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EXPLANATORY.

THE History which this Volume completes was not contemplated by its author till just after the Draft Riots by which this Emporium was damaged and disgraced in July, 1863. Up to the occurrence of those Riots, I had not been habitually confident of an auspicious immediate issue from our momentous struggle. Never doubting that the ultimate result would be such as to vindicate emphatically the profoundly wise beneficence of God, it had seemed to me more probable-in view of the protracted and culpable complicity of the North in whatever of guilt or shame, of immorality or debasement, was inseparable from the existence and growth of American Slavery-that a temporary triumph might accrue to the Confederates. The real danger of the Republic was not that of permanent division, but of general saturation by and subjugation to the despotic ideas and aims of the Slaveholding Oligarchy. Had the Confederacy proved able to wrest from the Federal authorities an acknowledgment of its Independence, and had Peace been established and ratified on that basis, I believe the Democratic Party in the loyal States would have forth with taken ground for 'restoration' by the secession of their respective States, whether jointly or severally, from the Union, and their adhesion to the Confederacy under its Montgomery Constitution-making Slavery universal and perpetual. And, under the moral influence of Southern triumph and Northern defeat, in full view of the certainty that thus only could reunion be achieved, there can be little doubt that the law of political gravitation, of centripetal force, thus appealed to, must have ultimately prevailed. Commercial and manufacturing thrift would have gradually vanquished moral repugnance. It might have required some years to heal the wounds of War and secure a popular majority in three or four of the Border States in favor of Annexation; but the geographic and economic incitements to Union are so urgent and palpable, that State after State would have concluded to go to the mountain, since it stubbornly refused to come to Mahomet; and, all the States that the Confederacy would consent to accept, on conditions of penitence and abjuration, would, in time, have knocked humbly at its grim portals for admission and fellowship. That we have been saved from such a fate is due to the valor of our soldiers, the constancy of our ruling statesmen, the patriotic faith and courage of those citizens who, within a period of three years, loaned more than Two Billions to their Government when it seemed to many just tottering on the brink of ruin; yet, more than all else, to the favor and blessing of Almighty God. They who, whether in Europe or America, from July, 1862, to July, 1863, believed the Union death-stricken, had the balance of material probabilities on their side: they erred only in underrating the potency of those intellectual, moral, and Providential forces, which in our age operate with accelerated power and activity in behalf of Liberty, Intelligence, and Civilization.

So long as it seemed probable that our War would result more immediately in a Rebel triumph, I had no wish, no heart, to be one of its historians; and it was only whenfollowing closely on the heels of the great Union successes of July, 1863, at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and Helena-I had seen the Rebellion resisted and defeated in

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this City of New York (where its ideas and vital aims were more generally cherished than even in South Carolina or Louisiana), that I confidently hoped for an immediate and palpable, rather than a remote and circuitous triumph of the Union, now and evermore blended inseparably with Emancipation-with the legal and National recognition of every man's right to himself. Thenceforward, with momentary intervals of anxiety, depression, and doubt, it has been to me a labor of love to devote every available hour to the history of the American Conflict.

This Volume is essentially Military, as the former was Civil: that is, it treats mainly of Armies, Marches, Battles, Sieges, and the alternations of good and ill fortune that, from January, 1862, to May, 1865, befell the contending forces respectively of the Union and the Confederacy. But he who reads with attention will discern that I have regarded even these under a moral rather than a purely material aspect. Others have doubtless surpassed me in the vividness, the graphic power, of their delineations of 'the noise of the captains, and the shouting:' I have sought more especially to portray the silent influence of these collisions, with the efforts, burdens, sacrifices, bereavements, they involved, in gradually molding and refining Public Opinion to accept, and ultimately demand, the overthrow and extinction of Human Slavery, as the one vital, implacable enemy of our Nationality and our Peace. Hence, while at least three-fourths of this Volume narrates Military or Naval occurrences, I presume a larger space of it than of any rival is devoted to tracing, with all practicable brevity, the succession of Political events; the sequences of legislation in Congress with regard to Slavery and the War; the varying phases of Public Sentiment; the rise, growth, and decline, of hopes that the War would be ended through the accession of its adversaries to power in the Union. I labor under a grave mistake if this be not judged by our grandchildren (should any of them condescend to read it) the most important and interesting feature of my work.

I have differed from most annalists, in preferring to follow a campaign or distinct military movement to its close before interrupting its narration to give accounts of simultaneous movements or campaigns in distant regions, between other armies, led by other commanders. In my historical reading, I have often been perplexed and confused by the facility wherewith chroniclers leap from the Euphrates to the Danube, and from the Ebro to the Vistula. In full view of the necessary inter-dependence of events occurring on widely separated arenas, it has seemed to me preferable to follow one movement to its culmination before dealing with another; deeming the inconveniences and obscurities involved in this method less serious than those unavoidable (by me, at least) on any different plan. Others will judge between my method and that which has usually been followed.

