davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
THE FINANCE BILL

The Secretary of the Treasury, in COM
plance with the request of the Committee of
Ways and Means, has prepared and sent to
them a bill embodying his views. The first
sections of the bill gives authority to raise
three hundred millions of dollars for the SER
vice of the current year, and six'hundred mil
lions for the service of the next fiscal year,
and to raise these sums in any of the modes
heretofore sanctioned by this Congress- as the
public exigencies will reqnire. The notes in
clude the issne of per cent bonds, 7.S0
bonds, per cent bonds, or bonds bearing less
rates of interest, and also the issue of small
notes bearing 3.G5 per cent interest, and le-
gal tender notes bearing no interest. The
Secretary, in letter to the Committee, ex-
presses strong desire to have the limits as
to the modes Of the provisions and the amounts
to be provided in each mode defined as pre-
cisely as possible by Congress. The remain
ing sections of the bill authorize the torma-
tion of banking associations 10 issue notes
furnished by the United States, alike in form,
and secured alike by United States bonds,
but payable on demand primarily by the is
sueing associations. The bill IN its main fea-
lures Is the same as that introduced By Rep
resentative Hooper during last session. In
his letter the Secretary expresses his profound
sense OF the Importance OF this measure to
the negotiation OF loans, to the collection of
the internal revenue, and to the security uf
the people against the evils of an enormous
and irredeemable paper money circulation.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
HON. SIMON CAMERON.

One of the New York journals recently con-
tanned despatch from Washington to the ef-
feet that Gen. Cameron has positively refused
the use of his name in connection with the u
nited States Senatorship at the ensuing ses-
sion of the Pennsylvania Legislature. We
hope this statement may prove erroneous--in-
deed, the fact that it appeared in only one pa
per, makes doubt its correctness. Even,
however, If Gen. Cameron is averse 10 being
a candidate, it does not necessarily follow that
his friends will be satisfied so readily. They
may contend that the country, in trying times
like the present, when clear heads and brave
hearts are needed, has claim upon his seryi-
ces superior to mere personal feeling, and
will bring his name before the Legislature for
the high position named.
Pennsylvania never had a more useful or
efficient representative in the United States
Senate than Gen. Cameron, and whilst Secre-
tary of War he displayed an administrative
capacity and general foresight that now seem
really astonishing. His policy relative to
slavery in the seeded States-his suggestion
that at least million of men would be re-
quired in the field TO crush the Rebellion
his idea of raising and organizing large cav
airy force-(or all of which he was so bitterly
assailed, and which finally resulted in his
withdrawal from the Cabnet)-bave since been
adopted, either wholly or in part. In truth,
ii is no longer question that the i'll success
of our armies has, in too many instances,
been attributable to an inadequate cavalry
force, and the Government is now paying, we
told, higher prices for muskets than those
stipulated for in the annulled contracts.
The Breckinridge leaders evidently have
want of confidence in some OF the Members
elected as Democrats, and are busy drilling
their forces. with the view of keeping them
firmly in the traces, and of electing one OF the
most odious of their number to the U. States
Senate. This should induce the true friends
of the Union to unite upon man Of un-
doubted loyalty, and of sufficient political
strength TO defeat the accomplishment of their
cherished object. These requisites Gen. Cam
eron possesses in large a degree as, per-
haps, any individual in the land and, though
he may not desire the post, We agree IN opin-
ion with contemporary that he is too good a
patriot not to allow the use of his name, if by
SO doing he can avert the disgrace which
would fall upon our State by the election OF
Frank Hughes or one of his satellites.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

Accounts from Utah represent the recently
appointed United States Judges TO be dissat-
isfied with the condition of affairs in that Ter
ritory. the Legislative Assembly still throw
ing every obstacle in the way of holding
courts and bringing criminals to justice. Sen
ator Browning of Illinois has introduced a
bill endeavoring TO remedy these defects, but
from all accounts one thing seems TO be Ger
tain-namely, that the United States Govern
ment will have to meet the issue in Utah at
once. and for all. BY prompt and vigorous
measures. Owing to the inefficient conduct
of former Administrations, the accumulating
evils have become difficult to remedy, and the
former contempt for the Home Government
intensified.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
A FIGHT ON THE sLAcKwArER.

