ing columns to the assault. Nothing has been more handsomely or successfully done. My thanks are due to Major Mundee, Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant Egerton, Aid-decamp; Lieutenant-Colonel Stone, Division Inspector; Lieutenant Hoag, Division Commissary; Lieutenant Cole, Provost-Marshal; and Lieutenant Matlock, Commissioner of Musters, for the able assistance they gave me in preparing and executing the attack. Soon after the attack was completed, I received orders to move my division on the Chancellorsville road, and join the other divisions of the corps. I did so, and after marching some three miles from Fredericksburgh, the advance of the corps became engaged. I soon received orders to throw my division to the left to check a flank attack. I did so. No flank attack being made, | and night coming on, I encamped my division on the road. ditional force. At this time our left was vigor ously and stubbornly contending against large odds, and after contesting the ground as long as advantageous, our artillery and its support moved a short distance to the rear to the position before indicated. At this time Lieutenant Butler's regular battery and two regiments reported to me, and were quickly thrown into position on our left. The enemy apparently thinking our left was giving way, rallied and confidently advanced until they brought their flank opposite the wood, in which was placed those sterling soldiers of the Vermont brigade at the favorable moment. This brigade opened its fire upon the flank of the enemy's columns, and immediately the batteries in front opened a direct fire. The effect of this flank and direct fire upon the enemy was most marked. In a short time not a hostile shot came into our lines. Darkness now came on, but soon the moon rose and again lighted up the field, and not a rebel could be seen between our lines and the heights of Fredericksburgh. Early on the morning of the fourth, the enemy showed himself on my left and rear, on the Richmond and Fredericksburgh road. I then threw back my left, resting it on the river, between At half-past ten P.M., I was ordered to move Fredericksburgh and Banks's Ford, my right rest- the division back to Banks's Ford, and that night ing on the Chancellorsville road, and connecting the division recrossed the Rappahannock. Great with the division on my right. My line was now credit is again due our artillery for their services some two miles in length, with less than six in repulsing the attack. In the action of Guest's thousand men upon it. About eleven A.M. the farm the section under Lieutenant Simon, Fifth enemy in force attacked my right centre. This artillery, and Captain Rigsby's battery, were attack was successfully repulsed by a portion of largely instrumental in breaking the attack of the General Neill's brigade and Martin's battery, in enemy's left, and the artillery on our left, under which repulse three companies of the Nineteenth Captain Martin, was used with great effect in New-York and one of the Seventh Maine gallant-checking the advance of the enemy on that point, ly captured a stand of colors and between one and two hundred prisoners. About one P.M., I received reliable information that the enemy was assembling a force largely outnumbering my division, immediately in rear of Fredericksburgh, for another attack. After the repulse which the enemy had met with in the morning, I expected, if he made a second attack, it would be mainly directed on my left. I therefore carefully examined the ground, and made arrangements so that in case my left was unable to hold its position, it could fall back some little distance behind the left of a small covering of wood which was immediately in rear of the centre of my first line. In this covering of wood I held a portion of my reserve force ready, in case the enemy should force my left, to make a flank attack, should he attempt to ad vance. My first line was held by General Mills's brigade, strengthened by two regiments of Colonel Grant's brigade. About five P.M. the enemy advanced with a strong line of battle, and attacked my left and centre, and followed this with a heavy column upon my left. The attack from the enemy's left was successfully broken, and my right advancing, we succeeding in taking a large number of prisoners, among them twenty-one officers and nearly all of the men of the Eighth Louisiana regiment. I then immediately withdrew a portion of my force to my right, and reënforced my left, and sent to the corps commanders for ad and afterwart in connection with Lieutenant My thanks are again due to Major Mundee, Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant-Colonel Stone, Division Inspector; Lieutenant Egerton, Aid-de-Camp; Lieutenant Cole, Provost-Marshal; Lieutenant Hoag, Division Commissary, and Lieutentant Matlock, Commissary of Musters, of the division staff, for the able and prompt assistance they gave me on the field, in the action of the fourth. Much credit is due to Captain Hickman, Ordnance officer for the division, for the gallantry and energy displayed in supplying the division on the field with necessary ammunition in the actions of the third and fourth. The list of casualties in the division on the third and