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Civil War Harper's Weekly, July 25, 1863

Welcome to our online collection of Harper's Weekly newspapers. We hope you enjoy browsing through these old newspapers. We have posted them so that they look identical to the original documents, and they allow you to step back in time and see the war unfold week by week.

(Scroll Down to See Entire Page, or Newspaper Thumbnails below will take you to the page of interest)

 

Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant

Draft Riots

Draft Riots

Riots

New York Riots

Fort Hill Explosion, Vicksburg

Gettysburg

Battle of Gettysburg Description

Vicksburg Explosion

Vicksburg Explosion

Peace Cartoon

Peace Cartoon

 

Siege of Vicksburg

Siege of Vicksburg

Port Hudson

Siege of Port Hudson

Carlisle

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg

 

 

JULY 25, 1863.]

HARPER'S WEEKLY.

467

(Previous Page) in advance to hold Washington intermeddling, stupidity, and treachery responsible. Washington influences had spoiled every thing. They had demoralized the army. They had caused the defeat of McClellan on the Peninsula, and of Burnside and Hooker at Fredericksburg. They were the ruin of the cause, and nothing was to be hoped until they were expelled.

The battle of Gettysburg was fought and won. Now if that bugbear, and paralysis, and incarnate blunder, the "Washington authorities," were responsible for all the Virginia campaigns, they are not less responsible for the campaign in Pennsylvania under their very noses. If the disaster is their fault in the one case, the success is their glory in the other. If they are to be the scape-goats of McClellan's failure, they must likewise be crowned with Meade's triumph.

The truth is that it is idle to hold any man or influence solely responsible for the event of a campaign. Certainly no battle has been more splendidly fought, and no success is more vital than that fought and won at Gettysburg. It has brought to shame the proverb that the further from Washington the surer the victory. It ought to bring to shame all of us, of any party, who, for want of successes in the field, have fallen to unlimited abuse of the Administration. Is General Meade any less illustrious than General Grant? Does any body believe that either have been seriously thwarted by the authorities? Yet the authorities were abused just as fiercely as ever down to the 4th of July, and we shall always hear that Washington interference defeated us in Virginia. But if it saved us in Pennsylvania, is it worth while to call it such hard names?

REBEL AFFECTATIONS.

IT is said by the Richmond Despatch that "Vice-President Stephens" was going to Washington to inform the Government of his country that if the private property of rebels was not respected the rebels would retaliate. Now, considering that "Vice-President Stephens" is a ringleader of rebels who stop, seize, and burn defenseless ships upon the high seas, which, in every code, is pure piracy—and considering that the same rebels have announced their intention to hang without delay the officers of certain national regiments because they don't like the color of the soldiers, it is tolerably cool for them to talk of the retaliation to which they will be forced by our cruelty.

But this assumption of dignity and scrupulous regard for the rights of war is part of the game of the rebels and their Northern Copperhead allies. These gentry, who have outraged all public and private honor, and have plunged their country into civil war for the purpose of securing immunity in their cruel outrage of the simplest human rights, are peculiarly fond of invoking the Divine name, and of endeavoring to give a religious lustre to the tragical crime in which they are engaged. But now and then the pious veneer is worn away for a little while, as when that eminently religious personage, Jefferson Davis, whose dignity and gravity enchant John Bull, forgets that his cue is calm superiority, and raves fiercely about preferring hyenas to Yankees.

When you remember that these men were so firmly persuaded that there could be no higher motive for public or private action than the sheerest selfishness, and that they relied exclusively upon the utmost meanness of human nature for success in a bloody and desolating war, waged for the purpose of hopelessly oppressing the unfortunate, their snivels of piety and affectation of regard for decencies and rights become as ludicrous and contemptible as the object for which they are a cloak is inhuman and loathsome.

COPPERHEAD STATESMANSHIP.

SIMULTANEOUSLY with the news of our successes the Copperhead papers of every hue broke into a cry for "magnanimity," and expatiated upon the "noble opportunity" of offering terms and making peace forthwith. Last week the conduct of the war, in their opinion, was imbecile and treacherous, leading only to disunion and anarchy; while the rebels were strong, able, desperate, and following the greatest of generals. Horror, blackness, and death were all that this nation had to expect from the contest. Every disaster was magnified by the amiable Copperheads; every weakness jeered, as Governor Seymour jeered at the Academy the taking of Vicksburg, which, he said, "had been promised us" for the 4th of July. The ruin of public credit, general prostration, desolation by invading armies, conquering marches, as of Caesar in Gaul, as of Alexander in Persia—these were the pleasing pictures that gushed profusely from the Copperhead pencil.

