring time
and patience.
It was amusing, as we stood, to glance over the crowd. Just beside me were
two or three New York belles, sparkling with animation and fun, dressed
in the recherche demi-toilette, that on these occasions makes the perfect
lady. "Have you any gentleman with you?" asked a friend of one
dark-eyed coquette. "Oh, yes, two or three of them," was the gay
answer. A little behind, a fair-haired Washington beauty moved on, calm
and almost too little animated by the scene around her. And very near were
two in striking contrast to the rest; a tall, dark young woman, I should
say unmistakably from New England, very plainly dressed, was leading along
an old lady, square cut and prim, with no cap on her grizzly hair, in a
plain black dress, broad linen collar and spectacles. Evidently they were
mother and daughter, and the younger wanted the elder to take her arm, lest
they should be separated in the throng. For a moment the old yielded, she
saw and felt that they were not exactly in the dress or spirit of the gay
crowd around them, and determing to conform as far as possible to usage,
she said in a tremulous voice: "No, Polly, I don't want your arm; don't
you see non o' the rest on 'em hooks arms?" What became of the worthy
souls I know not, for in a moment we were carried on in the slow stream
and lost sight of them.
A final struggle, and the gentlemen of our party join us, and we pass on
with freer breath through the "Round Room" into the "Square
Room." There is Mr. Lincoln, looking tired, but very amiable and patient,
quietly shaking hands with every comer. As we passed through the ordeal
one of the ladies said to him, "Oh, Mr. Lincoln, I pity you; it must
be so tiresome." "I am rewarded by seeing so many pretty ladies,"
replied the gallant Chief Magistrate. Just beyond stood Mrs. Lincoln, very
handsomely dressed in a thin dress of white, trimmed with lilac, a wreath
of lilac and white flowers. She was gracious, as she ever is, and so we
passed on into the great "East Room." Here we had a chance to
look about us and see the celebrities.
There were General Banks, with his commanding presence; the young Duc de
Chartres, very youthful, but with great amiability in his bright face, and
Col. Havelock, with his venerable beard and his many orders. There were
all styles of uniform; young volunteers in full dress and epaulettes, and
old veterans in citizen's dress. On the whole, however, it was a well dressed
crowd that circulated through the great room to the music of the very excellent
band. Here and there was some man in rough dress, but they looked uncomfortable
and out of place, and disappeared early. After a while the President and
Mrs. Lincoln, released from duty, make a tour of the rooms, and I was again
struck with the patient amiability of the President's face, as he submitted
to be led around the ring. Very soon, however, the band struck up "Yankee
Doodle," which is always a signal for departure, and after a struggle
for our wraps, and a little waiting in the cold for our carriages, we came
away.
Visits
To-day we made a round of visits, First to General McClellan's- it is a
large house on the corner of I and Fifteenth streets. Mrs. McClellan, ever
graceful and pretty, did the honors charmingly, showing off the wonderful
dog Prince, who is near to a human being- perhaps superior to some in intelligence-
who seems perfectly to understand all conversation, who will walk on his
hind legs or fore legs, or sing, or talk at bidding. We had, too, a glimpse
of the smiling baby, who has the General's thoughtful eyes looking out of
a tiny face. Thence we went to Mr. Seward alone, doing the somewhat laborious
honors to a room full of ladies, principally dowagers, I should judge from
appearances.
Our next visit was to Secretary Welles, who is in the white house once occupied
by the rebel Slidell. It is well planned and very tastefully furnished.
Mrs. Welles was indisposed, her niece, a tall and stately lady, taking her
place. Once more in line with the stream of carriage, and to Attorney General
Bates'. There we had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Bates, his amiable lady,
who has the kindliest brown eyes and the sweetest smile in the world. Her
graceful daughters assisted her ably in the task of entertaining their guests.
Last of all to Secretary Stanton's. His beautiful wife received us with
high-bred courtesy, and we felt as we turned towards home that we had passed
a delightful morning.
