Dear Long Recall Readers:

We regret to inform you that as of today, we will no longer be publishing posts on The Long Recall Civil War blog. Although it has been a wonderful experience learning about the Civil War in real time, personnel and time constraints have made maintaining and updating the blog extremely difficult over the past few months and we have finally made the decision to cease updating the blog. We will continue to follow Civil War history and related events on Walter Russell Mead’s new short-form Via Meadia blog.

Although we will no longer be updating The Long Recall, we will keep the site up on our website as a resource for anyone looking for information about the origins of and the political buildup to the Civil War, and we encourage anyone with an interest in American history to peruse our archives for sources. We found the project to be an eye-opening look not only at the war, but at the society and attitudes of the time period, as well as an intriguing study of the often biased and wildly incorrect reporting methods used then (see yesterday’s post for particularly egregious examples). We hope that we have been able to inspire a greater interest and understanding of American history, and that you will continue to explore the Civil War apart from the site.

Best Wishes,

- Andy Iacobucci, Kate Hall, Kelly Johnson

Special Thanks to Peter Mellgard, Damir Marusic, Mark Nugent, Lindsey Burrows, and Walter Russell Mead

Victory in Manassas! Although the final battle reports have yet to come in, nearly all accounts indicate a Union victory in yesterday’s battle between the Federal army and the forces of Virginia near Bull Run. This battle, by far the largest and most important yet fought in this war, was fought bravely by men on both sides. Although it has not been the resounding, absolute victory hoped for by many Northern leaders, it will surely prove to be a pivotal moment in the Union march towards Richmond.

The battle began early in the morning as a Union force led by Brigadier General Irvin McDowell took command of artillery stationed near Bull Run, forcing the Confederate forces to retreat towards their main encampment at Manassas. Union troops pursued them to the junction, where they fought the remainder of the battle. Details of the battle are difficult to come by and unreliable, but it appears as though a group McDowell’s forces moved to the southwest during the night to effect an attack upon the Confederate left flank, while artillery and other forces moved south towards Stone Bridge for a direct attack on Manassas from the north. Although the fighting was fierce and the casualties appear to be many on both sides, the attack allowed Union forces to partially encircle the Confederate forces, forcing them to slowly retreat to their encampment at Manassas. By late afternoon, the fighting had ceased due to a speedy retreat by Southern troops.

In spite of this apparent victory, it appears as though the significant Union losses and fatigue from the lengthy battle has prevented McDowell from pursuing General Beauregard’s retreating troops. Although this may prolong the eastern Virginia campaign, it should also provide ample opportunity for the Union forces to regroup and develop a strategy for the upcoming assault on the Confederate capital in Richmond.

The Northern press and public has received news of the Union victory enthusiastically. They are full of praise for the bold and courageous conduct of our nation’s fighting men and for the ingenuity of McDowell, whose strategy and military knowledge played an invaluable role in yesterday’s victory. News has also no doubt reached the President, and although we have not yet heard word of his and his cabinet’s reaction, they will surely be pleased by the result. The battle is also sure to be the subject of great discussion in Congress, as many Congressmen were personally present in the vicinity of Manassas to observe the battle and survey the condition of the troops.

Although the battle at Manassas occupied the bulk of the nation’s attention, it was not the only important occurrence within the state of Virginia this weekend. Only a few miles south in Richmond, the Confederate Congress convened for the first time at their new capital. Although their meeting was shortened due to the battle taking place just to the north, there was sufficient time for a speech by President Jefferson Davis, who firmly denounced the warlike actions of the North and pledged to resist them by raising thousands of additional troops to defend the Southern lands threatened by Northern subjugation. Amid his criticism of the Union, Davis reasserted the independence of the Southern Confederacy and its citizens and noted that by its recent actions, the Union has done so as well:

These enormous preparations in men and money, for the conduct of a war on a scale more gigantic than any which the new would has ever witnessed, is a distinct avowal, in the eyes of civilized man, that the United States are engaged in a conflict with a great and powerful nation; they are at last compelled to abandon the presence of being engaged in dispersing rioters and suppressing insurrections, and are driven to the acknowledgment that the ancient Union has been dissolved. They recognize the separate existence of these Confederate States by the interdiction, embargo, and blockade of all commerce between them and the United States, not only by sea, but by land; not only in ships, but in rail-cars; not only with those who bear arms, but with the entire population of the Confederate States. Finally, they have repudiated the foolish consent that the inhabitants of this Confederacy are still citizens of the United States; for they are waging an indiscriminate war upon them all, with a savage ferocity unknown to modern civilization.

