Battle-Fields of the South, from Bull Run to Fredericksburg; with sketches of Confederate commanders ... By an English combatant (T. E. C.) With two maps

Front matter

vSKKTl'll .M A lJ illustrative of the HA'I'T I, KVS or vS KA KA' P I A I'. vS . K\ I K OAKS and the v^'KKKM CAMPAIGN before KH'iU.JlOA'1) &c plate BCAV.I BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE SOUTH, FROM BULL KUN TO FEEDERICXSBUEG ; WITH SKETCHES OF CONFEDERATE COMMANDERS, AND GOSSIP OF THE CAMPS. UT AN ENGLISH COMBATANT, (LIEUTENANT OF ARTILLERY ON THE FIELD STAFF.) WITH TWO MAPS. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: SMITH, ELDER AND CO., 65, CORNHILL. M.DCCC.LXIII. [The right of Translation is reserved.] TO JEFFERSON DAVIS, (OF MISSISSIPPI,) THE SOLDIER, STATESMAN, AND PATRIOT, FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, ffifjese Volume* are JBeaicatro AS A TOKEN OF PROFOUND RESPECT AND ADMIRATION FOR THE GALLANT NATION OVER WHOSE DESTINT HE SO ABLY PRESIDES, nr (T. E. C.) AN ENGLISH COMBATANT IN THE SOUTHERN ARMY. a "In cases of deliberate, dangerous, and palpable infractions of the Constitution affecting the Sovereignty of a State and the Liberties of the People, it is not onJy the right, but the duty of each State to interpose its authority for their own protection in the manner best calculated to secure that end.

When emergencies occur, which are either beyond the reach of judicial tribunals, or too pressing to admit of the delay incident to their forms, States which have no common umpire must be their own judges, and execute their own decisions." — Report of the New England States assembled in Convention at Harts or d, Connecticut, 1812. CONTENTS OF VOL. I. PAGE Introduction . . xi

Chapter I

First Acts of Secession — Measures of the Southern Leaders — Major Anderson and Fort Sumter — Southern Preparations for War — Drilling of Volunteers — Preparing to march — Patriotic Spirit of the South — Journey by Rail — Camp at Corinth — Regimental Officers — A tragical Episode . , . 1

Chapter II

Despatch of Troops — State of Southern Arsenals and Stores — Practices of the Jews — Troops ordered to Virginia — Rejoicings in the Camp — Hospitalities on the Road — Patriotism of the Women — Northern Sympathies in East Tennessee — Camp at Lynchburg — By Rail to Manassas Station ... .20 CHAPTER in. Arrival at Manassas — Appearance of Things by Night — Operations of our Army opposed to Patterson around Harper's Ferry — Forward Movements of the Enemy — Jackson opens the Ball — Colonel Maxey Gregg attacks the Northern Troops on the Railway at Vienna — Earthworks at Manassas — Strength of our Troops — Scouting Parties — Letter from a Friend, giving Details of the Action at Carthage 29 VOL. I. b CONTENTS. VI

Chapter IV. Page

Warlike Preparations around Manassas— Beauregard and other Generals— Our Position at Bull Run— Advance of the Enemy — A Night Surprise — Loss to the Enemy— General Tyler advances to force a Passage at Blackburn's Ford— Battle of Bull Run, July 18th— The Enemy retire, with Loss— Anxiety regarding Johnson's Movements— Night Adventures— Courage of an English Landowner — Our Generals forewarned of meditated Movements 4T.

