davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
GBe dQlar,
The Siege or Yorktown.

Occasional cannonading Is heard in the di.
rection Of Yorktown, supposed to be at
tempts Of the rebels to interfere with the
erection Of our Notifications. The work,
however. continues ~ progress rapidly.
On Wednesday morning the rebels 1000
strong attempted to strengthen one OF the
works located about three miles from York.
town, but they were forced to desist under a
heavy Ere from one Of our batteries. An
exchange Of shots with heavy guns was then
had, during which three Of the enemy's guns
was dismounted. Fire was continued from
our batteries all night, efIectually preventing
the rebels from repairing damages. Our loss
in these encounters was slight. There had
also been skirmishing on the James River end
Of the lines, details Of which has not yet
reached US. Our sharpshooters arc said to
be spreading terror among the rebel artiller-
lists. % ~
An official report has been received at
headquarters, giving list Of the killed and
wounded in the engagement between the Sd
Vermont Regiment and the enemy, on Wed.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
Freshet In saco River.

It began raining in this city last Monday
evening, and continued with but slight in
terruption until late in the afternoon OF
Wednesday. The water rapidly rose in the
river till it reached point very nearly as
high as it has been since lsi3. Water street
in Saco is partially inundated, and the water
has made clean breach over Gooch Island,
in this city, running swiftly across the same
between Shannon's mill and the "dry house"
Of the Water Power Co. Some fears are en-
tertained for the safety Of one or two bridges
and the saw mills, though not much damage
is expected unless the booms should give
way. As yet we have ascertained no dam
age.
Since writing the above, We learn that the
boom at "Bonny Eagle" is swept away, and
that large lot Of logs arc coming down the
river.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
Miscellaneous Items.

y Worthy Of all praise are those valiant
ladies who, at the late fire, in view Of the rava-
ges Of the flames, nobly volunteered their SER
vices in working one of the FIRE engines, there
being lack of men TO do the work.
~ Mr.. James W. Cook Of Parsonsfeld re-
Gently killed Porker ten and half months
old which weighed when dressed 4O4 lbs.
wThe Telegraph brings the gratifying an
nouncement that frigate Vermont had arrived
a, Port Royal. with her company in good
condition. This vessel sailed from Boston on
the oath of February, and has been about seven
weeks making her evcntful passage.
y The st. Louis Democrat Of the 10th inst.
states what the country at large will be panied
to hear, that Major General Sigel, recently re-
turned from the Southern army. Is lying dan
gerously III at his residence in st Louis.
E 1t Is said there are two Forts Pillow on
the Missisppi; one very near Memphis, and
one from fly to seventy miles above. The lat
ter is one upon which Commodore Foote is OPP
Grating.
y We learn that Gov. washburn has made
arrangements tor sending to our army at York
town several additional Surgeons and nurses,
who have volunteered their services in view OF
the expected battle at that place, and that thir-
teen large packages Of hospital stores will be
forwarded at the same time-Bangor Courier.
~ Capt. James d. Fessenden, son Of the
Senator. has been appointed upon Gen. Hunters
staff and gone to Port Royal.
GoDEY's LADr's Book for May, comes full.
as usual, of the richest and most attractive
matter. Its Engrayings and fashion plates are
unsurpassed, and rs whole the book stands
unrivalled in this country.
VOur readers are referred to the adver-
tiseiuent of Misses Chadbournc & Foss. Their
stock is in perfect order, and they are pre-
pared to wait upon their friends in their pres
emit location with every facility they had in
the old.
FRx.-The house Of Deacon Samuel Rob
erts, in Alfred, tsok FIRE on the night OF the
10Th inst, and was wholly consumed. The
loss is about $500, partially insured.
n Gold Medal sslerstus Is making great
sensation among consumers, as they find their
health depends upon its use. It will strengthen
weak stomachs, cure dyspepsia, save one nalfin
the quantity Of shortening, make one-eighth
more Bread, Cakes or Biscuit from the barrel
of -four, and withal Is perfectly healthy. Try
Il. The Grocers and Druggists sell 1t. Depot
li2 Liberty Street, New York.
~ We understand that the steamer East
ern Queen has been released from her con-
tract by the General Government, and will
soon commence her regular trips on the Boz
ton and Kennebec route. r.f
y The New York Tribune has inlorma-
ton, which |. deems correct. that the whole
rebel force consists Of 26s,934 men.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25

