June 23, 1861 – Naval Engagement – Gallant and Daring Chase of a Federal Steamer

On Sunday evening, about 7 o’clock, while the Confederate steamer Empire was engaged in reconnoitering the enemy’s works at Newport News, Captain Parrish discovered the Federal steamer Cataline, some distance off and under headway for Old Point. Chase was immediately given, and when within a few miles of Hampton Creek, the Empire fired two shots, one of which is believed to have taken effect on the Cataline and but for the proximity of the Cumberland frigate, which promptly opened her battery to stop the chase, the Cataline would in all probability have fallen into our hands.

June 21, 1861 – A Skirmish

A little fight occurred near Seneca Mill, which is on the Maryland side of the Potomac, some 28 miles above Washington. Lt. Col. Everett in command of three companies of District volunteers, about 200 men, being a detachment of Col. Stone’s column, who started in canal boats from Georgetown, and were obliged to leave them a few miles up, and march, the Confederates having cut the dam.

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.

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.

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.

June 16, 1861 – Preparing for Escape

The Augusta Constitutionalist of the 30th ultimo has the following significant paragraph:

“Jeff Davis’s War Horse. —  President Davis’s war horse passed through this city last night on its way to Richmond, Virginia. Accompanying the animal was the President’s saddle, on the horn of which is a compass, to be used in case the rider should lose his way.”