The Battle of Boonville

JULY 6, 1861.]

HARPER'S WEEKLY.

419

(Previous page) our Government to be made strongest? by putting down rebellion unconditionally, or by treating with armed rebels? Grant that civil war is frightful; which is preferable, civil war or anarchy ? Did England act unwisely or inhumanly when she expelled James Second by the strong hand and established William Third. The knife is a sharp remedy, but mortification of the limb is a worse evil.

Is it for the interest of " property" as well as all other elements of national vigor and permanence that the disease of treason shall be cut off the body of this country, or plastered and oiled over? Men of wealth hope to leave it to those who follow them. Do they wish to leave their children, also, a worse war than this?

The leaders of the rebellion, the chief public men of the Slave States, have long openly avowed loyalty to their States first, and then to the Confederation, as they have generally preferred to call the Union. In the speech of Mr. A. H. Stephens, the " Vice-President" of the Confederate Slave States, delivered at Augusta upon his retirement from Congress, and as he thought from public life, in June, 1859, he says : " As matters now stand, so far as the sectional questions are concerned, I see no cause of danger either to the Union or Southern security in it. The former has always been with me, and ought to be with you, subordinate to the latter."

Mr. Stephens is now in armed rebellion against the Government of the United States. His position now and his principles then are plain enough. He frankly says that he acknowledges a political allegiance paramount to that he owes the Government of his country. To assert that allegiance he takes up arms against his country. Will Mr. Crittenden, or any body else, explain what compromise is possible with such a man? Yet Mr. Stephens was called a Union man, and a moderate, "conservative" man, as late as November of last year.

Mr. Stephens undoubtedly represents the position of most of the men in this rebellion who have any ideas upon the subject, beyond the pleasing popular conviction that one Southern "gentleman" can whip a dozen Northern mud-sills with his left little finger. Suppose that Mr. Crittenden, supported by the "property" interest, succeeds in compromising with Mr. Stephens. Will they insist as a preliminary that he shall unconditionally recognize the Government, or will they allow that his allegiance to the nation may be "subordinate" to his loyalty to Georgia? Where does the compromise come in ?

It will not suffice that the Government promises Mr. Stephens that there shall be no more discussion of slavery. Whether slavery is or is not discussed, does Mr. Stephens propose to be true to the Government? That is the question. Or is the compromise to consist of his agreement to be faithful to the Government so long as nothing is said or done about slavery ? And do capitalists think that such a compromise would secure their property?

In a word, is the Government of the United States to buy the allegiance of citizens by promising not to discuss certain public questions ?

HUMORS OF THE DAY.

THE BONES OF WASHINGTON.

[From Punch.]

A YEAR ago, and by the maples brown,

O'erhanging swift Potomac's broadened wave, Bareheaded stood the heir of England's crown, ' By the poor stone that shuts an ill-kept grave, Giving meet reverence to the dead that lay

Beneath the stripes and stars carved on that stone, Which nothing of inscription doth display

To mar the majesty that broods upon

The ten plain letters spelling WASHINGTON.

England's crown-prince at this arch-rebel's tomb, First Magistrate twice-chosen of the States That rose impatient for more elbow-room,

And flung the English crown out of their gates. The contrast of those times and these so shows In this respect of Prince for President, That e'en the trite prize-poem-maker flows, Into some lines of grave and deep intent,

Describing that young head in solemn reverence bent.

Passed there a stir from wasting hone to bone,

Ran there a thrill through the great chief's gray dust, That the old king's great grandson by his stone Should bow the head, owning him great and just? Hovered his placid spirit near and blest That latest victory of truth o'er time,

When discords, slow but sure resolved, attest The high and holy harmonies which chime

Their broader music through the spheres sublime?

Or was there foresight of the woe to be

Before the lapse of twelve months and a day? Was that great spirit prescient to see

The stripes and stars torn from that flag away? To know the work that he had lived to do,

And saw and said, was good, before he died, Undone—his glorious Union cleft in two,

And cleaving more and more on every side,

Till none can say how far the fragments may divide.

