davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

The COMET was quite visible last night We saw it
about nine o'clock. 1t is nearly brilliant as the COM
ct of 1858. gentleman, not very deeply skilled in
the natural history and migratory habits of comets to
whom we pointed it out, remarked quite cooy that he
had seen that two years ago.
Some say that the present visitor is the long expect
ed comet of Charles the Fifth. We don't know, but it
promises to be very large and brilliant
AS for the portents. In 1912 or '43 or about that
time immense comet sreamed across the sky and the
world remained at peace. In 1858 fine looking com
ct came along and there was in Italy Peace
or war alike to the comets
Since writing the above we have received the follow
lowing notice of the phenomenon from friend who has
evidently been observing it -
invite all creation and the rest of mankind exhibit
ton tonghf it should be cear-of of the most mag
nifcent comets that has been in system
will be visible in the North West after sunset, about
3 degrees above the horizon Being but 80 degrees distant
from the north STAR will not sink below the horizon at all
tonight
Last night at H. the tail extended beyond the zenith or
than 80 deg in length. So little attention having been
attracted to this comet shows that its brancy must have
been very suddenly developed The great comet of 1850 in
two days unfoded tail of 900 of miles in length
Those who have Celestial Globe or Burrtts Al las may
mark the position of the comet just under the of the
Great Bear the tail extending the head of Poniatowsks
Bull
But for the incOnvenen penalty for giving aid and
FORT would suggest to Doctor Lincoln and Gen. Scott the
policy of charterDg tie tail of this comet to wipe out
Daily Journal, Sd inst.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

The CAVALRY SKIRMIsH NEAR WnLIAMsPoRT-In
confirmation of the reported Cavalry engagement in
which the two Ashbys Richard and Turney Ashby
figured, we may state that gentleman of this town
mentioned to US yesterday afternoon, the receipt of
letter from gentleman of high character cognzant OF
the facts, than sustaining all the teegraphic
printed accounts Richard Asby with scouting party
five men was drawn into or fell into an ambush and was
charged upon by troop of Lincons Cavalry, through
which the little band cut their way two however, being
killed outright, and Captain Richard Ashby supposed
to be MORALLY wounded Itssa that his brother Turner
Ashby, who happened to be in the neighborLood with
some ten or twelve mounted men, so maddened by
the death of his brother that he determined to be
venged and with this determination rather than with any
hope of victory he charged the troop with his handful
of men, actually killing five of the enemy himself The
desperation of the attack actually appalled, the
and they fed leaving some seventeen dead on the field
hus in substance says the letter differs hardly at al
from the published accounts save in showing the addl
ona motive which added to the 6erceness of the i'm
pulse that hurled Turner Ashby on the foe.
UGiLu Journal I'd INST
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

OUR VERY ooP1oUs details by telegraph leave little for
us to do in the way of new itemzing. Although not
startling the news is significant and will be found IN
terestng Blair talks largely Scott orders extra ra
tons for six days for his forces on both sides of the Po
tomac, and only Pattersons failure to advance delays
operations. We think the mistake is with General
johnson. He holds Patterson in check and deranpes
the plans of General Scott. Naughty man, is General
Johnson 1t will most probably be found that Beaure
CARDS stubborness will cause failure to advance on the
part of General Mcdowell, unless that redoubted Gen
eral chooses to Gdvance Backwards
Inc treatment of Baltimore is awfully disgracelul
The Ausrians in Italy were not more tyrans nor more
detesed than are the Lnconlte troops in Baltimore.
There is little doub' judging by appearances that the
moral and perhaps the physical power Of the Weterr
Powers OF Europe will be shortly thrown into the sco
In favor Of the settlement of existing difficulties bv fl,
full acknowledgment of the separate independence o.,
equality of the South
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04
For the Journal.


CAMP DUDLEY, June 29th, 1851.
MEssRs. EDITORS Through the columns Of your paper
for the uxures presented Us few evenings SINCE through
the care of Sergeant Henry consisting of biscuit cakes
etc. etc., witch is reasonable to suppose were relshed
with degree of satisfaction after the usual fare of soldiers
and for pledge ourselves to defend their homes
and lives die in their defence ard though we may
find final resting place the field of action yet in
last moments prayers shall ascend to Heaven for their
preservation
Yes against the naughty tyrant
Our Swords and arms we'll Wield
Though bones should bleach
The bloody battle field
And when the invader hurls
The brand of devastation,
To conquer or to die
Is our determination
A PRIVATE,
Moore's Creek Rifemen p
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

