The History of the Civil War in America; comprising a full ... account of the origin and progress of the Rebellion, of the various naval and military engagements ... Illustrated with maps, diagrams ... engravings of battle scenes ... and portraits, etc

Front matter

LIEUT. GEN. U.S. GRANT. ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY TOR "ABBOTTS CM THE HISTORY OF THE CIVIL WAR IS AMERICA ; COMPRISING A FULL ASu IMTJlRTiAL ACCOOTa' OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE REBELLION, OF THE VARIOUS NAYAL AND MILITARY ENGAGEMENTS. O? THH Heroic Deeds Performed by Armies and Individuals, and or TOUCHING SCENES IN THE FIELD, THE CAMP, THE HOSPITAL, AND THE CABIN. BY JOHN S. C. ABBOTT, AUTHOR Or " LIFB OF NAPOLEON," " HISTORY OS THH FRENCH REVOLUTION," " MONABOHIES OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE," Au ILLUSTRATED WITH MAPS, DIAGRAMS, AND NUMEROUS STEEL ENGRAVINGS OF BATTLE SCENES, FROM ORIGINAL DESI8NS BY DARLET, AND OTHER EMINENT ARTISTS, AND PORTRAITS OF DISTINGUISHED MEN. VOL. II. SOLD OJSTX.Y B-X- T3ISTK.rBTJTIlNrO- A.C3-ETXTTS. SPKINGFIELD, MASS.: PUBLISHED -BY GURDON BILL. 1866. Bntcred, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863. by HENEY BILL, GDEDON BILL, AND LEDTABD BILL. In tbe Clerk-a Office of the District Court of the United States for the District of Connecticut ALVORD, PRINTER.

Preface

TO THE SECOND VOLUME. Few persons can be aware of the difficulty of obtaining accuracy in the minor details of the scenes here recorded. The historian who does not write from personal observation, sits at his table surrounded by a mass of material, in the shape of official reports, military orders, newspaper cor respondence, private letters from prominent actors, and published biog raphies. He finds names spelt in all varieties of ways, dates and military titles in inextricable confusion, heroic charges credited to different regi ments and brigades, and often the same officer lauded by one for military skill and heroism, and by another denounced for cowardice and imbecility. The writer has devoted nearly three years of untiring labor to this volume. He has spared no pains to obtain accuracy, and has conscien tiously endeavored to do justice to all.

He has sought to repress every emotion and to withhold every word which was not dictated by true impar tiality. It has been his desire to deal magnanimously with aU, commend ing good deeds by whomsoever performed, and making generous allowance for all mistakes, however fatal, where the intention has been good. It cannot be doubted that there will be many minor errors found in these pages. It is not possible that a history, recording such a multiplicity of events, should entirely avoid them. These errors are, however, rather annoying to individuals, than of importance to the general public. It is not pleasant to see one's name misspelt ; a major does not like to be called a captain, and the Ninety-eighth Regiment is unwilling to surrender its dearly-bought honors to the Ninety-third. But as to the great campaigns of this war, those majestic movements which evolved the final and glorious issues, the writer cannot cherish a doubt that the record here presented to the public will stand the scrutiny of time. There is an impression with some, that these momentous events

PREFACE.

. can be more correctly described in future years than now. But it is not improbable that more will be lost than gained by the lapse of time. For instance, the bombardment and capture of Fort Fisher is a fact accom plished. Its vivid incidents will be fading and vanishing as the years roll on. A graphic account of that achievement can be more easily written now than at any future period. Still, there may be some incidents in its secret history, unimportant to the great public, but in which individuals are interested, which may hereafter be brought to light. But even this is not probable, after the thorough scrutiny to which the event has been exposed. There is one thought which gives the writer sincere pain. There are men who, in this war, have performed deeds worthy of renown, whose names will perhaps scarcely be mentioned in these pages ; while others, no more deserving of notice, have their exploits minutely detailed.

