davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

The late Ferrand F. Merrill, Esq. of Mont.
pelier, was so well known to many of the read
ers of The PHOENIX in every town in this
county that we have published, this week, a
biographical notice Of him, prepared by the
Rev. VIM. II. Lord and read before the Yer
mont Historical Society at its recent meeting at
Burlington. Mr.. Lord has done no more than
justice to the character and talents Of a man
who filed early in life meny of the most re-
sponSlble offices in the State, and discharged
the reSpec'ive.duties of each with rare ability,
ialthfuness and tact. The "hard-shell" pro-
clivties of the biographer, as manifested in an
allusion TO Mr.. Merrill's politics. will, however,
provoke smile, especially from those whose
political complexion is in his estimation not
quite as light as his own. He evidently does
not affect dark complecl" people.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27
THE CAPTURE OF FORT DoNp1soN

AT considerable expense we have, for the
graved the following diagram represent ng the
plan of Fort Donclson and the disposition Of
the Union Forces:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

DEMOCRATIC SALvATIoN.-Now and then
we observe in Democratic newspapers stereo-
typed form of expression TO the effect that the
country can look only to the Democratic party
for salvation from its present Affections. Now
we submit that the country has had about
enough Of this sort Of salvation. Its experience
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

Col. II. p. VAN BlBBEn, the proprietor of
the Revere House in this village, died of con-
sumption at the Mansion House in Greenfield.
on Saturday last aged go. lie had made his
home in this village most of the time for few
years past, previous to which he had resided
chiefly at Washington and in Europe.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

"CRADLE-IIoLEs."- Col. Walker of the
Caremont Eog'e, thus pertinently and forcibly
discusses "cradle-holes" and the cause of and
remedy for them. We commend his remarks
as applicable to this merdan
What shall be done with the "traverse-sleds?"
They are very convenient for numbering and
hauling wood until they have spoiled the roads
and then they make a bad matter worse every
day 1t is getting to be a serious question:
The traverse, now so common, and almost uni
versal, is a modern notion. They turn easily,
and are just the thing for "logging,' but they
are an unmitigated nuisance on the highway
6oM 10 those 1cho use them and to the travelling
public, for after the snow is more than eight or
ten inches deep they speedily gouge tie track
into "cradle holes which well nigh embargoes
all travelling for business or pleasure. Horses
and cattle are worried and injured by them, and
they cause more damage to sleds, sleighs and
harnesses, by far, than any possible benefit to
be deprived from the use of them. We do not
believe in unduly multiplying the statute laws,
but we go for an Act prohibiting the use of the
traverse sleds upon the highway when the snow
is more than 10 inches deep, or at least, pro-
yding that the length of the level runner shall
not be less than five feet. At this length we
doubt if they would do much mischief, but
every year since they have become so common
the pattern has been shorter and shorter until
they are mere little bobs--in- and-out, up.and-
down, like dory in gale of wind.
Among the qualifications of aspirants for the
Legislature it ought to be ascertained for GER
tainty of each Is he sound on tie JoJ-slcd
question?
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

The Toronto Globe frankly says of the Do
nelson victory The importance of this victory
can hardly be over estimated. /, is il fnitely
more disastrous to the Southern than Bull Run
was to the Northern cause"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

TIE VERMONT ScULpToR.-A marble statu-
cite. by Larkin q. Mead, Jr., the Green Noun
tain Boy" has been considerable source of
attraction at Philip & Solomon's for sevei al
days dast. The subject, representing "Stu-
dent Inspired" is artistically conceived and
beautifully executed. The work will add con-
sderably TO Mr.. Meads reputation, who, al
though 4 very Young man, has already obtained
a high position in art. Mr.. Mead has just COM
pleted, for the State of Vermont, colossal
statue of Ethan Allen. the marble for which
was cut from solid block, weighing sixteen
tons. Mr.. Mead, it will be recollected, was the
juvenile artist who, few years ago, by his eff
forts at sculpture in snow, attracted the atten-
ton of connoisseurs, including Mr.. Longworth,
of Cincinnati, from whom he received a com
mission.
We find the above appreciative notice in the
Washington Sunday Morning Chronicle of Feb
II. "lnspiration" is the latest production of
Mr.. Mead's genius, and it is well worthy his
own reputation and the nigh concentrations it
has received.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

WILL You Flown meetings will occur on
Tuesday next. VIII some friend in each town
send us by the first succeeding mail list of
the principal town officers elected, and a state
ment of the vote for County Commissioner ?
BY so doing We and our readers will be greatly
obliged.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27
SOUTH SIDE TIEWS.
JEFF DAVIS IN BAD onoR.

