davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
From Conway County,


 MEssRs. EDIToRs: On Saturday last the two candidates for seat in the State con vention addressed their felow-citizens of Benton township, in Conway county, on the political crisis that is now upon the country. Doctor Menefee and Doctor Stal- lings are the candidates.
 Doctor Menefee led off in very able and eloquent speech of an hours length, in which he evinced thorough knowledge of the theoretical structure of our government. and protrayed with a master hand, the va rious relations which exist between the general and State governments. He spoke feelingly of the long train of abuse that had been heaped upon us by our northern brethren; and cfthe many concessions made by the South for the sake of the Union.- The Doctor went on to say, that we had lived under the constitution for more than 70 years; and during all that long period of time, we had not in a solitoyy instance, violated the federal consttution-but how had our northern brethren acted towards us-let history speak. They had repeated | ly violated the constitution, by voting against the admission of slave States into the Union-by saying that the irrepressi- ble conflict must go on-by holding in con- tempt the decisions of the supreme court by nullifying in eleven northern States the fugitive slave clause of the constitution by electing sectional President upon sectional platform; and that Lincoln him self had said prior to his election, that the | Union could not exist half slave and half free; and that in the late election Lincoln received perhaps some two or three hun dred thousand free negro votes; and that he was elected upon the one idea alone, of | placing the negro upon perfect equality with the white mana doctrine he knew, that no chivdlric son of the South would ever submit to. Cries from the crowd, no, no, we never will submit to any such doc urine. The Doctor closed and Mr. Stall lings took the stand, evidently under much embarrassment, and after considerable pause, he said that this was great go- vernment-that he loved the Union-that we had lived under it for a long time-that if it were dissolved we might never get such another; and closed by saying that he expected to be Union man till Gabriel should blow his horn, etc.
 Doctor Menelee then took the stand again, and addressed the crowd for ten or fifteen minutes in most forcible manner. He completely fayed his adversary from head to foot, stating that his opponent was for the Union, while he was for preserving the constitution of his country-that the Union was worth nothing without the con- stitution was preserved in its purity-that if the North did not give us a guarantee of oU our just constitutional rights by the 4th of March-he was for dissolving our con-. necton with the general government. His speech had the most happy effect, and judging from the popular feeling, I think the Doctor will get two to one in Benton township. Your ob't. serv't.,
 STEADMAN.
 Conagqy county, Jan. 2S, 1861.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21

JUDeE LoNGsTnEET.-The Columbia Guardian reports a joyful event in Colum- bia on reception of the glorious news from Georgia:
 In the evening b5hhres were kindled in every ward of the city, aild number of buildings were Illuminated. At one of the bonhres temporary stand was erected. and Judge Longstreet introduced to the large crowd by Mayor Boatwright This distinguished gentleman made one of his happiest efforts, his remarks frequently drawing out the loud plaudits of the assem- ply; The judge, in opening his remarks, said that his position was pretty much like that ot young law student in his office at Georgia. The student had addressed q young lady, who thought he was too pre- clpltate, and told him that she knew noth Ing of his position or circumstances. The student informed her of his position, but said he had "no circumstances. It was the case with the speaker. After having already, on three former and similar occa- sions, addressed his fellow-c citizens of Co., lumbia, there was nothing left him to say -" he had no circumstances
 The judge continued, however. One of his illustrations was to this effect: In old times goods had to be hauled from the North to Georgia. Some wagoners going home one night were startled by the sudden light from large meteor, when one of them in the wagon put out his head, and said they need not be alarmed" the moon had only broke loose" The other States which had already seeded were bright and glorious stars, but this evening the moon had broke loose.
 Several other speeches were delivered, all congratulatory, and all welcoming in the most ardent and affectionate terms the advent of Georgia into the southern family of free and independent States.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
.M5,rsHoL. ekc.
The Feeling in Virginia-The Danger
 Ahead,