fourth (amounting in the aggregate to one thousand five hundred and fifteen) has been previously forwarded. The importance of the action fought by the That the effect of future war with any power thus enabled to purchase, prepare, and refit vessels of war in neutral ports, will inevitably be to transfer to neutral flags that portion of the seacarrying trade of the world which is now enjoyed by your memorialists and by other British shipowners. Second division on the fourth will be understood mercantile marine the efforts of those steam when it is known that it was attacked by three cruisers may be directed. strong divisions of the enemy, (MeLaws's, Anderson's, and Early's,) the attack directed by the senior General of the army, (General Lee,) and with a view to cut the communication of the Sixth corps with its river crossing, which attack, if successful, must have resulted either in the destruction or capture of the Sixth corps. Yet the Second division, almost unaided, successfully repulsed the attack, and without losing a gun or prisoner to the enemy. I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient Doc. 59. NEUTRALITY OF ENGLAND. PETITION TO EARL RUSSELL. To the Right Honorable the Earl Russell, Her THE memorial of the undersigned ship-owners of Liverpool showeth : That your memorialists, who are deeply interested in British shipping, view with dismay the probable future consequences of a state of affairs which permits a foreign belligerent to construct in and send to sea from British ports, vessels of war, in contravention of the provisions of the existing law. That the immediate effect of placing at the disposal of that foreign belligerent a very small number of steam cruisers has been to paralyze the mercantile marine of a powerful maritime and naval nation, inflicting within a few months losses, direct and indirect, on its ship-owning and mercantile interests, which years of peace may prove inadequate to retrieve. That over and above the chances of pecuniary loss to themselves, your memorialists share in the regret with which a law-regarding community must naturally look on successful attempts to evade the provisions of an act of Parliament, passed for a single and simple purpose, but which has been found not to give the Executive all the powers needed for its effective execution. That your memorialists would accordingly respectfully urge upon your Lordship the expedience of proposing to Parliament to sanction the introduction of such amendments into the Foreign Enlistment act as may have the effect of giving greater power to the Executive to prevent the construction in British ports of ships destined for the use of belligerents; and your memorialists would further suggest to your Lordship the importance of endeavoring to secure the assent of the Government of the United States of America, and of other foreign countries, to the adoption of similar regulations in those countries also. JAMES POOLE & Co., All which your memorialists respectfully sub- FINLAY, CAMPBELL & Co., That your memorialists cannot shut their eyes to the probability that in any future war between England and a foreign power, however insignificant in naval strength, the example now set by subjects of Her Majesty, while England is neu-J. CAMPBELL, tral, may be followed by citizens of other coun- S. R. GRAVES, tries neutral when England is belligerent; and RANKIN, GILMORE & Co., that the attitude of helplessness in which Her RATHBONE BROS. & Co., Majesty's government have declared their inabili- JAMES BROWN & Co., ty to detect and punish breaches of the law, notoriously committed by certain of Her Majesty's subjects, may hereafter be successfully imitated by the governments of those other countries in answer to English remonstrances. LIVERPOOL, June 9, 1863. W. B. BOADLE, Doc. 60. FIGHT NEAR MONTICELLO, KY. That the experience of late events has proved to the conviction of your memorialists that the SOMERSET, KY., June 10, 1863. possession by a belligerent of swift steam cruis- ONE of the most exciting and trying reconers, under no necessity actual or conventional, noissances that I have ever seen I returned from to visit the possibly blockaded home-ports of this morning. Noticing a stir at headquarters that belligerent, but able to obtain all requisite about noon on Monday, I was soon convinced supplies from neutrals, will become a weapon of that something was on foot, and, learning that a offence against which no preponderance of naval considerable force was to take a tramp in some strength can effectually guard, and the severity direction, I determined on accompanying it. of which will be felt in the ratio of the shipping About four o'clock, detachments of the Second and mercantile wealth of the nation against whose | Ohio cavalry, consisting of companies B, (Lieu tenant Deming,) E, (Captain Stewart,) F, (Sergeant McBride,) H, (Lieutenant Case,) K, (Lieutenant Patrick.) L, (Captain Easton,) and M, (Captain Ulrey,) commanded by Majors Purington and Seward; also, of the Seventh Ohio cavalry, Colonel Garrard, divided into three divisions-the first, commanded by Captain Lindsey; second, Lieutenant Shaw; third, Captain Brownfield-all commanded by Colonel A. V. Kautz, of the Second