davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1862-04-09
Latest from Gen. McClellan's Army,
near Yorktown.
WASHINGTON, Apr

WASHINGTON, April s.
From the seat of war in Lower Virginia,
private information up to Sunday noon, has
been received Gen McClellan's army
then confronted the enemy's line Of defence,
which extended across the peninsula from
Yorktown to James river, embracing three
batteries and several mill dams.
An artillery engagement had occurred
with Magruder's battery at Winn's Mill,
near James river and another with the bat
terry at Lees Mill, two miles from York
town. The battery in the centre had not
been attacked The peninsula at this point
is six miles wide,
The first she'll from Magruder's battery
killed three men in the Seventh Maine Reg
iment, but two hundred shells afterwards
thrown did no injury whatever.
Yorktown was seen to be IN flames, and 1t
was conjectured that the rebels had fired
the town, perhaps with an intention of
evacuating their position. The place, it
was supposed would be taken and oeeu-
pied by Gen Mcclellan on Sunday night.
So far there has been no infantry engage
ment
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
GEN. BANKS OFFICIAL REPORT.


HEADQUARTERS MARTINsBURG. May 25-2:4OP. NJ.
Hon. E. NJ. Stanton, Secretary of War:
The rebels attacked us this morning at day
break in great force Their force was estmat-
ed at Is. 900, consisting of Ewell's and Jack.
sons divisions. The fire of the pickets began
with the light, and was followed by the artil
ery until the lines were fully under fire on both
sides The left wing stood firmly holding its
ground well, and the right did the same for a
time, when two regiments broke lines under
the fire of the enemy.
The right wing fell back and were ordered
to withdraw, and the troops passed through
the town in considerable confusion. They were
quickly reformed on the other side. and contin-
ued their march in good order to Martnsburg,
where they arrived at twenty minutes to three,
P. NJ, distance of twenty-five miles.
Our trains are in advance and will cross the
river in safety Our entire force engaged was
less than fonr thousand, consisting of Gordons
and DoDnelIy'S brgades, with two regiments
of cavalry under General Hatch, aud two bat
teres of artillery.
Our loss was considerable, as was that of
the enemy, but cannot now be stated. We
were REINFORCED by the Fifteenth Maine, which
did good service. and regiment of cavalry.
Mp. BANKS, Major General Commanding.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
FROM FORTRESS MONROE.
FORTRESS MONROE, May %.

FORTRESS moNkoEI may %.
II is estimated there are now in Norfolk and
Portsmouth not less than 900 deserters from
the force with which Gen. Huger left Norfolk.
TaoSe that have come in, and are still arriving
in squads of ten aud twenties, did not succeed
in escaping until after they reached Peters
burgh. They are in most deplorable coudi
tion A party who came in to-day say there
must be nearly 1000 more scattered through
the woods behind them. All willingly take the
oath of allegiance, and appear most happy to
have escaped from the rebel army.
The Minnesota will proceed to Norfolk to-
morrow morning, when the whole feet will
have abandoned Old Point and taken up q
position at the old naval station.
The walls of the Navyyard building are in
q solid condition, and can soon be put in order
again. The machinery was taken out of the
buildings before they were fred. aud packed
up. with the intention of being removed, but
the rapid action Of Gen. Wool prevented the
removal
Numerous wrecks sunk in the harbor and
river by the rebels, are all to be removed forth
with, including the wrecked Merrimac. A large
number of fuses and and shells were obtained
from the latter yesterday.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
OWANDA:
THE wILMor PRovIso COMPLETE.

The CoiEubia Republicans says The Hon.
D. WLMor has lived to see the day when the
great principles he advocated when in the 9th
er branch Of Congress are adopted by de-
cided vote and applied to all the Territories of
the Uuited States now existing, or hereafter
to be formed or acquired in any way The
world moves This vote was taken IN the
United States House Of Representatives, on
Monday of last week The following 10 the
bill
An ACT to secure freedom TO all persons within the
territories of the United States.
Be it enacted That slavery involuntary serVitude
IN all cases whatsoever except in punishment for crime
CThereot- the persons shall be duly convictedl shall
henceforth cease and be prohibited forever In all the
territories of the United States existing, hereaf
ter to be formed or acquired in any way"
And why was this act passed Not 80
much because it is the true policy, as from
the fact that year of war made by the slave
owners upon the Government Of the United
States has satisfied Congress that an institu-
ton causing our National troubles shall not
be extended. The shareholders rebellion has
had the effect of giving Congress the courage
to declare that the extension Of the institution
shall be /" prohibited forever"
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
Affairs in Norfolk.