FORTRESS MONROE, DEc. 25--Lieut. Col.
Stietsell. OF the 1lth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
Col. Spears dashing regiment, had a warm
engagement with the enemy at Porter's bridge,
on the Blackwater, yesterday, four miles above
Frank I'm. He drove the enemy's pickets on
this side of the river, capturing four OF their
pickets, one cavaIryman and hi, horse, and
three infantry with their arms. Colonel
Steitsell's advance, with their carbiners, un-
der the gallant Lieut.. John 5. Rapes, frs; en-
gagged the enemy at very short range. Final
ly discovering the enemy in superior numbers
above and below US on the river, with our very
small force of only four small squadrons, in
peril of being fanked, Col. Steitsell very
wisely oncuded 10 retire, which he did in
safety.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

MURDER AND ROBBERY On Friday night
18th instant, about CLOCK, some person as
yet unknown called at the residence of Aza-
essex, Somerset county, Md, and said he wan
ted to go In the store and procure something
Mr.. Dougherty was counting his money at
the time, and unsuspectingly, placed his mon
ey (sorne S4OO) in his pocket. He stayed
rather longer than usual, and his wife went
out to see the cause of his detention, when
she oeheld her husbsnd in the last agonies of
death, produced by blow over his head.
The store door was wide open. No clue to
the murderer has as yet been obtained. Som.
ersst (lMd.) Herald
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

BRIG GEN. CAMPBELL IN WASHINGTON
Acting Brigadeer Ganeral Campbell, (formerly
Colonel of the lst Penn'a Artillery, who was
reported as having been killed at Fredericks-
burg, arrived in Washington on Thursday
He is scarcely expected to survive his present
painful injuries, having received three CHASTITY
wounds in the late battle. The bravery and
patriot devotion of Gen. Campbell are pro-
verbal, in the army and out of it. We con.
hdently trust that life SO precious may bs
spared for further usefulness and honor.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
REBEL ATTEMPT TO CROSS THE RIVER

DECEMBER "a, lS62.-A bold attempt was
made last night by the rebels to cross the Rap
pahannock on RATS, fourteen miles below
Port Conway, and captured squadron Of the
Slh Pennsylvania Cavalry, doing picket duty
along the river. Major keenan,, who is now
in command OF this regiment and is at Port
Conway, got wind of the movement through
some trust. blacks, and was fdlly prepared to
receive them, and would have taken the entire
party had not some of his men fred their
guns TOO quick and frightened them all ba K
under cover of the woods. One hundred head
fine cattle. which had been purchased for the
rebel army, were yesterday taken from the
plantation of Phelan Lewis, wealthy farmer,
and appropriated to the use OF our own SOL
dieis. Upon demanding the usual receipt,
Mr.Lewis received one with these encouraging
words written beneath it 81 believe Phe!an
Lewis to be disIoyal man aud traitor to the
Government of the United States.''
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

A DEsERTER SHor.-On Thursday of last
week, deserter named Morrisey, was shot
whilst attempting to make his escape from the
eight times from the army. The guard called
number OF times to him TO stop, but he ran
on, while he placed his thumb to his nose
On Morrisey repeating this peculiar gesture,
the guard drew up his gun to shoot him in
the legs, but two children Intervening caused
the guard to aim higher and the ball hit Nor
The guard, named Brant, Immediately sur
rendered himself to the civil authorities but
Jas their jurisdiction does not cover the case,
he is probably at liberty.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2S.-The President has
issued the foilowipg:
ExEcUTIvE MANSION, Washington, Dec. %,
lS62.-T6 the army Of The Potomac: have just
read your Commanding Generals report of
the battle of Fredericksburg. Although you
were not successful, the attempt was not an
error nor the failure other than an accident
The courage with which you, in an open field +,
maintained the contest against an intrenched
foe, and the consnmate skill and success with
which you crossed and recrossed the river in
the face of the enemy. show that you possess
all the qualities of great army which will
yet give victory TO the cause of the country
and of the popular government. In condo.
ling with the mourners for the dead and sym
pathizing with the severely wounded, I CON
gratulatc you that the number of both rs COM
paratively SO small, tender to you, officers
and soldiers, the thanks OF the nation.
(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
WAKING Up FROM THEIR DREAxs.-wbiskv