----------
Daily Alta California, San Francisco
March 30, 1862
_____________________________________________________________
The Romance of War
An incident came to my knowledge recently which deserves to be classed in
the romance of war. Some time ago there was a skirmish at the outposts on
our lines in Western Virginia. Capt. G., in command of our forces, had driven
the rebels back successfully, when he saw one of his soldiers about to shoot
down a wounded confederate. He at once interfered to save him, and taking
him prisoner had him properly nursed and cared for. The poor fellow was
very grateful, expressing his earnest regrets at having ever been induced
to join the rebels. As a humble token of his gratitude, he contrived during
his convalescence to carve a ring from laurel wood for his gallant preserver.
I have seen the ring; it is rather rude in construction, but valuable, of
course, from the spirit that prompted the labor of making it.
------------------------------
DAILY ALTA CALIFORNIA
San Francisco, Sunday Morning, March 30, 1862
_____________________________________________________________
INDIVIDUAL HEROISM
With all the modern improvements in the engines of warfare, moral and physical
courage must rank as the grand essential of success in battle. Regiments
that cannot be daunted, though decimated, by the Minie rifle or the rifled
cannon, and that move straight forward to their object regardless of the
leaden hail that sweeps down their files, will conquer troops who are less
firm and steady, though better supplied with the weapons of destruction.
Profound combinations will not avail to accomplish an end, if the stamina
of the soldier should fail at the decisive point. The most artfully planned
surprise may be defeated by the quick rally and resolute resistance of brave
troops. Even individual instances of coolness and daring seem to be almost
as effective in battle nowadays as when contests of empires were decided
by a vast series of hand to hand struggles. The war we are waging will furnish
us with examples sufficient to illustrate the varying fortunes of arms in
modern days, the reach and efficiency of the latest improvements in the
means of destruction, and the kind of training necessary to convert a gathering
of armed men into an army which can be depended upon in every emergency.
But the contest will also give abundant proof, in innumerable instances
of individual daring and fortitude, that the present generation of Amercians
are worthy to keep and extend the noble heritage they derived from the heroes
of the revolution and the bold pioneers of the wilderness.
The roll of honor for this war received its first name from the fiery baptism
of Sumter. John Hart, of New York, there repeated the exploit of Sergeant
Jasper, with which every American schoolboy was familiar-that of recovering
and restoring the flag during the hottest fire of the enemy. In daring,
even to temerity, the achievements of Harry Lee and his legion of troopers
in the war of independence have been emulated by the bold light horse that
charged through greatly superior forces at Fairfax and Springfield, and
came off with the trophies of victory. The story of Putnam's testing the
courage of an enemy and proving his own, by sitting upon a keg of powder
to which a slow match was applied, has its counterpart in the daring conduct
of John Davis, a seaman of our squadron in Albemarle Sound, who saved a
vessel and crew from destruction by placing himself astride a keg of powder,
until the danger of explosion had passed. The individual valor displayed
at the battle of Pea Ridge, where hand to hand conflicts were numerous,
and men surrounded by enemies extricated themselves by personal prowess,
remind us of the battles of the Border, which figure so famously in the
early history of the West. There was a fine exhibition of generalship upon
the National side in that terrible contest; but before that imposing order
of battle was formed which rendered victory certain, indomitable courage
alone saved the army from defeat and destruction.
And the days of martyrdom for principle have not yet declined into the gloom
of selfishness and corruption. Look at the people of East Tennessee. That
mountain region deserves the proud title of the Switzerland of America.
Disarmed, plundered, persecuted, tempted with bribes, cowed with plausible
promises, apparently abandoned by the Government to which they had a right
to turn for protection, these steadfast mountaineers kept their faith in
the Union cause as inflexible as the Albigenses held fast to the creed of
their conscience, though hunted with fire and sword. Cast into loathsome
dungeons, they declared their determination to rot there rather than renounce
their allegiance. Confronted by the gallows, they defied thier persecutors,
and mounted the scaffold with Corneille's idea, if not his language, to
console them-"It is the deed, not the punishment, that makes a criminal."
