davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Smyrna times., 1861-03-21
The Victory of Mrs. Gaines.

The annals of litigation furnish no two more
interesting or peculiar cases than those Of
Madame Patterson Bonaparte, and of Mrs.
Myra Clark Gaines, both of which have, for
many years, coupled prominent positions be-
fore, not only the legal profession, but the eyes
OF the world. These cases are sIngularly sug-
gestive, aud peculiarly illustrative of certain
phases of American society, and as such, pos.
sesses other interests than those of a merely
pecuniary character. Each has reached, after
protractsd struggles, decision, the one adverse
to and the other in favor of the claimant-the
one loses all she deemed worth living for, while
the other gains not only fortune of fabulous
amount, but establishes forever the honor of
her mother. Had the Imperial Court been
more kind, the American claimant of kingly
hand would now be in possession of vast es-
tate, with her sons Legitimacy acknowledged
before the world, while, as it is, these are de-
MED her, and perhaps forever.
In the Supreme Court, Thursday, Associate
Justice Wayne announced the decision in the
case OF Mrs. Myra c. Gaines. He said ii was
OF long standing and heretofore of doubtful re.
suit. Tho record covered three thousand
pages, and at last eight or ten points had been
ruled by the court in regard to it. AT last it
had been brought to a conclusion.
The decision was that she is the only legiti-
mate child of Daniel Clark, and his universal
legatee under his last will, and as such entitled
10 ali the properip, real or personal, of which
Mr.. Clark died possessed; and the defendant
Jennings. having purchased certain property
with full notice OF the nullIly of the title under
which he held it, she is entitled 10 recover i'm
mediate possession of it, with the rents and
profits.
The Court said that measures would be al
ence taken TO enforce the DEGREES, and Judge
Wayne sad, in conclusion, d" The future writer
OF the history of jurIspr udence will be obliged
to register this celebrated case as the most re-
markabe."
The Louisiana act of secession does not af
feet the Gaines case decision, which has beef
pending for about thirty years, as oil pending
suits in the United States courts 10 which resi
dents of that State were concerned were ex
empted from interference.
The amount involved is variously estimate
at from two TO fifteen millions of dollars.
Mrs. Gaines was in Court, aud received tn
congratulations Of her friends.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27
E1nEageInent as Fort ROYAL,

GARDNERs CORSER, VIA PoCOrALIGO, Dec 10
About halt past o'clock yesterday afternoon one
Of the enemy's gunboats passed by Port Royal Fer
ry. Our batteries opened fire upon her, striking
her three times. Upon meeting with this rather hot
reception, she steamed rapidly past, and ran
aground about three miles the other side Of the
Ferry. As soon as our tFeOPs became aware Of the
fix into which the Yankees had got themselves
Lieut.. McElhenny, Of Capt MOore's field battery
(from Wilmington, n. c. WAS dispatched, with
section of the battery, 70 point Just opposite 20
the shOal on which the gunboat was aground.
In the meantime, three flats, crowded with the enc
my's troops, had moved from the opposite shore,
under sharp fire from one Of their batteries d.
rected against our troops on the msin
at that point our forces consisted Of Capt. Vests
company, Jones' Regiment Lieut. AcElhenny's
Battery arrived just IS Z fstA had come out mid
way IN the stream He immediately opened fire
upon them with tremendous effect One of the
fats was soon sunk, and our fire created terrible
havoc among the soldiers on the other two fats.
which hastily put back. Night came on and ended
the caBnOnade. The stesmer moved of with the
food tide The enemy's loss among the men on the
nat must have been very heavy. Col Jones' Regi-
ment was moved up promptly % the support Of
AcElhenny's Battery. but the enemy seem to have
abandoned the attempt to cross, if such WAS ever
their intention. Lieut. McEhenny's Battery was
exposed to an incesssnt FIRE from the guns Of the
steamer during the whole engsr.ement-C hGrlsstoa
MsrcuL
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27
FROM RICHMOND.
Acts Of Congress.
ARRIVAL OF HGTrEnAs PRISONERS.
what the New EOrk Herald says About
Lincoln and the Mason. SIIdeII Affair.

