davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06
Correspondence of the Commercial Advertiser
FORTRESS MONROE, Va, Aug. %.
THE GREAT UNION Gun.


There was considerable excitement at Fort
tress Monroe yesterday, on account Of tn,
official firing of the Union gun. 10 the pres
ence of Gen. Wool and Butler, and othel
officers. The monster is mounted on the
spot formerly occupied by the Floyd gun
which now lies oversh allowed at its side -
SO may the Union oyertop treason every.
where
The firing was at three different points-a
target some distance up the beach, the sea
IN The direction OF the government lightship,
ana sand embankment provided for the
purpose. The weight of the gun, you are
aware, Is % 900 pounds, and it throws a
shot OF nearly 500 Some idea of the range
OF TINS immense missile may be formed from
the fact that 1t fired this huge ball, as if it
were rifle bullet, at least a mile beyond the
lightShip, which is fire miles distant from the
shore.
The effect of the shot on the hsach u,as
tremendous, showing its power to carry awav
everything before it. Shells were thrown
clear through the long sand bank. or temno.
rary parapet, coming out on the opposite
side, and curyetiDg along the shore bevond
and exploding at a fearful rate. Frap-
ments OF the shell, of the size of a common
bali and torn and shattered in various shapes,
were picked up at great distance. The
iorce OF the firing shook the ground in the
vicinity, causing a vibration among the
buildings, as no other gun had ever done
before The grains of powder are as large
as the largest size almonds, being conical in
their shape. They are hard and smooth
like pieces Of black anthracite, covered with
a thin coating of lead. 1t Is said they burn
slowly, and that in this consists their unusu-
al power-augmenting the caloric or me-
teoric force until the ball is projected with a
momentum that is terrible to behold and
annlhiatinG to feel
There seem to have been two objections
suggested by this experiment. First, that
it requires too much time and too many
men to load and fire the gun Second, that
the projectile used is defective. | give YOU
these objections as they are named. without
being understood to youch for their authen-
tlcity. The men who handled the gun on
this occasion were mostly inexperienced, be-
ing nearly all of the contraband" persua
sion. 1t may be that regularly drilled gun
ners, with constant practice, can load and
fire more rapidly, and without employing 50
much force. 1t may be, also, that projec-
tile OF different and much improved char
acter can be used-ensuring more precision
ct aim, more dlrectness Of motion, and a still
longer range.
We shall see. The mammoth weapon is
IL competent hands, Ii it hits secession
anywhere between wind and water It will
be pretty apt to hurt its tcuder feelings.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

q" Why DON'T OUR ARMY MARCH For
WARD ?"-Faultfnding and grumbling about
ineficiency, bad management, fav0ritism and
corruption in army matters is not confined
Dixon's line. The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle
and Sentinel, in answer t. the above ques-
tion, says;
We claim to be the superiors of the
Northmen in every respect, and we arc; but
we have got to prove it to their satisfaction
before we can expect peace. 1t is the
policy and fixed determination of our Gov
ernment to advance, and, if possible to bring
the war to an end, before the cool weather,
the recruiting OF the enemy, and his prepa-
tion Of sufficient transportation, shall enable
him to make an invasion Of the Carolina and
Georgia coast.
1t is well known now that Beauregard' s
forces at Manassas, previous to Johnston S
arrival, were comparatively small; and even
after Johnston came, the combined army
could not have exceeded forty thousand effect
i've men. Since the battle, we nave good
reason to believe that Beauregard and John
stOn have under their command much more
than hundred thousand men-enough for
all practical purposes. 1t is not the want of
men that has prevented an advance, but the
lack of means of transportation, and the
lack of food, coupled with sickness
Beauregard has been almost wholly with
out means for transportation for his vast
army, and proper food in sufficient quantity
as we have reason TO believe. And men who
fought the great fight of the 2lst, and came
out without as much as scratch, were in
no condition to do military duty for several
days. With little food of suitable quality,
fatigued, worn down, they were in no con-
ditlon to advance. In fact, very many O
them have been sick since the fight aud II
IS but truth TO say that they, as well as the
wounded, have net proper attention from the
medical department, which, so far as we car
learn. was organized in the very worst man.
ner, If indeed it can be said TO have had am
organization at all.
Months age. we called attention to tht
improperly of favoritism and politics in th'
organization of the army, especially directed
attention to the absolute necessity of havin,
the best available ability in the Quartermas
ter's and Commissary department. 1t re
qujres the best administrative talent we cal
furnish to fulfil the duties properly An
II is now seen TO be important to do ava
with old fogyisrn, red tape, and all tina
fummery IN the Medical and Surgical De
partment. The sickness, from wounds an
otherwise, in our Virginia army, is absc
lutely frightful, and the insufhciency and il
efficiency of the Medical Department mol
frightful still. Only think Of our nobl
boys suffering twenty-four hours after battl
without being seen, and then attended PEI
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

