davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The south-western., 1861-02-20

A THRILLING NARRIGvE.-The story of the horrible
treatment inflicted lat month in Parker county, by
band osavages r preson of the illfated Mrs Sher
man. has already beei told but the following narrative
Of her sufterngs from the pen-ofe sister, Mrs. S. r
Martin is absolutely narrowing 1t was written to the
brother OF bothsisters who resides in Fayetteville Fay
ette county. The letter dated Parker county, Dec
ember l7th 1860:
Ny Dear Brother-The Indians have again come down
upon US, numbering our der sister Martha A. Sherman
Her fate and suferitgS ac too horrid to relate-a
thought of the affair sink my soul into despair and
you see that these Inns nearly oblteraed by tears
70 Scken and die by the oninary circumstances Prov
dence Is but m0dertte Sufcring-but to suffer the
thousand deaths OF ding the hands Of the pit
lies savage, melts the leart to contemplate.
The Indians went to Ir Shermans house shook hands
with ALL and asked forolucthing to eat Itwas dinner
time and they gave thtIndans the table They ate.
and then ordered Mr. to leave the house. He did so
taking with him his wifand three little children They
had got off some five six hundred yards, when the
Indians overlook them; sister carried back to the
house by them aone leying Mr.. S. and the children.
The heartess wretches re began their brutal ourages
whipping her all the wayto the house over the face
and head with their whis. After reaching the house
they took from it every atce of value to the bed
cohng then took poor lister by the hair of the head
of the brutes ehe side of her dragging her along
still beating and whppingler. They stuck pins in her
hesh took oil her clothing continuing to whip her till
less cruelty. They then soped her taking off every
strand other dear hair Leaving the skullbone bare And
then, to cap the climax, tey shot her through the
shoulder, leaving her they thought to die struggling
in her ifes blood Hen she was found by her hus-
band, trying to drag her almost feess body to mud
hole ofwatoT nearby. IN this manged state she lived
four days suffering more thga language dcecibed.
~oh pying Heaven grant that 1t may never be my lot
again toweep over such another scene, Mother and
brother were with her in her dying moments. Not
withsandng the severity Of her treatment she SEN
sibIe OF everything that passed bly, dear brother
you stand this, and Ret resenhe wrongs prcperated
upon your own sister? Can you those three little
children and not pursue their mothers murders? Can
you see her scalp in the hands of those savage brues
and not rescue it though it costyou life? Can you
ever sleep while remembering her cries with uplifted
hands, invoking the father of mercies to spare her life
as she was struck down thecaw of the bachearted
wolves? MOI never! never.
The brother to whom this letter was written is now
we understand, the frontier determined to avengt
his unfortunate sisters wrong and DEATH
The south-western., 1861-02-20

IaF ASP SrR1PEs.-Although this dear emS
blem country lays folded up it is destined to
aeat !a75Aanty again in the breeze. In recommend
az o9r Ra@ flag Ar. Elgee remarked, that the Peli-
csa has a~ars been considered by the most eminent
American 5aithoIogst, Audubon "an unsghtly and
althy bird ound to be unworthy emblem for
cllv4iraus agople. "Whie tie female was more quiet
she was courageous than the male bird" In the
time Of danger, they will stick their heads in the bull
Iushes and mud and expose their bodies.
Another cheering sign is, that the Montgomery con-
renton adopted in most part the constitution Of the
United States All this cheering ~
The south-western., 1861-02-20

CoRS.-No oEe but an obscrvant can form the least
idea of the quantity Of that has been sold at this
place during the last two months Some estimate the
quantity at 10000 bushels, at from 81 to 81 per
bushel Last Thursday, about II o'clock, r. NJ, we
noticed % wagons within about squares on Texas
street. all chiefly loldad with corn Neither Gotten OF
whskey i king any longor--corn proclams its power
full influence over both man and beast
We hope most sincerely that cur planters will take
warning from sad experience, and plant more corn
raise more hogs mules cattle and sheep Should civil
var ensue, provisions viii be king, and not cotton
The new tariff may bring ussiks cloths aces and toys
but cannot rnishus rith provsonsto prevent starva
ton Let the planters look forward
The south-western., 1861-02-20