APRIL 10.
SEyArE.-Mr. Hale submitted volumlnous
report relative to the destruction ofgovernment
property at the Norfolk and Pensacola Navy
Yards and at Harper's Ferry. Ordered to be
printed.
The report censures the administration Of Bu-
chanan for neglect Of duty, resulting in the de-
struction of part of the Government property,
and the abandonment Of the remainder to the
enemy. The report adds that the present adj
ministration cannot be held blamelcss for suffer-
ing thirty.seven dogs to elapse after itcame in-
TO power before making movement for the de-
fence Of the Yard. The committee also censure
Com. Paulding. Capt Pendcrgrast and Captain
McCauley, and declare, in conclusion, that the
nation should learn as lesson that pusillani-
nifty in the defence Of our rights may be as in
furious rs the open assaults Of our enemies
The rebels had only 500 troops at Norfolk when
the Navy Yard was destroyed, while our force
numbered more than 1000. The evidence taken
by the committee shows that the yard might
easily have been saved, and the enemy deprived
Of 1000 pieces Of artillery and the hull Of the
Merrimac.
A resolution was adopted calling on the su-
perintendent ofthe census Bureau for the names
of all the persons owning slaves in this District,
&c.
HousE.-The Pacific Railroad bill was oppos-
ed by Mr.. Sheffield Of Il. l.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
Worthy OF Notice.

We learn that DR.. Plumb was the first to
give the alarm at the recent fire in Union
Block. When he first discovered the block
was on FIRE, not knowing in what part he at
once examined hls own apartments. They
were found oil safe. But the Dr., with q
truly disintcrcsted cndeavor to save the prop
erty and lives Of Others, rushed out and gave
the alarm, and reused all those in peril
Had he, instead Of this course, sel6shly looked
out for his own interest, he might have saved
nearly all, il not the whole, Of his extensive
stock Of dental tools and fixtures. Asitwas,
when he returned from his GRAND Of mercy
/, was too late, as our readers are informed
in another place. 1t always gives us pleas
ure to bear witness to any disinterested no.
ton, and we think DR.. Plumb Is entitled to
the gratitude Of our citizens for the truly
commendable manner ia which he acted on
this occasion.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
Fire IN Biddeford.

UNION Block BuRNED.-Fire was discoy-
cred in Union Block, directly opposite our
Office. on Sunday morning, little before )
o'clock. Having originated near the centre
Of the building, between the partitions OF
two stores, it communicated very rapidly
through the entire building before the flames
could be arrested. The building consisted Of
FIVE stores on the first floor, Offices principally
in the second story, and Union Hall in the
third story. The building was very much
damaged throughout, though the framework,
walls and floors still notwithstanding a
much fairer exterior than interior. Only
the prompt and efficient services Of the fire
department saved the building from complete
destruction.
The owners Of the block are E. ii. G.
Hooper, Thomas ii. Cole, VIM. Hill, Jr.,
Leonard Emmons. Geo. o. Burnham and s.
I. Merrill. There is insured $4,000 on the
main block, and 5000 upon additions to the
main block. In the Atlantic Co., Provi-
dence, they have $4,000, In the Conway 81
500, in tho Charter Oak $500, and in the
Springfield 5000.
The occupants Of the stores were, No. l.,
7. l.. Merrill, dry goods, and Misses Chad.
bourne & Fos, millinery. Goods removed
slightly damaged. Mr.. Merrill was insured
$1,000 in the Howard Co.
No. 2, A. L. Berry, shoe store. Goods
removed in damaged condition. Insured.
No. 3, F. A. Day, dry goods. Mr.. Days
stock was extensive and valuable-estimated
at $4,000. Insured $4,000 in the Home
Co., $4,000 in the Hanover, and $4,000 in
the Piscataqua. Goods removed badly dam
aged by fire and water.
No. 4, unoccupied.
No. 5, Warren Soule & Co., restaurant and
confectionery. Stock badly damaged.
Upon the second floor the occupants were
Mrs. Gilbert, dress-maker; Mr.. Soule's fam.
lily; Shaw & Clark, patent agents-loss ST.
200, insured $500 in Hartford; Mr. Bond,
tailor; DR.. Haley, dentist; DR.. Plumb, den.
tist; DR.. Parker, physician. The amount
of losses Of these occupants and insurance
we have not ascertained. Their losses must
be considerable.
Good, were also removed from some adjoin.
Ing stores.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25

