davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
How Secession was RTought About Interesting
lh Statement. iI .l t.I r..,e,

When Davis and his crew OF fellow conspi
ratols were engaged in bringing about seces-
sion, they uniformly act d upon the principle
that il WAS far easier to bully and cajole a
convention than people. The scenes OF yio-
lence and intimidation which took place in
these conventions were carefully concealed I,
though al intervals we obtain glmpses which
sirre as sufficient indications Of what We
should nee were the whole unveiled. In this
point of view, the following staten nj, made
by number OF the convention which passed
the ordinance for the secession OF Virginia
himself Union man is very interesting:
When the Convention assembled, the Rich
mond secession mob were enraged TO tind that
a clear majority were for the Union. TLey
counted the members, aud calculated that ii
ten Union men could be kept away, they Che
seccssionists) would lie u majority. Accord
ingly, ten members Tone of whom makes his
statement) were waited upon, and Informed
that they were given the choice of doing one
of three thing-ei,her to vote for the seces-
sion oIdinauce, to absent themselves, or be
hanged. Resistance, was found to be useless; /;
the mob was prepared t. 60 to any extremity.
and the ten yielded aud absented themselves.
But even with this deduction, when the re
naming members met, the majority WAS found
to be opposed to secession. Intimidation aud
violence was again applied. The mob was
ready to put every man to death who opposed
its will b, and thus the farce Of passing an or
dinance WAS gone through with, though it was
never passed by majority, but ty mere
plurality, ob'ainined by rcibly keepl'g away
Union members enough TO have turned the
scale
Thus, by fraud and violence, was carried
that mesure which is converting part Of tie
State into n waste; it was passed, in fact, not
by the delegates Of the State, but by the sit.
pendiares and assas-us in tho employ Of the
chief conspira,ors -Phsla. Inquirer.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
A Thrilling Prophecy-IIow Fearfuliy and
Rapidly IL is being Fulfilled.
A ID Ia

In last February Alabama seeded That
brave old man, Senator Clemens, who had
until then, breasted all the Storms Of wild IA.
naticism, and clung to tho flag Of Our Union,
yielded 10 the popular clamor, and unsheat he'd
his sword in the cause he hated, and one he
knew could not succeed. He wrote the fol.
lowing to a friend:
awe are out; we have bid adieu to the
Stars and Stripes, and abandoned the high
privilege of calling ourselves American clt-
zens. | am not ashamed to confess at
could n II restrain my tears when the Old ban
uer, which have followed through 40 many
dangers, was torn down and the flag of Ala.
bama was raised in its place. | cannot res
train them now when | am writing; but the
deed is done--a new era has dawned, and all
that can promise is that no effort shall be
spared on my part to prevent il from becom
volved in war we soon will be- There is
no nope of peace; and be Is but little bet.
tor than mad man who dreams Of long ex.
emption FROM invasion. | shall meet it when
il comes rs soldier should, and fight through
ii as long as hope remains. When every
thing is lost, as fear it may be, unless wiser
counsels should prevail than those which lave
heretofore directed us, shall drag my BODY
10 the nearest battle field, aud lay down a
life which has lost its value
How swift has his prediction been verii
ed. Ere tie echo Of his voice, pleading to
the fanatics to "stopw bad died away, the
cry ran out, to armsl A State then prosper.
ous is nov bankrupt; all the horrors Of war
are upon them, business ruined, and 10 addi-
ton TO the restless nights they pass for fear Of
q se,vile insu,rection, they wW wdks some
m rning and hear tie roar Of Uaion cannon
at Mobile. The battle field will be near to
the house of senator Clemens, and unless
some unseen hand shields him, the prophecy
will be fulfilled 10 the letter.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
A Daring Exploit.