BALTIMORE, Saturday May a.
The following is taken from the American
special Fortress Monroe correspondence
There is but little change in the condition
of affairs at Norfolk The Mayor aud mem.
bers of the City Councils still refuse to take
the oath of allegiance Gen Wool had an in.
terview with them yesterday, but they coutin
ued int he sulkS, so that be now refuses all in
with the people of Norfolk and
Portsmouth. Even the little business they
have been doing in the way of strawberries
aud peas. is now stopped.
Gen. Wool sent up n proclamation to Nor
folk this morning, notifying the people that
the matter was entirely in their own hands
So soon as they would acknowledge the
supremacy of the Government, they will enjoy
its fostering aid bat while they remain in their
present rebelous mood they will be cut off
from all advantages of trade and commerce.
aud the city will be governed ty strict martial
law. He also assures them that no contin-
gency can possibly arise whereby Norfolk will
again be given up 10 the coutrol Of the rebel
government, and that those who entertain
Uuion sentiments can give expression TO them,
with ample assurance of the protection of all
their rights as citizens of the United States
Most of the stores are now open and the
sale of such goods as they have is progressing
AS far as can be ascertained no one is now
willing to receive Confederate notes at par
Business is mostly done in small notes of the
Virginia banks and other chartered corpora
tionS. Government notes are received with
great avidity.
The Union men of Norfolk still hold back,
afraid to express sentiments openly 10 defiance
Of the rebelliouS spirit around them.
Qnite an enthusasticU Union meeting was held
at Portsmouth on Thursday night Not less
than 800 were present, including many Union
men from Norfolk
The course of the Government in refusing to
allow provisions to come there for loyal people
was severely criticised, and the propriety of
such course by no means approved The
scarcity Of provisions and neceSsarieS of life are
so great, and prices so high, that the poorer
classes have to live almost entirely on fish and
oysters
The SecessioniSts are nearly all wealthy
people, who can stand high prices and have
laid in their stocks long stree
There is no doubt that the decision of Gen.
Wool is leading to great suffering among the
poorer classes. They have suffered beyond
endurance for year past, and when the old
flag was again hoisted they hailed it with de-
light, and naturally expected speedy relief from
their privations
1t was reported at Norfolk yesterday, that
Burnside had taken Weldon.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
Triumph of Free Homes.

The following letter. though written for
one only contains much that is oil widest In
tereSt u
AousE OF REPRE7ESTATIV May is, 1862.
DEAR y have just signed the en-
rolled copy of the Homestead Act, which Will
be o law as soon as the signatures OF the Pres
ideut of the Senate, aud that of the president
of the United States, are attached. The hong
struggle for Land for the Laudless is at last
cons. minated.
Ten years ago the 18th OF this month, the
6rst Homestead bill passed tbe House, and it
has been steadily pressed Dpon the attention
of Congress ever sinee. It's friends are more
indebted for success 10 the uHwaveriDg support
given it by the Tribune than to anght else.
The bill passed is complete Homestead
Act The following is synopsis of It's pro
visions
All the Lands owned by the Government
are open to settlement under it in quantities
not exceeding l60 acres to each person.
ANY person who is citizen OF the United
States, or has declared intention 10 become
such, who is twenty one years old or the head
of family, or has served in the military or
naval service of the country during this Rebel
lion, can make The entry on payment OF TEN
dollars, and the fees of the Register and Re
cever of the Land Office That is all the set
tier has to pay at any time
The act takes effect the FIRST Of January
next and requires a residence aud cultivation
of FIVE years TO perfect the title.
Any person can enter, under. this act, land
on which he has pre- emption claim.
This Congress is redeeming in good faith oil
its pledges to the People. What you said of
it a few days ago was eminently just 1t may
seem to the country 10 move slowly. but no
Congress before it has, in the same time, &C
compshed SO much, for tue greatness aud
glory of the Republic.
The National Capital Free forever.
Slavery forever prohibited in all Territories.
The Public Domain set apart and conse-
Grated in Free Homes and Free Meu.
The Pacific Railroad authorized
The policy of gradual emancipation inau-
gurated besides war measure
Yours truly, g. A. GROW.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
IMPORTANT PROPOSITION.