The Richmond correspondent of the New York Tri-
bunc, writes about cxpresdentJ John Tyler as follows:
lie bears his great age with remarkable grace; lie is
still the same slim, taookng, hgh-bred Virginia gen
tlcman his striking features still showing high de-
gree Of mental activity Ha has that characteristic
which Napoleon L. considered the mark Of intellectual
superiority prominent nose. Bis oyc is keen and
gentle and reflects the animal yigor whchsis undi-
mnished By age. he has large number of children
by his first and several children BY his sccondwife the
youngest of whom an infant six months old He is
accompanied by sweet looking boy, the offspring of
hssecond wife. Mr. q. together with his wife while in
Washington will stay Browns hotel his old and ia
vorite headquarters.
The south-western., 1861-02-20

Next Friday being the anniversary of Washington's
birthday the Shreveport Greys Capt Beard, will turn
out in commcmoration of that event. As many Of the
members Of our military companies are employees in
commercial houses it has been suggested that
their employers would voluntarily dispense with their
services the afternoon Of that day. that the com
panics may turn out with full ranks.
The south-western., 1861-02-20

WHAT THE Occasion DEMANDs-The Union is dis
solved Regrctting this sudden revolution as we may
and parting reluctantly with glorious associations
We musE still the great American Union under which
we people have prospered and grown great, has
passed away and gone forever South Carolina,
Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi have each in turn
solennly severed their connection with the federal
Union Unheeding the pressing solicitations and ear
nestentreates of the border slave States these their
less exposed sisters have abandoned them to the full
spirit oil northern fanaticsm Louisiana the offspring
OF the whole Union, will follow the seeded States
In point of fact, she is already nation of herself
To each and,eVery yacitzcn, the question now comes
home. What must | do? 1t is useless to dwell upon
hepast feeding fancy with visions of what might have
been There is wisdom in that look forward
What is best TO be done? Shall weeontinue divided
and grow estranged? Or shall we seeing our desntes
must be the same unitesour hearts and strong right
arms in orderto give direction and shape harmony and
dignity to hemportant events in the future? But ono
sensible course remains.
The fabric Of our'natona prosperity and greatness
is tleveled with the dust Revolution in its re-
lentless fury will soon complete the ruin begun Our
situation, properly viewed then of confusion and
want OF regularly established government We must
not remain in such condition. but go resolutey to
work to erect another temple in which to enthrone the
goddess OF liberty Let begin the work as one man
giving to it all the dignity and attention its vast
Importance demands
Contention prescription and all unneighbory feelings
should 40 once be slcneed We meet, each individual
in society upon common purpose. 0nrinterests are
sinllar and our destintes must be identical Where
thefl is the cause for further diyisione
Our people must now be united A harmonious ac
ton viii greatly lessen burdens and seothe our anx
ions Cares. It Will give US peace at home and dignit,
and respect abroad let parts spirit suside for it ha
been the fruitful of all onr woes Let us ioiI
hands and march forward our destined sphere of ac
tion 50 that posterty may not impute to Us the uss
bered ills whiah will inevitably spring from internal dis
sensions. TSoathern Zines
The south-western., 1861-02-20

The congregation of St. Marks church will meet on
Sunday mornings, 1t 1oA NJ. at the new courthouse,
and on Wednesday, and Fridays at P. N. Sunday
school at a. "
The south-western., 1861-02-20

WEEKLY PAckE1s.-By referring to the advertise
ment it will be seen that the splendid passenger packets
Grand Duke and DeSoto, win hereafter regular
weekly packets between New Orleans and this place.
The south-western., 1861-02-20

JUDGE ROLAND ToNEs.-By reference to another
column Of paper it will be perceived that this gem
tleman is candidate for district judge at the ensuing
election Heretofore whilst this gentleman has Beon
before the public as a democratic candidate we have
conseientously opposed him on account OF principle
Now, without any party nomination. he stands before
in a very different light. We have always thought
the election Of judges by the people impolitic and dan
gerous. The judiciary, in our opinion should be
entirely Independent Of the masses only responsible
the governor and Legislature for their conduct in Office
Hon Roland Jones, district judge, heretofore has
given general satisfaction both ability and the
dispatch Of business
The south-western., 1861-02-20
State Convention.

