War matters
interesting summary.
We received last night a copy of the New York Herald, of the 28th inst. Under a flaming head it republishes from Southern papers the telegraphic dispatches which have been received announcing the fall of New Orleans Relow will be found a summary of the latest Northern news:
The news from New Orleans.
What Old England failed to do with all her power has been handsomely accomplished by New England. The manner in which the success at Forts Jackson and St. Phillip was followed up is highly commended. In thirty hours our brave men consummated their victory, and appeared before the great city of the Southwest to receive its submission.
This is but a foretaste of Southwestern operations. No mention is made by the rebels of the iron-clad ‘"turtles"’ and ‘"rams"’ that were to annihilate the Yankee fleet, which leads to a suspicion that the common estimate of the rebel motive power from their own misrepresentations has been a mistake. It is pretty clear that on this occasion they could not stop to conceal the truth.
Commenting upon the above, the Herald says, editorially:
‘ We have to chronicle to-day one of the most important events in the progress of the war against rebellion. According to statements received at the War Department yesterday from General Wool, at Fortress Monroe, and General McDowell, on the Rappahannock, the rebel journals at Petersburg and Richmond announce that New Orleans is occupied by the Union army.
Thus, while we have been conducting formidable and expensive expeditions on the Mississippi river and on the sea coast, to assail the rebel strongholds in the South, and subduing them one by one, the greatest cotton port of the rebels has fallen into our hands, an event which must change the whole features of the war in the South and West, battle the plans of Beadregard at Ocrinth and Memphis, paralyse the action of Johnston at Yorktown, and reduce this nefarious rebellion to a last feeble struggle.
’ The Philadelphia Inquirer, of the 28th inst., says:
‘ Dispatches received yesterday from Gens Wool and McDowell convey the important and exhilerating information that the city of New Orleans has fallen into the possession of the Union troops, and is once more under the dominion of the United States Government.
The information, though emanating from rebel sources, and without detail, can doubtless be relied upon. Our latest authentic advices from Ship Island, (April 26,) inform us that Gen. Butler was at that time busily employed preparing his forces for an advance on New Orleans. As usual with such large expeditions, some mistakes had been made in regard to supplies, which were being rectified with all possible alacrity.
The force under Gen. Butler was about 15,000 strong. He was also accompanied by the mortar fleet, under command of Commander David D. Porter, U. S. N., comprising thirty vessels and 2,000 men.
One by one are the cities of the South being compelled to acknowledge the supremacy of the United States Government, and the capture of no locality in the rebel realm could tend so much to demoralize their army, and to show them the utter hopelessness of success, as that of the ‘"Crescent City."’
’
News from Yorktown — reported capture of one of the Confederate batteries.
The following dispatch from Gen. McCleljan is all the information from Yorktown which the Yankee journals contian:
Headquarters army of the Potomac,
Early this morning an advanced lunette of the rebels on this side of the Warwick river, near its head, was carried by assault by Company H, First Massachusetts regiment. The work had a ditoh six feet deep, with a strong parapet, and was manned by two companies of infantry; no artillery. Our men moved over open, soft ground, some six hundred yards, received the fire of the rebels at fifty yards, did not return it, but rushed over the ditch and parapet in the most gallant manner. The rebels broke and ran as soon as they saw our men intended to cross the parapet.Our loss was three killed, and one mortally and twelve otherwise wounded. We took 14 prisoners, destroyed the work sufficiently to render it useless, and retired. The operation was conducted by Gen. O. Grover, who managed the affair most handsomely. Nothing could have been better than the conduct of all the men under fire. The supports, who were also under artillery fire of other works, were companies of the First and Eleventh Massachusetts. In spite of the rain, our work progresses well.
The Fortress Monroe correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer, of the 27th ult., says:
‘ It is rumored here from Yorktown that the rebels appreciating the masterly strategical movements of McClellan, recently executed by his generals, have offered to capitulate upon certain conditions. It is generally believed here that the fate of Yorktown is sealed and will be ours in a few days.
’
From Gen. Banks's Division.--reported possession of Staunton by the Yankees.
