Reports of Maj. Gen. John Z. Wool, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of the East, with orders, &c.
JULY 13-16, 1863.--Draft Riots in New York City, Troy, and Boston
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/2 [S# 44]NEW YORK, N.Y., July 15, 1863.
(Received 2.50 p.m.)Hon. E. M. STANTON.
SIR: For the last few days I have been engaged day and night in putting down a most serious and dangerous insurrection. We have done much to stay the infamous schemes of the rioters. Cannon and muskets have been used by us, and some 60 persons among the rioters have been (as reported) killed and wounded. With the very small force I had in the forts, and with the help of such citizens as were willing to enroll themselves, we have accomplished much, and, I think, have made an impression on the rioters which I hope will stay their purposes; but they make great threats if the draft is not abandoned.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
NEW YORK, July 16, 1863--1 a.m.
(Received 1.50 a.m.)Major-General HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.SIR: Many thanks for the glorious news of the surrender of Port Hudson. We have been engaged night and day in suppressing the insurrection in New York. Some 50 or 60 rioters ]lave been killed and wounded. I think we shall put it down to-morrow, if it is not at the present time. A fire is now raging in Brooklyn. The storehouses are on fire, and the shipping is in danger. Martial law ought to be proclaimed, but I have not a sufficient force to enforce it. A large number of houses have been plundered and many burned.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
July 16, 1863. (Received 10.10 p.m.)Hon. E. M. STANTON.
SIR: During the day the rioters and robbers were quiet. A large number assembled near Gramercy Park this evening. They have been driven from the houses, a number of which they sacked.
I think we will close the affair to-morrow. Three regiments arrived this afternoon, and one yesterday, with two howitzers. We will probably receive two more to-morrow. A considerable number of rioters have been killed and wounded. We have lost 3 officers and some 28 men wounded, besides a few killed,JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-general.
NEW YORK CITY, July 17, 1863.
(Received 10.45 a.m.)Major-General HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.SIR: I think we shall put down the riot in this city in the course of this day. We had a brush with them last fight, and they were dispersed. In searching their houses, we found 70 carbines, revolvers, &c., and barrels of paving stones. The numbers of the rioters are very great, but scattered about in different parts of the city, where they plunder houses whenever the opportunity offers, in the absence of troops.
The several regiments which arrived yesterday afternoon and evening will, I trust, enable us to crush all these parties in the course of this day. The gallant and distinguished Brigadier-General Kilpatrick reported himself to me this morning for service for a few days. I have placed him in command of the few cavalry I have.JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
NEW YORK CITY, July 17, 1863. (Received 10.25 p.m.)
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
(Similar dispatch to Major-General Halleck.)SIR: All quiet in this city up to this hour, and, from all appearances, we do not apprehend any trouble to-morrow. We have, however, many applications for military forces to protect the people in adjoining counties from dangers apprehended from those opposed to the draft.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 18, 1863.Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.SIR: Quiet and order prevailed in this city yesterday, last night, and this morning, and continues up to the present hour--2 p.m.
The rioters, it would appear, have generally returned to their ordinary occupations, and it is thought by those who seem to be best acquainted with the temper and feelings of the rioters, that they will not again disturb the peace and quiet of the city, unless the enforcement of the draft--temporarily suspended--should cause another effort to resist its execution, followed by burning and otherwise destroying the property of the city, and this example would, no doubt, be followed in the adjoining counties of the State.
This gratifying result has been attained by unceasing efforts, night and day, with the very moderate force at command, when the emergency arose.
I have received this morning from the War Department the order relieving me from the command of this department, and shall have great pleasure in turning over the command to Major-General Dix, with peace and order restored in this city.
As my efforts have been unceasing and continual for more than two years past, in aiding to suppress the rebellion, I would respectfully ask of the Department at this time to be ordered to Troy, there to await orders, and for the purpose of preparing a detailed report of my proceedings while in command here, with the privilege of being accompanied with a portion of my staff.I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York, N.Y., July 20, 1863. (Received 4.58 p.m.)
Hon. E. M. STANTON.
SIR: I have this day forwarded you a report of the recent riot in this city. On Saturday, I wrote you that I had been relieved by Major-General Dix. I also requested to be ordered to Troy, and there await orders, which I hope will receive your approval.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 20, 1863.Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.SIR: Herewith you will receive a report relating to the recent riot in this city.
