Irish-American History of the United States, Volume 2 E-Book

Thomas J. Shahan

• Herausgeber: Jazzybee Verlag
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 517

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

This is a remarkable work for a man who has always been engaged with the busy duties of a missionary priest in the United States and Ireland and yet has found time to build up in a truly historical manner and the best literary style this extensive volume. It is more remarkable because it has been done while the writer lived thousands of miles from the scene of action, and most remarkable because he was at the same time engaged on another monumental work, the lives of the Irish saints, in twelve large octavo volumes. The reader of the work before us would not suspect this from an inspection and perusal of the book. There is about it no indication of failing power on the part of the author, nor any evidence of hasty or imperfect preparation. On the contrary, we find everywhere evidences of the vigorous mind, facile pen and capacity for research of a young enthusiastic historian. The author's purpose is to set before the people of Ireland a general and complete history of the United States, showing the leading events from the beginning until the close of the nineteenth century in a summary but consecutive manner. It is most becoming that an Irishman should write a history of this country to which a stream of Irish emigrants has steadily flowed from early colonial days. These and their descendants have ever been active in the upbuilding of the country and in its defense, and their names should be written with honor on every page of its history. This has not always been done, and there are many unaccountable omissions to record race and ancestry in making the scroll. This defect the author hopes to have remedied in his history. He has gathered together a great mass of historical material, digested it and arranged it, until it has come forth on the pages of this book, interesting, instructive and true. Every statement is backed by authority and may be quoted without fear. Altogether the book is worthy of the subject and the author, and this is high praise. This is volume two out of two.

Leseprobe

Irish-American History of the United States

Volume 2

THOMAS J. SHAHAN

JOHN O'HANLON

Irish-American History of the United States Volume 2, Thomas J. Shahan/John O'Hanlon

Jazzybee Verlag Jürgen Beck

86450 Altenmünster, Loschberg 9

Deutschland

Printed by Bookwire, Voltastraße 1, 60486 Frankfurt/M.

ISBN: 9783988680433

www.jazzybee-verlag.de

[email protected]

CONTENTS:

CHAPTER XXVIII.1

CHAPTER XXIX.11

CHAPTER XXX.25

CHAPTER XXXI.44

CHAPTER XXXII.55

CHAPTER XXXIII.68

CHAPTER XXXIV.82

CHAPTER XXXV.95

CHAPTER XXXVI.107

CHAPTER XXXVII.117

CHAPTER XXXVIII.128

CHAPTER XXXIX.142

CHAPTER XL.153

CHAPTER XLI.159

CHAPTER XLII.169

CHAPTER XLIII.177

CHAPTER XLIV.185

CHAPTER XLV.195

CHAPTER XLVI.207

APPENDIX.. 219

No. 1.—Colonial Delegates’ Address to the Irish People, issued on the 10th of May, 1775, and engrossed on the 28th of July, 1775.219

No. 2.—Declaration of Independence Proclaimed July 4th, 1776.225

No. 3.—Constitution of the United States.229

No. 4. —Congressional Resolution of December 29th, 1780.244

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Meanwhile, General McClellan had been placed at the head of an army nearly 150,000 strong, and comprising four corps, respectively commanded by Generals McDowell, Sumner, Samuel P. Heintzelman, and Erasmus Darwin Keyes. He was obliged by orders from the Government to withdraw over 50,000 men, including McDowell’s first corps and General Louis Blenker’s division of the second corps, for the defences of Washington, of Fortress Monroe and of other places.

About this period, General Robert E. Lee held command in directing the Confederate army in and around Richmond. He had there succeeded General Beauregard, and to his care was now entrusted its defences. Strong works had been erected on all the mounds and hillocks about that city; while redoubts, casement batteries, breast works, entrenchments and rifle pits had been constructed. Moreover, heavy siege-pieces and field-guns had been placed, so as to cover and sweep all the roads and approaches. To the number of about 95,000 men, McClellan’s army was then drawing near, while works had been erected at different points to retard his advance. At Yorktown, the rebel army covered a front of about seven miles, and it was defended by field works of all kinds.

On the 10th of May, General John Ellis Wool took possession of the city of Norfolk, the Confederate troops having been withdrawn by Major-General Benjamin Huger, there in command. This occupation gave the Federals command of Chesapeake Bay and the mouth of James River. Fortress Monroe protected the fleet and transports, while it was made the basis for further military operations. On the opposite side of Elizabeth River, the navy yard, dry docks, naval machinery and ships in the harbour of Norfolk were destroyed by the Confederates. Among these vessels was the famous Virginia or Merrimac, which was blown up to prevent her capture by the Federals. Supposing the Confederate forces assembled near Yorktown, and in a strongly entrenched position, to have been more numerous than they were in reality, General McClellan commenced regular siege operations, which detained the army at that point in the Peninsula for a considerable time. To General Fitz-John Porter was assigned the direction of this siege.

When the Federal troops were about to make the assault Magruder withdrew, and Yorktown was occupied by them on the 4th of May. General George Stoneman’s cavalry, with the divisions of Kearney, of Couch and of Casey followed during their retreat, and had several skirmishes with them before reaching their entrenched works at Williamsburg. Several guns were also captured, and this brought on another engagement. The Federals had now reached Williamsburg. There Johnston had drawn up his army, and the Confederates fought a battle on the 5th of May. In this engagement, M'Clellan lost over 2,000 men; but after a determined resistance, the enemy retreated during the night with a loss of 1,300, as also of several guns and colours. Norfolk Harbour being now in possession of the Federals, the next operation was to force the gun-boats up the James River. But here they met with a serious impediment. On the 9th of May, another battle was gained by M'Clellan at West Point, which enabled him to advance within seven miles of Richmond. About eight miles below that city, and on the north bank of the river, the Confederates had constructed a battery called Fort Darling. The ships proceeded notwithstanding, and prepared to force their way through piles, sunken boats and chains, obstructing the channel. Having reached Fort Darling, the Confederate batteries opened fire upon the Federal vessels. After an action which lasted four hours, and which caused considerable damage, all of the gunboats were compelled to retire. Thus, the most important part of General McClellan’s plan proved to be a failure. Richmond must now be captured—if at all -—by the army, and without the aid of gunboats. The Confederates had then retreated behind their defences, in front of Richmond. In a military point of view, it was well covered with positions and batteries; but then, it was poorly protected by earthworks. Meanwhile, great consternation broke out in the Southern capital, and several of the inhabitants hastily took their departure for places less exposed to immediate danger. The Confederate Congress there assembled was also adjourned.