Saw he the day that we see with amaze,

When those to whom his life from youth he gave, His own Virginians, his dust should raise, Out of the shelter of that sacred grave; Regardless of the curse that lies on those Whose hands disturb even the common dead! Brothers from brothers bearing, as from foes, His bones that oft their sires to battle led,

Who now draw impious swords, near his dishonored bed?

TO ACTORS WHO ARE NOT WORTH A THOUGHT.-We notice that there is a book called "Acting and Thinking." This is to distinguish it, we imagine, from the generality of Acting, in which there is mostly no Thinking.

RURAL INSANITY. —A country correspondent, who seems anxious to he kicked, writes that diving for an egg in a cool stream this warm weather is a process he has found to be egg-streamly pleasant.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ORDER OF THE DAY.-What to order for dinner.

MEDICAL REFORM.—We take the liberty of asking Apothecaries' Hall—or, more properly speaking, we pay them the compliment of putting to them—the following question, which, we hope, they will not absurdly consider in the light of " throwing physic to the dogs:" Since Quinine is made from Bark, would it not sound better, and the meaning of it be more sound altogether, to call it "CANINE? An answer, in the shape of an amended label, will oblige.

SHOCKING KNOWLEDGE.-Personal acquaintance with a galvanic battery.

While thousands fall by clashing swords, ten thousands fall by corset-boards ; yet giddy females (thoughtless train !) for the sake of fashion yield to pain.

"Shall you be at the May meeting?" said a pious rector to his subordinate. " Oh ! dear, no, Sir," replied the cautious curate, suspecting a trap ; "I never go to races now."

Such was the spirit of opposition between the proprietors of two rival coaches, that one was lately advertised to carry passengers to Liverpool at the following rates : " Inside, what you please ; outside, ditto!" This seemed to carry the matter as far as it would go ; but the other party were not to be discouraged, and in a short time they issued placards, stating that their coach would take passengers at the following rates: "Inside, nothing at all, and a bottle of wine included ; outside, ditto, ditto!"

If you and your sweet-heart vote upon the marriage question, you for it and she against it, don't flatter yourself as to its being a tie.

A lady making inquiries of a boy about his father, an intemperate man, who had been sick for some time, asked whether he had regained his appetite. " No, ma'am," said the boy, "not exactly ; his appetite is very poor, but his drinkatite is as good as ever."

A schoolmaster asked one of his boys, on a cold winter morning, what was the Latin word for cold. The boy hesitated a little, when the master said—"What, sirrah, can't you tell?" "Yes, Sir," said the boy, "I have it at my finger ends."

James Smith used to tell, with great glee, a story showing the general conviction of dislike to ruralities. He was sitting in the library at a country house, when a gentle-man proposed a quiet stroll in the pleasure-grounds. "Stroll! why, don't you see my gouty shoe?" "Yes, I see that plain enough, and I wish I'd brought one too; but they are all out now." " Well, and what then ?" "What then? Why, my dear fellow, you don't mean to say that you really have got the gout? I thought you had only put on that shoe to get off being shown over the improvements."

Dr. Madden, when in the West Indies, one day undertook to read the burial service over a negro, which was listened to with great attention. But when the doctor came to the part of "Dust to dust, ashes to ashes," the negro who officiated as sexton, and was prepared with a spade of earth for the usual ceremony, interrupted him with an intimation that he had neglected to order the coffin to be put down first : Put him in de hole first, massa-always put him in de hole first."

The Moon, like certain politicians, changes every thirty days, when she looks at things in general with quite a new face. If a fact were wanting to determine the sex of the moon, it would be found in her obstinacy about her age. Like most ladies, she is never more than a day older than thirty.

A RULING PASSION.—There is a story of an old abbe who had invited a friend to partake of a dish of ortolans. He preferred them done in butter, his friend in oil, and directions had been given. The friend came early, and, while talking, fell down in a fit and shortly died. As not a moment was to be lost, the abbe ran to the head of the stairs, and called out, "Do them all in butter!" He then took measures for the proper disposal of his guest.