In the afternoon of the 13th, But Brig. Gen. Harvey Brown, in the immediate command of the United States troops in the forts (excepting Fort Columbus), presented himself, and volunteered his services, expressing a willingness to serve in any capacity, in the emergency then pressing upon us. I accepted his offer, and directed him to report to Major-General Sandford, who was then in the immediate command of the troops, with Colonel Nugent, however, under him, in command of the United States portion of the troops, all the troops then out being mixed, of militia and regulars. Immediately after receiving my instructions, General Brown took his position at police headquarters, 300 Mulberry street, so as to be in immediate communication with the police authorities, and I appointed two of my aides to assist him.
I soon after learned, however, that in the disposition and management of the troops there existed a want of harmony between Generals Sandford and Brown, in consequence of which I issued the following order, sending a copy to each:HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York, July 18, 1863.Major-General SANFORD
Brevet Brigadier-General BROWN:GENTLEMEN: It is indispensable to collect your troops not stationed, and have them divided into suitable parties, with a due proportion of the police to each, and to patrol in such parts of the city as may be in the greatest danger from the rioters. This ought to be done as soon as practicable.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.After this had been issued, General Sandford reported to me that his orders were not obeyed by General Brown; consequently, I issued the following:
ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York, July 13, 1863.All the troops called out for the protection of the city are placed under the command of Major-General Sandford, whose orders they will implicitly obey.
By command of Major-General Wool:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.About 9 o'clock in the evening of the same day (13th), after this order had been issued, General Brown presented himself to me, complaining of General Sandford, and strongly objecting to serve under him, asking to be excused from the operation of the order. My reply was to the effect that as General Sandford ranked him, and the troops were mixed, of militia, regulars, &c., I could not place him (General Brown) in command of all, and that for efficient operations a hearty co-operation of the State and United States troops and the police must be had for putting down the mob, protecting public and private property, and the lives of the citizens threatened. General Brown, however, persisted, notwithstanding, in urging his objections and asking to be excused. I excused him, and immediately issued the following order:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 13, 1863.Col. R, Nugent will take charge of all the regular troops, subject to the orders of Major-General Sandford.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-general.The following morning (July 14), about 8 o'clock, after myself and staff had been up all night, receiving and posting the troops, General Brown again presented himself, and asked to be restored to the position he had relinquished the evening before, saying in substance that he considered himself wrong in having refused to serve under General Sandford, and that, if he could be restored, he would be willing to serve as ordered. I immediately granted his request, and General Brown soon after resumed his place at the police headquarters, Colonel Nugent being directed to serve under the orders of General Brown, but not to be relieved from duty; and I issued the following order:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 14, 1863.Bvt. Brig. Gen. HARVEY BROWN, U.S. Army:
SIR: It is reported that the rioters have already recommenced their work of destruction. To-day there must be no child s play. Some of the troops under your command should be sent immediately to attack and stop those who have commenced their infernal rascality in Yorkville and Harlem.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.Notwithstanding General Brown's expressed willingness, in case of being restored, to serve in accordance with my orders, I regret being obliged to state that he afterward evinced no disposition to serve under General Sandford, but actually issued orders to troops stationed at the latter's headquarters, without any reference whatever to General Sandford, which, however, were countermanded by the latter.
After this, Brevet Brigadier-General Brown continued to act under the foregoing and other written or verbal orders, which were communicated from me to him, until Friday morning, 17th instant, when, by virtue of an order from the War Department, he was relieved, by Brigadier-General Canby, U.S. Volunteers, of all the command he had previously exercised under my orders.
Many other orders than those quoted were issued during the operations, which, as they refer to details in reference to posting troops for the protection of property, public and private, need not be submitted; and I have ample reason to believe that the duties enjoined by these orders were generally discharged with efficiency, as well by the regulars, volunteers, marines, and sailors, and several gunboats under their respective officers, furnished at my request by Rear-Admiral. Paulding, as also by citizens, who enrolled themselves for the occasion.
I would also mention in terms of commendation the services of the cavalry under Colonel [Thaddeus P.] Mott, and of other cavalry of impromptu organization, and of Brigadier-General [Charles C.] Dodge, who volunteered; all of whom finally, after the dispersion of the rioters, were placed under the command of Brigadier-General [Judson] Kilpatrick, he also having volunteered. All the cavalry, however, was reserved to act under my own immediate instructions.