SEVERAL DAYS AGO, we heard from gentleman just
from the scene of the recapture of the Hannah Ba
brig loaded with sugar and moasses which had been
seized by the bockading squadron off Tybee Island,
while trying to make her way into the harbor of Sa-
vannah We alluded to this matter on Friday in q
brief paragraph headed Sweet" in which we referred
to the fact that the State of North Carolina had
cured large quantity of sugar and molasses very
favorable terms but which could not then be made pub
lie.
Our reasons for not making the matter public will
readily suggest themselves, one being that we did not
DESIRE by calling particular attention to the facts and
the localities to draw down any heavy blockadDg force
which might put stop to the operations of our light
armed steamers, to say nothing of barrassing and an
noying our coasts generally From similar considera-
tons of public interest have suppressed other items
Of news at different times. But really feel somewhat
put out, when we find that things which papers and
people think advisable to keep quiet find their way to
the public, generally in very incorrect form through
the babbling correspondents of some distant paper
these scribbers have no judgment discrimination
the editors surely ought to have some.
Now after We in North Carolina had been trying to
keep the recapture of the Hannah Balch quiet find
it all paraded, after fashion, in the correspondence OF
the Petersburg E1p,ess We know that this sort Of
thing is calculated to keep up sensation, but now we
do think that sensations ought to be avoided Messrs
the correspondents please think little and you will not
write so much.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

NEGROES IN THE New YORK CUSTOM HoUsE.-In
noticing the fact that Collector Barney had turned
Democrat out of the Custom House, and appointed a
negro in his place. the Concord IN H. Patriot says
Collector Goodrich set the example, before he had
been in Office month, by appointing negro (exkeeper
OF billiard saloon) as Messenger, in place of Mr.
Seavy, faithful and industrious free white citizen with
large family of white children dependent Oh his daily
earnings for support The colored appointee is said to
have been fayore of Burlingame. Salary forty dol
lars per month This is heavy business worthy Of no
party
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

'THE TELEGRAPH has given US an instalment and we
trust will keep regularly posted on all that can
properly be made public The news SO tar is good
We think it will suit.
We saw gentleman yesterday who had been con
siderably around in Virginia, and he informs us thai
the spirits of our people there are buoyant in the high
est degree and that troops pour in from all quarters
He is under the impression that while the Northern pa
pers exaggerate the numbers of the Confederate troops
in Virginia we here have been too apt to underrat
them.-Dailu Journal, I'd inst.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

From the Richmond Dispatch.
Capture of Prize Vessels.-Daring Expsoit Of Mary
land Zouaves!
Lieut.. Geo. W. Alexander, of the LIST Regiment of
MARYLAND Zouaves reached Richmond on yesterday
morning with forty odd Linconite cap
tured en- the Potomac early Saturday morning 1t ap-
pears that the Zouave Regiment has been for time
past in process of formation by Col. r. Thomas of
Richmond, Lieut.. Alexander, (Adjutant) Lieut.. F.
Gibson, and others, 10 Baltimore.
A short time since, COL Thomas went from Balti-
more to Philadelphia in disguise and procured supply
of arms. Himself and comrades then conceived the
project of capturing the ST. Nicholas, large steamer
in the employ of the General Government running
between Baltimore and Washington The boat star
ted at four O'Clock on Friday evening from her wharf in
Baltimore. Previous thereto Col. Thomas went aboard
with II men-the latter passengers, and their com
mander dressed as French lady. The vessel got un-
der way aud stopped at Point Lookout where, accord
ing to the plan previously agreed OF, Lieut. Alexander
with another detachment OF men, came on board and
secured passage for Washington By accident o. Lieut..
Alexander went into the cabin of the steamer and
cognized the French lady O as an old acquaintance
from Paris Both Thomas and Alexander speaking the
language fuenty, they found no difficulty in maturing
their plan of operations During the conversation that
ensued between the French lady and her acquaintance
instructions ven to how the party should pro-
ceed The arms, which had previously been carefully
loaded and concealed made ready fog instant pos
session. At one O'Clock Saturday morning the time
for striking the blow having arrived Col Thomas threw
off his disguise appeared in his uniform and ordering
his men to do their duty the steamer in five minutes
prize to the forces of the Confederate States
The Captain and crew surrendered without striking a
blow ard were confined without trouble They appear
ed overwhelmed with surprise.
| Captain Geo. n. Hoins, late United States Navy
who had gone abroad at Point Lockout, then assumed
command of the steamer and her into Cone river
expecting to meet the Tennessee Regiment and Jointly
| commence further operations against the enemy. The
Tennesseean7, however did not arrive the ground till
late Saturday morning 1t was then too late for aany
demonstration up the river originally intended and
the steamer was headed down the stream. On her pas
sage she captured two schooners and one brig. Each
had of about ten men, who taken prisoners
One of the vessels loaded with $500 bags of cof
fee another with anthracite COAL and another with ice
The steamer ST. Nicholas is first class boat 275 feet
long, side wheel.
All of the prizes were safely towed to the mouth o
the Rappahannock, and thence to Fredericksburg
Their value is roughly estimated at three hundred anc
seventy-fve thousand dollars.
The captains OF the respective vessels, with theil
crews, including several negroes, lodged in the
prison depot on Main street in this city.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

