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December 19, 1861 – Important From the Upper Potomac

Attempt the Rebels to Cross the River at Falling Waters—Probable Engagement.

Frederick, Dec 18—A gentleman who arrived from Williamsport late last night reports that Gen. Jackson’s rebel brigade has been largely reinforced, and is supposed to amount to 9,000 men, now at Falling Waters. At 9o’clock p m. 51 wagons belonging to the rebels were backed down to the shore, and a boat from each quietly launched into the river. Two of the boats were of large size, for the transportation of artillery. At this juncture our informant left for General Banks’ headquarters. He thinks the object of Jackson is to cross the river, make a dash on Williamsport, and secure the stores and arms there. He informed Col. Leonard of all that was transpiring, and thinks the latter has taken full precautions to prevent it by removing the stores, etc., to a more secure place, and that he also took steps to concentrate all his available force to prevent the passage of the river.

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December 18, 1861 – Spies

The Richmond Examiner has repeatedly urged the impolicy of employing in the departments of the Confederate States at Richmond, persons with Yankee proclivities and those who held office under the…
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December 16, 1861 – Death and Burial of Capt. Mark L. Moore

On Saturday morning, 14th inst., at half-past 7 o’clock, Capt. Mark L. Moore, of the Bienville Guards, stationed on the peninsula in Virginia, departed this life at his residence in this city, in the 31st year of his ago. Capt. Moore contracted a complication of diseases while in service and exposed to camp life, from which he sought relief by furlough, and returned to his home. But the insiduous destroyer had marked his victim, and despite the most skillful medical attendance, and the unceasing watchfulness and attentions of a devoted wife and friends, he lingered for weeks uncomplainingly till death terminated his sufferings and gave the emaciated frame the last most still and solemn repose.

Posted inMaritime & Naval History US Civil War

December 15, 1861 – The Sailors at Cairo

The Cairo correspondent of the St. Louis Republican writes :

The seamen who lately arrived from the East, and who are now quartered on the receiving ship Maria Denning, are a queer set, haying customs, thoughts and, expressions peculiar to themselves. They attract considerable attention when allowed on shore. Directly, on their arrival, while they were being transferred from the cars to the boat, some of them picked up a little; boy, about knee high, a bright little fellow who was just beginning to talk, stuffed him in a mess chest and smuggled him in board. They tattoed the youngster with their marks, and took such rough care of him as they could. When asked where they got him, they swore that he belonged to them, and that they had brought him from the East. The “old man,” however, was not satisfied, knowing their tricks by experience. He took the little fellow on shore, bought him a cap and feather, with other “fancy fixings” and after a time found his home, restoring him to his anxious mother.

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December 13, 1861 – Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

One after another the acts of the Government show their utter contempt the rights of our State. They have the railroads, and now, without any act of the loyal Legislature, at present in session, they have taken the canal. We do not see them taking the canals of Pennsylvania, New York, or Ohio, though the necessity may he quite as urgent.

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December 12, 1861 – A Daring Exploit

Among the many instances where the bravery of our officers and men have shown conspicuous, the one we copy from the Boston Gazette is almost unequalled

Captain Spencer, aid to General Wool received information from two ladies, who went from Norfolk to Fortress Monroe with a flag of truce, that near midnight a six-oared boat was to leave Norfolk for Richmond with money for the payment of the rebel soldiers. He requested permission of Major General Wool to attempt their capture, and was told not to place too much confidence in the information received. Nevertheless, permission was given, and selecting two oarsmen on whom he could rely, with their oars muffled, he started at dark and awaited the coming of the enemy’s boat he had preciously given directions to his men to pull directly for the boat, and on the moment of striking to “back water” instantly.

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December 10, 1861 – From the 3d Regiment. N. H. V.

Correspondence of the American

Hilton Head, Port Royal
South Carolina, Nov. 28

Dear American : Although we had an order more than a week ago to hold ourselves in readiness to move at a moment’s notice, we have not “budged an inch” since. The story in camp is that we have been ordered to leave to-morrow, but l am not certain about it. We are not allowed to know where we are going, but it is said to be not over one day’s sail. I hope it will not be far, for I am heartily sick of “steaming it o’er the main.”

I have nothing very particular to write you for news. Everything seems to be moving on to the completion of the defence of this island. Hundreds of men are continually throwing up entrenchments and fortifications. It is said that “Jeff.” says “he will have this island in his hands again, if it takes every man he can raise.” It will take every man he can raise, and then “he will not be able to re-take it. Gen. Sherman says: “Give me two weeks more, and I will defy all he can bring against me.” We have no idea that an effort will be made to regain what they have lost here. Yesterday, our gunboats “let loose their dogs of war,”” on a small place, about six miles from here, where a number of rebels had made their appearance. I understand they scattered in “double quick” time. We distinctly heard the booming of the cannon here. It is of no use for them to come prying into our affairs, to get information in regard to our proceedings, in order to report to their rebel chief, because “argus eyes’’ are upon them—our pickets are stationed at every corner and loophole, ready and most willing to give the alarm on the instant any appearance of their “ugly phizes,” becomes manifest.