If some heroic adventure has been achieved on the dark waters of a remote bay, or far away in the wilds of Arkansas, or in the midst of the tumultuous fight, where one hundred and fifty thousand men, enveloped in the smoke and tumult of battle, are struggling with almost superhuman energies, — if the hero be too modest to give publicity to his own exploit, and if there be no army correspondent near with friendly pen to record it, the deed vanishes with the hour-. But there is another, in the same battle, perhaps no more meritorious, who chances to attract the attention of an army correspondent by his side, and the chivalric deed is wafted through the land. Thus the one act passes into oblivion, and the other is em balmed in history. This injustice no historic fidelity can avoid A military history of this war, for the instruction of military men, can only be worthily written by the accomplished professional soldier.

But few can be interested in the perplexing labyrinth of details, and these can only be comprehended by the careful study of diagrams. The writer of this history has not attempted this. He has only endeavored to describe those comprehensive strategic and tactical movements which all can under stand, and from which the great issues of the battle have resulted. We trust that these, by the aid of the accompanying carefully prepared maps and diagrams, will generally be made plain to every intelligent reader. It would require very many volumes to give even a brief description of all the raids, skirmishes, wild adventures, and minor battles of this stupendous war, which has swept over a whole continent, and in which nearly two millions of men have been arrayed against each other. Few

PREFACE.

. V men, in this busy age, have time to read such ponderous volumes. Many of these achievements, though heroic, were isolated, having no apparent bearing upon the final issues of the conflict. The great campaigns, in which the National banner was borne so majestically over the land, and which resulted in the total overthrow of the rebellion, are here minutely recorded. It is believed that the general reader will find in these pages an accurate account of this great National struggle, and of the measures by which the National integrity has been so gloriously preserved and established. Still, it is with no little solicitude that the writer submits these pages to the ordeal of public criticism. There are more than a million of men, now living, who have taken part in the scenes here recorded. Scarcely any two have looked upon the spectacle from the same stand-point.

Po litical antipathies and military rivalries may bias the judgment. The writer can only say that he has not written in haste, and that it has been his earnest desire to do justice to the theme which for so many months has employed his pen. JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. New Haven, Conn., Sept., 1865. PAGB CONTENTS OF VOLUME II.

Chapter I. The Evacuation Of Manassas

(From January to April, 1862.) Inaction on the Potomac. — Uneasiness of tho Community. — Plan of the War. — Peremptory Order of President Lincoln. — The Army in Motion. — Rebel Defences at Manassas. — Force sent to the Peninsula. — Dread of the Merrimae 15

Chapter II. The Advance To Yoektown

(From April 3d to April 16th, 1S62.) The Line of March. — Siow Progress. — Brilliant Scene. — First Encounter. — The Fortifications at Yorktown. — Anxiety of the President.— Disastrous Effect of our Dilatoriness. — Scene from the Balloon. — Heroism of the Patriots. — Anecdotes 29

Chapter III. The Siege Of Torktown

(From April 19th to May 8d, 1S62.) Vast Siege- Works Constructed. — Insignificance of the Garrison. — General Franklin's Division. — Scenes of the Siege. — Historical Reminiscences. — The Unexpected Retreat of the Foe.— The Pursuit 39

Chapter IV. The March To West Point

(From May 3d to May 5th, 1362.) The Attack upon Fort Magruder. — Kearney and Hooker. — The Renowned Charge of Hancock. — Courage of the Rebels. — Their Utter Defeat. — Scenes After the Battle. — Arrival of General McClellan. — Flight of the Enemy. — Capture of Williamsburg CONTENTS. VIII

Chapter V. The Advance To The Chickahominy

(From May 9th to June 1st, 1862.) Scene at West Point.— March on the Pamunkey.— Aspect of the Country.— Scrupulous Regard for Private Property.— Arrival at the White House.— Retreat and Concentration of the Rebels.— Exposure of Washington.— Capture of Norfolk.— Destruction of the Merrimac. — Encampment on the Chickahominy "*

Chapter VI. The Peril Of Washington

: JACISOH's RAID. (From May 20th to May 27th, 1862.) Anxiety of President Lincoln. — McDowell's Corps. — The Mountain Department. — Jackson's Dash upon Banks. — Noble Letter of Gen. McDowell. — Panic in Washington. — Energetic Action of Gen. Fremont. — Running Battle. — Success of Jackson's Raid. — Battle of Hanover Court-House 70