A battle was fought and won by the loyal soldiers of the country. Presto! Instead of the most forlorn, abject, and conquered of people, we were at once so superior and invincible that conscience and honor compelled us immediately to tell the enemy that he was overwhelmingly subdued, that he could not hope to struggle with us, and that therefore, with sentiments of the most distinguished consideration for the bravery of men who tried to overthrow their government when they thought it utterly unable to resist, and for no cause but to establish a gallant nation of gentlemen who could whip women at their leisure, we begged them to take command of us in future as they had always had it in the past.

This is the logical and natural counsel of the statesmanship of Vallandigham and his friends. The key of their position, in all they say or do, is the status quo ante bellum; the Democratic party of the free States serving the slaveholding oligarchy of the South, doing the bidding and thankfully receiving the cold pieces of their masters. These gentlemen want last year's strawberries. They want the earth before the deluge. They gravely expect an intelligent, honest, and resolved people, whose eyes have been opened to an abyss from which they have barely escaped, to shut their

eyes tight again and play that there is nothing there. When those people do shut their eyes and open their mouths, Copperhead statesmanship may give them something to make them wise—but not before.

A STATUE BY JOHN BULL.

THE rebel organ in London announces that a statue of Stonewall Jackson, seven feet high, is to be made, by Foley, and presented to Virginia, to be placed in the capitol at Richmond. The Committee who have it in charge is composed of ten "distinguished gentlemen"—five of whom are not unknown to us in this country. Sir James Fergusson is a Scotch baronet who ran through the slave States in the first weeks of the rebellion, and being an extreme British Tory, was delighted to see, as he supposed, that we were undone—a fact upon which he has patiently insisted ever since. Mr. Beresford Hope is also of the most antiquated school of British toryism, which would hail Jackson as a human benefactor, merely because he did what he could to destroy the hope of free popular government. Mr. Gregory is the young Irish gentleman who periodically moves in Parliament for the recognition of the rebels. Mr. Lindsay is largely interested in Southern trade; and Mr. J. Spence—the inevitable Mr. Spence—is the Liverpool commercial agent of the rebels.

These gentlemen are sufficient to indicate the character of the Committee. The object of agitating for the statue is to secure the British interests involved, by prolonging sympathy for the rebellion. Of course it is the sublime character of the great hero which impels them in the advertisement; but, bitter as the grief may be, and profound the admiration, the disconsolate widow still continues the business at the old stand.

We miss, however, one illustrious name from the list. Where is Hartington? He, too, has seen the greatness of the new nation; and he has actually done something to serve it, as none of the others have. He wore the rebel colors in the chief city of the Government the rebels are striving to destroy, and in the very presence of some of the highest military officers of that Government; and although he was called to account by a brave and honorable youth, who burned with the insult offered to his country, he was unrebuked by his host, who warmly reproved the youth for making a fuss in his house. Here was a service of daring and sagacity: first, in wearing a rebel badge within the loyal lines; and, second, in exposing the fact that it could be worn there without rebuke from the person who should have been the first to resent the insult and expel the offender. The excellent Hartington should certainly be honorary chairman of the Committee, and who knows that he might not give another triumph to the rebel cause by securing a subscription from his quondam host?

LITERARY.

"HARPER'S European Guide-Book," by W. Pembroke Fetridge, is an indispensable companion for every American traveling in Europe. It is the only one published in the United States, and the only complete one in a single volume in the language. It is truly valuable not only for its general information, but for its minute directions even to the details of fees, etc., which are always so annoying to the traveler.

"Eastman's White Mountain Guide" (E. C. Eastman, Concord, New Hampshire) is issued this year in a completer form. It is a full and accurate hand-book of the various approaches to the White Mountains from New York, and detailed and picturesque descriptions of the scenery from various hands, with the most ample directions as to routes, tours, excursions, and "sights." It is neatly and conveniently bound in flexible leather.

HUMORS OF THE DAY.

A SPORTSMAN, less expert than extravagant, was seated with his servant on a rock, consoling themselves under the fatigue and disappointment of unsuccessful pursuit. The master says, "Well, Pat, this is expensive work. I've been calculating that every one of those birds cost me about $2." "Faith, your Honor," says Pat, throwing a dash of humor into the sympathizing simplicity of his tone, "I'm sorry for that, but it's lucky there's no more of them."