Chapter V

Battle of Manassas Plains, Sunday, July 21st— Disposition of the Southern Forces— Plans of the Enemy — The main Battle on our Left— Struggle at Sudley Ford and Stone Bridge — Attack of Louisiana Irish — Critical Situation of our Forces — Stonewall Jackson — Preparations for a final Advance on both Sides — Arrival of Johnson's Reinforcements — Total Rout of the Enemy . .57

Chapter VI

The Pursuit; — Immense Booty — Our Prisoners and their Behaviour — A Ride over the Field of Action — Incidents of the Fight — Arrival of President Davis during the Action, and its Effect — Behaviour of the New York Fire Zouaves — The victorious Army did not advance upon Washington or Maryland — Relic-mongers on the Field of Battle — Personal Appearance of President Davis — Sketches of Evans and Longstreet 73 CHAPTER VH. Battle of Oak Hill in Missouri — The Confederates under Price and M'Culloch are surprised, but prove victorious — Death of the Federal General Lyon, and Promotion of General Fremont- Misunderstanding between Southern Generals — Cruel Devastation of the Country by Federal Troops— Character of Fremont —Siege and Capture of Lexington by Price— Immense Booty . CONTENTS. VII 111 CHAPTER VHI.

PAGE March to Leesburg — Fertility and Beauty of Loudon — We are subjected to many Alarms, much Labour, and incessant Duty — Cavalry Fights— Perfidy of Northern Sympathizers— Infantry Encounters — Marauding Parties of the Enemy cross into Virginia — Their Capture and Punishment— Artillery Duels — Heavy Picket Firing — Movements of the Enemy, who mass heavy Forces, and endeavour to shell Leesburg from their superior Position. 101

CHAPTER IX

Fortifications of the Enemy — General Banks at Harper's Ferry — Cavalry Raids and Picket Guard on the Upper Potomac — The little Town of Waterford — Our Scouts in Maryland — Daring of Elijah White — Capture of M'Clellan's Orderlies

CHAPTER X.

Position at Manassas — Ashby at Harper's Ferry — His Preparations for Attack — Our Artillery co-operate — Incidents of the Fight — General M'Call leaves Drainsville, and threatens our Retreat — Our alarming Position — To Goose Creek and back again 127

CHAPTER XI.

What the Enemy did when our Forces had left Leesburg — Plots of Union Traitors during our Absence — Threatened Approach of the Enemy from Drainsviile upon our Right Flank — We march out to the Attack, Sunday, October 20— Capture of a Federal Courier— The Ruse discovered— Plans of Stone, Baker, and Banks— Countermarch to the Ferry Road— Watching the River— Shell-firing by the Enemy— The Enemy cross in Force at Ball's Bluff on Sunday Night, and at Edward's Ferry, Goose b CONTENTS. PACE Creek, and other Passages on Monday Morning— Details of the Battle of Leesburg— General Baker killed— Colonel Coggeswell with 800 Men taken Prisoners— Great Slaughter— Victory of the Confederate Forces— Retreat of the Enemy to Maryland— Our Reinforcements arrive *34

CHAPTER XII.

Effects of the Battle of Leesburg, or Ball's Bluff, on Public Opinion in the Country, North and South — The Yankees claim a Victory as usual — General Stone arrested and sent to Fort Wan-en — Remarkable Incidents of the War — A Fraternal Rencontre — The Negroes with either Army — Humorous Incidents — Evans is sent to defend his State, South Carolina — General D. Hill assumes Command — Fortifications are erected — We prepare for Winter Quarters . . . .153 CHAPTER XHI. Winter Quarters — Amusements of the Men — Cock-fighting, Racing, Snow-balling, Singing-clubs, &c. — I visit Richmond, and see the Fortifications of Manassas en route — Affectation of Military Rank at the Capital — Gaiety of the Place — Solons out of Place — Much Wisdom thrown away — Scarcity and high Price of Provisions — Commodores Lynch and Hollins — Major-General Pryor 161

CHAPTER XIV.

The Battle of Belmont, on the Mississippi, described in a Letter from a Friend— The Forces of General Pillow surprised by Grant— The Southern Troops narrowly escape a Defeat— Reinforcements from General Polk and Columbus— Arrival of Polk on the Field —The Federal Troops defeated and Spoils taken— Characters of General Pillow and General Polk compared— Misrepresentations of the Northern Press .... ikq CONTENTS. IX PAGE 216

CHAPTER XV.