The Chickahominy River rises in the State of Virginia, about twenty-five miles N. W. from Richmond. After a course of about sixty miles, it unites with the James River, thirty-seven miles above Point Comfort. It protected the principal approaches to Richmond from the east. About nine miles above its junction, that river was navigable for the largest vessels, while its banks were fringed with a dense growth of forest trees, and it was bordered by low-lying and deep marshes. All the bridges which led over it to Richmond had been destroyed. Over this difficult ground, M'Clellan had designed to approach that city; and accordingly with much effort the old bridges were reconstructed and new ones built; while plank and corduroy roads were laid down, to support the ammunition and to supply trains advancing. That line was very defensible, however, and it was stoutly contested. General Casey’s division crossed over on the 20th at Bottom Bridge. After a heavy fire on the 24th of May, the village of Mechanicsville was carried by the right and centre of the Federal forces. Meanwhile, General McDowell was operating against the enemy’s line along the Rappahannock River, in order to create a diversion.

The Confederate General Jackson, who had been at Fredericksburg, now fell back towards Richmond. A force of the enemy was met at Hanover Court House, by General Fitz-John Porter. On the 27th of May, a battle was fought, in which the Confederates were repulsed with a loss of 930 men, while the Federals lost 397. He then destroyed their camp. When General Johnston was ordered from the Rappahannock to oppose McClellan, he asked to be reinforced with troops from the seacoast; but this request Jefferson Davis and his Cabinet would not allow. Such refusal led to a hostility between Johnston and the Confederate President, which was often exhibited during the after prosecution of that war.

The Southerners were then engaged concentrating all their available forces in the east for the defence of Richmond. They found General McClellan’s army placed in a most disadvantageous position. At this time, General Johnston was chief in command of the Confederates. On the 30th of May, the Federal Generals in advance, on the south banks of the Chickahominy was Casey, with his division on the right of the Williamsburg road, and having his centre at Fair Oaks Station; Kearney’s division was on the railroad from Savage Station to the bridge; while General Joseph Hooker’s division reached to the edge of White Oak swamp. On that night, a very heavy rainstorm set in swelling the river and the swamps, while it destroyed some of the bridges. This was an opportunity eagerly availed of, and accordingly Johnston massed his forces on the right for a sudden attack, thus hoping to crush the Federal left, before M'Clellan could have time to reinforce it. About six o’clock on the morning of the 31st, the divisions of Generals D. H. Hill, of Huger, of Longstreet, and of W. J. Smith, were formed into line of battle. They commenced moving down upon Casey’s division. The Confederates attacked it furiously in front and upon both flanks. General Nagle’s brigade received the first shock, and it gallantly resisted the overwhelming numbers that pressed it on both sides. Meantime, Casey’s artillery played on the enemy’s lines with destructive effect, as owing to the nature of the ground the rebels could not bring up their cannon. Eight new regiments were in this division, and some of these, fearing to be cut off, gave way in confusion. The enemy now occupied Casey’s first line of works. General Keyes had by this ordered General Couch to move General Pick’s brigade, so as to support Casey’s left. Some of the Federal guns were already taken. Next, an attack was directed on Regan’s battery, the fire of which then redoubled. Four infantry regiments hurried up to save it, and there a desperate conflict raged for some time. Then Casey ordered a bayonet charge, and this drove back the rebel torrent. However, he was obliged to yield ground, thus long maintained with resolute tenacity. Next, Bates’ and Fitche’s batteries opened on the enemy, while a regular fusillade was kept up along the infantry lines. The rebel batteries now came into play, and their infantry dashed forward, storming the defended redoubts and rifle-pits. Moreover, they captured Bates’ and Sprat’s guns. Casey’s artillery was also in the enemy’s hands, and now turned upon the troops he commanded. His division was soon overwhelmed and routed. Then Couch, who arrived to support him, was attacked by Hill on the right, and by Anderson on the left; he bravely resisted, however, and charged the enemy repulsing them, but they rallied once more, and drove in his advanced lines. Another column was charging the Tenth Massachusetts Regiment, on the Federal extreme left. In vain did McCarthy’s and Miller’s batteries strive to stem the onset. The regiment at length broke, and the left flank was doubled in on the centre. At the same time General Couch was driven back half a mile towards Grapevine Bridge. There he re-formed, however, and faced Fair Oaks Station.

Meantime, General Keyes had sent to General Heintzelman for reinforcements; but it was near five o’clock in the evening, when Generals Kearney and Hooker appeared on the field. General Sumner also despatched Richardson’s and Sedgwick’s divisions in support. This battle, contested with the greatest obstinacy on both sides, had lasted the entire day. Already the Confederates obtained a decided advantage, having captured General Casey’s camp and taken many prisoners. But now, General Kearney’s division, with General Berry’s and Jameson’s brigades, had come up at Seven Pines, and there they fell upon the enemy’s flank. General Berry’s brigade, consisting of the Thirty-seventh New York Irish Rifles and three Michigan Regiments, drove the Confederates back over the ground they had occupied, thus enabling Casey’s troops to join the main body. General Sumner’s forces also arrived in time to support Couch, and forming five regiments into line, these were ordered to charge with the bayonet. They did so in a gallant manner, and the rebels yielded ground, This desperate engagement, known as the battle of the Seven Pines or Fair Oaks, cost the victors 5,739 men. The Confederate loss amounted to 4,283 in the divisions of Longstreet and Smith, while Hill’s division lost 2,500. In this battle, General Johnston was severely wounded, and incapacitated for duty until the following autumn. Then, General Robert E. Lee was appointed to succeed him as commander-in-chief, a position he afterwards held until the close of that war.

On the morning of June 1st, fresh corps of Federals were pushed forward. As part of General Sumner’s corps, the Irish Brigade had been ordered to the front. Having encamped at a distance, when he heard the booming of cannon, Brigadier-General Thomas Francis Meagher ordered his men to be in readiness and under arms. Rapidly as the nature of that ground permitted, they marched through a dismal and dreary swamp, the artillery and cavalry especially sinking deep in mud-holes at almost every step. About midnight, the Brigade bivouacked in the forest, prepared a hasty meal, and thoroughly fatigued they crossed the Chickahominy at Grapevine Bridge. Before morning’s dawn, they reached a part on the battlefield of the previous day, near Fair Oaks. Two of the Brigade regiments were ordered to the front, the Sixty-ninth and Eighty-eighth, while the Sixty-third was detailed to extricate their artillery from the swamps and to guard the bridge.