In the News:

• The Philadelphia Inquirer has a two part summary of the battle.
• The New York Times declares the battle “the greatest battle ever fought on this continent.”
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch disagrees, declaring a Confederate victory at Manassas.
• The Quincy Daily Whig & Republican publishes conflicting reports: One describes a great Union victory at Manassas, while another depicts chaos and a disorganized retreat to Washington.
• The Philadelphia Press declares the Union “probably victorious.”

Commentary:

• The Philadelphia Inquirer jubilantly celebrates the Union victory in Virginia.
• The New York Times also lauds the Union performance at Manassas, declaring it “a lesson [the rebellion] will not soon forget.”
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch provides a response to President Davis’ recent address.
• The Philadelphia Inquirer examines one of the greatest tasks facing the nation: the creation of a strong Navy.
• The New Englander examines Southern arguments in favor of secession.
• July’s DeBow’s Review speculates as to the future of the Southern Confederacy.
• The Southern Literary Messenger has published “A Lecture not on the Devil, but Whiskers.”

The steady drumbeat of war has been increasing in intensity over the past week, and it finally appears that a decisive battle between the Union and Confederacy is imminent. Such a battle has been anticipated since the attack on Fort Sumter in early April but has been slow in coming. The past few months have been characterized by the gathering of troops and supplies near the front lines, and all either side has dared is the occasional skirmish or reconnaissance mission. While this slow start has frustrated partisans on both sides, it may have been necessary—raising troops, training them, transporting them to the front and providing them with sufficient provisions for battle has been a long and arduous process, and has been the central focus of the Army and the War Department over the past three months.

Now, however, the forces in eastern Virginia that have been slowly inching towards each other for the past few weeks are finally ready to engage. In anticipation of the first meeting of the Confederate Congress at its new capital in Richmond—which met yesterday for the first time—the Union army began its march south earlier this week and is now approaching the Confederate encampment near Manassas. This strategically important railroad junction has been the site of a massive buildup of Confederate troops over the past month and will likely be the site of today’s confrontation. The Confederates, for their part, have been digging in and preparing defenses around the town and now appear to be very well entrenched, as demonstrated by the Confederate victory at the battle of Corrick’s Ford this past Thursday. Both sides, however, seem more than ready for battle. All that remains now is to see who emerges victorious. The stakes are extremely high; a victory by either side will clear a direct path to the opposing capital and an opportunity to bring the war to a quick and decisive end. The eyes of a nation—and indeed, the world—are fixed on a small town in northern Virginia, where the fate of the American experiment may well be decided.

Compared to the excitement in Manassas, affairs elsewhere in the nation cannot help but seem pale in comparison. And indeed, as if in recognition of the momentousness of the occasion, it has been a slow week across the country. Although the pursuit of Governor Jackson continues in Missouri, there has been little progress of note. And following the successful campaign in western Virginia earlier this month, there have been relatively few new developments in the area: The Confederate forces have been allowed to retreat, effectively ceding the region to Union control. Even in Washington, the excitement surrounding the eastern Virginia campaign has monopolized the attention of the President, his cabinet, and the Congress—just as it has the Confederate Congress in Richmond. All political life has been put on hold in anticipation of today’s likely battle, and the new shape the country will take once the actions of a few thousand men in eastern Virginia decide the issue.

Congressional:

• Senator James H. Bayard of Delaware delivered an address before Congress on “Executive Usurpation,” criticizing the president for claiming unconstitutional war powers.

Commentary:

• The Atlantic Monthly discusses the recent emancipation of serfs in Russia.
• A thorough examination of recent trends in warfare is provided in this month’s DeBow’s Review.
• July’s Harper’s New Monthly Magazine explores the development and study of language.
• The New Englander explains the duties of those who remain home from battle during a time of war.
• The North American Review responds to the recent address of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
• DeBow’s Review examines the current cultural differences between Northern and Southern society.

Arts & Culture:

• A recent article in the Ladies’ Repository defends the unmarried woman.
• Princeton Review provides a description of the Kingdom of Christ.
• The ‘Southern tale‘ of Conrad Clifford is printed in this month’s Southern Literary Messenger.