Chapter VII. The Battle At Fair Oaks

(From May 29th to June 3d, 1S62.) Position of Gen. Casey's Division. — Gens. Keyes, Couch, and Sumner. — Concentration of the Rebels. — The Attack. — Heroism of Casey's Division. — Effect of Canister. — Loss of Bates's Battery. — Kearney's Testimony. — Promptness of Gen. Sumner. — The Charge and the Repulse 83

Chapter VIII. Battle Of Seven Pines

(From June 1st to June 15th, 1S62.) Renewal of the Battle. — Fearful Carnage. — Burial Scenes. — Disagreement between Gen. McClellan and the Administration. — Gen. McDowell's Co-operation. — Continued Delay. — Stuart's Raid. — Singular Duel 92

Chapter IX. The Seven

DAYs' BATTLE (From June 26th to July 2d, 1S62.) Necessity of Change of Base. — The Approach of the Enemy. — Beaver Dam Creek. Battle of Gaines's Mill.— Inhumanity of Lee and Jackson.— Strength of the Union Army. Savage's Station. — Woes of War. — Power of Music. — Battle at White Oak Brido-e.— Repulse of the Foe. — Battle of Malvern. — Scene after the Battle. — Continued Retreat. Testimony of Kearney .„ CONTENTS. IX PA©R '8 128 11 r,

Chapter X. General Pope's Campaign

(From June 22d to September 22d, 1862.) Gen. Pope's Proclamation. — Gen. Halleck Commander-in-Chief. — Dilatoriness of Gen. McClellan. — Gen. Pope takes the Field. — Battle of Cedar Mountain. — Death of Henry M Dutton. — Heroism of Banks's Corps. — Lee's Army. — Heroic Struggles of Gen. Pope. — Victory of the Rebels. — Retreat to Centreville. — Rebel Historians 114

Chapter XI. The Victory Of South Mountain And Fall Of Harper Ferry

(From September 2d to September 12th, 1802.) The Defence of Washington. — Gen. McClellan in Command. — Invasion of Maryland. — Slow Pursuit of the Foe.— The Rebel Capture of Frederick. — The South Mountain Range. ■ — Position of the Enemy. — Battle of South Mountain. — Death of Gen. Reno. — Peril of Harper's Ferry. — Its Importance Disregarded. — Feeble Defence. — Shameful Surrender. . . .

Chapter XII. Battle Of Antietam

(From September 15th to September £3d, 1862.) First Position of the Rebels. — Preparations for the Battle. — The Field of Battle. — Forces on either Side. — Opening of the Battle. — Heroism of Hooker's Division. — Incidents of the Battle. — Gen. Burnside's Charge. — The Indecisive Victory. — The Retirement of the Foe. — Remonstrances of Officers. — Great Errors 145

Chapter XIII. The Battle Of Fredericksburg

(From December 10th to December 17th, 1862.) The Rebels on tiie Rappahannock. — Pursued by the Patriots. — Gen. Burnside in Command. — Face of the Country. — Plan of the Battle. — Incidents. — Crossing the River. — Terrific Artillery Fire. — Successive Charges. — Great Slaughter. — The Repulse. — Recrossing the River. — Comments on the Battle. — Anecdotes «. 163 _f

Chapter XIV

TnE WAR IN KENTUCKY. (July and August, 1S62.) Public Sentiment in the Border States.— Governor Magoffin.— His Treason.— Patriotism of the People.— Heroism of Rousseau and Wallace. — Noble Address of Joseph Holt. — Drawing of the Lines.— Guerrilla Bands.— Ravages of Morgan.— Gathering for the War.— Invasion of the State. — Battle of Richmond, Kentucky CONTENTS. X PAsiK 187

Chapter XV. Advance And Retreat Of The Rebels

(From September 2d to October 8th, 1862.) Capture of Lexington and Frankfort.— Heroism of Lew. Wallace.— Peril of Cincinnati- Manœuvres of Bragg and Buell.— Murder of Gen. McCook.— Heroism of Col. Wilder at Mumfordsville.— Ravages of Bragg.— Inefficiency of Buell.— Battle of Perryville.— Retreat of the Rebels.— Dissatisfaction with Buell.— The Two Parties