During that night, the rifle-pits near Seven Pines were occupied by Couch’s and Kearney’s divisions and the remnant of Casey’s troops, General Hooker’s division was placed to the right and rear of these; Richardson was connected with Kearney’s lines; French’s brigade was posted along the railroad; Howard’s and Meagher’s being in the second and third lines. Owing to the state of the roads, it was found impossible until near morning to get up the artillery, and to place it in the batteries. Meantime, the enemy had resolved on renewing the fight. So early as five o’clock on the morning of June 1st, in solid columns their forces approached French’s brigade in the first line. It comprised the Fifty-third Pennsylvania, Sixty-first, Sixty-fourth and Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers. For an hour they stood firm, and Howard came to their assistance. During the advance he was severely wounded in the arm, and it had to be amputated. Meantime, Colonel Nugent’s regiment the Sixty-ninth, and the Eighty-eighth, moved forward. These swept the enemy’s line with a withering fire, which checked his advance. While thus engaged, General Hooker ordered a bayonet charge, and his regiments beat back the enemy in confusion. Generals Heintzelman and Couch held their position on the left; while Sickles with his Excelsior Brigade pressed forward to the woods, where the Confederates were rather protected. These were then put to flight at the point of the bayonet. Still the enemy resolved on making one more desperate effort. Three columns were again massed in front of Richardson, but these were unable to dislodge him. French also held his position, supported by Howard’s troops. Meagher brought up the Irish Brigade and rode from line to line encouraging his men. He was constantly exposed to great danger. At length, with a sweeping fire and then with fixed bayonets, the Brigade charged home on the broken lines of the Confederates. These retired before them in disorder, and the Federals regained the ground they had lost on the previous day.

As it was found impracticable to follow the Confederates, General McClellan ordered his troops to hold their present position, as also to form entrenchments, redoubts and forts around their camps. While there, General Meagher’s Brigade was reinforced by the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment under Colonel Ebenezer Pierce. An occasional skirmish happened, when the troops on both sides were out on a reconnaissance, or while engaged on picket duty, but no action of importance took place for some days. However, the rebel General James E. B. Stuart, with about 1,500 cavalry and some pieces of artillery, made a successful raid round the rear of the Federal lines. During that foray, he destroyed a large amount of their stores, and threatened their communications.

During the month of June, General McClellan had constantly importuned the Washington Government for reinforcements, before he could advance against Richmond. The division of McCall had been detached from McDowell’s army, and it embarked on the 11th and 12th of June. On the 20th, McClellan had present 115,102 effective soldiers, besides those invalided or absent. The Confederates in front naturally followed the example of their opponents and employed the respite in throwing up field-works; while their able General Lee was engaged in drawing reinforcements from distant places, and in forming those plans for defence or attack, which subsequently proved so successful. All this time, and almost in sight of Richmond, the Union army was doomed to spend inactively fully three weeks in a swampy and malarious region, while fever and ague began fearfully to prevail among the troops. Meantime Lee and his Generals had prepared for aggressive movements.

On the night of the 25th of June commenced the seven continuous engagements around Richmond. On that and the succeeding day, General Lee attacked the Federals at Mechanicsville with great vigour, but the lines were firmly maintained there by Generals Reynolds and Seymour. He was finally repulsed; and he retired about nine o’clock in the evening. Large reinforcements had arrived, by this time, to strengthen the Confederates. General Jackson brought them from the army opposed to McDowell, and without the knowledge of that General. Having learned that these troops were now endeavouring to surround him, and to cut off his communications by their vastly superior numbers, General McClellan found it necessary to draw off his army from their unfavourable position, and to make dispositions for a retreat. Having ordered his subsistence and stores with the heavy guns, to be removed from the left bank of the Chickahominy, McClellan hurried all the disposable troops he could possibly spare, to support Fitz-John Porter’s Fifth Corps that then held it against the threatened approach of General Jackson. Preparations were made on all sides to cover the retreat. The position of the Fifth Corps was nearly like the arc of a circle, to protect the communications across the Chickahominy.

Soon after noon on the 26th, the Confederates approached with skirmishers in advance. They vigorously charged on the works and lines opposed to them. There, however, they were met by sweeping volleys of canister and musketry. Generals Pryor, Wilcox, and Featherston attacked the left of the Federal line, Hill the centre, while Jackson moved on in massed column against the right. About three o’clock, the enemy had pressed so severely along the front, that Porter sent word it was threatened with destruction. Then reserves were marched to sustain it, but the rebels had gained the woods held by him, and with their numbers outflanking broke his ranks, obliging him with great loss, to gain a hill in the rear. At this critical moment, French’s and Meagher’s brigades were ordered up, and with fixed bayonets driving back the fugitives who were rushing towards the bridge, they formed in position to protect the artillery. Afterwards they charged the victorious rebels, who soon gave way. This movement enabled the troops to rally behind them. However, on this day the rebels had a decided advantage, as they captured several pieces of artillery, stores and camp-equipage. Darkness had now set in, and having orders to cover the retreat, the Irish Brigade lay on their arms all that night under shelter of some trees. Meanwhile, the artillery, baggage, infantry and cavalry were retreating over the Chickahominy. When all had crossed, the Irish Brigade got orders towards daylight that they should move, and the bridge was then destroyed.

On the following day, the rebel cavalry charged on the rear-guard. However, the Eighty-eighth Regiment was drawn up to receive them and they retired. The guns were brought to bear, also, in obstructing the enemy from repairing the bridges, while a retreat was directed towards the James River, where the gunboats had been anchored. Towards noon, the Confederate troops were brought together for a general attack, and during the whole afternoon the combat raged along a stripe of wood near Gaines’ Mill Creek. Magruder directed an assault on one of the Federal batteries, but this was repulsed with considerable loss. However, about six o’clock p.m., a general advance was made along the whole Confederate line; and then, notwithstanding their great losses sustained from the Federal artillery, the right wing began to give way. The disorder soon spread to other parts of the Federal line. Sumner’s corps was now left covering the rear, and his two brigades commanded by General French and Meagher moved through the mass of fugitives with difficulty, when taking up position on a hill. Then the pursuit was effectually checked, until the Federal army, ambulances and caissons had crossed the river. More than twenty pieces of artillery were left behind, and nearly all those who had fallen in the battle.

The Federals held the south bank of the Chickahominy, against all the efforts of Jackson to cross over; so that he was obliged to build bridges further up, and this detained him until Sunday June 29th. Then he commenced advancing on their right flank. Falling back to Savage Station, Generals Sumner and Heintzelman, with Smith’s division, there took up a position, and formed into line of battle. Brooks’ brigade held a wood to the left, while Hancock’s brigade was thrown forward into woods on the right. About five o’clock, the enemy commenced an attack, which was gallantly met by Burns’ brigade, supported by two reserve lines, as also by the Eighty-eighth and Sixty-ninth regiments of the Irish Brigade. For two hours a desperate conflict continued, the Federal batteries showering canister and shell into the enemy’s lines. At length, the rebels firing as they advanced across the fields and in great force were met by about four thousand of Sumner’s troops, who were ordered to charge. This onset drove the enemy back to their batteries. Meagher’s brigade even charged up to the guns of a Virginia battery. Two of these they hauled off, while they spiked others, and broke the carriages into pieces. In this gallant act, the Eighty-eighth, Sixty-third and Sixty-ninth participated. Night came on, and thus put an end to the carnage. The Confederates suffered severely in this engagement, and in it their General Griffiths was killed.