Union troops plan to attack Manassas tomorrow, according to reports from the frontlines. Forces are now encamped just outside of Fairfax and Centreville, Virginia, about three miles North of Manassas, where all columns have gathered in preparation of tomorrow’s attack. The day was spent planning the attack and gathering reconnaissance information – troops were given the day to rest and prepare before marching on the Confederates.

Thursday’s Battle at Blackburn’s Ford near Manassas, called “the first engagement in eastern Virginia of any importance” by the New York Times, appears to have resulted in a slight victory for the Confederates, although not a decisive one. A sizable group of men, apart from General McDowell’s main force, were traveling on the road a few miles south of Centreville, when they came under fire from hidden positions along the road. A moderately-sized engagement followed, and the Federal forces were forced to retreat, although losses on both sides appear to be relatively minor. This defeat has doubtless played into General McDowell’s decision to hold his troops in Fairfax for a day before advancing upon Manassas.

Reports from last week’s battles at Rich Mountain and Corrick’s Ford continue to pour in, painting a more accurate picture of the events which transpired. The Confederate encampments were considerably better defended than initially realized, requiring a long uphill march through wooded, rocky territory to effect a surprise attack upon a well-guarded fortification high on the Mountain. It was only the element of surprise that allowed Rosecrans’s men to storm the fort that led to the Union rout. Due to their lack of preparation for such an attack, the capture of the upper fortification threw the Confederate troops into disarray, forcing them to flee and surrender after just a few hours of fighting.

Confederate General Robert Garnett was killed in last week’s battle at Corrick’s Ford in western Virginia. Although rumors of his death had been circulating for days, the recent discovery of his body by the Union army was the first confirmation. The Union rout of the Confederates in western Virginia now appears to be even greater than initially believed, having claimed the life of a key Confederate commander in the region. Garnett was 41-years-old at the time of his death.

A number of Congressmen are absent from the capital and have crossed the river to Virginia, where they are observing the troops stationed there in preparation for the attack upon the Confederates near Manassas. They will likely return soon, however, as a journey to the frontlines would be too long and too dangerous. Their presence should be expected at the capital early next week.

Sorely-needed supplies arrived today at Newport News, where forces led by Major Butler have been encamped for months. The men have been badly wanting for supplies, and have had relatively little success with their advances northward towards Yorktown, further up the peninsula. With luck, the arrival of new supplies will improve their fortune, potentially allowing them to put pressure on Richmond from the East. Confederate encampments along the peninsula have been reinforced, however, and their fortifications and batteries appear ready to withstand a potential attack from the South.

In the News:

• The Philadelphia Inquirer has an account of the recent battle at Bull’s Run near Blackburn’s Ford.
• The New York Times provides a report on the advance of Federal troops in Northern Virginia.
• The Columbia Spy covers the movements of General Patterson’s troops near Bunker Hill in Virginia.
• A letter printed in the Richmond Daily Dispatch claims that a number of local soldiers who fought in the battle at Rich Mountain have been taken prisoner and were not killed in battle.
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch notes that the population of Britain contains a sizable excess of women.

Commentary:

• The New York Times speculates that the British will soon ask the United States to remove the blockade on the South so as to replenish its cotton supply, and discusses the impact of the blockade on international politics.
• The Philadelphia Press discusses the implications of the rapid growth of the Union Army.
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch predicts that the North will ultimately be the loser of the coming conflict, stating that “the South cannot be conquered back by bayonets.”
• The Philadelphia Inquirer has published a list of the most egregious actions the Confederates have taken since the beginning of the conflict.
• The Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser argues that Southerners have been misled by their political leaders into a war against their own best interests.
• The Quincy Whig Republican supports the expulsion of traitorous senators from the nation’s highest legislative body.

Recipes

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch has a few tips for making yeast and bread.

On July 17, we first told you the story of the remains of General Garnett, which are enclosed in a metallic case. Those remains have now passed through Harrisburgh and are approaching Baltimore. Once there, they will be taken to Fort Monroe and conveyed under a flag of truce to Richmond. Upon arrival there, they will be given over to the protection of his family.

Though Garnett’s body was transported as far as Grafton by train, it seems unlikely that it will be able to go by rail the whole way to Richmond, given all the recent developments. There is an increasing amount of destruction surrounding rails and railroad bridges. Only a week ago, the bridges on the George’s Creek Railroad were utterly destroyed. This comes on the heels of the devastation of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad bridges. It would appear this trend is spreading. We may soon be cautioning people away from rail travel all together.

