This Meeting is Adjourned
From the editor: In late September, British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston and Foreign Secretary John Russell, convinced that the Confederacy is winning the war, schedule a cabinet meeting for October 23rd to offer mediation and recognition of "the Southern States as an independent State." Robert E. Lee's defeat at Antietam, President Lincoln’s preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, and a premature speech by Cabinet member William Gladstone, virtually foreshadowing recognition, conspires to dampen the enthusiasm of the interventionists. Eventually, even the most ardent advocate of intervention, Lord Russell, is convinced that "the whole matter is full of difficulty, and can only be cleared up by some more decided events between the contending armies." The day before the meeting is to be held, it is postponed with Prime Minister Palmerston concluding: "I am very much come back to our original view of the matter that we must continue to be lookers-on." The postponed meeting never takes place and this golden opportunity for recognition of the Confederacy is lost.
October 19 1862 (Sunday)
Two weeks ago, the naval forces of Commander William B. Renshaw, U.S.N., captured the harbor and city of Galveston, Texas. Rear-Admiral David G. Farragut, Western Gulf Squadron, has informed Naval Secretary Gideon Welles “that Galveston, Corpus Cristi, and Sabine City and the adjacent waters are now in our possession.” Galveston is connected to the mainland by a bridge, whose terminus on the mainland was at Virginia Point. He continues: “All we want...is a few soldiers to hold the places, and we will soon have the whole coast.” The lack of a sizable effective Marine Corps to send ashore in conjunction with fleet operations forces Commander Renshaw to content itself with blockading Galveston.
HEADQUARTERS SUB-MILITARY DISTRICTOF HOUSTON, Houston, Tex., October 19, 1862.
Capt. SAMUEL BOYER DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General, &c., San Antonio, Tex.: The delay of the enemy in attacking us perplexes me. Will he keep us in check with that small force, or does he await land forces.... Most of my available force will be kept idle at the point while he may make some attempts on other parts of the coast.... Then again could not the enemy...steal a march over me and reach Houston before assistance could be sent? I have no troops to spare. The protection of the Sabine and Nechez...gives employment to all the infantry in this sub-district.... Until further orders I shall blindly stand at Virginia Point and try to cut my way through if the enemy turns my position.... I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[Xavier] B. DEBRAY, Colonel, Commanding Sub-Military District of Houston, Tex.
President Abraham Lincoln makes his position regarding Don Carlos Buell’s Army of the Ohio crystal clear by insisting that they are to follow Braxton Bragg's men into East Tennessee. Lincoln has longed to see this pro-Union territory reclaimed since early in the war. General-in-Chief Henry Halleck sends the instructions: “I am directed by the President to say to you that your army must enter East Tennessee this fall, and that it ought to move there while the roads are passable.... He does not understand why we cannot march as the enemy marches, live as he lives, and fight as he fights, unless we admit the inferiority of our troops and of our generals.”
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, October 19, 1862--1.33 pm.
Major-General BUELL, Mount Vernon, Ky.: The capture of East Tennessee should be the main object of your campaign. You say it is the heart of the enemy's resources; make it the heart of yours. Your army can live there if the enemy's can. You must in a great measure live upon the country, paying for your supplies where proper and levying contributions where necessary.... Once between the enemy and Nashville there will be no serious difficulty in reopening your communications with that place.... Once [we] hold the valley of the Upper Tennessee and the operations of guerrillas in that State and Kentucky will soon cease.
H.W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Henry Halleck objects to George McClellan’s “project of extensively fortifying Harper's Ferry.” He explains, “This project...involves a very considerable expenditure of money, a larger garrison, and a long delay, perhaps extending into winter.”
2. Colonel Stanley Matthews, 51st Ohio, leads a reconnaissance from Crab Orchard Road to the Madison Road, near London, Kentucky, looking for the retreating Confederate Army. He reports, “The Madison road was covered with tracks of cattle and sheep, which had obliterated all other.”
3. Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Myers, Assistant Quartermaster, is instructed to return “27 wagons and teams” which were loaned to the officers who surrendered at Harper’s Ferry.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. After a six-day forced march, Braxton Bragg's ragged Army of the Mississippi nears the safety of Cumberland Gap.
