Historical Documents

Withdrawal of troops from Hampton— One Thousand Troops at the Fortress— Approach of the Confederates. &c.

              FORTRESS MONROE, July 27. — Three remaining companies of the four regiments ordered to Washington will leave Old Point by the Baltimore boat. Thirty sick go with them to Washington in charge of Dr. Wainright, of the Scott Life Guard.

Immense Rush of Negroes to Fortress Monroe

A dispatch from Fortress Monroe, dated July 26th, says:

              It became apparent, early last evening that the rebels meditated an attack on Hampton. The rebels mediated an attack on Hampton. General Butler determined to abandon the town in case of a formidable advance, and at seven o’clock the order was given for families and goods to be removed. Within one hour orders were also issued to burn the town rather than have it fall into the hands of the enemy. The General well understands that the possession of Hampton by the rebels will be no particular importance.

How the Negro Pants for Freedom.

              “The war has dispelled one delusion of the Abolitionists. The negroes regard them as enemies instead of friends. No insurrection has occurred in the South— no important stampede of slaves has evinced their desire for freedom. On the contrary, they have jeered at and insulted our troops, have readily enlisted in the rebel army, and on Sunday, at  Manassas, shot down our men with as much alacrity as if abolition had never existed.— These are the creature for whose sake Lovejoy, Chandler and Pomeroy are agitating the nation, and to whom they would unconditionally extend the privilege of freedom. A more abject, treacherous race never lived on the face of the earth. – Chicago Times.

    THEY WOULD STAY AT HOME.

Army Orders Placing Certain Powers in the Hands of State Governors––Brigadier Generals Appointed––Stampede of Negroes from Lewinsville––The Colors of the 79th N.Y. Regiment Restored––All Quiet in the cmaps.

   ...There was a stampede of negroes, 14 in number, consisting of men, women and children in the neighborhood of Lewinsville to-day. They came to our lines, saying they were to be sent to Manassas this morning. Gen. Smith sent them to Washington. They belonged to the estate of the late Commodore Jones. They stated that they left at home only a daughter of the Commodore, her mother having departed some time ago for Manassas Junction....

[Editor's Note:  The majority of this article has been omitted from our transcription except for the portions directly mentioning the term "slave stampedes" or some variant.]

   RUNAWAY.––We saw five runaway slaves taken to the calaboose yesterday evening by persons who had taken them. The slaves passed entirely through the Federal forces here and no. interruption whatever occurred. The secessionists have charged that the purpose of this war was to free the negroes, and have talked so much about it, that it is no wonder their negroes leave them. They may blame themselves for the present stampede among slaves. The Government never meant to interfere with their negroes, but they pronounced it a lie. They now see their folly.––[St. Joseph Journal, 18th. 

   There was a stampede of negroes, 14 in number, consisting of men, women and children in the neighborhood of Lewinsville to-day. They came to our lines, saying they were to be sent to Manassas this morning. Gen. Smith sent them to Washington. They belonged to the estate of the late Commodore Jones. They stated that they left at home only a daughter of the Commodore, her mother having departed some time ago for Manassas Junction.

Stampede of Negroes.

There was a stampede of negroes, 14 in number, men, women and children, in the neighborhood to Lewinsville today. They came to our lines seeking protection, saying they were to have been sent to Manassas this morning. Gen Smith sent them to Washington. They belong to the estate of the late Commodore Jones. They stated that this left at their home only a daughter of the Commodores, her mother having departed sometime ago for Manassas Junction.

Fourteen negros, the property of the late Com. Jones, made a stampede from near Lewinsville, and came into our lines. Gen. Smith sent them to Washington. The negros say they were to have been sent South.

MORE ABOLITION HOPES FROM THE FREMONT MEASURE.

     [From the London Star, Sept. 18.]

   Already the slaves of insurrectionists in Missouri are declared free. Neither reason nor necessity will allow the abolition movement to halt half-way. Whosoever is not with the Union must be deemed against it. Only active allegiance can secure to a slaveowner the legal possession of his human chattels, and as these are locomotive articles the legal security may prove of little worth in a general stampede. The spirit of the New England regiments that march through New York singing John Brown's hymn may breed infection in the federal camp. 

                                                                                       TELEGRAPHIC.           

