Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-03-10
HlSCELLANEUUS DISPATCHES
WAR DEPARrMENr.


Washington, March 2, 8 pm
To Mdj Gen. Dir
The following telegram from jed. Gilmore
has been transmitted to this department
Il. NJ. S1ANsoN. Sec'y Of War.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT
Of the South. Charleston, sc. Feb. 20.
Lieut.. Gen. ". s. Grant and Moi. Gen. II.
W. Halleek, Chief Of Staf
An inspection Of the rebel defenses OF
Charleston shows we have taken over 450
pieces Of ordnance, being more than double
what first reported. The lot includes great
many "a and ~ FOUNDERS riaed, some inch
ed Brooks riaed, and many pieces Of foreign
make. We also captured locomotives aud
a great number Of passenger and platform
cars, all in good condition.
De. erters report that the last Of Hardees
army was to have crossed the Ssntee river
yesterday, bound for Charlotte, N. G., and
that it was feared Sherman had already n-
teroepted their march. 1t is reported on sim
liar authority that the last of Hoods army,
$4,000 strong, passed through Augusta on
the 18th, on its way to Beauregard.
Georgetown has been evacuated by the en-
emy and now in our possession. Deserters
coming in constantly. We have over 400 al
ready.
O A. GILMORE, Mai. Gen Com.
WARRINGTON, March |.
The following important and encouraging
information is obtained from an authentic
source
On the 9th Of Feb $685. men were enlist
ed into the service. Average number mus
tered daily for the last three days of Februs-
ry, 1896 Average number mustered for the
last 10 days, 1896. If recruiting is kept up
the army will be speedily reinforced to that
extent necessary to put an end to the war.
New YORK, March 2.
The Heralds Army Of the Potomac cor
responder, says; 1t has been discovered that
the army mails have been robbed of millions
OF dollars in money and valuabes.
The Tribune's special correspondent writing
from Charleston by steamer Arago, which ar
rived in New York Wednesday evening, de-
scribes the evacuation and occupation Of
Charleston. The first national soldiers landed
in the city in capacity of masters of the rebel
city were South Carolina negroes, (thank
God , the 2lst United States colored. There
was also detachment Of the gallant 54th
Massachusetts, They were the heroes of
Fort Wagner where Shaw lies " buried under
his niRgers," as brutal ruffians reported.
Soon the Star Spanged Banner foated from
the top of the custom house, citadel and the
arsenal, waving for the frat time here over a
free soil and free people. The wharves
looked as II they had been deserted for half
century, broken down and dilapidated. The
warehouses near the river streets, as we en-
tered them, the houses, stores and public
buildings we look at, all these hold our
breath in utter amazement. Ruin above and
below, on the right hand and on the left.
Hardly building in the business part of the
city has escaped the terrible crashing and
smashing of shells
We found the Mercury Office deserted a
negro family already quartered in the room,
which had been the editorial sanctum. After
various researches we obtained the current
news of the evacuation. The recent move
nents planned by Gen. Gilmore along the line
)f the Charleston and Savannah railroad un-
der Gems. Hatch and Potter, hastened the
evacuation OF the city. Porter's demonstra-
lion deceived them, leading them to believe
hat we had large force where we only had
200 men, and they began to leave on Friday.
len. Hardee. himself left on Friday night
ind the last of the rebels took their leave
'arly on Saturday. Before leaving details of
oldiers we're sent to FIRE every building with
'ut exception in which cotton was stored
1t is estimated that 1000 bales were con-
umed. The cotton thus destroyed belonged !
hiefy to the rebel government. Thirty
thousand bushels OF rice, government proper
y, and large warehouse filled with commits
airy stores we're also destroyed Suddenly !
he FIRE communicated to the magazine and a |
fnl ~ =
described as being extremely horrible. 1t is
stimated by the citizens that upwards of one !
undred men. women and children perished
n the flames and that nearly two hundred
we're injured burned and wounded.
Another correspondent writing Jan. 26th,
y the Arsgo, which arrived on Wednesday
vening says We have just received official
Intelligence of the burning of Columbia, S.
i, on the Gath ult. After the town had been
lken possession of by Slocum's corps, some
our troops were fred on from the houses
nd killed. on account of which Gen. Sher-
ian ordered the burning Of the city, which was
arried out to this letter. Deserters are con-
lantly arriving at Charleston. About two
undred arrived within the last day or two,
ho confirm the report Of the evscu-
lion of Augusta, Ga. and its occupation by
ur troops. Georgetown is evacuated and in
ur possession.
WARRINGTON, March 3
The Richmond Dispatch givas the follow
g abstract of the message of Gov. Brown,
INT to the Georgia legislature on the l6sh OF
ebruary
The message commences with defense
the state against the attacks of the press
II permitting the unmoested march of Sher-
an. The Governor says she was Abandoned
her fate, and neglected by the confederate
and while her army Of sble-bo-
led sons were held for the defense of other
ates, and we're denied the privilege OF strik-
x an honest blow for the protection Of their
omes. Georgia was compelled to rely only
a few old men and boys. He claims that
le golden opportunity was lost for the over
row of Sherman. Had been resisted from
Ie start, forced 10 fight and exhaust his am
unlnation, his surrender would have been
rtain. The Governor animadverts, severely
! the generalship OF the President, and ,
aces his military career during the wu.-
6 says " Our government is nov mill
ry despo'lsm, drifting into anarchy, and If
g present policy is persisted in, it will ter