TV/R. Ho-H- ^f&tMl^o I Huu /t(>l 'KLASUre ROOtA COL. GEORGE WASHINGTON FLOWERS MEMORIAL COLLECTION DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DURHAM. N. C. PRESENTED BY W. W. FLOWERS SKETCHES OF THE GllEAT BATTLES IN 1861, IN THE Cmrftkrafc States of J^mcria. SUMTER, BETHEL, MANASSAS, SPRINGFIELD, HATTERAS, LEXING- TON, LEESBURG, PORT ROYAL, COLUMBUS OR BELMONT. ALSO, SKETCHES OF JEFFERSON" DAVIS AND A. H. STEPHENS. BY T. N. RAMSAY, NORTH CAROLINA. SALISBURY, N. C. J. J. BRUNER, PRINTER. 1801. TO THE PUBLIC. I hate prepared the following Sketches of the great Battles in 18G1, from the most authentic sources, but I am aware they contain many errors. Tiny were collected at a time when our country was in a state of great excitement, lingg htm bw mirep rc ee Pt ed no doubt It will take many years to it ■v.'nl all the facts connected with the battles, and correct the errors. 1 hope whatever is correct will he accepted, and whatever is wrong, will be correct- ome future historian. I submit these Sketches to a generous public. hoping they will look over my errors, as it is my first attempt as a historian. abet whatever is human is imperfect. T. N. RAMSAY. -t Montirc, N. C, Jan. 1, 1861. . 7' I ? ! SKETCHES OF THE GREAT BATTLES IN 1861. CAUSES OF THE KE VOLUTION. TnE TEAR 1861, will be memorable in all time to come, in the history of our country. The great Union of the United States, which was formed by our forefathers, and cemented by their best blood, was dissolved. hk! Confederation was established in the South, composed of the slave- holding States, and they, thus separated from the Northern States, formed a Republic of their own, under the name of the " Confederate States of America." The Union of these States then composed one of the greatest nations of the earth. The United States was known wherever civilization had found its way, as the glorious land of liberty — the asylum for the oppress- ed, and the home for the stranger. But this happy state of peace and pros- perity was brought suddenly to an end. by a sectional spirit which arose in the North in regard to slaver}', an institution peculiar only to the Southern In 1 856, a party was formed in the North, known as the Black Re- publicans. The principles of this party was an entire abolition of slavery in the United States. John C. Fremont was nominated on their sectional ticket for President, and received a considerable vote, but was defeated. In i860, their number had increased to an alarming rate. Three Presiden- tial candidates being in the field opposed to their principles, Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, was elected President of the United States by this party. The principles of the Black Republican party were known to be hostile to slavery, as the leaders of this party had over and over again avowed it to be their intention to abolish it in the United States so soon as they had the power. This alarming stale of affairs caused the South to look to their rights in this matter, and prepare for defence No other alternative was left for the South- ern States but to secede peaceably from the Union and protect their rights and property as freemen. The State of South Carolina taking the lead, passed an ordinanoe of secession, and declared herself forever separated from the Union of the States. She was soon followed by Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, P429 HI-I.'UY OF THE REVOLT and Tana These States uniting, sional anient under the nam* in thus og from the old g o vernment, they claimed nothing more than the pob- within their bounds, and simply to be let alone. These States, . appointed Jefferson Davis, of lent, and Alexander BL Stepih with ;i full Cabine I I Montgomery, Alabama, was selected as the - rernment The taking of Fori Sumter, by the anthori South Carolina, oansed Abraham Lincoln, soon after be took bis seat, to his proclamation calling for 75,000 troops Co quell tin' rebellion in the South, and protect the public property. Tin- Southern 11 in the Union. promptly refused to furnish their qnoia of troops. North Can ' oa. v an ordinani adjoined the Confede- of government was thru removed from Montgomery to Ricbm a. and vigorous preparations were immediately made for nf cur young Republic. The mighty events ibat have since ta- ken place, will form an immortal page in our country's history. Sine- ■ tits, the States ol Missouri, Tennessee and Kentucky, have also joined the Confederacy, making in all thirteen Slates in our Republic. li()Mi:\i;i)Mi;XT()F K< >UT SIMTKU, S. C. The Battle of Fort Sumter, where the firsl gun was tired in defj our rights, our homes and our firesides, commenced on the morning of the li'th ol Apt at Charleston, in the State ol South Carolina, and was claimed by the United States as their property, after the on tbe old Federal Union. The capture of tfa hern Troops, without the I ogle man, was tl andaot in thegloriot ; our Independence, and will be handed down to future ages as the beginning ol the great Revolution of L861 in the Southern States ol North .'> ■■. only the heginniog ol victory that I since crowned with ; ucee.-s our troops in lighting for our rights OU our own soiL i orl were commanded by Major Robert Aot who held the plat and by the authority of tbe Doited government. Tb I ate troops were commanded by Gen. G-.T. Beap- ■ and Col. RiTLEY. Tlie bombaidmenc of Fc t Sumter was considered by many at tbe nine as a sham B^ut, but all are now convinced I bat Buch was not tli' o long reigned over our happy couni y, ihi ed to realize tbe awful calamity impending over our once HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTION. But we dou'ot whether history has ever recorded such a battle where skil- ful o •■■lilleiistson boih sides wc>'e engaged firing at ouch other ior Ihirty-threo boms without lulling or seriously wounding a single man. Maj. Anderson's men wcie so lew in number, that notwithstanding the fort was a scene of desolation inside, (hey could all be safely stowed away in the casemates, and (bus escape the iron hail. Yir sand batteries and ion batteries protected the Confederate troops en- tirely. The only loss of life that ocem cod during this long engagement hap- pened when Maj. Andersons men were saluting their flag, previous to leav- ing i 1h" foi t. In tiling one of their guns, some shell or loose ammunition ly- ing on the parapets caught lire and exploded, killing one man instantly, and mortally wounding three or four others. Two of the wounded men died soon afterwards. The man who was killed frsi. was buried with militaiy honors by Older of Gen. Beauregard. On the 13th, atone o'clock, Fort Sumter, with all the public property in ii, was delivered up to Capt. Forouson, one of Gen. Beauregard's aids dispatched to receive it, and raise upon its walls the Con- federate Flag and ensign of South Carolina. The two flags were raised si- multaneously on (tie ramparts, looking towards Charleston. The surrender of the Port was claimed by the commander, Gen. Beauregard, in the name of (be Conlederaie States of America. Major ANDERSON demanded on what tc ins be must surrender. The reply was that Gen. Beauregard was a sol- dier and a gentleman, and knew bow to treat a gallant enemy. He then agreed to surrender the Foit in the name of the Coniederate States, and haul down the s.arsand stripes. The batteries then ceased firing, and the fort was surrendered. Maj. Anderson and his men were allowed to take with them their private property when they left the fort They all wentonboaida ent from New Yoik to convey them there. Thus ended this grand achievement, which is yet to ado- n die pages of future history as the first stroke for our glorious independence. The hand of Providence was wonder- fully displayed in the preservation of human life in this engagement. BATTLE OF BIG BETHEL, VIRGINIA. The Battle op Bethel Cm-ecu, near Yorktown, in Virginia, was fought on the 10th of June, 1861. This was the Grsl signal victory achieved by Southern arms on the battle field, in the second war of independence. The Confederate forces in the battle were commanded by Col. Maoeddee, of Virginia, and CoL I». II. Hill, of Noith Carolina T forces were apart of the famous Gen. Picayune Buti br's brigade, i • 1 by hi-- aid- ips, and several Colonels Ol different regiments under his command. — Tin- Confederate forces were aroused at three o'clock on the morning of the 2940 HIBTOBY OF THB REVOLUTION. 10th for a general advance upou the euemy'a fines, ami unrobed three and a }ialf{Tuiles, when they learned that tin- foe, in la . .'km a few bandred yards of them. Our forces then fell hack hastily and in good order npon their entrenchments, end awaited the arrival of the invaders. Lieut. Col. Btswast, of the third Virginia regiment, having under his command about 180 men, waa stationed on a hill on the extreme right beyond the ind company <; >>! ti rtb Oaroiioa ragimenl over the stream to protect the bowitaer under Capt Browk. Capt Bmno- krs of company A. abo of first regimeni from North Carolina, took beyond, and to thelefl of New M tfajorMoii- T.