Civil War Blog

Portland

November 18, 1863

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Lookout Valley, Tenn.

To the Editor of the Portland Press:

I notice in the Eastern Newspapers a great deal of misconception relative to the operations of that part of the Army of the Cumberland (including the recent reenforcement from the Army of the Potomac), which undertook and accomplished the opening of the Tennessee River and thereby relieve the starving forces at Chatanooga.

The enclosed order from Gen. Thomas gives so clear a statement of the results combined with a complimentary mention of prominent parties engaged that I hope you will find space for its publication.

The accompanying characteristic order of Gen. Howard was received with unusual marks of gratification by the officers & soldiers of his Command.

Please insert in large type in some conspicuous place in your Paper that the Rebels still hold Lookout Mountain. If some of the Editors of Northern Newspapers or some Correspondents who furnish vivid accounts of scenes and operations here, though themselves never nearer than Bridgeport, (30 miles off), could pass along this Valley during any one of the Day-light hours and have one of these air rending, earth-shattering shells come swooping down from the Upper Regions, past his head – he would appreciate both what is meant by Lookout and the possession of it; at if the lesson is not too dearly learnt – he will be able to inform his readers that the River is in our possession all the way to Chatanooga with the exception of about a mile opposite Lookout Point commanded by the guns of the Enemy not yet dislodged from the Mountain. The Peninsula across from the Pontoon bridge at Brown’s Ferry to that at Chatanooga is less than two (2) miles wide. Lookout Point is above three (3) miles from the city. So that there is an actual gain of distance in landing supplies at Brown’s Ferry. But the “Suck” (or shallows) between Kelly’s & Brown’s doesn’t permit <you> easy passage of the boats and so by crossing another peninsula formed by the Tennessee wagons can reach Kelly’s in a distance of five (5) miles from Brown’s, the boats usually leave their cargoes at Kelly’s. The Rebels did hold all of this portion of the Tennessee as also twenty miles more of it towards Bridgeport.

This was adroitly wrested from them by Gen. Hooker’s Command cooperating with forces from Chatanooga. The Southern papers say it is incomprehensible how the Federals got so complete possession of Lookout Valley in so short a time and not less so that Bragg should have suffered <there do so>.

Charles Henry Howard to Editor of the Portland Press [Charles Henry Howard Collection]

August 25, 1863

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A DARING ATTEMPT AT ROBBERY—A bold attempt of burglars to plunder the millinery rooms of Mr. James Coverly, on the second floor of No. 139 Tremont street, at the corner of Winter Street, was frustrated last evening, although the proprietor had a narrow escape for his life.  Mr. Coverly, who had just returned from an absence from the city, was sitting at his desk about eight o’clock, after the place had been closed for the day, when he was suddenly startled by the appearance of a young burglar who had descended through a skylight, or glass window at the back.  Mr. Coverly challenged him and demanded his business, but the young desperado only drew a pistol, and warned him away, at the same time advancing towards the door.  Mr. Coverly was not intimidated but followed him up, when the young rascal made his retreat through the door, firing at Mr. Coverly, at the moment of closing it.  Mr. Coverly received the ball in his right cheek, and although stunned for an instant, pursued the burglar who took to his heels down the stairs.  The street was, of course, at that time in the evening well filled with people, who were warned of the trouble by the outcry raised.  The young fellow was tripped up before he got across the street, and secured, as we are informed, by Mr. F. A. Shaw.  Mr. Coverly took charge of his burglar and conducted him in triumph to the station house, where he was secured for the night.  The prisoner, who seems unusually sly and crafty, gave his name as Daniel Delany and his age as fifteen years.  He states that he came from Portland last week, but it is much more probable that he is a professional housebreaker from New York.  It is thought that he had an accomplice with him, although he, himself, denies it.  No burglar’s instruments were found, except a doubled rope, knotted to serve as a ladder.  Mr. Coverly’s wound, although likely to prove troublesome, is not, it is hoped, of a serious nature.  We are informed by the police that an early hour in the evening is considered the best for breaking into a store, since at that time a man with a bag of plunder has little risk of being stopped by the police.

“Local Matters,” Boston Daily Advertiser, August 25, 1863, front page [Historic Newspaper Collection] 

April 24, 1863

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Portland

Dear General,

I take the liberty to write you in behalf of Gentlemen of this city upon a matter which they do not wish to make the object of an official Communication. It is their opinion and they represent the leaders of the Republican Party throughout the state that the Copperheads as they are called confidently expect to carry the state in the fall elections, and that local men of every name must put forth their most earnest efforts to defeat them. It is a most sacred duty not only to the state but our country. To insure success and the defeat of rebellion  here in our midst, it is the desire of Republicans to advance a Union candidate for Governor upon whom the whole loyal heart of the state and the votes of every man who loves liberty, his country, and the right.

I am assumed that the best and most influential men of the Republican party write in naming yourself as the man who in their opinion, can best thus unite the people and heal the state.

Many in this vicinity are anxious to know what are your views upon this subject and if you would accept the nomination. The expression of your feeling and opinion if you see fit to communicate it to me, would not of course be made public, but would be seen only buy a few who have influence and control in political matters and who desire thus to hear from you that they may be able to act understandingly.

I hope you are well and I that God will abundantly strengthen you for your responsible duties and bless you spiritually.

Please give my regards to Charles.

Yours very truly, J.B. Gilman

J.B. Gilman to Oliver Otis Howard [Oliver Otis Howard Papers]