Chapter XVI. The Battle Of Pittsburg Landing

(From March 5th to April 7th, 1S62.) Andrew Johnson Military Governor of Tennessee.— Population of East Tennessee.— Energetic Measures of Governor Johnson. — Retreat of the Rebels to Murfreosboro'. — Buell's Advance on Nashville. — Movements of tho various Armies.— Gen. Grant's Advance to Savannah, Tennessee. — Character of the Country at Pittsburg Landing.— Surprise of the Patriot Troops. — Terrible Battle 200

Chapter XVII. The Battle Of

SniLOII AND SIEGE OF CORINTH. (From April 4th to May 30th, 1S02.) Preparations to Renew the Battle. — Arrival of Reenforcements. — Desperation ofthe Fight. — Patriot Victory. — Unexplained Mysteries. — Retreat of the Rebels. — Slow Pursuit. — Battle of Farmington. — Siege of Corinth. — The Rebels Escape. — " Negro on the Brain " 214

Chapter XVIII. Pursuit Of The Rebels

(From January to Mareh, 1S62.) Slate of the Army after Fremont's Removal. — Retreat of the Rebel Price. — Concentration of the Patriot Army at Rolla. — Flight and Pursuit of the Rebels. — Conflict at Sugar Creek. — Heroism of Col. Ellis. — The Rebels Price, McCulloch, and Van Dorn. — Majestic Plan to Crush the Patriots. — Preliminaries of the Battle of Pea Ridge 224

Chapter XIX. The Battle Of Pea Ridge

(April, 1802.) The Double Surprise. — Opening of the Battle. — Death of McCulloch. — Fierceness of the Conflict. — Heroism of the Fourth Iowa. — Commencement of the Third Day's Battle Gloomy Prospects. — Sublime Battle Scene. — Utter Rout of the Rebels. Scene after the Battle ' 23G CONTENTS. XI

Chapter XX. The Redemption Of Missouri

(From June 1st, 1S62, to September 1st, 1863.) PAGE Long and Perilous March of Gen. Curtis. — Rebel Fort on White River. — Disaster to the Mound City. — Rebel Barbarity. — -Rebel Attempt to Recover Missouri. — Battles of Maysville and Cross Hpllows. — Battle of Cane Hill. — Heroic Decision of Gen. Herron. — Murderous Raid of Quantrel 247

Chapter XXI. Capture Of Island Number Ten

(March and April, 1S62.> Position of Island Number Ten and Surrounding Country. — Strength of its Fortifications. — Gen. Pope. — Admiral Foote. — Confidence of the Rebels. — Sublime and Romantic Incidents of the Siege. — Capture of Point Pleasant and New Madrid. — Bombardment of Island Number Ten. — The Canal Secretly Cut. — Daring Midnight Exploit.— Capture of the Island. — Great Importance of the Victory 254

Chapter XXII. Capture Of Forts Pillow And Randolph, And Of Memphis

(May and June, 1862.) The Gunboat Fleet. — Battle on the River. — Incidents. — Evacuation of the Forts.— Descent to Memphis. — Battle of the Gunboats and the Rams. — Scenes of Heroism and Death.— • Destruction of the Rebel Fleet. — Capture of Memphis 270

Chapter XXIII. The Investment Of Vicksburg

(June, 1864.) Strength of Vicksburg. — Various Plans : 1. The Canal. 2. Lake Providence. 3. Moon Lake. 4. The Yazoo. — The March through the Morass. — Running the Batteries. — Landing at Bruinsburg. — The March. — Succession of Battles and Victories. — Vicksburg Invested 278

Chapter XXIV. Fall Of Vicksburg And Port Hudson

(From May 30th to July 13th, 1S64.) Predictions of the Rebel Press. — Intercepted Dispatches. — Milliken's Bend. — Heroic Fight of Colored Troops. — The Gunboat Choctaw. — Pemberton's Treason. — His Desperation. — Sufferings of the Besieged. — The Capitulation. — Fall of Port Hudson. — Testimony to Gen. Grant CONTENTS. XII

Chapter XXV. General Butler's Campaign In New Orleans

(From May 1st to November 9th, 1864.) v J PAGE Difficulty with Foreign Consuls. — With Secessionists. — Reverdy Johnson's Decision. — Wisdom of Gen. Butler.— Salutary Results of his Administration.— False Charges.— Triumphant Refutation.— The Yellow Fever kept at Bay.— The Master and the Slave.— Embarrassments of the Negro Question. — Baton Rouge. — Gen. Butler Relieved of his Command 296