4 LUDIcRoUs BLUNDER. The curious ig-
norance Of American affairs which character
ICES the British press has been exhibited, in
an amusing manner, by the Galway Vndi
Gator, of August :, in its comments on the
battle OF Bull Run. 1t tells us "if daring
courage, and the ready sacrifice of life, could
have gained the victory the Sixty-ninth
would have accomplished it single handed
But, strange to say, 1t would appear carat-
ry company Of 'niggers'-rOiunteers for the
perpetudtiOn Of thar o,cn sldrGy-occa-
stoned the panic among .he Northern
army" This setting down the Black Horse
Rangers as a corps Of negro combatants for
slavery is the best joke of the day-better
even than Mr.Russell's description of a battle
which was over before he came within five
miles of it.-Phiiddelphla Press.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

While animadverting as we did yesterday
with just severity, upon the inconsistency OF
the Administration in the use Of its patron
age, it Is but Just to remember that no Pres
ident since the last Adams has made so few
party changes in Office as the present. The
Postmasters and minor employees of the Gov
ernment generally, are mostly as Buchanan
left them--Democrats-and the hungry Re
publicans who have worked for the ''loaves
and fishes" are mostly going hungry still.
Even the Democratic gardeners, porters, and
messengers of the Presidents house remain
snug in their berths, in spite even of the Sc
rious imputations upon their loyalty, which
may or may not be well founded. The rul-
ing fault of the Administration is not politi-
cal intolerance, but weak indulgence of it:
cnemies.-N. Y. Sun.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

cessful, they will give back to us and to our
children, increased a hundred. nay thousand
fold. Applause.
But even now, in the full shadow of this
threatened destruction-even this night and
| this hour-we could have peace by laving
down our country and our flag in the dust
beneath the remorseless feet Of traitors.
/ ("Never," " "Neyer.') But how can we do
this, seeing that the graves of our fathers
are yet with us,and Bunker Hill speaks with
"a voice that cannot be stihed? (Appause.)
If we falter, we fail and not only will
Washington be sacked, but your fields laid
desolate The tone of the Southern press.
| and the developments of the past few weeks.
| justify me in this declaration If. therefore.
we think Of our land, OF our gold; If we
may devote to their support, it we are sue
think Of our merchandise and onr rlaasant
homes In contrast with tle honor and integ.
rlty oi our country, we are lost, and shall
perish suddenly and ANONYMOUSLY. But if
True TO ourselves, as | believe we will he-if
true 10 the memory of the past and the
grandeur Of the presen our arms will tri-
umph, ,and the Union sentiment of the South
will make that triumph complete. And .C,
Ter this turmoil of battle and bloodshed has
ceased, there will arise future for our coun.
try bright as the rainbow that spans Mag
ara s waters. (Applause)
single word more and will relieve Won.
One OF tue most fearful details which has
been encountered in the prosecution Of this
war is the dis'oyalty in our own midst. This
IS true OF Washington and the border States.
but 1t IS IN degree prevalent everywhere,
and TO this is due much of the discOuragement
under which the nation is suffering The
country IS rejoicing now at the measures
which the President Is taking to subdue this
fruitful source Of weakness and defeat. Itis
VAN to expect men to work at the pumps
while men with augurs are on board the
Ship OF State, and are constantly boring holes
IN her bottom. (Applause }
1he dlsmembering of this Union which
mas b en- the source Of all our greatness and
JOY, can be welcomed by no true man. 1t
involves all of which we have been long and !
Justly proud, and the complete ruin OF that |
inheritance which We received from our fath- |
ers and would transmit to our descendants. |
W hen the wise man of old, sitting in iudg. /
ment upon the rival claims of two women to |
a child, decided that it should be cut in twain.
1t was the false mother who rejoiced in the .
Judgment, while the true mother preferred |
to save the life Of the child So the man
who Is willing that this Union should be |
severed by the sword of treason NAV havs |
been born upon American soil, but he hes
not an American heart. The true son of the |
country, like the true mother, prefers the |
Union above all considerations (Applause J |
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