Garnett’s death has had a large impact on the troops which served under him. All of those troops have been completely routed by General Morris’ column. Their camp equipment was captured and there are reports of fifty prisoners being killed. The Confederates have been forced to scatter in the mountains. Some are insisting that, due to these circumstances, their surrender is imminent. We shall keep you abreast of any updates regarding these troops.

In other news, United States Marshal Murray has begun receiving all manner of threatening letters. These hostile missives are in response to his unrelenting attitude towards slave-traders. The following is one of the anonymous letters:

If you do not let up on certain men you have under arrest, on charge of slaving, you will cease your duties as United States Marshal very sudden on some fine night. You are no smarter than other men who have been Marshals before, and you must not think so neither. Dr. Burdell was done for, so was Walton, so can a Marshal be done for just as easy. So beware! you put on too big airs with your power, but D—–b can take power away. The men you’re persecuting have rich and powerful friends, who will use desperate cure for desperate cases — so beware.

We shall keep an eye out for any more news on Murray to see how he fairs under these pressures.

It is our sad duty to report that there has been yet another accidental shooting by a soldier. This past Sunday evening at the camp near Princess Anne Rend, Norfolk County, a pistol in the hands of one of the men stationed there discharged, shooting a little girl. While thankfully the wound is only in the foot and there is no fear that the girl will die, this accident clearly highlights a need for soldiers to be more vigilant in the handling of their weapons.

In the News:

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch prints important updates on the movements of the Federalists toward Winchester.
• The New York Times reports on Brooklyn military matters.
• The Press announces the rebel invasion of Iowa.
• The Pennsylvania Daily Telegraph looks at the intelligence out of Wheeling.
• The Central Press publishes the official report of the battle of Carrack Ford.

Commentary:

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch calls its readers to continue to fight the Northerners.
• The New York Times publishes the London News’ opinion on the lessons of the Fourth of July.
• The Press examines another fight for the championship.
• The Pennsylvania Daily Telegraph discusses careless in the area of personal cleanliness.

Arts and Culture:

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch prints “War Song,” by Alexander B. Meek.
• The Central Press publishes “The Gambler’s Ghost: Awful Warning to Young Men,” by W.O. Eaton.

Runaways:

• $10 Reward: “Ranaway from my residence, on Monday, the 9th inst., my black boy, named Dick. He is about ten years old, very likely, and remarkably smart.”
• $85 Reward: “Will be paid for the apprehension and delivery to me of boy ‘Beverly‘, who left my house, corner 5th and Cary streets, on Friday last. He is about 14 years old; very black and likely.”

Military Notices:

• “Fifteen or twenty Sharp Shooters (if men of good character) will be received into my company and be furnished with Maynard Rifles, accoutrements and equipments. Apply, at once, at Camp of Rifle Rangers, Florida Volunteers, Reservoir Camp Ground.”

Obituaries:

• Poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, died on June 29.
• George Griffin, thirteen years old, died this past Wednesday after being dragged by a horse nearly a mile.

Kentucky remains torn by its neutrality. At a Masonic temple on July 13, the Honorable Joseph Holt, a Kentuckian, spoke in support of the proposition that it was the duty of Kentucky not to exercise neutralit, but to support the Federal government. Of his fellow statesmen’s desire not to fight, he said:

But your brethren can fight you, and with a good will, too. Wickedly and wantonly have they commenced this war against you and your institutions, and ferociously are they prosecuting it. They take no account of the fact that the massacre with which they hope their swords will are long be clogged, must be the massacre of their brethren. However much we may bow our heads at the confession, it is nevertheless true that every free people that have existed have been obliged, at one period or other of their history, to light for their liberties against traitors within their own bosoms, and that people who have not the greatness of soul thus to fight, cannot long continue to be free, nor do they deserve to be so.

General Patterson’s division, with the exception of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, advanced to Bunker Hill on Monday. For the most part their journey was uneventful. However, just below Bunker Hill, Colonel Stewart, with 600 secessionist troops attempted an attack on the Twenty-first Pennsylvania Regiment. Stewart failed to notice the Rhode Island Battery, which opened fire on the Confederates. The charge was broken and the Second United States Calvary pursued them two miles in retreat, capturing one private and one captain. Both prisoners have been sent to Martinsburgh. As of July 15, the whole secessionist force had fallen back on Winchester. There are some rumors that General Johnson has masked batteries between Bunker Hill and Winchester, but there is much doubt surrounding this. Regardless, few expect the lull in battles to last long.