The Richmond Wing of Friday has bitter
article on the Davis administration. 1t so,s
Judging by results so far il is the most
amentable failure in history, and the most sig.
nal service II can render is the surrender of ho
helm to ADLER and better hands. In view If
the past, present, and probable future, the ma.
geant of tomorrow is bitter mockery. and a
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27
FROM TENNESSEE.
Matters on the Cumberland.
PROCLAMATION OF COMMODORE FoorE.


Everything is quiet at Fort Doelson. The
rebels before evacuaing Clarksville, fred the
railroad bridge crossing the Cumberland at that
point Com. Foote has issued the following
proclamation TO The inha Infants Of larksville:
At the suggestion Of Hon. Cave Johnson
Judge Wisdom, and the mayor of the city, who
called upon me yesterday after our hosting
the Union flag on the forts, TO ascertain nv
views and intentions towards the citizens and
private property. hereby announce To ali
peaceably disposed persons, that neither in their
persons nor property shall they suffer molesto-
ton by me or by the naval forces undor nv.
command and that they may safely resume
their business vacations with assurances of INV
protection AT the same time require that ali
military stores and army equipments, shall he
surrendered, no part of them being witbbela -,
DESTROYED and that no secession fac mr. maj
teStalon of secession feeling shall be exhiLi,"I
and for the faithful observance of these conJ;'
tons shall hold the authorities of the city res
ponsible. ' VS.
(Signed) ANDREW II Foorr
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

COUNTY CoMM1ss1oNER.-.Wc trust that
every man in the County who is in favor OF
good order and good administration will vote
for IRA GooDnrE Of Westminster, for County
Commissioner, ON Tuesday next. lie is the
man for the place.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

MORE UNION PRISONERS RETURNED.

The Old Point boat which started on Sunday
did not arrive at Baltimore till Monday morn
ing. She brought IA released officers, fol-
lows Col. NJ. Coggswell, 42d New York; VIM.
X Lee, 10th Massachusetts Col. A. NJ Wood.
18th New York Maj. Paul Revere, Goth Mas
sachusetts; surgeon L. II. Revere, Goth Mas
sachusetts; Capt. f. J. Keller, LIST California;
Capt. G. w. lockwood, 10th Massachusetts
Capt. X. Williams, 18th Indiana LIST Lieut. T,
I. Freeman, lst Virginia Lieut. ]. Z. Gruerre,
10th Massachusetts Lieut. VIM. Harris. LIST
CALIFORNIA; Lieut. b. f. Hancock, 10Th Indiana;
Lieut. E. B. Hull, LIST Virginia w. l.. Merrill.
engineer corps, L. S. A. Lieut. w. B. Vassells
10th Massachusetts and Lieut. George H.
Wallace 42d New York also the crews of the
schooner DELLA, captured in the gulf the first
OF November, and he brig Elsinore. The lar
gest number of the prisoners belong to the
frst California and Tammany regiments can't
ured at Balls Bluff. The whole party went to
Washington Monday afternoon, after spendin
merry day with the Union men CT Baltimore.
NEGOTIATIONS FOR A GENERAL EXCHANGE
OF PRISONERS.
Gen Wool with Col Cannon and Major Jones
of his staff, went with the steamer Adelaide
Sunday morning, under a flag of truce to meet
by appointment Gen Howell Cobb of Cranev
Island, for the purpose of opening negotiations
Tor general exchange of prisoners They
were met by the William Selden. when Gen Wool
stepped aboard the latter, and consultations
OF about al hour occurred between the gener-
ais. The result is unknown.
UNION FEELING IN RICHMOND.
The prisoners all speak of a strong Union
party in Richmond who are in high GLE at the
Union Victories. They were compelled for
their own safety to keep quiet, but took frequent
occasion to make their sentiments known to the
prisoners, showing them various acts of kind
ness which had to be stealthily performed.
JEFF DAVIS INAUGURATION.
There was large attendance to witness the
Inauguration on Saturday, but the enthusiasm
was very subdued. These who were on parole
could not get close enough to hear the address.
and it was not printed before they left.
MORE PRISONERS COMING
The released prisoners say that the CAPTAIN of
the steamer that brought them stated that he
expected another party of prisoners to be wait
ing for him on his return TO CITY Point. They
were from Salisbury n. c., and Alabama. The
next lot to come after these, will be those from
charleston and Columbia, S. c., including Col.
Corcoran who might be expected on Thursday
or Friday The party who came on Monday,
includes all who were in Richmond except three,
who were too sick to be removed
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27


