A NATIONAL ACCOUNT. rebel cavalry, as several hundred were seen on the coast in the morning. Ir is my purpose to narrate in this letter the At daybreak the United States schooner George facts concerning the chase and destruction of the Manghan, blockading an inlet near by, came up blockade-runner steamer Dare by the United to the scene of action, and, owing to her light States steamers Montgomery and Aries, result-draught of water, was enabled to go close in ing in the capture of the executive officer, one shore and shell the rebel cavalry and coastengineer, and seventeen men from the Mont- guard. gomery, and one ensign, the captain's clerk, and seven men from the Aries, by rebel cavalry on the coast. It seems that at early dawn on the morning of the eighth, the Montgomery discovered a steamer apparently attempting to get away from the blockading fleet, after an unsuccessful attempt to get into Wilmington during the night. Chase was immediately given, when the steamer hoisted the rebel flag, and soon after the Aries hove in sight and joined in the chase. Notwithstanding the well-known speed of the two vessels, it was evident that the rebel was getting the best of it. Several shots were fired at her, and it was afterward proved that one took effect in one of her paddle-boxes. Later in the chase a strong and favorable breeze for the Union steamers came up, and with full sail and steam it was certain that the blockade-runner could not get away. She was determined not to be captured, however; and, after all hope of escape was gone, she headed in for the land and was run ashore thirteen miles north-east of Georgetown Light. S. C. The Montgomery and Aries immediately lowered their boats, and with armed crews boarded her, not, however, until all hands on board had gained the land. The surf at the time was running very high, and the sea was striking the grounded vessel heavily, thus making the matter of boarding extremely dangerous and difficult. Had it not been for this, the steamer could have been taken off and made useful to our Government. After setting her on fire, the officers and crew made to the boats. A very trying time for the boats' crew now ensued. The surf was so high that it was almost impossible to push from the burning vessel. Six boats had escaped the danger when it was discovered that a boat from the Aries had been swamped, and all hands were floundering in the water. George II. Pendleton, Acting Master and Executive Officer of the Montgomery, in charge of a launch, at once returned to the rescue of the unfortunate men, and succeeded in taking five from the surf. Having accomplished this noble and daring act, he was again nearing his steamer, when others were seen in the waves. Turning once more to the good work, his boat soon became unmanageable, and was thrown on the beach. It was impossible to render them any help. We could only feel thankful when we saw that they were safe on land. Night coming on, the Montgomery and Aries lay by at anchor until morning, with the hope of recovering the unfortunate officer and men. It was then, however, discovered that they had unfortunately been captured during the night by The destroyed vessel proved to be the English steamer Dare, a splendid side-wheel vessel of seven hundred tons, and was from Nassau, bound for Wilmington. Her cargo apparently was not large, and from the facts gathered it is highly probable that some important and distinguished rebel persons were on board, and the only object of the vessel was to get them safe into rebeldom. The Dare was chased a distance of sixty miles. It is possible that some of the unfortunate boat's crew may have been lost, but it is to be hoped that all are alive. The bravery and nobleness of conduct on the part of Acting Master George H. Pendleton is commendable in the very highest degree. Third Assistant Engineer George M. Smith, of the Montgomery, and Mr. Parkman, Captain's Clerk, of the Aries, and one ensign of the same vessel, whose name I have not learned, are among the captured. I have also to state the circumstances attending the destruction of the blockade-runner Bendigo but a few days since. It seems that this vessel got ashore some miles down the coast from the blockading fleet, and was discovered by the flag-ship Fa-Kee, with Admiral Lee on board, and immediately opened fire upon her, and was soon after joined by the Mongomery. Both vessels now fired at the Bendigo, and by evening several shots had taken effect. Early the next morning the Bendigo was boarded by a boat expedition from the Montgomery, Iron Age, and Daylight, in charge of Acting Master George H. Pendleton, and was destroyed. Four valuable blockade-runners-the steamers Ceres, Antonica, Bendigo, and Dare-have