The passengers of the train going through Millville, Missouri, got more than they paid for on July 16. Eight hundred Union troops came up ahead of them, where the track was torn up. Secessionists fired into the National and an engagement ensued that resulted in the deaths of seven secessionists and the capture of seven more. The fighting was ongoing as the passenger train passed by. The Nationals suffered three deaths, seven wounded and the seizure of thirty horses.

J. Arlington Bennett, believed to be a Union man, has made a wager that has been getting attention since it was published in the New York Herald. He bet $100,000 worth of stock that the “North cannot by force, under its present civilian Generals, compel the Slave States to remain in the Union.” Bennett has offered no further public remarks on his unorthodox bet.

In the News:

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch announces yet another incident of a drunken solider shooting a comrade.
• The New York Times reports on the impact of the war on the American consumption of coffee.
• The Huntingdon Globe details the recent Union victory at Fairfax Court House.
• The Press discusses the suspension of the mail service in rebel States.
• The Altoona Tribune offers updates out of Western Virginia.
• The Pennsylvania Daily Telegraph reports the capture of two Secession flags.

Commentary:

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch discusses the impact of Lincoln’s message on the South.
• The New York Times publishes a first hand account of the skirmish of the twenty-eighth.
• The Altoona Tribune examines President Lincoln’s message.
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch condemns soldiers who sleep on watch.
• The Press tells the story of a Captain’s lady successfully defending the Stars and Stripes.

Arts and Culture:

• The New York Times announces that the Winter Garden has reopened for the Summer season.

Runaways:

• $10 Reward: “Runaway, on the 7th of July, my Girl ‘Mary Ann.’ She is about street 5 inches high, quite black, and when spoken to speaks very low.”

Military Notices:

• “In Obedience to the Proclamation of the Governor of the State, the Commandants companies are hereby ordered to muster that companies (preparatory to being mustered by service) on Saturday next, and report the strength to me, at the County Court-House, of Monday morning next, at 11 o’clock.”

Obituaries:

• Mr. Elias P. Wisner passed away in New York City today, at the age of 27 years and 8 months.
• Ella Blanche, youngest daughter of Robert and Elisabeth Smithers, aged one year, nine months and three days died on July 17.

Once again it is our sad duty to report more deaths as a result of careless use of side arms. In an effort to gain better control over this continuing issue, the city of Richmond has issued an order. No more than four men from any one company will be allowed to absent themselves at any give time. Also, men will now have to report to the guard on leaving and returning to ensure they are only carrying proper side-arms.

We also have more news on a related issue; six men were arrested for using the street as a lodging place after over imbibing alcohol on Monday night. They were brought before the Mayor yesterday and he ruled that they be discharged from the jail. Each was given the order to return to his encampment immediately.

Western Virginia continues to hold special focus in this struggle. Three days ago a battle was waged at Carrick’s Ford. The events immediately surrounding it began the night of the 11^th when the Secessionist army at Laurel Hill, under Brigadier General Garnett’s command, evacuated its camp due to intelligence that General McClellan’s troop were approaching. These actions were discovered the following morning and pursuit was ordered immediately.

During their retreat, Garnett’s men met up with other Secessionists. With these reinforcements, the turned back towards Laurel Hill, marching despite the constant rain and taking only a four hour break in the night. At the same time, Union troops, composed of the Fourteenth Ohio, and Seventh and Ninth Indiana Regiments, also advanced. The opposing sides met at Cheat River. Here the Secessionists were forced to retreat, but Garnett attempted to rally his men again a quarter mile away. The Brigadier General was killed in the following interaction with the Seventh Indiana.

It has been reported that the final death tallies for this battle are; for the Confederates, twenty-six men dead, many more wounded; for the Unionists, two dead and two mortally wounded. We are unable to verify the accuracy of these numbers. Garnett’s body is en route to his family in Richmond.

Free negroes are being drafted into aiding the defense of the Confederacy. It is required that they be entitled to the same compensation, rations, quarters and medical attendance as other laborers of similar character. They also, according to the Convention in Richmond, can not be detained for longer than thirty days without their consent. However, this is not a voluntary endeavor. Any who fail to answer this draft will be subject to penalties provided by law. Also the Convention has stated, “Such free negroes shall, whilst engaged in the public service as aforesaid, be subject to the rules and articles of war.”

