Thoughtfully curated historical journalism
Subsequent Release of the Prisoners.
Martinsburg, July 1—12.35.—Col. Harness, formerly of Ashby’s cavalry, captured Moorfield on Sunday afternoon, and about one hundred of the Maryland Home Guard who held the place were all taken prisoners.
Com. Tatnall reports as follows to the Rebel Secretary of War :
“We observed from the Merrimac that the flag was not flying on Sewell’s Point Battery, and that it appeared to have been abandoned. I dispatched Lieut. J. P. Jones, the Flag Lieutenant, to Craney Island, where the Confederate flag was still flying, and he there learned that a large force of the enemy had landed on Bay shore, and were marching rapidly on Norfolk ; that Sewell’s Point Battery was abandoned, and our troops were retreating. I then despatched the same officer to Norfolk, to confer with Gen. Huger and Captain Lee. He found the Navy Yard in flames, and all the other officers had left by railroad—that the enemy was within a half a mile of the city, and that the Mayor was treating for its surrender.
On returning to the ship he found that Craney Island and all the other batteries on the river had been abandoned.
It was now seven o’clock in the evening, and this unexpected confirmation rendered prompt measures necessary for the safety of the Virginia.
The following address was read to the army on Tuesday evening at dress parade, and was received with an outburst of vociferous cheering from every regiment.
HEADQUARTERS, Army of The Potomac,
June 2, 1862
Soldiers or the Army or the Potomac I have fulfilled at least a part of my promise to you. You are now face to face with the rebels, who are held at bay in front of the capital. The final and decisive battle is at hand. Unless you belie your past history the result cannot be for a moment doubtful. If the troops who labored so faithfully and fought so gallantly at Yorktown, and who so bravely won the hard fights at Williamsburg, West Point, Hanover Court House and Fair Oaks, now prove worthy of their antecedents, the victory is surely ours. The events of every day prove your superiority. Wherever you have met the enemy you have beaten him. Wherever you have used the bayonet he has given way in panic and disorder. I ask of you now one last crowning effort. The enemy has staked his all on the issue of the coming battle. Let us meet him and crush him here in the very centre of the rebellion.