A modest-looking young lady coming one day into the Rooms at Bath, when Nash was master of the ceremonies, he attempted to confuse and put her to the blush by his effrontery. "Well, miss," said he, "you have just come from school, I suppose, and I dare say you have read your Bible; pray can you tell me what was Tobit's dog's name?" "Nash, Sir," replied she, "and a saucy dog he was."

Friends of the day are like a melon. Why?

Because you may a dozen melons try

Before you can find one that's fit to eat;

And a true friend is just as rare a treat.

"Facts are stubborn things,'' said a lawyer to a female witness under examination, "Yes, Sir," said the witness, "and so are women; and if' you get any thing out of me, just let me know it." "You'll be committed for contempt," said the lawyer. "Very well," said the witness; "I shall suffer justly, for I feel the utmost contempt for every lawyer present."

"I'm afraid you'll forget me, while I'm away," said a brave officer. "Never fear, my dear, the longer you are away in your country's service the better I shall like you."

"They tell me wine gives strength," said Fox, one day; "and yet I, who have just drunk three bottles, can not keep myself on my legs!"

A little girl showed her cousin, about four years old, a star, saying, "That star you see up there is bigger than this world," "No, it ain't," said he. "Yes, it is." "Then why don't it keep the rain off?" replied he.

It is far easier to see small faults than large virtues.

Innocence is no security against temptation; it is exactly what temptation conquers.

ARITHMETIC OF CONSUMPTION.—Two thin shoes make one cold, two colds one attack of bronchitis, two attacks of bronchitis one coffin.

There is a good deal of hop in a gallon of ale, but there is more stagger in a pint of whisky.

A REFLECTION BY A SCHOOL-BOY.—The man who plants a birch-tree near a school-house little knows what he is conferring on posterity.

"Rents are enormous," as the poor fellow said when he looked at his coat.

Many a man's tongue is a two-edged sword—one of the edges cutting his friends and the other himself.

When a ship makes port does the crew get any?

At what point do armies generally enter hostile cities? —At the point of the bayonet.

Why are sailors in a leaky vessel like a dancing-master?—Because they depend on their pumps.

Why is a female who sells her trinkets like a fish-woman?—Because she vends her-rings.

Why is an old dog like shipwrecked mariner?—Because he has lost his bark.

"This is dangerous ground," as the fly observed of the treacle.

"Coming," as the rheumatism said to the traveler.

The greatest difficulty that an artist has in drawing crowds is to get them to sit.

Why is an attorney like a clergyman?—Because he studies the law and profits.

"If you beat me I will call out the soldiers," says the drum.

What tables are most used through the world?—Vegetables.

It is easy enough to tell a hard drinker—his offense is always brandied on the end of his nose.

DO YOU GIVE IT UP?

Lose my first, and all fiddling is not worth a straw;

My second gives importance to physic and law:

Not to mention divines; but my whole cares for neither,

Eats fruit, and scares ladies in fine summer weather.

Ear-wig.

Why are ladies like churches?

There is no living without them;

There is many a spire (aspire) to them;

They ey are objects of adoration;

And they have a loud clapper in their upper story.

What small animal is turned into a large one by being beheaded?

Fox—ox.

By well employing my second,

You will never regret my first.

Past-time.

When is a pointer like a plowshare?

When he is used to part ridges (partridges).

What word of one syllable, if you take two letters from it, remains a word of two syllables?

Plague—aue.

How would a witch's servant announce her carriage? "our brougham (broom) is at the door.

Why are fond mothers like anchors?

Because they are attached to their buoys (boys).

My first is a carriage of war;

In my second great treasures are found;

My whole's used by many a fair,

Though it don't to their credit redound?

Car-mine.

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

RIOTS IN NEW YORK.