S1GNIFIoANT.-We learn from the Richmond Exam
ner that the agent OF the French Government now in
Richmond, is about to buy tobacco there 1t is said
be will commence in the course of few days. indie
pendent of this being good news to the planters there
an important significance in the action of this agent
1t is well known that tobacco article of monopoly
with the French Government. The question naturally
arises then, why would that Government authorize the
purchase of tobacco if the blockade is to be recognized
and continued? Would France purchase that which
she could not receiver If this be true as stated it is
very encouraging to planters and dsagreeabe hint
to our enemies.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

The SLooP- WAR GERMANTowN-Th Ship which
devoted to destruction in the memorable attempt to
destroy the Gosport Navy Yard has been raised and is
now undergoing such repairs as will in few weeks ac-
raising the G. undertaken by those skful artzans
the Messrs Baker, who expeditiousy and faithfully exc
cuted it.
Lncolns destructives not only set fire to the g. but
scutted her and in addition to this the large tall shears
fell across her. But in the hands of skitul workmen
she has not only been put afoat again. but will soon be
fit for service we trust in the Confederate navy
Norfolk Argus
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

IMPORTANT ORDER.-General Beauregard has issued
an order prohibiting all persons not having passes from
the War Department, from crossing the lines of this d
vision OF the army after the Both inst Papers throughout
the Confederate States would be doing service Inv
copying this ORDER and they are requested to do so
Norfolk HsrasS.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

The Washington correspondent of the New York
Times, says that General Beauregard has ordered his
sharp-shooters not to hit the with epauettes.-
The Lineonite Brigaders are our best frienns They
play into our hands. We must not lose them The
Southern Volunteers despise the Northern Briga-
diers so much that they say they would rather en-
counter two or three Brgaders than private Upon
the whole, PIERCE Schenck Butler etc., are not spoken
of in the most complimentary terms at the North
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

How THE BLOCKADE WoRKs.-In looking over the
account OF the New York Produce Market, in the
Times OF the 10th inst, we find butter is quoted from
&c. lzc Under the influence Of the Southern trade
1t sold from l5c 26c. Cheese, formerly from &C. d
l4c., now brings from &c. l. North River hay As }
so cents.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

CHANG AND ENG.-We have squash or pair of
squashes, veritable Siamese twins of the vegetable
world, grown On one stem and united by a ligature
growing between their respective sides very much in the
Chan-Engical fashion. This odd production grew on
Mr.. Conoeys place at the sound. We will preserve it
in spirits and present it to some great scientific society,"
perhaps.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04
There ARE sometimes presages of storm in the mors

THERE ARE sometimes presages of storm in the mora
as in the physical world.
If there be anything in such presages there is some
thing going on or impending. There is battle feeling
in the air. as one might saythere sort of pervadinq
sentiment or impression in all mems minds that the thun
der cloud hangs very low if it has not already burst
We are not superstitious about most things. VIZ
rather think that impressions of this Sort so requen
confirmed by the actual event. are the result of subtle
operation of the general mind rapidly passing from ont
TO the other, in maner perfectly natural but badly I'm
aersood 1t has often been remarked that the prestige
the sensation of great victory or great defeat out
runs tne sWtest messenger that bears the news How
this is we leave others to determine.
We have an impression of some great event impend
ing. We have no more The telegraph will give us moth
ing, and we have no northern mail
Daily journal, LIST iusi.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04
An Engagement at Matthias Point.
The Washington Star has the following letter !:
U. S. SHIP PAwNEE PoroMAc RIVER,

u. 5. SHIP PAWNEE, Potomac RIVER, !
June 25, 1861.
The ship commanded by Commander Rowan, accom-
panied by the tender, James Guy left Acquia Greek
this morning for Matthias Point, carrying Capt Wood
bury, o. S. Engineers and Capt Palmer, U. $. Topo-
graphical Engineers, to make reconnaissance there, to
learn whether batteries not being erected
there
At A. M. Capt. Rowan sent an expedition of 40
men, sailors and marines, ashore in two boats in charge
of Lieut.. Chaplin and Master Blue all under Captain
Woodbury's command. AS the steamer approached,
the enemy showed themselves in considerable numbers
but they scampered the hills when the ship direct
ed few shells against them, and they were kept in
check by occasional shell while the expedition was
ashore enabling it to complete its work unmolesed-
Its sailors captured two horses, saddled and brdled
compelling the riders to seek safety in fight. One OF
cur men received slight wound in the wrist from re-
volver shot The horses brought off, hoised into
the JAS Guy, and sent to the Washington Navy ard
as prizes.
During the reconnaissance the Pawnee threw thirty
shell, which kept the enemy in check though their re-
ported force there is six hundred men, one hundred
more being mounted. The party that landed saw the
enemys camp from Grimes house On the hill and hav-
ing their to the Pawnee pointed out its drec
tion Com. Rowan put the ship in a proper position
within the shoal and sbeled it, completely dispensing
the camp, and setting fire to something behind the hill
A negro off to the ship and gave information
that two hundred of the enemy kept constantly or
| the beach, and the remainder in the camp.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

