davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
From North Caroline.
BY mail Newhern

BY mall Newbern, N. u, Dec. 8.
The message of Governor Vance, Of North
Carolina, to the General Assembly, dated
November II, has been received here. 1t is
very lengthy and betrays nothing like Union
sentiments, but appears to all TO be stern and
devoted to the course which can alone sustain
revolution.
He reflects severely upon the Confederate
censcript law and bitterly denounces thespirit Of
speculation and extortion which pervades the
State.
He says -four can now be used only by the
rich.
the righteousness of money and the high
prices of property he alleges as a reason why
men should be made to pay their debts.
The North Carolina soldiers, he says, are
still suffering greatly for the want Of shoes and
clothing.
The present debt Of the State is stated at
$20,9S3,3 6l.
He says there is great danger OF lawlessness
in overrunning the lands, that people are be-
ginning to forget that there is such thing as
civil law, and alludes to the violent and law
defying tendencies of the times, and to the fire.
quency ST murder, arson, disregard OF obhga-
tons, opposition and injustice.
Referring to the confinement in Salisbury
by the Confederates, of the citizens of NORTH
Carolina, arrested for alleged political offences
he says what their guilt consists in he does
not know, but he does know that they were
not arrested by lawful process.
He strongly denounces the suspension OF tn
writ of habeas corpus, the power OF which, hi
SAYS he learns from the newspapers, Congress
has conferred upon the President, and says hi
is unwilling to see such power entrusted to any
| living man. He objects to the dlstlllatlon
| grain, and the diversion of the school fund t
| war purposes.
He concludes by urging upon the Legislature
| the vital Importance of bringing forth all tn
| powers and resources of the state for the com
mon defence of our country and our cause.
| 1t appears that Union and free labor meet
ings have been held in this city and elsewher
for many weeks.
The great free labor demonstration at Beau
fort few days ago, is creating a profoun
sensation in the department and throughol
/ the State.
Information received at headquarters dl'
closes the fact that powerful reaction again'
the war is progressing in the interior.
Letters from all classes of people, intercel
ted by the capture of rebel mails, indicate
universal prayer for peace.
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18

ments remain unpaid, and how long they have
been without pay; whether the money appro-
priated by Congress for pay, clothing and
subsistence has been spent for any other pur-
poses.
Mr. Stevens offered an amendment qualify.
ing the call by adding, 'of such information
not incompatible with the public interests"
and IN this form the resolution was adopted.
Mr. Yeoman offered the following to lie
over for future consideration
Rssolosd, BY the House of Representatives,
tho Senate concurrng, that the Proclamation
of the President the 22d Of Sept, 1862, is
not warranted by the Constitution.
Rssolpsd, That the policy of emancipation
as indicated in the proclamation, is not ca :
cuated to hasten the restoration Of peace, is
not well chosen as war measure, and is an
assumption of power dangerous to the rights
of citizens and the perpetuity of free Govern
ment.
Mr., Lovejoy moved to lay the resolution on
the table.
Carried by IS against AZ,
The House went into committee Of the
whole o. the Presidents message.
Debate without action.
The committee rose, na
Adjourned, . ................
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18

crew OF the +. b. Wales on board his own
vessel, set her on fire aud destroyed her.
The Alabama then proceeded to Martinique,
arriving there on the 18th of November at
O'Clock In the morning, and landed the cap
ed,
The United States steamer San Jacinto ar.
rived at Martinique the same afternoon, and
hnding the Alabama in port, Immediately got
under weigh and proceeded outside the harbor
oawalt the departure of the Alabama.
On the 18th of November at 10 o'clock P.
M, the Alabama got under weigh and gave
the San Jacinto the slip, The San Jacinto
was still lying off the harbor of Martinique on
the 22d of November.
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
Headquarters AM If Potomac,

