davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

The President and Gen. Hunter.
"The hand moves slowly upon the dial,
but it moves" So it is with public opinion
on this continent with regard to the vexed
question Of slavery. Slowly the American
mind is becoming convinced that slavery and
free labor cannot exist in harmony under the
same Government. Every event in tho his
tory Of our country for the last ten years has
been another argument in favor Of the ulti-
mate extinction of slavery on this continent
In word, the doctrine of the ''irrepressible
conflict" which few years ago was laughed
and hooted at all over the country. is steadily
forcing itself on the public mind as the only
true doctrine.
Gen. Hunter, in issuing his proclamation
freeing al the slaves in the Department OF
the South, was, perhaps, little too hasty.
The world is not yet prepared for such q
stride, and it was no doubt knowledge OF
this that actuated the President to publish
his proclamation, disapproving the action Of
Gen. Hunter. "In due time" remarks .
contemporary, "the world will be ready for
Gen. Hunter. but at this stage he is too far in
advance of political demagoguery."
The work Of the peculiar institution in
our country has not been such as would en-
dear it to the true-hearted patriot and Union
loving citizen. The vast and wicked rebellion
which the Government is now straining every
nerve to suppress, is One of its natural and
most legitimate results. It will either " rule
or ruin" In other words, it will spread it.
self all over the nation and become national
instead of . sectional institution, or it will
destroy the Government and divide the Union
the sole remaining hope Of oppressed hu-
manity in every nation and in every
clime-into a number of petty, third
rate governments, dinespected at home
and despised abroad. BY its own act this In
human institution has afforded the people Of
the loyal States an opportunity to strike a
blow that will penetrate its very vitals.-
Throwing aside the shield and protection of
the constitution, it chose the sword and bay
onet instead of the law and the ballot box for
its weapons, and marched out to meet its
loyal opponents on the field of battle. Al
though the end is not yet, it will come soon,
and the policy of Gen. Hunter. with the slight
modification Of remunerat,ng loyal holders
for:their slaves, will be the policy Of this Gov
eminent, and policy that will be supported
by the masses in every free State. Mark the
prediction.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

The REBEL IDEA OF GBANDEUR.-A New
Orleans rebel, writing to to tho Mobile Trib.
uns before the surrender, declares that the
cotton burning on the levee was ''the grand
est spectacle the world ever beheld," and
gives his reasons for this belief as follows:
1t was grad, because its huge fame,
climbing high in the air, told the enemy that
that which they wanted most they would get
the least of. Grand, because it was but the
beginning of sacrifices that our patriotic peo-
pie would offer upon the altar of their coun-
try. Grand, because it will show England
an France that in leaning toward the enemy,
they have leaned upon broken reed. that
VII break and pierce them. 1t will convince
them that we are terribly in earnest.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

The MERRIMAc.-As mere matter of SCI
ence it is pity that the Meirrmac should
have persisted before some truthful person,
could report upon her condition, as affected
by her fight with the Monitor. The extreme
tenderness which the rebels have shown for
her since that day seems to confirm the idea
that she was severely shattered by the i'm
mense projectiles thrown by the Monitor, IL
though penetrated in but one or two places.
She is SAID to have leaked ever since the fight,
and was probably so much affected as to make
it advisable to encounter no very great risks
in her.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

~ Reports from Wheeling represent that
the rebel hordes from the defeated army at
Yorktown are gathering in force in the noun
tain districts, evidently with the intention OF
br, aking through and forcing their way into
Western Virginia, and perhaps iato the free
States. The news seem to DC that Miroy
has fallen back for couple Of days pas, and
his scouts have been driven in, and tue indi-
cations are that . de ;psrato raid is intended
upon the borders with the hope of eff.cting a
diversion in Eastern Virginia, AMI in the
South. The journal from which We quote
learns that troops have been called to the i'm
mediate border to meet this threa'. How
soon, or where they will be concentrated, We
do not know.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

AN EPIDEMIC OF FIRES. Since Friday, May
3, constant succession of disastrous fires has
occurred at the east, involving loss Of over
tf5ur million dollars. On that day (the 9th)
the sweeping conhagration began in the woods
on Long Island, the loss by which will be rot
less than $3.50, 700; also, a fire in the woods
of Passaic and Morris counties, N j. The
city of Troy was devastated on Saturday; loss
nearly three millions. Sunday there were
large fires at Charleston and Stoughton, Mass.
On Monday the fires at Boston, loss 5000, 900.
And so the list runs on. Such disasters as
these seem to run into epidemics, like rail-
road accidents-or Federal victories over the
rebels. Once started, they multiply rapidly.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

