Posted inUS Civil War

June 20, 1861 – Evacuation of Harper’s Ferry

The most important event of the past week was the evacuation of Harper’s Ferry on Friday last by the Confederate troops. This step had so often been predicted, and denied with, such confident assertions of the impregnable fortifications erected there and of the determination of the Confederate leaders to make it the chosen point for a desperate stand, that the first reports were received with doubts and incredulity.— Confirmatory statements, however, of the withdrawal of pickets from all points above and below the Ferry, of the burning of the railroad bridge, and the destruction of provisions they were unable to carry off, finally confirmed the evacuation. The troops left in two columns. One column going toward Winchester with the presumed intention of joining the force at Manassas Junction ; the other retreating through Loudon county toward Leesburg. Col. Stone’s column of United States troops is in that vicinity, though it is supposed on the Maryland side of the Potomac, and a collision is among the contingencies.

Posted inMaritime & Naval History

No Sign of Missing Submarine “A 7” Which Sank of England

HMS A7

Plymouth. Eng., Jan. 18—A dozen torpedo boat destroyers and minesweepers plied up and down Whitesand bay from early morning today until darkness set in, but failed to locate the submarine “A-7” which sank during maneuvers Friday.

Plymouth, Eng., Jan. 18.—An all-day search by a fleet of torpedo boats, to which were attached cables to sweep the bottom of Whitesand bay, failed to locate the sunken British submarine A-7. When darkness fell Saturday the commanding officers reluctantly ordered the vessels to return to their moorings.

Posted inMaritime & Naval History

Lack Air Pressure Cause of Blast on U.S.S. Mississippi

USS Mississippi (c. 1918-1919)

San Pedro, Calif., June 16.—Evidence given the naval court today pointed at lack of air pressure in the gun mechanism as the cause, or at least one of the causes, explosion aboard the U. S. S. Mississippi, Thursday, when 48 men were killed.

Walter C. Ebell, turret captain of Turret No. 3 of the Mississippi, corroborated the evidence Saturday of Francis Majewski, plug-man in Turret No. 2, when the blast occurred, that the air pressure to clean out the gun barrels between shots and to close the gun breeches was weak.

Posted inDaily News

Saved by Swans

From the Pittsburg Dispatch.

Butte, Mont., June 14.—Owing to the fact that the assistant manager of Columbia Gardens, the pleasure resort of this city, has trained the swans in the little artificial lake to bring to the shore articles thrown into the water, little Gertrude Onell owes her life.

Posted inUS Civil War

June 18, 1861 – Capt. F. T. Bryan

It was understood during the session of the Legislature here last winter, that if the services of this able officer were desired in his native State, to aid in the reorganization of our militia system they could be obtained. Many of his friends were anxious that he should be elected Adjutant General, believing that his eminent qualifications for that post, in the event of secession of the State and war would make his services invaluable. We learn that the proposition was made to him by his friends directly, the terms agreed on, and that he consented to come in a few days however, without his being advised of it, the salary first fixed upon was reduced and Gen. Hoke was elected.

Posted inRailroads US Civil War

June 17, 1861 – Reconnoitering the Loudon and Hampshire Railroad

One of the Connecticut Light Guard Shot!

Alexandria, June 16. — A reconnaissance of the Loudoun and Hampshire railroad was made to-day, two miles beyond Vienna, which is fifteen miles north of Alexandria. The train was under charge of Col. Powers, accompanied by the first Connecticut troops, under the command of Brigadier General Tyler. On the return of the train, when two miles this side of Vienna, a man fired on the train from ambush, wounding George Busbee, of the Connecticut Light Guards.

Posted inMaritime & Naval History Ship Histories

Missing Vessel Safe

Schooner Philippine

SAN PEDRO, Oct. 1.—The four-masted schooner Philippine arrived off the breakwater today. It had been feared lost due to the menace by heavy winds striking the southern California coast last night. Of the 11 aboard, only Captain Nels Nelson is said to be an experienced sailor. When the boat left San Francisco it was rumored possible it was the honeymoon ship for Mrs. Aimee McPherson Hutton and her husband, since the former temple attorney and press agent were aboard, but both she and David Hutton denied this. The boat was due yesterday.