A suspicious schooner has been stopped at the Narrows. On Monday, the Corwin observed the schooner moving towards the sea. The Corwin shot across the other ship’s bows and brought her to. There was no name on the stern and it was ordered back to New York City to be overhauled. There is no information as of yet regarding what the unidentified schooner had on board or where it was destined.

In the News:

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch discusses the St. Nicholas affair.
• The New York Times provides updates on the advancement of troops.
• The Democratic Banner reports a terrible Indian fight.
• The Press writes about the “Confederate Cotton Loan.”

Commentary:

• The New York Times prints the opinion out of Paris regarding on the want of cavalry.
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch describes a terrific night scene.
• The Agitator compares chivalry in the North and South.
• The Lebanon Advertiser disagrees with the Lincoln administration’s response to Mr. Vallandigham’s proposition.
• The Press discusses European neutrality.

Information Wanted:

• “The wife of Leander Dickey, a printer by occupation, desires to obtain information of his whereabouts. He was in Nashville on the 22d of May, and on that day wrote a letter to me to Montgomery, Va., requesting me to come to this city. At his solicitations I have removed here, and not being able to hear of him, feel much uneasiness as to his safety.”

Runaways:

• From B.J. Eddins’ brickyard, in Manchester, on the 15^th of June, a Negro Boy, by the name of Jack Simes, about twenty years old.

Military Notices:

• “Attention, Company No. 1–You are here by required to attend at your usual place of meeting, in front of 1st Baptist Church, Broad street, on Wednesday, 17th inst., at 9 o’clock A. M., for drill and election of 2d Lieutenant.”

Obituaries:

• Mr. Charles Brown, the proprietor of Tammany Hotel, died suddenly on Monday night of heart disease.
• Mr. Micajah Cates, public officer of Richmond for thirty years, died unexpectedly yesterday.
• Brad Jones was hung by the Vigilance Committee on Thursday last after being accused of purchasing articles stolen by negroes.

General McClellan’s pursuit of retreating secessionists in western Virginia was a success, with Federal forces defeating Confederate troops in a quick and decisive confrontation at Carrick’s Ford.  Despite suffering a loss of 13 and forty wounded, Union troops killed fifty, including Confederate General Robert Garnett, and captured many more. General Hill will continue to pursue what remains of the Confederates in western Virginia.

Congress continues to work tirelessly to pass legislation on issues relating to war funds, military size, and the seizure of secessionist property. Business is moving so quickly that experts predict that the special session of Congress will likely be able to adjourn by Friday.

Once predicted to be the location for the next large-scale conflict, the situation at Fort Pickens, the Federal installation in Florida, is calm. According to a recent dispatch, the Fort was recently supplied with large armory and “the idea of a fight had been about given up” by the soldiers stationed there.

In a statement to the pro-secessionist citizenry of Missouri, Thomas Reynolds, the fugitive Lieutenant Governor, tells supporters to avoid rash action but urges them to be ready to take up arms when ex-Governor Jackson calls. He writes:

I rejoice to learn from various sources that even amid the present gloom you remain confident of final success. We are draining to the very dregs the bitter cup of Federal usurpation; but the medicine was needed to cure the diseases of our body politic. The military advantages lately obtained by our oppressors are not surprising, for your perilous uprising at the call of our Governor was made without that previous concert with your natural allies which was almost indispensable for success. But the fortune of war is prone to change; be ready to take advantage of it.

In the News:

• The New York Times has many more details about the battle which killed Confederate General Richard Garnett.
• The Philadelphia Inquirer provides a map showing the location of General McClellan’s victories in western Virginia.
• The Detroit Daily Adviser gives a biography of Colonel Franz Siegel, the gallant German commander of Federal troops in Missouri.
• The Philadelphia Press publishes the action-packed Congressional proceedings.
• The Quincy Daily Herald publishes excerpts from Southern newspapers.
• The Philadelphia Press has the latest news from Europe.