1. Colonel William L. Jeffers, Missouri State Guard, “with 500 men,” captures Commerce, Missouri.
October 20 1862 (Monday)
Secretary of War George W. Randolph uses census data from 1850 to persuade President Jefferson Davis not to increase the conscript age “beyond forty years.” He writes: “Five hundred thousand men will be 5 per cent of our entire population, black and white. This is a larger proportion than European powers place in the field, and quite as large a number as a prudent regard to our resources will at present justify.” Randolph concludes: “It is questionable whether a larger number can be fed, clothed, and armed, and I fear that a greater addition to the Army than that proposed would rather impair than increase its efficiency.”
CONFEDERATE STATE8 OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., October 20, 1862.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President Confederate Stages of America:
SIR: I have examined the census returns of 1850 for the purpose of ascertaining the limit to which it is desirable to extend the age of conscription.... I find that the white population of the Confederate States in 1850...amounted to 4,341,948. Adding a third for the estimated increase since 1850, we have the present white population at 5,789,197. Parts of Virginia and Tennessee being in the possession of the enemy, we may estimate the available white population at 5,000,000, and the male population at 2,500,000. The conscript age, from eighteen to thirty-five, embraces 28.74 percent of the whole, and gives 718,500 subject to conscription under existing laws. An extension of the age to forty embraces 5.8 percent more, and gives an addition of 145,000, and a further extension to forty-five adds 4.06 percent., or 101,500. The first extension, together with the present conscription, will give 863,500 subject to military service, and estimating the exempts at three-sevenths, we shall have a force in the field of 493,500, or, in round numbers, half a million of men… Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War.
In Saint Paul, Minnesota, Department of the Northwest commander John Pope continues to complain about that Army of the Potomac commander George McClellan, corps commander Fitz-John Porter, and brigade commander Charles Griffin have not had to face the charges he has lodged against them. He writes: "Officers charged with the gravest crimes are not only not tried but absolutely advanced to higher commands.” He also asks Halleck: “Why are McClellan, Porter, and Griffin retained in high commands with such charges of treachery and baseness hanging over them? Do you not believe these charges true...? Did not both you and the President know before the battles at Manassas, from Porter's intercepted dispatches, that he was likely to do precisely what he did? The President himself told me so.”
SAINT PAUL, October 20, 1862.
General H.W. HALLECK, U. S. Army: I would not care to press these charges if the Government would only do me the barest justice.... The greatest criminal is McClellan, and my charge is direct and plain against him. Your reason for retaining him in command, "the feelings of many officers of the Potomac Army," is the very strongest reason, in my view, why he should not be retained.... He should never have been placed in command of anything under such circumstances. You know that he failed to do his duty, and I am glad that you deny having had anything to do with his assignment to that command.... I have only to say that your position is certainly not to be envied.... Very respectfully, yours,
JNO. POPE.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Andrew J. Smith, First Division, Army of Kentucky, leading the faltering Federal pursuit of Bragg’s army, wires Horatio G. Wright, commanding the Department of the Ohio, in Cincinnati: "O, a kingdom for four regiments of cavalry!"
2. From Helena, Arkansas, John S. Phelps, Military Governor of Arkansas, writes to Secretary Stanton, complaining that “speculators and officers of the army” are enriching themselves “by buying cotton.” According to Phelps, Colonel Charles E. Hovey, while commanding the 38th Illinois, exchanged some “contrabands” in his camp “for a bale of cotton.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Army of Northern Virginia commander Robert E. Lee's twenty-three year old daughter, Annie Carter Lee, succumbs to typhoid fever at Jones Spring, North Carolina. Lee learns of her death while at Culpepper Court House. “To know that I shall never see her again on earth, that her place in our circle which I always hope one day to rejoin is forever vacant, is agonizing in the extreme.”
October 21 1862 (Tuesday)
Several weeks ago, General John A. McClernand, a prominent pre-war Democrat, used his political influence with Illinois Governor Richard Yates to obtain a leave of absence to visit President Lincoln in Washington, D.C. McClernand is convinced that professional soldiers are hampering the Union’s war effort and he wants permission to raise a volunteer army to defeat the “insignificant garrison” defending Vicksburg. After several discussions with Secretary of War Stanton, McClernand is given the official go-ahead to begin planning and preparations for the expedition. However, despite the enthusiastic support of the President and Secretary of War, Henry Halleck is determined that McClernand's independent operation will be unsuccessful. In carefully worded orders, issued in Secretary Stanton's name, only those new volunteers that are "not required" by Department of the Tennessee commander Ulysses S. Grant will be made available to McClernand.