\i;n;. with three oompaniea of his battalion, waa ordered up from ti the right, beginning at the church, and extending along the entire front on thai aida This line body of men, and the gallant command of Col. Stewart, worked with great rapidity, and in an hour had construct- ed temporary shelters from the enemy's Bra At nine o'clock in the morning, avy columns ol the enemy were sen approaching very rapidly, and in good order. But when Major RANDOLPH, from D at a quarter past nine, their organization was completely broke up. — They promptly replied though with their artillery for Bring brisk- ly and wildly, and made an attempt to deploy on out right, under cover of BOme houses and paling. They were promptly driven hack by our Artillery. of Virginia, and companies B, C and G, ol the first North Carolina ragimenl All the attempts that the cowardly Yankees made with- in musket range, during the engagement, was under oevi ■ n'matedal 1500 men made an attempt to outflank us and get in the reai ol Ool. Stewart's small command He was acoordinglj .ill hack, and BOOD alter the whole of our advanced tTOOpfl were with- drawn. At this critical moment* Col Hill directed Col. Lbs to older Capt Bbioobrs out of the swamp and take his stand on the nearest advanoed work i,, the , Demy. Capt Boas, company C, of the first North Carolina regiment, ipportCoL Stewart. These two compani over to Baitoolph's battery under a most galling fire, in a gall int manner. As Col. Stkwabt bad now withdrawn, ('apt. Boss waa detained at the church near Kaniioi.hi'- battery. Capt. BridOKBS crossed over and drove the Zouaves the advanced bowitaer battery, and re-occupied it. It ie impossible to cploit of this gallant oflicer and brave men. It de- cided the action in our favor that memorable day. Tn obedience to the order of Col. Maobudbb, Col. Btbwabt rushed hack, and in spite of the presenoeof a foe ten times his superior in numbers, resumed in a most heroic manner iion ol the first entrenchments. A fresh howitzer was carried across and planed in the battery. Capt A.VERY, company G, first North Carolina, was directed to defend it at all hazards. Our men were now as secure as at the beginning of the fight, and as yet we had not had a single man killed. — HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTION. The enemy, finding they were foiled in attempting to turn our right flank, made a final demonstration on our left. A strong column, supposed to consist of detachments from different regiments under the command of Col. Win- throp, aid to Gen. Butler, crossed over the creek and appeared in formidable force on our left. Those iu advance had put on our distinctive badge, " a white band around their caps," and cried out repeatedly " don't fire." This ruse was practiced to enable the whole column to get over the creek and form in good order. The enemy now began to cheer most lustily, thinking that our works were open at the gorge, and they could get in by a sudden rush. But companies B and C, of the North Carolina regiment, soon dispelled their illusion by a cool and deliberate, and well directed fire. Col. Magruder now sent portions of companies G-, C and H of the first North Carolina regiment to the support of the left, and now began as cool firing on our side as was ever witnessed. The three field officers were pres- ent, and few shots were fired without their permission. Our boys were in high glee, and seemed to enjoy the fight as much as rabbit shooting on the Christmas holydays. But on the other side, Col. Winthrop, while gallantly urging on his men, was shot through the heart and fell dead on the spot. His men then rushed back with the utmost precipitation. So far as the observa- tion of our men extended, Col. Wintrrop was the only man on the side of the enemy that exhibited any courage during the whole engagement. But the hero was destined to fall there, and with him (ell the hopes of his com- mand. The fight at the angle on our left lasted about twenty minutes longer, and the enemy made no further attempt at assault. The house in front, which had served them as a hiding place, was now fired by a shell from a howitzer, and the out-honses and palings were all soon in a blaze. As all shelter was now taken from them, they called in their troops and Started back for Hampton. It was thought they had left sharp shooters in the woods on our left : the dragoons could not advance until the Southern Stars, Capt. Hoke's company from North Carolina, had fully explored them, then Captain Douthitt with about one hundred dragoons pursued them. The enemy in their haste, threw away canteens, haversacks, overcoats, &c, and even the dead bodies were thrown out of the wagons in their rapid retreat • and for the third time the Yaukees won the race over New .Market Bridge, as they had twice before retreated over the bridge on previous day* The bridge was torn up behind them, and our dragoons returned to camp. A de- tachment of fifteen Cadets from the North Carolina Military Institute, at Charlotte, defended the bowitser under the command of Lieut. Hudnal and acted with peat bravery and coolness. The Confederate force only amount- ed to about 1200 men, and not more than three hundred were actively en- gaged at any one time. The enemy could not have had less than about 6000 men engaged : Col. HISTORY OF IIIK KKVoLl of Colonel I ' ■ ■• I ' hick, and Col WaBDBDP, horn aCasaschoSStl :',u.i.rs' U W V"ik. uaded, only one mortally. Tiie enemy imi-i : three hundred in killed and wounded, besides a large imoual thrown away in 1 Id of battle and took care «'i the Thus ended the first great fighl lution of LSI our arms since, on the same soil in a good • e enemy, in thia battle, had largely the :. * - n t sustained a gloriously from the Geld. Whet the Confederates lacked in numbers they made up in bravery, and under the guidai. port oi an overruling Providence, they were ena- bled to gain a glorioi. theii enemies. The name of Bethel Church, and the heroic achievements ol the Bona ol the South, on that memo- rable day, will be handed down to future i e first great victory for the cause i I and humanity. ' The name- i,I M.w;i:r,>i:i;. lln.i.. Stkwaiit and Ll r. with all i heir brave lol- will emblazon | ■: future history as heroes; not for conquest, but only fighting lor their lights and their homes The names of the brave heroes who fell in this battle, will be furnished, it is hoped, for publication in some future history of these dark days of revo- lution and bloodshed in the Confederate Stan-. The two heroes in this bat- tle, M.\<;kvih i: and II ni . have both been promoted to Brigadier Generals since the r* thel ,1 is noted in the Holy Scriptures as the place where Jacob saw his del in Virginia, is destined to become a household word in the future J our country. This place will now be pointed out on the maps of our country as a battle ground for all time to come. THE BATTLE OF BULL'S RUN AND MAX A ss as PLAIN'S. Tut out u BATTU OF Bl MB M w IBS \s . I r.wriox, Virgin'. place on the 18th of July, 1881, and the greal Waterloo of America, was fought on Sunday after, the 'Jlst of .Inly, called li The Battle of ManasSSfl Plain?." near the same place. The seal of Government for the Confederate had been removed a short time previous from M y. Alabama, to Richmond, Virginia; and President Davis with bis Cabinet bad established bis head quarter! there bO be near the seat of war. A strong force of troops HISTORY OF T1IK REVOLUTION. 9 fcom Virginia, and most of the Southern Slates, wore now posted on fee Yii- ginia side of the Potomac, for the defence of that State, and to protect their capital. The invat ohj.vt in view, by the authorities at Washington, waste MOSS over the Potomac, and make a grand attack her. — disperse the lehels— marsh through to Richmond— take President Davis and his Cabinet prison- ers; and thus make short work of this rebel insurrection in the Southern States. The Yankees were so certain of accomplishing this grand feat, thai bhsy had .-ill their wagons labeled >' Qnito Richmond," and their appetites ■barpened up for a big supper there on the night after the battle. Bur, before the sun had set on the mcmorab le 21st of July, they found that "on to Rich mond" was a hard road to travel lor them. They met the most signal de- feat, of modem times, at least. The less of the enemy in the skirmish at Bull's Pom creek, on the 18th, is estimated to have been not less than One thousand men, while the Confederate loss was small. The full particulars of this fighl cannot lie accurately delineated, as the enemy fled in every direc- tion, and the Confederates held the held. The reports of this battle aie BO nearly connected with that of Manassas Plains, that I have no particular re- liable aecouiit. It was only a skirmish, which brought on the great fight of the 21st. though the enemy's loss was heavy. The Battle of Manassas Plains, or American Waterloo, was fought on the 21st of July. 1SG1. as before stated. The first gun tired thai morning by the enemy was about six o'clock, their batteries opening against our centre as a lOaal their movements against our left. This was the commence- ment ol the great battle thai ended so disastrously to the boasted hirelings of a corrupt despotism, headed by Abraham Lincoln and hisBlackRepu advisers. His grand army that made the a. tack here, was commanded by als A'iNi'iKi.n Scott, Pattessov and McDowku.; the Confederate forces by Generals Joseph E. iqnsaqx and G. T. Bkaubsgard. A >hort time aftct the first gun was iked, the' two Generals with their staff officers to the Dearest poim of elevation convenient to the centre, and there awaited forth pementa, whilst the iron hail whirled over their heads like a tempest iue to General Joiins-i on to say that he phoned the battle, at Bbavotoaso, both as brave and accomplished Generals as il„. world ever produced. To understand the battle, von must know that our ! ;. and iim haielv back ol it. defend- Ingtbe ds. The hm of battle was changed to a direction per;. lll: ' r '" 'he .^e we |i,-. Our hue eXtem distance O; . On Satuiday tight ;■ ItMOd, and nearly the entire night was consumed by both Generals in writing e to the different Brigades to | meal in the morning. Our troops intended to move by sight o'clock in the morning, but the i commenced the attack at six o'clock, below the movetMttt could be made. 1«' BOnOBT "K Tin: UTOKJOtlOH. The two GK ting patiently on the knoll we have men- watching the in ny, whin the rattle of musketry I to them toe fact the i battle had ooeomenced. The G» . -tail' went flying on tin- wings of the wind to of no- t about three miles. The country hen [ling one, thickly . . •. . open valley with a hill mi ■ ■ irt . ■ menl commenced, was an alternate movement of When Gen. lfoDowxu.'a oohnaaa reached Sudley'a spring, a ford much bigher op the Bull Bun than it was an- ticipated thej would oroas, as the stone bridge was the p l the extreme left But 1. along, quietly getting in behind us until v.ivd by Cm. Kvans' brigade, who • fire upon (iiem. In quick Buoaeeaion their tegimenta deployed into line to their right, whil.