in this way been destroyed off Western Bar, Wilmington, since the sixth day of December. The question may naturally be asked, how it is that so many blockaderunners are now so suddenly and rapidly being destroyed while running into port. In my mind the question is easily answered. It is well known that the lightship which has been stationed off Fryingpan Shoal, which is the dangerous approach to Wilmington, was blown off in a gale of wind; and while these four steamers have been destroyed, no lightship has been at this place. That the blockade-runners have made this light a most important point from which to take bearings, etc., and have been governed by it altogether while running in or out, is most evident. Without it, they are obliged to take the land as a guide, and in so doing at night get in shoal water and aground, and are then discovered by our gunboats and destroyed. The Montgomery has just arrived here from destroying the Dare. The Aries remained be hind, and it is hoped that when she returns would skedaddle. The crew represent the cargo something will be known of the captured officers and men. I will only add that the Montgomery participated in the destruction of three of the steamers mentioned in this letter. to consist of thirty-eight bales of upland cotton, forty-five boxes tobacco, and twenty-five barrels spirits of turpentine. The vessel is about forty tons, and is built of Georgia pine, and, with cargo, will probably realize something like thirty thousand dollars. This vessel is rather a queer specimen of shipbuilding, and by looking at this novelty one can easily see what men will underCAPTURE OF THE ANNIE THOMPSON. rannical rule of the Southern Confederacy. take (meaning the passengers) to escape the ty Doc. 66. ST. CATHERINE'S SOUND, GA., Feb. 6, 1864. Doc. 67. EXPEDITION INTO ALABAMA. OPERATIONS OF THE FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. ON Saturday, January fifteenth, we were startled by the cry of "Sail ho!" and what could be more welcome to a blockader that is short of provisions; but, to our astonishment, it came from the direction of the Medway River; and when this was known, the excitement was beNASHVILLE, TENN., Feb. 12, 1864. yond description. There, not over nine miles, On the twenty-fifth of last month, the ponin what is known as Milliken's Creek, lay the toons which had been in Mud Creek were ferried identical craft we had been watching for about six down the Tennessee, to Larkins Ferry, by the weeks, and we were to lose her after all. No! Eighth Missouri. The construction of a ponsays our Executive, we will try and see what toon-bridge was at once commenced under the can be done. Volunteers were in abundance, all superintendence of Captain Jenny, Engineer of hands wishing to say they had done something General Sherman's staff. By nine o'clock of the for their country's cause; the boat was ready for twenty-sixth the bridge was completed, the work the start, and the order was countermanded, as having been done during the night by the pioneer the vessel went out of sight behind Milliken's corps of the First and Second divisions. General Point. "Now, boys, our prize has slipped.” “No, Logan had intended to take the personal comshe has not," says Executive, "for you will see mand of the expedition, but on the eve of its deher again." "Yes, and that will be all the bene-parture was taken suddenly ill, and the comfit we'll derive from her," says one of the boys. mand devolved upon Brigadier-General Morgan "There she is again, in full sight; call away the L. Smith. first cutter!" and off started our Irish smack, with twelve men and an officer for the expected prize. Twelve miles south of the Tennessee, at this point, is a ridge of mountains running nearly parallel to the river, and known as Sand MounAfter a hard pull of about an hour, we came tain. Between it and the Tennessee is a low up to within a mile of the stranger; at this point, quicksand bottom, that in rainy weather becomes we set our colors, which were greeted with as very muddy. This valley was heretofore pretty loud a cheer as ever resounded over the waters thickly settled, and at the time I speak of had a of St. Catherine's. When within musket-shot, considerable population. Since the commencethe two bow-oarsmen take in their oars, and ment of the rebel conscription, a number of rebel pick up their muskets, ready for the first suspi- officers with small squads of troops have been in cious movement on board of the would-be block- the valley for the purpose of conscripting the inade-runner. We ran alongside, and jumped on habitants liable to military duty. Considerable board, with pistol in hand. Four men being on numbers have been hurried away from their board, our