Chapter XXVI. The Siege Of Charleston

(From February, 1862, to June, 1863.) Rebel Obstructions. — Loss of the Monitor. — Raid of the Rebel Iron-CkJs. — Absurd Statements. — Destruction of the Mashville. — Conflict with Fort McAllister. — Renewal of the Attack. — Anecdotes. — Preparations for the Attack upon Charleston. — The Terrific Bombardment. — Repulse of the Iron-Clads 309

Chapter XXVII. Siege Of Wagner And Bombardment Of Sumter

Folly and Morris Islands. — Rebel Fortifications. — Preparations for Attack. — The Masked Batteries. — The Vigorous Assault. — Pursuit of the Rebels. — Anecdotes. — The Charge upon Wagner. — The Repulse. — The Charge Renewed. — Action of the Fleet.— Siege-Works. — The Swamp Angel. — Bombardment of Sumter. — Evacuation of Morris Island. — Assault of Sumter 324

Chapter XXVIII. East Tennessee

(From January, 1861, to November, 1863.) Description of the Country.— Barbarity of the Rebels.— Sufferings of the Patriots.— Fraudulent Measures of Secession.— Battle of Middle Creek.— Anecdotes.— Patriotism of John J. Crittenden.— Battle of Mill Springs.— Death of the Rebel Zollicoffer.— Signal Victory.— Cumberland Gap.— Morgan's Raid.— Army Movements in East Tennessee.— The Carter Family.— Gen, Burnside.— Battle of Knoxville.— East Tennessee Redeemed 331

Chapter XXIX. The Battles Of Iuka And Corinth

(From October, 1862, to January, 18«3.) Cheerless Prospects.— Dispositions of the two Armies.— Falling Back to Iuka,— Battle of Iuka.— Retreat of the Rebels.— Their Vandalism.— Sagacious Plan of the Rebels.— More Sagacious Plan of Gen. Rosecrans.— Aspect of the Country.— The Trap.— Battle of Corinth. — Incidents. — Utter Rout of the Rebels o.q CONTENTS. XIII

Chapter XXX. Battle Of Murfre Es Boro' Or Stone River

(From October, 1S62, to January, 1860.) PAGE Gen. Rosecrans in Command.— Reorganizing the Army. — Col. Truesdail.— His Admirable Police Regulations.— Skill of his Detectives.— Preparations for Battle.— Plan of the Battle.— The Patriots Surprised and Defeated.— The Battle Renewed.— Protracted Conflict— Discomfiture of the Rebels. — Results 358

Chapter XXXI. The Battle Of Chancellorsville

(From April 27th to May 4th, 1863.) Breaking Camp at Falmouth. — Adroit Stratagem. — Crossing the Rappahannock. — The Surprise of Gen. Howard's Corps. — Battle Scene. — Death of Gen. Berry. — Alternations of Victory and Defeat. — Peril of the Army. — Retreat. — Hooker's Proclamation. — The Unexplained Mystery 379

CHAPTER XXXI

I. THE SIEGE OF SUFFOLK. (May, 1863.) Designs of the Rebel Gen. Longstreet. — Efficiency of Union Officers. — Capture of Hill's Point Battery. — Testimony of Gen. Dix. — Forces in Front of Suffolk. — Lee's Force at Chancellorsville 394

Chapter XXXIII. The Campaign- Of Gettysburg

(From June 25th to July 14th, 1S63.) The Plan of Gen. Lee. — Rebel Sympathizers. — Apathy of the Pennsylvanians. — Energetic Movement of Gen. Hooker. — Gen. Meade Invested with the Command. — Concentration of the Armies at Gettysburg. — Description of the Region. — Tho Three Days' Battle. — Death of Gen. Reynolds. — Repulse of the Rebels. — Incidents of the Fight. — The Retreat and Pursuit. — Scenes after the Battle. — The Sanitary Commission. — Anecdotes 399

Chapter XXXIV Chickamauga

(August and September, 1S63.) The Rebels Driven Across the Cumberland Mountains. — Intrenched at Chattanooga. — Military Manoeuvres. — The Battle of Chickamauga. — Disasters. — Heroism of Gen. Thomas. — Barren Victory of the Rebels. — Retreat of Patriots to Chattanooga. — Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridgo. — Chattanooga Besieged CONTENTS. XIV PAGE 432 440 467