-t ours came up upon our left The engagement now grew hot and nv columns of the enemy numbered at least 25.000 Of 30,000 men, while we could only oppose them with about sunt). Slowly, but steadily, the heavy columns marched on, pn fnum- ir gallant little band of heroes, for the purpose of taming our Hank and long us in ■ Gallantly, however, did our army Btruggiefor therighl in thai mighty coa- id ii: despite of odd--, regimenl after regiment threw itself in the way. disputing the ground inch by inch, regardless of me Gust that its pred lispersed. A battery of the enemy harrassing our columns severely, the eighth Georgia regiment was ordered to take it, and '.■.-ell did they do so; but a myriad of Yankee- asemed bo rise op who ncealed from us,- and pouring a heavy fire upon our bravo column-;, they seemed to mell away lik< .-now beneath a summer sun. iot down and taken prisoner, but he was after- wards retaken again by our men later in the day. The eighth Georgia regi- ment a 'lit from their advanced position with half their number killed or wounded. ■; of the enemy was then met by the brigade of Gen. Bee, composed, ol Mississippi and I reorgia regiments, and one regimenl bom T< 1 1 ral Baa's oould n01 withstand the tornado of shell and ahi rough their ranks, and .-lowly retreated, fighting bravely all the time. Later in the day, the brave Colonel Bartow fell near this spot, whilst leading on the seventh GK imeat, oommani Col. Cakti'.ku.. But m the retreat of General Ban's forces, the fourth Ala- bama regimenl suffered severely, all of its Beld officers were shot down. Col. ] - and Major Scott were left on the Held. Col. Joan was afterwards re- taken by our men daring the rout. Our forces now fell back upon the posi- tion taken by Hampton's Legion, whose work on that day was clearly shown by the heaps of dead Yankees in front of their line. A momentary check was HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTION. 11 now given to the approach of the enemy. They had now retreated to the brow of the hill where the brigade of Gen. Jackson was lying, and this was the most critical point of the day. Our troops had been fighting for several hours under a scorching sun, without a drop of water, and their heroic con- duct could not be excelled; but human endurance has its bounds, and all seemed about to be lost. Our reserves were miles distant yet from Hie scene of action, whilst the enemy's reserve kept pressing on. The two Generals had remained anxious spectators on the knoll of a hill near the Lewis house. But the time had now come for action, and plunging their spurs into their Steeds, pitched into the thickest of the fight, cheering on the brave boys in the mighty conflict. Coming first to the Alabamians who were without a field officer, Qen. Johnston placed the color bearer by his side, and gave them words of encouragement, which had a good effect in urging them on. This was a well-timed movement. Already our line on the hill was giving way, but incited to fresh deeds of heroism, by the appearance of the Generals, ap- parently bringiag reinforcements, they pitched in again with redoubled ardor, and from that time our troops never yielded one inch of ground to the foe. Gen. Beauregard, riding over to the left, took charge of operations there, displaying reckless bravery m the face of the enemy's fire, Ins horse was shot under him at this time and killed, but he escaped uninjured himself. The tide of battle thus checked, Gen. Johnston sent his staff' to hurry Up reserves, and as- sign them proper positions. The reserves were met two miles back, covered with dust, coming at double quick. On they came, and pkraged into the fray with a courage that defied danger. At this important juncture of affairs, Gen. KlRBT Smith, with a portion of his division, arrived on the ground, and the bright sunshine of victory soon began to appear from behind the murky clouds of gloom before us. Gen. Smith coming from Winchester, and hear- ing the roar of battle, did not wait for orders, but disembarked his men, and marched to our assistance. Col. Kershaw's and Col. Cash's n-iuients arriv- ed upon the ground at the same moment. With these 4000 men General Smith presently took the extreme left, and turned the tide of battle. The enemy had so far turned our flank as to get entirely behind us, and about 4000 were marching to attack us in the rear. Seeing this. (Jen. Smith determined to cut them off', and would have done SO, but fur his misfortune in being shot through the neck with a grape shot just as Col Ki.kshaw was within twenty yards of him for the purpose of receiving ordeoB. 1 1 i* plan was not carried out, and they wen; thus enable to join the main body, hotly ed by our men. brigade had been for hours sustaining with unflinching courage a most terrific lire. The General had hi ; under him, and a finger off his left hand, but cool as a cucumber, he still urged his boys to be and steady they were, when they ohatged the Zouaves and otlv ments. mfrably in this bloody et- billed and wounded will testify; hut nil ■ B that net by <>t liH'ii- •-. that in all ill- the enemy at m> tin d they thundered away all the time doing and Bending death ami dismay into the ranks of I ' carnage 'was beyond description. Here a pile of dead and dy- i. orippled ami dead horses :ill in one heap; and over the surface of the hitherto peaceful fields, die awful • and destruction was adding • .-till tn the long list already slain. Th ire was a constant Btraggle dar- ing the day over the enemy's batteries. Time and again, wi pruned by onr men. and retaken by the enemy. The most excited man. perhaps, on the battle 6eld, was. tl B R PKna^'oftl who claimed the honor ot t k i 1 1 lt Sherman's battery. Ofhis" b'-ave company, nearly one hundred Btrong, he bad only eighteen uninjured. Col from Lexington, Virginia, was very busy during the day. and did much to check the advancing enemy. He js also a minister, and the inquiry among : the battle was, "'who the devil commanded the battery on that killed so many of our men." The reply was, "it wasawxtni, name. I k our anxious minds were relieved by jation oi cannonading from the enemy's side, whilst our guus stir thundered longand loud. Tlun we knew we had gained the day. A long-line of dust towards OentreviHe proclaimed that the stripes had been plenieously administered to the Lincoln vandals, and the afar* and bdrt waive. 1 triumphant* ly over tin* hlouily lelds oi Man;:--.-.-. A long line of fugitives' Wen flying across the Gelds, and our cavalry in hot pursuit. Tin- history of this pursuit might well be written in words ol Mood, for more men were killed then ami there than had fallen in all the battle before. Our infantry hurried on as rapidly as possible, while our batteries gave a part- ing iin- in the rear. The amount of plunder thrown away in the flight, is almost incredible. Every thin"- that would incoinmbde speedy travelling was thrown aw.. knapsacksj overcoats and canteens lay thick on their It is Impossible to give a correal account of the full amount captured from the enemy in dheir hasty retreat, It is estimated that at least 12,006 stand of small arm- were taken j sixty-three | ulli-ry. some of the very cannon; with powder enough to supply our whole army for another hi? battle, with an immense amount of army sion-s, wagons, horses, Sec. Many hundred brave Southern hoys now -port splendid blue overcoats which the Yankees threw away, and had not time to call and get tin'' on the evening of the 21st of .Inly. About the beginning of the retreat, < ten. Johnston gathered several hundred men from different regiments and r< quest* Thomas to take a certain' position he pointed out. White nobly per- forming this service, this gallant officer fell pierced through the heart HISTORY OK THE REVOLUTION. 13 The gallant and brave Col. C. P. Fisher, of the sixth North Carolina regi- ment, also fell shot through the head by a ramie ball while bravely leading on his regiment into the hottest of'the fight, Mis death is believed to have- best) instantaneous. No one noticed his fall at the time, his brave boys fought 00 to the last without. missing' his pre® he had taken his place EH a. pri- vate, gun in hand, in the beginning of the light. His presence was missed from his regiment after the bat t '", and search was made for him, when Ins lifeless body was found as above stated. This brave man was out off in the beginning of his career of usefulness as a soldier, with a spirit as indomital le iJ i the lot of mortal man to po But Col. Fisher is no more: his cold remains sleep silently in the grave yard at Salisbury, in his native State. North Carolina will be ever proud of such a son, and the friends of the South will honor the memory of the hero who sacrificed his life in his country's cause. We hope an appropriate monument will soon mark the last resting place of this intrepid patriot, of the Revolution of 1SH1. The sixth North Carolina regiment of Col. Fisher, also considerably; sixty-nine were killed and wounded. Lieut. Col. Lightfoot wa,- slightly wounded. The Cglethorp Light Infantry, belonging to the eighth Georgia regiment. Were severely cut up. They were composed of the fiist youug men of Sa- vannah, and were under the command of General Bartow. The brave Bar- tow, while gallantly leading on his favorite regiment, and cheering his brave boys into the hotiesc of the fight, was shot through the heart, and fell dead from his ho'se. Thus perished a h?