Commentary:

• The Philadelphia Inquirer hopes that eastern Virginia will soon be “McClellanized” as well.
• Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens gave a speech in Augusta, Georgia, that addressed how the South can finance the “second war of Independence,” and credited the courageous efforts of both Southern men and women.
• The New York Times condemns “British Ignorance and Arrogance,” and claims that it may be “the most insolent and conceited nation on the face of the earth, the Chinese not excepted.”
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch is confident that both France and Great Britain will recognize the Southern Confederacy.
• Former Lieutenant Governor Thomas Reynolds tries to raise the spirts of secessionist supporters in Missouri.

Arts and Culture:

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch publishes an extract on the role of South Carolinian women – and their “masculine fortitude” – in Carlo Bottas’ History of the American Revolution.
• The New York Times excerpts advice from a Canadian paper on how to cook and eat “fat pork.”
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch celebrates “life-long and unbroken friendship” with a poem from an author memorializing “his noble hearted and gallant friend.”

Obituaries:

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch pays tribute to John Campbell, the Lord High Chancellor of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
• The New York Times honors slain Confederate General Robert Garnett, commemorating his “twenty years an officer, nineteen years of which saw him an honorable soldier, serving under his country’s flag. He was brevetted in 1847, for gallant and meritorious conduct in the Mexican war…[he] was a Virginian, and personally, bore a good character.”

Deaths:

• From Utah: “Ammon, half brother to the celebrated Utah Chief Walker, died in his camp…in great pain. He was afflicted with a disease which should be nameless, received through association with the whites. Four or five horses were killed for use in the hunting grounds of the next world.”
• From Mexico: “Don Melchor Ocampo and Gen. Degallado, two of the most illustrious men of Mexico.” Circumstances unknown.

Fresh from his overwhelming victory at Rich Mountain, General McClellan continues to vigorously pursue Confederate troops heading toward Cheat Mountain Pass. A dispatch from McClellan’s camp is confident the soldiers will move rapidly towards the rebels and boasts that although secessionists have destroyed the bridges at Huttonsville and, presumably, Cheat Mountain, “this would not delay the advance one hour.” The previously reported number of Confederate dead and captured has not been contradicted: 150 dead and nearly 600 captured, with the latter group reportedly “extremely penitent, they say, and determined never again to take up arms against the General Government.” With the most recent additions, McClellan now holds 900 to 1,000 Southern prisoners.

Twelve Union soldiers were bested and captured by Confederate troops after straying too far from the secure surroundings of their camp at Newport News. Several companies were dispatched in attempts to retrieve them but their success or failure is not yet known. Additionally, in Alexandria, a skirmish between Federal and Confederate troops ended in the capture of three scouts from Alabama.

The Sanitary Committee in Washington has adopted several measures aimed at improving the living conditions in military camps, as well as compensation and medical care for soldiers.

In Baltimore, John Merryman was released from Fort McHenry on $40,000 bail yesterday. The controversy surrounding his arrest by Union troops and his petition for a writ of habeas corpus has made his case quite well known, and the public, as well as many officials in the Administration and military, will undoubtedly be closely following the next chapter of the saga. Merryman will face treason charges in court in November.

Governor John Letcher is asking every able-bodied man in Virginia to protect “all that is dear to freemen,” and join the state militia. In a proclamation released to the public, he urges Virginians

to drive from our land an insolent foe, who is threatening us with subjugation and overthrow. Confident that every true Virginian possesses the nerve and the soul to give his hand and his heart to prevent this fell purpose—the Militia is called to arms. This call will not be unheeded.

In the News:

• The New York Times prints the latest dispatches from General McClellan’s camp.
• The Philadelphia Inquirer provides a biography of Major General George McClelland, including a fetching portrait of the hero.
• The Philadelphia Press has a letter from the steamer Niagara, stationed off Fort Pickens.
• The New York Times has the story of Colonel Siegel’s victory in the first major military clash in Missouri.
• The Philadelphia Press has news from Washington and the Congressional proceedings.
• A foreign correspondent for the New York Times reports the news from London, including the death of Lord Chancellor John Campbell, although he admits it “does not seem to be considered a very serious loss.”
• The Philadelphia Inquirer collects news bits from Southern papers.

Commentary:

• The editors of the Quincy Daily Herald believe that the Mormon leaders in Utah may have “treasonable designs” against the Federal government.
• The Philadelphia Press is convinced that British opinion rests with Union.
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch believes that “with the exception of the Northwest, Virginia has been pretty well purged of traitors.”
• The New York Times publishes a lengthy suggestion about how the North can reduce the monetary costs of the conflict and gives their own opinion.
• The Louisville Journal accuses ex-Governor Floyd of being a horse thief.
• The Philadelphia Press analyzes the battles that have occurred thus far.