CONFIDENTIAL.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, October 21, 1862.
Ordered, That Major-General McClernand...is, directed to proceed to the States of Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, to organize the troops remaining in those States and to be raised by volunteering or draft, and forward them with all dispatch to Memphis, Cairo, or such other points as may hereafter be designated by the general-in-chief, to the end that, when a sufficient force not required by the operations of General Grant's command shall be raised, an expedition may be organized under General McClernand's command against Vicksburg and to clear the Mississippi River and open navigation to New Orleans. The forces so organized will remain subject to the designation of the general-in-chief, and be employed according to such exigencies as the service in his judgment may require.
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
George McClellan asks Henry Halleck for yet another delay in his advance due to the troubles he has had fully equipping the Army of the Potomac. He writes: "Without more cavalry horses our communications from the moment we march would be at the mercy of the large cavalry force of the enemy.... Under the forgoing circumstances, I beg leave to ask whether the President desires me to march on the enemy at once, or to await the reception of the new horses." Lincoln also responds to McClellan’s request for more horses: “Will you pardon me for asking what the horses of your army have done since the battle of Antietam that fatigues anything?”
WASHINGTON, October 21, 1862--3 pm.
Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN: Your telegram...has been submitted to the President. He directs me to say that he has no change to make in his order.... If you have not been and are not now in condition to obey it, you will be able to show such want of ability. The President...is very anxious that all this good weather should not be wasted in inactivity. Telegraph when you will move, and on what lines you propose to march,
H.W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Henry H. Sibley reports that the military commission set up at Camp Release, Minnesota, has “disposed of” 120 cases related to the Fort Ridgley uprising, “the greater part of whom have been found guilty of murder and other atrocious crimes.” In addition, “there remain still nearly 300 to be tried.”
2. Colonel Edward M. McCook, Second Indiana Cavalry, sends detachments to Big Hill, Richmond and Paint Lick Bridge, in pursuit of the retreating Confederate column. He reports, “I feel satisfied that none of the enemy…are in that part of Kentucky.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Guerilla attacks against the mail steamer Gladiator result in the burning of Bledsoe’s Landing and Hamilton’s Landing, Arkansas.
October 22 1862 (Wednesday)
After being forced to retreat from Newtonia, Missouri, three weeks ago, Colonel Douglas H. Cooper has set up camp near Old Fort Wayne, just inside the Indian Territory. With instructions to prepare for an invasion into Kansas, Cooper has been attempting to build up his small army. He reports: “My Indian forces had…been ordered to Old Fort Wayne, with instructions to hold themselves in readiness…. The Indians, however…, failed to assemble…and when I reached there found only part of one regiment (Watie's) at that place. I was therefore compelled to stop there until I could collect my scattered Indian forces.” When Union scouts discover Cooper’s camp, James G. Blunt, First Division, Army of the Frontier, decides to make a “hard night’s march” to Maysville, Arkansas and attack. Blunt’s men encounter Rebel pickets around 5:00 a.m., and follow them to the main Confederate battle lines. Blunt reports: “A spirited engagement of less than an hour resulted in the complete and total rout of the enemy, with the loss of all their artillery.... They are now fleeing in disorder in the direction of Fort Smith.” An exultant Samuel R. Curtis reports on the victory: “All the organized rebel forces of the West have thus been driven back to the valley of the Arkansas River, and the Army of the Frontier has gallantly and successfully accomplished its mission. We will now enter the Indian Territory, and restore the refugee Indians to their homes. The defeated and very ill Douglas C. Cooper explains the “causes that led to the disaster.”
Report of Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Cooper, C. S. Army, commanding brigade.