* • > and heoic man, possessing as noble a soul as ever beached, lie was a pure patriot, an able staiesman, a heroic soldier, and his name and his memory will fill an immortal page in his coun- try's history. But it is not my purpose to pay a tribute to the memory of all those brave who fell on the battle r ;e'ds of their country, but merely to give a ass on. I leave it to abler pens than mine to do them justice. li many of our bravest men fell in this battle, yet the glorious victory gained over the enemies of our rights, and our firesides, will serve, to some lit, to mitigate their loss. The laurels won by Southern boys or. the plains of Manassas, on the 21st of July, wi|l fill a bright page in the futu/e history of our young Republic, a is no earthly doubt that our 9 overcome several the us of ] 2 and 3 o'clock .hey held on.. day in With all theii lion, ibegrand army of the enemy met certain destruction, when victory seemed to be perched upon their standard The whole plan of attack hod been accurately mapped out from W« to M i doubt by Gen. Scott '..'t.iself. Our success can only be attrP the hand of Providence, and the y of our men. One of tin officers who was taki 14 HIST'-KY OFTHK UI-.Vnl.nin.N. remarked, •' we broke your regiments all lo pieces yet we couldn't whip you." Our men went on fighting 00 tlicir own hook, when thus broken np. The mortality on both Miles wa; immense, twit ours was small compared with thai of thfl enemy. The returns on our side will show about 800 killed, and 2500 wounded. 0a the side of the enemy. L600 were killed and left 00 the field, ami 4500 wounded. It is supposed that a large number of killed and wounded were conveyed from the field in the beginning of the fight by the Vankr. b. The artillery eaptured on the held, had splendid horses attached to them, caparisoned in the best style. Sixty-two of them were brought in together ue.\t morning. In the rout, however. BOSM of the artillerists cut loose their horses, and left their cannon by the way. Such a rout as was given to the hirelings of Abe Lincoln and Granny Scott on this glorious Sabbath day by Southern boys, is without a parallel in modern times. The whole road (or miles was literally covered with blankets, [una and knapsacks, dead men and horses. Several wagons were load- ed with limber for the purpose of making bridges across Bull Run creek — all Few men in the grand army will ever again tread the soil of Manassas . without a trepidation of heart as they reflect on the hasty retreat they made on that day from Southern boys. I may here mention one little inci- . Inch will go far to illustrate the spirit and coolness of the Southern boys on this trying oocasion. A young man from one of the Southern States dur- ing the battle, found a dead rabbit: he secured his pri/.e, and baving B lor Bomethin uxied his rabbit with him through the entire chase, lay- ing it down while loading and firing, but still taking care to pick it up again. This, and many other incidents, will hercal'ler be recorded in I tiou with the battle of Manassas 1'lains. This battle ground is near what is now palled Manassas Junction, where the two Rail Roads connect, about thirty or forty miles from Washington City. The Junction was formerly called Tudor Hall, a small country Peel Office, but lately a considerable village has grown up there, and since the great battle, it bat been iantotlng very rapidly. Gen. Johnston, the hero of the battle of Manat as, now resides in this place. He has built a splendid ad family, and done nmeh to improve the place. To look around and see (he improvements going on, one would think that reigned in this country) but the beavj boar of cannon in the distauee, and implements of destruction that are placed near, soon warn you that a mighty strife is still going on. The Plains of Manassas have become classic in the history of our country; here a mighty battle was fought, and a glorious victory gained by Southern arms. Many strangers have visited this field of strife since the 21st of July, 1861. The awful destruction is plainly to be seen yet — heaps of dead horses HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTION. 15 are still lying there with the flesh on their bones, as no buzzard, or any car- rion birds have ever been seen on this battle ground since the battle. This is certified to be a fact by all who have visited the place since the battle. I have never heard of any bird being seen there since except one blue bird. — Various reasons have been assigned for the absence of these birds, but per- haps the smell of power was so strong, for some time after the battle, as to frighten them entirely away. This portion of Virginia had been settled many years previous, and was in a high state of cultivation in many places, but it presents nothing now but desolation and ruin. The fertile farms are now a barren waste — the happy homes deserted — the fences all broken down, and in many places, the rails burned up. The scenes around Manassas present to us the awful calamity of war. Many of our brave friends now sleep on those plains — that sleep which knows no waking in time. I stop here and wait for some one better prepared to give a more full account of this great battle. It will be known in future as the second Waterloo, fought, not for conquest, but only in defence of our rights on our own soil. Manassas Plains is destined, in all time to come, to be as famous in history as Bunker's Hill, Yorktown, or New Orleans. Some of the heroic patriots, who fought so bravely in those great battles, had sons and grand- sons at Manassas on the 21st of July, 18G1. The whole particulars of this battle will form a large book of history, when all shall have been known; and should we ever be so fortunate as to get a correct account on the part of the enemy, it will show, no doubt, some amusing incidents of Yankee traveling, from a scene of danger to the city of refuge. BATTLE OF OAK HILL OK SPRINGFIELD, MO. This hard fought battle took place near Springfield, in the Southern portion of Missouri, in Greene county. The Confederate forces were commanded by Gen. Ben. McCulloh and Gen. Price. The Federal troops by General Lyons and Gen. Siegle. Gen. Lyons attacked our encampment on the morning of the 19th of August, at break of day, with 14000 men and 18 pieces of heavy artillery, having received large reinforcements within a few days previous. The attack was made simulta- neously at bar different points, Gen. Lyon on the West, Gen. Siegle on the South, and Gen. Sturgis on the North, and another column on the East, com- manded by Gen. Sweeney. Our troops were taken somewhat by surprise, but in hot baste formed for battle. The forces engaged were about equal on both sides, but the enemy had largely the advantage in position aud artillery. The awful tun death now commenced. The cannonading was most terrible and the daugh- ter on both sides immense. In quick succession our host marshalled for the 1 ,; EEHtOKl <>K THH KY \ •<].{ I MS. .1 conflict, and bared their hreav • .1 battle. The Louis- Arkansiana an-1 Miwanrians toh other <»n th;- nn«l bloody ■ six bog hours the palm >-t victory remained undi y tbe M and Ark-am. :i had a strong force oi regal . The M Louisiana troopi at the Boutfa, aoi Weightmah'e brie ling his fine battery of artillery, having been vfctorioU at each ]>oint. rallied to the heigh ta 00 the b bad borne the brunt of the up to this time for live or buc hoi rted. Qgaged in gallantly urging forward the COlun ly wounded and taken from the lie! ghtly wounded, but not disabled. He con- tinued to lead bis wing on Weigntman now filed his column in on the right ofCoL Eughes' State regiment, which lost a great ma- ny men m i ment Gen. Weightman 1 11 here mortally wounded i all over with wound-. Meanwhile, and Confederal' routed reetion, except od the heights West, where Gen. Lyon com- manded in person, and made his last most desperate struggle. Gen. 1'. vaiiecd with bifl battery of four pier ; terrific lire into the enemy's right, while Woodruff's Arkansas battery moved down to At this important point ol time, Gen, MeCullochcameupand direct- m to charge Totten'a battery in front, and the Arkansas on the right flank. This was, perhaps, the and lin. ir poured out upon the ranks of an American army. On both Bid re mowed the ripe harvest before a devour- ing lire. The regiment of Col. Hughes' State troops,- and Col. Mdbftosh's A: - tent, suffered severely. Sere Ge& Lyon was killed. Totten'a mtheherigl altered m flight This ended the bl of this memorable day. The South tons here gained a d victory. They held the field of battli — captu ■ n ol'theene- amnumition, and several stand of colors, and a lantity of good Gen, Lyon's dead body was given np to his chief a. The command oi the en my 1 ! forces now devolved on Gen. Siegel. an Sound, and is thirty miles distant by water from Wa N I . and about to . from Newborn. At the time the Federal Beet arrived in Hatteras, Col Martin bad just taken Ehe command, Major Andrews, ofG mmanding the Batteries. The Forts had only twelve Ghms badly mounted, I ! Hatteras and four at Foil Clark. Thj . • :y badly mounted and incapable of being managed tO any advantage. At the time ol lh< oly a few men were stationed there. Col. Martin :. Island lor four other companies of hi man'], which arrived on Wednesday evening. The Washington Graj I apt Johnston; and the Hertford Light Infan- pt Sharp. With thi • i the commanders determined I the enemy battle, though Iheir works were known to be in a poor a for defence, but they were determined to defend it tO the last extremity. The attack OOmmeno 1 aboirl 9 O'clock, nnd continued until sun down, with most terrific fury, our little Batteries gallantly replying to their fire all day. At night, the fleet seemed to haul oft) but the bombardment was renewed with ten-fold rigor next morning at 8 o'clock, Every means of del, our men was BOOH demolished. The guns of the enemy burled shell and shot in the very midst of'OU.r men, I out brave hoy:- returned the fire as best they could. All possibility of retreat was cut off on Wednesday night by the landing of twelve or 1500 men about a mile north of the forte, which cut oft' all hope of escape for our men by way of the Banks. The superiority of the enemy's HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTION. 