RICHMOND, Dec. 24-via New Orleans, 25.--COn-
gress has passed. and the President approved an
oct amending the authorising postmssters to re
ceive Treasury notes in payment of postage BY al
lowing parties to deposit 50, or larger sum il
Treasury notes. with pOstmssters and receiving
stamps, or paying postage advance in any amount
desired an act making appropriations TO comply
in part with treaty stipulatons with Indian tribes
an act authorizing the President to confer tem>
porary rask and command on officers doing
duty with troops; an act. amending an
act, entitled an act, establishing uniform
rule of naturalization for persons entering
the Confederate army; an act providing for the ap-
pointrnent of Chapains 10 the Navy; an act author
izDg the appointment of additional officers for the
Navy; an act making appropriations for the expen-
ses OF the Government in the Legislative and Judi
cisl departments for the year ending the 18th OF
Feb, 1862; and "a sct supplementary 70 the act
authorizing the issue Of Treasury Notes and pro
viding war tax for their redemption.
Congress has taken g recess until Monday next.
The body of Lieut.. Col Martin killed in the skirm
ish at Drsnesville, reached here this afternoon en-
route Tor Alabama.
Two hundred and eiglty-four of the Hatterss
prisoners released on parole, reached Norfolk yes
tsrdsy.
The New York Herald of the 21st says Lord I.y.
ons has had two interviews with Seward, and that
both were Of cordisl character. No formal writ
ten communication has passed between them, nor
has Lord Lyons made demazd for the release Of ia
son and Shdell Further instructions TO Lord Lyons
are expected by the steamer America and it ia init
mated he viii withhold dem md for their surren
der until the mails by the America arrive. If the
demand for the surrender Of Mason and Sliiel |
shall be made the Herald says Lincoln will probs
bly, yield in Of the present eXgencies OF the
country growing out of the struggle with the re
bellion in the SoEth, and upsn the condition Of EGG
land maintaining q neutral position between the |
Federal Government and the rebels.
The Herald contends that it is better gracefully /
to yield TO the exgencies Of the crisis and promptly
cOncede England her convenient pretext for = |
quarrel, by restoring Mason and Sliden TO British \
protection.
Some dispatches have been sent South stating on |
authority of the Washington correspondent Of the
New York Herald Of the 2lst, that Lincoln and his
Cabinet had decided to accede to highlands demand
for the restitution of Mason and SEdell. In the /
copy of the Herald CT that date HOw before me, no |
such statement is made.
No later news has been received.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

I'd AdFaoee On Ee-Fotomaes
The Cincinnati Esqrsr Of the 18th inst. published
the following: .-,-z.-z-..s.~
There Is to be 70 advance from the Potomac
before spring; the Union troops are going into
Writer quarters; there viii be no general engage
meat tia winter, unless brought on By Beauregsrd
Such iz orr latest and mos: direct information from
Washington
The Cincinnati ConzsTeial ef the 18Th copies this
paragraph, and thus Significantly comments On Il {.
We do not hesitate 70 say that if this s true, the
cause Of the Union is surrendered. The army viii
be more than decimated By disease during the
winter. The soldiers. disheartened utterly BIZ the
drearinsss Of psreuount and insurmOuUteble stu
pldty, viii die by thousands, and the loss Of life
VIII be greater than in the most destructive can
paigns The crsds Of the Government viii sink
The people viii become despeTate-ready for any
thing for relief from the crushing suspense and
horrible burden Of an irnf1ovs0le army and q war,
az once the most costly, and the least profitable
known in the hi1tory Of civilized commuEihes. An
manner Of factions VIII arise. Abolition fanatics
Red Republican furies-Seeession conspirstors-
viii grow potent IN the unWholesome atmosphere of
war conducted by imbeciles for the benefit Of con
tractors IL viii not DO to wait, and wait any
t0Bger--nOW OF never.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27
DR. KINGS DESPEEsARY
RmR pHHWATE RIsEAERa

az DR.. KING, fornsrlyo Of New York, Tor ess
&AskySa four years ofLeuisTls, Eenta1sy GnS who
devoted his attention to the treatment Of private diseases
thirty yerrs atterS himself having attended practice Ter
many years. and cured Thousands he enabled to
ali dseasss private nature matter how b21 may
from adcious medical treatment, from neglect their
Dr. KinR0 pspensaTy No % Deadck street, between Charm
and The sauare where be all diseases private
aoNoRHRA cured without naucOua medicine intsgfrsncs
from business.
6TRIruREI efod recent dGts szsotusly cured 10
DAYS By an operation which pain. WheTsa structure
mist health be enjoyed Perhaps disease
uischief and undermines the contribution 90 much,
GYPHLIS, With AL the diseases Of the skin, growing oct
lsc or bad treatment be sectualy cared in few days.
sEHAL KXkKRss particular attention having heen giVeE Il
this NEea and al the consequences rsEn out ef brought
On in many BY the destructive kas OF inconsideras
Youths and excessive Indulgence Of the passions, neglect Of
which will undermine he constitutions rendering the subject
At for business society, and causing premature old
Females who may Be aboring with any officially Of lie 9t
may rest assured ofimmediats relsf.
Persons residing abroad By writing and stating heE s
fee enclosed, directed 70 Dr. A King, Ma g. Dnsk street,
Hahv Tenn will have the necessary medicine thsil
address necessary dreons Strict secrecy observed. on
hears ren o'clock II The morning mill In tbs eVSslzg
na7o.1eSe-&&BlS
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27
For the Nashville Union and American.
InanInnhnna ~ nhn HALLE arIIn..