They could serve their country in but two ways: by burning bridges and thus
destroying the communications of the enemy, and by setting an example of
martyrdom for principle which will be remembered and emulated by succeeding
generations, and reflect unfading luster upon the American name.
It is such thick-coming instances of heroism as those we have noted which
should give us assurance that our countrymen will prove equal to their mission.
To them, more fittingly than to any other people in this age, may be applied
the noble and often quoted words of Sir William Jones:
What constitutes a State?
Not high-raised battlement, or labored mound,
Thick wall or moated gate;
Not cities proud with spires and turrets crown'd;
Not bays and broad-armed ports,
Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride;
Not starr'd and spangled courts,
Where low-brow'd baseness wafts perfume to pride.
No:-men, high-minded men,
With powers, as far above dull brutes endued
In forest, brake or den,
As beasts excel cold rocks and brambles rude;
Men who their duties know,
But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain,
Prevent the long-aimed blow,
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain:-
These constitute a State.
-----------------
SACRAMENTO DAILY UNION
Sacramento, Cal., Tuesday Morning, May 6, 1862
_____________________________________________________________
HUMOURS OF THE WAR.
Jackson's way of doing things is so contrary to the accepted mode of the
dirt-diggers and fall-backers, that he has been accused of insanity. Pity
there are any sane Generals in our Army. A writer in the Richmond Whig regards
Jackson as a man dangerous to the peace of society, and issues a proclamation
against him.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, at sundry times and places, within the limits of the State of
Virginia and under the jurisdiction of the Confederate Government, one Stonewall,
a notorious evil-doer, has been detected fla grante delictu in the perpetration
of high crimes, misdemeanors, acts of violence and bodily injuries, contrary
to the statute in such cases made and provided, prohibiting cruelty to animals;
and whereas the aforesaid Stonewall, at the aforesaid times and places,
has without color of law or title, vested or acquired, appropriated to his
own use, behoof, usufruct and advantage, sundry the goods, chattels, cannon,
teams, munitions, provender, general truck, cheese and garden sass of various
strangers within our lines and therefore enjoying our hospitality, to wit,
Nathaniel P. Banks, ----Milroy, James Shields, and John C. Fremont, citizens
of the United States, and subjects of his serene Highness, our well beloved
brother and most noble friend, Abraham Lincoln; and whereas, although the
aforesaid Stonewall has been repeatedly advised of the hurtful nature of
his lawless proceedings, has heretofore disregarded, and still continues
to disregard, the behests and admonitions of this Government in the premises,
but in place thereof persists not only in acts of bodily injury to inoffensive
wayfarers, and in wholesale appropriation of their goods and chattels, but
flaunts defiantly in our faces the burdensome fruits of his pillage, and
crowds our prisons with the excessive accumulations of his kidnapping:
Now, therefore, I, Jefferson Davison, President of the Confederate States
of America, do, by virtue of the authority vested on me by Congress, by
an act entitled an act to amend an art explanatory of an act entitled an
act for the suppression of Land Pirates, Wolves, Noxious Insects and Repugnant
Vermon, make, issue, divulge, publish, and utter this, my
PROCLAMATION.
Know all persons by these Presents, that Thos. J. Jackson, (J. supposed
to stand for Jefferson,) of the Valley of Virginia, generally-better known
as Old Stonewall, (accent on Old,) is hereby named, advertised, announced
and declared a Land Pirate, Robber, Outlaw, Common Pest and Guyascutus.
The same being now loose and at large, at some unknown place or places on
the Continent of America, to the detriment of the peace and well being of
mankind and other persons, the Militia en masse are hereby ordered and commanded
to appear, without unnecessary delay, at their respective places of rendezvous,
armed and equipped as the law directs, with one bed blanket, spoon and two-prong
fork, with red bone handle cross-marked, to remain under arms and not to
return to their homes or be relieved from duty until the scalp of the aforesaid
Stonewall is taken, and his body deposited in the charge of Capt. G. W.