The next order given the Federal troops was to move near midnight beyond White Oak Swamp, as the enemy was making desperate efforts to gain the high grounds beyond it, thus to cut off their retreat from the James River. All the supplies that could not be removed from Savage Station were burned; while the dead and wounded were left on the field. The railroad bridge had been also burned, while the superfluous ammunition and baggage were run into the Chickahominy. All night, the Federal troops marched in line of battle to White Oak Creek, which flows through swampy woods and morasses. It was only from four to six feet in depth, and it was crossed by a bridge. Meanwhile, the enemy was endeavouring to turn the Federal flanks, and to capture the large train of artillery, baggage and supplies. However, all was safely brought over to the north side of the Creek. There a sloping bill, crowned with a farm house, afforded a good position for a battle which now seemed imminent.

In making dispositions for that engagement, General Hancock held the right of the line, resting on a small creek; Brooks and Davidson lay next to him; Sumner, Heintzelman and Porter ranged their batteries on a very commanding hill, and then extended their lines to the borders of the marshes. The enemy suddenly opened fire on Hancock’s position, and it caused much confusion av first; but, the batteries were soon brought to bear on them, and the Federal infantry gallantly resisted every attempt made to cross the Creek. Firing continued without cessation along the whole line. At this juncture eight fresh brigades, commanded by General Henry A. Wise, were marching direct from Richmond, with a view to cut off the Federals from reaching the James River. Soon, Generals Keyes and Porter moved forward to meet them. The Confederates opened a steady and well-directed fire on their troops. However, the gunboats Galena, Aroostook and Jacob Bell had taken their station at Turkey Bend on the river; when from their immense rifled guns, shot and shell were hurled on the dense columns of the enemy, who now began to waver. Then signaling the gunboats to cease firing, Heintzelman ordered a charge along the whole line. The brigades of General Meagher, of Hooker and of Sickles, dashed onwards, and these soon broke the enemy’s ranks. The Confederates retired in confusion through the swamps. Nevertheless, in the beginning of the engagement, some guns were captured by them, while the Federals lost many in killed and wounded.

At one o’clock in the morning, the Union forces took up the line of march for Malvern Hill, an elevated plateau near the James River. It formed an admirable position for defence, having several ravines in front, with slopes which presented open ranges for artillery, and a sheltered dell, extending along the north-west. side down to the James River. The various divisions of the Federals formed a semi-circle in front; one flank resting on the river, and the other protected from it by the gunboats. Towards the left flank, where Porter’s corps held the line, the troops were chiefly massed and several batteries were placed. Commodoi’e Rogers commanding the flotilla placed his gunboats so as to protect the flanks, and especially to cover the approaches from Richmond—the heaviest onset being expected from that direction.

About ten o’clock on Tuesday July 1st, the battle began by a demonstration against Heintzelman’s corps on the right; but about three o’clock p.m., the Confederate troops moved round to the front, and opened a heavy fire on Kearney’s left. This was followed by a brisk attack on Couch’s position. The attack was instantly repelled, and the enemy’s advance was speedily driven back on his supports. Then followed artillery firing for some time between the opposing forces. Again, about six o’clock in the evening, the Confederate batteries opened fire on Porter’s and Couch’s divisions, and this was followed by an advance of their infantry columns. The sweeping fire of the Federal guns, and the steady discharges of the infantry, again drove the rebels back, and then the columns charged after them at the point of the bayonet. About seven o’clock they were massing fresh troops in front of Porter’s line. Soon Meagher’s and Sickles’ brigades advanced to support it. The enemy repeatedly charged with great resolution; but each time they were met with a ringing cheer, and by a charge of the Irish Brigade. Night was now approaching and baffled at every point the enemy fell back to his lines. During this series of battles, the Irish Brigade under General Thomas Francis Meagher was usually covering the retreat, and engaged in battle-line each day, while acquitting itself with distinguished bravery. As an unavoidable consequence, it suffered most severely. The results of these engagements, varying from day to day, were on the whole to the advantage of the Federals, who lost in killed, wounded and missing, 15,249. The Confederate loss is estimated to have been hardly less than 20,000.

After the battle of Malvern Hill was over, M‘Clellan withdrew his troops across the James River. He then fell back to Harrison’s Landing, where he took up a fortified position. The gunboats were able to protect it from the river side. Soon after the French princes, the Count de Paris and his younger brother the Duke de Chartres, took leave of General McClellan and his stall, owing to the serious illness of the latter prince, and soon they departed for Europe. They were much beloved and respected during the period of their service, by the leaders and officers of the army of Virginia, owing to their affability, endurance and gallantry. After several days of reconnaissance, Generals Lee and Jackson agreed that it should not be advisable to attack the Federal troops in their new position, and on the 8th of July their army was withdrawn to Richmond. Thus came that Peninsular campaign to an end.

CHAPTER XXIX.

During the late struggles both sides were exhausted, nor was any important military achievement attempted in Virginia for a considerable interval. On the 20th of June, McClellan had over 100,000 effective troops before Richmond, besides over 11,(100 sick or incapacitated for service. Altogether, he had still about 84,000 men under arms at Harrison’s Landing. During that same period, both armies being nearly equal in numbers, Lee had found his troops diminished through the casualties of war and sickness, by about 25,000 men, Nevertheless, Jefferson Davis issued an address of congratulation to his troops, on the series of brilliant victories which they had won. Meantime, the mind of General McClellan had been greatly depressed by the failure of that campaign, which he had planned and directed. Moreover, he had greatly exaggerated the strength of the Confederate forces opposed to him. He then resolved to throw all blame on the President and his government, because they had not forwarded more troops; and as we now know, that General had sent very offensive and almost mutinous despatches. These were of an alarming character, with regard to his exposed situation. Greatly moved by such reports, the President set out for Harrison’s Landing, where he arrived on the 8th of July.

The idea of McClellan was, that he should not leave the Peninsula, but remain there until he could receive an enormous reinforcement, so that he might have another chance to take Richmond. Having little confidence at that time in McClellan’s capacity or judgment as a commander-in-chief, and having conferred with others at the seat of war, the President then resolved on his removal.

Accordingly, on the 11th of July the order was issued, that Major General Henry W. Halleck be assigned to command the whole land forces of the United States, and that he repair to the capital, so soon as he could with safety to the positions and operations, within that, department under his charge. He had been praised for administrative ability, and at that time, he had attained a great reputation for the success achieved under his direction of affairs in the West. It was then thought, a better choice for General-in-Chief could not have been made. Leaving General Ulysses S. Grant to command in Tennessee, and having been obliged to assume a more responsible position, General Halleck then set out for Washington.