We have been permitted, says the Gin clnnatl Enquirer, to make the following extract from a letter received by gentle man in this city from T. s. Allen, a clerk of court in Rltchie county; Va. This is in the northwestern part of the State, where the Union feeling is the strongest, and where secession has the fewest friends MT. Allen, writing under date of January 23, says:
 GAS to the crisis, I favored Crittenden's compromise, but I have no idea it will meet with favor in the House. Our eleo- tion for delegates to the State convention will come off on the 4th proximo, and the convention is to assemble on the 18th. If no compromise isei1ected in Congress before the latter date Virginia will be added to the number of the seeding States. Virgil mia will never join the northern States in crusade against her sisters of the South. I returned few days ago from Baltimore intense interest and excitement prevail there. Maryland is only awaiting the ac- tion of our convention to determine her in the course to pursue. She will follow Virginia. and so will the other border States. Should war cnsue, I assure you it will be a bloody one. It is needless to talk about coerniug, subiuga- ting and that kind of stuff Those who think that the southern States can be whip ped into measures know very little about che character of the inhabitants.
 As confrmatory of this letter, which was not written for publication, we publish the following extract from the Stanton (Va.,) Vindicator, edited by Mr. Yost, one of the few Virginia delegates who did not secede from the Baltimore convention, but who remained in that body and voted for Mir. Douglas, and who has always been strongly opposed to the secessionists. He says:
 We have been the steadfast friend of the constitution and the institutions of the United States-we have ever urged our people to stand by and maintain the Union of these States while "the equality of the States in the Union was preserved" But if the coercive policy of Mr. Buchanan is to obtain-if n worse than a military des- potism is to be established-if we are to be governed at the point of the bayonet, and our negroes hemmrd in by armed men to multiply and increase upon us until our substance is consumed and our very vitals eaten out-in the name of God and by the memory of our revolutionary ancestry! we invoke our countrymen to declare, in un- mistakable terms, that we are prepared, before submission to " Union of the vic tors and the vanquished." to have the en- tire race of Virginians extinguiShed and plotted out of existence.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21

ing a character as to lG,stify the people O the State of Alabama in tie adoption prompt and decided measures for then future peace and security; therefore
 Be it declared and ordained by the peo. pie of the State of Alabama, in convention assembled, that the State of Alabama now withdraws and is hereby withdrawn iron the Union, known as the United States o America, and henceforth ceases to be one O said United States, and is, has right, an6 ought to be sovereign and independen State.
 SEC. ?. And be 1t further declared an. ordained by the people of the State of Ala bama, in convention assembled, that al powers over territories in said State. anc over the people thereof, heretofore delegate to the government of the United States America, be and they are hereby with. drawn from said government, and hereb, resumed and vested in the people of tn State of Alabama; and as it is the desir and purpose of the people of Alabama t. meet the slaveholding States of the Soutl who approve of such purpose, in order,t frame provisional as well as permanen N'0ih'"0uO upoh tile prInclpleS or the gov ernment of the United States,
 Be it also resolved by the people of Ala bama, in convention assembled, that the people of the States of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri be, and are hereby invited to meet the people of the State of Alabama, by their delegates in convention, on the fourth day February next, at the city of Mont gomery, for the purpose of consulting each other as to the most effectual mode of secur- ing concerted and harmonious action in whatever measures may be deemed most advisable for the common peace and secu- rity; and
 Be @Jurther resotUed, That the President of this convention be and is hereby in structed to transmit q copy of the foregoing preamble of ordinance and resolutions to the Governors of the several States named in the said resolution.
 Done by the people of the State of Ala bama, in convention assembled at Mont gomery, this, eleventh day of January, A. D., 1861.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,