I have bestowed more attention on marches, and on the minor incidents of a campaign, than is common: historians usually devoting their time and force mainly to the portrayal of great, decisive (or at least destructive) battles. But battles are so often won or lost by sagaciously planned movements, skillful combinations, well-conducted marches, and wise dispositions, that I have extended to these a prominence which seemed to me more clearly justified than usually conceded. He was not an incapable general who observed that he chose to win battles with his soldiers' legs rather than their muskets.

As to dates, I could wish that commanders on all hands were more precise than they usually are; but, wherever dates were accessible, I have given them, even though invested with no special or obvious consequence. Printed mainly as foot-notes, they consume little space, and do not interrupt the flow of the narrative. The reader who does

use.

EXPLANATORY.

not value need not heed them; while the critical student will often find them of decided Should any one demur to this, I urge him to examine thoughtfully the dates of the dispatches received and sent by McClellan between his retreat to Harrison's bar and Pope's defeat at Groveton; also, those given in my account of his movements from the hour of his arrival at Frederick to that of Lee's retreat from Sharpsburg across the Potomac.

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I trust it will be observed by candid critics that, while I seek not to disguise the fact that I honor and esteem some of our commanders as I do not others, I have been blind neither to the errors of the former nor to the just claims of the latter that my high estimation of Grant and Sherman (for instance) has not led me to conceal or soften the lack of reasonable precautions which so nearly involved their country in deplorable if not irremediable disaster at Pittsburg Landing. So with Banks's mishap at Sabine Cross-roads and Butler's failure at Fort Fisher. On the other hand, I trust my lack of faith in such officers as Buell and Fitz John Porter has not led me to represent them as incapable or timorous soldiers. What I believe in regard to these and many more of their school is, that they were misplaced-that they halted between their love of country and their traditional devotion to Slavery-that they clung to the hope of a compromise which should preserve both Slavery and the Union, long after all reasonable ground of hope had vanished; fighting the Rebellion with gloved hands and relaxed sinews because they mistakenly held that so only was the result they sighed for (deeming it most beneficent) to be attained. If the facts do not justify my conviction, I trust they will be found so fairly presented in the following pages as to furnish the proper corrective for my errors.

Without having given much heed to rival issues, I presume this volume will be found to contain accounts (necessarily very brief) of many minor actions and skirmishes which have been passed unheeded by other historians, on the assumption that, as they did not perceptibly affect the great issue, they are unworthy of record. But the nature and extent of that influence is matter of opinion, while the qualities displayed in these collisions were frequently deserving of grateful remembrance. And, beside, an affair of outposts or foraging expeditions has often exerted a most signal influence over the spirits. of two great antagonist armies, and thus over the issues of a battle, and even of a campaign. Compressed within the narrowest limits, I have chosen to glance at nearly every conflict of armed forces, and to give time to these which others have devoted to more elaborate and florid descriptions of great battles. It has been my aim to compress within the allotted space the greatest number of notable facts and circumstances; others must judge how fully this end has been achieved.

Doubtless, many errors of fact, and some of judgment, are embodied in the following pages: for, as yet, even the official reports, &c., which every historian of this war must desire to study, are but partially accessible. I have missed especially the Confederate reports of the later campaigns; only a few of which have been made public, though many more, it is probable, will in time be. Some of these may have been destroyed at the hasty evacuation of Richmond; but many must have been preserved, in manuscript if not in print, and will yet see the light. So far as they were attainable, I have used the reports of Confederate officers as freely as those of their antagonists, and have accorded them nearly if not quite equal credit. I judge that the habit of understating or concealing their losses was more prevalent with Confederate than with Union commanders; in over-estimating the numbers they resisted, I have not been able to perceive

any difference. It is simple truth to say that such over-estimates seem to have been quite common on both sides.

I shall be personally obliged to any one, no matter on what side he served, who will furnish me with trustworthy data for the correction of any misstatement embodied in this work. If such correction shall dictate a revision of any harsh judgment on friend or foe, it will be received and conformed to with profound gratitude. My convictions touching the origin, incitements, and character, of the War from which we have so happily emerged, are very positive, being the fruits of many years' almost exclusive devotion to National affairs; but my judgments as to occurrences and persons are held subject to modification upon further and clearer presentments of facts. It is my purpose to revise and correct the following pages from day to day as new light shall be afforded; and I ask those who may feel aggrieved by any statement I shall herein have given to the public, to favor me with the proofs of its inaccuracy. Unwilling to be drawn into controversy, I am most anxious to render exact justice to each and all.

