davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04

premise that the first line of our sentinels.
lies parallel to body of woods, to the east
ward, skirted by Manassas creek, little
runlet some 200 yards distant The full
orbed moon shone down from clear sky,
making pretty fair counterfeit of the day
Mr.. -, the sentinel at post No. 2,
appears to have been on the alert most keen
ly. As he paced to and fro his dreary
round, he spied a dark looking suspicious
object creep out of the bushes and deep
shadows of the brook side; and slowly and
cautiously climbing the ascent, make its
way along the valley towards him. The
careful and trusty sentinel kept his eye riv-
eted on his advancing enemy. 1t would
move forward only step or so at time,
then stop, moving its head about and
changing its direction, as if trying to con-
ceal its approaches behind some object, and
peeping around to the right and left, to get
clear view of the sentinels. Our senti-
mel seems to have been we'll vcrsed in the
willy stratcgies of the Indian to steal upon
his foe or his game; and imagined among
many other fancies, that the approaching
object was Yankee skulk crawling up in
the skin of some animal, to shoot him down.
He suffered it, however, to advance within
so yards, when he hailed it. "Halt," he
cried, but was UNDECIDED when he leveled
his piece, and put ball right through the
head of large and likely milch COW -
The poor animal fell to the ground, and
with groan or two, gave up the ghost
A crowd of boys came in run, upon the
report of the gun hearing the death groans
of the sentinel's victim, they cried, "Beef
Beef! Beef!!!" most Justify, and much
was the merriment which ensued but ev-
cry one agreed that the car-marks must be
examined, and the owner paid for the acci-
dent.
You may judge from the frequency and
readiness of these alarms, how interesting
and full of incidents every day may be with
US now. If they do not become more Sc
rious, however, We can always close
Cheerily, OUR CORPORAL.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
Total reserve.
Making a grand total Of 100000 tr

GEORGE NJ. DALLAS AND BRITISH O.
pIN1oN.-The New York Tribune, which
IS good authority against its own side, gives
the following as the opinion Of the late
Minister to England as to the future action
of the English Government in relation to
the war on this continent:
"Mr. Dallas converses very unreservedly
about the feeling of the British Ministry
towards this Government. He believes the
Ministry to be hostile to US, and that Lord
John Russell's early recognition Of the
rebels as belligerents was not a premature
declaration to be repented of hereafter, but
a deliberate policy to be adhered to, as far
as it goes. He is disposed to believe that
the great arbiter is Cotton-that as the
stock on hand will keep the English mills
employed until November, the Ministry
will openly countenance the rebellion until
it is ascertained whether the new crop is to
be exported or not. If We crush the reb-
els and permit the new crop to be exported,
all will be satisfactory to John Bull; if we
fail to do so, and Bull has to do without
Cotton, chen some occasion will be found to
get up difficulty and force the blockade.
If the war here continues until November,
Bull will keep tolerably quiet, making only
an occasional roaring. Hence as the time
for shipping the new crop approaches, the
question of how England means to act will
be more clearly answered. Mr.. Dallas
thinks that if the Ministry were to be too
openly for the rebellion now, Exeter Hall
would turn them out forthwith, while, un-
less they made some show of favoring the
Cotton lords, they would dothe same thing;
so as it is for Office, after all, that they are
conteuding, their future policy will be just
such as they may think the most likely to
insure to them continuance of power
He is of opinion that France and England
will pursue an identical policy with respect
to US, be that what it may"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
Canada and Nova Scotia are being largely
increased.
Lincoln's MarauderS.