                                                                                    Last Night’s Report.

Change of Sentiment in Maryland––Stampedes of Slaves

   The secessionists in Maryland are gradually becoming converted from the error of their ways. Their first symptom is an extraordinary avidity to secure places of emolument under the government. 

   Several citizens of Baltimore, who were blatant secessionists one month ago, are pestering the departments here for offices. There is a great change of sentiment in Maryland, caused by the vigorous measures of the government and the evident impossibility of the accomplishment of the treasonable purposes upon which the rebels had set their hearts. 

   Several stampedes of slaves have recently occurred in Worcester county, Maryland. The negroes begin to understand that they can make hay while the sun shines, and are running away as fast as their legs can carry them. 

                      NEW YORK, Oct. 12.

   A special dispatch to the Post, dated Washington Oct. 12, says: Several stampedes of slaves have occurred in Worcester county, Maryland....

[Editor's Note:  The majority of this article has been omitted from our transcription except for the portions directly mentioning the term "slave stampedes" or some variant.]

Capt. Orris Blake Provost Marshall will at once make diligent search for a negro boy belonging ot Mrs. Rebecca H. Hill of Elizabethtown Hardin Co Ky and if found in camp will arrest him and send him home by first opportunity

By order of

Genl A McD McCook

Camp Nevin Kentucky  November 5th 1861

General:  The subject of Contraband negros is one that is looked to, by the Citizens of Kentucky of vital importance   Ten have come into my Camp within as many hours, and from what they say, there will be a general Stampeed [stampede] of slaves from the other side of Green River–  They have already become a source of annoyance to me, and I have great reason to belive that this annoyance will increase the longer we stay–  They state the reasons of their running away–there masters are rank Secessionists, in some cases are in the rebel army–and that Slaves of union men are pressed into service to drive teams &&c

Louisville Kenty  Nov 8, 1861

Sir   I have no instructions from Government on the subject of Negroes,  my opinion is that the laws of the state of Kentucky are in full force and that negroes must be surrendered on application of their masters or agents or delivered over to the sheriff of the County.  We have nothing to do with them at all and you should not let them take refuge in Camp.  It forms a source of misrepresentation by which Union men are estranged from our Cause

I know it is almost impossible for you to ascertain in any case the owner of the negro, but so it is,  his word is not taken in evidence and you will send them away   I am yours

WT Sherman

The Republican.

WEDNESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 13, 1861.

The War and Slavery.

       ANOTHER STAMPEDE OF SLAVES. 

   The Fredericksburg Recorder of the 12th says:

   Is Slavery to be an Element in the War?

   ...Neither the rendition of fugitives by our commanders early in the contest, nor the subsequent reception and employment of many hundreds of them by General BUTLER, at Fortress Monroe, nor the later "confiscation decree" of FREMONT, in Missouri, appear to have had any considerable result. Whether this was because, in all the regions hitherto the theatre of war, the whites were far in excess of the slaves, and therefore held them under the bonds of ancient awe, or whatever may have been the cause, the result is certain––that there has nowhere, until now, been any "stampede" or insurrectionary movement of remarkable importance....

        Important from Missouri.

   ...There has been a general stampede of the negroes within the last two days, and Gen. Hunter has been visited by many citizens, in most cases Union men, clamorous for his assistance in reclaiming them. He gives them written permission to search through all the camps, and take their slaves if they can find them; but I have not yet heard of an instance in which one has been found....

[Editor's Note:  The majority of this article has been omitted from our transcription except for the portions directly mentioning the term "slave stampedes" or some variant.]

                 ARMY OF THE WEST.

    FROM GEN. HUNTER'S COMMAND.

...The depredations of forage and provisions would have been patiently borne, but that there are a few Union men who own slaves, which was supposed to be a sort of sacred possession to the loyal. The visit of Gen. Lane has brushed away the fancied security. There is no doubt but that much of the Union sentiment of Missouri slaveholders is not deserving the name, as it is only an anchor for holding on to their negroes, but there are others whose love for the old flag springs from unselfish grounds. When Gen. Fremont returned to Tipton this week he took some sixty more negroes back with him than he brought. Nobody knew exactly where they came from, but the circumstance was regarded as suspicious.

  Stampede from the Patriarchal Relation. 

