NEWS FROM WASHINGTON: Telegraph Operators and Constructors Exempt from Military Duty; ORDER FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT (8/6/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 8/6/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WAR DEPARTMENT, Aug. 5, 1862.

Ordered, That the use of the telegraph lines being required for military purposes, all persons actually employed in constructing and operating telegraph lines, at the date of the order calling for three hundred thousand men, be exempt from military duty, so long as they remain in such service.

By order of the President.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Aug. 5.

RUMORED MOVEMENTS.

Though the rumor has not been current on the streets, well-informed circles are full of stories about movements either progressing or impending in MCCLELLAN's Army. The President is cited as authority for declarations that the present week must bring us stirring news from the Peninsula, and much stress is laid on Gen. HALLECK's reported refusal to grant passes to any one on any account to visit the Peninsula this week, for the alleged reason that the state of affairs is too critical to permit any passing to and fro through the lines, even by military men.

Speculation is of course rife. The prevalent theory is that the whole army is to be brought up the Rappahannock, but this has been in circulation for the past ten days or two weeks. The rebels have stories that there was fighting the other day beyond Fredericksburgh, and that Col. CLUSERET was repulsed; but there is no confirmation from reliable sources.

HOW THE DRAFT IS REGARDED.

The heavy draft by Government is variously regarded in Washington, but the prevailing sentiment is approval. A strong feeling of confidence succeeds the discouragement of the past month. It is a question whether the draft applies to this district. It is not named in the law, but only the States. A large part of the population here is exempt, being engaged in Government service.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4083318/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

News from Washington: Telegraph Operators and Constructors Exempt from Military Duty – 2
The Army of Virginia: Correspondence from the Advance – 2-3
From Gen. M’Clellan’s Army: Incidents of the Recent Night Attack by the Rebels – 3-4
Kansas and the Cherokee Country: From New-York to Kansas – 4
The Indian Expedition: Trouble Between the Commanders – 4-5
The War in the Southwest – 5
Editorial: The Call to Arms – Necessity for a Militia Force in Reserve – 5
Editorial: Changes in Our Military Leadership – 5-6
Editorial: The Employment of Negroes as Soldiers – 6
A Word to Exempts – Beware of Shysters – 6-7
Foreign Intervention – 7
Garibaldi and Volunteering – 7

[Texas Fossil]

Interesting.

My mother was a Cryptological Administrative Secretary during WWII. She and my father met outside of Union Station, arrived in DC same day.

They were married the night she arrived in TX, after dad came home from Europe. They were married 66 years.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

Does the military still train for Morse code? I would imagine it would still be useful for vets who are held by the enemy like those in the DC gulag right now, they can relay if they are being tortured which I believe is the case as we’ve had a few commit suicide while those involved in the Russia collusion attempted coup still waltz around free as air.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

What a great story! It made me think of the 1945 movie “The Clock,” with Judy Garland and Robert Walker. Even though it involves a different station (Pennsylvania) and different story line.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

I believe those stories will get out one day. Although, like everything else we have watched the last several years, too late for justice.

[Texas Fossil]

Oh, there is much much more that goes with that story.

I plan to write a book about it. If I live that long. (smile)

I’m 74 and in good health, but we simply cannot predict the future from the past.

Last 25 years I have spent most of my time caring for sick or elderly family.

[gattaca]

Thanks for posting.