GENERAL:-l am pleased TO announce to YOU
the unconditional surrender, this morning, of
Fort Donelson, with 1000 to 2j.000 prisoners
at least forty pieces of artillery, and large
amount OF stores, horses, mules and other pub
lie property.
left Fort Henry on the 18th inst, with
force of about $1,000 men, divided into two
divisions underline comma of Gems McClern-
and and Smith. Six regiments were sent n.
round by water the day before, conveyed hv
gunboat or rather start d one day later than
one of the gunboats, and with instructions not
to pass it.
The troops made the march in good order,
the head Of the column arriving within two
miles of the fort at 10 0 clock IN. At this point
the enemy's pickets were met and driven in.
The Notifications Of the enemy were from
tins point gradually approached and surround
ed, with occasional skrmishing on the line.
The following day. owing to the non-arrival of
the gunboat and re-eniorcements sent by water,
no attack was made but the investment was
extended on the TANKS ofthc enemy, and drawn
closer TO his works with skirmishng all day
On the evening of the 18TH the gunhoats aud
re-enforcemenls arrived. On the 18th, a gal.
liant attack was made by Flag. Officer Foote
upon the enemys works with his fleet. The
engagement lasted, probably, one hour and
half, and bid fair to result iiyorably to the
cause Of the Union, when two unlucky shots
disabled two of the armurcd gunhoats, so that
they were carried back by the current. The
remaining two were yer, much disabled also
having received a number Of heavy shots about
the pilot-house and other parts of the vessels.
Alter these mishaps, concluded to make the
investment of Fort Donclson as perfect as posi-
bile, and partially louiy and await repairs to
the gunhoals. This plan was frustrated, how
ever, by the enemy making the most vigorous
attack upon our night wing, commanded by
Gen j. a. McClenand with a portion of the
force under Gen. L. Wallace. The enemy were
repealed after a closely contested battle of scv
eral hours, in which our loss was heavy. The
officers, and particularly field officers, suffered
out of proportion. | have not the means of
determining our loss even approximately, but
it cannot fall far short of 200 killed. wounded
and missing. OF the latter | understand
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