   Capt. Bennett with a party of fifty cavalry ventured four miles within the rebel pickets beyond Alexandria. He reports that many of the dwellings, built in fine taste and surrounded by beautiful gardens and shrubbery, have been deserted by their owners, who have not even taken care of their contacts. He saw silverware and other valuables lying on the tables and in the closets, the building in all their appointments bearing evidence of having been abandoned in great hastes. Many of the negroes that he met begged most piteously of him to take them in safety to his camp. There was a general desire expressed by them to come within the Federal lines.

   THE WAR-EVENTS OF THE WEEK. 

   ...The rebels retired to a village twenty-five miles in the interior, where it is supposed they intend to make a stand. Next day three gunboats, under Capt. Ammon, visited Beaufort, where they found but a single white man, and he was drunk. 

   The white population had fled to Charleston by small steamers. There was a general stampede of negroes to Gen. [Thomas] Sherman's camp who had refused to go with their masters, and they say that many were shot for their refusal. The fleet stood within between eight hundred and one thousand feet of the forts, and used five second fuses, pouring shell into the forts at the rate of two thousand an hour. Not a single shell sent by the rebels burst in a ship....

A lady has just arrived at Washington, from Bluffton, near Beaufort, South Caroline. She came via Richmond and Norfolk, and hence by a flag of-truce boat. She reports that the stampede of the negroes at Bluff on has ended, and that many of them were returning to work on the plantations, under the belief that they would be paid for their labor by the Government. The lady also states she has good reason to believe that the Federal prisoners at Richmond are well fed.

          From the Leavenworth Conservative.

   Jim Lane's Speech at Springfield, Missouri. 

 ...Gentlemen, my logic teaches that we cannot defend and make war upon the same foe at the same time; and if it is the purpose of the Government to crush the rebels and prevent their slaves from stampeding, two armies should be sent into the field. The advance force might be called the treason-crushing army, and should be furnished with offensive weapons. The other should be called the slavery-restoring army, and should move about ten miles in the rear. It should be clad in defensive armor of triple steel; for such is the meanness of the spirit which is bred in the hearts of men by slave-breeding, slave-trading and slave-holding, that the masters would creep into every place of ambush and fire upon those who were gathering up and returning their fugitive human property....

       SPEECH OF GEN. LANE.

   ...Gentlemen, my logic teaches that we cannot defend and make war upon the same foe at the same time; and if it is the purpose of the Government to crush the rebels and prevent their slaves from stampeding, two armies should be sent into the field. The advance force might be called the treason-crushing army, and should be furnished with offensive weapons. The other should be called the slavery-restoring army, and should move about ten miles in the rear. It should be clad in defensive armor of triple steel; for such is the meanness of the spirit which is bred in the hearts of men by slave-breeding, slave-trading and slave-holding, that the masters would creep into every place of ambush and fire upon those who were gathering up and returning their fugitive human property....

     A Negro Stampede Prevented.

   The correspondent of the Petersburg Express, writing from Norfolk, under date of the 6th, gives the following particulars of the frustration of an intended stampede of negroes: 

                                           THE SCHOOL OF EXPERIENCE.

              The Yankees are engaged in learning a lesion in national affairs, which is likely to prove very costly to them. They believe that the South was full of Union men, and that, as the victorious armies of the North advance into the Cotton States, the “loyal” people would rise up, and welcome their “deliverers.” But the experience will teach them— indeed it has already taught them— that the only loyal people in the South are those who are loyal to the Confederate Government.

   The Richmond Examiner says:  "An almost general stampede of slaves on the eastern shore is said to have taken place, in consequence of the enemy's invasion into Accomac and Northampton. It is estimated that there are about ten thousand slaves in those counties––out-numbering, as they do, the whites in Northampton––and this large amount of property is, of course, at the entire mercy of the enemy."

...You made a remark in one of your last letters to which I want to reply. I should have done so before, but I have had no opportunity. The remark was this.—Jim Lane is worth both fo them speaking of Sherman and Ship Island Phelps, “though he be ‘a coward.’” Now you and seemingly all of the country are honest in this opinion. But I tell you it is a mistake. Genl. Sherman is a thorough soldier and in his operations in South Carolina he must be acting under orders only, for if he were not would he be allowed to remain in Command of the Federal Army? I think not. Were he ordered to take and burn Charleston or Savannah would he hesitate? Did Sherman’s Battery every refuse to do as they were ordered? Its well known reputation says no. So if Genl. Sherman was directed by Genl. McClellan to march on Manassas itself I believe he would do it in a manner becoming a soldier. Genl Phelps is perhaps a good deal of a nondescript. Would make a better private than a general.