At meeting this evening of the Msury Artillery,
Lieut. G. B. Thompson was called to the chair and
Sergeant Felix G. Cooke appointed Secretary. The
chairman in few appropriate remarks stated the
ehject of the meeting and submitted the following
resolutions, which were unanimously adopted
WHERxGs, Death has taken from our band of
brothers cur loved comrades W. G. Hood and Jas
II. Dodson, and deeming it duty and privilege to
cherish their memories therefore
ReSolUsd. That in the death of W. c. Hood and
James W.'Dodson, We have lost two brothers from
our company, and that in them we ever recognized
good soldiers brave men, genial friends and Chris
tisn gentlemen.
RESOLVED, That though their vacancies can never
be filed, that it is with matter of sincere graf
itude, that they died in full hopes of happy im-
mortality.
Resolved, That we tender to their surviving
families our sincere synpsthies, in their bereav-
ments, and that we send them copy of these reso,
lutiens.
BssolUed, That copy also be sent to the Union
and American and TO the Columbia Herald for pub
LEGATION.
Lieut. E. 3. THOMPSON, Pres ident.
Sergeant FELIX G. Cook Secretary.
HOpkinsville KY, Dec. Is h 1861.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

MASONIC Our Masonic readers will recollect that
December 27th is the Anniversary of ST. JOIN, the
Evangelist, "an eminent Christian patron of Mason
ry." For many years it has been the custom of the
Lodges to install their officers on the evening of that
day.
With their characteristic mOdesty, they have
usually performed these ceremonies in the retire
ment of the Lodge room, but on Friday evening We
learn that the ceremonies will be conducted public
ly in the Hall of the Masonic Temple. An address
will also be delivered By Rev DR.. Baldwin, Of the
Methodist Church. dec25-d2t
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

TIE WoEK PRoGREssEs.-An intelligent and relis-
bic gentleman fr6m Jefferson county InfOrms ia that
the people CT his county fast coming to the
Southern cause. The leaders Of the ate Ugiou
party in that county are coming forward, confess
ungness TO pay allegiance to the Southern Govern
nent. Messrs. John 2. Swan, Jacob Bewly, VIM.
Harris. and DR.. O. Z. CsWo0d, all hereJoore in the
foremost rank in opposing any thing favorable the
South, and, withal, formerly warm supporters Of
The ch-traitor, Andy johnson. have come forward
and taken the oath
Newt. Patterson, Esq, postmaster at Kingston.
has taken the oath Of allegiance to the Confederate
States. Mr.. Patterson has been quite a cnnspicu-
Gus leader Of the Union party In ROane- EHO-Ua!s
Register, Dec. q
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27
COMMUNICATION

The ladies and gentlemen Of Maury county are in>
yited through the UNION AND AMERICAN, as there is
now no paper published in Columbia, to attend the
Fair which will be held at Hammers Hail. on New
Years Eve, for the benef: of the sick soldiers at
the hospital.
Several fine musical performers have promised
their services to promote the pleasure of the
evening.
Some musical instruments of superior tone will
be disposed Of 1t is hoped the object in view with
the additional inducement Of tables covered with
fancy articles, chiidren's toys, and every kind of
refreshment will prove of sufficient attraction to
insure the attendance of large number of ladies,
gentlemen and children.
Admission fifty cents Tor grown persons, twenty
five cents for children.
Dec % d 81.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27
Reading matter Oa Every page.
New years Eve-Free GIFT Prizes.

