Charleston, S.C. Aug. 4 – Privateers operating sleek, fast ships from the port have been running the gauntlet of the tightening Federal blockade. Prize catches in ships and cargo have been towed here weekly at the expense of the Northern war effort. These contraband goods and ships are sold to the Confederate government and privateering is an acceptable profession in this Southern city.
The Federal blockade, though still far from closing Confederate ports, is proving its effectiveness in “pinching” the South. Already prices on sugar and textile goods have doubled. And some Southern ports are having difficulty in storing the large quantities of cotton that is waiting to be slipped through the blockade. Another threat to the Confederacy is a slackening in the arrival of weapons- artillery and muskets – which must come from Europe.
Last week, the Confederate steamer, Jeff Davis, seized the Northern schooner S. J. Waring off the Virginia coast. During the voyage to Charleston with the prize, the crew of the Waring, let by a young steward, William Tillman, recaptured the ship from the Rebel crew. The Waring arrived in New York City earlier this week.
Hampton Citizens Burn Own Homes
Hampton, V.A. Aug. 8 – More than 500 homes and business plaxes in this old and beautiful Virginia city have been “put to the torch.” Troops of Confederate Gen. Magruder and Hampton’s own citizens set fire to the city before dawn today to prevent Union troops from using the buildings for winter quarters.
More than 3000 local citizens have been made homeless by the fire.
Gen. Benjamin Butler, who has commanded nearby Ft. Monroe for the past three months was “astonished” by the Confederate’s act. Butler has released his command of the federal fort to Gen. John Wook, and now heads the large Union force stationed outside the fort at Camp Hamilton near Hampton.
Union General Killed as Rebels Roll in Missouri
Springfield, MO., Aug. 10 – the nation’s head was turned today from the grave situation in Virginia to the war that has broken into the open here in the west. A Confederate force of 11,600 men defeated Gen. Nathaniel Lyon’s army of 5400, ten miles east of here today along Wilson’s Creek.
Gen. Lyon and more than 1200 Union troops fell in the battle. Rebel losses were estimated at about the same number.
The battle, the first major conflict in the west has left southern Missouri completely in the hands of the Confederates.
Rebel Generals Price and McCulloch did not pursue the retreating Federals tonight as the latter withdrew toward Rolla, MO.
The Union troops attached the Confederate camp along Wilson’s Creek at dawn today and gained initial success with a hard-hitting surprise blow. The Rebels retreated, but rallied to take the initiative. Much criticism falling on the dead Lyon tonight for dividing his smaller army when making the initial attack.
Col. Franz Sigel led the left wing of the Union force while Gen. Lyon personally led the right. Some three miles distance separated the two wings. The Confederates counter-attacked the Federal forces in turn and forced them from the field.
Lyon was killed early this afternoon leading a charge against an advancing Rebel column. It was his first battle as a general officer. He had been promoted from captain to brigadier general in May following his capture of the Rebel force at Camp Jackson, MO.
Martial Law
St. Louis, MO, Aug. 10 – This city was placed under martial law today after receiving news of the Union defeat at Wilson’s Creek. Gen. Fremont has ordered the arrest of several prominent citizens known to be Rebel sympathizers. He has also ordered closed two pre-secessionist newspapers in the city.
Blockade is a Laugh
Charleston, S.C. Aug. 10 – The Northern blockade of Southern ports is a joke to most Confederate citizens. Southerners believe it impossible for any navy to seal off 3000 plus miles of the Confederate coast.
Privateers OK’d
Montgomery, Ala.’ Aug. 11 – The President of the Confederate States has issued an invitation to all commercial ship operators to apply for letters of marque. The letters will give an official status to all privateers operating on the high seas in support of the Confederacy.
War is Over?
Richmond, Va., Aug 11 – President Jefferson Davis, reflecting the pride of the entire South, today said that he expects recognition by European powers at any time. The Southern leaser said that the recent victory has shown the works the truth of the cause of the Confederacy.
Southern newspapers were even less restrained. Said the Richmond Examiner: “The question of manhood between North and South has been settled forever.” One Southern periodical listed Manassas (Bull Run) as one of the decisive battles of the world. Nearly all Confederate speechmakers have adopted the phrase “one Southerner equal to five Yankees.”
Confederate troops are leaving their units by the scores. A feeling that the war is over has relaxed all exertions by the Rebel army despite caution warnings from its generals.
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