HH9ay evening, Dec. IL.
AT ten this Forming, the fog began to clear
away, but before II the air was again thick,
which cor.tnued until 2 o'clock, when 1t en-
tlrely disappeared. ,...-,
At quarter-past two the Rebels opened
eith all their guns posted on the first ridge OF
hills.
Their main fire was directed upon the city,
which, was filled with our troops.
Those guns which were posted on the lett
of the ridge were opened on the large body OF
troops which crossed on the two lower bridges,
and had formed in line Of battle and were
moving obliquely down the river, fronting the
MassabouaX.
Although several of their shells exploded
over our troops, none of them were injured,
Gen. Bayards cavalry, which crossed the
lower bridge. had five men killed while en-
deayoriug to ascertain the enemy's position.
The troops which crossed below are sleeping
ON their arms tonight the advance being with
in three-auarters of a mile of Massapouax
Creek, their left resting on the Rappahannoek.
The enemy occupy the opposite side oil the
creek in force.
The guns posted on the bank, this side OF
the river, silenced the enemys artillery altera
duel of half an hour. This ended the frln9
for the day. ,a,..,#,,
The only damage done by the rebel shells
thrown into the city was to add so much to Its
destruction.
Twenty five of our men were killed In the
streets of the city while driving the rebels out
Nearly every house in the city has been
damaged more or less by the firing OF the past
two days.
Several splendid residences have been COM
pleteIy riddled, as also all the churches. The
IRE appeared to be directed on the most prom
inent edifces.
, Several cases of wanton destruction of prop
erty occurred by our troops when they entered
, property which could be of no useto the
!, enemy.
In many houses the furniture all remained
showing that their occupants left in great
: haste.
! Some of our troops mstook the British flag
for a secesh, and tore it from the residence o
the British consul This morning the ownel
f came over to recover it, and the same was re
# turned to him.
4 The main body of the army is now over the
a river, the balance being in position to cross a
: any time.
e There is no indication of the enemy evac
a uating. If they remain battle must i'm
mediately ensue.
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
Miscellaneous Items.

The Tribmp says; The Postal Currency is
hang countereitsd, and the public should be
% their guard
Said Gen. Hooker to-day, as | sat by his
writes correspondent | do not love
mr !, IN. ,les-I had rather be witt my cat
4, u. ' 5o nv farm; bn, ! do want to see one
" NJ Overwhelming blow g,,"A" 70 TN, re-
bpIon, right upon It's head, al Rlcuuyno, ~
fare Christmas
~. T. Stewart, the New York mcrchau.
u,nc,, has subscribed $1,000 TO the fund Tor
6e relief of the starving English operatives.
Mr.. Ashley, the republican momoer OF
Congress from Ohio, mas had committee OF
investigation appointed by the House, upon a
bad boxing case of corruption against him
He got an Office for friend on condition that
his brother should have a clerkship under him,
and a share further in the profits of the place,
aud the bargain is unoarthed through stolen
letters. Ashley is one of the good fellows,
and we hope can clear his skirts--it not, cast
him out,
Presidential receptions will be held at the
White House this Winter as usual. Only Mrs.
Linooln's receptions viii be omitted. Mrs.
Lincoln is now busy in visiting the hospitals,
the President having put thousand dollars in
her purse to be spent in promoting the comfort
Of the sick and wounded
"A body of $50 citizens of st. Paul, Mimi,
armed with hGtchets, knives, and other wesp
ons. forced their way though the guard around
the Indian camp on Monday, with the ayowed
intention Of numbering the prisoners confned
there. They We're finally surrounded pv the
military, captured and released cn parole.-
The Governor has issued :, sroclamat ON ur,
ging the people q minnesota not to throw
away her good name by acts of lawlessness ;
that the people have just causes of complaint
against the hardness of executive action, but
ought TO find reason for forbearance in the alb
sorblng cares which weigh upon the president.
If he declines to punish them then the case
comes clearly within the jurisdiction of the
civil authorities.
A tender hearted widower tainted at the
funeral of his third beloved. What shall
we do with him ~ asked friend of his
"Iet him alone" SAID waggsh bystander
she'll soon revive"
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
Valuable Captures.