Among the many instances where the bra.
very of our officers and men have shown con-
spicuons, the one related below is almost un.
equalled:
Capt. Spencer, aid to Gen Wool, received
information from two ladies who went fom
Norfolk TO Fortress Monroe with flag OF
truce, that near midnight six cared was to
leave Norfolk for Richmond with money for
the payment of the rebel soldiers. He re-
ques,ed permission of Gen. Wool to attempt
their capture, and was told not To place too
much confidence in the information recev-
ed. Nevertheless, permission was given, and
selecting two good oarsmcn on whom he
could rely, with their oars muffied, he start
ed at dark, aud awaited the coming of the
enemy's boat. lie had previously given di.
rectlons to his men to pull directly for the
boat, and on the moment Of s,rikir g to shack
water" instantly About midnight the boat
was heard approaching, and taking his station
in the bow with nine. inch shell in bis
hands, he gave the order to "give way
The moment his bows struck the rebel boat
he threw the shell into the middle of it, and
was himself drawn back, 1T ok y receiving no in E
jury from tie expl )sior. Not so with the beat
and occupants, however, the former of which
was in two and the latter were scattered in
all directions in the water, not, however, be-
fore discharging their pistols at him, two
balls going through his cap aud three perfor.
alug his coat. The men were then told that
if they submitted quietly they would be saw
ed, otherwise he would leave them to their
fate. They preferred the former, and arming
himself with his pistol in one hand and
dirk (tsken by him a, the battle of Bull Run
from "Secesh'') in the other, he took them
in his boat one by one handcuffing them rs
they were pulled in. In addition to which,
he took Sl,l0o in god, and $4,000 in their
worthless paper money. 1t was with some
difficulty that he reached the Fort, the gun
vale of the boat being almost level with the
water from It's increased frei ht.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
HILLsDALE, MICH, TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 1861.
Jackson and His Negro soldiers.

Gen. Jackson bad DO squeamshness abou
putting arms into the hands of negroes, 70
the defense of the country, and some OF then
did good service in the war Of 1912. as 9th
ers had done before in the revolution. Gen
JacksoD's proclamation calling the free color
ed men Of Louisiana into his ranks for the
defense of New Orleans Is ch aracieristic o.
the old hero, both in sentiment nd Ian
guage: %. r. orr 4, g.-
Proclamation to the free coiored iahaJi-
tants Of Louisiana:-Through mistaken
policy you have heretofore been deprived ol
a participation in the glorious struggle fo'
national rights in which our country is en-
gagged This no longer shall exist. As sons
OF freedom you are now called upon to defend
your most inestimable blessing As ATeri
cans, your country looks with confidence To
her yalorous children for valorous support,
rs faithful return for the advantages enjoy
ed under her mild and aquitahle government
As fathers, husband and brothers, you are
summoned to rally round the standard of tie
eagle to defend all that ia dear in existence.
Your country, although calling for your exer'
lions does not wish you to engage in the cause
without amply renunerating you for the ser.
vices rendered. Your intelligent minds are
not to be lead away by false representations
Your love Of honor would cause you to des.
piNe the man who should attempt to deceive
you. In the sincerity of soldier and the
language OF truth, L address you. To every
noble hearted, generous freeman Of color, vol
unt,erne to serve during the present contest
with Great Britain, and no longer, there will
be paid the same bounty in money and lands
now received ty the white soldiers oi the Uni
ted States, viz: one hundred and twenty four
dollars in money, and one hundred aud sixty
acres of land. The non commissioned Off
same monthly pay and daily rations and
clother furnished to any American soldier -
On enrolling yourselves 10 companies. the
Major General commanding will select officers
for your government from your white fellow
citizcns. Your non commissioned officers
will be appointed from among yourselves
Due regard will be paid o the feelings of
froe,non DAD soldiors. You will not, by bo-
ing associated with white men in the same
camps, be exposed to improper comparison or
unjust sarcasm. AS distinct, independent
battalion or reg giment, pursuing the path of
glory, you will, undivided, receive the ap.
pause and gratitude of your countrymen-To
assure you of the sincerity of my intentions,
and my anxiety to engage your invaluable
services to our country, have communicated
my wishes to the Governor of Louisiana, who
is fully informed as to the manner Of enroll
meut. and will give you every necessary in
formation on the subject of the address.
ANDREW JACKSON,
Major General Commanding.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
The Last Look.