19 guns enabled them to keep out of the reach of our guns. The little steamer, General Hill, had arrived with ammunition and a few additional men, but it was too late to afford relief to our men, as the guns were entirely too small to reach the enemy at the distance they stood off. On Wednesday the damage done to our force was small, but on Thursday it was severe. The firing con- tinued until 11 o'clock, when our brave boys were compelled to surrender Fort Hatteras — Fort Clark had previously been taken. The loss on our side was seven killed and twenty-eight wounded — Lieuts. Murdock and Knight were wounded and carried away on Wednesday, and a few others escaped also. About 850 men were taken prisoners, with many of our best officers) Commodore Barrow, Cols. Buford, Martin and Johnston, Majors Andrews and Gilliam. Man}' of the brave officers and men taken prisoners in this en- gagement were the first 3'oung meu in the Eastern counties of North Caroli- na, and their loss is severely lamented by many friends in their native State. The Yankee forces, in this engagement, were under the command of the fa- mous Picayune Butler, of yankee celebrity ; and great rejoicing was had in the North at his first victory in capturing these forts on the coast of North Caro. lina. The wounded soldiers on our side reported that about 11 o'clock our magazines were exploded by a shell from the enemy, which scattered death and destruction all around. It is to this unfortunate casualty that the capture of the fort is attributed. The unfinished condition of the forts, and the guns being too small to reach the enemy, were great disadvantages to our side. It was not a want of bravery in our men, nor lack of skill in the officers in command, that this un- fortunate affair took place. Cape Hatteras is still in possession of the Feder- als, and a Yankee force is still stationed there, and no doubt have a most un- pleasant situation, as they are cut off entirely from the main land, and situated on a dreary barren spot composed chiefly of sand. The north wind sweeps across the Island with a fury and keenness in winter that no garments will afford adequate protection from. During the summer months the musquitoes abound with a blood thirsty spirit that gives no peace to those who are com- pelled to stay there. The greatest difficulty to surmount is the want of fresh water, so important for drinking and culinary purposes — every drop our troops used was carried from Newborn. So the Yankees have not gained much by taking Cape Hatteras. Some of the prisoners taken have since been re- leased and scut home. BATTLE OF LEXINGTON, MISSOUKI. The battle of Lexington, Missouri, was a trb 'T if>ns victory on our side. According to the account given by the enemy, they lost in killed and wound- ed and taken prisoners .'5,500 men, with 3000 how e^ arms, artillery, ammuni- li" )II.-i"KV OF 1111 KI.VmUUOX, tion and camp eqyippage t6 an immense amount. This was the second great ■ i;i whjph 1 1 j ■ after a hard . is about 120 miles I; a a high Mi. if nn tin- South .-;. ■ '' and contains abput 12,1(00 inhaliita: .-.nd in possession of ■ eral force commanded ' I illigan. The siege commenced on the 14th , L861, by General Price, commander of the Coofederab General Pri( I Gen. Mulligan, the commander of the Yankee worlds, that be would givi- him until the 16th, in the alt. and works ■ • I battle. The fust be refused to do, and was compelled to accept the latter. The Yankee force consisted of s\fi00 men, Col. Mulligan's Irish B from Chicago. EUil I Mai.-hal's Cavalry; Ool. IYabody's, Major 1 and other Regiments from Illinois. The officers oftbeee regiments were men al military experience : several of them were graduates of Weal Point, and had under their command a splendid army of -well disciplined men. The siege continued fifty-nine hours, and the enemy were without water, with only three barrels of vinegar to allay their thirst. Their breast work extended nearly around their camp-, but a portion next to the river was left open. It re the hardest fighting took place. The Confederates finding this place to be open, procured a large number of hemp bales and rolled them in ad- vance of them, and under this cover, gradually secured this Space, and thus gut in the rear of the enemy, cutting oil' their water, and completely sur- rounding them. Thus Gen. Mulligan, with all his strong fortifications, WAS to surrender. But previous to the surrender, he proposed tev General Price to take a position on a level, in open ground, and take a lair light. This offer, General Price refused to accept, and forced him to surrender. The Con- federate boss Was small in comparison to that of the enemy, though it was B hard-fought battle. They were lumpidled to make the attack without any- thing to protect them. An immense amount of gold, about $250,000, fell into the hands of the Confederates, it had been taken from the Bank and buried in the camp ground by order of Gen. Mulligan. The Confederates soon found its burial place and iai-ed it. It is said that Mulligan wept like a child when he found himself compelled to surrender bis grand army with all their valuable stores and camp ('(imp- page. The morning alter the surrender, the men were all ferried over the nver and released on parole, but the officers were retained as prisoners. The jiment of Illinois Cavalry were badly cut up — their horses and all their arms were retained by Gen. Price. This was a hard-fought battle. The brave Missourians led on by the intrepid Trice, when they mounted the breast works, mad with joy, soon gave the invaders to know that Liberty or death was their motto. The name of this, the second battlebof LexingtoD, fought for Liberty, will HISTOKY OF TT[K REVOLUTION. 21 remain on the pages of future history, as one among the greatest battles in this Revolution. The name of Price and his heroic followers, will stand side by side with the long list of patriotic heroes, who have enlisted in the glori- ous cause of defending their homes from the invasion of the vandal hidings of a corrupt and wicked government. The brave sons of Missouri and Arkan- sas, that now sleep the long sleep of death on that glorious field of strife, will be remembered by their comrades and friends for their brave deeds of self- sacrifice, and fame will record the name of Price, and his gallant followers, high on its grand pages, among the many noble patriots, who have won lau- rels of undying glory in the cause of Southern Independence. BATTLE OF LEESBUKG, VIRGINIA, FOUGHT OC- TOBER 21st, 1861. This was undoubtedly the great battle of the campaign. Bethel, Manassas. Springfield, Lexington and others, were great; but in some particulars, Lees- burg outstrips them all. This action was hotly contested, for a whole day, against fearful odds in favor of the enemy. Another superior advantage the enemy had, it was fought on our side without the aid of artillery and without any entrenchments, while they had both these advantages. Much is due to the skill of Gen. Evans, the commander, and consummate daring and bravery of our men. A report reached Gen. Evans on Monday morning, that the enemy, in large force, were crossing the river at Edward's Ferry. The 13th Mississispi Re- giment was sent down from Leesburg to keep them in check, and our Gen- eral believing that the heaviest portion of the enemy's forces would cross at that point, also sent the 18th Mississippi regiment there. It turned out, however, that another place was chosen some two miles higher up the river, where the channel is from 170 to 200 yards wide and not i'ordable. The enemy, however, crossed in skiffs and flat boats, and the first engage- ment in this great battle commenced here between the 8th Virginia regiment ami the advanced columns of the enemy. The skirmishing was very sharp for some time, and the 18th Mississippi hearing the firing, marched in double quick time to the seme ol action, tin' L3th still remaining at the ferry. The grand and closing fight oi tin- day took place about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, when the enemy made a desperate stand on the river. In a clear space, between two growths of thick forests, our three regiments, the 8lh Virginia, and 17th and 18th Mississippi had the enemy partially surrounded. forming a kind of semi-circle trap, from which the victim had no way of escape, except by the river, or through the woods, on ilie right and left. The latter alternative was adopted l,y BOtnd, who Were afterwards captured, The fight- ing now beeame terrible. The contending forces were in close proximity to each other and engaged hand to hand in the deadly Strife 22 BI8TOBY OF Till: REVOLUTION. Not only bullets and bayonets were used, but also bowie knives, with tear- ful effect upon the enemy. The latter finding they were overpowered, made an effort to reach tbeir boats, which many succeeded in doing, but the rush was so great that several boats were sunk, and the panic-stricken Yankees, in large numbers, found a watery grave. They only escaped the deadly weap- ons of the heroic Southern boys, who were defending their lights, and their homes from invasion, to sink beneath the waves of the river. We have no means of ascertaining how many reached the Island, but we know that hun- dreds failed in the attempt. Those who were left on shore, laid down their arms and surrendered, and thus terminated the bloody battle of Leesbnrg. — The entire casualty on our side is given by General Beauregard to President Davis, based on Gen. Evans' report, which states our loss to be 27 killed and 120 wounded. The Federal loss is set down by the same high authority, to lie 1200 killed, wounded and captured. The fighting on our side is described as being terrific. In the thickest of the fight, the Mississippi troops, throwing aside their muskets, knapsacks, and even hats, charged upon the Yankees with their bowie knives, making the attack with yells of rage and exeitement. The enemy made two distinct at- tacks