H-A correspondent Of tho National In
telLiyeacer assert tn, the Military Con. nit
tee, which visited Yorktown, formed the
unanimo opinion that the works of the Con-
federates at Yorktown were of the most
Formidable character, that the greatest credit
was due t. Gen. Mcclellan for compelling the
evacuation Of SO important stronghold with
50 little l'ss Of life, and that they expressed
the utmost confidence in the ultimate, speedy
AMI complete success Of all his plans for the
entire sYijugation Of the rebellion.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23
A DEPARTMENT OF Recommendations

A DEPARTMENT OF AaRIcuLrURE.-Congress
has passed an act that ought to have been
framed into the laws in the first year of the
Republic. 1t is justice rendered tardily; but
it has come at last. 1t is an act which recog-
uises the broadcast and largest interest in the
country-that which underlies and upholds
all the others-as being entitled to some share
of the fostering aid aad care of the Govern
ment When that interest fourishes, al
others prosper; when that droops the other
droops likewise The act we refer to estab-
fishes the Department of agriculture. The Ag-
rcultural interest Of the country takes its
place in the high seats Of the exec. tive branch
Of the Federal Administration. 1t will have
representative where ''graye questions of
war and of foreign policy" and of tariffs and
and taxation. are debated, and where all pub
lie measures affecting the welfare of the great
masses who till the soil, and whose skill and
steady improvement contribute primarily to
the welfare and elevation Of the whole arc to
be Investigated and passed upon.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

Samuel b. Todd brother of Mrs Lin.
coin, who is reported by the Rebels as among
the killed at the battle Of Shiloh, is probably
the Lieut.. Todd who had charge of our pris-
oners in Richmond last summer, and who trea-
ted them with barbarous cruelty. They will
hardly be able to replaces him as . jailor after
their own heart. --,.t.r... -.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23
~ Senator Wilson. in letter to frien

sE Senator Wilson, in letter to friend
denies, in most emphatic language, the charge
made against him and Senator Sun,ner, of in.
terfering with the plans of General McClel-
la. As member of the Military Commute
of the Senate, and as aid to General McClel-
Ian he has endeavor ID to help, not hinder the
plans not only Of General Mcclellan, but Of
every other General in the army. The exigen-
cies of the country, he declares, and not his
personal or political prociiviics, have been
the guide t. his canduct 10 reference to the
wo
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23
Gen. Hunters Proclamation.


Appearances indicate that the Government,
will hardly endorse the action of Gen. Hun
ter in liberating the slaves in South Carolina,
Georgia and Florida. We are sorry that such
is the case. Were it any other department
than Gen. Hunters we should oppose so
wholesale an emancipation act, but where this
rebellion had its birth-where it has been
untiringly nursed and cherished - where
every man is traitor there, we think, the
strong arm of the Government should fall the
hardest.
Gen. Hunter is . man who has thought
deeply on the subject Of slavery and If he has
made the proclamation attributed to him, he
has only done so under the conviction that i,
is for the best interests of the Union that the
slaves of South Carolina should be free, and
with the opportunities afforded him for judg-
ing as to the true policy to be adopted, we
think his decision could be relied upon as
the most effectual policy for overcoming the
rebels.
The Government has labored long enough
in endeavoring to unite this Gordian knot Of
slavery let it now unsheath the sword and
by force cut it asunder. When this is &C.
complished We may expect speedy termina-
ton of our troubles. There is no use Of
waging war alike for the overthrow Of trea.
son and the safety of slavery. They are both
so intimately connected that where one ID
overthrown the other must succumb.
If there are any loyal men in the South lei
them be remunera:ed for their loss of prop.
erty, but in Gods name let the Government
show that it is alive to the importance Of its
work by striking blow that willidisable its
treacherous antagonist at once.
PS A dispatch received last night, and
published elsewhere, announces the Prcsi
dents emphatic disapproval of Gen. Hun.
ter's proclamation.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

TEE SANITARY CoNvENTloN AT DAv1NPoar.
We call attention to the meeting Of the
Sanitary Convention 1t Davenport on the
18th Of this month. Passengers over the n.
I'm. R. R. will pay full fare going up, but
will be conveyed back free Of charge. We
urge the attendance ofa large delsgaton
from this city, as the cause b well worth ths
attention Of al.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