It was ascertained from citizens that yesterday morning a body of mounted rebels came to the river intending to cross, but found the current too deep and strong to hazard the attempt. They stated to citizens that our troops were in possession of Staunton. To-day one of our brigades passed through the town and took possession of one of the principal avenues leading from here.
Since our first entrance into the town no effort has been made by the rebel force to re-enter.
As usual, in all the houses of this valley but few males remain.
It is reported that Jackson is in front, and rumor says he has been reinforced, but has burned the bridges over the Shenandoah, which prevents the possibility of any night attack.
The roads, with the exception of the stone turnpake, are almost impassable.
We have a strong picket in front to-night.
Harrisonburg, April 26.--Nothing worthy of notice transpired last night. Deserters from Jackson's militia report him making very slow progress towards Gordonsville, and that eight hundred militia have deserted since his escapade.
The Shenandoah bridge has not yet been burned, but pickets are stationed there ready to apply the torch on our first approach.
Harrisonburg, April 26, P. M.--Jackson is resting on the east side of the Shenandoah with his whole force, about sixteen miles hence. His scouts frequently make a dash on our pickets. One of the latter was killed this afternoon. The spongy nature of the soil prevents our advance at present. The weather is clear and pleasant.
From Northwestern Virginia.
General Milroy's scouts on the 23d instant, attacked the rear guard of the enemy ten miles east of the Shenandoah Mountain, the boundary of this department. They killed one Lieutenant and two men, and captured a Lieutenant and one man. None of our men were hurt.
The rebel conscripts are deserting in large numbers, swearing Unionism and returning home.
Snow fell eighteen inches deep at Monterey on the 24th Instant.
Death of General Smith.
Secretary of War:
Major-General C. F. Smith died at four P. M. on the 15th. His remains have been sent to St. Louis, where they will be buried with military honors. He is a great loss to this army. I have not directed military honors to be paid to his memory here, but wait your order. The enemy has been strongly reinforced since the last battle.
H. W. Halleck, Major General.
[official War Bulletin]
This department has learned with deep regret that the gallant Major-General C. F. Smith, whose patriotic valor and military skill was signally exhibited at the capture of Fort Donelson, died at Savannah, in Tennesses, at the hour 4 o'clock P. M., on the 25th of this month, and it is ordered that the customers honors be paid to his memory.
The War in the Southwest.
Chicago, April 27.
--A special from Cairo to the Times says:
‘ Passengers from Pittsburg report that on Thursday over thirty deserters from the rebel army entered our camps and begged to be enrolled among our troops. They all corroborated the statement received the day before, relating to the evacuation by the rebels of their present position, and asserted that Beauregard had withdrawn a considerable portion of his forces for the defence of Memphis.
The Memphis Avalanche, of the 23d, says that on the 11th eighty Federal cavalry took possession of Pocahontas, Ark. There are 10,000 Federal troops at Doniphan, Mo., engaged in building flatboats on Current river, with which to descend Black and White rivers.
Martial law has been declared at Vicksburg and five miles around.
A large body of Texans are in Memphis en routs for Corinth.
Mr. De Bow, the solicitor for the Confederate cotton loans, wants 20,000 bales for a specific purpose in exchange for 8 per cent. Confederate bonds.
A mutiny has broken out in Nashville, in consequence of the late abolition message of President Lincoln. Eleven officers resigned. A Kentucky regiment mutinied, and had a pitched battle with two Indiana regiments.
The Federal steamer Montgomery burned the schooner Columbia, loaded with cotton, inside St. Louis Pass, west of Gaiveston.
’
Cairo, April 27, 1862.
--The river is still rising, and in some places gradually making its way over the levee.
The steamer McClellan, from Pitteburg Landing at four o'clock on Saturday last, arrived.
The rebels are inaugurating a system of guerrilla warfare along the Tennessee river. Boats were fired on yesterday a short distance from Fort Henry.
Our army is steadily advancing toward Corinth. General Pope's division is on the extreme left, four miles above Pittsburg Landing.
A reconnoisance in force on Thursday encountered a large force of rebel infantry and cavalry eight miles from the landing. The rebels formed in line of battle, and after firing one volley retreated in great disorder, with considerable loss. Fifty-nine prisoners were taken. The roads have been improving, but the rains on Friday rendered them again impassable.
The McClellan brought down the body of Gen. C. F. Smith.
