Thoughtfully curated historical journalism
We have not had, by telegraph a clear and satisfactory account of the fight near Yorktown, in which the Vermont regiments were engaged. Neither do the letters from the army tell all we want to know about its purpose and proceedings. The following from a letter dated near Lee’s Mills, gives the clearest account of it we have seen:—
We have received several trophies from the battle-field of Shiloh, which are alike Interesting and significant. Mr. Wm. R. Elliott, of the Crescent Blues, Crescent Regiment, who fought bravely through the battles of the 6th and 7th, and who was wounded in the leg near the close of the last day’s fight, has presented us a Yankee private’s coat, which he captured and appropriated. The coat is composed of good blue cloth, well made, and is certainly an excellent article of wearing apparel. Were it not for the brass fixings on the shoulder straps and “old Abe’s” buttons, it would be as genteel a coat as one would wish to wear in cold, or moderately cold weather. The garment shows in what style the soldiers of our enemy is are fitted out.
Quite an excitement was occasioned, about dark this afternoon, by the sudden movement of All the troops of all arms stationed in the immediate vicinity of the city towards the several bridges across the Potomac. The streets and hotels were immediately filled with a variety of wild and absurd rumors. The infantry columns filled the streets and avenues, the artillery and cavalry shook the earth with their heavy tramp, activity was everywhere, and although wondering at the sudden summons, all pressed eagerly on to action. Upon reaching the river side, the commander of each regiment was interrogated by an officer of the staff of General Wadsworth, commanding the division, as to the condition of his regiment, and was informed that he had been called out by order of the Secretary of War, to ascertain with what promptness the troops here could be put in motion, prepared for action. The precision and promptness of the response to this call were particularly gratifying. It manifested the readiness of the whole division upon any emergency.
The steamer Atlantic left New York a few days since with a large cargo of army stores, and about sixty passengers, who accompanied Mr. E. L. Pearce, the government agent in charge of the plantations and contrabands at Port Royal. Three-fourths of the number are to be superintendents of the abandoned estates, and will direct the labors of the negroes who are to be employed in such agricultural pursuits as cotton culture and raising vegetables for their own support, and for the use of the army at that point.
The Act of Emancipation in the District of Columbia has been consummated. President Lincoln has approved the action of Congress, and given his official signature to the measure. To-day there is not a slave in the capital of the Republic. The long desired hour has arrived, when, as a nation, the United States is not the supporter of the institution of human slavery.
IT WAS FOUR DAYS BEHIND TIME
STRENGTH OF THE ARMIES
Incidents of Gallantry and Cowardice
BOGUS GOV. JOHNSON KILLED.
Special Dispatch to Chicago Tribune.
Cairo, April 14—m., 1862
Auditor Dubois and Gen. John Cook, of Springfield, left Pittsburg on Saturday, by mail packet Van Patten, and arrived here this morning. Gen. Cook is unwell and going home to recruit his health. From them and from others we learn additional particulars.
Gen. Hulburt lost, out of 7,000 men, in killed, wounded and missing, 1,983. He had a splendid army, choice troops, who fought like Turks. Lieut. Col. Tupper of Decatur was killed.
Colonel John A. Davis of Freeport is not dead, but is at Paducah, and feels sure he will recover.
Col. Bane, of the 50th Illinois, is dangerously wounded. Lieut. Colonel Phillips is also dangerously, and Col. Morley slightly.
“When the Illinois 11th were mustered on Monday morning they could bring but 45 men into the field. The 9th Illinois (Paine’s old regiment) mustered only 200 effective men. Col. Fry’s regiment were the only Illinois boys that acted badly. They had never been in action before.