now on their way home, I took prisoners the cavalrymen who were with it. Staid here until nine or ten o'clock P.M., when, upon the passage of yourself and main body through the town toward White Plains, I withdrew my pickets and followed as a rear-guard. Having arrived at White Plains about one o'clock A.M., could find or hear nothing of the detachment of Sixth Ohio cavalry who were ordered to keep up communication with this place. I encamped for the night with the rest of the force. On the morning of the eighteenth, I received information that our train, with an escort of thirty men from my regiment, had been captured, and that our pickets at Thoroughfare Gap were driven in, and one of my men shot. Our whole force marching through Thoroughfare Gap, Haymarket, and Gainesville, toward Warrenton, I followed as rear-guard, patrolling all the roads thoroughly. A detachment under Lieut. Burrows ran into the enemy's pickets on the New-Baltimore road, running from the west side of Thoroughfare Gap. Arriving at Gainesville, I was ordered to hold that place while the main force advanced toward Warrenton, which I did. The force that went toward Warrenton having returned about eight or nine o'clock P.M., I withdrew my pickets, and again followed as rear-guard, and arrived at Centreville about midnight. Having arrived at Centreville, I found that Lieutenant Baldwin, of my regiment, with a detachment of thirty-two men ordered from headquarters Sixth Ohio cavalry (Col. Loyd) to escort a train to Haymarket, or from there to the detachment under Gen. Stahel-that they reached Haymarket that while there, about daylight, one of his videttes, posted in his rear toward Centreville, reported a large body of cavalry coming; the Lieutenant replied, "It is probably our own troops," but ordered his men to mount, and sent a sergeant to investigate. The sergeant proceeded, and as he arrived at the top of a hill but a short distance from the camp, saw the enemy before him six or seven hundred strong. The enemy immediately charged after him and down through the camp. The Lieutenant ordered his men to retreat toward White Plains, where Gen. Stahel then was, but through the superiority of the enemy's numbers and horses but nine men, that I know of, escaped, two of them badly wounded. I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient WM. SACKETT, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Ninth New-York Cavalry. servant, NEW-YORK "TRIBUNE" ACCOUNT. his forces. For this purpose a force of cavalry under Col. Wyndham of the New-Jersey cavalry, was sent out by General Bayard at the request of General Sigel, to be joined to our cavalry, which had been advanced to Chantilly. The force under Colonel Wyndham reached Fairfax Wednesday night, and immediately proceeded to Chantilly, where they were to await orders from General Stahel. Encamping at this place, they were joined in the morning by Gen. Stahel, and the order was at once given to march. The force comprised cavalry and a battery of light artillery. Reaching the cross-roads near Gum Springs, they waited awhile to call in the pickets which had been stationed along the roads, and then proceeded toward Aldie, which place they entered about five o'clock Thursday afternoon. Passing through the town they took position on a hill beyond, and then sent scouts in every direction to ascertain the whereabouts of Mr. Stuart, who was supposed to be between the mountains. The scouts visited Snickersville, Middleburgh, Philomont, Salem, Paris, and other places in the valley, and brought back tidings that, learning of our advance, Gen. Stuart had accelerated his movements and passed out of the valley by the way of Snickersville, a portion of his force going through Ashby's Gap. A body of rebels had been sent to his support, thus indicating that the rebels were fearful of his being cut off. The bird having flown, and Gen. Stahel being unwilling to come home without effecting something, he concluded to go round by way of Warrenton, where it was known the enemy had something of a force, and ascertain their strength. Sending home four of his six pieces of artillery, and dividing his troops into two parties, he sent one, under Lieut.-Col. Sackett, to Snickersville, with instructions to proceed to Leesburgh, and thence return to Chantilly. This portion of the expedition followed the plan laid out for it, and made the route as described without meeting any adventures of note. The rebel pickets were driven in at all points, but no more serious fighting occurred. Taking the remainder of the force, Gen. Stahel proceeded to Upperville and Paris, where it was understood there was a body of rebels awaiting an attack. There they learned that Capt. Gibson, with a company of secesh cavalry, was posted in the mountain with one piece of artillery, which they fired upon the approach of our forces, and retreated through Ashby's Gap. They also ascertained that at Millwood, on the other side of the mountains, there was a park of artillery encamped. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, October 19, 1862. When it became known that Gen. Stuart with From prisoners captured they obtained the inhis rebel cavalry had crossed the Potomac, near formation that in consequence of this advance it Leesburgh, the reconnoissance, of which particu- was supposed that Sigel's corps was on the march lars have been telegraphed, was sent out to as- to attack them in the flank, and, therefore, Gen. certain his whereabouts and the condition of his Hill's division was moved down to meet them. troops. The report was that he had left Lees Being again balked in his attempts to indulge burgh Monday afternoon, proceeding toward in a fight, Gen. Stahel marched back to White Winchester, that his troops were broken down Plains by way of Salem. At this place one or and his horses worn out, and his progress must two curious incidents occurred. One was the naturally be slow. It was therefore determined capture of three of the Virginia cavalry at a funeto attempt the capture of the whole or a part of ral. The sudden entrance of our troopers into town surprised a funeral procession on its way of Gen. Sigel's staff, whose presence as a volunto the grave. Conspicuous among the mourners teer should have been noticed, to hurry forward were three rebel cavalrymen belonging to the the artillery, Gen. Stahel dashed on for the Gap. Virginia cavalry. A guard was placed alongside True enough, our men had retired, and there the funeral train, doing double duty as escort and were the rebels posted at the Gap, their gun-barguard. After the rite of sepulture had been per- rels glistening in the narrow pass. Without hesformed, the Virginia gentlemen were invited to itation, the General ordered a charge. The cavaccompany their escort, which they did. At this alry wavered-their "horses had given out," they place Gen. Stahel came very near being captured said. Calling them cowards-as they were-the by--a garrulous old lady, whose intentions (the General drew his sabre, struck spurs to his horse, obtaining of a pass) prompted attentions (a pro- and, dashing forward into the Gap, bade them fusion of compliments classically (?) known as "follow" him. Even cowards could not refuse "soft soap") which on ordinary occasions would to follow one brave man; the charge was made, have excited the well-known gallantry of the and the pass won. The rebels fired two volleys, General, but under the pressure of the business wounding several and killing one man, and then then in hand were allowed to pass unheeded by retreated. Without a moment's delay, the Genhim, and fell among his staff, to whom they af- eral and his men followed them, driving them forded rare amusement. On reaching White down the mountain and back upon their artillery, Plains, Gen. Stahel at once sent a force of fifty which, fortunately, had not reached the Gap. men to hold Thoroughfare Gap, and an additional Meanwhile Captain Dahlgren had been hastening fifty to proceed to Haymarket, at which place on with the artillery. As they entered the rough they were to meet a small wagon-train bearing road through the gap at a full gallop, one of the supplies and forage, which had been sent out caissons was broken in halves. Fortunately they from Fairfax that evening. The latter body pro- found a caisson, which had been left by the rebels, ceeded to Haymarket, and there found the train. near at hand and filled with ammunition. To The officer in charge said they did not need any destroy the old one and attach the other was but more escort, as his force was amply sufficient. the work of a minute, and then commenced a Therefore the fifty returned to Thoroughfare Gap, close pursuit. The enemy retreated, firing upon at which place they were to remain in reserve, us at every chance, while our advance kept close sending word back to White Plains of the safety upon them. Thus they were driven from the of the train. The troops bivouacked at White Gap to Haymarket, thence to Gainesville, thence Plains, and soon another messenger came in, to New-Baltimore, from which place they retreatbringing tidings that the wagon-train and its es-ed to Warrenton. As there are two roads from cort had been captured, and that the enemy, four New-Baltimore to Warrenton, and there was danhundred strong, with two pieces of artillery, were ger of the enemy leading us on by one, and then advancing on Thoroughfare Gap. Tired as his coming