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

THE BATTLE OF BOONVILLE.

A DISPATCH to the St. Louis Republican, dated Jefferson City, June 19, gives the following version of the battle at Boonville:

The United States troops landed at a wood-yard, about five miles this side of Boonville, and one mile below the encampment of the State troops; the latter had a battery near Boonville pointed toward the river, but it was circumvented by the United States troops, and proved perfectly useless. Immediately after landing, the United States troops advanced upon the State troops, who met them in a lane, and here the firing commenced. After a short skirmish the United States troops retreated into a wheat-field, whither they were followed in hot haste by the State troops, who undoubtedly thought they had the advantage over the enemy, but it appeared that this movement on the part of the United States troops was only a stratagem. They had no sooner taken a stand in the wheat-field than they opened a most destructive fire upon the State troops, killing many, and utterly confusing and disconcerting the remainder. After the lapse of a very short time the State troops were totally routed, and fled in every direction. Governor Jackson was about a mile off, surrounded by Captain Kelly's company as a body guard. It is reported that he was severely reprimanded during the engagement by men of his own party for lack of discretion and cowardice. As soon as he saw the result he and Captain Kelly's company, and Monroe Parsons, according to some accounts, took a boat and went up the river. General Price's absence is accounted for in the following way: On Sunday morning the report was brought to the Governor by some of his picket-guards that seven boats were coming up the river, loaded with United States troops. A consultation was at once had between the Governor and General Price, the result of which was that Governor Jackson sent orders to the troops to disband, as they could not sustain themselves against such a force. General Price then left for home. The troops, however, were exceedingly displeased with the Governor's order, and said they were determined to have a fight. Colonel Marmaduke, from Saline County, who commanded them, became disaffected and resigned. A few hours afterward the report about the seven steamboats proved to be untrue. The Governor then agreed to revoke his order, and recommended his troops to sustain their position, and prepare for resistance to the United States troops. He also issued a proclamation stating that the command had been given to one Mr. Little. What the sequel was is related above.

No one has any reliable news as to the number of killed and wounded, and those taken prisoners. It is stated, however, that Lyon once had the State troops in a position whence he could have mowed them down with terrible effect, but that he ordered the firing to stop just at that time, and proceeded to make prisoners.

A PROCLAMATION FROM GENERAL LYON.

After the battle General Lyon issued a very sensible and firm proclamation to the people of Missouri. He states that the prisoners whom he captured are mostly immatured youths who confessed themselves duped and misled by their leaders, and that he liberated them upon promising not to take any part against the Government. He reminds the people, however, that the clemency of the Government can not be too far relied upon in the case of persons taken in array against its authority. He assures them that his mission is not to invade their private rights as citizens, or to interfere with their business occupations, and he implores all loyal citizens to return to their ordinary avocations, in which they shall be protected.

REAPPEARANCE OF GOVERNOR JACKSON.

Governor Jackson has appeared on the stage once more. With 500 men he arrived at St. Louis on Tuesday, stole some property, and retired toward Warsaw. He has been pursued, but the chances of catching him were slight.

A NEW GOVERNMENT FOR MISSOURI.

There is a proposition in Missouri to hold a State Convention for the purpose of deposing Governor Jackson, who is in rebellion against the General Government and has fled to parts unknown, and electing new State officers.

OCCUPATION OF HARPER'S FERRY.

Harper's Ferry is probably once more in possession of the Government, and this without striking a blow. On Saturday, at noon, the advance of Colonel Stone's column, which has been operating on the Potomac, at Edward's Ferry and Seneca, reached Point of Rocks, on the way to the Ferry, and one of General Patterson's columns is reported to have passed through Greencastle, in the same direction. We have also a corroborative dispatch from Hagerstown, which states that the Sixth, the Fifteenth, and the Twenty-fourth Pennsylvania Regiments had marched to take possession of the Maryland Heights, looking down upon the Ferry. The position of General Cadwallader's command appears to be unchanged. Four regiments are in camp about a mile east of Williamsport; Doubleday's Battery is on the Williamsport Bluffs; Perkin's Light Artillery Battery is between Hagerstown and Williamsport; four regiments are two miles from Williamsport, on the Greencastle road; five companies of cavalry are a mile below Hagerstown, on the Frederick road ; three regiments are one mile further south, and two regiments are twelve miles below Hagerstown, on the Sharpsburg turnpike.