Chapter XXXV. Lookout Mountain And Missionary Ridge

(From November 22d to November 27th, 1S63.) Condition of the Army at Chattanooga.— Plans of Bragg.— Gen. Grant's Plan of Battle.— Capture of Orchard Knob.— Successful Attack upon Lookout Mountain.— Topography of the Region.— Attack upon Missionary Ridge.— The Rebel Centre Pierced.— Retreat of the Foe. — Vigorous Pursuit. — Battle of Ringgold

Chapter XXXVI. The March To Atlanta

(From April to August, 1S64.) Composition of the Army.— Battle of Rocky Face.— Capture of Dalton.— Buzzard Gap.— Battle of Resaca. — Flight of the Rebels. — Indiana Troops. — Conflict at Adairsville. — Pursuit to Cassville. — Rural Scenes. — Conflict at Marietta. — Anecdotes. — Toils of the Campaign. — Heroic Exertions of the Patriots. — Death of Bishop Polk. — Kenesaw.— Pine Mountain. — Advance to Atlanta. — Commencement of the Siege

Chapter XXXVII. Siege Of Atlanta

(From July 21st to August 25th, 1S64.) Heroism of Gen. Ward. — Repulse of the Rebels. — The Observatory. — The Rebel Ambush. — Attack upon Gen. Leggett. — Death of Gen. McPherson. — Gen. Logan. — Gen. Howard succeeds Gen. McPherson. — Cutting through the Rebel Lines. — The Decisive Movement. — Desperation of the Rebels. — Evacuation of Atlanta. — Occupation by the Patriots 458

Chapter Xxxviii. From Atlanta To Savannah

(October, November, nnd December, 1864.) Expulsion of the Inhabitants from Atlanta. — Correspondence with Rebel Authorities. — Attempt upon our Lines of Communication. — Allatoona Pass. — Retreat of the Foe. — Destruction of Atlanta. — The Line of March. — Anecdotes and Incidents. — Capture of Milledgeville. — Macon and Augusta Threatened. — Services of Gen. Kilpatrick. — The Contrabands. — Arrival at Savannah. — Storming Fort McAllister. — The Triumphant Issue

Chapter XXXIX. The Campaign Of The Wilderness

(From May 8d lo Jnne 20th, 1S05.) Plans of Gen. Grant. — Battles of the "Wilderness. — Desperation of the Antagonists. Death of Gen. "Wadsworth. — First Michigan Regiment. — The Carnage of "War. Gen. Meade's Congratulatory Order. — Furious Attack on our Baggage Train. — Grandeur of the Army Flank Movement of Gen. Grant. — Attack on Petersburg _^g CONTENTS. XV PAGE 519

Chapter XL. The March From Savannah To

GOLDSBOKo'. (From January to April, 1365.) Famine in Savannah.— Surrender of Charleston. — Barbarity of Wheeler's Cavalry. — Kilpatrick's Threatened Retaliation. — Picturesque Group. — Columbia Surrendered. — Conflagration. — The Contrabands. — Humanity of Gen. Sherman. — Battle of Averysboro'. — Peril of Gen. Sherman. — Effect of the News of Lee's Surrender. — Surrender of Raleigh. — Predictions of Yancey Regarding the War 506

CHAPTER XL

I. THE CAPTURE OF MOBILE. (From July, 1S64, to March, 1865.) Order of Admiral Farragut. — Skilful Line of Battle. — Passing Fort Morgan. — Fate of the Tecumseh. — Contest with the Rebel Ram Tonnessee. — Commendatory Notices. — Surrender of Fort Morgan. — Disgraceful Conduct of Commander Page. — Incidents of the Battle. — Investment of Mobile. — Its Surrender. — Conflict between tho Kearsarge and Alabama. .