out of the town upon the other, attacking men and horses were, delay was more than dan- the rear, Gen. Stahel posted his artillery upon gerous, and the possession of the Gap all-import- one road, and, leaving sufficient force to support ant. An immediate advance was ordered, the it, rode into Warrenton. Reaching the outskirts General heading the column in person. of the town at about five o'clock, it was found that there was a considerable force stationed there In relation to the capture of the train, it turned out that the wagons reached Haymarket in safety about daylight, where the officer in command left them standing in the street while he and his men went into the houses to obtain breakfast. While engaged at their repast, intelligence was brought in by the pickets that the rebels were advancing. The officer laughed at the man, and said it was our own cavalry. But shortly after the officer's meal was interrupted by the intrusion of uninvited guests in the garb of rebel cavalry, and thus he lost his train, escort, and liberty. There was ample time between the alarm and the arrival of the rebels, to have sent to Thoroughfare Gap and obtained the assistance of the force there. There was time to have started the wagons toward that place, and with the aid at hand they could have been saved. But nothing of the kind was done, and the expedition was subsequently obliged to return in consequence of the culpable neglect of this officer. a brigade of cavalry, (Mumford's North-Carolina brigade,) a regiment of infantry, and a battery. The camp was the other side of the town, and toward that the retreating four hundred made. Their guns opened upon our advance, and under their cover the infantry was sent forward as skirmishers. Major Knox was ordered to hold the road and check any advance. Presently a company of cavalry came dashing down the hill on the full charge. Major Knox wheeled his dozen men into line across the road, and as the cavalry came in short-range gave them a volley from the carbines. This checked the ardor of secesh, and they retired. Finding it to be an impossibility to dislodge the rebel infantry with the force at his disposal, and as his men and horses were both tired and hungry, the General continued the skirmishing until darkness settled down, and then withdrew his troops to Centreville, the enemy's cavalry following for some distance. Before reaching the Gap, intelligence was While at Aldie, a noted bushwacker, named brought to General Stahel that the force left there Edward Hutchinson, was captured just beyond to defend it had withdrawn, and the enemy were that town and brought in. This man brags of in possession of the Gap, having with them two how many Yankees he has killed, and is so much pieces of artillery. Instructing Captain Dahlgren of a brute that even the secesh inhabitants of Doc. 10. EXECUTION OF PORTER'S GUERRILLAS. Aldie hoped he would be hung. He has been the known as a spy in the vicinity of Washington, terror of the neighborhood, driving in conscripts, and father of the rebel captain of the same name. beating his wife, and indulging in other disagreeable pleasantries. It is to be hoped he will meet with the punishment he deserves. At Aldie, headquarters were established at the house of Doctor Boyle. The Doctor unfortunately forgot his duty as host, and abused good Union people who were "mean enough to give information as to the whereabouts of General Stuart," adding the pious wish that they might "all be hung.' It was deemed proper that the Doctor should try a change of climate for his malady, and he was therefore prescribed for by General Stahel. While approaching Thoroughfare Gap, one of the men strayed off in search of breakfast. As he approached a house a man came out and shot him dead, then took his horse and put him in the barn. Some of his comrades passing that way, discovered the horse, and were told by a negro that the man had been shot. They started to obtain possession of the horse, when the murderer and a negro endeavored to fasten them in the barn. They succeeded in making their escape. Why they did not kill both the man and the negro this narrator saith not. Information of this affair was not given in season to allow of the house being razed to the ground and summary justice meted out to the offenders. The whole country between the mountains is literally packed with forage and supplies, and it is from this region that the rebels derive their support. Thus far they have kept our troops out of it by keeping away themselves. One of their business transactions may be stated thus: They purchased all the hogs that could be found, giving in payment therefor scraps of paper authorizing the holder to come within their