A WuopP.a.-The widest Aunchausenism
we have yet seen appears in the Chicago
Times. to the effect that Virginia paper has
been suppressed for publishing the recent
address Of the recognized" The cause Of
the suppression 10 stated to be that the
high, constitutional (a) and conservative posi-
ton taken by the Democracy" will have
the effect to win away the Southern heart to
the Union again. Such enormous "roor
backs" ~ these arc too wild to gull people,
even In these gullable times.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

WA letter from q regimental Quarter
master at Corinth to his wife, says, they (the
rebels) are gone up. They have scant ton
days rations, and can get no more. He
thinks there can be no fighting, - Halleck
haa cut OF their supplies
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

EEx. Governor Hicks, Of Maryland,
talks too much. On the late occasion he said
he hated call anti-slavery men, and all pro-
slavery men," As there are only these two
classes of men in the country, it is fair to sup
pose, that the Governors love is confined to
women.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

A CANADIAN OPINION OF THE BLOwIN0 Up
OF TIE MERRIxAc.- The Canada papers which
until lately have been intensely Southern in
their opinion, arc now beginning to black.
guard the South as souadly as they ever did
the North. The Toronto Globe says: We
confess, however, to some surprise at the
blowing up Of the Merrimae. We have never
overrated tine "pluck' of the Southerners, but
in destroying such vessel without endeavor-
ing to !njure their opponents, they manifested
. degree Of "poltroonsy" rarely if ever
euualled,
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

f 1t is said there is no doubt that the
rebel General Sterling Price, of Missouri, vas
killed, as rumored, a few days ago. He fel
into an ambuscade Of the 51st Illinois, who
fred upon him, aud he fell, pierced by forty
balls. He was broughtin!o the Federal camp
and Unidentified b. parties who knew him.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

By our dispatches this morning It will be
seen that our army is now within eight miles
Of Richmond. That battle will take place
before Sunday is almost certain, unless the
rebels evacuate and strike out for other
quarters.
The greatest confidence is expressed
in military circles in the success Of
our arms. With Richmond in our power,
Virginia is rescued from the clutches Of the
rebels.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23


SHORT RoPEs AND QUICK SHRIvING.-The
threat Of guerilla warfare, as the least act in
rebel tragedy, seems about to be carried out
in Western Ken>ecky. There is way toput
an end to that; and if the first party of cut
throats who are captured are made to deck
the trees of the nearest wood, hung up by the
halters of their horses, we shall hear little
more of guerilla warfare in tho neighborhood
where such an example Of retributive justice
is made. Have we not, in all that region, a
commander who has the qualities which will
enable him to crush guerilla numbering.
4a% Hon. John w. Noel, Of Missouri, has
written letter oonsenting to become candi-
date for reelection to Congress. In conclu-
sion, he says:
~ think we shall pass contiscation bill
that will reach the men who may hereaf ter
put themselves in opposition to their own flag.
The men who have despoiled Union men, and
murdered some of the best and most peaceful
citizens of the State because they were not
traitors like themselves, must stop their hell
ish work; and if, with all the warnings they
have had, they do not stop it, they must be
punished. know not what the feeling of
the people may be on the subject, but for my
self, am frank to say, that am for confis-
cation, and will sustain reasonable bill here,
and will maintain it on the stump before my
constituents. This say openly, and hope it
may be thoroughly understood by the people
of the district"
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

eW-At Sullivan, Ind, several secession
sympathizers placed bar on the track over
which special train, containing Gov. Morton
and staff. must pass, hoping that he::collision
would destroy that loyal and noble7hearted
officer. The collision took place but Gov.
Morton escaped unframed. The conspirators
have been arrested. sfn
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

CO Captain Bailey, the second in com-
mand of the New Orleans expedition, says
the action on the Mississippi has illustrated
two principles: LIST. That no forts could pre-
vent such feet as we had at New Orleans
from passing up New York harbor to the city,
and up the Thames to London bridge. I'd.
That we must build more iron gunboats, and
put one in every river in Secessia, if necessa-
ry, as the sure and effective method of keep
ing the rebellion in check.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23
More Burning OF Cover nment
Property.