Alexander, Assistant Provost Marshal of the city of Richmond, and until
the aforesaid Stonewall has repented of his contumacy, apologized and explained
the general drift and meaning of his unusual proceedings. And, to the furtherance
of this end, I, Jefferson Davison, President of the C. S. A., do offer the
following rewards, to wit: $1,000 if the aforesaid Stonewall is taken in
Washington City, $5,000 if taken in Philadelphia, $20,000 if taken in Portland,
Maine.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the Confederate States, this 14th
day of June, A. D., 1862.
JEFFERSON DAVISON.
By the President
J. P. Ben Jimmison.
-Southern Literary Messenger, Richmond, Va., May 1862
_____________________________________________________________
Stuart's brilliant dash around McClellan's army, induced the Richmond Examiner
to compare him to a circuit rider. The Whig carries out the idea in the
following:
THE CHICKAHOMINY CIRCUIT.--From various lay members and brethren, we receive
most gratifying accounts of a recent missionary tour among the heathen lately
settled in our vicinity. Rev. J. E. B. Stuart, assisted by Brothers Lee,
Martin, Robins, Mosby, Ashton, Van Borcke, Burke, Hagan, Farley and others,
together with many lay members and brethren from Georgia and elsewhere,
conducted the preceedings, which were of unusual interest. The exercises
opened at a camp meeting near the Old Church, and were continued without
intermission during two days and nights at various points along the circuit,
At Putney Mills, the heathen received us with transports. At Tunstall's
Station, there was a most refreshing season, and so also at other places.
Many of the heathens evinced a change of heart, and even their wagons were
converted and purified by fire. Some of them were constrained to come and
abide with us, bringing with them their cattle. Such of them as came were
baptized in the Chickahominy, together with some of the brethren, willing
to set the heathen an example. Brother Stuart and his co-laborers returned
from their circuit early on Sabbath morning, and reported their success
among the benighted to Bishop Robert Lee, who expressed his gratification
and approbation.
-Southern Literary Messenger, Richmond, Va., May 1862
_____________________________________________________________
Female Soldiers
Amongst other interesting items that we have had here, were two girls dressed
in soldier's clothes. They have been following one of the brigades here
for some time past. They accompanied, for a portion of the time, the ammunition
train, and also the signal corps. Upon their arrival in Culpepper Court
House, a few nights since, they were arrested by the Provost Marshal, and
confined in an upper room of the Court House. In company with Captain FITZGERALD,
I visited the room where the young ladies had been placed for safe keeping.
Upon entering the room, we found the two she-soldiers dressed in blue blouses,
shirts and pants. One of them sat in the window, whistling as merry as a
mocking bird.
The other lay fast asleep upon the hard floor. Both of them had their hair
elegantly parted (a la sterner sex), and really resembled two fine looking
boys of sixteen and eighteen years of age. Upon entering into converstion
with the wide-awake, she informed me that she was from Hagerstown, Md.,
and that her companion in adventure resided in Sharpsburg, Md. She stated
that their lovers were enlisted men in the Brigade, and that she and her
companion were sharing the chances of war with them. Aside from the feminine
tone of the voice neither one of the girls would have been recognized as
anything else but "bold soger boys."
Although the scene was novel, and bore a sort of romance about it, at the
same time it gave rise to many melancholy thoughts. Either one of the characters,
had they been dressed in their proper apparel, and been at home under the
care of kind mothers, would have been ornaments to their homes. War has
some singular matters connected with its varied workings, but none are stranger
than this.