The subject of Reconstruction (or Restoration) is not within the purview of this work, and I have taken pains to avoid it so far as possible. The time is not yet for treating it exhaustively, or even historically; its importance, as well as its immaturity, demand for its treatment thoughtful hesitation as well as fullness of knowledge. Should I be living when the work is at length complete, I may submit a survey of its nature, progress, and results: meantime, I will only avow my undoubting faith that the same Divine Benignity which has guided our country through perils more palpable if not more formidable, will pilot her safely, even though slowly, through those which now yawn before her, and bring her at last into the haven of perfect Peace, genuine Fraternity, and everlasting Union-a Peace grounded on reciprocal esteem; a Fraternity based on sincere, fervent love of our common country; and a Union cemented by hearty and general recognition of the truth, that the only abiding security for the cherished rights of any is to be found in a full and hearty recognition of Human Brotherhood as well as State sisterhood-in the establishment and assured maintenance of All Rights for All.

New York, July 21, 1866.

H. G.

INDEX BY CHAPTERS.

I. Texas and New Mexico in 1862...... 17

Twiggs's Treason-Texas State Convention passes

Ordinance of Secession-Surrender of the Regulars

-Their Loyalty and Sufferings-New Mexico re-

peals Act legalizing Slavery-Canby in command-

Prepares to hold New Mexico-Sibley Brigade-

Fort Craig-Sibley declines to attack-Battle of

Valverde-Heroism and Death of McRae-Fight

at Apache Pass-Rebels occupy Santa Fé-They

abandon New Mexico.

IL Missouri and Arkansas in 1862.............. 26

Price returns to Missouri-Guerrilla Operations-

Rains and Stein routed-Capture of Milford-Price

retreats to Arkansas-Sigel's Retreat from Benton-

ville-Battle of Pen Ridge-Rebels defeated-The

War among the Indiane-Fight at the Cache-

Guerrilla operations-Fight at Newtonia-Hind-

man driven into Arkansas Cooper routed at

Maysville-Battle of Prairie Grove."

III. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama in

1862-Forts Henry and Donelson

-Pittsburg Landing.

Battle of Mill Spring-Capture of Fort Henry-

Naval Bombardment of Fort Donelson-Gen. Pil-

low's Sortie-Countercharge of Lew Wallace and

C.F. Smith-Escape of Floyd and Pillow-Surren-

der by Buckner-Retreat of Sidney Johnston from

the Cumberland across the Tennessee-Nashville

recovered-Columbus, Ky.-New Madrid-Island

No. 10-Fort Pillow-Memphis-First Siege of

Vicksburg-Grant moves up the Tennessee to Pitts-

burg Landing-Sidney Johnston advances from

Corinth, Miss-Assails Grant's front near Shiloh

Church-Sherman and McClernand driven-Grant

borne back-Buell and Lew Wallace arrive-The

Rebels driven-Losses-Halleck takes Corinth-

Mitchel répossesses Huntsville and most of North

Alabama.

IV. Burnside's Expedition to N. Carolina. 73

Roanoke Island carried-Elizabeth city submits-

Defenses of Newbern stormed-Newbern surren-

dered-Fort Macon reduced-Fight at South Mills

-Foster advances to Kinston-Fails to carry

Goldsboro'.

V. Butler's Expedition to the Gulf-Cap-

ture of New Orleans....

Gen. B. F. Butler concentrates 15,000 men on Ship
Island-Capt. Farragut at the mouths of the Mis-
sissippi-Assails and passes Forts Jackson and St.
Philip Destroys the Rebel Flotilla-Pushes on to
New Orleans-The Forte surrender to Capt. Porter
-Gasconade of Mayor Monroe-New Orleans suc-
cumbs-Butler convinces the Rebels that he is
wanted there-General Order No. 28-Execution
of Mumford-Farragut and Gen. Williams ascend
the River to Vicksburg-Baffled there-Breckin-
ridge attacks Baton Rouge-Williams killed-
Rebels repulsed-Ram Arkansas destroyed-Weit-
zel reduces the Lafourche country-Flanders and
Hahn chosen to Congress-Butler superseded by
Banks Butler's parting Address-Jeff. Davis dis-
satisfied with his policy.