LITTLE Ro9K, ARK, Feb. lth, lS6l.I To Capt. JAMES ToTTEN, U. s. Army,
 in charge of U s. Arsenal, Little Rock Ark. Sir: Your communication of the 9th inst, (yesterday,) propounding to myself propositions, explicit and detailed answers to which would have great influence upon you in your answer promised the Governor of Arkansas, by P. M. to-day, was re. ceived about II o'clock this morning. After mature reflection, I propose to ac- cept your first, second and third proposi- tions, with the following understanding: That being informed your command brought no cannon with you, so none are to be taken away. You shall have safe pessage out of the State in any direction you may please with your command, pro- vided, however, you do not station your self within the limits of the State of Ark ansas or on the border thereof
 Whatever your command, either of private or public property, brought with them, you will be permitted to take away l have the honor to be, Captain,
 respectfully your obt. servt,
 HENERY M. RECTOR,
 Governor of Arkansas. This is the paper marked c.
 HENERY M. RECTOR,
 Go0ernor of Ark0nSas JAMES ToTTEN, Capt. 20 Artillery.
 Commander of Little Rock Arsenal.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
&s The Washington correspondent of

Gs The Washington correspondent of the Charleston Courier writes in disgust:
 Never were so-called statesmen as much bewildered as now. Seward hides hls utter incapacity to deal with events under the disgusting mask of levity The owner of the Star of the West went to him the other day and in the most earnest man. ner besought him to give him some positive assurance of what Lincoln's policy would be. Seward replied: I tella you what you do. Buy ticket for the Lincoln in auguratlon ball. Head the list with your name, and that will bring peace to the country!' The man retired nauseated at such folly. As for Douglas, his power to cope with the issue before him may be Jndged from what he said to Crittenden:
 How this thing is to be settled, we don't know. But settled it will be, somehow. We JeeI t m our bones, don't we Mr. Crit tenden, that all will yet be well?' Was there ever on earth such set of triaers and incapablcs?"
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
WILLARD FILLMORE

Who can read this letter without feeling that this distinguished statesman sees clearly thatany mission upon his part to the South, promising to us any security in the Union, would be practising fraud and deception. Knowing this fact, he honestly declines the mission which, in his opinion, would ope- rate to that treacherous end. We'll does he defer any such duty until he has ''reliable assurances" that the republicans will dis charge the obligations imposed upon them by the constitution. Is not the inference from this plain, outspoken letter irresistible that Mir. Fillmore has but little, ifany, hope that the republicans will abate their unholv and anti constitutional war upon the rights of the people of the Sonth?-Apnznnche
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
ALABAMA ORDINANCE.

The ordinance of Alabama is more com prehensive than of either of the other States. It is as follows:
 WHEREAS, The election of Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin to the offices of President and Vice President of the United States of America by sectional narty. avowedly hostile to the domestic institutions and the peace and security of fine people of the State of Alabama, fol- lowing upon the heels of many and danger ous infractions on the Constitution of the United States by many of the States and the people of the northern section, is political wrong of so insulting and menac-
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21

IHE POSITION OF SENATOR SUMNER.- The New York Post of Wednesday even- ing publishes the following dispatch:
 WASHINGTON, Jan. 30.-The report that senator Sumner has approved the objects or the convention which is to assemble nere at the call of Virginia, is a mistake. MT Sumner regards that call as part of the reasonable conspiracy against the general government, and does not see how northern men can have anything to do w'.I 1.i It, unless they are ready in some way to u pay into the hands of the traitors. MT. sumner has always held that any change oy the North from its attitude of frmness anu fepose can have no other effect than 'ii0 encouragement of treason.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
LITTLE ROCK, ARSENAL, ] LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS, <
 Feb'y 6h, 1861. ]