From the very commencement of the war in 1861, propositions had been made to the Confederate Government from an enterprising Charleston and Liverpool firm, to purchase those large and powerful steamers then built in England for the East India Company, to arm and equip them, to use them as blockade runners, and to take their value out in large cargoes of cotton, afterwards to employ them as cruisers to prey on Northern commerce. Under the impression that the coming war should be a short one, those offers were at first declined. Yet, as the Southern officers of the United States Navy abroad justly recognised their duty to deliver those vessels they commanded to the Federal Government; the Confederate President and his cabinet sent a competent and well-deserving navy officer to obtain in England or elsewhere, by purchase or by building, vessels which could be transformed into ships of war. He had a commission from the Confederate Government, to use his best exertions in securing the accomplishment of their object. Moreover, a military officer was sent to Europe to purchase and make contracts for the supply of arms. In December of that year, arms began to come in, and a good many Enfield rifles were in the hands of the Confederate troops at the battle of Shiloh. In June 1861, a small schooner the Savannah had escaped from Charleston S.C., and this was followed by the Sumter commanded by Captain Semmes. Soon afterwards, the Nashville and the Petrel were afloat. These did some damage to the merchant shipping of the Northern States, but they had only a short run at sea. So early as June, the keel of the first foreign-built Confederate cruiser the Oreto, afterwards called the Florida, was laid in Liverpool. Finding much sympathy and even material support from British capitalists, the agents of the Southern Confederacy had credit sufficient to engage ship-builders in English ports to prepare most destructive privateers. That called the Oreto was built in Birkenhead, nominally for the use of the Italian government. The American Ambassador to England Mr. Adams had warned the British Ministry regarding her real purpose; but the remonstrance was unheeded, and she was allowed to leave the Mersey soon afterwards to assume the name of the Florida. Within three months, she captured fifteen United States vessels; of these thirteen were burnt, and the other two were converted into cruisers.

When General Halleck started from St. Louis to command the Union armies in Tennessee, he left General John McAlister Schofield to take care of Missouri, which was a task of no little difficulty, as irreconcilable factions and a daring secession minority were at work, to create social and political disorders. Partisan leaders and guerrilla parties were actively at work in the interior of the State; and in the absence of sufficient military forces, secessionist manifestations began to increase. Along the dividing line between Missouri and Kansas more especially, outrages were rife. On the 22nd of July, Governor Gamble had issued an order to enrol and organize the entire State Militia—of which number 30,000 were armed; but as the State Treasury was empty, and as it was well-nigh impossible to collect taxes, assessments were levied on the disloyal for the public expenses, while substitute money was taken from those unwilling to serve. Soon a new danger presented itself, as it was found that many disloyal persons were anxious to carry arms, while their object in doing so gave rise to grave suspicions. Many native Missourians, who had been beaten and dispersed after the battle of Pea Ridge, now returned to their State, and when General Thomas C. Hindman’s emissaries from Arkansas came among them, a guerrilla war broke out in various quarters and under different leaders. From the 1st April to the 20th of September, the Federal troops met those bands in more than one hundred engagements, great and small, in which the Federal force varied in numbers from 40 or 50 to 1,000 or 1,200, while the Confederates ranged from a few to 4,000 or 5,000 men. At length, the Union columns converging forced most of the guerrillas out of the south-west corner of the State into Arkansas.

Towards the end of June, General John Pope had been called from the West, to take command of the corps of McDowell, Banks and Fremont, reserved for defence of the capital. On the 14th of July, he was commissioned Brigadier-General in the regular army. However, in his boastful address to the Army of Virginia, he unthinkingly gave great offence to the officers and soldiers by reminding them, that he had come from the West, where the Federal Troops had always seen the backs of their enemies after battle, and he advised them to dismiss from their minds all idea of talking about strong positions and of holding them, about lines of retreat, and bases of supplies. He announced, also, that the position a soldier should choose was that from which he could most easily advance against the enemy.

General Pope’s army of Virginia had been designed, partly to cover Washington and to ensure the safety of the Shenandoah Valley, partly to hinder General Jackson from joining the Confederates, and partly to co-operate with General M'Clellan, who was about to attack Richmond. For these purposes, he deemed a concentration of his forces at Cedar Mountain on the north bank of the Rapidan, to afford the roost desirable position. On the 29th of July, Genera] Pope left Washington to assume the direction of his army. Meantime, General Stonewall Jackson had been stationed at Gordonsville since the 19th of that month, and there he had been reinforced by Major-General A. P. Hill. They had already resolved on an offensive movement The conscription had so greatly recruited the Confederate armies, and after the failure of the Peninsular expedition, it was supposed that while General Braxton Bragg in the West might force his way to Louisville and Cincinnati, General Lee might move direct on Maryland, secure the fall of Washington, and dictate the terms of a peace in Philadelphia.

Having resolved on making a demonstration in the direction of Gordonsville. to assist the withdrawal of General McClellan’s army from the James River, Pope ordered General Banks and Sigel to move on Culpepper Court House. Banks promptly obeyed, and arrived there shortly before midnight on the 8th of August, with less than 8,000 men; but mistaking the road, Sigel did not get there until the evening of next day. However, Banks pushed onwards to Cedar Mountain, where he found the army corps of Stonewall Jackson posted. It consisted of three strong divisions. Meanwhile, General Pope suggested to the President the propriety of General McClellan massing his forces on the north side of the Chickahominy, while Pope himself should move against Richmond by way of Charlottesville near the head of James River, thus compelling Lee to detach a part of his army to meet their combined movements, He proposed, that McClellan should advance by way of Hanover Court House, while he should move thither direct from Fredericksburg, and first engage Lee, provided the Federal general would then make a vigorous attack with his whole army. Deeply impressed with advantages to be derived from such a plan, Pope addressed a letter to McClellan then at Harrison’s Landing, asking his views on the project, and offering him co-operation; but to this communication, he received only a lukewarm reply, from which it might be inferred, that such an arrangement was declined.

During August, both sides had arranged for the embodiment of large levies. After that disastrous campaign in the Peninsula, the President authorised the calling into service an additional force of 300,000 men. At that time, it was deemed inopportune to embody negro soldiers; however, by degrees, the enrolment of some volunteers of their race had been officially authorised, although from motives of very guarded policy, the practice was. not generally encouraged. Fearing the Confederate efforts should now be directed against Washington, the President recommended General McClellan to retreat from the Peninsula, and to transport his troops by water to the Potomac River. Notwithstanding his ill-success, the latter appeared reluctant to leave, remonstrating against that order, strangely insisting on holding his position and asking for additional forces, to make it the basis for renewed operations against Richmond. However, on the 30th July General Halleck sent an order to M'Clellan, that he should remove the sick quickly as possible, preparatory to the subsequent evacuation of the Peninsula Still was he slow in obeying that direction, while vainly urging on Halleck to direct another move on Richmond.