Washington, Dec. L.
The Navy Department has received dis
patches from Rear Admiral Farragut, enclos-
ing report from Lieut.. Commanding Nc
Kean Buchanan, of the United States gunboat
Calhoun, dated off Bristow city, Nov. %,
stating that an expedition started from the
Calhoun on the'26th ult. up Bell River, and
returned ON the morning of the 18th with a
launch mounting a IL FOUNDER Dahlgren how
itzer, and two prisoners. The remainder Of
her crew escaped.
She had on board 60 tents and few worth
less shot-guns
Commander Buchanan states that he learned
the rebel steamer Victoria was set on fire and
blown up off Last Island, about two weeks
before the date of his report ~
1t appears she broke her pston-rod and
sent boat up for assistance when hearing that
our forces were in possession Of the place, they
went back and set her on fire and deserted
her.
| Commodore Buchanan learned from Rebel
officer who came up with flag of true, that
her crew had arrived in Franklina, La, and
that the steamer was loaded with arms, am
munition, clothing, etc.
| Acting Master Frederick Croker, COM
manding United States steamer kensington,
Pensacola Bay, reports to the Navy De-
partment, under date of the 25th OF Novem-
Der, that on the 18th ult. the British schooner
Maria, from Balize, Honduras, and on the
18th the Rebel schooner Coruse, from Havana,
were taken in the attempt to run the blockade
at Sabine Pass, and sent to Key West for ad-
Indication.
i The vessels assisting in the capture were
the Rachel, Seamen, the prize schooner Veloc-
ity, and the prize steamer Dan; both the lat
ter manned by part of the officers and crew Of
the Kensington, but at the time under COM
mand Of Acting Master Hooper, as senior Of
ficer.
| Commander Ellwell, of the IRON clad gun
boat Essex, reports to the Navy Department
off New Orleans, under date Of Dec. 8, that he
seized at the depot of the Baton Rouge and
Opoousas Railroad, 226 bbls of moasses, and
delivered in on board the store-ship Fear Not,
agreeably to the order of Rear Admiral Far
ragut.
He states that this molasses is the produce
of the enemy's country, and was transported
to Baton Rouge upon railroad IN their pos
session and exclusive use and intended for
shipment up the river by a schooner which
was expected the day after our arrival. Had
!, il been intended for transportation across the
u river to Baton Rouge, it would have still been
> subject TO seizure, as in the rear OF that place
is a garrison of rebel soldiers who exercise con-
troll over the place. and permit nothing to go
forth except for the use of places in their pos
session.
Gen. Spinner, United States Treasurer, has
. heard nothing of the stolen certificates, but
states that it is his opinion the parties purloin-
Y ing burnt them. Such is also the opinion Of
y the police. In no case, however, can they be
Y nsad
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18

TERRIBLE CoLLIERY EXPLOSION. - On
Saturday, Nov. 2, an explosion took place in
the Walker Colliery, pit about three miles
from Newcastle, England. Sixteen men and
bows were killed The London Tim says:
"The appearance above ground was that of
the eruption of volcano The spectators
heard the sound Of tremendous rush of air
up the working shaft, and, on looking in that
direction, saw steam and cloud of fragments
flying from the mouth of the pit. Below, the
first warning they had was like the sound OF
hurricane, and its effect on themselves was to
throw them violently down. The seam OF coal
itsel was set on fire, and charred dead bodies
were found close to the part which had ignltcd,
In other parts of the pit the hewers were
struck down at their work, and five bodies
were found in the broken One man had
been blown distance Of thirty yards from the
seam. The scene that presented itself to the
exploring party afterward was that of wreck.
On the one hand man lay dead, on the other
was horse on his knees, his ears prcked up,
his eyebals still appeasing to glare with fright,
though he was quite dead, and had probably
been killed instantaneously by the first and
only shock of the explosion. As soon as the
shock was heard, men in the remote parts OF
the pit ran for their lives, but the tire-damp
overlook them and struck them down like a
shot"
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
BY TELEGRAPH.
NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Headquarters Army Of Potomac, }
Ihnrs.lav evening Dec IL