A wife lay dying. Suffering had wastes
her beau'ies-but from tie wreck of her for
mer charms, through the medium of her meel
aud faded eye, were peerpg the lustre of
sou prepared to go-as though the crevice
Of some hoary and crumbling ba'tion, shoot tn,
rays OF the evening mo N. And as earth grew
darker, and the dash of the sulleu waves O
death began to reach her ear, she turned he
pale face to bin who was weeping beside he
the object Of her first and latest love-anc
with one long glance-one beamng smile
one lingering kss--depar,ed to the bette
country. Aud he went forth a mourner-
but that last look mingles in bis duties ard
controls his vision.
A youth left his home for the active thea.
tire of the world. Standing upon the hill
beyond the brook, ne cast his e backward
upon his picture from which he would soon
be separated forever There stood the cot
green with the woodbne his own hands had
plsnted-there were his parents and his dnrl
ing sister LOOKING through misty ewes after
their departed idol. He gazed but moment
such scenes are too tender for the stoutest
hearts-and casting silent kisses towards the
group Of beloved oues, he dashed down the
hill and returned no more.
An old man whose was thin aud white
like hoardlroSt, was summoned from the coun
cll chamber of tho nation to enter "a way in
which he had no, walked BEFORE The sage
sank down within the nails that had 30 often
reve' 'beratel with his fervid eloquence, and
boxing upon the strong men weeping aroun
him he murmered, "I am content" And his
last look is like "a living picture, inscribed with
those sublime la,t words even to this present
upon the bosoms of men.
A lover lost his idol. Beneath the trust
ing tree Of earlier hours, there went they for
their parting. w til promises strong as
oaths- with kisses sweet IA honey--with
tears as plentiful as rain, they tore their hearts
asunder. The last look was exchanged, aud
the sickness of absence commenced. The
maiden dreams .here often--of his unbroken
ompanionship. Alas for her, whe' she
awakes from that decusive vision.
every beginning hath an oud" The
most painful ingredient in tha cnp of lifa is it,
uncertainty. a parting with the assurance
Of re. union, would not seem so grevious-t it
is the sting Of such an hour-that we may
not meet again.
We do.not posses life but by precarious
tenure. Each look may be our last. Each
day may be next to eternity. The morning
began amid those who love us, amid the busy
haunts of men, may terminate in the loneli-
ness and silence of the country beyond. And
only can he be at peace who carries in his
heart the assurance that bis last look on earth
shall herald his first look at the gorgeous beau.
ties of Heaven. With such an assurance one
may smile at dangers and sleep upon bed of
flowers.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
Wintcring Gov vtrnmeut Horses.

FROM tne Inllauelphia rees'
An impression having gone abroad that a
party from this city had taken Il thousand
horses to winter, subject to the order of the
Governmen, at Washington. a number of per.
sons have lately visited Perryville, with a
view to obtain similar contracts. Ad ices
from that poiat state that, at present, the
officers of that department have no o'ders to
put out horses or mules on board; and, judg-
ing from the IMMENSE quantities of hay aud
already stored aud still arriving there, II
is clear that no animals will he given out to
winter. Several thousand horses were sent,
to Perryville from Washington some time
ago, on account of the scarcity of feed there,
after the blockaling o. the Potomac. -
Sheds 70. these have already been erected
As To the mule teams, it is impossible To say
An thing with any degree of certainty.-
Trains of wagons are being sent oft every
week, Ii any teams are kept at Perryville
over winter temporary shedding will no doubt
be erected to protect them against the iacle,
ment weather.
For the information Of aspirants. we may
state that the "outtif" of wagor master is a
mare to ride, pack saddle, sursinge, saddle
cloth or blanket, pair brass spurs. Coils navy
revolvers, holster, belt, trass plate, with the
initials u. ;. on it, DC.
The Old trains are having Two mules added
to their teams, making SIX mu es to each
wagon. The compensation Of drivers will be
increased, as a matter of course. This is in nc
cordance witd the late order hom the WaI
Department, requiring each Government team
to consist of six horses.
Canvass teams, capable Of seating twen
ty.fve to thirty men, have been ordered
for the tcsmsters. Sheet iron stoves have
also been ordered. These will be placed
in the centre of the tent, leaving room en-.
ough for the MN TO seat themselves around
them.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
Proposals FOR BEEF CArrLE.-The prop