upon our lines. At one time in the action, for the space of about twen- ty minutes, the battle raged with the two opposing forces within thirty feet of each other. The enemy attempted to reach us with their bayonets at two different times. But each time they were held in check by the steady fire of our troops. When our turn came to charge bayonets, they rushed upon the enemy with a fury that swept them into the most indescribable disorder, and panic-stricken, they fled in the utmost confusion. Gen. Evans and his brave troops have added another brilliant victory on Virginia's soil. The Yankees have been unsuccessful in every attempt along the Potomac. At Bethel, Ma- nassas and Leesburg, they have met with signal defeat, and thus far gained nothing towards puttiug down rebellion in the old Dominion. It is true, they have been victorious in some small skiiinishes in Western Virginia, but there too, they arc held now by the Confederates from advancing. Gen. Winfield Scott finding his native State too noble to submit to the will of such a truant son, after the warm reception they gave him on the plains of Manassas on the 21st of July, resigned his Commission as Commander, and Gen. McClellan is now commander. Gen. Scott will never again be owned by Virginia as her son — his name and his memory will be held in disgrace by all true Southern meu to the latest ages of posterity in the Confederate States of North America. BATTLE OF POET KOYAL, SOUTH CAROLINA. The capture of Port Royal, S. C, by a large Federal fleet, commanded by Commodore Dupont, took place on the 7th of November, 1861. A large fleet, consisting of thirty-six steamers, appeared in sight of the (ort, and commenc- HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTION. 23 ed moving slowly towards our batteries on Tnursday morning, about 8 o'clock. The long roll was immediately beat, and in three minutes every man was at his post. One of the largest steamers, supposed to be the Minnesota, wis rapidly steaming in, followed by three other smaller ones. When within full range, and nearly abreast our batteries, the order was given to open fire with our 32 pounder Rifle Gun. Unfortunately, the shell exploded within a hun- dred yards of the beach, . and did no damage to the enemy. A heavy fire was then opened with our heaviest guns. The steamers returned the fire briskly, and the engagement now became general. The light breeze blowing on shore at the tune, was favorable to the licet; the .smoke from their guns being driven directly in the face of our troops in the battery, at Fort Walker. The huge volume of smoke thus poured forth, at times, completely concealed the near approach of the vessels from the view of our men in the forts. The manceuvreing of the vessels was admitted by some of our best naval officers to have been grandly executed. As quickly as our batteries obtained the range of the enemy's vessels to bear effectually on them, they changed their position, and our artillerist were compelled to get the range of their guns by practice again. About half past nine, the entire fleet was observed to move slowly, and in a few minutes, ten or twelve of the largest of the fleet had opened fire on both Fort Walker and Beauregard, delivering their broadsides alternately. The firing on both forts was very heavy, with one continued shower of shell and shot falling into the Forts and knocking down men in every direction. Some have estimated that as many as fifty shells bursted inside the fort in a minute. But unfortunately for our men, at an early period in the action, the large ten inched columbiad, in Fort Walker, became altogether unmanagea- ble, and could not be used again during the action. The storm of iron hail that came hissing through the air from the fleet, after this accident, is beyond description. Providentially, however, up to 12 o'clock, not a man, on our side, had been killed, though many hair-breadth- escapes had been noticed. But against such fearful odds, it was plain that our brave men in the Forts, could not hold out. The enemy had largely the advantage in heavy guns, and were rapidly closing in upon us. Our brave Southern heroes fought with desperate bravery, but the shells and shot began to mow down their comrades on every Bide. The vessels were closing in on all sides with superior guns and vast numbers. Our guns and works were both severely damaged, and there was no other alternative but to retreat. But when the order was given, the he- roes were unwilling to give it up, and many endeavored to secure their small arms, which had been buried in the sand during the action. A positive order was given to leave them behind, some sixty or seventy, however, were brought'away. There were 217 men in the forts, of whom 130 belonged to the German Artillery of Charleston. There was eleven killed and fifteen wounded inside 24 iii-i.'kY of tiik Ki:v<'i.rn .. the for- a former and eleven of the latter belonged to the German Artillery. The total loss on our side was 1 oil men killed ami wounded. Colonel ■. i otmnander of the Porta intl ved abont 1<> o'clock, anfl took the oommand Commo- Ltnalla fleet was to the full extent of its powers, i are loud in praising the daring of its hi In fleet was under the command ofS. V. Dupont, fla and he had a very large fleet of Wai E well supplied with men ami heavy guns, which play- ed so severely on I with shot ami shell, as to force our gallant little band to lea ■ ... and abandon them t" the enemy. troops were withdrawn by their brave commanders, I 'await theland- the invaders, as there •■• i ssible chance of holding it any longer. ith- west of Charleston, on I ire, ami at the: was] orly fortified, and was neither supplied with The heroic Kttld band stationed there, with all the bravery ami skill human nature is capable of displaying, but w • iperior force, and compelled to give up. The enemy in capturing this pla" considerable supply of i cotton, negroes and other property, amounting, in value, to a large sum of money. This large fleet wa Sooth for the express purpose, no doubt, of capturing our si forta But a terrible storm, a.1 n after red this great armada and wrecked some of their "■ ( ) U( . | a . .. ! armada, ran ashore "ti the i North Carolina, and all the Fan : ard wece taken prisoners I X. B. Vance's regiment. Thus, it seems, the hand of Providence was against the invaders in this grand enterprise. 'j'l,,. invaders still liai on of Port. Royal, and several small sfcirtnish- _c ], : iv, en plaoebetween them and the Confederate troops stationed near, bo watch their movements. Port Royal was considered by the enemy, no doubt, as a weak place, whieh WSS the reason Oi the attack at that point. They passed by Charleston and captured this small port jus! bedSuse it was pooriy. fortified, lint they have not gained much ground in.ftouthOarelina by this conquest To read the glowing accounts in the Northern reports of Cornrao one would Buppose he had 'got possession of the entire coast Bui this was a dear bougfal victory to the Yankees, and to hold possession of it long will be equally as costly to the Lincoln dynasty at Washington. BATTLE ()K P.KLMOXT, NEAR COLLTMBUS, KV. This, the first great battle in Kentucky for freedom, took place on the 7th of November, 1861. The State of Kentucky had not seceded from the fed- HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTION. 25 eral Union, but maintained that she could occupy a kind of neutral ground and take neither side, as she was a border State, her citizens believing that she would be made the battle ground between the two contending parties. Many of the people of Kentucky were with the South in sympathy, but stood back dreading the fatal consequences to their State. The President of the United States warned them in his message that ho would not acknowledge a state of neutrality. The Governor of the State had forbid either party from invading his State. But President Lincoln, regardless of this, invaded the State to keep down rebellion. The citizens resisted, and here the great struggle begun. — The State and Confederate forces were under the command of Gen. Leonidas Polk, and met the invaders at Columbus, commanded by Gen. Grant. A bloody battle ensued. There can be fio doubt but the best troops of Lin- coln's army in the West, were in this great fight. General Polk command- ed as noble a body of Kentucky soldiers as ever marched to the battle field. The Kentucky boys have achieved the soldiers highest fame in all the great battles of the past in our country. The loss of the enemy is estimated al 258 killed and left on the field; carried 100 away on boats, 150 killed on the boats as they were embarking, making a total killed 578. About 100 prisoners were taken, with a large number wounded and taken to the hospital. An incident ic conduct is related in connection with the first heavy charge that our columns made upon the enemy. When the two opposing columns were face to face, Col. Walker's regiment was opposed to the 7th Iowa regiment, David Yolner, a private in Walker's regiment, told a comrade he intended to capture the Stars and stripes from the enemy, or die in the attempt. As the two co- lumns came near each other, young Volner and a man by the name of Lynch, both rushed for the colors. Volner grasped it first and waived it over his head in triumph. At this moment he and Lynch were both shot dead. Capt. Armstrong now rushed forward to secure the prize, and fell dead also grasp- ing it. The colors were secured, but three brave Kentuckians lost their lives in the attempt Our loss in this great battle was small, and we gained a de- cided victory. The enemy fled from the field, and rushed for their boats. Our men pursued them about two miles, but were ordered back when they gained their boat c . An officer was detached with 80 men to scour the woods and pick up the wounded That officer reported that he found none but Federals ; but they w\ DAVIS. It may be interesting to many to have a short sketch of the