Thursday evening, Dec II, I
"ui huge firing took pla'e between one and
'"e' '"rk during which time all the available
Uatlcr.J>~ were placed in position, They then
numbered .: guns,
Alta gwen signal ail the batteries opened
ON ia, ty. The fire was terrible, but the
Tehol sbarpsboolers could not be driven from
their hiding places.
The shot and shell went crashing through
the heusD, IA many cases setting them on fire,
causing dense smoke, which together with
the eXp( sion of so large quanty Of powder,
almost hid the city from vltw.
Il soon became evident that the bridges
could not be built except by bold dash. Vol
unteers were called for TO cross in small
boats.
The order was no sooner given than HIN.
dreds of braves stepped forward, but all could
hot 60 About 100 were selected.
They were soon on their way, while the ar
tilery threw q perfect storm of iron hail on
the opposite bank,
They reached the opposite shnre, but not
without loss. With fixed bayonets they rush.
ed upon the enemy, killing several and taking
l0l prisoners, who we're safely landed on this
side,
AT 1slfpast o'clock, two bridges were
finished opposite the city, when the troops i'm
mediately began to cross over.
The enemy was soon driven from the clty
back to their line of works.
the two bridges in front of Gen. FRANKLIN
were successfully laid early in the day, but hi
troops did not cross until the two upper one
were ready.
A sufficient force is now on the opposite
side of the river to repel any attack that II
likely to be made.
The rebels fired but few guns III the morn
ing and none in the afternoon, although thei
works were in easy range during the forenoon
The rebels burned the railroad bridge jus
ontside the city.
Between thirty and forty houses were burn
| ed mostly IN the business part of the clty.s
During sthe day between eight and min
thousand rounds of ammunition were fired b
our artillery.
Everything is quiet tonight.
The indications are that battle will b
fought tomorrow.
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
More Captures by the Aiabama---Sh
gives the San JacintO the Slip.
New York, Dec. IL.

new York, Dec. H.
The schooner Alice, from Port Peter, Quad
aloupe, arrived at this port this morning.
The Alice has on board the chief officers
and crew of the ship Levi Starbuck, Captain
Mellon, from New Brunswick, bound to the
Pacific.
On Nov. ID, in Lat. $780, long. 10, the
Levi Starbuck was captured by the Confeder-
crate steamer Alabama, Capt. Semmes. After
taking all clothing and nautical instruments
she was set on fire.
The Starbuek was only five days out when
she was elptured.
On Nov. 9Th, in lat $3.50, long. 81, the
Alabama captured the ship +. B. Wales, of
Boston, Capt. Lincoln, bound from Calcutta to
Boston, with full cargo of saltpetre andarmy
cloth.
Capt Semmes, after taking the Captain and
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
ashington, Dec. II:

HOUSE.
The Speaker submitted message from the
President, recommending that the thanks OF
Congress be rendered by resolution, to John ).
Worden, for gallant conduct in the Monitor in
the combat with the Merrimac, such thanks
being necessary according to law, to advance
him one grade in the list of officers of the
Navy
Referred to naval committee.
Mr. Sedgwick OF the navy committee, re-
ported bill to adjust the appropriations here
tofore made for civil service of the navy de-
partment, so as to correspond with recent re-
organizations of the department. 1t makes no
new appropriations.
Bill passed.
Mr.. Farlan offered the following new law :
That the Secretary of the Navy be directed, If
exgencles of the public service will admit, to
provide an United States vessel OF war to con-
vey IN safety from an attack OF the rebel
cruiser Alabama, or any other pirate vessel,
any ship or ships that shall contain corn,
flour, and other provisions intended as free
offering by citizens of the United States to the
starving poor of England; and that the Pres
de mt of the Chamber of Commerce In the city
of New York, and other maritime cities of the
limited States, shall notify the Secretary OF the
| Navy at what time such vessels shall be ready
| to sail.
Mr.. Train objected to the consideration Of
the resolution, and called for the regular order
| of business.
| Mr.. Cox from committee on Foreign Affairs
| reported the Senate bill for the relief of thu
owners of the French bark Jules ct Marie
which was passed.
Bill passed authorizing the Secretary of tn
Interior to contract with the authorities of con
venl snt states, for the custody and employ,
ment of persons convicted of penitentiary of
fences in the District Of Columbia, the penlten
tiary of this District now being used for arse
nal purposes. The bill also legallzed the lat
removal of its inmates to Albany
Roscoe Conklin asked leave to report th
bill to establish an uniform system OF bank
ruptcy with amendment, in the nature OF
substitute, desiring to assign day for its con
alteration.
The Speaker reminded the gentleman tina
the select committee on that subject explre'
with the former session of Congress, am
would have to be revived.
Mr.. Wickliffe offered resolution calling o.
the Secretary of War to state what number
soldiers, regulars and volunteers, have bee
placed on the army roll-what regiments hav
!, not been paid up to Dec. ], ls62-what reg
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18