A dispatch to the Philadelphia Press dated
ed Washington. May 90, says -" How to
enforce the fugitive slave law 10 the District
of Columbia, is one of President Lincoln'S
great troubles. The stampede of the slaves
in the border counties of Maryland and VirgiB-
ia has created much alarm among their owners
most of wheue have distinguished themselves
by open and frequent instances of disioyalty to
The Fderal Government. The question aris
es whether these shareholders have any right
10 claim the benefits OF law when most of
them are known to be opposed to the Govern
ment itself? Senator WILMoT, in order 10
meet this question, introduce into the Senate
this morning bill, a condensation OF which is
appended 1t is but just to Senator WnnoT
to say that, with all his strong aDtislavery
feelings, be has never proposed any measure
thas could interfere with the fanehises of 10y
al Shareholders But il is right that the own
ers of slaves in our border counties should 6rst
prove their own loyalty, before taking the ad
vantage of the laws of the United States.
ELL INTRODUCED BY wILAoT, AND REFERRED TO
COMMITTEE on DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Section provides that before any process shall issue
for the surrender of alleged fugitive. the claimant
shall in addition to the oath now required, make oath
that he will support the Constitution and Government of
the United States against all enemies foreign or domes'
tic that he has not given countenance aid comfort
TO the present rebellion by word deed. but has at all
times been loyal and true to the Government of the Uni
ted States.
Section provides that in the Territories District Of
Columbia ard all places under the exclusive jurisdiction
of the United States il shall be lawful for persons OF col
to make complaint before any magistrate against any
white person who shall attempt to kdnapany person of
color, who shall assault commit any other violation
of the rights of person property Of such coored per-
property of such coored person and upon con.
vction the offender shall in all respects be dealt with
asf the offence had been committed against white per
and effect as if given by white person.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
DETAILS OF THE ENGAGEMENTS.

WASHINGTON, May 70, lSOZ
Advices received by the War Department
state that General Banks Was attacked at
Winchester this morning, aud has fallen back
towards Martnsburg aud Harpers Ferry.
The enemy are reported 10 be in large force
The city has been filed with exciting ru-
morS all day in regard to the fate of the rem
nant of Gen Banks column, left in the Vcin
ty of Strasburg.
After three ffths of bis army had been sent
to reinforce Gen Mcdowell, from the supposed
approach of the rebel forces under jackson and
EweIl at Fredericksburg, 1t appears now that
the suppositon of Gen. Mcdowell that Jack
son and Ewell were pressing upon his front
was incorrect, and that at the very moment
when he called for these reihforcements these
rebel Generals were still lowering about Gen.
Banks position, and we're not within sixty
miles or several days march of FrederickS
burg.
The great cause CT regret here is that the
rich valley Of the Shenandoah. which had been
recovered by the advance of Gen. Banks driv-
ing Jackson step by step before him from Win
chester to within ten miles Of Staunton, should
be again abandoned to the raids of the rebels
without having accomplished anything.
Prompt efforts have been made to Succor
Banks 1t is supposed that by to morrow Gen.
Miles will have reinforced Banks with con-
siderable force.
1t is reported to night that Col. Kenly and
his Lieutenant Colonel, of the First Maryland
regiment, at Front Royal. and all the regiment
except forty, have been killed in the attack of
jackson upon their position.
Many reports state that the rebel force has
left Richmond and moved north to take the
offensive
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
sss- One reason, says Parson Brownlov

R<S~ One reason, says Parson Brownlow,
why the rebels keep up their spirits so well, is
because of the unbushing lies Of the leaders
and newspapers. The latter copy bogus ex-
tracts said to be from New York papers, stat
ing that We are here on The verge of famine !;
that mob law and bread riots prevail in the
north that Chase and Seward resigned week
or two ago, because President Lincoln would
persit in bis undue love for the bottle, and was
always too drunk to do anything and the Fed
eral Government was drafting troops from
Maine and Massachusetts and New York
Wherest there was great dissatisfaction in those
States
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
THREATENED RIOT ATBALTIMORE
BALTIMORE. May Is, 1862.