CHAPTER X

L 1 1 . CAPTURE OF FORT FISHER AND V.'ILM I NGT ON . (From November, 1864, to February, 1865.) Sailing of the Fleet. — Bombardment and Assault. — Failure of the Expedition. — Views of Gens. Weitzel and Butler. — Want of Harmony between the Naval and Land Forces. — New Expedition. — Sailing from Beaufort. — Sublime Spectacle. — Furious Gale. — Incidents of the Bombardment. — Valor of Sailors and Soldiers. — Heroism of the Commanders. — Triumphant Results 529

CHAPTER XLIII. THE VALLEY OF THE

SnE NANDO AH. (From Augnst, 1861, to March, 1805.) Gen. Sheridan takes Command. — He Assumes the Offensive. — The Advance r.ad Retreat. — Strategy. — The Battle of Winchester. — Sublime Spectacle. — Retreat of Early. — Fisher's Hill. — The Patriots Surprised. — The Rout. — Arrival of Gen. Sheridan. — Defeat of the Rebels. — The Lull. — Winter-Quarters. — Sheridan's Raid. — Rebel Disasters 547

CHAPTER XLIV. SIEGE OF PETERSBURG AND RICHMOND.

(From Judc 15th to October 26th. 1864.) Defences of Petersburg. — Gen. Grant's Plans. — A Mistake. — Firing into Petersburg. — Mosby's Raid into Maryland. — Fight at Monocacy. — Alarm through the North. — Bloody Repulse at the Fort. — Dutch Gap Canal. — Heavy Repulse at Reams's Station. — Treachery of CONTENTS. XVI PAGE 577 595 the Rebels.— Jeff. Davis's Terms for Peace.— Storming Newmarket Heights.— Duel on 557 the James. — Surgings of the Battle

CHAPTER XLV CAPTURE OF PETERSBURG AND RICHMOND.

(From November, 1S64, to April, 1865.) Destruction of the Albemarle. — Reelection of Abraham Lincoln. — Capture of the Florida. — Partial Destruction of the Weldon Railroad.— Dutch Gap Canal.— Naval Attack by the Rebels.— Battle at Hatcher's Run.— Capture and Recapture of Fort Steedman. — Southside Railroad. — Disastrous Attack on White Oak Road. — Another Repulse. — Heroic Action and Success. — Battle of Fivo Forks. — Bombardment and Assault on Petersburg. — Capture of Southside Railroad and Fort Mahone.— Terrific Fighting.— Victory.— Evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg. — Flight and Pursuit of the Enemy. — Scenes at the Rebel Capital. — Surrender of Gen. Lee. — Rejoicings of the Army and Navy

CHAPTER XLVI. THE OVERTHROW OF THE REBELLION.

(From April to June, 1865.) Tragedy at Washington. — Assassination of President Lincoln. — The Conspiracy. — The Spirit of Slavery and Rebellion. — Effect on the Nation. — Suspension of Hostilities between Sherman and Johnston. — Terms of Agreement. — Their Rejection by the Government. — Surrender of Johnston. — Flight of Jefferson Davis. — Pursuit and Capture. — Dispersion of Rebel Troops.— Disbandment of the United States Army and Navy. — Reconstruction ....

CHAPTER XLVII. RESULTS OF THE CONFLICT.

Effect of Disasters at Bull Run. — Excitement Respecting Slavery. — New Laws in the District of Columbia. — Proclamation of Gen. David Hunter. — Suppression of the Slave- Trade. — Resolves of the Thirty-Seventh Congress. — Hon. Edward M. Stanton. — Col. Robert G. Shaw. — Act of Emancipation. — Letter of Hon. Charles Sumner. — Duties of the American Citizen g07 bust bb mmsmms <sm® mmb^? PAGE Peninsular Campaign ........ 26 Battles of Fair Oaks and Seven Pines ..... 85 The Seven Days' Battles ....... 113 General Pope's Campaign . . . . . . 127 South Mountain and Vicinity ....... 130 Battle-Ground of Antietam ...... 146 Battle of Pittsburg Landing ....... 204 Movements of General Wallace at Pittsburg Landing . 211 Battle of Pea Ridge ........ 230 Mississippi River. — Cairo to Island No. Ten .... 257 TnE Attack on Island No. Ten ...... 262 Mississippi River froi_ Island No. Ten to Vicksburg . . . 281 Mississippi River from Vicksburg to New Orleans . ... 292 Fortifications of Corinth. ...... 354 Battle-Field of Stone River ....... 367 Battle of Chancellorsville ....... 386 Battle-Field of Gettysburg ....... 402 CniCKAMAUGA — Saturday's Battle ...... 422 Chickamauga — Second Day's Battle ...... 42."> Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge ..... 435 Sherman's Campaign to Atlanta ...... 449 Atlanta to Savannah ....... 472 General TnoMAs's Campaign ....... 485 Battle of the Wilderness .......