SENDING Doors BY MAIL.-The Washing
ton correspondent of the New. York Post, says
the Post Office there is loaded down with artl-
Giles sent from the North for the benefit of the
soldiers. Nearly car load of mttens, socks
and boots arrive daily at the city Post Office,
directed to the soldiers of Burnside's army.
The postage on one pair of boots arriving a
day or two ago was over FIVE dollars. The
cause of this singular use of the mails is an
order from army headquarters prohibiting the
ding of any such articles by express or
sen-.-2 - cs,,nis Creek. No suffers sup
o1u QUE S SaTa been permitted % 60 down the river
f Pm'S weeks and such is the need of few ar
Giles that the friends of the soldiers at home
are sending them at enormous rates OF trans
r,rtation through the mails,
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18

them from the position with great slaughter,
This evening the rebels have been Smelling
fredericksburg, endeayoring 10 drive our troops
out OF the place, but without success,
Gen. B~mside is in the city, personally d.
reoting operations.
A Washington dispatch TO the Herald says
Surgeon General Hammond and Medical
Inspector Vollnm proceed to fredericksburg
tonight with thirty surgeons.
Advlces from the army state that Gen, M,r-
edith commands division, an -, rrtter Al
Michigan, commands his l:.te brigade.
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18

Ranks ExpEDITIoN.-The first news from
the Banks expedition is in letter from on
board the propeller Albany, at sea, Dec, 9th,
She had been out of New York three DAYS,
and had encountered It severe stem, making
al hands seasick and corhfortabe The
writer says that forty transports were on their
wav with the expedition; that it will not land
at any Of the points talked Of that it will not
90 as far as some think, but farther than Others
think; all which, so far as the destination Of
the expedition is concerned, is highly exphci'
and satisfactory.
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
10000 Of our Troops Engaged i'm sarur.
.. days Battle.

Washington, Dec. a.
1t is thought here that about forty thousand
of our troops were engaged in Yesterdays bat
tie. ..
From information received early this morn
lug preparations were making all night for a
conflict to-day.
Gen. Burnside remains on she field giving
orders, looking to the position and condition
of his forces. ..
Additional, surgeons and everything which
the necessities of the wounded require, have
been dispatched from Washington to the bat
tie ground.
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
Saturday, Dec, Is,
In the Field IL A. M

The great battle so long anticipated between
the two contending armies is now progressing.
The morning opened with dense fog,
which has not yet entirely disappeared,
Gen, Reynolds corps on the left advanced
at an early hour, and ut 9l6 a. H. engaged
the enemy's infantry
Seven minutes afterwards the rebels opened
heavy fire of artillery, which has continued
so far without ntermisson ...
Their artillery,fre must be at random, as the
fog obstructs all view of almost everything,
Our heavy guns are answering them rapidly
II hoped the fog viii soon lift, .. -.
Al this writing, nc results are known.
Not much infantry has yet become engaged.
A portion of the enemy's cavalry crossed a
ford above here, and yesterday were found on
our right and rear, ..a .a. .. -
a sufficient force has been sent cut to meet
them. -. la. nd.
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
Proceedings Of Congress.
Washington, Dec. 10.
SENATE,

SENATE,
Mr.. Wilson, Of Massachusetts,, introduced
a resolution that the committee on military
affairs be instructed to inquire into the expe-
diency of allowing to enlisted men now in the
service of the United States, entitled to the
bounty of 500, before the passage of the act
of July 5th, 1862, the same advance bounty
as allowed enlisted men by that act, and also
what legislation is necessary to secure more
prompt and speedy payment of troops in the
field md hospitals.
Adjourned to Monday.
House not ia session to-day.
Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-12-18
Headquarters Army of Potomac,

DcC' II, ii,oo n. M.
There is no fog to-day, the sun shining
brightly, with strong breeze.
At daylight this morning there was heavy
fire of artillery and infantry in front of the
first line Of works, where Gems. Sumner and
Hooker were engaged yesterday. n
The fire Stacked about an hour afterwards,
and was heard only at intervals until now.
The same occurred in front of Gen. Frank
Inns division, down the river. s...
The object of both parties was evidently TO
feel the other. . .....-.. . d..
During last night and this forenoon the reb
els have considerably extended their works and
strengthened their position.
Large bodies of troops are now to be seen
where but few were to be seen yesterday. 81
Our dead who were killed yesterday while
charging in front OF the enemy's works, still
remain where they fell. When attempting
their removal last night the enemy would open
fire with infantry, but the wounded have all
been removed from the field, and all the dead
obtained are now being buried.
The indications are that no decisive battle
will be fought to-day, unless the rebels should
bring on the engagement, which they will not
probably do