MONDAY, Feb II, 1861.
The convention was called to order at ten minutes past
eleven. -.
A PRAYER was offered by the Rev Mr. Moore OF the
presbyterian church. o;.
The roll being called 50 members answered to then
names.
The journal of Saturdays proceedings was read, anu
after correction by Mr.. EstIin, were approved
Mr. York offered resolution to amend the lolth
article of the State convention. Laid over under the
rules.
Mr. Manning offered resolution in regard to the
public lands-moving that committee on public lands
be instructed to report the proprety OF establishing
| a permanent State land office. Laid over under the
rules.
resolution was offered that the secretary his ass
tans and other officers pages OF the convention re-
,ceiye the same compensation per diem as the same ot
cls receive in the State legislature Laid over under
the rules.
Reports of committees being next in order
Judge Elgee chairman of the committee whose duty
it was to prepare flag for the independent sovereignty
of louisiana reported ordinance establishing flag
Judge Elgec,spoke fora few minutes in favor of the
banner presented in such eloquent and pathetestye
that we have not in the few moments that we have be-
fore u.s. the power to do him justice The pelican sid
he, which has been lately so generally used, the co.,
mttce, upon research, had found to be an nnWor q
emblem for a chivalrous people
While the female quiet, she was more cour-
ageous than the male bird The great American orni-
thologst deems it unslightly and filthy bird. He
could not see the proprety Of using device with all
these disadvantages He referred to the flag Of other
countries in regard to the absence of any device of
bird beast upon them. On7 hefags displayed upon
the presence of royalty bearing their heradc devices
were the exceptions.
On all other occasions bunting of different colors was
used He spoke feelngy of the reeoleotons clustering
around the faded and desecrated flag of the old
coonies-that dear old flag Of the gallant thirteen
still endeared to every American heart and never can
be forgotten long the lives of the great statesmen,
philosophers and and christians who have defended it
are read by their descendants. And when remember
the fact that these coors borne through and
famine, cold and hunger, by who will ever hold the
first place ir the hearts of his countrynen it is mposs
BILE for in hearts to surrender them The thirteen
stripes in the present flag dedicated to the memory
of those who had suffered much establish the liberty
for which striving.
He referred to the different elements of which Lou
isana was composed. The red white and blue dear
to every Frenchman and to our French creoles were
those colors dedicated
To the descendants Of Spain given their avorite
colors-red and yellow.
In combining these colors it was embodying word
that still cherished by althat word 'Unon."
In concluding judge Elgee hoped for thisfag, that it
might long the free, united independent
sovereignty of Louisiana
The south-western., 1861-02-20

SADDLERY &c.--By reference to the advertisement
it will be seen that Mr.. Z, Schaffer has opened shop
or Texas street, near Market and is prepared make
70 order every description Of saddles brides harness
EG ia bae oweSt prices
The south-western., 1861-02-20

FLAG PREsENrArIoS.-We have been requested to
state that the ladies Of city will present the Caddo
Rifles flag on Friday, next The presentation will
take place at the courthouse at hafpast o'clock
The south-western., 1861-02-20

The New Albany (Indiana) Ledger learns by letter
from southern Illinois, that the city council of Cairo
has passed an ordinance approprating considerable
sum of money for the purpose Of purchasing arms for
the use Of the city and that agent has started east
for the purpose Of procuring the The object Of
this movement i not to fight the SOUTH (the bad one
trust them, for will not but to repe any attempt
that the abotonists Of northern Illinois may make to
convert their city into camp from which to carry
predatory warfare against the south The cee9pon
dent ntfther states that great the indignation Of all
parties in southern Illinois against governor atcs on
account Of his late message that he 90 there
now his person would hardly be safe.
We would remind our readers that Cairo and the
railroad belong to English company. We have
heretofore stated that if that point well fortified
all the troops south Of the Mississippi could not take
tand thus all the supplies Of the great grainery Of
the west might be cut off England has always been
treacherous-some Of our readers remember how she
obtained possession Of Gibraltar and how she has
tanned it since. Let her once obtain possession of
this strong point by nature with her facilities Of rail
roads to Canada it would be almost impossible to dis
lodge her In these troublesome times we cannot be
toe vigilant
The south-western., 1861-02-20

Thcconcert at the courthouse, last Thursday eve
ming given for the benefit Of the methodist church. by
the ladies Of city was well attended, and gave
universal satisfaction. The performers all acquitted
themselves in truly crcditablc manner.
The south-western., 1861-02-20

STEAMBOATS, SUSE--We learn that the steamboats,
Aoro. eaaein Moore, and Gypsy captain Alban, have
aabtaa 5rmer near Spanish Bluffs, and the latter in
#'aca baT0g. Both boats total loss
The south-western., 1861-02-20

The rffer opposite this place is on a stand, Since
our Last. .theWrn M Levy, sae Robinson, Grand Duke,
Countess, Louis Dor Gen. Hodges, Vgo, and Star
light, from New Orleans; Harmonic from st. Louis;
p f. ,Bonford, Fleta and Texas, from jefferson; Era
No, s. Franc 4, w. S. Johnston and 0. j. Wells from
upper Red River have arrived.
The south-western., 1861-02-20