FIRE IN SAco.-On Thursday night last
about L o'clock, FIRE was discovered in two
tenement dwelling-hou on Green street.
BY the prompt efforts Of the fremen the fire
was qucnched with but little damage to one
end of the house, the other tenement being
nearly destroyed. The fire originated in the
tenement owned and occupied by jeremiah
Marshall. The family had removed the same
day Of the FIRE for repairs on the house, leav.
ing few things in the house. among which
was the cooking stove, then too hot to DO re-
moved.
The other tenement Was occupied by 10.
seph-F. Adams. His furniture was removed
with slight damage. His tenement is injured
probably to the amount of $3.50.
Mr.. Marshall has $500 insurance.
The frcmen did good service on this occa-
sion in checking the fire. or much greater
damage would have resulted.-Dem.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
A CARD.

Idesire to express my most heartfelt thanks
to my many friends who, In my absence from
home, 80 kindly rescued my dental instruments
and furniture from total destruction, n: the dis
astrous FIRE Sabbath morning last. Tothe bravo
frcmen and others who 80 long. persistsntly
and successfully withstood the devouring ele-
ment, wish It were in my power to give some
thing more tangible than my SIMPLE. though
sincere and lasting gratitude. Their brave
acts shall have q place in memory that shall
never perish. THOMAS HALEY.
Biideford, April "a, 1862.
P.S lean be found for the present at No.
Washington Block. lwiS
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
Capture OF Fort Pulaski.

BY the arrival at New York Of the U. s.
steamer Mcclellan, from Port Royal on the
18th inst, We have full details Of tho sur.
render of Fort Pulaski. Gen. Hunter in
his official dispatch to the War Department,
states that the iro upon Fort Pulaski was
opened at half past seven o'clock on the
morning OF tho 10th inst, by tho Totten
battery, consisting of two 42-pound and two
32-pound james guns, on Goat Island, at a
range of one thousand six hundred and eish.
ty five yards from the fort. The frs. shot
from the battery took effect, sending the
brick and mortar into the air. The rebels
at once replied and rapid responsive Gre
was kept up from the fort for two hours and
half, when they ceased their rapid firing.
but kept up regular discharge during the
rest OF the day.
The second day Of the bombardmcnt the
rebels were brought to terms. A steady fire
from our batteries on Goat and Tybee islands
were kept up. every shot striking the fort
An order was issued for each battery TO fire
one gun every fifteen minutes. Soon after
this order was given the batteries on Goat
leland, consisting Of four James's and five
Parrott guns, succeeded in making breach
through the wall of the fort, and then per.
feet food OF balls was poured into the hole.
widening isand making the place an extreme.
ly dangerous one for the rebels TO persist In
still holding. Two guns, ono barbctte and
one cascmatc, werc dismountcd on the first
day. On the second day ball struck the
muzxle OF q casemate gun, breaking II and
sending II back to iu iurthest recoiling dis
lance.
At eighteen minutes past two o'clock, p.
NJ. Of the second day the rebel guns were
completely silsnced. when white Gag was
Immediately seen to take the place OF the
Confederate flag on the amparts Of the bat
tered fortress. Our firing ceased the very
moment the signal Of defeat and surrender
was discovered and the brave men who had
stood faithfully to their guns through the
two days. battle sent up shout such as men
who have g,ined such victory could do. A
tug late in the afternoon was sent 10 the Fort
having on board two companies Of the seventh
Connecticut regiment and detachment Of
Rhode Island volunteers, WHICH were accom-
panied by Gen. Gilmore and Col. Serrell.-
They were met by Col. Olmstead Of the LIST
Georgia volunteers, coinmandant Of the gar.
rison, who made formal surrender Of the
fortress.
BY this surrender VIC have gained posses
sion Of forty.scvcn cannon, seven thousand
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25

ton Of slavery, and falling down and wor-
shipping at its shrine, than they do about
the salvation OF the country? In the Ian
cuare of the New York Tribune, We say
"If we must shed our blood. give us our
blood's worth-if we must spend our money,
give us our moneys worth-if we must pass
through the fire, let MS not miss purgation"
What the future Of our country will be is
known to God only, and to His care and pro-
lection we may well cOnfde. 1t is enough
for us at present to see that the clouds envel-
oping our past are lifting, and that we are
permitted to discern faint dawning Of, we
trust, brighter day.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25