Ohio, left here about half-past three o'clock, and proceeded direct to Waitsboro, a distance of seven miles, where we forded the river, the howitzers, (two sections,) ambulances, and ammunition-wagon being ferried at Stigall's. We made a distance of four miles, where we bivouacked for the night. Thus far we had not seen the semblance of an enemy. The next morning the camp-fires were brightly burning, and the camp astir as early as three o'clock. A hastily prepared breakfast fitted us for the beginning of a day of severe riding and hard work. At four o'clock we were in the saddle, and moving at a brisk walk in the direction of Monticello. We were regaled on our way by the perfume of the clover-fields and early flowers, and the sweet songs of the numerous birds that make their homes in these groves of Southern Kentucky. Our men seemed impressed with the idea that we were going on an important mission. cannonading began. The horses for the same A It not being the object of Colonel Kautz to hold the position, he left companies H and K, Second Ohio cavalry, and A and F, Forty-fifth Ohio, all commanded by Major Seward, to hold the gorge for an hour or so, while the main portion retired. Colonel Garrard, with his regiment, was also to hold the Albany road for an hour, which he did in the face of a superior force, and fell back without loss. At Monticello, the rear-guard was joined by a company of the Seventh Ohio cavalry, Captain Upon reaching Captain West's, a distance of Lindsey. The main force reached Captain West's, eight miles from Waitsboro, we met Lieutenant-distant eleven miles, about five o'clock. As for Colonel Adams with a detachment of the Second us, we knew the rear-guard was coming along East-Tennessee infantry, mounted, composed of quietly. Soon, however, a courier came rushing company G, Lieutenant McDow; F, Captain in, saying that a large force were engaging them Fry; D, Captain Honeycutt; and B, Captain fiercely only a little way back. Looking off to Millsap. These had come up from Mill Springs, the left, a cloud of dust was rising which shut a little after daylight, and captured five pickets out the combatants from view. But the rapid and six horses at Captain West's. Unfortunate- discharge of musketry told us that a severe conly, the greater part of Captain Brown's company flict was going on not over a half-mile from where (rebel) made good its escape. The whole force we were. In a few minutes Colonels Kautz and now moved south, and was not very long in Carter gathered up a company of Second Eastreaching Steubenville, beyond which the rebels Tennessee, and parts of other companies that were seemed inclined to make the first stand. A col- just at hand, and galloped away in the direction umn of rebel cavalry, with the stars and bars of the enemy. Our men dismounted, and, meetfloating, now made its appearance. Our advance, ing the rebel columns that filled the road, hurled consisting of companies H and L, Second Ohio such deadly volleys at them that they were driven cavalry, followed closely by other troops, now back, from place to place, till they had retired a made at them. Considerable firing followed, but mile, leaving their unfortunate dead and wounded the rebels soon broke and ran. Law's howitzer behind them. They now got behind a stone fence battery was brought to bear upon them, which that was favorably situated, and fired severe volserved to accelerate their speed. The force con- leys at our men, who were in the woods. sisted of the Tenth confederate cavalry, under Colonel Gorde. Colonel Morrison's regiment, which was encamped two miles out on the Robertsport road, having ascertained what was going on, could be seen to the right, flying as if pursued by millions. Away the enemy flew, under the command of General Pegram, hotly pursued by our enthusiastic troops. Two mountain howitzers belonging to them were hurried at an alarming rate through the village. Citizens said that the artillery horses were not more than halfharnessed, and this agrees with the fact that for half a mile beyond the town the road was literally strewn with pieces of harness, straps, etc. Three rifled guns were a mile below when the By this time parts of the Forty-fifth Ohio and Second Ohio cavalry had become warmly engaged, and the musketry firing was heavy. Our forces at this point were greatly inferior in numbers to the enemy, who, at this juncture, from the fact that there was an apparent or real wavering in our men, sprung out from their covert, and, leaping the wall, took possession of the thick woods to our left, and pressed down in the direction of the road with a wild shout and an audacity which they paid dearly for finally. The firing was severe. Balls rained down from the hill-side like hail. A little while before the Second East Tennessee, which had been dismounted and formed on our right, was ordered up, and, at this juncture, came On arriving at the river the forces were halted, in accordance with the command of General Carter, hoping the enemy might come on and give us fight; but no rebel was to be seen, and our men finally crossed the Cumberland at their leisure, and marched to their camps to rest from as hard labor as they are usually called upon to endure. in