Generate Buell and Beauregard had effected arrangements for an exchange of wounded prisoners.
Passengers by the McClellan bring further accounts of Corinth being evacuated by the rebels, who will make their next stand at Columbus, Essissippi.
Colonel Turchin's brigade had moved back from Tuscumbia to Huntsville, where Gen. Mitchell is encamped.
Gen. Beauregard's Interceepted Lispatch.
From the Cincinnati Casette, of the 22d, we find the following original and translated dispatch of Gen. Beauregard, which was intercepted by the Yankees:
[original.]
All present probabilities are that whenever the enemy moves on this position he will do so with an over wbelming force of not loss than yrzole exrly lohkjnop men. by wha ahe vkjlyi hate nghkl loritte xrmy lohkjnap yr31 wirmoj mad phia may possebly shrakj rs n xys puejclro ngkkl xrlly balohkjnapvkmy Can we not be reinforced xrhn dyegvitadj nive. If defeated here cy thjy lay vrgj nap dchgnite hkl tenkjy whereas we could even afford to loss for a while wonilyfthe nap inmeubyl for the purpose of defeating gkytxjnive which would not only insure us the valley of the Mississippi, but our independence.
[Translation]
All present probabilities are that whenever the enemy moves on this position he will do so with an overwhelming force of not less than eighty-five thousand men. We can now only muster about eighty-five thousand effective (men). Van-Born may possibly join us in a few days with fifteen thousand more Can we not be reinforced from Pemberton's army? If defeated here we lose the Mississippi Valley, and probably our cause; whereas we could even afford to lose, for a while, Charleston and Savannah, for the purpose of defeating Buell's army, which would not only insure us the Valley of the Mississippi, but our independence.
Dismissal of an alarmist.
The Washington Star says:By General Orders issued from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office, April 18. by direction of the President, Brigad Surgeon J. H. Thompson, United States Volunteers, is dismissed the service as an alarmist, on the recommendation of his commanding General, Major General Burnside.
Death of Major Talbot.
The Washington Star, of the 26th ult., says:‘ Major Talbot, one of the heroes of Fort Sumter, died in Washington city on Wednesday night, aged about 38 years. His funeral took place yesterday. After the fall of Sumter, Talbot, who was then a First Lieutenant of the regular army, was promoted to a Major. Talbot's health was seriously injured while on duty at Fort Sumter, and he never afterwards recovered.
’
Maryland and Massachusetts Legislatures.
A telegraphic dispatch from Boston, dated April 23, says:‘ The resolution adopted by the Legislature of Maryland, and signed by Governor Bradford, appropriating seven thousand dollars for the relief of the families of the killed and disabled members of the Massachusetts Sixth regiment, who were attacked by the mob in Baltimore on the 19th of April, 1861, was read this afternoon in the House of Reprensentatives, and referred to the Committee on Federal Relations. The resolutions caused a marked sensation, and the reading was followed by hearty applause.
’
Why the Women Sympathinze with rebellion.
A correspondent of the Baltimore American thus attempts to explain why the ladies are so universally sympathizers with the South in the holy cause of independence for which they are battling:‘ It is an undeniable fact that in this community, where a large majority of the men are Union in their sentiments, the sentiments of at least four-fifths of the gentler sex are on the other side. It is also a noticeable circumstance that in all those localities where the followers of secession are but few, you will find that for every male convert who embraces its tenets, at least half a dozen fair devotees are kneeling in humble devotion at its shrine.
This state of things has very naturally attracted considerable attention, and has been the subject of much comment, while its origin has furnished matter for speculation both to the public prints and in private circles. So far however, no satisfactory explanation of this remarkable propensity which the ladies exhibit for rebellion has yet been affored.
Many ascribe it to a patriotic effection for that section of country to which they owe a birthplace and a home, but, unfortunately for this theory, we know how kindly many ladies but comparatively recent arrived from the North take to the doctrines of succession and Southern rights, while very few of the ‘"Southern exetics transported to a colder clime"’ can be convinced that ‘"the Federal Union must and shall be preserved at all hazards."’ Human nature being the same everywhere, the rule ought to work both ways.