Sergeant Jencks of the Michigan regiment
who escaped from Richmond, says that there
were no fewer than $4,000 rebel troops at
Manassas Junction on the day of the fight.
When he was taken prisoner. while being
conveyed to Manassas, he met ten thousand
fresh troops going to the field, as reinforce
ments, and during the night he remained at
Manassas, twelve trains arrived filed with
soldiers lie saw an official report from the
Confederate Secretary Of War, showing that
of thlrtyrsi1 regiments engaged. the loss was
five thousand in killed and wounded. Mr..
Jencks could not ascertain, however, how
many regiments were engaged. He says the
fortifcations at Richmond are very formida-
bic, but that that there were not more than
$500 troops while he remained. The en-
trenchments at Manassas are on very ex-
tensive scale
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06
TOWN CAUCUS.

Agreeably to the call issued BY the Repub
lican Town Committee, addressed to " the
Free-ror &c Pr,-I;-e.~-~ - - - g. g
snnnngting the Const t,nr scd tho 'In,nn-
and OF sustaining the Federal Government II
Its efforts 70 suppress rebellion and put down
treason" q caucus was held at the Town
Hall on Friday evening, August 30th, at
O'Clock P. NJ. for the purpose of nominal
ing candidate to represent the town at the
next session of the Legislature, fifteen JUS
tices of the Peace, and TO transact any other
necessary business.
The meeting was called to order by HENRY
RoLFE, Esq, one of the Committee, and, on
motion, ToRREY Z. WALES was chosen Chair
man, and WV. HENRY Horn Secretary.
On motion of Judge VAN SIcKLEN, the
for Town Representative.
Hon. G. w. BENEDICT presented the name
Of CARoLUs MOVES, Esq, and Judge Va
SIcKLES presented that of Hon. CALVIN
BLODGETT.
Messrs. E. W. PECK and B. B. SxALLEY
were appointed Teilers.
Messrs WV. G. SHAW, G. G. BEyEDIcT,
WYLLYs LYMAN, HENRY RoLFE, T. j. HEN
DEE AMI c. w. MoEsE were appointed a
Committee to select a list of names to be
presented to the Meeting tor candidates for
Justices of the Peace.
The balloting being concluded, the Teliers
reported the whole number of votes cast to be
2TS
Necessary for choice. l4U
Of which CALVIN BLODGETT
received 146
CARoIus MOVES. l2S
Scattering,
Whereupon Hon CALVIN BLoDGErT was de-
clared chosen to be the candidate to repre-
sent the town at the next session OF the Leg
islature.
The committee appointed to select the
names of candidates for Justice of the Peace.
reported the following, viz:
DAVID FRENCH.
TORREY Z. WALES,
LEVERETT B. ENGLESBY.
EDWARD VANSICKLEN,
WILLS LYMAN,
JOHN B. WHEELER.
JOHN B. HOLLENBECK,
CHARLES RUSSELL,
LYMAN CUMMINGS,
DANIEL ROBERTS,
HENRY w. CATLIN,
NATHAN S. HILL,
P IIINMAN CATLIN,
CHARLES j. ALGER,
BRUSH NJ. WEBB.
On motion, the report Of the COMMITTEES
was accepted and adopted.
On motion, the meeting adjourned
TORREY e. WALES, Chairman.
WV. HENRY HoTT, Secretary.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

The " Y. Tribune is moved by the sneer-
ins comments of the English Press over what
they consider our bloodless battle, TO look up
the statistics Of the famous battle Of the AL
ma in the Crimean war, which was written
up by the English papers as miracle OF
desperate and bloody fighting. and it finds
that the loss OF the French and British allied
armies at the Alma was tut s per cent, Of
the number engaged On their side, while the
Federal loss at Manassas was ten per cent.
In other words, the total allied loss in the
desperate battle Of Alma, was, in regard
to the numbers under fire, nearly two per
cent less in killed and wounded than ours
in the trivial battle before Manassas
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

