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December 30, 1861 – Resignation of Col. Rankin

Russell House, Detroit,
December 26,1 861.

To the Editor of the Detroit Free Press:

I am very sorry indeed to inform you that, in view of the unfortunate complications which have so suddenly arisen between England and the United States, caused by events about which it would be out of place for me here to express an opinion, I feel constrained from a sense of duty, not only as a British subject but as a member of the Canadian Parliament, to withdraw from the service of the United States and return to Canada, my native land, determined to share the fate of my countrymen, whatever their destiny may be.

Posted inUS Civil War

December 27, 1861 – Wretched Charleston!

It will be remembered that at about the time that the secession movement began, many of the property owners in Charleston, as in other Southern cities, who had been in the habit of insuring against fire in the Northern insurance companies, withdrew their risks from these offices with much insolence and parade, and transferred them to local organizations. Most of the latter have suspended while all tho others now are bankrupted, so that utter ruin must fall on those whose property has by this calamity been destroyed.

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December 26, 1861 – From the Upper Potomac

The Rebels Try to Destroy Dam No. 6.

WILLIAMSPORT, MD., Dec. 20.—Affairs in and around this vicinity are quiet, though we expect to have an exchange of shots with the enemy at Dam No. 5 and Falling Waters. Gen. Jackson’s (rebel) battery is at the former place, including a 12-pounder rifled gun, and the enemy have been at work endeavoring to destroy tho dam there, which now seems to bo the principal object of their demonstrations. Their firing is returned by two Parrott guns belonging to Knapp’s Pennsylvania battery.

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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.