COLONEL: I will briefly state the causes that led to the disaster: While at Elm Springs [James S. Rains, Missouri State Guard] deprived me of my four Texas regiments, ordering them to report to him. It was with difficulty that I could prevail upon him to allow me to keep [Colonel Michael W. Buster's] Indian battalion. I was then ordered by him to invade Kansas, and I at once moved off for that purpose…. I was aware of the exposed position of my little command, but still thought that the troops would concentrate in sufficient force to enable me to proceed into Kansas or to hold my position; but notwithstanding that I sent them order after order to come together they were neglected until too late, and my little command was overwhelmed by the enemy. I was at the time of the attack, for some days previous and am now, extremely ill, and can hardly dictate a line, which I offer as an excuse for the meagerness of this report.... Respectfully, your obedient servant,
DOUGLAS H. COOPER, Colonel, Commanding.
Braxton Bragg reports that his forces are now arriving at Knoxville, Tennessee. He writes: “Shall press into Middle Tennessee and hold the country south of Cumberland.” In an effort to bolster his “shattered” command, Bragg asks if he can "draw upon [E. Kirby Smith’s Army of Kentucky] for any surplus he may have." Unfortunately for Bragg, the tortuous retreat from Kentucky has also taken its toll on Smith's command.
HEADQUARTERS. Cumberland Gap, Tenn., October 22, 1862.
General BRAXTON BRAGG, Commanding, &c.: The head of my command has just arrived here. My men have suffered on this march everything excepting actual starvation. There must be not less than 10,000 of them scattered through the country trying to find something upon which to live. Of the provisions left for me at Cumberland Ford all were taken by General [Benjamin F. Cheatham's] command...and all along my route reports reach me of the provisions left for my men being seized by the Army of the Mississippi. Unless some provision is made for me ahead the remaining 6,000 men now left in ranks will also have to scatter through the country to pick up something to eat.... I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. KIRBY SMITH, Major-General, Commanding.
Casualties at Old Fort Wayne, Arkansas:
U.S.: 19 (8 killed, 11 wounded)
C.S.: 99 (9 dead, 55 wounded, 35 captured)
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Pennsylvania Governor Andrew G. Curtin reports that “the draft is being resisted in several counties of the State.”
2. Preoccupied with the “supply problems,” Don Carlos Buell redirects his army towards Nashville, Tennessee, ignoring the instruction from President Lincoln follow Bragg’s army into East Tennessee.
3. Despite having murdered William ‘Bull’ Nelson in the presence of numerous witnesses, Jefferson C. Davis to return to duty.
4. Lieutenant William B. Cushing, U.S.N., reports that the U.S.S. Ellis has captured and destroyed the blockade runner Adelaide at New Topsail Inlet, North Carolina, with a load of cotton and tobacco.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Amid allegations that he acted rashly and was inebriated at Corinth, Earl Van Dorn requests permission to travel to Richmond and explain his actions during the disastrous campaign.
2. Thomas C. Hindman accepts the resignation of James S. Rains, who has been relieved of command for drunkenness; he also arrests Colonel John T. Coffee, Missouri Cavalry, on charges of cowardice and orders a court-martial. In addition, Colonel James G. Stevens, First Texas Partisan Cavalry, is arrested for “retiring without sufficient cause.”
3. Joseph Wheeler’s Cavalry Brigade, covering the retreat of Bragg’s army, skirmishes with U.S. cavalry all day until reaching London, Kentucky. Wheeler reports, “Having then arrived at London…, the enemy ceased to pursue us.”
October 23 1862 (Thursday)
Don Carlos Buell is rebuked for his decision to halt his march into East Tennessee. Acting swiftly and decisively to replace the recalcitrant general, William S. Rosecrans, Army of the Mississippi, is ordered to "immediately repair to Cincinnati" to receive orders "respecting yourself and your command." By selecting ‘Old Rosy,’ to replace Buell, President Lincoln has bypassed his second-in-command George H. Thomas who, when offered the command earlier in the month, had declined the promotion.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, October 23. 1862.
Major-General BUELL, Lebanon, Ky.: It is the wish of the Government that your army proceed to and occupy East Tennessee with all possible dispatch. It leaves to you the selection of the roads upon which to move to that object; but it urges that this selection be so made as to cover Nashville and at the same time prevent the enemy's return into Kentucky. To now withdraw your army to Nashville would have a most disastrous effect upon the country, already wearied with so many delays in our operations.... Neither the Government nor the country can endure these repeated delays. Both require a prompt and immediate movement toward the accomplishment of the great object in view--the holding of East Tennessee.
H.W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.