Our dispatches on Thursday mentioned
an attack upon party of pillagers on the
Rappahannock A correspondent of the
Richmond Dispatch furnishes the following
particulars
81 will give you hasty, but very nearly
correct, account of an encounter with the
enemy at the residence of James W. Gresh-
am, Esq, on yesterday, June "a. l am
now at the house of Mr.. Gresham, and from
him aud others gather the following facts ::
At about the hour of 4 o'clock, p. M, the
steamer called the Star passed up the
Rappahannock river as far as Towles Point,
just below Urbanna, and returning imme-
diately, stopped opposite Mr.. Gresham's,
and within about six hundred yards Of the
house. A large barge, armed with two
swivels, and small row.boat, containing
together about fifty men, put off for the
shore, and the men landed. Some ten or
twelve men, armed with muskets and side
arms, came up the bank to the house, pro.
Tossing to be in pursuit of fowls, which
Mr.. Gresham informed them they could
not get from him. Whilst in the house,
the company of Capt. Issac Currell, at the
time under the command Of Adjutant H.
S. Hathaway, having had notice, made
their appearance, and commenced warm
fire on the men, as they rapidly retreated
to the barge, wading up to the waist in wa
ter, which fire was continued with some
ten or fifteen rounds, until the barge reach
ed the steamer. What execution was done
is not known, but it is very evident that a
number were killed. AS soon as the barge
left the shore the steamer commenced a
heavy fire of cannon and bombs upon the
men and the dwelling.bouse, which fire
was kept up for an hour, and the house of
Mr.. G.. struck with about II balls, weigh
ing from 2 to 36 lbs, and also by several
bombshells Eighty shots were counted,
and although the shells bursted all around
the men, not one was killed or wounded.
And what's most remarkable and providen.
tial, none of Mr.. Gresham's family were
touched, though all remained in the house
most of the time. Mr.. G.'s mother, an
old lady Of over eighty years of age, was
in her bed, and whilst lying there ball
passed over her head through the house
within four inches of her head, and anoth-
er passed under her bed, tearing the mat
tress upon which she lay very much, with,
out injuring her. She was then removed
to the kitchen, and soon after bomb shell
or ball entered the room and tore up the
brick floor within three feet of her, and
yet she remained unhurt. The very large
and handsome house of Mr. G.. is literally
riddled, and some of the furniture destroy
ed. 1 write from his parlor, which is much
torn to pieces. Too much credit cannot be
given to the officers and men Of Capt. Cur
rell's company for their cool bravery or
the occasion. The small boat was taken
with several guns, swords" &c.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04

GJNpowDER. - Day before yesterday
morning we were shown sample of salt
petre made from the Earth of the Saltpetre
Cave, near Kingston. Our readers will
doubtless recollect the letter of the Rev. c.
W. Howard, written expressly for this jour-
nal and published in our daily of the 18th
of May, giving description and history of
this cave, and urging the necessity Of man
ufacturing powder at the place. This let
ter was written at our special request, and
we rejoice that it has awakened attention
to the subject, and that the Hon. Mark A.
Harden has already made large quantity
of Saltpetre, and will at once commence the
manufacture of powder on an extensive
scale. The specimen of saltpetre can be
seen at our Office. Competent chemists pro-
nounce it a very superior article. 1t exists
in the cave in exhaustless quantities. So
great is the supply and so easily can it be
obtained, that Mr.. Harden is confident of
being able to supply powder in the greatest
quantities, and at greatly reduced prices.
We wish him every success.-Atlanta
Contederacy.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
Seizure Of Valuable Prizes.