THE AFFAIR AT VIENNA.

Brigadier-General Schenck, in pursuance of orders received from the chief officer in command on the south side of the Potomac, left the camp at Alexandria on Monday, 17th, with the First regiment of Ohio volunteers, Colonel McCook, and proceeded along the Alexandria, Loudon, and Hampshire Railroad, placing guards at the various important points. The object of the trip was one of reconnoissance, and for the protection of the railroad track, which had been injured by the rebels ; and also to look after guerrillas, as the train in which the Connecticut regiment had previously passed along the line had been fired into by some person and one man killed. When nearing Vienna,

as the few remaining companies in the train were turning the curve, a masked battery suddenly opened fire upon the troops with fatal effect. The guns were well placed, commanding a deep cut of the railway, and the fire could not be returned by our troops, nor could the batteries be outflanked or turned, because of the nature of the ground. In consequence of the engineer beating a hasty retreat with the locomotive, our troops were deprived of a rallying point, and of all means of transportation for the wounded, except by means of litters and blankets. Notwithstanding these disadvantages our troops retired in good order to a point where they intended to await the arrival of reinforcements. About twelve of our people were killed.

THE NEUTRALITY OF KENTUCKY.

The Louisville papers contain the particulars of an agreement made between General Buckner, commanding the Kentucky State forces, and General McClellan, commanding the Department of the West, which is a virtual declaration that Kentucky shall be neutral ground in the contest between the Government and the rebels. The Kentucky authorities agree to project the United States property in the State, to enforce the laws of the United States according to the interpretation of the United States Courts, and to enforce all obligations of neutrality as against the Southern States, while General M'Clellan agrees not to cross the Kentucky border, even though Southern armies occupy her soil ; but the Kentucky authorities must remove such Southern forces; and should she fail to do so, General M'Clellan will claim the same right of occupation. The State, however, can call upon General M'Clellan for aid to expel the rebel troops. A different policy on the part of either party involves the necessity for a previous notice to the other. It is understood that Governor Harris, of Tennessee, has given in his adhesion to the arrangement.

THE STATE ELECTION THERE.

The special election for Members of Congress (House) in Kentucky, has resulted as follows :

DISTRICT.

I.—HENRY C. BURNETT (" State Rights"), re-elected. II.—JAMES S. JACKSON, vice Samuel O. Peyton. III.—HENRY GRIDER, vice Francis M. Bristow. IV.—AARON HARDING, vice William C. Anderson. V.—CHARLES A. WICKLIFFE, vice John Young Brown. VI.—GEORGE W. DUNL.AP, vice Green Adams. VII.—ROBERT MALLORY, re-elected.

VIII.—JOHN J. CRITTENDEN, viceWilliam E. Simms.

IX.-WILLIAM H. WADSWORTH, vice Laben T. Moore.

X.-JOHN W. MENZIES, vice John W. Stevenson.

All "Union" but Burnett, and all new Members but Burnett and Mallory. Burnett's majority is reduced from over 9000 in 1859 to 4000 now, while the "Union" Members have generally overwhelming majorities—often three or four to one.

THE SLAUGHTER AT GREAT BETHEL.

The official returns of the killed and wounded at the battle of Big Bethel show a total of seventy-four—of which sixteen were killed, fourteen dangerously wounded, five missing, and thirty-nine only slightly injured. Twenty-one of these casualties occurred in the mistaken engagement between the Third and Seventh New York Volunteer regiments.

THE STRENGTH OF OUR ARMY.