sight on the double-quick. It was a noble time we left the battle-field till we reached the spectacle to see them rushing on to the extreme river. They had a responsible post, but the enepoint of danger, with their colors flying, and hear | my had already been taught a sufficient lesson, their loud shouts mingling with the rattling of and gave us no trouble whatever. musketry. Parts of the Seventh Ohio cavalry had previously been dismounted and brought to bear against the increasing number of rebels, no doubt with considerable effect, still not dislodging them. The Tennesseeans seemed wild to get at them, and rushing into the woods with the most audacious bravery, provoked a fire, which, if better directed by the enemy, must have inflicted sore loss upon us. The next was a volley from our own men, mingling its noise with the shouts of our own brave fellows, who were determined on driving back the impudent foe. The rattle of musketry for a little while was incessant. Each Tennessee-ject of the expedition, are inclined to look upon an picked his man, and blazed away at him until the gray-back either fell or used his legs to get away. One section of the howitzer battery was now ordered up to the front, and soon mingled its roar with the incessant rattle of musketry and the shouts of the combatants. The contest was sharp, short, and decisive. It was no child's play, for the enemy, who had advanced upon us with so much audacity, was now compelled to leave the wood as rapidly as he came into it, and seek safer positions in the rear. It was now past sundown; night was rapidly drawing its curtain about the scene of strife. The firing had, with the exception of an occasional shot, ceased. The enemy, who came on with the consciousness of being able to gobble us up at one mouthful, had not found a savory meal, and had retired to safer positions in the direction of Monticello. The wounded were brought to Captain West's, and laid down in his yard, while such attentions were given them as the circumstances would allow. The surgeons were particularly active. Wherever duty called they went, without regard to their own safety. Among those most active I noticed Surgeon Smith, of the Second Ohio cavalry, who was, much to our regret, left behind to take care of Lieutenant Case and one or two other wounded men, who, it was thought, could not be removed with safety. Of course we cannot regret that means were taken to relieve the wants of our wounded, and to see that they would be properly cared for, but that there was a seeming necessity of leaving any one behind. It was but one mile to Mill Springs, and to that place the very few that could not have been taken in ambulances might have been carried on litters, and crossed in canoes to the other side. That this was not done by those whose duty it was to look after such matters is highly unfortunate. It was now about dark.. Such of the wounded as could not ride on horseback were placed in ambulances, and the march for the river again taken up. We made four miles and bivouacked. This morning at two o'clock the column was again placed in motion, and reached Waitsboro a little after daylight. The Seventh Ohio cavalry, under the command of Colonel Garrard, was our rear-guard from the I this evening tried to telegraph you a complete list of our losses, with some details of the fight, but the lightning interrupted, and up to the hour of writing it has not been sent. Some persons, who do not understand the ob our return as unfavorable, thinking that it was the intention to hold that country. Such could not be further from the truth. The object of those who projected it was obtained, and the reconnoissance was a complete success. It is true there was some hard fighting, and we sustained some losses; but the former the soldier came to do, and the latter is unavoidable in war, while the fact that we inflicted a greater loss upon the enemy is a matter of congratulation. I cannot speak in too praiseworthy terms of the gallantry of our men. Wherever they had any thing like a chance they drove every thing before them. The East-Tennesseeans are deserving of special praise. It is simple justice to say that they threw themselves against the enemy with such bravery and enthusiasm that nothing could withstand them. Many a poor fellow fell a victim before their unerring aim. Colonels Kautz and Carter were in the thickest of the fight, and were as cool, apparently, as if their troops were on parade. The forces of the enemy were the principal part of the command of General Pegram, who evidently commanded in person. The losses inflicted upon them we cannot now ascertain. They lost ten killed during the day, that were seen; but the heaviest loss, no doubt, took place in the thick woods that our men had not time to examine. It would be safe, I think, to say they lost twenty killed, and a proportionate number wounded. Our losses will not vary much from the telegram, to wit, four killed, twenty-six wounded and six missing. We had wounded one captain and two lieutenants. We wounded and paroled two lieutenants and captured one. Lieutenant Case was badly wounded in the left breast. He fell while gallantly discharging his duty to his country. The people of