Various References to Dutch Gap Canal

HISTORY OF THE GREAT REBELLION

Thomas Prentice Kettell, 1866

p. 5

The James River a short distance below Fort Darling makes a great bend, forming a peninsula called Farrarr's Island; the neck of which is only half a mile across, while the river winds six miles around the bend.  This part of the stream was filled with torpedoes and swept by batteries.  General Butler proposed to cut a canal across the neck, and thus cause the enemy to prolong his works, while it would bring the Federal troops in close proximity to Fort Darling.  From the very outset the work upon the canal was obstructed by the fire of the enemy from Howlett House Battery, and, to relieve the working party it was determined to create a diversion.  Accordingly, a fleet of transports was collected at City Point, and on August 12th the Second Corps was embarked upon them, apparently to go down river.

EIGHT YEARS IN CONGRESS, FROM 1857 TO 1865 MEMOIRS AND SPEECHES

Samuel Sullivan Cox, 1865

p. 4

Whether the blowing out of the bulkhead of the Dutch Gap canal by General Butler has seriously affected the backbone of the rebellion? [Laughter.] If ay, how many vertebrae are demolished, and, after conference with the Naval Committee, whether the canal, in case of a tempestuous sea, is navigable for double-enders, and whether they cannot go either way therein without turning around? [Laughter.]

THE STRUGGLE OF '72 THE ISSUES AND CANDIDATES OF THE PRESENT POLITICAL CAMPAIGN

Everett Chamberlain, 1872

pp. 303 - 310

Here the communication of the colored citizen ends.  It is by no means exhaustive of the facts showing the absence from General Grant's mind of any sentiment except a kindly one for the negro race.  His interference in behalf of the colored troops during the campaign before Richmond, for instance, had the effect to save thousands of them from being put to work by the rebels like galley slaves upon the fortifications.  Learning that colored soldiers were being used in this manner whenever captured by the Rebels, General Grant immediately issued orders for the employment of an equal number of Confederate prisoners upon the Dutch Gap canal.  He of course notified General Lee of this retaliatory measure, and the notification had the desired effect.  It brought an order for the relief of the colored Union prisoners, and an explanatory letter from Lee to Grant, to which the following is Grant's reply:

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES

October 29, 18

General R.E. Lee, C.S.A.

Commanding Army Northern Virgin

General: Understanding from your letter of the 19th, that the colored prisoners, who are employed at work in the trenches near Fort Gilmer, have been withdrawn, I have directed the withdrawal of the Confederate prisoners employed in the Dutch Gap Canal.

I shall always regret the necessity of relatiating for the wrongs done our soldiers; but regard it my duty to protect all persons received in the army of the United States, regardless of color or nationality. When acknowledged soldiers of the Government are captured they must be treated as prisoners of war, or such treatment as they receive will be inflicted upon an equal number of prisoners held by us.

I have nothing to do with discussions of the slavery question; therefore decline answering the arguments adduced to show the right to return to former owners such negroes as are captured from our army.

In answer to the question at the conclusion of your letters, I have to state that all prisoners of war falling into my hands shall receive the kindest treatment possible, consistent with securing them, unless I have good authority for believing any number of our men are being treated otherwise.  Then, painful as it may be to me, I shall inflict like treatment on an equal number of Confederate prisoners.

Hoping that it may never become my duty to order retaliation upon any man held as prisoner of war, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant

U.S. Grant, Lieutenant General