A.-Gen. SMITH.
B.-Union + ED Batteries.
C.-Gen. McCLERNAND.
D.-Rebel Redoubts.
E.-Rebl Rifle Pits.
F.-Draw Bridge.
Glitch around the Fort.
Gen Grants Head Quarters were Just with.
out the limits of this plan about the middle Of
the West side. 1t is known that Floyd and
Pillow escaped down the river at the South
east. The nights and rebel redoubts captured
Saturday, the possession of which gave us COM
mand of the Fort was between Gen. McCler-
nand's position and the Fort, and it was the
place where the hardest fighting occurred.
Appearance of Fort Donelson.
The ii st thing that strikes one upon entering
Fort Donelson, is its immense strength Fort
Henry was thought to be almost Gibraltar
but its strength is weakness when compared to
that of Donelson. Along Dover. the Cumber.
land River runs nearly north. A half mile or
so below, it makes short bend to the west for
some hundred yards or so, and then turns again
and pursues its natural course due north
Right in this bend on the left bank of the river
and commanding it TO the north, are two water
batteries, side by side, and nearly down to the
waters edge.
The main battery has nine guns, all looking
straight down the river. The left-hand gun is
lO-incn coumbiad-the rest are 80 pounders.
The other battery has three guns-the middle
one formidable rifed 64- pound coumbiad-
the others 64-pound howtzers. All these guns
are protected by breastworks ofimmense thick
ness, the tops of which are composed of coffee
sacks filled with earth. Back of these batteries
the shore rises with pretty steep ascent till it
forms hill whose top is nearly or quite 100
leet above the water. On the top of this hill is
Fort Donelson, an irregular work which in
closes about 100 acres The only guns in the
Fort are four light siege guns, l2-pound how
ltzer, two j4-pound guns and one Ga pound
howitzer. West of the fort, in the direction of
the place occupied by Gen. GRANT, and south
towards Gen. McCLERNAND's position, the
country is succession of hills. For several
bundled yards around the Fort the timber has
all been cut down so as to afford fair sweep
for the Confederate guns. Surrounding the
whole Fort and town and distant from the for
mer about a mile, is a trench for rinemen,
which runs completely around from the river
bank above Dover almost to point near the
river some distance below the water batteries.
Directly west of the Fort and within the rifle
pit, are formidable abatis, which would render
an advance from that direction almost an i'm.
possibility.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

Robert Hale OF Boston, formerly Supernten
dent of the Passumpsic Railroad in this State,
has been chosen President of the Vermont and
Massachusetts Railroad Company.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

colt raised In Dummerston and owned by
Milton Knapp of that town, which colt was
foaed on the LIST day of June, 1859, weighed on
the licst day of February, inst, 100 pounds !
Wndham County is rather ahead in the size of
her cnlls.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

Coy Morton of Indiana has appointed FIX
GOV; JOS A. Wright United States senator Ia
I'LL the place OF Jesse ID. Bright, expelled.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

ALLoTMENTs OF VERMONT SoIDIrRs.-On
the first page may be found the Report of the
Allotment Commission appointed by the Gov
ernor of this State and of the Commissioners
appointed for this State by the President, show
ing the number and amount of the alo,men,s
made by the several companies of six regiments
OF Vermont troops now in the field. The com.
missioners seem to have prosecuted their work
with great fidelity. 1t will be seen from the
figure they give that it is much easier to OBJ.
tain allotments before the troops have been in
the field long than after they have passed under
the influence Of greedy suffers.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

IN PREDIcAMENT,-Late on Saturday eve
nmg the police of this village were called upon
10 suppress disturbance at a house of Hire
pute on Flat-street, occasioned by some of the
soldiers OF tie Sth Regiment. The police de-
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

TYLER x lHoMrsoN's advertis cmcnts this
week should attrct attention. The reputation
oil TINS ldand well Established houes is too widely
dIiiused to be Affected by any words Of ours
but 1t may be for the interest of our readers to
give heed TO their announcements. "A word
to the wise is sufficient"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

CHIMNEYs DOwN.-lhe accumulation of
snow on the roof of the Town Hall and some
of the dwelling houses in this village has again
this winter proved destructive to chimney tops,
several Of which have been amputated even
with the roofs.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

The Supreme Court completed the Term for
this County, on Saturday evening of last week.
having thoroughly exhausted the docket in a
hve days session We shall next week give a
report of the cases decided, prepared expressly
Tor our columns 10y The able Clerk of the Court.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

EXcELsIoR.-A month since we published A
statement respecting two years old colt raised
by Luke /. Bond of Dummerston that then
weighed 1000 pounds. This noble example SET
other farmers to weighing their promising colts.
ana II seems that with success. For examnle
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27
THE VERMONT REG1MHNTs.