81

Fitz John Porter worsts Branch at Mechanicsville
-McClellan partially across the Chickahominy-
Battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines - McClellan
reenforced, but still grumbles and hesitates-Stone-
wall Jackson joins Lee-A. P. Hill attacks our
right at Mechanicsville-Battle of Gaines's Mill-
Fitz John Porter worsted-McClellan retreats to
the James-Fight at Glendale, or White Oak

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VIII. Gen. Pope's Virginia Campaign......172

Pope appointed to command the forces of Fremont,

Banks, and McDowell-Advances to the Rapidan-

Banks worsted by Jackson at Cedar Mountain-

Pope retreats across the Rappahannock-Jackson

flanks his right-Strikes the Railroad in his rear

at Bristow-Seizos Manassas Junction-Compelled

to retreat-Longstreet hurrying to his rescue-

Jackson worsts King-Two Days Battle of Gaines-

ville and Groveton, or Second Bull Run - Pope

driven back on Centerville-Jackson flanks his

right, and attacks Kearny at Chantilly-Pope re-

treats to the defenses of Washington, and gives

place to McClellan-His Losses-McClellan's fail-

ure to support Pope-His Correspondence with

Lincoln, Halleck & Co.

IX. Lee's Invasion of Maryland in 1862..193

McClellan crosses the Potomac, and advances to

Frederick-Address to Maryland-McClellan fol-

lows to Frederick-Lee's plans discovered-He is

intent on the capture of Harper's Ferry-McClellan

fights and beats his rear-guard at Turner's Gap-

Franklin drives Howell Cobb out of Crampton's

Gap-Miles surrenders Harper's Ferry, with 12,000

men, to Stonewall Jackson-McClellan follows

Lee to the Antietam-Battle of Antietam or Sharps-

burg-Losses-Lee retreats across the Potomac-

Porter follows-McClellan hesitates to pursue-

J. E. B. Stuart raids around his Army-McClellan

moves down to the Rappahannock-Is relieved by

Burnside.

X. Tennessee-Kentucky-Mississippi-

Bragg's Invasion-Corinth.......212

Bragg crosses the Tennessee and Cumberland-

Kirby Smith routs M. D. Manson and Nelson at

Richmond, Ky.-Bragg captures 4,000 men at

Munfordsville-Advances to Frankfort, and inau-

gurates Richard Hawes as Governor of Kentucky-

Buell follows him from the Tennessee to Bardstown

and Springfield-Battle of Perryville-Bragg re-

treats out of Kentucky by Cumberland Gap-Rose-

crans fights Price at Luka-Price retreats to Ripley,

Misa-Van Dorn assails Rosecrans at Corinth-Is

beaten off with great slaughter-Van Dorn pursued

to Ripley-Losses.

XI. Slavery in the War-Emancipation...232

Patrick Henry on Federal Power over Slavery-

Edmund Randolph-John Quincy Adams-Joshua

R. Giddings-Mr. Lincoln-Gov. Seward - Gen.

Butler-Gen. Fremont-Gen. T. W. Sherman-Gen.

Wool-Gen. Dix-Gen. Halleck-Gen. Cameron-

His Report revised by President Lincoln-Seward

to McClellan-Gen. Burnside-Gen. Buell-Gen.

Hooker-Gen. Sickles-Gen. McCook-Gen. Double-

day-Gen. Williams-Col. Anthony-Gen. Hunter

-Overruled by the President-Gen. McClellan on

the Negro-Horace Greeley to Lincoln-The Re-

sponse-Do, to the Chicago Clergymen-Lincoln's

First Proclamation of Freedom-The Elections of

1862-Second Proclamation of Freedom-Edward

Everett on its Validity.

XII. Slavery and Emancipation in Congress.256

E. R. Potter on Emancipation by War-Lincoln

for colonizing the Blacks-Congress forbids Mill-

tary Officers returning Fugitives from Slavery-

Abolishes Slavery in the District of Columbia-

Lincoln proposes, and Congress enacts, Compen-

sated Emancipation-Prohibits Slavery in the Ter-

ritories-Confiscates the Slaves of Rebels-Opens

Diplomatic Intercourse with Liberia and Hayti-

Requires Equality in Education and Punishment

between Whites and Blacks-Right of Search on

the African Coast conceded-Fugitive Slave Act

repealed-Confinement of suspected Slaves in Fed-

eral Jails forbidden-Coastwise Slave-Trade for-

bidden-Color no Impediment to giving Testimony.

XIII. Rosecrans's Winter Campaign, 1862-3.270

The Army of the Ohio at Bowling Green-Reorgan-

ized by Rosecrans-Morgan's Raids-Surprise of

Moore at Hartsville-Our Advance from Nash-

ville-Battle of Stone River, near Murfreesboro'-

Bragg retreats-Cavalry Raids on our rear-Innes's

Defense of Lavergne-Losses-Forrest routed by

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