RICHMOND, July About thirty fed
eral prisoners were brought here this morn
ing, who were captured last week at sea by
fifteen Marylsnders. Apparently reliable
reports state that Commander Hollis, of
Baltimore, devised the plan of seizing the
steamer 81. Nicholas, plying between Bal.
timore and Philadelphia. Capt. Thomas,
disguised as female, With several others,
took passage for Philadelphia at some point
below Baltimore. Commander Hollis, with
others, went aboard subsequently. The
whole party armed themselves, and took
charge of the steamer with but little oppo-
sition. They took Baltimore barque,
with three thousand bags of coffee, and
schooner, with two hundred tons of coal for
federal feet. They brought the st. Nich-
ozas to Fredericksburg, and landed the
barque and schooner on the Rappahannock
river, above the Confederate batteries.
The st. Nicholas is a valuable mail
steamer, and is believed to have interesting
dispatches on board, together with money
and valuable freight The prizes are safe
ly secured, and are thought to be worth
about four hundred thousand dollars
Commander Hollis, with the captain Of the
prize, arrived here this afternoon.
Report says Thomas was disguised as a
French lady, aud Hollis recognized her as a
Partisan acquaintance of many years ago.
A long conversation in French ensued, and
at l o'clock on Saturday night the party
appeared thoroughly armed with cutlasses,
etc., and took possession of the steamer
Universal qualification is expressed at this
achievement.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04

INSANITY OF QUEEN VIcToRIA.-The
Gazette de France says that CDR. ScrGlein
has been sent for to London to attend
consultation of French and German ply
sicans on the state of the Queens health,
which, it seems, is such as to give rise to
uneasiness."
The following mysterious paragraph ap.
pears, under the head of "latest news" in
the new journal, lie Temps:
owe learn from Berlin that the Prince
and Princess Royal, with the little Prince
William, are going to pay visit to London
about the middle of July. Itappears that
the object of the journey it to secure
salutary emotion for Queen Victoria-to
change the current of her thoughts by
their society. The rumors that circulate a.
bout her Majesty's condition are truly a.
farming, and awaken the most sincere SYM
pathy here. Ter Majesty is only AZ years
of age; her bodily health is perfectly good,
and it may be reasonably hoped that, under
proper treatment, the mora malady with
which she is afflicted will soon disappear"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
Discovery of Another Conspiracy.

The New York Herald has the following
story: "Under the auspicies of bankers
in Lombard street, combination of bank
ers and capitalists has been formed in New
York, for the express purpose of aiding and
abetting the Southern insurrection, by with
drawing from the Administration the means
of carrying on the war. We distinctly
charge that monied gentlemen, whose names
are in our possession, which we shall dis
close whenever the interests of the public
demand it, have arrived at an understand
ing with each other not to subscribe to
more loans, and endeavor to injure the
national credit, for their own selfish pur-
poses, to the extent of their power. They
are principally in the cotton and foreign
exchange interest and are of English,
French and German as we'll as of American
origin. They effect horror at the enormous
expenditure which will be involved in the
suppression ofthe rebellion, and declare that
the banks of the city, over most of which
they may exercise paramount control, Shall
not yield another dollar, if further loans are
put into the market They are principally
sustained and urged on in this course they
have resolved on, by London and Manches-
ter houses, who desire that the indepen-
dence of the Confederate States should be
acknowledged as speedily as possible, in
order that the English market may be sup
piled with cotton, without the risk that
would attend the violation of the blockade,
and consequent war with this country
We believe that the alliance thus formed is
so powerful that Mr.. Chase would find it
impossible to combat with it, and that he
will find he is leaning upon broken reed,
if he places any future dependence upon
Wall street."
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
The South Carolina Troops.

\ correspondent of the Winnsboro' Re-
gister, writing from Fairfax, 9th June,
says:
nThe advance forces of the first corps Of
the army of the Potomac are now stationed
at this place, seven miles from the entrench.
ed posts of the enemy at Falls Church,
where there are supposed to be about 1000
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
COTTON BLOOMS.

Mr.. Richard Strait has left a cotton stalk
with us, measuring over two feet in height,
on which are full grown bloom and eigh-
teen squares. The bloom made its appear
ance on the lst instant.
We have alsc received bloom from Mr..
j. Star Neely, of Mecklenburg, which was
pulled from the stalk on the 29th ultimo.
Mr.. Neely says he has more of the "same
sort -"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
",JENNIE."