Winter Quarters continued — Scant Rations supplied to the Troops — High Prices of Provisions and Clothing resulting from the Blockade — Sufferings of the Poor — Refugees from Kentucky — True State of Public Feeling there — Letter from a Friend, containing an Account of the Opening of the Campaign in Kentucky and Tennessee — Battle of Millsprings, January 1st, 1862 — General Zollicoffer and most of his Staff killed — Surrender of Fort Donnelson, February 9th — Strange Conduct of General Floyd 176

CHAPTER XVI.

Battle of "Elk Horn," Missouri, March 7, 1862 — Incidents and Sketches of the "War in that State — Colonel Fremont superseded in the Command of the Federals — General Van Dorn — Our Guerilla Horse — Breach of Parole by Northern Troops — M'Culloch and M'Intosh killed — Our Forces retire — The Loss on either side 188

CHAPTER XVII.

Jackson's Doings in the Shenandoah Valley — Character of this General — Ashby's Cavalry Force — Heavy Marching— Bivouac in the Snow— Ruse of Jackson and Capture of the Enemy's Stores — Battle of Keamstown, March 23rd — Scenes and Incidents during the Fight— General Garnett accused as the Cause of our Defeat 202 CHAPTER XVIH. Fall of " Island No. 10," April 5th— Battle of Shilo, April 6th— Capture of Guns — General Albert Sidney Johnstone killed — The Battle resumed at Daybreak — The Enemy are reinforced by Buel — The Confederate Army retreats — Great Loss — False Reports of the Federal Generals ...... CONTENTS. X

CHAPTER XIX. PAGE

Movements in Virginia, and Opening of the Campaign, April, 1862 —Troops begin to move on the Upper Potomac in March— M'Clellan prepares to flank Manassas, by inarching heavy Masses up the Shenandoah Valley, and crossing the Mountains at SnickersviUe — A general Retreat is ordered by Johnson —He retires to Culpepper Court-house, and makes his Line behind the Rappahannock— Ruse of the Enemy, and Design upon Yorktown — The Approach to Richmond in that Direction is not so easy as conjectured by M'Clellan — Our " Lines " at Yorktown — M'Clellan's Progress is stopped there — Balloon Reconnaissances of the Enemy — Artillery Assaults on our Works — Great Distress amongst our Troops — Outpost Adventures — Ambitious Generals — Attack on Dam No. 1 — Frightful Destruction of Life — Horrible Neglect of the Wounded by the Federals — A Texan in search of a Pair of Boots . . . 230

CHAPTER XX.

Fall of New Orleans, April 24th — Preparations of Commodore Hollins for the Defence — Bombardment of the Forts — Naval Engagements — Destruction of Cotton — Evacuation of the City — Possession taken by Commodore Farragut — Arrival of General Butler — His brutal Attacks upon the Ladies of New Orleans — Examples from his General Orders 257

CHAPTER XXI.

Of our Officers generally — Regimental Officers — Surgeons and Parsons — Episcopalian Ministers — Roman Catholic Priests — Jesuits on the Eicld of Battle 275

CHAPTER XXII.

Things at Yorktown Lines continued — We evacuate Yorktown Lines — Battle of Williamsburg, May 5th — It is claimed, as usual, by the Federals as a "Brilliant Victory " — Facts of the Matter — We offer the Enemy Battle twice before entering our Lines around Richmond, &c CONTENTS. XI PAGE 297 312 324

CHAPTER XXIII.

Military Transactions in May — Our Army continues to fall back upon Richmond — I am despatched to the City with Prisoners — Hospitality of the Virginian Farmers — News received en route — Evacuation of Norfolk — Destruction of the Merrimac — The Defences of Richmond — Treatment of Prisoners — Our Army forms Line of Battle North of the Chickahominy — Position of M'Clellan — I receive a Staff Appointment — Table Talk, &c. .