Meantime on the 16th of August, General McClellan commenced his retreat from Turkey Bend. General Burnside was sent in advance to Acquia Creek with 13,000 men. These were intended for destination to Alexandria. From the 17th to the 20th of August, McClellan’s army marched by Williamsburg to Yorktown and Newport, under the direction of General Keyes. The defences of Yorktown were strengthened, and then the army of the Potomac prepared to embark for the Rappahannock. As the corps retiring from the Peninsula reached Acquia Creek and Alexandria, they were to be placed under the command of Pope. In the meanwhile, until the 14th of August that General remained on the Rapidan expecting reinforcements from the retiring army. He was then joined by Reno’s division of General Burnside’s army, estimated at 8,000 men.

Nevertheless, General Lee was too enterprising to remain altogether inactive. Having now no fears for the immediate security of Richmond, he resolved on crossing the Potomac, and then moving northwards with a large army. He hoped to arouse a Southern sentiment in Maryland, and to recruit his army there. He had already collected a force of 54,000 men for the initiative. Besides, the drafts from the conscription ordered were beginning to arrive in great numbers.

On the 8th of August, at the head of about 15,000 men, Jackson had already crossed the Rapidan with his men; and six miles south of Pope’s head-quarters at Culpepper Court House, he took up a strong position on the wooded slopes of Cedar Mountain. On the afternoon of the 9th of August, the army of General Banks approached to attack. Then Jackson was in command of that post, and he repulsed the Federals with great loss. However the contest was still vigorously maintained. About seven o’clock in the evening, Pope arrived on the field, and Rickett’s division followed some hours later, under the command of McDowell. These took up a position on the left side of the Banks. An obstinate engagement then ensued, when the Federal lines were forced back about a mile, and as night now closed in, the troops on either side bivouacked on the ground occupied. Towards midnight, and by the light of a bright moon, the Confederate artillerymen found their opponents within range of their guns, and accordingly opened on them as they lay wearied owing to fatigue after the previous battle. A panic spread through a portion of General Banks’ corps, and great confusion ensued. Taking advantage of this, the Confederate cavalry charged, and they had almost captured General Pope and his staff. The Federals were defeated with a loss of 1,800 men in killed, wounded and prisoners; while the Confederates lost in killed and wounded 1,276 men. On the following morning, General Seigel’s corps arrived on the ground, which move, exclusive of General Banks’ command, raised the Federal force to about 22,000 men. General Pope was joined by King’s division from Fredericksburg on the 11th, and thus reinforced, he resolved to attack Jackson next day; but during the previous night, the latter retreated across the Rapidan, and the Federal cavalry advanced so far as that stream.

When Lee had ascertained that the Federal army was retreating from the Peninsula, he marched the bulk of his army to engage that of Pope. On the 13th of August, Generals Longstreet and Jackson, with Stuart’s cavalry corps, were ordered to the Rapidan. Finding himself greatly outnumbered by the enemy, Pope was now forced to retreat. He then sent his wagon trains to the rear. Having taken a position on the north bank of the Rappahannock River on the 20th of August, Pope received instructions from General Halleck, that sufficient forces from the Army of the Potomac should reach Acquia Creek to prevent any further advance of Lee, until eventually with combined Federal troops, he should be driven back upon Richmond. Nevertheless, a variety of causes, and especially a want of steam transports, had greatly delayed the removal of men and material from Harrison’s Landing. On the 21st, Pope was joined by the division of Reynolds and by that of Kearney, amounting to about 7,000 men. The troops were now beginning to arrive from the Peninsula, and Fredericksburg was occupied by Burnside.

General Lee’s main army on the 21st was at the south side of the Rappahannock. Several attempts were made for eight days to cross in front of Pope’s position, but those were always steadily repulsed. However, the Confederate General had now resolved on another and a more successful movement, to ascend the river and outflank Pope on the right. He crossed the Rappahannock on the 25th, and after sunset on the 26th he reached the railroad at Bristoe Station. At Gainsville, he was joined by General Stuart, with the brigades of Robertson and of Fitzhugh Lee, so that he was then nearly between Pope’s army and the city of Washington.

By apparent attempts to cross the river, Lee had kept Pope’s attention engaged, while General Jackson commenced to move on the 25th of August, and he performed a secret march on the left. His direction was along the flank of the Blue Ridge. The cavalry of Stuart masked and covered his right. Jackson was followed by Generals Longstreet and Ewell. So soon as he discovered that the Confederates had flanked him and were in his rear, General Pope hastily broke up his camp, and hurried forward in their direction. Nevertheless, with astonishing celerity, Jackson poured his forces through Thoroughfare Gap in the Bull Run Mountains, thus striking Pope’s line of communication with Washington. Moving on in the night, they secured a valuable depot of military stores and commissary supplies at Manassas Junction. Such as could not be used were then burned; while the lines of railway and telegraph were cut. Jackson then retired, but on the 28th he was pressed by a division of General Kearney, who after a skirmish with the rearguard occupied Centreville, thus opening communication with Washington. Jackson crossed Bull Run with the division of Ewell and Ambrose P. Hill, and there he took up a strong position on the right bank, between Sudley Springs and Thoroughfare Gap.

At that time, Jackson was isolated from support, and he might easily have been destroyed had those troops at the disposal of Halleck and Pope marched direct against him. However, the latter had been endeavouring to stem the torrent of the rebels’ advance for fifteen days after the battle at Cedar Mountain, until some of McClellan’s forces arrived to his aid. In retreating from Cedar Mountain, with scarcely half a day’s intermission, McDowell’s corps was making either forced marches several times during the night, or engaged in battle without food. Yet, their steady discipline was preserved to the last. Owing to the constant and sudden changes of position, there was a want of concert in the Federal movements, and this left them exposed to be defeated in detail by the better-guided and co-operating troops of General Lee.