         Slavery and the War.

                       SALEM, O., Jan. 23, 1862.

   [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch]

Camp News––Health of the Troops––Manufactures, &c., &c.

                         ISLE OF WRIGHT COUNTY, VA.,

                                  February 1, 1862.

   There is but little news from the camps in this county. There is but little sickness, and all are in buoyant spirits. General Colston is winning golden opinions from all with whom he comes in contact. Young Crowder, committed for murder of his comrade, Sturdivant, at Camp Pemberton, is in jail here awaiting further trial.

   THE CONTRABANDS FLEEING.––For some reason, the slaves on the border are taking to Kansas at more than ordinary speed. Rev. M.E. Lard offers two hundred dollars reward, in the Gazette, for the recovery of a man and woman who ran away from him within the past three weeks. 

   Col. Howard also offers one hundred dollars to any one who will bring to him, "a very likely, light colored, mulatto girl, name Fanny, from fourteen to fifteen years of age."

   Messrs. Pullin, Elder, and Stamper offer five hundred dollars reward for four negro men who ran away from them, taking four horses with them. Besides these another batch left this county last week, and quite a party have vamosed since last Sunday. 

   KANSAS AND THE CONTRABANDS.––To show the feeling with which Kansians behold the stampede of negroes from their masters, to the tender mercies of the citizens of that young State, we clip the following from the Leavenworth Times. While Secessionists fight the Government, this is a fair sample of the feeling with which the people of the free States on the border treat every effort of slaveholders to recover their property. Stop this war, let the Courts resume their functions and property will be recovered, under the Fugitive Slave Law.

   Stampede of Slaves––We learn that between thirty and forty slaves, in the counties of Boone, Callaway, St. Charles and Montgomery, Missouri, have lately run away from their masters. The names and description of the runaways are in the hands of the police of this city. 

"Indemnity for the Past and Security for the Future."

                  WASHINGTON SPECIAL DESPATCHES.

                               A SLAVE STAMPEDE.

                      OUTRAGES IN WEST VIRGINIA.

                     TWO TOWNS BURNT BY GUERILLAS.

                                       WASHINGTON, May 16.

   The Tribune states that Marylanders say that a few days ago 1000 slaves, as if by a preconcerted movement, left their happy homes in Prince George's county, Md., and came to the District of Columbia, where they still are. 

               STAMPEDE OF SLAVES.

   Marylanders say that a few days ago, 1,000 slaves, as if by a preconcerted movement, simultaneously left kind masters and happy homes in Prince George's County, Md., and came to the District of Columbia, where they still are. Marylanders complain that the inconveniences growing out of this emigration to the whites of the country are great, free labor––in many cases now necessarily performed by persons entirely unaccustomed to help themselves––being the only kind to be had. 

                  Slave Stampede.

    [Baltimore Correspondence N.Y. Post]

   There is no longer any doubt, that the slave stampede from this State is sweeping hundreds out of bondage. One neighborhood in Prince George's has lost twenty-seven, and it is thought that not less than three hundred have escaped from that region of moral darkness. Masters are therefore beginning to consider seriously the question of compensated emancipation.

      EMANCIPATION MOVEMENTS. 

   The revolution has commenced and must go on. In Delaware, Mr. Fisher has entered the field for re-election to Congress on the emancipation issue. He will be bitterly opposed by the influence of Senators Bayard and Saulsbury and their secession sympathizers, and may be defeated in the present contest. That the emancipation policy of President Lincoln will triumph in Delaware in the end, has almost become one of the "fixed facts." Agitation of the subject has commenced, and discussion will hasten the work of giving freedom to the State. 

                 Summary of News.

   In the recent severe naval engagement at Fort Pillow, the rebel ram Louisiana being in close quarters with the United States Steamer Cincinnati, the crew proposing to board her, a new mode of warfare was adopted. The steam batteries of the Cincinnati commenced to throw steam and hot water into the midst of the rebel crew, which compelled them speedily to withdraw. 