life of President Davis, as be is now elected President of the Confederate States for six years: a high position that he will no doubt fill with distinction, as his life lias been one distinguished both as a soldier ami a statesman. Few men have led a life more filled with stirring or eventful incidents than Jefferson Davis. He was born in the State of Kentucky in tin' year 1S0G. — Ilis father removed to Mississippi, then a Territory, when Jefferson was quite a youth, and was trained up a pioneer in the wilds of that savage region. :i was appointed by President Monroe a cadet at West Point in 1822. idnated with first honors in 1828, as brevet second lieutenant, and by his own request, was placed in active service, being assigned to the command of Col. Zachary Taylor, who was stationed at West Point. Col. Taylor was soon called to the West, and in the frontier wars of that time, young Davis distinguished himself in so marked a manner that when a new regiment of dragoons was formed, he at once obtained a commission as first lieutenant, as a reward for his bravery. During this time a romantic attachment sprang up between him and his prisoner, the famous chief, Black Hawk, in which the latter forgot his animo- sity to the United States in his admiration of Lieutenant Davis; and not until the death of the chief, was the of bond amity severed between these two brave men. In 1835, Jefferson Davis settled quietly down upon a cotton plantation in Mississippi, and forsook the dangerous life of a soldier to become a farmer, and married a daughter of Gen. Zachary Taylor. He then devoted himself to a systematic course of political and scientific training, and soon became a noted politician. In 1843, he took the stump for James K. Folk in Missis- sippi, and in 1845 having attracted no little attention in his own State by his ability, was elected to Congress. Ten days after he took his seat in Congress, he made his first great speech before that distinguished body of statesmen. But soon the Mexican war broke out, and a regiment of volunteers having been formed in Mississippi, he was chosen Colonel. He resigned his seat in Congress, and instantly re- paired with his command to join the brigade of Gen. Taylor. At Monterey and Buena Vista. Col. Davis and his noble regiment achieved the soldiers highest fame. Twice by his coolness and bravery, he saved the day at Buena Vista. Wherever the fire was the hottest, or the dangers the greatest, there Col. Davis and the Mississippi rifles were to be found. He was badly wound- ed in the early part of the action at Buena Vista, but sat on his horse steadi- ly, till the day was won, and refused to leave the field till all was safe. He served with great distinction through all the bloody scenes of Mexico, and re- turned home only when peace was made, covered with laurels. HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTION. 27 In 1848, he was appointed to fill the vacancy in the U. S. Senate occasioned by the death of Gen. Speight, and in 1850, he was elected to that body almost unanimously for the term of six years. In 1851, he resigned his seat in the Senate to become the States' Rights candidate for Governor, but was defeat- ed by Governor Foote. In 1852, he was called to a seat in the Cabinet of President Pierce, and was Secretary of War during his administration. In 1857, he was again elected to the United States Senate from Mississippi for six years, which office he held until his resignation on the secession of his State from the Union. Personally, President Davis is the last man who would be selected for what has been called a Southern " fire eater." He is a pleasant, quiet looking man, with a precise manner and soldierly carriage, which is somewhat forbidding to a stranger at first sight. But he is naturally a man of genial temper, and pleasant disposition. His social qualities will endear him to all who associate with him. As a public speaker, he is clear, forcible and argumentative ; his voice is clear and linn without tremor, and, at times, when warmed up in debate, he is very eloquent. He is a man every way fitted for the distinguished station he now occupies. When the Southern States seceded from the old Union in Febru- ary, 1861, he was appointed by a Convention of delegates as a Provisional President for one year only. He filled this high position with such ability that he gave entire satisfaction to all parties, and on the 5th day of Novem- ber, 1SG1, he was unanimously elected by the people without opposition, Pre- sident of the Confederate States for six years, according to the Constitution adopted by these States. No man, since the days of the great Washington, has been so highly honored as Jefferson Davis, as to be elected to this high office without opposition. President Davis has a fame as extensive as the pages of history can spread over the civilized world as a soldier. His name as a states- man is soon destined to become a household word in every land, wherever the name of the Confederate States are known. Our young Republic is now enrolled among the nations of the earth as a government, and the name of Jefferson Davis will ever stand as the first President of the Republic. Mr. Davis, with his Cabinet, now reside in Richmond, Virginia, where Congress holds its sessions. Richmond will, perhaps, be the permanent seat of govern- ment for the Confederate States. No doubt Gen. Scott confidently expected, when he made his grand at- tack at Manassas, to march right through to Richmond, and take Pi ■ Davis a prisoner, and thus end tho rebellion; but old "fuss and feathers" met with a dreadful defeat on the 21st of July, and never saw Richmond. He has resigned his commission in disgrace, and Jefferson Davis still re- mains in the Presidential chair in Richmond. 28 HIBTOST 0* THB EEVOLIJTIOir. 1K)N. A. II. STEPHENS. Am I have given a sliort sketch of the life President Davis, I will also men- tion a few particulars concerning one a with bin in the administra- tion of our national affairs. The Hon. Alexander Hamilton Stephen. :it elect of the < B native of Georgia. This distin- tleman has long been known throughout the old Union as one of the most prominent Southern politicians and eloquent orators. His father, Andrew B. Stephens, was a planter of moderate means, and his mother was a sister to the famous compiler of Orier*! Almanac. She died when Alexander was an infant, leaving him with four brothers and one sis- ter, ol whom only one brother now survives. Hon. A. II. Stephens was bom in February, ls]'j. When in bis 14th year, his lather died, and the old home* 1 stead being Bold, his share of the entire estate was about five hundred dollars. i by friendSjfae entered the University of Georgia in 1828, and in 1832 graduated at the head of his class. In ls:j4. he commenced the study of the law, and in leas than 12 months was engaged in one of the most important His eloquence has ever had a powerful effect upon juries, enforcin does arguments of admirable simplicity and legal weight. From ls::7 to 1840, be was a member of the Georgia Legislature. In 1843, he was elect- ed to Congress. He was B Champion of the great Wing party ill the days of Clay and Webster; but since its dissolution, he has acted with the friends of the South, and such has been the upright and patriotic policy he has pursued, that no one in the present era of faction, has dared to whisper an acquisition against him. He has filled the Vice President's chair ever since the establish- ment of our government, and had the distinctive honor to be elected on the same ticket with l'v<^. for six years in November last. In the House of Representatives, Mr. Stephens served on many important commitie, .. Hfl effected the passag- ol tin* Kansas Nebraska bill through the boose at a time when its warmest friends despaired of success. By his pa- triotic course iu the Congress of the United States, in times gone by, he ex- cited the ire of many Southern men, but he lias always succeeded in coming out with flying colors; and bis recent election to the second office within the gift of the Southern people, i8 a niaik of respect of their profound regard for him BS B man and a Statesman. Mr. Stevens is one of the most distinguished orators of the present day, though he does not look like one who can com- mand the attention of an audience on any topic. His health, from childhood, has been very feeble, being afflicted with a liver disease which gives him the appearance of a consumptive, though his lungs are sound. Mr. Stephens has never weighed over 9G pounds in his life, and to see his i dwarf-like figure bent over his desk, you would never suppose him to be the John Randolph of the present day, more dreaded as an adversary, or prized HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTION. 29 as an ally in debate than any man, perhaps, of the times. When speaking, lie has at first a shrill, sharp voice, but as lie warms up with his subject, the clear tones and powerful sentences roll out with a sonorousness that finds its way to every corner of an immense hall. He is witty, rhetorical and solid, and has a dash of keen satire that puts an edge on every speech to his adver- saries. He is a careful student, but no trace of study is perceptible while speaking. He dashes along in a flow of facts and arguments in such eloquent language, that it almost bewilders common minds. He possesses an host of warm friends who are proud of his regard, his enlightened christian virtue and inflexible integrity of character. Such is a brief sketch of the life and character of Alexander II. Stephens, the Vice President elect of the Southern Confederacy. The selection of such men as Jefferson Davis, for President, and Alexander II. Stephens, for Vice President of the Confederate States of America, will go far towards the accomplishment of this great end. Jefferson Davis is a statesman of great power, combining in a high degree the various qualifications necessary for his new position. He is a statesman efficient in action, cool in judgment, firm in purpose, and conscientious in his opinion. He is by no means the fire-eater he has been represented to be, in the Northern press. As a military man. he has no equal in our country, and we are not sure that he has any superior for the first office in the gift of any people on this continent. The mild, hut linn course pursued by these great statesmen, since the establishment of the South- ern Confederacy, has given entire satisfaction to the people comprising this great Republic. I have only given a few particulars concemiog the career of these great statesmen. They will occupy an important place in the future history of our nation. With such patriotic statesmen as Davis and Stephens, at. the head of our government, we have nothing to fear o\i their part. With such a military chieftain as Jefferson Davis, to command the grand army of the South, and lead them on to victory, Abraham Lincoln can never conquer. Davis has seen too many bloody fields of strife to be frightened by the boasting hire- lings of the Lincoln dynasty. When the South is conquered. Davis and two thirds of the freemen of these Confederate States will have filled a soldier's bloody grave; and the sun of liberty .'