nesday. The information. as far Is received
puts the killed at 80. and the wounded at 90,
ten Of the latter will probably prove fatal.
The conduct Of the Vermont troops on the
occasion is spoken Of in the highest terms.
earning for the Green Mountain Boys, lau.
rels only to DO won by the brave. They
drove q superior number Of the enemy from
their fortified position, but were forced to re.
linquish It on the rebels being reinforced
The loss Of the enemy in this engagement
must have been heavy, as the we'll directed
fire Of the Vermont Boys moved them down
In numbers.
The monotony Of the siege operations on
the Yorktown Peninsula was varied Thurs
day night by sortie Of the enemy on our
left, near the James River. Adispatch FROM
Gen. Mcclellan to the War Department,
states that about half an hour after mid.
night the enemy attacked Gen. William f..
Smiths position, and attempted to carry his
guns, but that they were repulsed handsome
ly, with the loss Of several men taken prs
oncrs. Their loss in killed and wounded is
also thought to have been heavy. A subse.
quent despatch from Gen. Mcclellan states
that Gen. Smiths position, which had been
recently assumed was subsequently, intrench.
ed, so that the enemy was prevented from
working on Friday, and his guns were kept
silent. The same result had also been OBJ
tanned at the batteries at IIyam's Mills. The
correspondent .of the Baltimore American
states that the sortie Of tho enemy against
Gen. Smith was an attempt to turn our left
flank, and that the attack was made with a
heavy force. The War Department also has
information that our gunboats and bargcs on
York River shelled Yorktown on Friday, but
without effect, and that there was consider
able firing from the Yorktown land batteries
Deserters who have come into our lines re-
port the arrival Of JEFF Davis in the rebel
camp, with the intention Of taking CON-
mand in tho great battle. They represent
the enemy to be IN great force, and to be in
trenching throughout the Peninsula with
confident expectation of victory. A letter
from Gen. Barnes Of the Massachusetts, 18th
received in Boston, however, state that the
force OF the enemy is not so large as has
has been reported, and does not exceed 40
or $4,000 men. Neither are their guns OF
80 formidable character as has generally
been reported. Col. Barnes further says -
sour siege guns have come, and before long
they will DO at work upon the rebel breast
works. Gen. Mcclellan, I hear, is about
ready to attack the place. and when he CON-
mences the rebels will not hold out very long.
Advices from Yorktown, received at Fort.
ress Monroe yesterday state that tho weather
was stormy, and everything was unusually
quiet.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
Bushes. Change. in Kennebunkport.

A friend at Ksnnebunkport recently in.
formed us that quite q number of removals
and changes in stores and shops have lately
been made in that usually staid town, mo'
Of them to the improvement Of the streets.
About the FIRST Of February the post Office
was changed from the store Of Silas Perkins
to the apothecary shop Of 5. E. Bryant, and
is now neatly arranged, with Mr.. j. L. Cole
for Post Master. o.,
Mr.. F. S. Bryant, jeweller. has removed
from the latter building, and now occupies q
shop which he moved from Kennebunk TO the
bridge opposite the store of William +.
Moody.
The old blacksmith's shop, 30 long black
mark near the drawbridgc, has been taken
down, and a new store built upon the prem
i,es by Mr.. j. A. Wheeler. A new black
smiths shop has been built by Mr.. j. H.
Trip, Immediately in the rear OF the last
named store, and another one has been raised
by Bion E. Trip near the "Mill Bridge"
on the site of the shop recently burned.
The store recently occupied by Mr.. Wheel
or was moved to "berth" north Of the new
post Office, and is occupied by the new firm
Of Huff & Fairfield. The lot left vacant by
the last removal will soon DO covered by q
large store. over which is to be arranged a
commodious hall for public uses, which will
supply long needed convenience. Wesley
On Hall, so long used by the Methodist Soci'
city for vcstry, is being fitted for q school
room by the district, and the old brick school
house abandoned by reason Of its dangerous
walls. The Methodist Society have very
promptly subscribed sufficient funds to sup.
ply their loss, and have already agreed to el.
evate their church to height sufficient for
q commodious vestry below 1t.
The Baptist Society have commenced de-
sirablc change. Having sold their old ves-
try, the society has contracted for the imme-
date erection of fine new building in the
rear of their church. The old yestry has
been removed and fitted up as shoe store at
the east end Of the drawbridge. near the spot
so long occupied by Charles E. Miller as a
periodical store. Mr.. Miller has removed to
the better store in the Currier building, and
his old shop has been hauled out of the viii
lage.
At the "South End" Davis & Mailing
have opened new grocery store under Con-
cert Hall. The Free and Accepted Masons
Of the Arundel Lodge arc about removing to
q nice hall just completed for their use over
the post Office. Other minor changes are go
ing on, all helping business in these dull
times.
The sold standards" E. Perkins & Son,
Anthony Luques, VIM. F. Moody, E. Cous-
ins and Others, are unchanged, and waiting
for revival in ship-building-hoping the
"good time coming" to be near at hand.
We congratulate our friends in Kenne.
bunkport for the measure of prosperity with
which they are favored, and hope still
greater measure is in store for them, as well
as for all of our readers, in whatever locality
they may reside.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25