On Wednesday evening, 16th instant, this cavalry was directed by me to patrol the disaffected districts, and by 9 o'clock that night they found, from the severe lessons the rioters had received at the hands of the police and troops, in killing and wounding many who were combined in arms and firing from buildings and corners upon the troops, and by the capture of many of their ringleaders, the riot had been effectually subdued.
The last act of the tragedy was, that the cavalry, early in the morn-of the 17th, found and took possession of 70 stand of revolvers and carbines, which had been secreted by the rioters in a manure heap, and several casks of paving stones, and took several prisoners.
It will be seen that from Monday afternoon to Thursday evening the riot existed. During this period much private property was destroyed, and some public property, it is understood, was destroyed in Jamaica; also some public arms in one or two shops of individuals. The amount of private property destroyed is estimated at not less than $400,000.
I here take occasion to express my thanks to the officers and privates of the volunteers, militia, and regulars, also to the marines and sailors, and to the officers of the Navy, for their services on this occasion; likewise to officers of all grades, from brigadier-generals down, who happened to be in the city, and volunteered their services; to the police and its officers, and to many private citizens, for their aid on this occasion. To the Governor of New York, Major-General Sandford and his officers, to the mayor of New York, and to Rear-Admiral Paulding, I am indebted for prompt and efficient action and assistance in the emergency; also to my former aides, Col. Alexander Hamilton, Jr., and Col. George L. Schuyler, who volunteered especially for this occasion, and were constantly in attendance, day and night.
I also take occasion to express my thanks to the officers composing my staff, whose duties during the existence of the riot were not only constant and arduous, night and day, but most effectually exerted in aiding me throughout in the performance of the several parts assigned to them. In conclusion, I have only to add, that the riot having been effectually put down on the evening of the 16th instant, on the afternoon of Saturday, the 18th instant, I was relieved of the command of the Department of the East by Major-General Dix, U.S. Volunteers, in virtue of orders of the President, dated the 15th instant.I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
[In the copy of this report addressed to Major-General Halleck, occurs the following note:]
It is proper to remark that the cavalry on Wednesday morning dispersed the mob with howitzers in West Thirty-second street, when 28 of the rioters were known to be killed, besides the wounded. Colonel Mott lost 7 killed and 20 wounded. In the evening, the buildings in the neighborhood of Gramercy Park were reported to be in danger, and I ordered the cavalry to that place, supported by Captain Putnam, Twelfth U.S. Infantry, and Captain Browning. Captain Putnam with his company having arrived at the scene of action, was fired upon by the mob, when he entered the houses in search of rioters, killed many of them, and arrested many of the ringleaders. Having driven the rioters out of their houses, he pursued them up the avenue, and finally dispersed them in all directions. The mob did not again assemble, and there was no more fighting after Captain Putnam's gallant action.
During the night of the 16th and 17th, I ordered a reconnaissance of the infected district, to prevent effectually the reassembling of any of the rioters, in the course of which were found under a heap of manure, and under beds, some 60 new breech-loading carbines and 10 revolvers, as reported.
Thus ended the riot, and we have had no trouble or difficulty since.ADDENDA.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 13, 1863.Rear-Admiral HIRAM PAULDING:
SIR: There is a riot in this city, in opposition to the draft, which threatens to be quite serious. I have ordered all the troops in the forts in this harbor to report to Colonel Nugent, acting assistant provost-marshal-general, No. 106 Leonard street, New York City, but in all they amount to only a small band. Can you not furnish us with a company or more of marines for that purpose? By aiding us at this moment, you will confer a favor on the city authorities as well as myself.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.* * * * * * * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 13, 1863.Col. G. LOOMIS,
Commanding Governor's Island:COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you send immediately to this city for special service all the troops, regulars and volunteers, that you now have under your command, to report to Col. Robert Nugent, acting assistant provost-marshal-general, No. 106 Leonard street. The men will have 40 rounds of ammunition each with their arms.
By command of Major-General Wool:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York, July 13, 1863.Rear-Admiral PAULDING:
SIR: I hope you will be able to furnish a small armed steamer, to guard the arsenal on Governor's Island, as required within by Major [Robert A.] Wainwright. I have ordered all the troops on Governor's Island to this city.
Furnish such a steamer, if you possibly can. If you cannot send a steamer, send your sailors, which you mentioned to my aide-de-camp, to the island, with howitzers.JOHN E. WOOL.