DURING THE thunder storm on Saturday morning last
the house of Mr.. j. W. Zimmerman about ~ miles
from town. was struck by lightning. The front part
OF the house was considerably damaged the boards out
side being torn off and the pasterng inside knocked
down. besides other damage ALI in the house were more
or less stunned, but none seriously hurt
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

The NORFOLK DAY Book says that there are men
holding somewhat responsible positions in the employ
of the Confederate States at the Norfolk Navy Yard who
flourish around the most reasonable Lnconite and Alb
Otionist language. The Day Book has the names, and
will ventilate them and the whole subject if the
abuse is not reformed.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04
MONDAY. JULY lsT.

The Governor of South Carolina has removed his head
quarters to Columbia, the State Capital, where he
arrived on Thursday morning and took rooms at
Hunts hotel During the tendency of hostities at
Charleston, the Executive, the Legislature and the
Convention Of South Carolina all made the latter city
their head quarters
Hurburt South Carolina lawyer arrested as traitor
and SOY of Lincoln was recently sent on to Richmond
as prisoner, having been arrested at Atlanta, Ga.
It is said that he is to be sent back to Charleston for
trial in the district where his alleged offences were
committed The experiment of sending him through
portions of this State that we wot Of will be most
dangerous one for Hulburt Whether Hurlburt 10 a
South Carolinian by birth or not, we do not now
recolect having read but even if he is, his State
not responsible for him save to see justice DONE
HurIburt had been acting as the correspondent OF
the ~ Y Times, Tribune, and other abolition papers
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3D..
COL Robert Ransom, late of the United States Army,
has been appointed Colonel of the State Cavalry.
The Raleigh Standard says that he is said to have
been the best horseman in the United States service
General Butler at Fortress Monroe is getting himself
into fresh scrapes. He has arrested COL Aliens New
York Regiment on the ground of dsloyalty to the
Federal government The New York Regiments are
in ferment. He will probably be removed. The
whiskey he has been drinking does not agree with
him.
Baltimore is in fearfuly excited state With her
streets filled with Federal troops and swept by Fed
eral guns her people still greet Lincons mercenarief
as they pass with cheers for jeff Davis and the South
ern Confederacy.
The Schooner Adeline, Captain Smith, arrived at Sa
vannah on the 1st July with cargo of molasses from
Nassau New Providence (Bahamas) The Adelin
sailed into Nassau under the Confederate flag which
was gladly recognized by the authorities there mucl
to the engagement of the Lincoaite Consul. Nassau
is an Eng ISL port.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

An old aphorsm declared that "being patient is the
hardest work we have to do through lie. That's SO
says Quip "Tried it teaching district school
where all the worst boys of committee men
and the mischevous girls were unpunsbably handsome
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

MhlIARE-We neglected yesterday to notice the
turnout OF the Independent Guards on Monday after
noon IN tneir new Summer uniform They are really
very hne looking as well as very fine company.
Daily Journal Sd INST
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

WE HAVE LOT of magnificent Irish potatoes from
D. j. Nixon, Esq. The pototoes were grown at Mr.
Nixons place upon the sound and no doubt sent as
sample of Sound productions and also to show that
some things can be done as we'll others Mr.. Nixon
has our thanks.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

WE UNDERSTAND that the fine company of horse arti
lery, under the command of Captain Moore who have
been encamped the Sound for some time are under
orders to proceed first to Raleigh and thence to Vir
ginia.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

A LErTR From HON. WIN. L. YANcEY.-The Mont
gomery Ala Post says letter has been received from
Hon. VIM. L. Yancey, one of the commissioners to
Europe, In which he states that independence will
certainly be recognized by England during the month
of August and that he expects to be at home in Sep
Itember.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

LARGE BODIES OF TROOPS passed through this Mace
Yesterday last night and today Among Others we No.
u0ed large force of artillery from the South With
guns and all equipments. DAILY Journal dint
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-04

Is IT COMET "A gentleman mentioned to us this
morning the fact that last night about nine O'clock the
weather being somewhat cloudy with occasional light
ming, he in break between the clouds somewhat
West OF North and the horizon broad and steady
luminous streak and the sky further cleared he plain
ly saw head or nucleus, looking like large red star
We mention this to direct attention If any body sees
it tonight, please report-Daaku Journal ISt INST