Arts and Culture:

• The Richmond Daily Dispatch describes a ghostly legend in Norway.
• The Quincy Daily Herald features an article on the religious revival rising with the escalation of the war and another on the “beauty of religion.”
• The Richmond Daily Dispatch disparages women who are “controlled by the mere dicta of fashion, and they despise common sense. They admire nothing but what is costly.”

It has been another victorious week for the Union forces. The Union armies of western Virginia have won a decisive victory, the largest and most momentous yet achieved in the war. This victory has now given the Union a strong military advantage to add to its edge in resources and munitions and has already made General McClellan and Brigadier General Rosecrans into true war heroes who deserve to be celebrated across the country.

The battles at Rich Mountain and Laurel Hill in western Virginia are a direct result of the bravery and tactical mastery of General McClellan. A sizable Confederate force under the Confederate Colonel Pegram encamped near Rich Mountain was taken by surprise by a flanking attack led by Colonel Rosecrans. The attack divided the Confederate troops and cut off their escape routes to the nearby town of Beverly. Caught by surprise and divided, Pegram was forced to surrender due to heavy losses and the cutoff of all avenues of retreat. Hundreds of Confederate soldiers are now in Union custody.

One decisive victory was not enough for the General McClellan, however. He ordered General Morris to travel east toward Laurel Hill, where a group of thousands of Confederate forces under the command of General Garnett were encamped. After a brief engagement, Garnett and his forces were forced to retreat into the Cheat River Valley, hotly pursued by Morris and his men, with little hope of retreating towards the central Confederate force in Virginia. Recent reports suggest that Morris and Garnett engaged in battle again yesterday, and although the outcome is not yet finally decided, it seems likely that Morris’ forces will prevail against the smaller Confederate contingent, which has been thrown into disarray by the hasty retreat.

With these successes, the Union position in western Virginia now appears secure. Already in a stronghold of Union sentiment in an otherwise secessionist state, Unionists throughout western Virginia will no doubt feel more comfortable voicing their political opinions. Although the region is not a major population center, its strategic importance should not be overlooked. The railroad lines which cross through it are a vital conduit between Washington and Border States such as Kentucky and Missouri, as well as Ohio. These vital supply routes now lie firmly in Union hands, so the Confederacy can no longer threaten to cut off the flow of commerce and supplies between the east and the west. In addition, control of western Virginia puts the Union in a good position to pressure the main Confederate force in central Virginia, which may find itself boxed in the the advance of Union forces. Although the coastal campaign near Yorkville and Newport News has yet to put significant pressure on Richmond from the East, the advancing forces from western Virginia combined with the main army near Alexandria are slowly drawing a net around the Confederate troops, threatening to pin them against the coast or force them to retreat out of the state.

These advances, however, stand in stark contrast to the lack of any Union advance against the Confederate armies in central Virginia. Although Union leadership has promised an attack on Richmond for months now, a peculiar stalemate seems to have set in between the Union army at Fairfax and the Confederate troops at Manassas Junction. While the western Virginia campaign has given the Union a considerably stronger position for any future fighting in the area, commanders must be careful not to give the Confederates enough time to establish a commanding defensive presence in their camp at Manassas. A firm and decisive strike may send their army into disarray and possibly reclaim the state for the Union and thus should not be put off any longer than necessary.

Congressional:

• Ex-Secretary of War Joseph Holt delivered an address on “The Futility of Neutrality” before a gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, yesterday.
• The Hon. Daniel S. Dickenson gave a well-received Union address before the Literary Society of Amherst College.

Commentary:

• The Southern Literary Messenger envisions the current war as a racial contest between “Saxon Puritans” in the North and Normans in the South.
• DeBow’s Review has reprinted a prescient twenty year old speech which accurately predicted the course of events leading to the Southern secession.
• The Atlantic Monthly tells the story of Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, the first casualty of the war.
• Harper’s New Monthly Magazine provides its monthly roundup of important foreign news.

Arts & Culture:

• The New Englander examines the worshiping practices of early Christians.
• The North American Review discusses the content and condition of the public lands held by the United States.
• The Ladies Repository has published a translation of the story Clothes Make the People, translated from the original German.