lines and receive his pay. After securing the hogs, an order was issued probibiting any person from entering their lines. The farmers are naturally disgusted at such conduct, but not sufficiently so to become good Union men. Taken in connection with the reconnoissance made by General Hancock at the same time from the other side, this expedition proved unusually harassing to the enemy. That it did not attain its original object is no fault of the Commanding General, but the failure in that respect can probably be attributed to the Union inhabitants with Southern sympathies who still reside in our midst. Great credit is due to General Stahel, who has proved that he possesses two of the most prominent attributes of a great commander · caution where necessary, dash when required. He has also evinced coolness and promptness; skill in handling his troops and choosing his positions; energy in not allowing any rest to his opponents; unquestioned courage in leading wherever danger threatened. General Stahel was ably seconded by Capt. Dahlgren, Col. Wyndham, and Lieut.Colonel Sackett, and generally by his soldiers. The expedition lost not more than twelve in killed and wounded. They captured nearly one bundred prisoners-among others a Mr. Ball, well PALMYRA (MO.) "COURIER" ACCOUNT. SATURDAY last, the eighteenth of October, witnessed the performance of a tragedy in this once quiet and beautiful city of Palmyra, which, in ordinarily peaceful times, would have created a profound sensation throughout the entire country, but which now scarcely produces a distinct ripple on the surface of our turbulent social life. It will be remembered by the reader that on the occasion of Porter's descent upon Palmyra, he captured, among other persons, an old and highly respected resident of this city, by name Andrew Allsman. This person formerly belonged to the Third Missouri cavalry, though too old to endure all the hardships of very active duty. He was therefore detailed as a kind of special or extra provost-marshal's guard or cicerone, making himself generally useful in a variety of ways to the military of the place. Being an old resident, and widely acquainted with the people of the place and vicinity, he was frequently called upon for information touching the loyalty of men, which he always gave to the extent of his ability, though acting, we believe, in all such cases with great candor, and actuated solely by a conscientious desire to discharge his whole duty to his Government. His knowledge of the surrounding country was the reason of his being frequently called upon to act as a guide to scouting-parties sent out to arrest disloyal persons. So efficiently and successfully did he act in these various capacities, that he won the bitter hatred of all the rebels in the city and vicinity, and they only awaited the coming of a favorable opportunity to gratify their desire for revenge. The opportunity came at last, when Porter took Palmyra. That the villains, with Porter's assent, satiated their thirst for his blood by the deliberate and predetermined murder of their helpless victim, no truly loyal man doubts. When they killed him, or how, or where, are items of the act not yet revealed to the public. Whether he was stabbed at midnight by the dagger of the assassin, or shot at midday by the rifle of the guerrilla; whether he was hung, and his body hidden beneath the scanty spil of some oaken thicket, or left as food for hogs to fatten upon; or whether, like the ill-fated Wheat, his throat was severed from ear to car, and his body sunk beneath the wave — we know not. But that he was foully, causelessly murdered, it is useless to attempt to deny. When Gen. McNeill returned to Palmyra, after that event, and ascertained the circumstances under which Allsman had been abducted, he caused to be issued, after due deliberation, the following notice : PALMYRA, Mo., Oct. 8, 1862. board coffins. The condemned men were conJOSEPH C. PORTER: SIR: Andrew Allsman, an ducted from the prison and seated in the wagons aged citizen of Palmyra, and a non-combatant, -one upon each coffin. A sufficient guard of having been carried from his home by a band of soldiers accompanied them, and the cavalcade persons unlawfully arrayed against the peace and started for the fatal grounds. Proceeding east to good order of the State of Missouri, and which Main street, the cortège turned and moved slowly band was under your control, this is to notify southward as far as Malone's livery stable. you that unless said Andrew Allsman is returned Thence turning east it entered the Hannibal unharmed to his family within ten days from road, pursuing it nearly to the residence of Col. date, ten men who have belonged to your band, James Culbertson. There, throwing down the and unlawfully sworn by you to carry arms fences, they turned northward, entering the fair against the Government of the United States, grounds (half a mile east of the town) on the west and who are now in custody, will be shot as a side, and driving within the circular amphitheameet reward for their crimes, among which is the|trical ring, paused for the final consummation of illegal restraining of said Allsman of his liberty, the scene. and, if not returned, presumptively aiding in his murder. Your prompt attention to this will save much suffering. Yours, etc., W. R. STRACHAN, Provost-Marshal Gen. Dist. N. E. Missouri. Per order of Brig.