MORE CoRs.-The steamer Harmonic, direct from
st. Louis reached this porta few days since reighted
with 10000 bushels Of corn This is the second trip
this season She has made 10 Shreveport laden entirely
with westerf produce
The south-western., 1861-02-20

The liSdfcnant-generao of the army of Missssipp1e-
ccivcs 277o per month forbis services and the major
general s469 per month. Fine times for officers, but
rather hard On planters to support them in their gay
apparel
The south-western., 1861-02-20

Judge Williams of the United States district court
Of Michigan; in recent charge to a Grand ;nry ss;d
The slipbnder who furnishes vessels to ! rebelG.
Gus the Union of the artisan or manufacturer
VINO delivers cannon and musket pursuant to contract
or INC merchant who ransmitsso order the clothing for
reoeltons sodlery thus gives practical aid and com.
The south-western., 1861-02-20

]. I. HEATH, EsQ.-lt will be seen from CORES
pondence which We publish to-day that this gentleman
j. candidate for the judgeship Of the 18th judicial
district court
The south-western., 1861-02-20

MExco.-Thc steamship Arizona from BRACES San.
tiago on the 7th arrived New Orleans on the 18th
instant. The most important item of news is copied
from the Brownsville paper of the 9Th, which says,
last evening the important intelligence reached Us to
the effect that Gen. Mea gf the church party in Mex
leo, was marching with large force on the city Of
Victoria the capital OF the State Of Tamaupas to the
great CONSERVATION OF the inhabitants Gen Garcia
The commanding officer at Natamoros, marched to-day
with his whole command to meet Mejia
If young bravescanhot be restrained from fight
ing would not look better if they were to cross the
Rio Grande and fight to their hearts satisfaction the
half cviiiscd Mexcans and fndana, rather than talk
about putting our own kindred to Sic swortls
Mr.. BoUDfGSY.-Under date Of the 9TH instant, the
Washington correspondent Of the New Work Herald
SAYS speaking Of our Old creole friend Of thirty years
standing
"The speech Of Mr BouIgnv, Of Louisiana IN re-
tisng to aeeede 10 the request Of his Legislature to-
withdraw from the house not only produced tremen
dous eea1ation at the time among the members and
spectators, but has for him the praises OF conseF
satye Union Loving men everywhere After the house
adjourned Mr.. Critenden met Mr.. Boulgny, and after
tt4asps him with both hands, invoked Gods blessing
upon HIM, assuring him that however much he might
be cursed now BY those who disoyal their coun
trv lie Botligny would outve them all in the atfec
tonate memory Of a glorious, UnonIovng, and law
abiding people The gallant old KeHtuckian was very
impressive in his manner and speech and wept as nc
spoke
Tn STAY LAw --Thc legislature Of Texas Ia passed
- ,,;,,- III dofts fag 4 Nnivr months
The south-western., 1861-02-20

r. J. LoosEYs EsQ.-At the solicitation of many
friends in Bosser parish this gentleman has consented
TO become candidate forjudge Of the 18th judicial dis
trict court. Mr. Looney is well known, and as a law
yer has but few equals in this section of country
See announcements
The south-western., 1861-02-20

4 Boston paper informs that $4,000 bales Of cot
ton passed through Worcester Massachusetts, recently
during week, its way to the numerous manufac
turing tewns, most Of which came from Memphis BY
railroad, at expense Of 81 rs per bale The Grand
Trunk company are making the most extensive ar
rangements for the transportation Of cotton direct from
Mississippi to the cast Next season they confidently
expect to transport from Mississippi, Tennessee and
Arkansas, at least 100000 bales. The Michigan Cen.
trail road il doing immense business in connection
vitA the Illinois and Indiana il tia transportation of
nroducc from Kcntlrkg Tennessee Missouri cte
The south-western., 1861-02-20

Our State convention has adjourned until the 4th Of
March next.
The south-western., 1861-02-20