-hall have forever set in the sunny land of the South. CONCLUDING HEM A RKS. I have now given my readers a tch of some of the mighty events which have taken place in our Country during the memorable year, 1861. These sketches are short and imperfect, but I hope they contain many facta that are not generally known by our own countrymen. I did not ex] make anything worthy of the "name of a hook of history, but merely to col- lect a few facts and pii! them together as a book of reference Perhaps very few are aware how difficult it is to collect much that c*B be relied on, as true, 30 HISTORY OF TlIK REVOLUTION. concerning these great battles, which have so lately taken place in our Coun- try. There are so many different accounts riven by different persona — ona contradicting another. It is almost impossible for two persons to see any- thiagjust alike. Time alone will reveal the facta That the battles of L861, were great, no one will deny. The Southerners gained some of the most signal victories of modern times. The justice of our cause gave our troops a daring spirit of bravery, that never surrenders while life remains. The hand of an overruling Providence was with us in our struggle, and whenever He supports a cause, no earthly power can prevail against it. The Republic of the Confederate States is now a fixed fact, and she is d. soon to take her place among the nations of the earth as a sovereign and inde- pendent government Our Republic will shortly be recognized by European powers, if not already done. She has sent Mason and Slidell as Ministers to the Courts of France and Great Britain, and we have every reason to believe they will be received and accredited as such at these Courts. So soon as this event takes place, our ndence will be acknowledged, nnd the name of the Confederate 5 of America will be enrolled among the independent nations of the earth. I must close these sketches with the year 18G1. Should they meet the approbation of the public and prove of any value as a book of reference, on which to found a more general and correct history of our struggle, I shall begin with the year 1862, to prepare other sketches of the mighty that may transpire during the gloomy days and bloody scenes, of it, may be, a more memorable year than the one we have just passed through. I fondly hope, before the close of another year, our independence may be established, and peace restored to our now bleeding Country. Then shall the brave soldiers, who have gone forth to defend their rights, return to the bo- som of their families and quiet homes, there to enjo)' that peace and pros- perity of freemen, under a wise and well regulated government May this happy day be not far distant. " Then welcome soldier, welcome home, Here's a father's hand to press thee — J I' re's a mother's heart to bless thee — Here's a brother's will to twine Joys fraternal close with thine ; A wife or sister's earnest love, Equalled only but by that above ; Welcome soldier, welcome home, Here to spend thy days to come." THE END. A CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD Of some of the most important events since the 6th Nov. 1S60. Nov. Gth. — Abraham Lincoln elected President of the United States by a sectional vote — receiving no votes in the Southern States — and every vote in the North, save three in New Jersey. Nov. 19th. — A detachment of State troops sent to guard the Arsenal at Charleston. South Carolina. Dec. 20th. — South Carolina passed the Ordinance of Secession by a Con- vention of delegates. The same day Caleb Gushing was sent by the Presi- dent to South Carolina on a confidential mission. Dec. 26th. — Major Anderson, commander of the United States troops mov- ed all his forces from Fort Moultrie to Sumter, with his munitions of war. Dec. 27th. — The State troops of South Carolina took possession of Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney. 1801. Jan. 9th. — The State of Mississippi passed an Ordinance of Secession. Jan. 11th. — The State of Alabama passed an Ordinance of Secession. Jan. 19th. — Georgia passed an Ordinance of Secession. Jan. 25th. — Louisiana passed an Ordinance of Secession. Jan. 31st. — The Mint and Custom House of New Orleans taken by the State troops. Feb. 1st.— Texas Convention passed an Ordinance of Secession. Feb. 4th. — This will ever be a memorable day in the future history of our Country. The Confederate Congress met at Montgomery, Alabama, and on the same day a peace Congress met at Washington, but failed to accomplish anything for the South. Feb. 8th.— The States of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Louisiana, formed a Provisional Government and adopted the Constitution. Feb. 9th. — Jefferson Davis and A. II. Stephens elected by delegates as Pre- sident and Vice-President of the Confederate States. Feb. 18th. — President Davis inaugurated at Montgomery. Alabama. Feb. 23rd. — The people of Texas ratify the Ordinance of Secession. March 2nd.— Texas admitted among the Confederate States. March 4th. -Abraham Lincoln inaugurated President of the United States. March 11th.— A permanent Constitution of the Confederate States adopted. April 12th. — Bombardment of Fort Sumter. April 14th.— Major Anderson evacuated Sumter by permission of General egard. Also, Lincoln issued his proclamation, calling for 75,000 troops to crush the rebellion in the South. April 17th. — Virginia Convention in secret session, passed an ordinance of Secession, subject to ratification by the people. May 6th. — The State of Arkansas passed an Ordinance of Secession and joined the Confederacy. May 7th.— Virginia admitted into the Confederacy. May 20th.— The State of North Carolina passed an Ordmance of Secession and joined the Confederacy. May 21st — The seat of government removed from Montgomery to Rich- mond. Virginia M v 24th. —The heroic Jackson shot Colonel Ellsworth of the New York Zouaves, in defence of his rights and property in his own house, at Alexan- dria, Virginia. June loth.— The great battle of Bethel, Virginia, was fought and a victory gained by the Confederates. 32 history of Tin: revolt: II. 'N. June 13th. — A day of fasting and prayer, by the recommendation of Pre- side). • I . June 15th. — G racuated Earner's Ferry. 16th. — Skirmish at Vi " I - 26th — The people Ol Tennessee by an aet of Legislature declare them- - out ol the Union. Jnly 12th— Skirmish at Ettcfa Mountain, Virginia. 13th.- ett killed at Carrick'a K-rd, Virginia. ' 18th. — Skirmish i l 3th.— Bat - nia. 20th — < kmfedi Kiclnnond. 21st — Q-randB Manassas Plains, Virginia. t " 22d.— . emy continue their hasty retreat in terror through Alexandria towards Washin July 28th— Day ol" thanksgiving in gratitude for the victory of Mai lak Hill near Springfield, Missouri, where the Yankee. Lyon, was killed. .--An act passed in Congress admitting Missouri into the Con- federacy. Aug. 27th. — Bombardment of the Forts at Battens Inlet on the coast of North Carolina. 20th — Col. Mulligan with 3,500 federal troops surrendered to Gen. at Lexington, Mo., after a Beige of several days. . 9th. — Battle ol Santa Rosa Island. 21st— Great battle of Leesburg, Virginia, where Gen. Evans of the Confedi victory, and CoL Baker on the enemy's aide, was slain, and nearly all his command killed or taken prisoners. Oct. 20th. — The Federal Armada Bailed from Fortress Monroe on the South- ern expedition under the command of Hag officer, S. F. Dupont Nwv. 1st — A heavy Btorm wrecks a large number of (heir vessels. Nov. 6th- Davis and A. II. Stephens elected by the people Presi- dent and Vice President foi , without opposition. Nov. 7th. — The bombardment and capture ol the Forts of Fort Loyal. S. Carolina. Also, the battle ol Belmont, near Columbus, Ky.. where the Con- federates under Generals Folk and Pillow, routed the enemy. . 8th. — The Confederate Mi ' [ason and Shdell, sent to repi .eminent in France and England, were Seized on board the British ■ .unci-. Trent, by Gapt Wilkes of the United States, and confined as i in Fori Warren, by order of the Lincoln, government Nov. 9th. — Raikoa burned in Tennessee by the enemy. " 15th. — Lay of Fasting and Prayer appointed by the President " 20th, — A Provi rernmenl formed in Kentucky. " 22d and 23d.— Bombardment at Pensacola, Florida. " 25th — Missouri admitted into the Confederacy. .— Lattleol Alleghany Mountain, Virginia. 14th— Great fire in Charleston. South Carolina. " 20th. — The battle of DrainsviMb, Virginia. M 21st — Alfred Ely, membei ol LincoTn'a Congress, taken prisoner in Virginia, was exchanged for C. J. Faulkner, of Virginia Lee. 29th. — A running fight near Newport, between Cant. Lynch of the Confederate Navy and several gun boats ol the enemy. Capt. Lynch escaped without injury to Seawell's Point batteries.