PROPOSALS FOR BEEF CATrLE.--The prop
osals to furnish the government with beef
cattle on the hoof were opened at Washington
on Friday last by the Commissary Depart
men.. The advertisement called for three
lots of four thousand cattle each, To be deliv-
cred by the 3Oth of November, or n, soon
thereafter rs the government may lirect al
Washington, at Harrisburg aud at Chambers
burgh or York. The bids for Washington
nnged from SO 80 to SO OIL. But three
bidders were below S., and the lowest prices
offered at which the bidders responded were
SO 20 and So 90. Fos the Harsburgh lot
the bids ranged from SO 90 to s6-S3 55
being the lowest sum 10 which the bidder
responded. There were twenty bids below
81 for the lot to be delivered Mt Harrisburgh
Chambe,sburgh or York. The rest range
from SO 25 to 81 95-the lowest bidder res
ponded being at SO 49, The awards have
not yet been made. 1t is little singular
that no bidders who proposed to deliver the
cattle in Washington at SO 90, bid SO fol
those delivered at Hursburgh
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03

THE TNcrDENTs OF WAR.-A Washington
telegram, in speaking Of the attack Of the
Federal fleet on the fortifications at Beaufort
says commander Draytou, who commanded
the rebel forts, is the brother Of Commander
Dayton, who commanded the Pocahontas.
Much like tllis in character, is the follow
ing Incident related by the Cairo correspon-
dent of the ST. Louis Republican,.
"a singular clrcu Instance took plac, yes
terdav. At the last session Of Congress, Col
Fouke parted with Col. Wright, member
from Tennessee, aud used this expressions
Phil, expect the next time we meet it will
be on the battle field, and | want to ask one
favor Of you; il you get me or any Of my
men, waAt YOU to use us well, and il get
you or any of your men, will do the same =
Yesterday they net in battle. and the very
first prisoners, sixty in all, that were taken
belonged to Col. Wright's command, and his
old friend Col. + took them. One Of the
men informed mo that Col. w. was mortay
wounded.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03

Prices AND SUPPLIES AT New ORLEANS -
We give below a few commercial quotations
at New Orleans, October 90: "Mess pork
was retailing at S45 per BIOL, with no re
ceipts. Whisky was retailing at 95cpe gal
the weeks receipts was only four bfs. Bacon
hams are quoted at 23@25c por ID. Oats 81
per bu. Flour, choice and extra, $ll per
bbl. Corn 96c0sl IL per bu. for white -
Lap CSC per Id. The supply of beef was
about exhausted the weekly receipts we're only
% bbls. The stock OF nay was very light,
and safes were confined to small lots Of prairie
grass; small sales at $4995O per ton. India
gunny bagging was quoted at 2s@35c. Lard
oil 81 5o@2 go per gal. Coffee was very
scarce, there being none in first hands. The
stock OF cotton on hand il states at ll,9O7
bales: so far this season l ,7s9 bales had been
received :" .........
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03

WANTED A KNOT TIED.-A correspondent
"down East" in a "matterfu" note to the
editor, relates the subjoined incident. Per-
haps he did not desire to have it printed !;
but We will run the risk for il is too cool to
keep.
He says he was taking sleigh-rde with
pretty girl, when he encountered Methodist
minister, favorite gospel itinerant 10 all the
region round aboat. He stopped him and
asked hurriedly:
"Csn you tie a knot for mea'
"Yes," said brother B. IL guess so; when
do you want it donci'
"WelI, right away" was the reply.
"Is it lawful though, here in the high
way r. asked the Brother. Il never thought
Of that"
Il don't know was the respose, made just
a. young briehess lawyer drove up, to whom
the case Was submitted.
1t depends upon what kind Of a knot he
wants tied, - was tho decision.
a want knot tied in my horses tail to
keep il out Of the snow!' shouted the wag,
as he drove rapidly away, tearing lest the
minister in his profone wrath, should "fall
from grace" At a safe distance he Slowed"
and heard the lawyer demanding five dollars
from the minister ior professional advice"
Rather "sharp practice but 1t was bis first
case, and probably knotty one.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
NO. 7s9.
Cotton Ia IIIiuols.