Others think it is owing to a natural sympathy with the cause in which their friends and relatives are engaged; but this explanation will not do, for although every cousin (however distantly related he may be) who leaves for ‘"Dixie"’ carries with him to the hostile camp the sympathies of at least a dozen of his female kin, who ever heard of a father or brother restoring a fair rebel to her allegiance by enlisting under the stars and stripes?
Finally, some content themselves with saying:
‘ "Oh, the women are all secessionists because it is fashionable." ’ But as they cannot tell us why it is fashionable, we are left quite as much in the dark as before.
It must be quite evident to the mind of every reflecting man that although the causes enumerated above may, and undoubtedly do, to a greater or less extent, exert a very powerful influence, yet there exists behind some other impules, which so blases the mind of woman as to make her yield herself readily to their power, when exerted for, and induce her to steel her heart against their promptings when conflicting with, the cause of the so-called Confederate States.
This impulse, the writer does not hesitate to declare, is nothing more nor less than the aristcoratic tendency of the female mind, and a hankering after nobility and titles.
That such a tendency does exist is undeniable, the cause of its existence is evident, and the effects which it produces are as natural as it is that a weighty body, when removed from the earth's surface and unsupported, should return to it in obedience to the laws of gravitation.
That such a tendency does exist is undeniable. We need only reflect a moment in order to be convinced of this by our own personal experience and observation. Upon what other theory can we account for that almost alavish adoration of the nobility in Great Britain, which has induced modern satirists to call ‘"Burks's Peerage"’ the Englishman's Bible? How otherwise than upon this principle can we explain the universal anxiety and eagerness displayed by the ladies all over the land to secure invitations to every ball at which the Prince of Wales was present during his recent visit to this country? And, finally, when it comes the unbounded admeration that
our woman display for every titled rer who lands upon our shertion directly in conflict with the Government, of our institutions, society, which has evoked the ridicule of almost every disma and of the editors of nearly all the of the age. It is easy to deny the this feeling, but if it does not really do so many writers mention it! It is a creation of the fancy, for it is conceive that the same idea many persons at the same time, not some truth in it.
The cause of this tendency is . The sphere of woman being domestic one, she has no other out ambition than in endeavors to obtain position in the social circle, and struggle after wealth and political in order to acquire distinction, by striving to obtain a promine the ‘"best society."’ This is why half of creation" are such blind votaries to the dictates of fashion, why in adversity they battle so ‘"keep up appearances;"’ and many woman, who have lately humble positions, so often foretell self-respect and put up with so and insults in order that they may (to them) Elysian fields of upper. Now the social position of every under any republican form of and particularly in such a county must necessarily be precarious, to be changed at any time by a thereforeseen occurrences. In a country other hand, where hereditary title are recognized, the aristocracy speak, an offices, the highest class of that all who attain a position there, if for life, and transmit it unimport children's children after them. enough, therefore, women, the height ambition it is to acquire social and envy the aristocracy, and it is greater or less degree
Having thus demonstrated the and cause of this aristocratic tend female mind, it remains for sider why its natural result is sympathies of womankind in rebellious States. The reason of it is Southerners are per excellence the America. They possess in a great those pecullar traits of character, manners, virtues, and vices, which tingnished the titled aristocracy of and all ages. The possession of these traits of character is not owing to nobility inherent in the people of the but to the domestic and social institute the section of the country which they and to the great law of nature same causes will always produce sults. As idieness and the early of erbitrary power have moulded the of the nobility of Europe, so these fluences have fixed an indelible upon the characters of the inhabitate Slave States of America.
’
Naval Affairs.
The Baltimore American's New York respondent, April 24th, says:‘ The departure of the Galena to Brooklyn Navy-Yard has liberated of mechanics and other employees, who have been distributed among the vessels which will now be pushed forward creased spirit. The new sloop-of- rondack is progressing pretty well, be not appear likely to be ready for than six weeks. The injuries she the Novelty Works have been
The frigate Sabine, in addition pounder Parrott gun previously has received nine inch Dahigren latter are in place of the old fashioness gun which formed part of her armazed.
The Roanoke is still undergoing tions. Her air posts have been the cavities planked up, and the men work upon the steam post and the bed.
’
of Illustrated Newspapers Ress Monroe.