A FEARFUL riot commenced in this city on the morning of Monday, July 13. At first it was merely a demonstration against the draft, which had been commenced on Saturday in the Ninth District. The drawing of names was here resumed an Monday morning. A crowd, gradually increasing, gathered around the office, but the drawing went on until about 60 additional names had been drawn, when a sudden attack was made by the mob. The wheel was destroyed, the papers scattered, and the building set on fire. The excitement spread through the city; crowds assembled every where, at first with no apparent common object. But in a short time the aim of the leaders in the riot movement appeared to be an indiscriminate attack upon the colored people, and upon those who were supposed to be in any way connected with the draft or with the Republican party. Several buildings were sacked and burned. The Tribune was attacked, and only saved by the vigorous efforts of the police; negroes were hunted down, several were murdered under the most revolting circumstances. The house of the Mayor was sacked, that of the Postmaster burned to the ground; railroad tracks were torn up, and for a while it seemed that the city was under control of the mob. Their most dastardly performance was the destruction of the Colored Orphan Asylum, in which some hundreds of children were provided for. This was sacked, and finally burnt to the ground. The riot raged throughout the whole of Monday and Tuesday. The movement, which was at first one in opposition to the draft, has developed into a scheme of plunder and robbery. As we write on Wednesday noon it appears that the riot is quelled. It is too early to attempt to give the results, or to speak of the conduct of the public authorities. We can only say now that the conduct of the police force appears to have been throughout excellent.

THE ENEMY ACROSS THE POTOMAC.

General Meade telegraphs, July 14, "My cavalry now occupy Falling Waters, having overtaken and captured a brigade of infantry 1500 strong, two guns, two caissons, two battle flags, and a large number of small-arms. The enemy are all across the Potomac."

CAPTURE OF PORT HUDSON.

According to accounts, deemed reliable, this stronghold was surrendered to General Banks on the 5th of July, with 18,000 prisoners.

ATTACK UPON CHARLESTON.

Charleston has been again attacked. The attack commenced on the 10th of July by an assault on Morris Island. General Beauregard reports on that day: At dark on the 10th, the enemy obtained possession of the southern portion of Morris Island. Four Monitors engaged battery Wagner, and the battery at Cummings's Point all day without damage or casualties, but the losses in opposing the landing was severe. Three hundred were killed and wounded, including sixteen officers. The enemy's loss is evidently heavy.

GENERAL LEE'S ACCOUNT OF GETTYSBURG.

THE following general order of General R. E. Lee to the rebel army, issued from Hagerstown on Saturday, was found when General Kilpatrick entered the town on Sunday morning:

GENERAL ORDER—No. 16.

HEAD QUARTERS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

July 11, 1863.

After the long and trying marches, endured with the fortitude that has ever characterized the soldiers of the Army of Northern Virginia, you have penetrated to the country of our enemies, and recalled to the defenses of their own soil those who were engaged in the invasion of ours. You have fought a fierce and sanguinary battle, which, if not attended with the success that has hitherto crowned your efforts, was marked by the same heroic spirit that has commanded the respect of your enemies, the gratitude of your country, and the admiration of mankind.

Once more you are called upon to meet the enemy from

whom you have won on so many fields a name that will never die. Once more the eyes of your countrymen are turned upon you, and again do wives and sisters, fathers and mothers, and helpless children, lean for defense on your strong arms and brave hearts. Let every soldier remember that on his courage and fidelity depends all that makes life worth having—the freedom of his country, the honor of his people, and the security of his home. Let each heart grow strong in the remembrance of our glorious past, and in the thought of the inestimable blessings for which we contend; and, invoking the assistance of that benign Power which has so signally blessed our former efforts, let us go forth in confidence to secure the peace and safety of our country. Soldiers, your old enemy is before you. Win from him honor worthy of your right cause, worthy of your comrades dead on so many illustrious fields.

R. E. LEE,

General Commanding.

A CAVALRY FIGHT.

A sharp fight took place on Wednesday morning at five o'clock, near Boonsboro, between the Union cavalry, under Generals Buford and Kilpatrick, and the rebel infantry and cavalry in large force, under Generals Stuart, Hampton, and Jones. Artillery was used on both sides. Our troops fought gallantly, but were forced to retire to Boonsboro inch lay inch, which they held to a late hour, and then drove the enemy back three miles.

REBEL PRISONERS RECEIVED.

Up to Friday night eight thousand four hundred rebel prisoners had reached Baltimore from the battle-field of Gettysburg, and one thousand five hundred had been received at Harrisburg, making a total of nine thousand nine hundred.

WHAT WE TOOK AT VICKSBURG.