To his E.ccellency H. M. RECTOR,
 Gouernor of Arkansas:: SIR: In the present trying circumstances by which the undersigned finds himself surrounded, as federal officer, he is anx- ious to learn, officially from your Excellen- cy, before answering your demand for the surrender of the United States Arsenal, at this place, the following important points, viz:
 list. If the Arsenal and all the munitions of war stored therein, are left intact as at the hour of o'clock, P, M, tomorrow, by the United States forces now in charge ofthem, will the Governor of the State of Arkansas officially take charge of said Arsenal and munitions of war, in the name of the United States government, and hold them in that light until future circumstances shall legally absolve him from the responsibility?
 2nd. If the United States force, now par- risoning Little Rock Arsenal, evacuate said post and leave the munitions of war m tactas at the hour of o'clock.P. M.. to- morrow, will the Governor of the State of Arkansas officially guarantee to said force an unmolested passage through the State in any direction the officer command ing said troops may select, and guarantee moreover, to said force the right of carrying with them all the public and pivate prop erty they brought with them to said Arsenal all which has been purchased for by them, and all which has been sent to them sense stationed at said Arsenal, con- sisting of ordnance and ordnance stores, clothing, camp and garrison equipage and barrack and messs furnature, as also provisions, and all their individual and private property?
 3rd. If the Arsenal and munitions of war stored therein are left in tact, as at the hour of o'clock P M, to- omorrow. will the Governor of Arkansas, in his off cial capacity, guarantee to the United States forces now in charge there the right of marching away from said place, with all the honor due them as federal officers and soldiers, who do not surrender their trust bat simply evacuate post for want of instructions from their superiors in office, and in doubt as to the proprietv of bringing on civil war among their fellow countrymen?
 Explicit and detailed answers to each and every one of these questions will have great influence upon the undersigned in his answer to the communication of the Gov eInor of Arkansas, which is promised to- morrow at 8 o'clock, F. NJ.
 l am, very respectfully
 JAMES TOTTEN,
 Capt. ? 44rt., Com'd Post. This is paper marked B.
 HENERY NJ. RECTOR,
 Gopernor of Arkansas. JAMES ToTTEN, Capt. 2nd An.
 Com'd {. R. Arsenal
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
JAs. H. HAGARD, Sec'y.
The News from Montgomery-How Re ceived ill the Louisiana Convention.

celVeu III tue hOulSlaud convention.
 During the proceedings, the President, Mir. Mouton, rose and informed the con- vcntion that, though not in the order of business, he had important news to com municate. He had telegraphic dispatch from Montgomery last night informing him that the convention at Montgomery had unanimously adopted constitution; and since then the information had been received that the convention had unani- mousy elected for President, Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, and for VicePresi- dent, Alexander II. Stephens, of Georgia. l9'be announcement was received with considerable enthusiasm by the members ol the convention and the auditors in the galleries.
 When the applause subsided, Mir. Walker ol Orleans, proposed the following resolu- tionS:
 heSoleed, That this convention receives with the most cordial approval the intelligence this day Teeeived, by telegraph, of the election of Jefferson RaVls, of Mississippi as President, and Alexander H. stephens, of Georgia, as Vice President of the Pro1sonal government of the southern republic
 heotoed, That the secretary of this convention pc lnsraoted to communicate the foregoing reso- gomery
 The resolutions were unanimously adopted
 One hundred guns were then ordered to be fired,
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
oRDININcE OF SECESSION.

We, the people of the State of Florida, in convention assembled, do solemnly or dain, publish and declare that the State of Florida hereby withdraws herself from the confederacy of States existing under the name of the United States of America, and from the existing government of said States; and that all political connection between her and the government of said States ought to be and the same is hereby totally annulled, and said Union of States dissolved; and the State of Florida is hereby declared a sovereign and independent nation; and that all ordinances heretofore adopted, in so far as they create or recog- nize said Union, are rescinded, and all laws, or parts of laws, in force in this State. in so far as they recognize or assent to said Union, be, and they are hereby repealed
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21

GS- Captain Morrison, in command of the revenue cutter Lewis Cass, now at Mo bile, has, on demand of the collector of that port, surrendered his vessel to the State. Capt. NJ. has since resigned his commission and accepted service of the State. The other officers have left for their respective homes.
 After the surrender of the vessel, Capt. Morrison received orders to proceed to Gal weston and take command of the revenue cutter Philip Dodge, and carry her to a northern port, for the purpose of prevent ing her seizure by the State of Texas. To these orders Capt. NJ. paid no attention whatever.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
N orr E. STATE OF ARKANSAS, ! COUNTY oF.ARKANsAs.