The Secretary of War has informed the President that there are now 225,000 men enrolled in the service of the United States.

OFFERS TO DESTROY THE "BROOKLYN."

A French engineer in New Orleans offers to destroy the blockading steamer Brooklyn for twenty thousand dollars. Another ambitious individual is willing to undertake the job for sixty thousand dollars; and a third proposes to do the work nicely for one hundred thousand dollars—payment to be made when the job is finished.

RIOT AT MILWAUKEE.

A very serious riot occurred on Monday at Milwaukee. The mob attacked several banking-houses, maltreated the persons employed there, and destroyed property to a considerable amount. The military were called out; the first company refused to act ; the second charged with bayonets upon the crowd, which broke and fled. It was feared that more trouble would be made; the city was put under martial law, and troops were sent for from neighboring towns.

PERSONAL.

Hon. John S. Phelps, member of Congress from the sixth district of Missouri, has been chosen Colonel of a regiment of Union volunteers at Springfield, Missouri.

George M. Dallas declines to be a candidate for Congress in the second district of Pennsylvania.

Colonel Cameron, the brother of the Secretary of War, has been elected to the command of the Seventy-ninth Regiment of New York, known as the Highland Regiment.

Tennessee is to be included in the military district under command of Brigadier-General Robert Anderson. Among the Second-Lieutenants recently appointed is Francis E. Brownell, the avenger of Colonel Ellsworth's death.

FOREIGN NEWS.
ENGLAND.

GREGORY WITHDRAW'S HIS MOTION. IN the House of Commons, on 6th June, Mr. Gregory agreed to postpone his motion, in favor of the recognition of the rebel confederacy by England, indefinitely. It was remarked that a discussion on the constitutional aspect of the case would be very inconvenient to the Government.

In a letter to the Times Mr. Gregory gives the following as his reasons for desiring the recognition of the Southern Confederacy : " I advocate the recognition of the Southern Confederacy because I believe by the separation of the North from the South we may deal an effectual blow at that accursed traffic, the slave-trade. Hitherto we have received obstruction rather than co-operation from the United States in our endeavors to put down that traffic. The Northerners have always contended that Southern prejudices have been a bar to their hearty co-operation with us. They have now got rid of these prejudices; and as the Cuban slave-trade is mainly carried on by ships sailing from Northern ports and floated by Northern capital, I look forward with confidence to the future action of the United States Government to restrain their citizens at least from this odious enterprise. As for the South, the slave-trade has been formally and strictly forbidden by the constitution; that constitution has been ratified by the several Confederate States, and I should, had my motion came on, been in a position to prove from various reasons to the House of Commons the sincerity of the Southern President and Congress on this point.

" I advocate the recognition of the Southern States, because I am of opinion that by this separation the area of slave-occupied territory will be circumscribed, instead of increased."

BRITISH TROOPS FOR CANADA.

The British army reinforcements for Canada, to be shipped by the Great Eastern and Golden Fleece, exceed three thousand and five hundred men, including a battery of the royal artillery.

FRANCE.

FRANCE TO BE NEUTRAL.

The Paris Moniteur of the 11th June publishes an official declaration of neutrality from the Emperor, in which he says that he "has resolved to maintain a strict neutrality in the conflict which is now going on between the Government of the Union and the States which claim to form a separate confederation." The Moniteur also publishes several articles specifying the measures of neutrality which French subjects are to observe, such as accepting no commission from either side to arm vessels of war, and not enrolling in the military service of either. Frenchmen residing in France or abroad are alike required to abstain from any act contrary to strict neutrality. The proclamation concludes as follows : His Majesty declares, moreover, that no Frenchman who has not conformed to the present injunctions can lay claim to any protection from his Government against the acts or measures, whatever they may be, which the belligerents may exercise or decree."

ONE MAN SOWS AND ANOTHER REAPS.

It is understood that much land hitherto devoted to Cotton is now sown with Grain. By about August our Zouaves will be along there, and
will Reap it !