officer inquires: "What vessel is homes to the army, and others have been comthis?""The sloop Annie Thompson." "Where pelled to hide in the mountains to avoid a comfrom ?""" Sunbury." Where are you bound?"pulsory service in a cause they disliked. "Nassau." "Where is she owned? "Savannah." You are a prize to the United States bark Fernandina. Boys, set our colors." There, not over one thousand yards, was the village of Sunbury, guarded by a rebel picket of ten men, who witnessed the capture of one of their craft at their very door-sills. Since the occupation of the line between Stevenson and Huntsville, these squads have been doing picket-duty in our front. General Smith, as soon as the bridge was constructed, crossed with six regiments of his division, and made dispositions to capture these officers and their squads. Two regiments, under the command of Colonel A. D. Parry, of the Of the four men found on board, two claimed Forty-seventh Ohio, were despatched to the juncto be passengers and two claimed to be crew; tion of Santa Rosa and Town Creeks. A second and they state that they were trying to run the force of two regiments, under Colonel Theodore blockade on the previous night, but had ground-Jones, of the Thirtieth Ohio, were sent to Gourd ed and were unable to get her off. The captain, fearing a capture, left at daylight, taking with him all of the nautical instruments belonging to the vessel. The pilot has run the gauntlet several times; but he, like the captain, thought he Neck; while two regiments, under Major Froman, of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois, made a forced march of twelve miles to Smith's Gap, in Sand Mountain. General Staith accom panied the force under Major Froman. The dif ferent movements were made in excellent order and time, and the result was the capture of a number of commissioned officers and men. with the force which had fallen back before his advance, were to concentrate the next day at Town Creek, at an admirable place for offensive While this movement was taking place, the operations, and which he was obliged to pass on remainder of the troops composing the expedition-his return. Smith had nothing but infantry and ary corps moved across the river. The force consisted of a brigade and two regiments of infantry from each of the five divisions of the corps: battery A, Captain Wood; battery H, Lieutenant De Grass; First Illinois artillery; the Fifteenth Michigan mounted infantry; a detachment of the Fifth Ohio cavalry, and a detachment of the First Alabama cavalry under Captain Allen; the whole cavalry being under the command of Colonel Oliver. On Monday the column moved at daylight, with ten days' rations. During the night a severe rainstorm set in, and the men, without tents or cover of any kind, were drenched. After a hasty breakfast, such as soldiers generally make in a storm, of hard bread, uncooked bacon, and poorly cooked coffee, the bugle sounded and they fell in with a shout and filed out from their bivouac as complaisantly as if the sun shone and the roads were paved. The storm continued all day, the water falling in such quantities as to make the bottom a vast mud-hole. Upon reaching Sand Mountain, the mud was so deep as to render the movement of the artillery and transportation almost impossible. There being no indications of a cessation of the storm, General Smith was obliged to send back all of his artillery, transportation, and ambulances. The troops received six days' rations, which were disposed of in their haversacks and knapsacks, as best they could. On Thursday morning the command moved toward Lebanon, the county-seat of De Kalb County, the cavalry moving toward Guntersville in Marshall County, on a line west of Lebanon. The advance was skirmishing nearly all day, the enemy appearing in squads of mounted men, but on no occasion making a stand for battle. Lebanon and Guntersville were both reached on Thursday, a number of rebel officers and men having been captured on the march. At Town Creek a lieutenant and two courier stations and five thousand seven hundred dollars in confederate money were captured. This money, it was ascertained, had been sent there for the relief of the families of soldiers. Immediately after the return of the cavalry from Guntersville to Lebanon, General Smith sent the Fifteenth Michigan, mounted infantry, to Rawlinsville, a place fourteen miles to his left, to connect with a force under General Stanley, sent out by General Thomas. Colonel Oliver reached the place without difficulty, but could learn nothing of Stanley's command, and returned. That night it was ascertained from different sources of information-deserters, prisoners, and refugees-that the enemy was preparing