THAT WHEREAS, On the 23d day Il January, A. D. 1861, before the clerk of the Probate Court of suid county, in vacation, letters festamentary having been granted to the undersign ed on the estate of the late Terence Farrely, de- ceased, of the aforesaid county and State; now therefore, all persons having claims against said estate are hereby notified and required to exhibit the same to the executors, properly authenticated, within one year from the said 23d day of January, A D. 1861, or they may be precluded from any be- neflt in the estate, and that if such claims be not exhibited within two years from the date of the let ters atoresad they shall be forever barred and pre- cluded from any benefit from said estate
 CHARLES c. FARRELLY,l
 TERENCE FARRELLY,J JR.} Ereeutors.
 JAMES H. MOORE.
 South Bend, Ark, Feb II, 1861. Ct
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
Mir. Lincoln at steubenville Ohio.

SrEUBENvrLLE, Ono, Feb. 15.-Mr. Lincoln spoke here yesterday. He said he feared the great confidence in his ability to administer the government was unfounded. He believed devotion to the constitution was equally great on both sides of the Ohio river-the only difference being the diff ferent circumstances surrounding them. The only dispute is what are their rights, if majority should not rule, should the mi nority? Would that be right or just or generous? Assuredly not.
 If adopt wrong policy you will have an opportunity to condemn it and substi- tute better president with better views at the end of four years.
 PITTsBuRe, Feb. 15.-Mr Lincoln ar rived last evening. He recognized the en- thusiasm of his reception, and said 1t was undoubtedly attributable to his position, the result of accident more than merit.
 He declined to make speech. He told the citizens of Allegheny there present he would say few words to them on the in- terests of Allegheny tomorrow.
 PITTsBURG, Feb. 15.-Mr. Lincoln this morning declined to address the people on national questions, saying he wanted time to examlne the condition of the country. He said the present crisis was not real but artificial, such as might be gotten up at any time by turbulent men aided by de- signing politicians. If .the people only keep their temper the question now dis tracing the country will surely be settled as other previous difficulties, and this great nation continue to prosper as heretofore.
 xXxvIth Congressional Session.
 WASHINGTON, Feb. 5.-HousE-After the report of the committee was received MT. Branch of N. O., asked the passage of resolution declaring the quartering of regular army troops in the district of Col umbia impolitic, and tending to destroy civil liberty, and that these troops ought to be removed forthwith; after somewhat sharp debate the resolution was laid on the table by a vote of 125 to 35.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-21
Correspondence between Gov. Rector
 and Capt. Totten.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, LITTLE RocK, ARK.,)
 February 6h, 1861.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, LITTLE RocK, ARK.,l
 February 6M, 1861. { CAPT. TorTEN.
 Comnaonding q. s. 4. Liule Rock, 1rk SIR: There is now in this city a consider able number of citizens of this State. who have come here under arms with the avow. ed purpose of taking possession of the U S. Arsenal. Reliable information has been received that a large force of citizens are on their march to this place for the same purpose. This movement is prompted by the feeling that perxades- the citizens ef this State, that in the present emergency the arms and munitions of war in the Ar senal should be under the control of the State authorities in order to their security This movement, although not authorized by me, has assumed such an aspect that it becomes my duty as the Executive of this State to interpose my official authority to prevent collision between the people of the State and the federal troops under your command.
 therefore demand in the name of the State the delivery of the possessions of the Arsenal, and munitions of war under your charge, to the State authorities, to be held subject to the action of the convention, to be held on the 4th day ofMarch next. This step is the only one which can possibly pre- vent the effusion of blood and the destruc. tion of property of the citizens and the government.
 beg leave to assure you that the step which the citizens have taken is not prompted by any personal distrust of you, but the jealousy which naturally exists to- wards the authority of the United States, under the present unhappy condition of the country.
 This communication will be handed you by T. D. MERRIoK, Major General of 1st division of the State of Arkansas Militia, who will call on you personally, accnw pani- ed by his staff and who will receive from you your response.
 Respectfully, your obedient serv't.,
 HENERY M. RECTOR,
 Governor of 1rkansas.