NEws?APER CHANGES Mr. DANToRTH, for
some years past the principal owner and
editor Of the Burlington Sentinel, has with
drawn, and notice is given that Mr..
WM. HENRY HoYT, who for few months
past has been partner in the concern, will
conduct it as editor and proprietor
The n. Y Journal of Commerce, which
the Boston Courier calls 9 one of the high
es: toned papers in the country, is about to
change hands, the thorough devotion OF Mr..
Hallock-for many years the chief editor-to
the interests of slavery and rebellion, having
brought the other owners to realize that
either he OF they must cease to have any
connexion with it.
Daniel Dcckert, editor of the IIagerstown,
(Md.) Nal, a secession paper, has been ar
rested by the government.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

THIEVES ARRoAD.-A "aupla at s,,s ri-'n,,s
ciraractcIs were seen lettering round town
last week, eyeins buildings as they went
along The officers suspecting something
wrong, watched them, and they soou took
alarm and left for Piattsburgh- Next night
4 gold watch and $3.50 were stolen
from D. L. Fouquet, in Plattsburgh, un-
doubtedly by these same rogues. 1t is pro-
bable that they are the same who have been
round in different parts of the State thieying,
and as they may try their hand here again,
it Will be well for our citizens to look to
their door lastenings.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

THE PARADE OF THE LIGHT GUARD, ,Wedncs-
day, called out large numbers of our citizens,
who witnessed with delight the evolutions Of
the Company, os,with a promptnesB and pre-
cislon which showed that three months of
drill under Gen. Phelps, had not been thrown
away, they went through the various man
euvres of the drill. The Guard turned out
but forty muskcts, many ofIts members hay
ing gone out Of town, but for actual service,
they are to-day worth many times their num-
Der of new men, and as they charged bayo-
nets along the Square, we could not but
wish the country might again have the aid
of such practiccd arms and gallant hearts.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06
p o L 7 II Y
iEGr the Free Press !
Wv Nv w.
4 RETROSPECT.

Three year. ago. this August night,
We rode beneath the pines:
And through their lancc-like leaves the moo
Shone as tonight it shiues.
We silent rode, by beating heart
rose to my very iirs,
When yog. in folding close ny shawl,
Bat t'achei my finger tirs.
And ihen VIC spotc 0, common thinys--
Jhe beauty OF the ni-h,.
F7.ul you-g-ew eloquent, and l.,ai.ed
The river, rolling bright
Beneath the moon; and sa u the hills,
Uprising bold and grand,
Werc giant sentries, guarding close
The portals Of The land.
And then We hushcd our tsls sgaiu,
You bunmed an I'D love tune
That maidens and their lovers sing,
Bsneath the harvest moon.
And when l raised my eyes to meet
Your fixed and earnest gaze,
c-uld not turn away, but seemed
Held by its sparkling rays.
You smiled, the shadowiHg pines grew close,
did not stir or speak;
Bat every hoart-stTing thrilled 70 feel
You- warm iips press my cheek.
Three years are passed, and ono, again
Beneath the pines we ride;
far when last Autumn dyed the lesrce.
Your dear voice called me bride
and nesting close my haHd in yvurs
glance along the past,
nd trace each brightly written page
Up TO this best spd Ias,.
read them s'e7Fy, one by one,
And lay tao lesyes apart;
And sIOiletl think how lnem'ry writes
fhese "a lets q the heart,
Ans " .rning. ask you, John, wheaos prurg
Ok never-failing Bliss
md you, with brisbtning eyes reply.
"Fro7' one sws.t, ,foi,r hes"
WINDSOR, Vt, Angus; Z6
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

The Charleston Mercmy's correspondent
says ''We are without the sympathy or
friendship of any nation on earth. The on
ly argument by which we can influence them
is their necessity and fears"
Ihe correspondent says the Confederates es
suffered more in killed and wounded than
the Federals, and complains that no advant-
age was taken of the Federal flight from
Manassas
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

maps BY men unfit for their office, and four
Gays eapsing before the Department at
Nl' hmond sent any lint or bandages to Man
assas, when an abundance ought to have
been there month before the battle.
These are causes, friends, why our great
generals Beauregard and Johnston, have
not now possession of Washington. They
have done all they could, but they have
wanted food, transportation and medical
supplies, and properly regulated medical
staff 1t is shame that our men have been
compelled to suffer 30 much by the inefficien-
cy and incapacity of others. The killed at
Manassas are far better off than the wounded
and even many who were not wounded,
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