Having retired from his advanced position behind the North Fork of the Rappahannock, General Lee with a large force crossed the Rapidan, on the 19th. Generals McDowell and Porter were then ordered to move their respective commands to Gainsville; thus to establish communications with Pope. Much confusion, however, attended the Federal movements. On the 29th of August, Pope’s main army confronted Jackson’s at Groveton, while Porter was three miles to the left, and Longstreet was still on the march through Thoroughfare Gap to effect his junction with Jackson’s right. A fitful and an obstinate battle raged all day, and as it was waning to the close, McDowell’s troops came up on Pope’s left, while Longstreet had already arrived on Jackson’s right. Porter had received an order to advance from the rear, and to outflank Longstreet’s division, but he failed to execute it. This proved to be a drawn battle when it grew dark, and both armies prepared for its renewal on the following morning. It was evidently preferable for Pope to have retired behind Bull Run, than to have risked a second engagement against superior and well trained forces, and while Franklin’s corps was moving from Alexandria, to reinforce him. However, having Porter’s troops now under his immediate orders on the 30th, Pope directed an attack, chiefly against Jackson’s position, and about 3 o’clock, p.m.; but that post was protected successfully by Longstreet’s division on the Confederate right. Pope had massed his forces chiefly against Jackson, and had well supported that onset; but they were met with firmness, and a destructive artillery fire drove them back in confusion, after repeated efforts to rally. Then, the whole Confederate line swept onward, and carried each successive post held by the Union troops, who still slowly retreated and confronting the enemy, although sustaining immense losses. This continued until about 10 o’clock p.m., when darkness put an end to the battle and the pursuit. This battle was most desperately contested by the opposing armies. There Sykes’s regulars, commanded by McDowell, defended successfully Henry House Hill from the Confederate assaults. This enabled the Federal army to converge on the Stone Bridge over Bull Run, and to retreat leisurely on Centreville. A large number of prisoners were captured on the field; while the retreating army took refuge behind the field works, where Sumner’s and Franklin’s corps were then stationed. This desperate battle of Groveton, or as more generally designated of Manassas, and lasting for two days, was fought chiefly on the old ground of Bull Run. In this engagement, the Federal loss has not been accurately returned, but it amounted to nearly 18,000, according to some estimates; while that of the Confederates has been set down at 8,400

The forces of General Pope had been harassed with continual fighting, from the 26th of August to the 1st of September. On the morning of this latter day, that general telegraphed his opinion to General Halleck, that the army should be withdrawn to those entrenchments in front of Washington, and there be reorganised and redistributed. He had likewise very great reason to complain, that his efforts had not been seconded in time; mainly through the disinclination of General McClellan to forward reinforcements, although he had opportunity and troops sufficient for the purpose. During the whole of the 31st of August, the defeated army lay unmolested at Centreville, where the soldiers found rest and food, of which they stood much in need. Still General Lee was not able to attack the Federal lines behind their field works. Meantime, Jackson was sent on the evening of that day, to make a detour on the left, and to find if he could possibly cut off their retreat.

On the morning of September 1st, General D. Hill was directed to move his corps on the right flank of the Federal army; thus threatening Fairfax Court-house and the direct road to Washington. The Confederates advanced to Chantilly, a small village on the flank, and almost on the rear of the Federal position at Centreville. However, Pope had foreseen this movement and had prepared for it, by ordering a retreat on Washington towards evening on the 1st of September. General D. Hill then advanced, and made a vigorous attack on the flank of his retreating troops. A very severe action took place at sunset, and it continued into night, in the midst of a furious thunderstorm. The right flank was covered by General Heintzelman’s corps. Here the Union army sustained a severe loss, in the death of Generals Philip Kearney and of Isaac J. Stevens who fell mortally wounded. Notwithstanding the neglect of McClellan to co-operate in time, that attack was effectually checked. After this desperate engagement, the Confederates were not in a condition to pursue the retreating army on the day succeeding. During those defensive movements, General Pope lost about 30,000 men, with a quantity of guns, munitions and stores.

On the morning of September 2nd, the combined troops of the Potomac and of Virginia re-entered the lines of fortification around the capital. Having retired to the defences at Washington, General Pope tendered his resignation to the President. There can be no doubt whatever, that the relations between this meritorious officer and McClellan were not of a cordial character; nor had the President good reasons other than as a matter of policy, for the selection of a successor he subsequently appointed. General Pope was relieved of his command over the army of the Potomac, and this was again transferred to General McClellan. The latter was most popular with the troops he commanded, notwithstanding his recent failure in the advance upon Richmond.

From the very commencement of this great Civil War, the parties and factions that had formerly contested their relative strength at the polls, were still arrayed in hostility towards each other; and although the great rent of open secession had detached the most influential Democrats from the side of the Southern Confederacy, yet still was the true issue obscured and misrepresented by their partisans and sympathisers in that body, throughout the Northern, Middle and North-Western States. Still the Democratic party remained powerful in its resistance to the Government and solid in its organisation. After those reverses experienced, especially after the failure of McClellan in the Peninsula, the Government lost prestige, and the Republicans began to lose popularity; while an unscrupulous press and violent demagogues were ready to criticise and censure their motives and policy in no measured terms. Accordingly in the Autumnal elections, the State of New York elected Horatio Seymour as Governor, and he was actively opposed to the Administration; the State of New Jersey was also carried by the Democrats; while there were heavy losses of Republican Congressmen in the great States of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. Even in the President’s own State of Illinois, nine of his opponents and only four of his friends were returned. A chorus of aristocratic hate and fear of the Republic’s success began to proclaim in the English press the certainty of its approaching downfall and disruption; while in the minds of the Southern Confederate leaders the Northern political campaign of this year was deemed scarcely less important than the military in the results of a probable Democratic victory at the polls. However, the real Union sentiment was sufficiently powerful enough to elect an easy working majority in the House of Representatives, while the Senate was strongly Republican; so that there was no danger of the Government wanting support and votes for their legislation. The Democratic leaders and party were divided into two chief and distinguishing sections. One of these was known as the “War Democrats,” who favoured the prosecution of hostilities, with a view of effectively preserving the Union; while the other section was called the “Peace Democrats,” anxious to procure a cessation of strife, by compromises with the South, and even to the extent of allowing a separation from the Northern States. Under the latter wing took refuge great numbers of those who desired most earnestly the success of the Confederates, and who were anxious to embarrass in every way the action of Government. Both in North and South, the desire for peace and for stopping the further effusion of blood was a universal sentiment, and its proclamation was popular; but how to effect such objects had altogether divided opinion, and had not been solved as a practical problem.

Late in August, holding a position on the Tennessee River and east of the Cumberland Mountains, the Confederate General Bragg commanding 50,000 men — chiefly raised throughconscription — moved rapidly from Chattanooga in the southern part of Tennessee. The corps of Generals Hardee and Polk were serving immediately under his direction. It was then resolved to invade the State of Kentucky, and an army of 12,000 men under General Kirby Smith had previously moved from Knoxville in East Tennessee, to co-operate by way of Cumberland Gap. On the 29th of August, Smith defeated General William Nelson, who had an inferior force, near Richmond Ky. Afterwards, he occupied Lexington and Frankford. He then directed a detachment of 6,000 troops under General Henry Heth, and these took position a few miles from Covington, thus approaching towards the Ohio River and threatening Cincinnati. He was met however by General Lewis Wallace, who forced him to fall back on Frankford. Bragg had thus turned the left flank of General Buell, then commanding on the Cumberland River. He then directed his forces against Louisville, while pretending to attack Buell’s army at Nashville. Meanwhile, General Morgan with 10,000 troops was obliged to evacuate Cumberland Gap. With 20 pieces of artillery and 400 wagons, he reached the Ohio River October 4th, having had several skirmishes during that retreat with advanced parties of the Confederates. However, from despatches he had intercepted, the Federal general detected the real object of his adversary.