------------
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
Phildelphia, Friday, August 1, 1862
_____________________________________________________________
Sick and Wounded Left to the Care of our Enemies-How treated
We yesterday visited the encampment of the Fifth New York Regiment, DURYEA'S
Zouaves, where we met with their Chief Surgeon, K.O. MUNSON, a gentleman
whose skill and kindness as a Surgeon, and whose bravery as a military man,
we have often heard highly spoken of. Knowing that the Doctor was one of
those who were left behind at Savage's Station, to take care of our sick
and wounded who were left there, and that he had also been in Richmond,
we desired him to relate what he saw and heard upon that occasion, and the
incidents of his stay in the heart of Secessiondom. He kindly consented
and narrated, in substance, as follows:-
After our rear guard had departed, he, with some twelve or fourteen other
surgeons and about twenty hospital stewards, set themselves to work to make
as comfortable as possible those of our disabled whom we were compelled
to leave at the above named station, to administer to the sick, and to perform
surgical operations upon those who required it.
After being for some four or five hours engaged in this charitable as well
as laudable undertaking, the Rebels having been badly whipped and worse
frightened, came straggling towards the hospital, singly, in pairs and by
dozens, until the remnant of that portion of their army who had been engaged
in the fight of the morning had assembled there.
Scarcely had they been there five minutes ere they began what seems to be
their chief duty after a battle in which our forces are compelled to retire-hunt
for spoils and plunder. Although our troops, before leaving, had destroyed
much of the subsistence stores and forage, still they had left all the medical
stores, and provisions enough to comfortably provide for all the disabled
and their attendants who were left behind, for a month to come.
When our narrator discovered that the hounds were gathering, and knowing
full well their propensities, he with some two or three others, managed
to hide a portion of the medical stores, two barrels of coffee, a few boxes
of hard bread and about fifty loaves of fresh bread.
With the exception of the above-named articles, the Rebels carried off everything
they could lay their hands on, including about half the medical stores,
such surgical instruments as were not about the persons of the surgeons,
together with some eight tons of ice. When remonstrated with and asked to
leave behind, for the use of the sick, some of the latter article, they
replied, "Let the ---- Yankees do without it-we want it in Richmond."
After this reply they drove off, leaving nothing to nourish and comfort
the three thousand disabled troops, who, at that time, were at that point.
After working two days in assisting to make all as comfortable as possible,
Dr. MUNSON processed voluntarily to Richmond, to look after those who were
taken to that place.
Upon arriving at Richmond and alighting from the cars, he asked a person
standing near by, one wearing a Lieutenants shoulder-straps, which was the
way to the office of the Chief Medical Purveyor. The Lieutenant replied,
"If you will wait a few moments I will take you to him." The Lieutenant
absented himself for a few moments, and upon returning told the doctor that
he would then show him the way. The former traveled on with his companion,
thinking all was "lovely," finally entering a large building,
and was somewhat astounded to be told that he was a prisoner. He was stationed
in the Old Tobacco Warehouse (now Libby Prison), and was to occupy a room
about twenty feet square, and already containing some twelve others. The
room contained not a single article of furniture, nothing to lie upon but
the bare floor, with no covering, and all that was furnished for the inner
man was two half rations a day-maggotty ham, hard bread and muddy water.
During the morning of the second day he came stalking into the room, and
with a pompous air and manner wanted to know why some of them did not go
down and take care of their disabled. This aroused the temper of the Doctor,
and not caring what might be the consequences, he gave the aforesaid military
gentleman a good sound tongue lashing, and wound up by saying, "You've
robbed us of our money, our medical stores, our surgical instruments and
our personal liberty, and then have the impudence to ask us why we don't
go down to our friends, only to annoy, worry and add to their discomfiture
by telling them we can do nothing for them." After the Doctor had done,
the military gentleman subsided and quietly reitred, without in any manner
replying.
During the afternoon of the same day the Doctor in some way, managed to
communicate with the Chief Secesh Medical Purveyor, who managed to have
him liberated and provided him with a pass to return to Savage Station.
While on his way to the cars the sights he saw were sickening and distressing
in the extreme. Our men laying in the open streets, nothing under them,
with the broiling sun beating down full upon them, some without nourishment,
not even a drink of water, for two whole days. What to him was still more
distressing, was the fact that he had not power to help them.