to attack him with a superior force. Two regiments of mounted infantry with two field-batteries, which were already moving from Kingston, a large cavalry force under Wheeler and Roddy, estimated at four thousand five hundred, together cavalry; no artillery and no wagons in which to bring off his wounded in case of an engagement. He was then forty-two miles from the Tennessee, and from any reenforcements, and the enemy were in double his numbers. The object of the expedition was not to bring on or risk a general engagement. Its legitimate purpose, under the orders of General Logan, had been fully accomplished. But just at that point the General found himself confronted by a superior force threatening an attack at Lebanon, but really moving to cut off his return-as a captured officer boasted, "sure to bag the whole Yankee concern." It has been your correspondent's fortune to accompany the army in one capacity and another upon all the campaigns in which General Smith had a command, up to the time that he was wounded before Vicksburgh. He has had no severer test of his abilities as a general officer, than this expedition. The command left Lebanon on Wednesday, and reached and crossed Town Creek with no opposition. Here they halted for several hours. But the enemy refused to attack-positions were precisely the reverse of their well-laid plans. They expected to occupy the position so that Smith could not escape. Smith occupied it, and they dare not cross. On Thursday the expedition returned to Larkin's Ferry. In the mean time, General Logan had been informed of the intentions of the rebel commanders, and had sent up a cavalry force, to move out from Larkin's Ferry to Smith's support, coming up himself to that point. The facts established by the expedition are of great importance. Almost the entire population of that section of Alabama through which it passed, and for miles about it, is honestly, intensely loyal. Officers who were in East-Tennessee, state that the loyalty of that part of Alabama is as genuine and reliable as any they obtained knowledge of in East-Tennessee. There is no whining about slavery and abolitionists, such as one hears in Nashville; no ifs or buts; they are for the old Union. Men who had lived in the mountains two years to avoid rebel service, came in and asked to be mustered as soldiers in the Federal army. One Alabamian, McCurdy, during the expedition, made up a company, enrolled their names on a piece of brown paper with a pencil, borrowed arms, and actually went out with his men and captured a company of bushwhackers, called home-guards, and brought them into our camp. Information was obtained of a regiment, stationed in that part of the country, which has determined to a man to march into our lines at the first good opportunity. Deserters come in daily, both at Huntsville and Larkinsville. The result of all their reports is that, although the rebel army is being largely reënforced by conscription, Doc. 69. ATTACK ON NEWBERN, N. C. desertions are quite equal to the increase. Soon tive districts under the last constitutional apafter the battle of Mission Ridge, an order was portionment. issued offering to every enlisted man who produced a recruit a furlough of forty days. That order has been revoked, for the reason that the furloughed men seldom returned, and the recruits frequently deserted. Among the recent desertions is that of O. Montcalm, formerly of Louisville, a Chief-Commissary of Subsistence in the confederate army. He came into General Logan's headquarters at Huntsville, and took the amnesty oath. Doc. 68. TENNESSEE RE-ORGANIZATION. NASHVILLE, January 22, 1864. GENERAL PALMER'S DESPATCH. NEWBERN, N. C., February 1, 8 o'clock P.M. EARLY this morning our outposts at Bachelor's Creek were attacked by the enemy, represented to be in force about fifteen thousand strong, consisting of Hope's brigade and Pickett's entire division. It being impracticable to make adequate defence, our force fell back in good order, after destroying their camps and abandoning but few stores, with a loss of fifty to one hundred men and one section of light artillery. Our THE reorganization meeting at the Capitol last forces are now so arranged that we are confident night was largely attended. Hon. M. M. Brien of a successful resistance. Almost simultaneously presided, assisted by Colonel Pickens, of East- with this attack, the enemy advanced on the south Tennessee, and Joseph Ramsey, Esq., of Bedford, side of the Trent River, with what force it is diffias Vice Presidents. The meeting was addressed cult to estimate, but they were handsomely reby James S. Fowler, Esq., Colonel Edwards, of pulsed. Communication continues with MoreEast-Tennessee, Captain E. C. Hatton, and