JUST CAUsE FOR ANGER.-A German, of
the Second Michigan Regiment, in hospital
at Washington, had his arm amputated.-
His description of the sensation be feels
from his fingers, which lately belonged to
his left arm, causes frequent bursts of mer-
riment from the other patients in the ward.
lie says &C veels der things init mine vim
gers ven l knows ise got no vingers dare, and
1T makes me mad ven veels der tings all der
time nit mine vingers ven mine vingers amt
dare any more sthill!'
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

The STEAMSHIP ErNA, which sailed from
LIVERPOOL July S1st with l3O passengers, for
whose safety much fear had begun to be felt,
it is now ascertained is on her way back.
The main crank shaft was broken on the 7th
of Aug, when the vessel was six days out
from Queenstown, and there was no recourse
but to put back under sail. Four days after
the ship Powerful for Quebec, was spoken,
and five of the passengers went in her, and
brought the first intelligence To this lds the
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

MEAD's STATUE OF ETHAN ALLxN.-The
Editor Of the Northampton Fres Press mas
visited the studio Of tie talented young YER
mont sculptor, LARxIS G.. MEAD JR., of
BrattlebOrO', where he saw the statue OF
Ethan Allen in marble, intended for lie
State House at Montpelier. He describes It
as follows
He commenced work on the statue ore
year and half ago, and it is now ready ~
be shipped to Montpelier, where it viii be
inaugurated ON the 8th of October, at tho
opening Of the next session Of the Leyisi,-
ture, Hon Fred. Woodbridge, Of Vergennes,
delivering the oration. The marble for the
statue was quarried by Adj. Gen. Baxter. at
Rutland, and weighed, in the rough state, IL
tons. The statue. now at completion, is 81
feet high and weighs 4 tons.
The hero OF Ticonderoga is represented in
standing posture, with his hat firmly
grasped IN the left hand resting on the hip.
His right hand is raised IN an attitude or
defense and command, and he appears in the
act of stepping forward, Us though be wls
urging his brave and heroic followers on 70
victory. He is dressed in continental uni
form, with epaulets, sash and sword, common
to officers of his rank. The expressive coun-
tenance that denoted mighty will that
quailcd at no obstacle, however formidable,
carried the memory back to those perilous
times of him whom is represented, and it
required no wide stretch Of fancy to imagine
the Old General commanding the Britons to
surrender d" in the name of the Great Jeho-
yah and the Continental Congress" The
subject, so full of historic interest to Yer
monters, is one that is well chosen for .
place in their States capitol. II was we'll,
too, that Vermont should give her first
sculptor bis first commission, to transfer to
her own marble faithful transcript Of the
perishable form of her greatest and best
General The task, O long and arduous one,
has been faithfully executed, and it will place
the bOy-sculptor side-bv-side with the oldes.
and best of our country's artists.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06
NUMBER TEN.
Atlantic. The Etua is perfectly sssworthy.
and though the voyage would be long. there
were plenty Of PROVISIONS on board.

AccIDENT.-A young daughter of james
Ross deceased, aged 10 years, was accidental
ly shot Aug. 2s, by revolver in the hands
oil son Of Benjamin Seaman, Jr., of Sark--
boro. The ball passed through the girls
arm, through her brsast and lodged in her
back. A young man BY the name Of Wright
who was with them had asked young Seaman
to show him the cap. Seaman cooked the pis-
sol, and tie hammer slipping from his finger
the revolver was discharged. The girl was
passing from the table to the stove (she was
Preparing their surper); she exclaimed = ]
am shot, and started for the bed and reached
It, The boys werO frightened and went to
the neishbors to get help. The ball was ex-
tracted by De. Swee. Of Huntington, who
thinks she will not live.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06

GAPING SToRY-A Scotch paper speaks
of fox having been seen trying to spring a
steel trap by means of a stick that he carried
in his mouth We knew fox once that
took a well pole from the well and pushed
a turkey off the lower limb of tree with it,
and put the pole back in its place. At least
he got the turkey, and the pole was found all
right in the morning.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-06
L. D. Ross, Corresponding Sec

been appointed to Gen. Wool's Staff, the
General will have (if Mr.. Cannon accepts
the post) an Aid" whose wealth. influence
and earnestness III the good cause, fit him
for efficient service to the country.