The article of "Jennie" his been re-
ceived. No name having been furnished
us, has prevented its appearance in this is
sue. The real name of the writer mus
accompany every communication, to insure
attention. We DO not desire the name fol
publication, but as guarantee for the good
faith of the contributor
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
FINE RAINS.

On Friday AMI Saturday evenings of last
week, this section Of country was visited
with fine rains. We are pleased to learn
that the rains were general; every point
which We have heard from having been
favored except the "Bethel Country. -
Every description of vegetation looks -four
ishing, and with few more seasonable
showers like those mentioned above, the
weld of breadstuffs in York District will
be unprecedented.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
The Murkville Gnqnirer,
YORkVlLLE, S. G.
THURSDAY MORNING, JULY 4, 1861.

5Mr JOHN R. ALLEN, Post Master at Chester, is our
authorized AGENT and fully empowered TO receive money
for this office, and give receipts for the same.
m In cases where subscribers do not take the ENQUIRER
rom the pos,-oce Postastcrs requested TO noy us
Immediately.
o. Subscribers desiring their papers changed must men
ton the Post Office FROM well the one TO, which they
desire the chagen to be made.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04

have not secured the services Of Maj. Mel
ton as correspondent for the ENQUIRER.
In reply, we will say that we made applica-
tion to him, but from the position he occu,
pies, being in confidential relations with
Gen. Bonham, it was deemed improper for
him to comply with our request, as what he
might write, would be regarded as semi.
official, and might possibly work injury to
our cause.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
"THE SEAT OF WAR;"

We are under obligation to our friend,
Maj Sam'l w. Melton, for a pencil l-map
of the seat of war, on the line of the Po-
tomac, drawn by himself. Maj. Melton is
a member of Gen. Bouham's staff, and is
with that portion of our troops holding the
post of "honor and danger" The map is
doubtless correct, ard is at our office for
inspection.
We have been frequently asked why we
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
He submitted his plan to several gen.

der. He submitted his plan to several gen.
tlemep, one of whom promised to forward
it to the Secretary of War. Capt. Farrow
proposed to build very strong craft that
would be moved by propeller with consid-
erable speed, covered with iron, and so
shaped that balls would glance off, A strong
and peculiarly shaped iron snout projecting
from the bow, several feet below the water,
would make an ugly hole in the vessels
side. He expressed desire to build and
command the machine, being confident that
with it be could sink or burn any wooden
war vessel, bidding defiance to the heaviest
guns. One rifed cannon in the bow would
arm him sufficiently. We hope the War
Department will consider Capt. Farrow's
proposal, and give him chance to rip into
the Niagara and send old Abe's fleet to the
coral caves of the deep blue sea.-Pee Dee
Times.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
CORRECTION.

In the last issue of the ENQUIRER, in
stead of "he insultcd his suppliant subjects
by saying What portion have We in David !!
To your tents, O, Israel ?" read, that he
insulted them by saying-"1 will add to
your yoke"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
A COMET.

On Monday evening last, about 8 o'clock,
we observed very large comet in the Nor
thern sky 1t is said to be known as the
comet of Charles ", and appears to be
moving very rapidly.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
YORKVILLE MARKET.

Wom.-This article is becoming scarce.
Very little on hand, and none Offering for
several weeks past. a good article would
command 50 so per sack.
Corn.-This article is also scarce. We
continue to quote 81 per bushel.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
From the Seat of War.