The same afternoon he returned to Savage Station, and some three or four
days after, all the disabled, with surgeons and nurses, were taken to Richmond,
where for ten days they suffered all the torments and indignities of those
who had preceded them. Again were all, sick and well, taken back to Savage
Station, and after remaining there for a day or two, were again placed on
the cars, taken back to Richmond, from there to Petersburg, and thence to
Richmond, and on Sunday last placed upon transports and sent to the North.
The details of the horrors and sufferings of these men are too sickening
to repeat. Yet, we are told that had they the means to do better, it is
the impression of all that their treatment would have been different.
The doctor states they were at liberty to purchase whatever could be bought,
and, although the United States Treasury notes are at a premium, yet when
eggs are selling at a shilling apiece, sugar $1.50 a pound, tea and coffee
$3 and $4 a pound, a ten dollar note would not go a great ways.
The surgeon managed to buy some six or eight sheep, at $14 a head-of them
making broth. It helped in a great measure to keep many from starving.
The Doctor says that among those who were the most unkind to our sick and
wounded were the citizens, while the most heartless of them were the women.
There is no desert without an oasis, and that rule will apply in this case,
for among these very fiends were two who deserve honorable mention for their
endeavors to relieve every species of suffering, and to remove every cause
of complaint. These were Captain LACEY STEWART, of the Twenty-fourth Georgia
Regiment, and Lieutenant JOHNSON, of the same Regiment. These gentlemen
were in the same Regiment. These gentlemen were in charge of the Guard of
Savage Station, and did all in their power to aid the Surgeons and stop
the thieving of their companions in arms.
-------------------
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
Philadelphia, Wednesday, August 6, 1862
_____________________________________________________________
A FEMALE SOLDIER.-A few days since a child, about five months old, was buried
from the residence of a family residing in Alder street, above Girard avenue.
The burial of the child elicited the following facts regarding the parentage
of the same, and the manner in which it became an occupant of the house
from which it was buried. Some time since the father of the child enlisted
in the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and left his wife and family without
adequate means of support. About seven weeks since the mother placed the
child recently buried, in charge of a family in Alder street, with the intimation
that she could not take care of it, and promised to pay the sum of two dollars
per week for its support. From that time until within a day or two past,
nothing could be learned of the whereabouts of the mother, and the amount
agreed to be paid for the support and care of the child failed to make its
appearance.
A letter, however, lately received by a female acquaintance of the mother,
states that she is doing active military duty in McCLELLAN'S army, having
by some means eluded the vigilance of the mustering officers and surgeons,
and entered the ranks of a company in the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment,
the same to which her husband is attached, and has performed satisfactorily,
so far, all the duties of a soldier, being at her post through all the hard
usage through which the regiment has passed, and most likely fighting side
by side with her husband in all the battles in which the regiment has been
engaged. A member of the regiment who has lately returned, and who appears
to be cognizant of the fact of her having enlisted, states that she looks
every inch the soldier, and remarked that the only distinguishing mark between
her and any of the men was that she wore a red sash, most likely meaning
that she was an officer of minor rank.
The child, thus thrown to the tender mercies of the world was cared for
as well as the circumstances of the family to whose care it was confided
would permit, died of summer complaint and was buried through the kind offices
of Mr. GEO. STOCKBURGER, of the neighborhood, who assisted by some residents
in the vicinity, mostly belonging to the Girard Avenue Market, bore the
expense of the burial. The woman's spirit and patriotism is of a higher
order than her maternal affection.
--------------
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
Philadelphia, Friday, August 8, 1862
_____________________________________________________________
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR
our information from the seat of war is still indecisive and unsatisfactory.
Passengers by the Central train bring nothing that is really reliable, and
scarcely any two agree with reference to the condition of affairs near the
late battle-field. it is asserted by those who profess to have left the
battle-field as late as Monday, that our army was then in the vicinty of
Centreville. The most reliable information we have is contained in the following
dispatch, received late last everning:
MANASSAS, Aug, 30, via Rapidan, Sept. 4,-The second battle of Manassas has
been fought precisely on the same spot as that of the 21st of July last
year, with the exception that our troops occupied many positions which the
enemy held at that time and the Yankees fought upon the ground which had
been held by us. Several of our regiments entered the field where they did
one year ago.