CHAPTER XXIV.

Preparations for the Defence of Richmond in May — Operation of the Conscript Law — Earthworks and other Defences designed by Lee — Arrival of Federal Boats and Iron-clads — Works at Drury's Bluff — Immense Raft — Capture of Richmond anticipated — Position of the two Annies on the Chickahominy — Number of Troops on either side — M'Clellan advances

CHAPTER XXV.

Occun-ences in the Shenandoah Valley — Battles of " Front Royal," May 23 — Capture of Winchester and Thousands of Prisoners by Jackson — Rout of Bank's Corps — Immense Booty .

Introduction

. Although the following narrative sufficiently explains itself, and is replete with evidence of the author's feeling, and of the point of view from which he has regarded the fratricidal strife still raging in America, it may be permitted him to remark in this place, that the impulse by which he was prompted in bearing arms for the Southern cause was simply that inherent love of liberty which animates every English heart. With all to lose and nought to gain in opposing the tyranny of Federal rule, and with no legal or political tie to North or South, he could not, in manhood, stand idly by, and gaze upon the despotism which a blind and fanatical majority sought to thrust upon an unoffending and almost helpless minority. Havina; travelled and resided long on the American continent, carefully studying national characteristics, he was not surprised by the inevitable disruption of the Union, nor at any time unaware of the causes tending to that result. Rather his surprise has been that Southerners should so long have refrained from risino in arms against the accumulated insults and injuries

INTRODUCTION.

. XIV which, for a long series of years, have been heaped upon them. They would have been unworthy of their orio-in, and must have shown themselves less than men, had they longer submitted to the degradation of being deprived of free speech and action amongst a people whose prosperity had been fostered by their industry, and whose history they had ennobled by heroic deeds. Apart from all untruthful bias, although serving in a cause he enthusiastically espoused, the author has fol lowed the fortunes of Southern armies in this narrative with an honest intention to present facts, uncoloured, and exact in detail, so far as space would allow or his position and facilities enabled him to obtain them. Every statement he has made can be fully substantiated ; he would esteem it unmanly, unsoldierly, and degrad ing to speak untruly of these events.

The real source of Northern prosperity has been mis understood ; so, in the author's opinion, has the real character of the Yankee people. The nasal-toned, tobacco-chewing, and long-limbed gentleman of the present day inhabiting the New England States, speaks the English language, it is true, in his own peculiar way, but Indian, Canadian, Irish, Dutch, French, and other bloods, course through his veins ; and from his extraordinary peculiarities of habit and character dis played in this present war, it is extremely difficult to imagine which caste or shade predominates in him. He is a volatile, imaginative, superficial, theatrically inclined individual, possessing uncommon self-confidence, and is very self-willed, arrogant, and boastful. His

INTRODUCTION.

. XV self-conceit is boundless : any one who disputes his ideas is a fool. The peculiarities of Yankee character displayed during the present war are very amusing, but sometimes, it must be confessed, very offensive. When General Scott was in chief command at Washington, and promised to " disperse the rebels within thirty days," the Northern editors were lavish and servile in praise of " the great chief ! " Columns upon columns of editorial flattery daily issued from their journals. A thousand anecdotes and incidents were narrated of him when a precocious child, and, if remembered rightly, it was said his first plaything was a cannon. M'Dowell, his talented lieutenant, came in also for his share of praise, although thousands asked, " Who is M'Dowell ?" When the reports of the Washington Administration claimed a victory a* Manassas, the whole nation vociferously chaunted the praises of Scott and M'Dowell ; but when the truth leaked out the day following, not a newspaper in the whole country but vilified them both, calling the first a stupid, ignorant old blockhead, and the latter a traitor.

Butler had appeared upon the scene some short time before. Being from Massachusetts (where none are found of course except men of extraordinary talents, genius, veracity, and bravery), he was going forth from Fortress Monroe to massacre or ■ bag " the entire Confederate force at Little Bethel. The press was in ecstasies ; a swarm of reporters repaired to head quarters, and Butler could not sneeze but the fact was telegraphed North as something very ominous, and

INTRODUCTION.