WAR TAXES IL SoUTH CARoLfSA.-A legislative com
nttee whom referred the subject of raising sup
plies for the present fiscal year report deficiency Of
81 647 4e5 which they have submitted bill Of
taxation which will produce it is estimated 81 ,724 900
Among the items of taxation as follows;
Upon every one hundred dollars of the value Of all
lands an ad vaorem tax of 81 on all slaves tax OF
81 66 per head 50 25 on each free negro mulatto
mestizobetween the ages fifteen and years. except
such incapable of procuring lyelihood twenty
seven cents ad valorem every hundred dollars
all lots lands and buildings within any city town. or vii
lage hundred cents per Sl09 faetorage and all
professions and empoyments except clergymen and
mechanics the same on commissions Sc fortyive cente
per 800 capital stock Of all Incorporated gas com
panies and and half per centum all premiums
taken by insurance companies; twenty-eight cents on
every 800 of the sales Of merchandise &C. made be-
tween the lst of Jannarv, 1851 and January ls 1862
(he products Of the State and the unmanufactured pr
ducts of any Of the United States arc excepted from this
provsion 500 per day for all circus exhibitions and
800 per day for all theatrical other shows 81 80 on
Of interest received during the past year on all
bonds and notes on every private carriage (not kept
for.sale and 81 80 each buggy provided that not
more an one tax Of this kind shall be charged against
any one individual 81 upon every gold watch and fifty
cents upon every silver watch used in the State &c. &C.
COLLECTING N0RTHEES DEBTs IN TExAs.-The Waco
Democrat has IT. it says from reliable sources that the
Texas New York creditors have taken the alarm the
present condition of political affairs and have manes
5fE
The south-western., 1861-02-20

TIE TENNESSEE SrAr LAw-The legislsture Of Ten
nessee have passed bill prescribing arsmedy for the
collection Of debts and staying executions for one year
The Memphis Enquirer intimates that there was no ne
eeSsty for such law and adds that ii well assured
that no mercantile firm in that city want nynrotection
against the inst demands Of their creditors.
The south-western., 1861-02-20

Hon John Bell spoke in the hall of representatives
in Nashville on the 22d ut upon the almost r,;nons
condition OF the country and the course which Tennes
see ought to pursue He took strong grounds against
the secession of Tennessee from the Unien. and de-
eiared that the Union not dissolved and he trust
cd IN tioditneTer wouldbe His remarks were greeted
with frequent manifestations of applause.
The south-western., 1861-02-20

TnE MILITARY TAx.-The Yeksburg Sun says the
action Of the Mississippi State convention in levyng
military tax is regarded byaome rather oppressive
policy consequent upon the secession of the State
We hope the friends Of secession will stand up with
holiness and chcerfuness to the crisis which has been
so precipitatey brought upon us The number Of civil
and military Offices will be increased-a navy must be
created fortifcations erected-postal arrangements
observation-disclosures or ambassadors and consuls sent
abroad favors to bestow twill costs millions Of dollars
The of land houses and negroes will have to
be taxed to meet the current expenses. The taxes
heretofore we have been informed did not amount to
per cent. Under the new order of things, it is
estimated that the taxes will have to be increased to
at least FIVE per cent. Bear it cheerfully.
in Texas, it is estimated that her Withdrawal from
the Union and assuming sefgovernment will cost at
least six millions of dollars
The south-western., 1861-02-20
$ SHREVEPORT:

.......... FEBRUARY 20, 1861
The south-western., 1861-02-20

Tn STAY LAw--'rhc legislature Of Tcsaz ba passed
/. av stsvins ali debts fes twelve months
The south-western., 1861-02-20

Under the provisions Of the military ordinance Of
this State his excclleney governor Moore has appoint
ed the following officers:
MajoFgeneral, Bra1on Bragg, late captain Of artil-
ery under general Taylor Captain Bragg is most un-
doabedly brave and an excellent artillery Off
cer but whether lie understands any thing about the
manguyring Of an army Of infantry and cavalry, VIC
are not prepared to say. Gen. John H. Lewis, the son
of Judge Lewis, born in New Orleans, defender Of
that city in 1914 - and who the veteran Gen. Z.
Pendcton Gaines pronounced the best drilled militia
officer he saw, is laid the old shelf to make
room for a newcomer. General Lewis is the Oldest
major general in the Statc-aways been Jackson de-
mocratic eadera who has spent the most of the
last forty years and rich inheritance in drilling the
volunteers Of New Orleans.
Adjutant-genera George Deas; Of this gentleman,
we know but little.
Quarter master-g general, A. G. Myers
Colonel of engineers G. 7. Bcauregard This is an
excellent appointment Colonel Beauregard is the son
of one Of the oldest and most respectable creole
families Of New Orleans and regular graduate Of the
West point military academy
The south-western., 1861-02-20

LETTER FROM 5. A. DoUGLAs,The following letter has
been addressed by senator Douglas to the editors of
the Memphis Appeal previously alluded to in our Wash
fon disnatches.