"495 SAVANNAn TO GoLDSBORO' ........ 512 Map of Mobile Bay ........ 520 Fort Fisher and Wilmington . . . . . . . 537 Siege of Petersburg and Richmond ...... THE CIVIL WAR.

Chapter I. The Evacuation Of Manassas

(From January to April, 1862.) Inaction on the Potomac. — Uneasiness of the Community. — Plan of the War. — Peremptory Order of President Lincoln. — The Army in Motion. — Rebel Defences at Manassas. — Force sent to the Peninsula. — Dread of the Merrimac. The disastrous battle of Bull Run was fought on the 21st of July, 1861. After this, the summer, the autumn, and the winter passed slowly away, while the immense Army of the Potomac, numbering not less than one hundred and fifty thousand men, remained quietly within their intrenchments. General Scott, and after him, General McClellan, deemed these months of inaction necessary, that the mass of raw recruits might be organized and drilled. In the community there were two parties, the one approving, the other condemning this policy. The general voice of the public was, however, very loud and incessant against this long delay of any military action.

It was said that we were thus affording the enemy time to strengthen his position ; that though our troops were new, they had only undisciplined troops to encounter ; that it was important to avail ourselves of the enthusiasm which the assault upon our National flag had created, and that a few prompt victories would so discourage the rebels, that the war would speedily be brought to a close. The result, however, showed that it was not the Divine will that the war should be speedily ended. It became manifest to every believer in an overruling Providence, that the war was the instrument which God had brought forward to sweep from our land the gigantic crime of American Slavery. Every hour during which the war was protracted, slowly undermined that massive fabric of sin and shame. The autumn and the winter, in the mild climate of Virginia, were delightful, even -to the commencement of the New Year.

The rebel troops, raw recruits, not nearly so well disciplined as our own, certainly not better armed, and quite inferior in numbers,*were encamped at Ma nassas, distant from our outposts not more than twenty miles. The roads between the two armies were in good condition. They led over a gently undulating country, where our troops could meet with no obstructions until they reached the intrenchments of the foe. The general plan, at this time, for the conduct of the war was simple, and one which, under able leaders, could hardly fail of ultimate success. First, by a vigorous blockade, the rebels were to be isolated from the rest of the world, and cut off from all supplies. We have already narrated the wonderful vigor with which a navy was created', and have shown what an Herculean task it was to undertake the blockade of a coast over three thousand miles in extent.

Then the Mississippi was to be seized, from Cairo to the Gulf, so that, with our gunboats, we could have the control of all the Western rivers. The energy and success with which this latter enterprise was commenced, in the storming of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and the capture of New Orleans, we have also recorded. To the Army of the Potomac was intrusted the duty of driving the rebels out of Virginia, and wresting from them Richmond, their capital. These varioua yet united measures involved campaigns so distant from each other, and so distinct in their operations, that they could be carried on simultaneously.* The conquest of Richmond, in consequence of the discouragement with which it would oppress the rebels, and the moral influence it would exert upon those foreign nations by whom we were menaced with inter vention, was deemed certainly not less important than either of the other measures.

Hence it was, that the inaction of the Army of the Potomac, month after month, caused such intense disquietude. The Prince de Join ville, one of the sons of Louis Philippe, of France, joined the Union army. He was the personal friend of General McClellan, and was on his staff. In some very able articles published by him in the " Revue des Deux Mondes," in Paris, in October, 1862, and subsequently translated and published in a pamphlet in this country, this inexplicable inaction is attributed to the natural want of energy of the American people. And yet his pen seems to falter in bringing against our countrymen a charge so unprecedented. " And here I may point out," he says, " a characteristic trait of the American people — delay. This delay in resolving and acting, so opposed to the promptitude, the decision, the audacity, to which the American, considered as an individual, had accustomed us, is an inexplicable phenom enon, which always causes me the greatest astonishment."