Thoughtfully curated historical journalism
Yesterday morning five companies of the 15th Massachusetts regiment crossed the river at Edwards’ Ferry, and had advanced to within one mile and a half of Leesburg, when they were met by the 14th Mississippi regiment, and compelled to retreat to the Ferry. At the same lime, another portion of Gen. Stone’s command crossed at Harrison’s Island. During the day, much skirmishing took place, and it is said that the Federal troops advanced to within a mile and a half of Leesburg. At 5 o’clock last evening, however, the Confederates, in large force, attacked the right of the column, which numbered eighteen hundred men, and was commanded by Col. Baker, U. S. Senator from California. Col. Baker fell, and his command sustained a, repulse, and fell back with considerable loss.
The problem which the Franklins and the Kanes, of Arctic science and discovery, have labored so long and with such heroism to solve, has had no new light thrown upon it by the voyage from which Dr. Hayes has just returned. When, in July of last year, he left our shores in the small schooner United States, having on board only sixteen persons and the usual outfit, we felt in no way sanguine that the expedition would be successful in clearing away the mystery which surrounds the North pole, and the result is, therefore, only in accordance with our anticipations. This conveys no ill compliment to its projector, whose enthusiasm, talent and perseverance are undoubted; but we formed our opinion from the weakness of the exploring force. It was an attempt, with very inadequate means, to achieve a great object. Everything about the expedition was on far too small a scale; and, being insufficient, it became a foregone conclusion that it would fail. We are still wanting in scientific data relating to the geography and meteorology of the Arctic region, and even of its navigation and zoology. We are only slightly informed; but this expedition has discovered nothing before unknown on these points, and the death of its astronomer has only added another to the long list of Arctic victims. Had the expedition been larger, and provided with a good scientific party, much might have been attained, where, for want of it, the result has been simply a blank. Dr. Hayes succeeded in making his way by dog sledges no farther north than latitude 81 degrees 35 minutes, which is a lower degree than even Hendrik Hudson reached about the year 1600. We refer to these facts simply to show the folly of fitting out Polar expeditions that, from their very diminutiveness, are unequal to the work for which they are designed.
Washington, Oct. 12.—The Navy Department this morning received the following despatch:
United States Steamer Union,
Off Aquia Creek, Oct. 11. ’61.
Sir —l have the honor to submit the following report for your information:
Being informed of a large schooner lying in Quanitico or Dumfries’ Creek—knowing also, that a large number of troops were collected at that point, with the view of crossing the Potomac river, as was reported to me, I conceived it to be my duty to destroy the schooner. With this object in view, I took two launches and my boat and pulled in for the vessel at hall past 2 o’clock this morning.
Camp McClellan
Davenport, Oct. 11, 1861
DEAR JOURNAL: –Here we are at last, the members of Capt. Ben. Beach’s company, snugly ensconced in comfortable quarters at Camp McClellan. We are not disappointed as to the position of our camp; its location is beautiful and healthful, but at present thoroughly “muddled” from recent rains, which causes us some inconvenience in “navigatin ;” however. I think one or two days of this beautiful sunshine will dry things up.—
We arrived at Davenport at 7 o’clock Thursday evening, where our friend and fellow soldier, Capt. Charles E. Compton, was waiting to receive us but owing to the inclemency of the weather, we were directed to the Railroad depot, which was furnished us for temporary quarters: While supper was being prepared for us at the Le Claire House, we amused ourselves in sundry ways, singing and dancing being the chief amusement. At the hour of 9, the company was formed and marched down town, where we engaged in supplying the wants of the inner man. Supper over, songs were sung by the “Sardine Club,” the performance closing with Charles Fowler’s inimitable woman’s rights speech, which was loudly applauded by the curious spectators.