WAXING UP FROM THEIR DREAMs.-Whisky
is selling in Augusta. Georgia, according to
the doleful complaints of the Sentinel, at ..fifty
cents drink The Sentinel adds:
s'None hut a Congressman or a Maior-Gen.
eral can afford to get drunk at present pr,.
ces. Any poor man who made himself to-
per for the lack of sense, will have to become
sober for the lack of cepts.''
Possibly. this state of things may account
for the sspeace'' rumors which have been COM
ing up from the South recently. The ss,ober
second thought" of tie too long intoxicated
rebels, begins to assert itself. There must.
We suppose, be an Interval of "sore heads ~,
but with s.whisky at fifty cents drink" re-
pentapce draws nigh in the South.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
A REcoNNo1sANcE AND FIGHT.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26.--Aletter from Suffolk,
Va. dated ODD inst, states that the election for
members of Congress took place the day be
fore, agreeably to the proclamation of Dix.
Contrary to the laws of Virginia, ballots were
cast instead of voting rira roce. In order TO
give the people at Smithfed an opportunity
to showtheir attachment to the Union. two
ballot boxes were sent down TO them in charge
of Lieut.. Col. Onderdopk. commanding 200
of the First New York Mount ed Rifles and
couple of howi,zers. Suspectiug that the
emy would be anxious to visit the polls, Col.
Onderdonk sent the boxes direct to Smithfield
in charge of "a small squad, and proceeded with
the remainder of his command to Windsor.
Learning that the enemy, in considerable
force, had left the place but short time be-
fore, he proceeded cautiously toward Isle cf
Wight, and when about three miles out, came
upon them. He sent his compliments in the
shape of she'll from his howitzers. and they
responded handsomely with a six FOUNDER.
A short skirmish revealed one regiment OF
infantry, two pieces of artillery and some cav
airy. Lieut.. Col. Ondsrdonk, thinking it
would be safe TO look up voters bearer Suffolk,
slowly retired. The rebels then attempted 10
surround him, and at one time were only one
hundred and fifty yards IN his rear, when he
suddenly wheeled his command about and
fired volley, which emptied twenty of their
saddles in quick time. Skirmishing contin-
ued for six miles. Two prisoners and one
horse were taken. None of our men were
lost or injured. 1t is thought it will he a long
time before the election returns will come
from Smithfeld. Nansemond COUNTY poled
SO votes 26 for Mr.. Cooper, II for McCloud
and / scattering.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

COOP on A MABoH.-A scouting expedition,
sent out from Brownstown, Va, made march
of l60 miles in nine days; caused the big
thief, Floyd, to retreat with his force across
the Big Sandy to PikevilIe, Kentucky; burn
Floyd, his mills, and some adjoining farm
buildings; destroyed an ordnance store OF the
rebels at Wyoming, and commssary store
on the head of Island creek broke mp a gang
OF bushwhackers near Logan, and captured so
head of cattle, 40 horses, some arms, and 81
prisoners.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
RETAL1ATosY rRocLAaArEor.

Jeff Davis has issued proclamation,i in which
be announces it as the intention of the rebel
lion to retaliate upon Gen. Butler, and all
the commissioned officers in his command, the
death of VIM. B. Mumford, who was hung in
New Orleans for tearing down the United
States Flag. The proclamation concludes
with the following order, which embraces the
substance of the document:
First, That all commissioned officers in the
command of said Benjaman F. Butler be de-
clared not entitled to be considered $ soldiers
engaged in honorable warfare, but as robbers
and criminals deserving death and that they
and each of them, be whenever captured re-
served for execution.
Second That the private soldiers and non-
commissioned officers in the army of said But
ler be considered only the Instruments used
for the commission OF crimes perpetrated by
his orders, and not free agents that they,
therefore, be treated when captured as pris
oners OF war, vith Kindness and humanity,
and be sent home on the usual parole that they
will in no manner aid or serve the United
States in any capacity during the continu-
snce of this war unless duly exchanged
Third. That all negro slaves captured in
arms be at once delivered over to the execu-
tive authorities of the respective States to
which they belong, to be dealt with according
to the laws of said States.
Fourth. That tho like orders be executed in
all cases with respect to all commissi, ned off
GERS of the United States when found serving
in company with said slaves in insurrection
against the authorities of the different States
Of this Coniedsracy.
The vindictive and malignant spirit in fhe
proclamation needs no comment. 1t is but
another evidence of the barbarity and despe-
ration which prevades the leaders Of this most
wicked rebeliio
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
BY SAMUEL J. ROW.
CLEARFIELD. Pa. deer 81. 1862.
THE BANKS EXPEDITION.