Monticello, supposing we were coming in force, expressed, in private, much gratification at the prospect of being relieved from the rebel army. One negro that I saw exclaimed as he approached us, "Glory to God, I'se so happy now,' clapping his hands with delight and thankfulness, and continuing: "It's been cloudy dis many a day, but its cleared away now, and I sees de sun shine again." SIDNEY. Doc. 61. persons of the two men. He appears to have found nothing suspicious upon them, though EXECUTION OF REBEL SPIES AT FRANK- their conduct was singular enough to create sus LIN, TENNESSEE. MURFREESBORO, June 10, 1863. I INFORMED you last evening, by telegraph, of the singular circumstances connected with the hanging of two spies at Franklin. I have this morning obtained a copy, from the AdjutantGeneral's office of this department, of the correspondence on the subject which passed between Colonel Baird, commanding at Franklin, and General Rosecrans. picion. The following is the second despatch of Colonel Baird, in answer to General Garfield's inquiry as to his reasons for asking: NO. 3.-COLONEL BAIRD EXPLAINS THE CAUSE OF HIS SUSPICIONS. FRANKLIN, June 8, 10.30 P.M. To Brigadier-General Garfield, Chief of Staff: Two men came into camp about dark, dressed in our uniforms, with horse equipments to correspond, saying that they were Colonel Auton, InSpector-General, and Major Dunlap, assistant, having an order from Adjutant-General Townsend, and your order to inspect outposts, but their conduct was so singular that we have arant to go to Nashville to-night. The one reprerested them. They insisted that it was import The two men were in reality, first, Colonel Lawrence A. Williams, formerly Second United States cavalry; (according to the Army Register, he was First Lieutenant of the Tenth infantry, and was appointed by President Lincoln Major of the Sixth United States cavalry on September seventh, 1861. He must have deserted the United States service since Septem-senting himself as Colonel Auton is probably a ber, 1862, as his name appears in the Register regular officer of the old army, but Colonel Watof that date. At one time he was on General kins, commanding cavalry here, in whom I have Winfield Scott's staff, latterly on Bragg's staff;) and, secondly, a Lieutenant Dunlap, whose position in the rebel army I do not know. They represented themselves, on arriving at Colonel Baird's headquarters, as Colonel Auton, United States army, and his assistant, Major Dunlap. They were dressed in our uniform, and had horses with the equipments complete of a colonel and major. They represented their duty to be the inspection of the outposts of this army, and said they had come from Murfreesboro via Triune, and were in haste to reach Nashville. Conversation became quite free, and their language grew somewhat suspicious, so much so, that Colonel Watkins, commanding the cavalry, began to doubt the truth of their statements, and communicated his doubts to Colonel Baird. After further conversation with them, Colonel Baird sent the following despatch to General Rosecrans : NO. 1.-TELEGRAM FROM COLONEL BAIRD TO GEN- FRANKLIN, June 8, 1868. the utmost confidence, is of the opinion that they are spies, who have either forged or capaccount of their conduct. I want you to answer tured these orders. They can give no consistent immediately my last despatch. It takes so long to get an answer from General Granger, at Triune, by signal, that I telegraphed General Robert Granger, at Nashville, for information. I also signalled General Gordon Granger. If these should know it, because Forrest must be waiting men are spies, it seems to me important that I their progress. General, I am your obedient servant, Colonel Commanding Post. The possession of the order said to have been given by General Rosecrans at once established the fact in General Rosecrans's mind that the men were spies, and he instructed his Chief of Staff to order a court-martial of them. The following is the order: No. 4.-HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, } To Brigadier-General Garfield, Chief of Staff: The two men are no doubt spies. Call a Is there any such Inspector-General as Law-drum-head court-martial to-night, and if they rence Auton, Colonel United States army, and are found to be spies, hang them before morning, Assistant-Major Dunlap? If so, please describe without fail. No such men have been accredited their personal appearance, and answer immedi- from these headquarters. J. A. GARFIELD, ately. J. P. BAIRD, Brig.-Gen, and Chief of Staff. Colonel Commanding Post. NO. 2. GENERAL GARFIELD TO COLONEL BAIRD. THE REBELS CONFESS THEMSELVES SPIES. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, tialed by order of General Rosecrans, the men June 8, 10.15 P.M. Colonel J. P. Baird, Franklin: owned up. It is supposed here that they imag ined they would not meet with any regular officers at Franklin; a supposition in which they were entirely correct. Colonel Baird thus narrates what followed: you There are no such men as Inspector-General ask? No. 5.-HEADQUARTERS, FRANKLIN, June 8, 1863. To General Garfield, Chief of Staff: I had just sent you an explanation of my first despatch when I received your despatch. When |