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 13, 1863.Commanding Officer, Fort Hamilton:
SIR: The major-general commanding directs that you will order Lieutenant [Charles O.] Wood forthwith to embark for this city, and the whole of his company, excepting a guard for the prisoners at Fort Lafayette, on board of the steamer that will be sent for that purpose, the object being to suppress a riot in opposition to the draft. The men will have their arms, and 40 rounds of ammunition each. On his arrival in this city, he will report for orders to Col. R. Nugent, acting assistant provost-marshal-general, No. 106 Leonard street.
You will immediately notify the commanding officer at Fort Richmond, and direct him to furnish a platoon of men from his company, for the same purpose, to be sent to this city in the same steamer that carries the troops from Fort Hamilton to report to Colonel Nugent.I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
July 13, 1863--9.15 p.m.Major-General WOOL,
New York City:SIR: It is reported that a mob has destroyed the provost-marshal's office in Third avenue. It is expected that you will protect the pro-vost-marshal in the execution of his duties. If necessary, call upon the mayor and Governor for aid, and use the forces under your command. You must see that the laws are executed.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York, July 14, 1863.Brevet Brigadier-General BROWS, U.S. Army:
SIR: It is reported the rioters have already commenced their work of destruction. To-day there must be no child's play. Some of the troops under your command should be sent immediately to attack and stop those who have commenced their infernal rascality in Yorkville and Harlem.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York, July 14, 1863.General MILLER, Inspector-General, New York:
SIR: An application has been made for a force to protect the State Arsenal at Brooklyn. It is suggested that you detail 25 men, with 20 rounds, from the Brooklyn regiment, and order them to report at once to James McLean, military storekeeper of said arsenal, who is represented by the commanding general of ordnance as capable, with that force, to defend the arsenal.
By command of Major-General Wool:
T. J. CRAM,
Colonel, Aide-de-Camp, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York, July 14, 1863.Captain [STEPHEN G.] SLUYTER,
Comdg. U.S. Gunboat Tulip, off foot of Wall Street:SIR: In accordance with arrangements between you and Mr. [John J.] Cisco, the assistant treasurer, you are authorized to open on Wall or Pine street, or both, if signalled accordingly.
By command of Major-General Wool:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York, July 14, 1863.Commanding Officer, Seventh Avenue Arsenal:
SIR: You will adopt measures immediately to check the rioters in that neighborhood. The rioters have already commenced burning at Yorkville and Harlem. Washington Hall, in Harlem, is now burning.
By command of Major-General Wool:
T. J. CRAM,
Colonel, Aide-de-Camp, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 14, 1863.Governor JOHN A. ANDREW,
Boston, Mass.:SIR: If you can possibly spare one or two regiments to aid in suppressing the riot now raging in this city, send them by to-night's boat, to report to my headquarters.
Answer.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.(Same to Governor of Connecticut.)
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, duty 15, 1863.Colonel ASHBY:
SIR: If you can send 25 men to No. 32 Thirty-first street,-to protect Mr. Brooks' house, I will not only approve of it, but advise it; taking care not unnecessarily to expose the men.
This is done at the solicitation of the colonel.JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 15, 1863.Bvt. Brig. Gen. HARVEY BROWN, U.S. Army:
SIR: Lieutenant-Colonel [Louis] Schirmer, who hands you this, will report to you with four pieces of artillery, and about 200 men, including artillery and muskets. This will supersede the necessity for calling on General Sandford for State artillery, which would not be delivered without the approval of the Governor of the State.
By command of Major-General Wool:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York, July 15, 1863.Bvt. Brig. Gen. HARVEY BROWN:
SIR: You will send, with as little delay as practicable, a section of the battery I sent you this morning to the park in front of the City Hall, with instructions to the infantry stationed there to aid and assist in preserving order, and keep the crowd out from the park.
By command of Major-General Wool:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, July 17, 1863.Brigadier-General CANBY,
Commanding the City:GENERAL: I understand that you have ordered a regiment to Union Square. I think you had better send it to Madison Square. The position of Union Square is too far from the meeting. Brigadier-General Kilpatrick says that he ought to have some artillery. He will present this note to you, and will confer with you on the subject presented. I am apprehensive that we may have trouble this evening.
If proper measures are adopted and carried out, we will have no trouble to-morrow. I have great confidence in the gallant General Kilpatrick.Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-general.This Page last updated 10/06/01