When the War Department imposed a levy of 300,000 nine-month militia, in addition to the 300,000 new three year volunteers, a provision was added that stipulated that if any state could not mobilize these additional militiamen, the Federal government would do it for them with a draft. Although the provision was of questionable legality, and the arithmetic utilized was rather unclear, it achieved its purpose. However, when several states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, can't fill their quotas, the subsequent draft notices meet with violent resistance. To quell these disturbances, Secretary Stanton authorizes the governors to "employ all the military force necessary to enforce the draft."
HARRISBURG, October 23, 1862--12.15 pm.
Hon. E.M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Notwithstanding the usual exaggerations, I think the organization to resist the draft in Schuylkill, Luzerne, and Carbon Counties is very formidable. There are several thousands in arms, and the people who will not join have been driven from the county. They will not permit the drafted men, who are willing, to leave, and yesterday forced them to get out of the cars. I wish to crush the resistance so effectually that the like will not occur again. One thousand regulars would be most efficient, and I suggest that one [regiment?] be ordered from the army. General [Andrew] Porter [U.S.], who is here, and fully informed, agrees with me, and advises the employment of such a force. I am getting volunteer troops ready. Let me hear immediately.
A.G. CURTIN, Governor of Pennsylvania.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. John E. Wool, Eighth Corps, commander of the Middle Department, is ordered to “immediately repair” to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and consult with Governor Curtin upon the reported resistance to his draft.”
2. Rear-Admiral David G. Farragut informs Benjamin Butler that he is “determined to go ahead upon the forts at Mobile.” He writes, “I am becoming very impatient, and will have to go it alone if you don't hurry up a small force for me.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Unhappy with the report sent to Richmond, Virginia, by Braxton Bragg, to explain his Kentucky debacle, and concerned about reports of dissension in the army, Bragg is requested to report in person to President Davis. Bragg replies, “Will leave for Richmond by first train tomorrow.” In the absence of Braxton Bragg, Leonidas Polk, Army of the Mississippi, takes temporary command.
2. Robert E. Lee sends “two stand of colors” captured by the 17th Virginia to the War Department in Richmond. He writes: “The United States national flag was taken…in the battle of Manassas.”
4. E. Kirby Smith reports that his command, down to less than 6,000 men, is “worn down from exposure and want of food” and unavailable for “immediate operations.”
5. Albert Pike returns to Fort Washita, Indian Territory, and re-assumes command of the Department of Indian Territory. He writes, “I was for some time at a loss to determine whether it was my duty to report at Little Rock or to reassume command here on the expiration of my leave of absence.”
October 24 1862 (Friday)
Robert E. Lee is eager to promote hard-fighting John Bell Hood to permanent command of a division in the Army of Northern Virginia. Standing in Hood's way is the glum Mississippian William H.C. Whiting, who has just returned from sick leave. Lee writes: “In the present organization of the troops, his brigade forms part of the division under General Hood.” By dint of his seniority over Hood, when Whiting returns he will command the division and block the anticipated promotion of the gallant Hood.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, October 24, 1862.
Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War: I think it better that General Whiting's sphere of action should now be changed. I consider him an officer of great ability, an engineer of experience, and conversant with the power of artillery. His services in the defense of Charleston, Savannah, or Mobile in the coming winter will be of far more value, in my opinion, than with troops in the field. I recommend, therefore, that he be relieved from the command of his brigade in this army, and assigned to one under General Beauregard at Charleston or Savannah, or at Mobile. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R.E. LEE, General.
Although he has issued the Emancipation Proclamation, President Lincoln is still hesitant to authorize the use of black soldiers in the Union army. Pressuring Lincoln to do so are many radical Republicans as well as Black leaders. Frederick Douglass has said: "Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letters, U.S.; let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder, and bullets in his pocket, and there is no power on earth which can deny that he has earned the right of citizenship." Despite lacking the President's authorization, several Union commanders have already been pushing ahead with plans for using Black soldiers in the field.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, October 24, 1862.