The mystery in regard to Gen. Banks ex-
pedition has at last been removed. BY the ar
rival of the Steamship Roanoke at New York
from New Orleans, we learn that Gen. Banks
and staff arrived at the latter place, on the
l4th, and that he supersedes Gen. Butler, in
the Department of the Gulf and the State of
Texas. Gen. Buffers parting address to his
troops is dated the 18th December. he al
ludes in eloquent terms to their successes in
the field, and in restoring order and quiet in
New Orleans, TO the feeding of starving wives
and children of their enemies, and states that
the expedition had cost the government less
by four- fiths than any other. Speaking the
word farewell was the only sorrowful thought
he had, and be commends them to their new
commander as worthy Of his love.
Gen. Banks issued general order, on as
suming the command OF the Department, in
which be names his siaff-a second order di-
rects the civil and military officers of the De-
partment to report to him,--aud third sus-
pends the sale Of property on account OF the
United States until further orders. He has
issued proclamation to the people, stating
tha. his duty was to assist in their restoration
to the government-that his desire was TO se-
cure t. the people of every class all privileges
of possession and enjoyment which is consis-
tent with The public safety-that he will rely
upon the Co operation and counsel OF all loyal
and we'll disposed people, as we'll as upon the
uaval and land forces-thaf his instructions re
quire him 10 treat enemies those who aid
enemies, and he shall gladly regard as friends
those who are friends-and that all the rights
of the Government will be unfiinchingly main
tanned, while the claims of the people will be
literally considered.
Gen. Banks seems TO bepushing things with
characteristics energy. Five thousand troops
accompanied him, which were landed at Ba-
ton Rouge, and the remainder of the expedi-
tion would be sent forward as fast as it arrived
The weather at New Orle ans was dne, and the
troops 10 good health.
Gen. Butler, and most of his staff, was to
sail for New York on the 22d.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
REPORT ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR.

The Joint Committee on the conduct OF the
War, have made their report. They took the
dispositions of Major Generals Burnside, Sum-
ner, Fra nklin and Hooker, and Brigader- Gen
erals Woodbury. and Haupt; and their re-
turn to Washington, those OF Major General
Hslleck and Brigadier-G General Meigs. All
the facts relating TO the movements OF the ar
my under Gen. Burnside, the forwarding of
the pontoons and supplies, and 10 the recent
battle at Fredericksburg. are so fully and clear
ly stated in the dispositions, that the commit
tee report the testimony without comment.
The report is very lengthy. We will pub
Hsh the testimony of Gen. Burnside in our
next. providing We can find room for 1t. 1t
may, however, be well enough TO remark at
this time, that the testimony of Gen. Burn
side in regard 10 the battle at Fredericks sburg
10 substantially the same set forth in his
despatch OF December 9th to General Halleck,
and published on our outside to-day.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

BOARDING SpEcIE.-A Western editor saws !:
1--WE have commenced boarding specie IN
view of future scarcity. We have already
three nickel cents, Zone of them with a COW
on I'D two three cent pieces, half dime
three very large copper cents. Canadian
halt penny token, and Il jsckass copper issued
from some private mint during the admins
tration of President Jackson. When We get
our hoard up to dollar we intend to invest ii
in a dollar bill of one of our banks''
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

A TREATY With LIBERIA.-President BEN
son, of Liberia, who has recently been on
visit to London, has negotiated with Minister
Charles Francis Adams commercial treaty
with the United States, placing citizens of
Liberia on footing with citizens OF the most
favored nations. This treaty has arrived at
Washington, and viii come up for conHrma-
ton in the Senate immediately after the hoi.
idsys
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
THE REBEL nAuRY's PAPERS TAKEN.