. XVI presaging no good to the rebels. Magruder and Hill whipped him completely in half an hour ; and the press, as usual, poured out their vials of wrath, and he was treated to all the derision and vilification of an angry and disappointed populace. M'Clellan next appeared in the arena, and the whole country was awe-struck at the supposed magnitude of his genius. None dared approach him save on tiptoe ; dead silence prevailed wherever he went ; reporters stretched their ears to catch the least word he uttered, which, after being highly ornamented and rendered very romantic, was blazoned forth to the North as the " last " good thing of the " Young Napoleon." All the woi-ld was supposed to be standing in breathless curiosity to know " what was coming next ; " artists of various illustrated journals sharpened their pencils, and anxiously yearned to sketch the rapid succession of victories which were promised to be forthcoming; but time jogged along, and even Northern journalists began to grow weary of M'Clellan's inactivity.

They had fully exhausted all their store of flattery and praise, and were now utterly fatigued with the task of fruitless and never-ending laudation. The " Young Napoleon " had been compared to Alexander, Cæsar, Hannibal, and Napoleon the Great ; but nothing in the history or character of those famous leaders was considered fully adequate to the heaven born qualities of George B. M'Clellan. His eyes, hair, mouth, teeth, voice, manner, and apparel had all been described in carefully prepared leaders ; and even his boots had something pertaining to their make

INTRODUCTION.

. XVII and style indicative of the surpassing talents of the wearer.* His servant was idolized, and nothing could be too good for him ; for it was through this important functionary that a gaping and delighted public were favoured with the last and latest anecdotes illustrative of the great man, his master. Time went on, and the " Young Napoleon " suffered a series of defeats, not only fatal but humiliating.! Although * The Washington Chronicle, June 22nd, furnishes us a case in point. — " The Infant Napoleon. — An incident which occurred in the city of Philadelphia in the winter of 1826-7 is particularly worthy of record in our present crisis, inasmuch as it relates to the early history of one who fills a position commanding the attention and admiration of the world, and particularly of our own country.

I will premise by saying I was in Philadelphia in the winter spoken of, attending medical lectures under a distinguished surgeon, then a professor in one of the institutions of the city. A son was bom to our professor, and the event scarcely transpired before the father announced it to his delighted pupils. Scales were instantly brought from a neighbouring grocer. Into one dish he placed the babe, into the other all the weights. The beam was raised, but the child moved not ! The father, emptying his pockets, threw in his watch, coin, keys, knives, and lancets, but to no purpose— the little hero could not be moved ! He conquered everything! And, at last, while adding more and more weight, the cord supporting the beam gave way, and broke, rather than the giant infant would yield! The father was Dr. M'Clellan, And the son — General M'Clellan ! our young com mander on the Potomac.

The country will see a prophetic charm in this incident. Truly, he was weighed in the balance and not found wanting. May his present and future life stand the test as well ! Sur rounded as he is by traitors at home, while rampant rebellion is before him, I hear him amidst the jealousy and envy of cavillers quietly pray ing with Job — ' Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know my integrity ! ' " — This beautiful incident of General M'Clellan's youth was not written subsequent to the Week's Campaign before Rich mond, but at a time when he was the great idol of the North, and had much patronage within his gist. f The following is the exceedingly modest address of M'Clellan after his disastrous defeat in the Seven Days' Campaign before Richmond, penned from his snug retreat at Hamson's Landing, within a hundred yards of numerous gunboats: — [" Head-

INTRODUCTION.

