Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1861-10-31
wAsHrsoros, Oct. Is.

The number Of our killed and woun-
ded and missing at Edwards Ferry win
probably amount 10 nearly half Of Col.
Bakers whole command engaged
One hundred and seventy.6ve woun-
ded are in our hands; forty-seven we're
taken from the 6eh and buried, under
flag OF truce; forty or ffty, at least,
were drowned in attempting 70 eross
the river. The one scov in which all
crossed from the island. swamped wRh
the 6rst load from the retreat.
On all hands. the conduct Of our
men is greatly praised. Gen. MeCleI-
Ian found them not at al dsmOEalixed,
but eager for q second tight.
Il was never Intended to hold Lees
burg and thirty miles below Vienna
Il was no object, and u would require
too large force.
Our encampment on the Virgins
shore could easily be assailed from the
hills rising over Il in the rear, which
with the insufficiency Of the means Of
transportation. caused the withdrawal
of Banks it is said at headquarters.
When Col. Baker received the order
to cross and hold the position. he said,
an do il, but It's my desth-warrant."
The order was found In his hat satuFs-
ted with blood. He received nine buh-
lets, enc buck shot, and two bayones
wounds. The holes were 10 his has
and coat and over his body. II was .
desperate fight
A Captain leading our men killed
three rebels. Before leaving the house
Of his friend, Col. Webb. two days be-
fore. Col. Baker assured and treasured
him that he would never see him again.
as in foriy-eight hours there would be-
a battle, IN which he would fall.
The great difficulty is in deciding
whether Stone or Baker deserves the
responsibility of the disaster; both
probably are somewhat To blame.
The following General Order was is
sued by the Adjutant General to-day:
"The Baltimore Il Ohio Railroad
Company. being anxious to repair their
road between Hsrper's Ferry and Cum
berland, and having represented to the
Government that they are willing to do
so at their own cost, without any claim
in the future on the Government. Brig.
Gen. Lander is hereby assigned to the
command OF the volunteer troops raised,
and to be raised, at Baltimore, Cuns-
berland, and the intermediate points in
Maryland and Virginia. which he will
proceed to post so rs to guard working
parties and the road as il is completed,
so far as the force under his command
will enable him to do so.
To facilitate the execution OF this or
der, a new military department is con-
stiIuIed to be called the Department Of
Harper's Ferry and Cumberland, to
consist Of the line Of the Baltimore d.
Ohio Railroad. from Harper's Ferry to
Cumberland. and embracing a space Of
thirty miles from the right bank Of the
Potomac. throughout the length Of said
line. Brigadier Gen. Lander is author
ICED to raise troops without delay and
make regulations.
New York is constituted Depart
ment under Governor. General Morgan.
Troops transported by railroad through
the disadecIed parts Of the country,
are hereafter to march over bridges
which may be dangerous for cars, TO
guard against accidents
Hereafter the pay Of soldiers made
prisoners Of war will, except one
months. be paid. on written authoriza-
tion from the prisoner. to any person.
Without such order to his wife, guaTdi-
an Of his minor children, or widowed
mother. in that order. by the senior
paymaster Of the district from which
the prisoners regiment is served.
The rebel commander Of Ship Island,
before abandoning it, left notice on
the Fort bulletin to the captain OF the
ship Massachusetts, regretting to leave
him after three months acquaintance,
and adding that although they had not
lived and loved together. they had ex-
changed cards, and so hoped for anoth-
er opportunity to do so.
Gentlemen from various parts Of the
country are urging Secretary Chase to
issue blank Treasury notes, on the
ground that subscriptions would in
crease il note could be given immedi-
ately in return instead OF a certificate Of
deposit. The Secretary has no right to
do this under the law, and it would
breed confusion. The Sub -Tressurers
are provided with blank notes, and
bankers take them for the convenience
OF their customers, as agents may do il
they see fit.
The Navy Department has received
dispatches about the Hollins attack on
the New Orleans squadron. His ram
struck not the Preble nor the VIncennes,
but the steamer Richmond. which could
not avoid collision because Of a too
great length to be turned in the river.
The collision made hole Eve inches
in diameter in her hull, which did not
sink her.
The ram essayed another blow, but
was beaten off. Our ships then all
made for the mouth OF the river. The
Preble went over the bar. but the Rich
mond and Vincennes stuck upon it,
There they we're sssailed by Hollins'
musquito feet whose guns did but little
or no damage.
Our loss was one ships boat, that