Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1861-07-03
Particulars of the Matthias
Point Skirmish.
DEATH OF Il BRA We CAP.
M kfS TAIN. s..
GEN. lanes Kansas BrE-
'',seaa.aea GaGe.
HELP FOR THE UNIONISTS OF
EAST TENNESSEE.
WASHINGTON, June 90.

las Point, below 9Acquia Creek--the
steamer also bringing the dead body OF
| Capt. Ward who lost his life in the I'M
equal engagem ent.o aas s~
Capt. Ward was in command Of the
u. S. fotilIa, and was shot on board the
Freeborn, while bravely attempting to
cover with the guns of that vessel the re-
treat Of his small force. fsi
He had landed them at Point Purpose
they were err citing breastwork of sand
bags, but were surprised by nearly a
thousand rebels, and compelled to re-
treat under every circumstances of dis
advantage. While sighting 32-pound-
err. he was strack in the breast by mus
ket ball. Though seriously wounded,
/ he continued fire for three-quarters of an
hour. He was then compelled to leave
his post, and died in few minutes.
Is Some of the sailors who were left on
shore owing to the precipitate retreat to
boats. swan to the Freeborn, ono OF
them CARRYING a wounded comrsde OF
bis back, another boldly waving the I'm
ion flag, which was perforated with no
less than nineteen balls before he reach
ed the vessel Besides Captain Ward,
two men were wounded, one OF whom, 1t
is supposed, cannot recover.
Captain Ward was very efficient OH
Ger, most enthusiastically attached to the
cause of the Union. His previous ex-
PLOTS along the Potomac had won him
| a measure of esteem which renders his
sad fate in this instance loss to be de-
! plored.
There is rumor tonight that strong
expedition will be sent down to Matthias
Point, to ayenge his death. 1t is impor-
tant to our control of the Potomac. An
effort will no doubt be made to get and
hold it.
Tonight nearly all the Brigade Com
manders of the army in Virginia are
here, which does not indicate any move
ment before morning.
Col. John G. Fremont arrived in this
city tits evening, and Immediately re-
ported himself for duty to Gen. Scott.
WASHINGTON, June %.
Gen. Scott received q dispatch, dated
| Cumberland, June 9th, from Col. Wal
lace, saying that portion of the 18th
! Regiment, while returning from Frank
fort near Rcmney, to see if any rebels
were there, overlook 40 horsenen and
charged on them routing and driving
th EN- over mile, killing 8 and securing
II horses. After an hours rest the enc
my, reinforced, suddenly attacked us,
causing us to abandon the horses and re-
treat to small island at the mouth of
Patterson's creek, where we killed TWEEN
ty-thlee of the enemy. We were finally
| driven off, each for himself, and are now
safe in the camp.
Corporal Hayes of Company A was
wounded. John G. Holdridge was taken
was taken prisoner and afterwards muir
dered. Two rebsl officers were killed
The fight was very desperate, and the
| above account uneXaggerated.
We have intelligence of four rebel
regiments at Romney.
....... WASHINGTON, June 81.
Col. Wicr left here several days ago
for Kansas, taking with him Gen. Lanes
proclamation calling on the people of that
State to rally and fill up the regiment Of
his brigade, stating plainly that his pur-
pose is to put down rebellion wherever it
NAV be exhibited, and to sustain all Un-
ion men without regard to State or local
itv. Senator Lane has received his com
mission as Brigader General In add.
ton to two or three regiments heretofore
accepted from Kansas, he is authorized
to raise two others, consisting of twelve
companies of infantry, four of cavarly
and four of artillery. The Colonels Of
those two regiments are VIM. Weir, who
served during the entire Mexican war
and the well known James Montgomery
Gen. Lane will occupy bis seat during
the entire extra session of Congress. He
expects to take command of his Brigade
about the Goth of July. 2e
WAsHINGToN' June q.
1t is ascertained on reliable authority
that it is the Fixed determination of the
Government to fully sustain and protec
in their constitutional and legal rights al
those citizens of Tennessee who, in thoii
devotion to the Union, are now strug
ging to wrest their State from the hands
of the usurpers; also to defend all loya
States against parts thereof claiming te
have seeded, and to afford them every
protection against violence, insurrectior
or invasion. The Government will furn
ish the citizens of such States with means
necessary for their protection and preser
walton, and if believed to be unable to de
fend themselves against their invader.
and oppressors, it will speedily come t.
their aid with men and arms, in sustain
ing their constituted authorities of the
United States. The Post Office Depart
ment, in consideration. of the loyalty o
the citizens of East Tennessee, has mad,
arrangements. for furnishing themincreas
ed postal facilities. The mails will here
after be sent by Cincinnati instead 0
Louisville. q as9t s9e 7Bo. = a9-
The Secretary Of Wars reports, vii
& show there are 800, 900 men in the field
4 England has shown no disposition to re
4 ply to our Governments proposition, &C
"A I;no Tia Doris ron faYanc., ~, H. .,,L