A gentleman just returned from Virginia
furnishes the Charleston Courier with the
following items of information {:
"Gen. Butler is said to be directing the
fire of the Sawyer gun on the Rip Raps a.
gainst the Sewell's Point Battery. He is
stationed in the observatory at Newport
News, while they are firing from whence
he can see the effect of each shell. BY
means of telegraphic connection with the
Rip Rapa, he is enabled to give his direc-
tions as to tie range of the gun after each
discharge. The range of the gun is about
FIVE miles and half, and has been known
to throw shell six miles The shell is
very conical shell with brass cap on the
extreme end, which explodes only when it
comes in contact with any hard substance.
Many of them have been dug up by the
Georgia troops stationed at Sewell's Point.
"Our informant states that Norfolk is now
considered in such a state of defence that
it would defy the combined navies of Eu-
rope and America to take it.. The vessels
sunk in the harbor render it altogether i'm
possible for any enemy to CONE up to the
city, as nothing but small boats can get in
side the river.
"The mau.of.war Plymouth, that has
been raised, is in excellent condition, and
will be got ready for sea in a very short
time. The Germuatown is also expected
to be raised in day or two, and can soon
be got ready for sea. The Iuerrimac will
be converted into floating battery. The
developments of vandalism that have been
made since the possession of Norfolk by our
troops, exhibit maligni,y Of spirit truly
astounding. Thirty kegs Of gunpowder, of
one hundred pounds each, were sunk under
the Dry Dock, intended to blow it up. Had
the fends succeeded, Portsmouth and Nor
folk would have been one mass of ruins. a
merciful interposition of Providence alone
saved them The fuse burned down to with
in two inches of the shell and then went
) out The vandals destroyed some of the
largest Columbiads, knocked off some of the
tuunions with sledge hammers, &c. An
extensive factory has been in successful
operation for some time past, and they have
been turning out from forty to fifty gun
carriages every twenty-four hours. Work
is carried on day and night.
"At Manassas and Fairfax Court House
the military movements Of Gen. Beauregard
are progressing with great rapidi,y: Gen
Beauregard is almost idolized by the troops
and an early march upon Alexandria is an
d ticipated. Our informant thinks decis
i've blow will be struck by our troops thi:
week. When he left the opposing armies
were within six miles of each other, almos
face to face. Our troops are securing tht
: country in all directions. Sherman's bat
: terry holds the first position Of the Federalist
0 on the approach to Alexandria. Our in
formant states that on his return he encoun
: tered daily from 500 to 1000 troops OF
a their way to the seat of war;
CAPTAIN FARRow's INvENTIoN.-Th'
1 l.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
TALL, WHEAT.

Maj Myles Smith has left with US
bunch of very fine wheat. The heads are
we'll filed and several of the stalks measure
over 81 feet in height. W.: hope he may
never have worse bunch.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
ED1ToRIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
CAMP WALKER, 5th Reg, S. G. v, |
Near Manassas, Va, June "a, 1861. {

Dear Enquirer:-The evacuation of
Harper's Ferry may seem to you strange
after so much has been said of
its Importance. 1t is rendered simple and
clear by the fact that, although extremely
valuable at first, on account Of the public
property and machinery for manufacturing
pnns there. it became useless as soon as
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04

CAPTAIN FARRow's INvENTIoN.-The
Richmond Dispatch publishes communi-
cation from ga getleman of the highest
standing and character" on the subject of
q machine designed for the reduction of
fortresses and the destruction of wooden
ships. We know not whit sort of a ma
chine this is. One thing we do know,
however, and that is this Captain Il. Far
row, of our town, in May, devised plan
for "breaking up the blockade" in short or
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04

HlS OOCo uOU ibSi0oS w SaeSsSA -
10000 troops, which are probably between
Strasburg, Front Royal and Salem, on the
Manassas Gap Railroad, Cor else along
country road, } which, running north of and
parallel with that road, terminates at Fair
fax, and which will surely cooperate with
Gen. Beauregard in case an attack on the
capital is decided on. Neither does it in
clude the following troops, which too remote
to act in immediate conjunction with them,
will be reserve force which may be brought
up in few days, namely:
Richmond, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
Petersburg (reinforced from Wei
don,) is, 900
Lynchburg, $4,000
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-07-04
The Force in Virginia.

All seem to be anxious to know the ex-
act amount of the Confederate forces in
Virginia. The Baltimore Sun of Tuesday
furnishes the following estimate:
Fajrfax lU,UUU