New Years EVe-FTee GIFT Prices
We have had the pleasure of examining the mag
nifcent collection Of articles, which have beer
contributed for the New Years Eve enterprise
gotten up by the ladies of the Soldiers Relief So
ciety. 1t is doubtful whether any other occasion
would have brought out so rare, 30 beautiful and
SO valuable collection. Isembraces the richest
jewelry, silver ware vases pictures of great value
and hundreds Of other articles, both for use and
ornament forming altogether an aggregate of in
terestng and attractive Objects, exhibiting alike
the good taste and the generosity of cur citizens.
The splendid portrait of WASHINGTON, presented
by Mrs. ZEIISKA Brown, is one Of those rare and
inestimsble works of art which money cannot buy
The fortunate gamer of this prize will havethe con-
ISOLATION of knowing that for one dollar bestowed
for charitable purpose, he has possessed himself
of that fer which hundreds would be unavailing to
buy its counterpart.
We learn that on some evening previous to the
drawing the whole collection will be thrown open
for exhibition to the public, The already large list
is being daily increased, and within day or two
we will refer more specifically to the many of the
more valuable contributions, which may have accu-
mulsted.
The plan upon which the priz es will be drawn is
very simple and Just. The number of tickets sold
will coincide precisely in amount with the value of
the prizes, and each ticket will have an equal
chance in the drawing. The tickets remaining un>
sold will belong to the society and they will stand
precisely upon the same footing as the tickets sold
to the public.
Wsmention this to show that the object of the
society ia merely to sell their contributions for
cash, and that as q business transaction it will be
perfectly legitimate for the public to buy the tick
cts. They may now be bought from Mrs. JOIN H.
Bass, or any of the committee of arrangements.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27
FROM BowLING GREEN.
Good News from the Blue Ora S.
Region,

MEMPHIS, Dec. 2G,-RelisbIe information from
Bowling Green says appearances Go not indicate sn
engagement as imminent, though unforeseen eircum
stances might preclpitate fight within eight or ten
days. 1t is reported that but few Federals have
yet crossed Green river, It IS also reported that
the Fedsrals have retreated across Green river and
burned the bridge.
Gen. landmarks official report of the Wocdson-
vile fight has been received. He reports killed.
Col. Terry and three Texas Rangers wounded
dangerously Lieut. Norris and three Texas Ringers:
slightly wounded, Capt Walker and three Texas
Rangers and two Of the Arkansas battalion. The
enemys loss is seventy i've killed; the wounded IN
known. We took eigkt prisoners.
a citizen of Bourbon couRty arrived at Bowling
Green to-day, says the road from Paris to Preston
burg ia clear of Lincoln troops. Squads of South
erners from the Blue Grass counties are constantly
joining Gen. Marshall. AarshaIis soldiers are
openly recruiting in Bourbon county. Few Union
men are now found, except in the towns. The
men of the mountains are f0cking to Msrshall's
standard in large numbers.
Nothing new from Columbus.
The telegraph line is not invoking order be-
low Memphis, in consequence Of, r storm below
Memphis
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27
NIc1oL, HATcaER, RAM!

Mr.. RAINEs having rece ived a majority of the
votes cast, was declared duly elected.
In the Common Council, a number of things were
acted upon, of minor importance. Ar. MCCAIN, of
the 9th ward introduced bill to better protect the
city and citizens between II and As years of age,
who shall serve as guard one night in each week,
and take an oath to support the Southern Confede-
rscy, A captain and two ieHtenants shall be cho-
sen in each ward. Penalties put In the bill to
secure prompt discharge of duty. The bill was
passed first reading and referred to the Police Com
mittee.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

\ gentleman who arrived in Memphis yesterday
just from ST. Louis, represents the excitement
throughout the Northwest very intense since the
reception of the late touching the warlike az
titude of Great Britain. The Secessionists of that
city are greatly encouraged by il, and believe the
day of their deliveranCe near.
Gen. Halleck has levied q tax Of ten Thousand
dollars upon all residents of ST. Louis, who syDpa
thizs with the "rebels :" for the purpose Of SUP
porting the "UniOn" refugees who are driven there
by the indignation Of the Oyalis,s of middle and
Northern Missouri. A large portion of this levy
WAS upon the property Of Bishop Kendriek, of well
known loyal sentiments. The consequence Of this
move has been that the dissffection of the Irish
element, already great has b9en increased almost
to q state of insubordinstion.
Our informant says that if Gen. Price should sp-
proaeh within twenty miles of st. Louis, the rush
of citizens to his standard st this time would be
enthusiastic and overwhelming. Memphis appeal
Dec. q.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

