The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1912-05-29
The Capture of New Orleans Had
Proved Severe Blow to
the COnfederacy.


tered another danger from the Con
fedcrate boats. Here the battle be-
came furious. the southern ironcled
Manassas successfully rammlng one Of
the Federal vessels, but being in turn
penetrated by Union shell and burst
ing into flames. Fireboats added to
the terror of the scene. one or them
actually igniting the side of one Of the
Union ships, but the flames were soon
eXtinguished by the crew. In the end
the victory lay with the Federal fleet,
several of the southern boats being
grounded or sunk. There were engage,
ments with smaller Notifications up
the river, after which the way was
open to New Orleans.
The Arrival of Butler.
In the meantime the land forces un-
der General Butler worked their way
through the bayOus around to the rear
Of Fort Jackson, ready to make an at
tack. On hearing that the American
flag raised on the New Orleans custom
house by Farraguts men had been
torn down by the natives and trailed
Slrough the streets Butler turned his
attention to the city, in which he ar
rived early in May.
General Buffers rather stormy occu-
patton of the southern metropolis has
long been a subject of controversy. the
passions of both sides being so inlam-
ed that clashes and misunderstanding
were inevitable. Looked at from this
distance, some actions on both sides
might have been omitted. To Buffers
credit it can be said that he introduced
system of sanitation into New Or
leans that kept out the yellow fever, at
least for the time being, and made the
city healthier than it ever had been be-
lore. AS for his order concerning New
Orleans women, also the incident of
the "spoons"-well. they happened fifty
years ago and are not worth being
celebrated in semicentenary.
Mcclellan Before Richmond.
The situation in the east was not so
favorable to the Union arms. After
repeated urglngs by the president Cen
eral Mcclellan had started his famous
campaign on the peninsula and, after
waiting indecisively with his army of
nearly 100000 before Magruder with
his 5000 until the southern forces
withdrew, had begun the advance that
finally led him to within six miles of
Richmond. On this forward move
ment his troops had fought the battle
of Williamsburg on May 7, where Cen
eral Hancock held the key to the field,
As result Of this fight the Confeder-
ates were compelled to evacuate Will
liamsburg and to retreat on Richmond.
The Federals followed, fighting one or
two minor actions on the way. By
May 30 the Union front was at Seven
Pines and Fair Oaks, within a few
miles OF Richmond. On that day two
important events occurred. Observing
that the Union army was divided by
the Chickahominy. General Johnston,
In command Of the Confederates, de-
cided to move out and destroy the
Federal troops on the Richmond side
OF the river. While this movement
was under way the Federal General
Sumner completed a bridge across the
Chtckahominy that the soldiers called
the grapevine BRIDGE" and that was
to be Instrumental In saving a part of
McCtellan's army during the battle of
the morrow.
The battle Of Fair Oaks, as It is
called In the north, or Seven Pines, as
II Is known IN the south, was the re-
suit of Johnston's advance. It was
fought on May 81 and June 1 and was
fesrfully bloody for the number Of
troops engaged In the beginning the
Confederates had all the best of it.
taking some guns and many prisoners.
At one time the Union left seemed in
danger OF annihilation or capture, be-
ing disorganized and pressed back
upon a swamp. 1t was at this critical
! juncture that General Summers fresh
troops that had advanced over the
Grapevine bridge went into the fight
and saved the day.
The Coming of Lee.
While the losses on each side were
about equal at Fair Oaks, the battle
vns In eject a northern victory. John
ston had failed of his purpose Of crush.
ing the left wing OF the Union army
and retreated back to Richmond. There
was one most important result OF the
fight General Johnston himself was
wounded. and this brought General
Robert r Lee, then acting as Presi-
dent Davis chief OF stan, into the field.
1t was after Fair Oaks that Mcclellan
lay 30 long in sight Of Richmond with
out making a move.
While Mcclellan was advancing to-
ward Fair Oaks General Wool moved
against Norfolk and compelled the
evacuation OF that city, the Confeder-
ates not considering themselves strong
enough to remain and give battle. This
in turn compelled the southern naval
feet 30 retreat toward Richmond and
bed TO tho blowing up OF the famous
herrimac on May IL. The south had
pinned great faith 10 the Merrimac, ex-
pecf1ng her to take Washington and
hay other northern cities waste. Her
oestrlcaop 9ecasiQned. Aeyce criticism