The city has been in a state of intense ex-
citement through the day. News of the disas
ter to Colonel CenIy's First Maryland regi
ment, at Front Royal, occasioQed intense
feeling, and when the secesSioniss s'commenced
to congregate at the corners this morning with
radient faces and words of rel oicing, they were
attacked and beaten During the day at least
a hundred have been knocked down in differ
ent parts of the city, though the police inter
ferad and prevented any fatal results In one
or two cases ropes we're brought out and pre-
paratioDs made for hanging parties to lamp
posts Two men were stabbed, but not dan
gerously. Among those attacked was Robert
McLane, late Minister to Mexico, who was
saved by the police.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29

PEsNSYLVANIANS IN THE EFIELD.-Pennsylvan
ia has one hundred and fifteen regiments en-
rolled, of which all but oae are in active SER
vice. The latter is nearly full and will be ready
to take the field 10 few days. The total
number 10 the service Of the State is given at
one hundred and thirteen thousands, of which,
however, it is safe to say there are not more
than one hundred thousand now on duty, il,
indeed there be quite so many. The condition
OF the Pennsy lVania troops is all that could be
desired. They are in high state of discipline,
and are provided with everything essential
to their comfort and efficiency. Besides the
immense force which the State has equipped
and put in the field, the artillery arm of the
service has been greatly strengthened, until
8oR We doubt if there be State in the Un.
ion that can. in this respect, compare with US.
All the old guns have been remounted and
fitted for service aud. as they stand ranged
in front Of the armoPy, present quite fornid-
able appearance. 1t is the intention to send
these guns to Philadelphia, Wher they will
be kept until EIch time Rs the State may need
their service
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
$4,000 AGAINST 1000.
OUR FORCES FALL BACK IN GOOD 0RDEI
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GEN. BANKS
From the Mountain Department
Brilliant Victory at LeWisburgh, Virginia.
Gen. McClellan's Army Advancing,
Within Five Miles of Richmond
OFFICIAL WAR GAZETTE.

WARRINGTON. May Is, 1861.
Ordered-By virtue Of the authority vested
by an act of Congress, the President takes
military possession of all the railroads in the
United States, from and after this date, until
further orders, and directs that the respective
railroad companies. their officers and servants,
shall hold themselves 10 readiness for the trans
portation of troops and munitions Of war, as
may be ordered by the military authorities, to
the exclusion of all other business.
BY order of the Secretary of War.
n C. MEIGS,
Quartermaster General.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
THE LATEST WAR NEWS.