. XVIII he attempted to conceal his disasters, the truth became known at last, and the long pent-up expectation of the " Head-quarters, Army of the Potomac, " Harrison's Landing, July 4th. " Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac ! Your achievements of the last ten days have illustrated the valour and endurance of the American soldier. Attacked by superior forces, and without hope of reinforcements, you have succeeded in changing your base by a flank movement, always regarded as the most hazardous of military expedients. You have saved all your material, all your trains, and all your guns, except a few lost in battle, taking in return guns and colours from the enemy (?). Upon your march you have been assailed day after day with desperate fury by men of the same race and nation, skilfully massed and led.

Under every disadvantage of number, and necessarily of position also, you have in every conflict beaten back your foes 'with immense slaughter ( !). Your conduct ranks you among the celebrated armies of history. No one will now question that each of you may always with pride say, ' I belong to the Army of the Potomac !' You have reached the new base, complete in organization, and unimpaired in spirit. The enemy may at any time attack you : we are prepared to meet them. I have personally established your lines. Let them come, and we will convert their repulse into a final defeat. Your Government is strengthening you with the resources of a great people. On this our nation's birthday, we declare to our foes, who are rebels against the best intentions of mankind, that this army shall enter the capital of the so-called Confederacy, that our national constitution shall prevail, and that the Union, which can alone insure internal peace and external prosperity to each State, ' must and shall be preserved,' cost what it may in time, treasure, and blood !

" Geo. B. M'Clellan." General Lee issued Order No. 75, after the Seven Days' Campaign before Richmond, which wonderfully contrasts with the above : — " Richmond, July 9th. " On Thursday, June 26, the powerful and thoroughly-equipped army of the enemy were entrenched in works, vast in extent and most for midable in character, within sight of our capital. To-day the remains of that confident and threatening host he on the banks of the James River, thirty miles from Richmond, seeking to recover, under the protection of his gunboats, from the effects of disastrous defeats. The battle, beginning on the afternoon of June 26th, above Mechanicsville, continued until the night of July 1st, with only such intervals as were necessary to

INTRODUCTION.

. XIX Northern press burst forth in a torrent of abuse. The English language being incapable of illustrating their pursue and overtake the flying foe. His strong entrenchments and obstinate resistance were overcome, and our army swept resistless]}- down the north side of the Chickahominy until it reached the rear of the enemy, and broke his communication with York River, capturing or causing the destruction of many valuable stores, and, by the decisive battle of Friday, forcing the enemy from his line of powerful fortifications on the south side of the Chickahominy, and driving him to a precipitate retreat. Our victorious army pursued as rapidly as the obstructions placed by the enemy in his rear would permit, three times overtaking his flying columns, and as often driving him with slaughter from the field, leaving his numerous dead and wounded in our hands in every conflict.

The im mediate fruits of our success are the relief of Richmond from a state of siege, the rout of the great army which has so long menaced its safety, many thousands of prisoners, including officers of high rank, the capture or destruction of stores to the value of millions, and the acquisition of thousands of arms, and over fifty pieces of superior artillery. The sen-ice rendered to the country in this short but eventful period can scarcely be estimated, and the general commanding cannot adequately express his admiration of the courage, endurance, and soldierly conduct of the officers and men engaged. Those brilliant results have cost us many brave men, but while we mourn the loss of our gallant dead, let us not forget that they died in defence of their country's freedom, and have linked their memory with an event that will live for ever in the hearts of a grateful people.

Soldiers, your country will thank you for the heroic conduct worthy of men engaged in a cause so just and sacred, and deserving a nation's gratitude and praise. " By order of General Lee, "R. H Chilton, Assistant Adjutant-General." The following is the address of President Davis to the Army aster the battles before Richmond: — "I congratulate you on the series of brilliant victories which, under Divine Providence, you have lately won, and as President of the Confederate States do heartily tender to you the thanks of our country, whose just cause you have so skilfully and heroically served. Ten days ago an invading army, vastly superior to you in numbers and in the material of war, closely beleaguered your capital, and vauntingly proclaimed its speedy conquest. You marched to attack the enemy in his entrenchments.

With well-directed move ments and death-dealing valour you charged upon him in his strong position, drove him from field to field over a distance of thirty-five miles, XX

INTRODUCTION.