The two Vermont Regiments in camp in this
State-the 9Th and Sth, ere now fast approach
ing the time when the will leave for Dixie and
for victory. Both regiments have been muster
ed into the service of the United States thor
oughy clothed, armed and equipped their mis-
sion, and both have received their seven dollars
per month from the State up to the date of be-
ing mustered in. The bills for recruiting both
regiments are now in the hands of Capt Jones
fer examination, and will both be paid by the
general government through him this week.
The payment of the Sl3 per month from the
date of enlistment has been source of con-
siderable anxiety and fruitful subject of cor
resp ndence. The State has heretofore paid
tina, claim TO all the infantry regiments from
the date of enlistment TO the date of muster, hut
as the Sth Regiment was raised under special
act, by the provisions Of which the general gov
eminent is to pay all the expenses of putting
the regiment into the service of the United
States, the Executive has been compelled to
await the pleasure of the War Department in
this matter. 1t is rule with that department
to pay only once in two months, and the 1st of
March is the time when pay day accordingly ar
rives. We understand that it is definitely ar
ranged that United States Paymaster Halsey
will commence paying the Sth Regiment ON
Friday the last day of February, completing
the business the next day, and that he will i'm
mediately proceed to Rutland and pay the 9TH
Regiment on Monday.
The State is exceedingly fortunate in that he
Executive has been enabled to obtain the pay
ment of the Sl3 per month from the date of
enlistment to the present time, directly BY the
general government for both regiments. 1t
will be remembered that the arms for the 9TH
Regiment were furnished by government Con-
sequentiy his State has been compelled to adj
vance only the sum required for furnishing the
outfit of the 9TH Regiment, aside of course
from the 81 per month paid the non-comms-
stoned officers and priva.es of all our regiments.
These Regiments will now embark at Boston
for their destination just as soon as vessels are
in readiness to receive them, which it is now
believed will be carly next week. They 90
forth thoroughly armed and equipped, ard will
we confidently believe, give Il good account of
themselves. The benediclions Of ten thou and
hearts at home will lear them company.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

clined to interfere unless accompanied by some
of the proper military authorities. According
ly the information was laid before Col. Thomas
who, with a suitable guard, proceeded to the
aforesaid establishment and there captured a
gay Lieutenant and sundry privates. The cap
tive officer was ordered to report himself under
arrest and the priyates were sent to the guard
house. Two of the privates escaped with one
OF the women by secreting themselves in the
cellar. 1t is currently reported that these ar
rests were made upon information given by
certain civilians, who had been temporarily
supplanted in the affections of the inmates of
this house by the aforementioned soldiers.
The mild weather of Sunday was followed
by cold rain on Monday, in which flakes of
snow were constantly intermiogled. The rain
fell in gusts and showers until visions Of dis
solving views of the snow were suggested and
seen. But about dark the rain suspended"
the wind blew and the snow and slush "friz,"
all night long. The next morning all was "as
tight as a drum" and the northwest wind was
htVu ulu Dlttcf. lnefe is now on inc ground
from three to four feet of solid compact snow
which, when it mclts as soon it will, bids fair to
cause big freshet Those who live on the
river will do we'll to be on their guard against
such a calamity as is not unlikely to happen
1t hath been observed by some one that "he
is public benefactor who makes two blades of
grass grow where but one grew before" We
will observe that he also is public bcnefactor
who so sprinkler his sidewalk with ashes
that two legs can stand with safety where but
one now stands with difficulty, the sidewalks
being so very slippery. One can hardly walk
upon them now, even if he is nationally sober,
without manifest danger Of fall, however much
he may give heed unto his steps. Directly in
front of the Post office is moderate sized ska
ting park and anywhere in the village the best
of our citizens walk in terribly slippery places
AS was sagely remarked by good old lady on
another occasion, Somcthing must be done"
Who will do it?
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-02-27

PRoMoTIoN,-J. Lester Barstow has been
promoted from Quortermastcr Sergeant of the
9Th Regiment TO Adiutant of the same, vice
AdJt' Oscar G. Mower, resigned We con-
graduate our friend Barstow on his promotion,
which was fully merited and which will prove
entirely satisfactory to the Regiment.