Gov-head City, but the enemy are near the railroad, A lengthy preamble and the with the evident intention of cutting it. The following resolutions were adopted: commander at Beaufort is aware of the situa Resolved, 1. That we recognize the authority and duty of the Executive of the United States, or such agents and instruments as he may constitutionally appoint, and employ, in coöperation with the legislative and judicial departments of the Government, to secure to the loyal people of any State of the United States the constitutional guarantee of a republican form of government. ernor Johnson. Resolved, 2. The people being the rightful source of all power of government, the welfare of the people of Tennessee will be best secured by committing the restoration and permanent establishment of civil government to a constitutional convention, to be chosen by the loyal citizens of the State; and having implicit confidence in the integrity of Hon. Andrew Johnson, Military Governor of the State, we submit that he may call such a convention of the State at any time, when in his judgment the State can be represented from all her parts. Resolved, 3. As slavery was the cause of all our trouble, and as it is an unmitigated evil in itself, and since it may be considered dead by the acts of its friends, that it may never be resurrected, to enable a small minority to bring the ruin upon our children that it has given us, we here pledge ourselves to use all our influence to elect such men, and only such men, as delegates to said convention as shall be in favor of immediate and universal emancipation, now and for ever. And we invite our fellow-citizens everywhere to unite with us on this platform, and we use this opportune moment to free ourselves and our posterity from the bondage in which we have been so long enslaved, by the influence of a dominant aristocracy. Resolved, 4. That on the call of said convention, it shall consist of delegates duly elected from the respective Senatorial and Representa tion, and will use every effort to prevent the destruction of the road. J. W. PALMER, A NATIONAL ACCOUNT. Brigadier-General. NEWBERN, N. C., Wednesday, February 3, 1864. My note of yesterday contained a promise of something in addition to the simple statement of the fact that we had been attacked by the enemy in force, and I will now give a brief account of what has been, for the last few days, so absorbing to us. There had been, for some time past, intimations of a design on the part of the rebels to attack us; but we had felt such a sense of security, that the civilians, at least, gave them little heed. The heavy firing, however, on Monday morning, in the direction of Bachelor's Creek, taught us that the enemy did not take precisely the same views of our safety. This post is about eight miles west of us on the railroad, near a small creek emptying into the Neuse River. In this vicinity two block-houses had been built, one on the Neuse road, running nearly parallel with the river, and the other on the Mill road, running diagonally to the parallels; some slight defences besides had been thrown up for the protection of the garrison. The One Hundred and Thirty-second New-York volunteers, Colonel Claasen commanding, were occupying this post at the time of attack. The first point to be gained by the enemy was the bridge on the Neuse road, over what is called Bachelor's Creek. The fire upon our cavalry pickets was opened about three o'clock, driving them in, and soon a vigorous attempt was made to get possession of the bridge, which companies D, and E, and G. of the One Hundred and Thirty-second, had been detailed to hold. The enemy charged three successive times, and as often were handsomely repulsed by the brave boys left in its defence. The rebels, finding this point so hotly contested, had already commenced a flank movement up the stream, which company A was appointed to intercept, while companies I and K were to keep communication open between the block-houses. This flank movement could not be prevented. It was already too far advanced, and besides the enemy were too numerous, the force consisting of three brigades. Thus, after about four hours of hard fighting, the little garrison was forced to retire from its defences. The firing was distinctly heard in the city, and at daylight a part of five companies of the Seventeenth Massachusetts, under Lieutenant-Colonel Fellows, and two pieces of artillery, Captain Angels' battery K, Third New-York, were sent out as a reënforcement. They arrived at about eight o'clock. Coming up to the One Hundred and Thirty-second, in an open space, the whole force was immediately formed in line of battle. The enemy also drew up in line at the same time, resting