The fight commenced near Groveton, on the Warrenton Turnpike, about 3 o'clock-Gen.
Longstreet on the right, Gen. Jackson on the left, their line being in the
form of a broad V, the enemy between. The Yankees made the first advance,
endeavoring to turn Jackson's flank, but were repulsed with great confusion-a
battery of twenty-eight pieces of artillery, commanded by Col. S. D. Lee,
of South Carolina, mowing them down by scores. Gen. Longstreet at once threw
forward Hood's division and advanced his whole line, which was in a short
time desperately engaged. Jackson now gave battle, and the enemy were attacked
on every side. The fight was fiercely contested until after dark, when the
Yankees were routed and pursued three miles. Their force consisted of Banks's,
Morell's, Milroy's, McClellan's, and Pope's commands.
The loss of the enemy exceeds the Confederates five to one. Their dead cover
the field. our men captured numbers of batteries, numerous colors, thousands
of prisoners, and from 6,000 to 10,000 stand of arms. They could have taken
more of the latter, but the men would not be troubled with them. One Yankee
Brigadier-General is now lying dead at negro Robinson's house, where the
Yankees are so thick that we have to step over their bodies. Gens. Edwell,
Jenkins, Mahone, and Trimble, were wounded. Cols. Means, Marshall, and Gadberry
of South Carolina, were killed; Benbon, Moore, and McGowan, wounded. Major
Del Kemper was severely wounded in the shoulder. Capt. Tabb and Capt. Mitchell,
of the 74th Virginia, and Adjt. Tompkins of the Hampton Legion, were both
wounded. Fifty citizens of Washington, who came out to witness the show,
were all bagged.
A private letter from an officer says: "The enemy were whipped off
the field with great slaughter, and many guns were taken. They were so fleet
in some parts of the field that Jackson, who was ordered to press them,
replied they were too fast for him. Sunday morning, 31st.-We are just starting
in pursuit after yesterday's work. our troops are doubtless at work, as
they were ordered to proceed at daybreak, and it is now an hour after."
We have conversed with several who were in the engagement, and they concur
in representing it as the most desperate and determined of the war. Indeed,
it is hardly to be expected that it could be otherwise. Our loss, as well
as that of the enemy, has been very heavy; but we have good grounds for
believing that their slaughter is without precedent in the present war;
and some declare it to have been as many as seven to one. One report says
that the enemy were completely dispersed, and many of them were retreating
in the direction of Leesburg and Edwards's Ferry.
Among the casualties reported are the following: Col. Moore, Col. Glover,
and Capt. Seabrook, of Jenkins's brigade, wounded; in the 18th Virginia,
Lieut.-Col. A. J. Carrington, Adjutant McCullock, Sergeant-Major Price,
Captains Booker and Irby, Lieutenants Glenn, Paxton, Jackson, and Watkins,
wounded; in the 11th Virginia, Lieut. Campbell, killed, and Lieut. Houston,
wounded. Gen. Early is reported to have been wounded, but remained on the
field until he fainted. Col. Patton of the 7th Virginia, was wounded.
There is a report to the effect that the 1st and 11th Virginia regiments
captured a battery of four pieces, and a similar report with reference to
the 7th and 24th. The 17th Virginia are said to have captured four stand
of colors. The 7th Virginia captured the colors of the 7th Pennsylvania
regiment.
The report is reiterated that Sigel and Sickle were killed and Pope and
McClellan mortally wounded. On Saturday we had taken between three and five
thousand prisoners, who were to be taken to Harper's Ferry for exchange.
By way of Lynchburg we have a report that the battle was to be resumed on
Wednesday.
-----------------------------
DAILY DISPATCH
Richmond, Va., Friday Morning, September 5, 1862
_____________________________________________________________