The President has issued an order by which
he takes military possessions of all the rail-
roads in the United States, and direct that all
the railroad companies, their officers and SER
wants, shall hold themselves in readiness for
the transportation of troops aud munitions of
war as may be ordered by the military author
tiles, to the exclusion Of all other business
The news from Gen McCIellan's columns
recounts brilliant skirmSh which followed
up the affair ct New Bridge. 1t occurred at
che village of EIlison's Mills, from which our
troops drove the rebels in confusion. This &C
zion placed MechanicsvilIe in our possession a
point only Eve miles from Richmond. The
railroad bridge on the road flom FrederickS-
burg to Richmond was destroyed by our sol
diers. General Mcclellan visited Mechanics
vile after its occupation by his troops on Sat
urday.
Rumors reached Fortress Monroe from
Newburn on Saturday that Raleigh, the capi-
tal of North Carolina, had been captured a
few days previous, and the United States flag
was then floating over the city. No particu-
lars, however, had been received.
Despatche from Cape Girardeau. Missouri,
informs US of the capture of rebel steamer,
named the E. D. Lller, bound down the St.
Francis river, laden with stores for Memphis
and carrying company of rebel troopsr Her
passage was arrested by Colonel Daniels, at
Camp Lagrange, WHO riddled her with q six
FOUNDER gun, killing Lieutenant Col. Lewis
and wounding several others. The soldiers,
numbering sixty, were taken prisoners.
The attack of the rebel Generals, jackson
aud Ewell, in great strength, on the forces of
General Banks at Winchester. which caused
she latter to fall back toward Martinsburg, and
finally across the river at Williamsport, is the
leading feature of the news today. The ab-
Solute necessity of the rebels procuring food
and munitions of war no doubt compelled them
10 make this dash to recover a foot hold in the
fruitful valley of the Shenandoah With
prompt reinforcements, which will, of course
be furnished to General Banks, the ground
lost by this raid OF the rebels may be won
back. Nor were we entirely unprepared for
such movement on the part Of the enemy in
that vicinity, who have been for some time
past rendered desperate for want of proVis-
ions.
1t Is now plainly manifested that the rebels
are perfectly conVersant with our movements
-douotless thrcagh their guerrillas and spies.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
THE RESPONSE ERoM PENNSYLVANIA.

PHILADELPHIA, Saturday, May u.
Gov Curtin, on the first intimation FROM
the War Department that additional troops
would be called for Immediately replied,
Pennsylvania will furnish any number re
quired." The Department has asked for one
regiment Of Infantry, which is now organizing,
and will be sent forward in few days
The sick and wounded Pennsylvania soldiers,
from the extreme advance of Gen. Mcclellan 5
army, who were taken through Philadelphia
to New York by mistake OF The United States
officers, aud witho&t the knowledge of the
Pennsylvania agents, have been ordered to be
Immediately returned to Philadelphia.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
FROM LEwIsBURG, VIRGINIA.

CINCINNATI, Saturday, May "a.
Col. Heath. with 1000 men, attacked our
forces under Col Crook yesterday morning, and
after severe fight, the enemy were drive"
back and completely routed. Crooks force
numbered 1900 Our loss is ten killed, forty
wounded and eight missing. The loss of the
enemy is much greater. There was captured
four cannon, two of them rfed also, 200
stand of arms and 100 prisoners. including one
Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, and several
Captains and Lieutenants
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29

The COMMON ScRooL LAw-The further
supplement to the Common School law, passed
at the last session of the Legislature, provides
in addition to making twenty-five days the
school month, that the President and Secreta-
ry of a School Board can file a certificate of
the Indebtedness Of the collector of the School
Tax, in the Prothonotary'S Office, and the GER
tifcate will have the same operation as judg-
ment. The County Superintendent, before en-
tering on his duties, shall swear o. affirm that
he will perform the duties of his Office honest.
y, impartially, obedently and according to
law. Section l6 authorizes the trustees of
any accademy or seminary in this Common
wealth, which received money or land there
fror for educational purposes, by deed of not
less thar two.thirds of their number, to con
vey all the real estate, buildings and property
and funds Of, or belonging thereto, to the
Board of Directors or their successors of the
common schools of the district Section IS
requires that the Board Of Directors, shall
publish an annual statement of the amount of
moneys received and expended and the amount
due from collectors, and setting forth all the
financial operations of the district, in not less
than ten written or printed handbiils to be
put up in the most public place in the dis
trict.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29

Doc SHow.-Barnum's great dog show /;
in New York, has been quite successful. The
$1,000 premium was awarded TO Francis But.
Ter, Esq, for his great Siberian Bloodhound
Thirteen different kinds of dogs were exhibit.
ed. Mr.. Batler received premiums for eight
of the different varieties, FIVE first and three
second premiums
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-29
IMPORTANT FROM ALBANY.

The Governor has ordered the Fifth New
York Volunteer Artillery, COL Graham, and
the Seventh regiment N. Y State Militia,
Col Lefferts, to leave for Washington to NOR.
row
The Eighth, Eleventh, Thrty.seventh and
Seventy first regiment of militia, of the city of
New York, and the Twenty-ffth militia regi-
ment OF Albany, and Others will follow with
out delay.