The papers publish in full the official dispatch of Admiral Porter, recounting the fall of Vicksburg. While admitting that the army under General Grant had the heaviest work to do, he claims a full participation in the victory for the gun-boats. The extent of the siege operations may be gathered from the fact, which he states, that the mortars fired seven thousand mortar shells, and the gun-boats four thousand five hundred. Four thousand five hundred shots were fired from naval guns on shore, and over six thousand were supplied to the different army corps. We have taken over twenty-seven thousand prisoners, besides about four thousand non-combatants, one hundred and two field-pieces, thirty siege guns, fifty thousand stand of arms, ammunition, locomotives, cars, a few stores, and fifty-seven stand of colors. Two thousand five hundred rebels have been killed within the works since the siege began. Among the prisoners are Lieutenant-General Pemberton, Major Generals S. Stevenson, Smith, Forney, and Bowen; fourteen Brigadier Generals, and about one hundred and thirty Colonels. There were five thousand six hundred men in the hospital, half of whom are wounded The stock of provisions was almost exhausted, and for days numbers had been eating mule flesh. Of ammunition for heavy guns they had a fair supply; but for field-guns and musketry they were short.

RETREAT OF BRAGG.

Dispatches from Tullahoma represent the rebel army of General Bragg retreating across the Tennessee River, completely demoralized and falling to piece. They burned the splendid bridge at Bridgeport in their retreat toward Chattanooga.

STEPHENS'S PEACE MISSION.

The following is the correspondence relating to the mission of Alexander H. Stephens and Robert Ould at Fortress Monroe:

ADMIRAL LEE'S DISPATCH TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

FORTRESS MONROE, July 4, 1863.

UNITED STATES STEAMER "MINNESOTA"—2 P. M.

Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy:

The following communication is just received from Mr. Stephens, who is in the flag-of-truce boat anchored above. I shall inform Mr. Stephens that I await your instructions before giving him an answer.

      S. H. LEE, Admiral, etc.

THE REBEL APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO PROCEED TO WASHINGTON.

CONFEDERATE STATES STEAMER "TORPEDO," IN JAMES RIVER, July 4, 1863.

SIR,—As military commissioner, I am the bearer of a communication in writing from Jefferson Davis, Commander-in-Chief of the land and naval forces of the Confederate States, to Abraham Lincoln, Commander-in-Chief of the land and naval forces of the United States. Hon. Robert Ould, Confederate States Agent of Exchange, accompanies me as Secretary, for the purpose of delivering the communication in person, and conferring upon the subject to which it relates. I desire to proceed directly to Washington in the steamer Torpedo, commanded by Lieutenant Hunter Davidson, of the Confederate States Navy, no person being on board but the Hon. Mr. Ould, myself, and the boat's officers and crew.

Yours, most respectfully,

ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS.

To S. H. LEE, Admiral, etc.

THE APPLICATION DENIED.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 4, 1863.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. H. Lee, Hampton Roads:

The request of Alexander H. Stephens is inadmissible. The customary agents and channels are adequate for all needful military communication and conference between the United States forces and the insurgents.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy

MORGAN'S RAID.

The raid of the rebel Morgan into Indiana, which he seems to be pursuing with great boldness, has thoroughly aroused the people of that State and of Ohio to a sense of their danger. On 13th General Burnside declared martial law in Cincinnati, and in Covington and Newport on the Kentucky side. All business is suspended until further orders, and all citizens are required to organize in accordance with the direction of the State and municipal authorities. There is nothing definite as to Morgan's whereabouts; but it is supposed that he will endeavor to move around the city of Cincinnati and cross the river between there and Maysville. The militia is concentrating, in obedience to the order of Governor Tod.

FOREIGN NEWS.

ENGLAND.

RECOGNITION OF THE SOUTH.

MR. ROEBUCK moved his resolution in favor of the recognition of the South on the 30th of June. Lord R. Montagu moved an amendment for continued neutrality. Mr. Gladstone, Chancellor of the Exchequer, opposed the motion. He favored continued non-intervention, but believed the restoration of the Union impossible. Mr. Bright attacked Mr. Roebuck, and reiterated his former arguments in favor of the North. Sir George Grey, on the part of the Cabinet, condemned Mr. Roebuck's embassy to France.

THE ROEBUCK LIE.

Earl Russell announced in Parliament that Baron Gros had assured him that France had not any intention of proposing measures to England for mediation in the United States.

MORE BRITISH PIRATES.

From British sources we have the very important intelligence that three powerful iron rams, destined for the service of the rebels, were nearly ready for launching in English ship-yards.

The steamer Gibraltar, lately Sumter, would soon leave Liverpool, although detained for the moment by the authorities.

ANGLO-REBEL BANQUET.

A grand banquet to rebels and Anglo-rebel sympathizers was given on board the new steamer Southerner at Liverpool. Jeff Davis's health was toasted after that of Queen Victoria.


 

 

 

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