The special Fortress Monroe (April respondent of the Philadelphia he says:‘ All the copies of Harpers' Weekly sketches of our military positions at were seized yesterday by order of the Government Supervisor of Army Intelligence large number of copies had already been so the ‘"stable door is locked horse is stolen."’ It is becoming more evident that the restrictions places the press are operating powerfully againt Government.
The press raised the Union spirit the people, fed the flame, raised the army the money to pay it with, and is now the Government in a thousand ways to the rebellion. All it asks is its rights the Constitution and the laws, protesting it will vie with Government officers is alty and honesty. It asks no favors of one.
Colonel Sanford, the Supervisor of An Intelligence, left for Washington He has done a good work here in the local military censorship established a short time before his arrival. Under parole given, correspondents can send a communications North unopened.
’
President Lincoln and General
The New York Tribuns, editorially, the following statement:‘ When, after delays which, however flable, were utterly at variance with the ular expectations which their authors has seen fit to excite, the Grand Army of the public was at length put in motion campaign of 1862, a very large proport those who had most closely and carefully died the past management of that army in the conviction that a change in mand was desirable. Among those who this conviction the Secretary of War nearly or quite every member of the Com sional Joint Committee on the Conduct War, without distinction of party, were understood to be most emphatic. Had matter been within the proper cogni Congress, each House would have voted change by a large majority, wherein the influential and zealous opponents of the bellion, Democrats as well as Republic would have united.
But the President of the United State Commander-in-Chief of our armies, after hearing and considering all that urged on both sides, decided against a That decision was the end of controversy.
’
Handsome Contribution from a Ladies'
From the Columbia (S. C.) copy the following correspondence:‘ The young ladies engaged in the have the honor to inform Col. Che they have deposited in the Exchange B Columbia $2,800, subject to his order. The sum (the proceeds of the fair) they destroy propriated to a hospital, State defences, boat, or to any other purpose which Colonel Chesnut, in his judgment, may deem best.
’ Columbia, S. C. April 26, 1862
To the Young Ladies of the Fair Association of the Columbia:
I have the honor to acknowledge your informing me that you had placed is the Exchange Bank of Columbia, subject to my der, twenty-three hundred dollars, the preceeds of the late fair.
Either of the several objects to which express a willingness that your handsome and patriotic donation shall be applied is portant. As you have left to the determination of my judgment the special direction the fund, I will endeavor to dispose of such a way as will prove useful and tory.
The State has now in existence a co sion for the construction of an iron-clad gunboat. In the hands of the chairman of the commission I will place your gift.
The spirit, patience, and fortitude of the ladies of Columbia, as of all true Carolina women, under the trails and deprizations war, and their deep devotion to the cause of our country, are the highest-tives to our men. They have ever our admiration, and demand our gra
We hope are long, from the deep- armament of our Harbor Queen, to be able utter the thanks of the State in tones more grateful to you than through any I can employ.
Profoundly sensible of the distinction of being your agent for a purpose so patrician. I have the honor to be, with great require your humble servant,
An Upright farmer.
The Atlanta Intelligencer relates an that is worthy of extended publicity:‘ "A farmer brought to this city some to dispose of. A friend, seeing it was a article, offered to purchase it. The war price was asked, when the farmer was correctly informed that it ranged from cents per pound. ‘"Well,"’ said the ‘"I did not bring my bacon here to sell at such exorbitant prices; nor to speculated, and I will not take more for it than it is work, and although you are willing to give market price for it, sir, you shall not --My meat is worth to me eighteen cents per pound, and as you want it, you shall have it for that; no more, no less."’
’ Such instances of true patriotism and ness of heart as the above seem almost incredible to the inhabitants of this metropolis. The disgusting principle fested by the desiers of this city in their abominable extortions for groceries, dry goods, &c., have even transcended the gra ing disposition of that unenviable character in the play of the ‘"Merchant of "’ Shylock. In the article of sugar alone, since the reception of the unfavorable news from New Orleans, the price has gone up at per cent., and that, too, when not a pound has been brought in the city, thereby to give plausibility to the increase. Will not some steps be taken to deprive these unpatriotic anti-Southern leaches of the power of entalling upon our citizens much suffering, if not scarvation.