. feelings, new epithets were invented to denote their accumulated contempt and scorn for the " Young Napo leon."* Yankee character delights in extremes: it is all adulation or all abuse. Fremont, who once ran for President of the United States, had also experienced the changeful feeling of the Northern masses, and bore their strictures, we are told, with but little grace. When appointed to command the forces in Missouri, the newspapers, as usual, were literally crammed with sketches, anecdotes, and illustrations of the " great Pathfinder." Nothing too absurd could be and, despite his reinforcements, compelled him to seek shelter under cover of his gunboats, where he now lies cowering before the army so lately derided and threatened with entire subjugation. The fortitude with which you have bome toil and privation, the gallantry with which you have entered into each successive battle, must have been witnessed to be fully appreciated ; but a grateful people will not fail to recognize you, and to bear you in loved remembrance.

Well may it be said of you that you have done enough for glory ; but duty to a suffering country, and to the cause of constitutional liberty, claims from you yet further effort. Let it be your pride to relax in nothing which can promote your future efficiency, your one grand object being to drive the invader from your soil, and, carrying your standards beyond the outer boundaries of the Confederacy, to wring from an unscrupulous enemy the recognition of your birthright — community and independence ! "(Signed) Jefferson Davis." * I have frequently heard distinguished Southern leaders speak of M'Clellan in the highest terms of compliment. His successful retreat through the Chickahominy swamp is considered by officers to be equal to the best deeds on military record. It may not be generally known, but men of high position and great veracity have said in Richmond that M'Clellan offered his services to the South when the war began, and that he asked to command a division.

He was answered that, if his heart was in the cause let him join the ranks like Longstreet and others, and fight his way up to that position. There are documents which put this question beyond dispute, but I have not seen them.

INTRODUCTION.

. XXI said in his favour ; all the river cities of Missouri were preparing grand receptions for him; Dutch lager-bier brewers were laying in large stocks to meet the forthcoming demand: for, on Fremont's arrival, the land was expected to flow with milk and honey. Fremont was called " the coming man," " the great unknown," " the master-mind ; " in truth, he was extolled and looked upon as a demigod. St. Louis and the West ran riot with delight. Dutch cheese, Dutch beer, Dutch bands, Dutch everything was the order of the day, and delightful guttural Dutch was the language of Fremont's embryo court held with mock state in Choteau-avenue. The " ragged " Confederates, how - ever, put a sudden stop to the round of conviviality and expense in which he indulged. Disaster attended the Federal army in the West, and Fremont sank low in the opinion of even his former admirers.

He was suddenly removed, and the Northern newspapers turned against him. What had become of John Pope, late Commander in-Chief of the army of Virginia, was matter of speculation among all classes ; but, from the fearful clamour raised throughout the North regarding his late series of brilliant defeats, it was considered possible that he had been sent on a reconnoitring expedition among those mountains where, as his de spatches stated, he had driven poor Stonewall Jack son.* Rumour said that the Washington Cabinet had * Regarding this great chieftain (Pope, not Jackson), his doings and his antecedents, it may not be improper to place upon record the follow- VOL. I. C

INTRODUCTION.

. XXII exiled him among the Indians of the North-west, where he might practise the art of war without sacrificing ing historical documents. He thus addressed the army of Virginia on . assuming command : — " To the Officers and Soldiers of the Army of Virginia !— By special assignment of the President of the United States, I have assumed com mand of this army. I have spent two weeks in learning your whereT abouts, your condition, and your wants, in preparing you for active operations, and in placing you in position from which you can act promptly and to the purpose. I have come to you from the West, where we have always seen the backs of our enemies — from an army whose business it has been to seek the adversary, and to beat him when found — whose policy hasbeen attack, and not defence I In but one instance has the enemy been able to place our Western armies in a defensive attitude I presume that I have been called here to pursue the same system, and to lead you against the enemy.