his wings on either side so as to flank our forces, thus compelling another retreat, which was made in good order, firing as they retired through the woods. It was evidently useless to undertake longer to check the advance of so large a force, and about ten o'clock they commenced to return to the fortifications about the city, leaving behind many brave comrades, with most of the camp equipage, extra clothing, etc. Most of the Quartermaster's stores were destroyed. I have not been able to procure a complete list of casualties. Adjutant Henry C. Cheever was mortally wounded. The last that was seen of Lieutenant-Colonel J. F. Fellows and Dr. J. F. Galloupe, they were assisting the Adjutant into an ambulance. The party, ambulance and all, was taken by the rebels. First Lieutenant J. W. Day, company E; Captain J. K. Floyd and First Lieutenant J. R. Hill, company H; First Lieutenant L. B. Cabins, company I; First Lieutenant B. N. Manas, company K, are also missing, with about fifty privates. The most of the fighting was done by the One Hundred and Thirty-second, losing in all about eighty. Lieutenant and Acting Quartermaster of company A, Arnold Zenetti, killed. Company A.-Sergeant Richter, Corporal John Dennman, Corporal Christian Wullen, Lewis Strab, Edward Thaller. Company B.-Corporal James Folley, Sergeant James Dekeb, B. Schmidt, Thomas Clinton, Luther Cook, Arthur Corcoran, William Edwards, William Elmer, John Hargan, Michael Kane, James Smith. Company C.-First Lieutenant Joseph Grasing. Company G.-Second Lieutenant W. A. Whyan. There are among the missing other names was not able to secure. C. From the strength with which the enemy attacked Bachelor's Creek, it was evident they were taking steps looking toward the capture of the place. Deserters stated their force to be fifteen thousand to twenty thousand. Should this be their purpose, they have no small task before them. Our gunboats can be used in both rivers, and we are very strongly fortified on all sides, perhaps with one exception. Of all our defences, Fort Totten is the most formidable. It is a heavy earthwork, situated about half a mile from Evans, midway between the Neuse and Trent Rivers. It fronts the west, where stretches out before you an extensive plain, in former days a vast cotton plantation. To the right, on the bank of the Neuse, is Fort Stephenson, while to the left, on the opposite bank of the Trent, stands Fort Gaston. A strong breastwork runs in either direction to the rivers, thus linking all their forts together. Fort Totten is in a central commanding position. While it renders all approach from the west impossible, it commands the city and both rivers. From the tavern, every point about Newbern is visible. Brigadier-General Palmer, who commands in the absence of General Peck, his staff, a few other officers, and, by special favor, the writer, (your correspondent,) were inside the fort, carefully watching the movements of the enemy. They could be seen with a glass, and sometimes with the naked eye, passing back and forth in the edge of the woods skirting the plain on the west. The Twelfth New-York cavalry, under Colonel Savage, were out as scouts. The most gratifying feature of their service was to bring in the companies of the Eighty-ninth New-York volunteers, whom, in the fore part of the day, we feared had fallen into the hands of the enemy, from an outpost called Red House Tower, three miles distant. As the rebels ventured out of the thicketshere and there, it was exceedingly gratifying to see Major S. C. Oliver, commanding the post, send his shells bursting into their midst, soon scattering them into the woods for safety. Prisoners state that a Colonel Shay was killed by one of these shells. Every thing had gone well thus far. All the outposts had succeeded in getting in, except one at Bucker Grove, to the north-west about ten miles. It was held by one company. Every preparation was made to receive an expected attack in the morning. The freedmen shouldered the guns and relieved the guards in the city. Some of the negroes came forward and offered their services; others had a polite invitation to do so by soldiers detached for the purpose. As soon as the service required was understood, more offered themselves than could be armed. received about a thousand accession of strength, to be used in case of an emergency. Thus wo I cannot close this day's record without noting one incident. A negro family were making their way to the fortification. The father had the children, while the wife came up as a rear-guard. IA rebel fired at the woman three times, without hitting his mark, and then came out in person to seize and bear her back to bondage. Thus stepping between the mother and her children, |