   The slave stampede from Maryland is sweeping hundreds out of bondage. One neighborhood in Prince George's has lost twenty-seven, and it is though that not less than three hundred have escaped from that region of moral darkness. Masters are therefore beginning to consider seriously the question of compensated emancipation. 

EMANCIPATION. – The signs of emancipation in the border States are hopeful. A mass convention favorable to such a movement in accordance with the President’s plan, is soon to be held at Jefferson City, Mo. The late city elections in Baltimore are decidedly in favor of emancipation, and a State Convention is to be held early in June. The Baltimore American, the ablest paper in the State, says the work must go on, and the constant stampede of slaves is compelling the masters to consider seriously the matter of compensated emancipation. The constant development of Union feeling in Nashville, and the bug meeting held there last week, are also very encouraging signs. In the District of Columbia the freedmen have not yet cut their master’s throats, and emancipation is working finely.

–A slave revolt and stampede is anticipated in Crittenden county, Arkansas, opposite Memphis, and many of the white are fleeing to Memphis for safety.

FROM FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – We have received a copy the Christian Banner, a paper published at Fredericksburg, Va. It is printed upon brown paper, but it is well filled with reading matter, all of a loyal character. In regard to the continued stampede of negroes, the Banner says:

              The stampede of negroes continues with increased numbers— on last Thursday one hundred and fifty crossed over to the north side of the Rappahannock river. They are going, going, and will soon be gone. What do secession orators say now? Why don’t they make speeches, delineating the beauties, glories, and excellence of secession? Where is the immovable foundation on which African slavery is based?

   SLAVE STAMPEDE.––The Madison Courier says on Friday night six or seven slaves stole their masters' horses, in the vicinity of Ghent, Ky., and escaped down the river. When opposite Eagle Hollow, about three miles above Madison, they left the horses and crossed the river in a skiff, secreting themselves among the hills back from the river. The masters of the fugitives were all day on Saturday hunting through the hills for them, but without success until about nine o'clock at night, when they were overtaken, steering northward, under the guidance of two young negroes, named Harris, who live in the vicinity. A brisk fight immediately ensued, in the confusion of which all the men of the party affected their escape, leaving the only woman of the party in the hands of her master. No one was seriously damaged. 

      YANKEE DEPREDATIONS IN EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

            HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE SOUTHWEST,

                   Helena, Ark., July 31, 1862.

...I have given free papers to negroes who were mustered by their rebel masters to blockade my way to my supplies. These negro prisoners were the most efficient foes I had to encounter; they are now throwing down their axes and rushing in for free papers. It is creating a general stampede in this region of cotton and contempt for Yankees. The slaves are mutinous, but do not abuse their masters. Society is terribly mutilated, and masters and slaves are afraid of famine.... 

   Yankee Raids in North Carolina––Arrest of Citizens––Stampede of Negroes.

From the Richmond Enquirer, July 31st. 

   During the past three or four weeks those counties in North Carolina bordering upon the Virginia lines of the Federal army have been subjected to a series of the most dastardly and vindictive guerrilla raids that have yet characterized the war in that quarter. The counties of Pasquotank, Camden, Currituck, and Gates have suffered the most severely from arrests of many of their principle citizens, robberies and burnings of property, and the incitement of negroes to revolt and escape. 

     FROM NEW-ORLEANS

THE SLAVE-CATCHING BUSINESS LIVELY.

 Secession Jailers and Union Prisoners.

  RECRUITING EASY.

  LYDIA THE SLAVE.

   Correspondence of The N.Y. Tribune.

                 NEW-ORLEANS, July 27, 1862. 

 A Negro Stampede––Sharp Conflict Between Policemen and Runaway Negroes.

   From the New Orleans papers of the 4h and 5th inst., brought to this city by the [illegible], we extract the following additional items of news:––

NEGRO STAMPEDE––DEADLY WEAPONS USED––DESPERATE CONFLICT BETWEEN POLICEMEN AND NEGROES

               [From the New Orleans Delta, August 5.]

   We learn that there was a stampede of one hundred and fifty negroes yesterday from the plantations along the canal below the city.