The march of Bragg was slow, occupying six weeks; but by previous concert, having advanced to Frankfort he was joined by General Kirby Smith. Nevertheless, General Buell leaving Nashville followed in parallel lines the invading army on the 7th September, outmarched it, and reaching Louisville one day in advance, he compelled the Confederates to move eastwards from that city. Having obtained some reinforcements, on the 1st of October Buell and Thomas proceeded to force the enemy back. At Frankfort, the rebels had gone through the farce of setting up a Confederate State Government, but the inaugural ceremonies were rudely interrupted on the 4th of October, when it was known the Federal army was fast approaching Miat place. A slow retreat southward immediately commenced, as Bragg was desirous of gaining time for his long line of trains to escape, and as Buell was not closely pressing his rear. An immense amount of supplies had been collected by the Confederates in Kentucky, when the Federal General had drawn his forces well together for an attack on the retreating enemy. On the 8th of October, both armies came into collision, and a battle was fought in the vicinity of Perryville. It was brought prematurely on by the left wing of the Union army towards noon; but about four o’clock, detachments arrived from the centre and right, when General Bragg was defeated with great loss. Brigadier-General Philip H. Sheridan, who had judiciously selected a position in advance, bravely conducted a charge, and compelled him to retreat through Perryville at nightfall. Bragg next crossed the Cumberland mountains.

The slow movements of General Buell had been much criticised at Washington, and the President had repeatedly pressed on him the necessity for occupying East Tennessee, where the population generally favoured the Union. These recommendations nevertheless were disregarded by that general, even after the victory at Perryville. Marching westwards, he took up a position at Murfreesborough where he entrenched himself and proceeded to recruit his forces.

The Federal troops were then massed by General Grant in triangular fashion; from Memphis to Corinth was the southern base line, the northern apex being at Jackson, where the general’s head-quarters were. At Corinth, General Rosecrans was stationed with his troops. While these movements were proceeding, Price and Van Dorn with united forces having seized an advanced post at Juka threatened the Federal position there. However, after a desperate struggle on the 19th of September, General Rosecrans with inferior numbers defeated Price at Juka, a few miles from Corinth. The latter retreated and joined Van Dorn’s forces at Ripley. At Corinth, Rosecrans commanded about 23,000 men, and the Confederates had nearly an equal number. With these, they then resolved to sever Grant’s communication, and to assault his troops in detail.

On the 3rd of October, Price and Van Dorn attacked the outlying posts at Corinth, and the picket guards were driven into the town towards evening. There a very obstinate battle was fought next day. The Confederates succeeded in breaking into the town, but they were again driven out and forced to retreat. This battle ended in their repulse. They lost 1,423 killed, with many wounded and prisoners, amounting in all to 4,838. Greater results might have been expected from that engagement, had General E. O. C. Ord at Bolivar been able to co-operate in time. However, those attempts made on Western Tennessee were thus signally defeated by General Rosecrans, who pursued the enemy for about forty miles. Soon afterwards, he was appointed to supersede General Buell, as Commander-in Chief over the large army of the Cumberland.

Having announced his assumption of command at Louisville, on the 30th of October Rosecrans proceeded at once to Bowling Green. There, dividing his army into three wings, Thomas commanded the centre, McCook the right, and Crittenden the left. Then Rosecrans established his headquarters at Nashville, when he began to strengthen and complete his lines of communication, especially with Louisville. As Bragg had a great superiority in cavalry, and having two active and daring officers Morgan and Wheeler, who were constantly raiding the open country, Rosecrans was obliged to accumulate large supplies at Nashville, so that he should be independent of occasional interruptions.

In the month of September, Major-General Theophilus H. Holmes had been assigned to command the rebel force in the Trans-Mississippi department; while the Governors of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas had agreed to a plan for a combined invasion of Missouri. Much about the same time, an order came from the President in Washington, and it directed that Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and the bordering Indian Territory should be designated the Department of Missouri, and that it should be commanded by General Samuel Curtis. On the 6th May the latter penetrated into Arkansas, so far as Batesville on the White River. He had designed to take possession of Little Rock; but supplies not arriving by water, and ten regiments having been removed from him for service at Corinth, that purpose failed.

Meanwhile, about the end of May, General Hindman had arrived in Arkansas to command there, and he ruled as a military dictator. His chief object was to create a new disturbance among the western backwoodsmen, and in the more northern districts of Missouri. In view of preparing for another invasion of that State, the Confederates had sent their officers and soldiers in civilian dress through various parts of the interior. Then bands were organised to take up arms and co-operate, so soon as a supporting force marched thither from the south. Accordingly, in the month of July, about 3,000 partisans under the leadership of Porter, Poindexter and Cobb ravaged that part of the State north of the Missouri River. However, General Schofield had despatched a cavalry force under Colonels Lewis Mervill and John McNeill to engage them. At Kirksville in Adair County, August 6th, the latter entirely dispersed that band commanded by Porter. Meantime, under the leadership of one Hughes, the Southern Missouri rebels took possession of Independence on the 11th August. Soon afterwards, he was joined by the Confederate Colonel Coffey, who arrived from Arkansas with 1,500 cavalry From the State of Kansas, Major General James G. Blunt of the United States Volunteers had been called across the border. As the Federal forces were now advancing against them on all sides, the rebels sought safety in flight; and for a time, something like quiet seemed to prevail in the interior of Missouri.

On the 26th of June, General Curtis had started from Batesville, and marched down between the White and Cache Rivers. On the 7th of July, his advance had been attacked by some Texan cavalry; these were repulsed with heavy loss. On the 9th he reached Clarendon. There he found neither gunboats nor transports as expected. He was then compelled to cross over to Helena, on the Mississippi, and to give up the idea of marching on Little Rock. Afterwards General Curtis came to St. Louis, September 24th, there to take up his headquarters.

Towards the middle of that month it was rumoured, how another invasion from Arkansas might be apprehended, and that it was to be directed by a new commander, Major-General T. H. Holmes. To Hindman was assigned the task of leading a large army he had mobilised to take possession of the Ozark Mountains in south-western Missouri, and then to advance upon Springfield, an important post held by the Federals. Gathering what troops he could, Schofield marched in that direction to meet the expected invasion from Arkansas. He had a force of 15,000 men, one-half being cavalry. However, having long lines of communication to guard, even when joined by Blunt he had hardly 10,000 troops for the purpose, while the enemy’s forces were much more considerable. He resolved on taking the offensive notwithstanding, and on the 1st of October, the Confederates not expecting such a move fell back towards Bentonville Ark. When at Pea Ridge, they separated into two divisions, that of Rains with his infantry and artillery retiring to Huntsville, while the cavalry with Cooper turned westwards towards Maysville. Immediately Schofield started in pursuit of Rains, with the divisions of Herron and Totten; but finding Huntsville abandoned, he returned to take a position near Pea Ridge.