-Gen. Commanding McNeill's column. A written duplicate of this notice he caused to be placed in the hands of the wife of Joseph C. Porter, at her residence in Lewis County, who, it was well known, was in frequent communication with her husband. The notice was published widely, and as Porter was in North-East Missouri during the whole of the ten days subsequent to the date of this notice, it is impossible that, with all his varied channels of information, he remained unapprised of Gen. McNeill's determination in the premises. Many rebels believed the whole thing was simply intended as a scare - declaring that McNeill did not dare (!) to carry out the threat. The ten coffins were removed from the wagons and placed in a row, six or eight feet apart, forming a line north and south, about fifteen paces east of the central pagoda or music-stand in the centre of the ring. Each coffin was placed upon the ground with its foot west and head east. Thirty soldiers of the Second M. S. M. were drawn up in a single line, extending north and south, facing the row of coffins. This line of executioners ran immediately at the cast base of the pagoda, leaving a space between them and the coffins of twelve or thirteen paces. Reserves were drawn up in line upon either flank of these executioners. The arrangements completed, the doomed men knelt upon the grass between their coffins and the soldiers while the Rev. R. M. Rhodes offered up a prayer. At the conclusion of this, each prisoner took his seat upon the foot of his coffin, facing the muskets which in a few moments were to launch them into eternity. They were nearly all firm and undaunted. Two or three only showed signs of trepidation. The ten days elapsed, and no tidings came of The most noted of the ten was Capt. Thomas the murdered Allsman. It is not our intention A. Snider of Monroe County, whose capture at to dwell at length upon the details of this trans- Shelbyville, in the disguise of a woman, we reaction. The tenth day expired with last Friday.lated several weeks since. He was now elegantOn that day ten rebel prisoners, already in custo-ly attired in a suit of black broadcloth, with white dy, were selected to pay with their lives the pen-vest. A luxurious growth of beautiful hair rolled alty demanded. The names of the men so selected were as follows: down upon his shoulders, which, with his fine personal appearance, could not but bring to mind Willis Baker, Lewis County; Thos. Humston, the handsome but vicious Absalom. There was Lewis County; Morgan Bixler, Lewis County; nothing especially worthy of note in the appearJohn Y. McPheeters, Lewis County; Herbert ance of the others. One of them, Willis Baker Hudson, Ralls County; John M. Wade, Ralls of Lewis County, was proven to be the man who County; Marion Lair, Ralls County; Captain last year shot and killed Mr. Ezekiel Pratte, his Thos. A. Snider, Monroe County; Eleazer Lake, Union neighbor, near Williamstown, in that counScotland County; Hiram Smith, Knox County. ty. All the others were rebels of lesser note, the These parties were informed on Friday even-particulars of whose crimes we are not familiar ing, that unless Mr. Allsman was returned to his family by one o'clock on the following day, they would all be shot at that hour. Most of them received the announcement with composure or indifference. The Rev. James S. Green, of this city, remained with them during that night, as their spiritual adviser, endeavoring to prepare them for their sudden entrance into the presence of their Maker. A little after eleven o'clock A.M. the next day, three Government wagons drove to the jail. One contained four and each of the others three rough with. A few minutes after one o'clock, Colonel Strachan, Provost-Marshal General, and the Rev. Mr. Rhoads, shook hands with the prisoners. Two of them accepted bandages for their eyes-all the rest refused. A hundred spectators had gathered around the amphitheatre to witness the impressive scene. The stillness of death pervaded the place. The officer in command