FnEsHEr IN HE CONNECTICUT. At Bratlebo-
ro', Vermont the Connecticut was eight feet
and halt higher than It was ever known to be
before, and rising Of the rate Of four inches IN
hour! At 2 O'Clock Saturday afternoon the
river at Hartford was "a feet 2 inches above
low water mark and rising. The streets on the
river side are MI submerged and navigable for
boats Of light draught. At Springfield the riV-
er was very high.
A later account says that on Monday at
Hartford the river was % feet 8 In. above low
water mark. Front street was 5 feet under Wa
ter.
The Hartford Press Of Monday says hundreds
Of families were drowned out, and cases Of In
dividual suffering must be numerous. All avail
able boats were busy In rescuing families and
saving Their goods.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
Tur Govrnyon Qurs1Ios.-A correspond

Tue GovERyoR QuEsrIoS.-A correspond
ent Of the Portland Advertiser gives as among
the names mentioned for successor to Gov.
washburn, those Of John j. Perry Of Ok
ford, Abner Coburn Of Somerset. franklin
Muzzy Of Penobscot. and Mr.. Farwell Of
Knox. We think Il altogether too early to
commence the political campaign, and be-
lieye. moreover. that very few men have ever
been benefited by special newspaper advoca-
cy in advance Of nomination. Had We any
desire to be candidate for Office, we should
pray our friends not to set usup prematurely
as target for the open guns OF the enemy
and the masked batteries Of political friends.
Bangor Courier.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25

"TuE TnrKRAScx Gn, to be Issued semi
monthly by the ladies Of the "Biddcio~d
Temperance Association, makes Its first APP
peannce upon our table this week, The
Gem has for some time past been regularly
read at the meetings Of the above society
The firss number Of the Gem sparkle,, and we
wish the ladies abundant success in their ef-
iors' to further the cause OF temperance
The little sheet before u. gives full proof that
such will be the case. The Gem is very
neatly printed.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
A CARD.

The proprietors Of Union Block tender their
Acknowledgements to the fire departments Of
Saco and Biddefori. and other citizens, for tho
promptness with which they responded to the
call Of FIRE, and the efficiency Of their untiring
eIertions to arrest and subdue the progress Of
the FIRE which broke out in their block on the
morning of the 10th.
Also to the Agents respectively Of the LAco-
MIA. Pepperrll, and Water Power Compa-
mics, for their personal presence In directing
the fire departments under their control. which
did such signal service on the occasion.
Biddsford. April q, is52.-iwi8
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
Spetil Notites.
A CARD.

The undersigned renders his sincere thanks
to the several Ere companies, AMI to his friends
who so promptly and kindly gave him assist
ance in saving part Of his office furniture and
dental fixtures, at the recent kre in Union Block.
lie also especially thanks those friends who
kindly preserved and returned 30 many valu-
sbles otherwise at the mercy Of plundersrs.
L. A, PLusB.
April Oh. lSC2-fWiS
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25

= We are informed that DR.. Plumb has
taken rooms in Hooper's Wooden Block, over
the fancy goods stores of Messrs. Hill and
Ellie, and directly opposite E. II. Banks
dry goods store. DR.. Plumb saved, in DAM
aged condition, about one-half his dental fix.
lures, &c. He is now ready to receive his
old friends in his new quarters, where he is
prepared to do dentistry in all its branches.
We hope his friends, new and old, will not
forget him, as he has been twice unfortunate,
having been burned out at the Central Block
fire.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25

YIt will be seen b, our advertising COL
unns that T. l.. Merrill has removed his
stock Of dry goods to Empire Block. MIR.
Merrill saved his goods from the recent fire
entirely uniujured, except very small lot.
lie was interrupted in business only one-half
a day, and is now ready. at his new store, to
wait upon those in want Of dry goods in as
satisfactory manner as he was accustomed
to do at his former place of business.