have already mentioned the large pro-
duction OF sorghum in the west-tAe Increase
being much owing TO the high price Of sugar
caused by the war. have been aware that
cotton, to limited extent, has been grown
in the ST. tes for years. remember, many
years since, while residing 10 New York, hav.
ing a visit from an uncle who resided little
south Of the Gentle OF the State, sni who :,
with bis family, was clothed entirely in cot
ton fabrics Of their own manufacture. But il
seems that many Of our farmers below the
centre of the State have engaged 10 the bust
ness quite earnestly the present season, and
propose to enter more largely into the culture
should the war and high prices continue
Tue cultivation was mainly discontinued
when co ton fell to six cents per pound, with
shrtng and sheeting at the same price per
yard. One farmer in Christian county, on
the line Of the Illinois Central Railroad,
planted ten acres this yea,, and although it
Was planted so late that but one picking could
be had yet the average product was three
hundred pounds per acre. This at present
prices is doubly profitable to the raising Of
wheat and corn. This experiment has 90
enc uraged the produce experimenter that he
proposes to enter largely into cotton raising
another season-even to the extent Of Two
thousand acres. Other parties in that and
the neighboriug counties are preparing to
make this their principal business another
year. Buildings and machinery are to be
erected for ginning and bailing. The Ten
nessee upland variety is raised. One resi-
dent Of twenty seven years standing, says he
has raised cotton every season with a single
irure, which is more than can be said Of
wheat or corn. BY looking on the map you
will observe that the southern boundary Of
this State is half a degree south of Rich.
mond, and Illinoi, being IN ostly a champagne
country, free from the influence Of mountains
and elevated land upon the tempature, is
more favorable for cotton growing than rany
districts of more southern latitude
With cotton at twenty cents pound, and
corn at ten cents bushel, and wheat at
thirty to forty cents, the farmer will make
more money with toe former by half wherever
even moderate crop can ha securad, ~ il
can anywhere below 40 deg IN this state.
Chicago Cor. of the N. Y. World.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
BERpAS's SHARpsuoorERs We paid

BERDAN's SHARPsHooTERs We paid q
visit yesterday to the camp of this celebrated
corr,, every member Of which is said to be
'dead shot" with rife at almost incredi.
ble distances. Tue riddled appearance Of a
tauce Of $50 yar1s fully substantiated the &C
c uns we bad heard Of the wonderful prof.
cheney in the use Of the rife exhibited by
these men. The members Of this organiza-
ton belong mostly to the better cls's Of North.
ern society, and their encampmeut is The
nestcst, cleauest, and most orderly Of any
we have vsited.-[ Washington National Re-
publican.
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
WHAT is GOING TO HAPPEN.-The Prov

WHAT is GOING TO HAPPEN.-The Provi-
deuce Journal is responsible for this good
uns:
"Au rruption of Yankees is threatened at
Beaufort. The first the South Carolinians
will know the town will be laid out into cor
ner lots, Seward street crossing Lincoln avenue,
and both bordering on Cameron square
There will be a newspaper, and patent medi.
cine store, and steam ferry, and Henry Ward
Beecher will be advertised to give a lecture
on the relations of freedom and slavery to
ciyilzatlon."
The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-12-03
ANATION,s PRAYER
BY ,. HARRY HAYWARD.
God ofour fathers, now extend

God ofour fathers, nov extend
Thy ever gracious hand,
And grasp from fell distractions pow'r
Our poor, Distracted land
The land so blest by Thee with all
A nation could desire,
Where like beacon for the world
Has burned dear Freedoms fire.
God of our fathers. still the storm
That sweeps across our shore,
And into every throbbing heart
The sweets Of concord pour;
Bid Thou the winds of fpassion stay,
The waves of anger keep
No longer let the fearful gale
Round Freedoms cradle sweep.
God of our fathers, give us light,
Turn darkness into day,
Let wisdom In our councils sit,
Mid those who would betray.
Oh! yield them light, that they may see
How fearful is the blow
That gives a nation to despair,
And Freedom up 10 woe!
God of our fathers, He who hears
The souls least WHISPERED prayer,
Now listen To our peoples voice,
And take them meath thy care
Thy hand is mighty TO protect,
Thy voice the dead may wake
Stretch forth thy: and-oh! speak the word,
For our dear country's sake!