Maj. Gen. H.W. HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief: I have the honor to report two regiments of Native Guards (colored) organized and mustered into the service, and one takes the field tomorrow. I have organized an expedition...to move upon the western bank of the Mississippi through Western Louisiana.... At the same time, I push forward a column from Algiers, consisting of the Eighth Regiment Vermont Volunteers and the First Regiment of Native Guards (colored), along the Opelousas Railroad to Thibodeaux and Brashear City…. I can easily hold this portion of Louisiana, by far the richest, and extend the movement so far as to substantially cut off all supplies from Texas to the enemy this coming winter by this route, if I can receive early re-enforcements. Please therefore send me New England troops.... I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B.F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. The Department of the Cumberland is re-established and William S. Rosecrans is installed as commander of the Army and the Department of the Cumberland. Rosecrans’ instructions are: “First, to drive the enemy from Kentucky and Middle Tennessee; second, to take and hold East Tennessee.”
2. Henry Halleck orders John Pope and Horatio G. Wright to “send down the Mississippi all the regiments which can be spared from their departments.” He explains, “The great object now is to open and hold the Mississippi.”
3. Rufus Saxton, in charge of the operation of abandoned plantations reports that “two boat loads of rebels attempted to land on Saint Helena Island [South Carolina], and were fired on and driven off by the negro pickets.”
4. Rufus Ingalls, Chief Quartermaster for the Army of the Potomac, complains that 7,000 of the latest shipment of 20,000 pairs of boots are “sizes higher than No. 9.” He writes, “I asked that the extraordinary sizes should not be sent; they are utterly useless.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Albert Pike reports that he has “no ammunition, no provisions, no transportation, no money, and little credit,” for his “Indian troops.” I writes, “I am oppressed with very gloomy forebodings, and I deeply regret that the President did not see fit to accept my resignation.”
2. Texas Governor Francis R. Lubbock orders the removal of “all troops in the service of the State and all persons liable to military duty” from the island of Galveston.
October 25 1862 (Saturday)
The promotion of his ‘Old Warhorse’ James Longstreet and Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson to lieutenant-general is the easiest part in the reorganization of the command structure of the Army of Northern Virginia. Of its nine divisions which should have major-generals commanding, four have brigadiers, and one only has a colonel. In fact, colonels or officers of lower rank lead three quarters of the forty brigades in the Army of Northern Virginia. To unravel the large number of promotions necessary to bring the army back into fighting trim, Robert E. Lee is asked for his recommendations.
WAR DEPARTMENT, C.S.A., Richmond, Va., October 25, 1862.
General R.E. Lee: Recommendations for promotion are so frequently made that the Department is perplexed in deciding upon them, and finds it difficult to exercise proper discrimination. I must request, therefore, that you will recommend such persons for promotion as you consider worthy of it.... Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War.
The ability of Colonel Douglas H. Cooper to command the Confederate forces in the Indian Territory is questioned after his rout at Old Fort Wayne, which he blames on the Indians in his command. Now, Cooper’s provisional promotion to brigadier-general on hold due to charges of “habitual intoxication and notorious drunkenness.” Meanwhile, Theophilus Holmes attempts to get the men serving in the Trans-Mississippi paid. He writes: “At the risk of being considered importunate my duty compels me again to address you on a subject of vital importance to this army and its future operations.... Many of the troops in this department have now been in service from six to twelve months, some of whom have received neither pay nor bounty, and have families suffering at home the extreme of destitution.”
HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Little Rock, Ark., October 25, 1862.
Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War, C.S.A., Richmond, Va.: I am assured that the entire amount of Government indebtedness in this department now exceeds $13,000,000, and the people refuse to sell any more to the Government on credit.... The disbursements necessary to be made for the army up to January 1, 1863, together with the payment of outstanding debts, will require...$24,585,000, and it is absolutely necessary that the money should be furnished with the least possible delay.... I have issued the most stringent orders relative to economy in disbursements and promptness in rendering accounts; and whatever may have been the irregularities heretofore, I am confident I can...secure...the affections of a warm-hearted people, whose confidence has been tampered with...by our failure to meet our obligations, being used by politicians to our prejudice. I am, sir, very respectfully,
TH. H. HOLMES, Major-General Commanding.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Governor Andrew G. Curtin reports that “the riots in Schuylkill County have ceased for the present.” He reports, “The object of the rioters seems to have been to prevent the draft.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. E. Kirby Smith returns to Knoxville to find Samuel Jones commanding the District of Middle Tennessee. He writes to the War Department: “Is General Jones permanently or temporarily in command?” Secretary Randolph replies, “You are the second on the list of lieutenant-generals, and of course command by virtue of your rank.”