A CONTINENT WELL BESTOWED The Knoxville
REGISTER in the following notice of the New Years
Eve Free Git Enterprise for the benefit of the sick
soldiers gotten up by the Soldiers Relief Society
Of Tennessee, sys handsCme-and 10 less band
some than ppIiment to MIS-. FELICn GRUMPY
PORTER the President Of the Society:
NBs FELICIA GRUMPY PoRTER-The war in which
we are now engaged has done more than to devel-
one the psllantry ard selfsacricing patriotism of
the Sons of the South 1t has Illustrated in ennis
nent degree the noble qualities, and the generous
devotion of the daughters OF our sunny CLINE, 10
the cause Of our common cOuRtTy. The lady whose
name is at the head of this article, by her benevO-
Iont deeds and by her devotion to the sick snd
Vunded soldiers of the Confederacy, has shed
'tionAl iustre upon the honored name Of Grundy.
g. "a indeed been q ministering angel to the
d the afflicted, who have succumbed to
while fighting the bsttles Of their coun
,usands of the unfortunate soldiers con-
he Hospitals of Nashville, around whore
her presence and her kindness have
iaht ray Of sunshine, will in their
life endures, cherish the recollection
ess care. In all that she does and all
eRwhen appealing to her fellow counN
ssistance in the performance Of her
Imposed task, che exhibits the intel~
with the geRtleness and tenderness
While she brings back the memory
we feel that it is the daughter, whose
dictates her noble deed. She is s
men Of the South, as illustrated by
moment that the exigences of the
N for the development of sN that
woman's nsture.
'neveleEce ard kind acts have not
the sick soldiers at Nashville.
MINER she came TO Knoxville and
oil here Being informed that
of cur troops sick at Cumberland
SIS Of the army, who were in need
she immediately supplied them
.l. necessary,
he Nashville papers thst the Sol
ty, of which Mrs Porter is Presi-
rated an enterprise for the benefit
Wounded soldiers in hospital st
promises TO yield harvest Of
for whom it is intended. The
esents of Jewelry, paintings,
lities which may be in posses
q to bestOw them, and upon
articles, tickets are issued to
each, on New Years eve, thus
ss of the day with that which
a. Dyed fer the benefit of the
onfe3eracv.
s.s cheme Will be eminently sue
s no are possessed of these
~ lately bestow them for this
fv nat those who have not will
ontribute to the good cause
t Iugursted.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

We sre requested to state that the installation of
the officers of Phoenix, Cumberland, and Edgefeld
Lodges, will take place this evening at half past
six o'clock, at the Masonic Temple. An address
will be delivered by the Rev. Dr.. BALDWIN The
public are respectfully invited to attend.
The members of the Lodges will meet in the
Lodge Room previous to the installation ceremonies
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

The Committee on Relief, under the proclama-
ton of the Mayor of the city of Charleston, ack-
nOwledge the receipt of sIIS 59s39 from the citi-
zens of other cities and districts This is exclusive
of the contributions in the city of Charleston.
There is evinced warm and general sympathy
for the sufferers by the late disastrous fire in that
city, by the hbersliy with which these substantial
acts of assistance are extended.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

am, by authority, raising . regiment EOR .EHs
WAR. It is to be hoped that the struggle viii be
short, but whether long or short it is now evident
that the people of the South have to ght it through
consent to become the cbedient slaves Of North
crn aespotism.
will gladly accept the applications Of such
companies as are willing tc devote themselves to
the cause Of our Confederscy until its independence
is recognized.
will furnish good arms and all that the regu-
lations allow.
These desiring to join the regiment will address
me by letter or telegraph, or apply in person at
this place.
Fifty dollars Bounty is given by the Government
to each volunteer for three years, or the war.
JOHN @. BURCH,
@. S. A, Aid to Gen. Pillow.
Columbus Ky, December 9Th, 1861.
dao
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

ACCDESTAL SHoOTRG-John A. McNutt a men,
Der Of Capt AeReynOld's company, Of Col Whites
regiment, was accidentally sho5 in the hsshy part
OF the leg yesterday. by Of the ssatinels at
the Ordnance Office. he is sOn Of John AcNutt,
Esq of Sewer county. The wound though pain
fol one, IS not considered dangerous the bone not
being injured. He was Immediately conveyed to
the General Hospital, where his friends may rest
assured he will receive every attention from the
able Superinten1ent--ha1rUlA RsgLster, Dec. Is.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-27

Soldiers belonging to Gen. ZoLLICoFFERs Brigade
now off on sick furlough, or Government business,
aud who desire transportation to their commands
will apply this day at the Transportation Quarter
masters office, frat door below the City Hotel.
den2--d2t