now stepped forward and gave the word of command: "Ready; aim; fire!" The discharges, however, were not made simultaneously-probably through want of a per fect previous understanding of the orders and of the time at which to fire. Two of the rebels fell backward upon their coffins and died instantly. Captain Snider sprang forward and fell with his head toward the soldiers, his face upward, his hands clasped upon his breast, and the left leg drawn half-way up. He did not move again, but died immediately. He had requested the soldiers to aim at his heart, and they obeyed but too implicitly. The other seven were not killed out-ney, Marshal, and Clerk, according to such proright; so the reserves were called in, who despatched them with their revolvers. course of proceedings and practice which has been customary in the Courts of the United States and Louisiana-his judgment to be final and conclusive. And I do hereby authorize and empower the said Judge to make and establish such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the exercise of his jurisdiction, and to appoint a Prosecuting Attorney, Marshal and Clerk of the said Court, who shall perform the functions of Attor The lifeless remains were then placed in coffins, the lids, upon which the name of each man was written, were screwed on, and the direful procession returned to town by the same route that it pursued in going. But the souls of ten men that went out came not back. Friends came and took seven of the corpses. Three were buried by the military in the public cemetery. The tragedy was over. ceedings and practice as before mentioned, and sation to be certified by the Secretary of War. [L. S.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, It seems hard that ten men should die for one. Under ordinary circumstances it could hardly be justified. But severe diseases demand severe remedies. The safety of the people is the supreme law. It overrides all other considerations. The madness of rebellion has become so deep-seated that ordinary methods of cure are inadequate. To take life for life would be little intimidation to men seeking the heart's blood of an obnoxious enemy. They could well afford to make even exWAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, 23 October, 1862. changes under many circumstances. It is only by striking the deepest terror into them-causing I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true them to thoroughly respect the lives of loyal men copy, duly examined and compared with the origithat they can be taught to observe the obliga-nal, of the Executive Order of the President of the tions of humanity and of law. United States, constituting a Provisional Court for the State of Louisiana. Secretary of State. Witness my hand and seal of the War Depart ment. Doc. 11. PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S ORDER, ESTABLISHING A PROVISIONAL COURT IN LOUISIANA. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, October 20, 1862. THE insurrection which has for some time pre GENERAL BLUNT'S OFFICIAL REPORT. Brigadier-General J. M. Schofield, Commanding vailed in several of the States of this Union, in- BATTLE OF "OLD FORT WAYNE," ARK cluding Louisiana, having temporarily subverted and swept away the civil institutions of that State, including the judiciary and the judicial authori ties of the Union, so that it has become necessary to hold the State in military occupation; and it being indispensably necessary that there shall be some judicial tribunal existing there capable of administering justice, I have, therefore, thought it proper to appoint, and I do hereby constitute a Provisional Court, which shall be a Court of Record, for the State of Louisiana, and I do hereby appoint Charles A. Peabody, of New-York, to be a Provisional Judge to hold said Court, with authority to hear, try and determine all causes, civil and criminal, including causes in law, equity, revenue and admiralty, and particularly all such powers and jurisdiction as belong to the District and Circuit Courts of the United States, conforming his proceedings, so far as possible, to the GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in pursuance of your instructions of the twentieth instant, I left camp at Pea Ridge at about seven o'clock P.M. of that day with the Second and Third brigades of my command, consisting of the Second, Sixth, and Tenth, and the Eleventh Kansas, and the First and Third Cherokee regiments, the First Kansas and the Second Indiana batteries and four mountain howitzers, leaving the First brigade, Gen. Salomon, to protect my rear and flank, and my supply train, meeting the command of Gen. Herron about midnight, which caused considerable delay. |