A06 REBEL AAOnX Z A1 6hO Al 6xA64Ns
WAsHIsoros DEc. 25.-RecentIy number
Of papers belonging to Ex commander NJ. F.
Maury, late of the q. s. Navy, were found at
Fredericksburg, Va, at the house Of DR..
Hoinden. One of them was dared, April,
1862, and is addressed to sMy excellent friend,
the Grand Admiral of Russia;" copy of
which was sent to that functionary.
ssThe rebellion, as they, the loyal citizens
termit." he says,"they would fain have states
men of Europe believe well nigh chrushed
out. AT first, they said it was small affair
that could be put down in few weeks, then
in sixty and then in ninety days. Mr.. Seward
proclaimed, through his diplomatic organs
abroad. that France and England should have
cotton, and that the rebe lion should be quell
ed. All his promises and predictions have
failed, for an entire year has rolled around,
and he has as yet offered US, away from the
water and his ships, but one pitched battle
that at Shiloh, on the 9th and 7th inst. 1t was
brought on by US, and though outnnmbered,
as we have always beeo, the enemy was beaten
back and driven to the banks of the Tepnes-
see, under cover of his gunboats. &C." Maury
say 3 ''tne powers oi EuTopo nave oeeH ueCciNeu
with regard TO the blockade. II has never
been effective" In the course of the letter,
be says; s.Here then is the spectacle OF peo-
pie, twelve millions in number, seeking to
separate themselves from an association that
they abhor, TO cut loose from a government
they hate, seeking and meaning to take their
place an independent sovereignty among
the nations of the earth. They occupy one of
the finest countries in the world, adjusting
their industrial pursuits according to the prin-
ciples that regulate the distribution of labor
over the surface of the planet; they are emf
nently agricultural The letter, which is a
very long one, is an argumant TO show what
great commercial advantages would result to
Europe by recognizing the Confederate Gov
ernment.''
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

HEADQUARTERS DEp'r. NORTH CARoLrxA,
DEcEABER %, 1862 To Maj. Gen. Haileck,
Generat-in-chief: Ny expedition was perfect
success. l burned the railroad bridge at
Goidsboro and Mount Olive, and tore up sew
eral miles of the tack of the Wilmington and
Weldon Railroad. We fought four engage
ments, viz: At Southwest Greek, Kinston,
White Hall and G oldsboro', and whipped
them hadsomeiy each time..
j. G. Foster, Brig. Gen.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
MILITARY EnANc1pArIoN IN MISSOURI


The disease of slavery is fast yielding to the
military trestment to which it is subjected in
Missouri. A letter from ST. Louis to the ".
Y Commercial, says:
The Union officers in this State are doing
their best to relieve Congress of any necessi-
ty of helping the State of Missouri to emanci-
pate her slaves. The fact may be assumed at
the outset that nineteen twentieths of the
slaves in this State belong to rebels. With
this to begin with, the rest of the story is easy
enough. The rebels having no legal rights
under martial law, are deprived of their slaves
as rapidly as they can be brought before 10
pers. The state militia having in few ca
ses ignored these papers. General Curtis has
issued orders 70 arrest any military man,
whether officer or private, interfering with the
liberty of any negro having tree papers. un-
less he is guilty of some crime. Lieutenant
Colonel Mills, the provost marshall at Spring
field. has commenced issuing free papers to a
large number OF slaves who have run ava, from
negro named Edmonson, formerly the slave of
man bearing that name. Soon after the me-
gro received his free papers, an overseer in
Springfield had him arrested for service owed
him under a contract with bis former master.
The matter was referred to Col. Mills who
reprmanded the claimant and allowed him to
depart.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

The Charleston (Msss.) .4drsrti,er states
that letter received in that city from an
officer on board the gunbost Dawn dated Yer
non River, Ga. says that of two lots of shells
received BY them from the gunboat Massachu-
setts, not one of them would explode some
persons having put wet patch between the
powder. These shells were all shipped from
the Brooklyn N. Y.,rs~y y.rd
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

SAN FANcrsco, Dec. 27.-The ship Leaking.
which sailed from this port on the 9th of Sep-
tember. for Liverpool, loaded with wheat was
totally los, when ten days out, and all on
board were lost except the third mate, who
was picked up by the bark Eugenie and car.
ried 10 Peru.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31

Rus THE BLocKADE.-Ths schooner Relief
arrived at Havana. with cotton from Mobile.
and reports that the rebel steamer Florida.
alias Ovieto, had got out with q crew of one
hundred men-passng the Blockade during
the night.