The latest advices from Fort Pickens give
an account of the destruction of the Pensacola
Navy Yard by fire, and its subsequent cap
ture by the Federal forces. Contrary to the
rules of all civilized warfare the rebels burn
ard destroy everything as they 60, leaving
nothing but blackened ruins and fields laid
waste to rark the path of their retreating
armies.
Strange IS it may appear, in the face Of all
these facts concerning the implacablc hatred
OF the traitors for the North, and the wicked
and unprecedente manner in which they
carry On the war, = party is organizing here,
in Iowa, to protect them in their property and
to guarantee to them the rights and privileges
which they declared they would not have 1t
is singular how low men, gathered together
under party organization, can become.
Here is a great, and at one time powerful
party, which for years has held the reins of
the Government, ready now to re-organize
itself into sort Of Home Guard to protect
the interests of the very men who ruined
them pc itioally, and came very near running
the country. We should certainly think that
in view Of tho PAST, the present, and the
prospect for the future, every Northern man,
who is loyal at heart, would be ready to cry
out against this great crime of human slav-
cry. and leave it to its inevitable doom.
The fact is the leaders of this conservative
in Iowa are traitors, who hate their
country and worship rebellion, George W.
Jones, Father Mahoney and score of these
1T SCRABBLE schemers, at heart. are as traitprous
As ! IF I;avis himself
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

THOSE HORRIBLE YANKEEs.-A con traband.
from Williamsburg, who came here in COM.
pany with one of our chaplains, says that be-.
fore our troops reached Williamsburg, the
slaves in that vicinity were told to beware Of
the "horrible Yankees, who had very small
bodies but great large heads. with front
teeth like horses, and were known to eat hui
man fesh." Upon being asked whether tho
slaves believed this, he replied-"Dun no
reckon not, massa. Dem Yankees has got
no horns, but fights like de debble"- Fort
ress Monroe Correspondents of the Pailadel-
phia Inquirer,
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

GEN. BARNARp's OPIN1oN.-Gen. Barnar d,
McClellan's Chief Engineer, writes to Wash
ington that he believes the rebels are concen-
trating all their forces with the design Of fight
ing great battle before Richmond. Il
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

az Count Mercier, the French Minister,
is reported to be amazed by the rebel retreat
from Yorktown. When he was at Rich
mond, Davis, Wigfall and the rest assured
him that, beyond any doubt, they should sue
coed in holding Yorktown and defeating the
Yankees there, and sent dispatches home to
that effect, as did some of the other f-reign
ministers. NJ. Mercier now exclaims, with
abundant French shrugs, "What can I be-
lieve? whom am to trust? They told me
that they never would give up Yorktown, and
now!'
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23
~"Nis not" saws a Southern paper.

81" 1t is not" says Southern paper,
1.-THE negro question that is now mooted-itis
to know whether the Puritan or Cavalier is
to rule this continent. For fifty years we
have been preparing for it, and tho Yankees
cannot expect to destroy in a day what we
have taken 90 long to prepare" In so far As
the ''gentry" are loose livers, goddess, lawless
and profane, they may claim to be- the sue
cessors Of the Cavaliers, or possibly, under a
bar sinister, descendants. That fool notion Of
"blood," however, sticks in the minds of those
whose male ancestors were convicts, shipped
to the plantations, and whose maternal ones
were bartered at jamestown for tobacco.
There's pedigree for you!
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

north CARoLlNA.-Again we have news
from North Carolina to the effect that the
rebellion has become unpopule in that State,
that further aid to it is withhd and that the
Governor not only refuses d furnish any
more troops to jeff Davis, but has even re-
called those that are in the rebel service.
4, we have had reports of tbs character from
NV. W. w. .o';. oe'esH :, out they have turned
yu' e@ase1a''or Is. We trust that this time
' .Ie sepo'' will be fully confirmed by facts,
"" II we are disposed to believe they will
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

CONSERVATIVES -Timid old gentlemen who
see danger to tho Constitution" in the fluc.
atoms Of the egg market. n
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

The London Times makes disclosure
of the general designs of the: Admiralty with
respect to the British navy. The modern the
DRY of armor will be applied 70 the sailing yes
sells OF the navy, not entirely, but partially
They will be protected at all points, and will
carry just so much of a shield as will lsaye.
them from needless exposure, but not SO mach,
as would destroy their sailing qualities by the.
weight Of incumbrance. As to armament,
they will carry two guns on a platform which.
will render their broadsides q<sAlent to those.
of the 17-gun sloops. $50 iiI
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

E The movement of some Democrats in
Congress to galvanize the Democratic party
into life under the lead of Vallandigham and
his associates, meets with no favor among
prominent men of the old organization in this
quarter. Nor is it likely to receive much any
place outside Of the bogus Confederacy. The
Washington correspondent of the Post says
that such leading Democrats in Congress as
Erastus Corning and MIR. Odell of New York,
Mr.. Holman of Indiana, and others, scorn to
attach their names to such document as the
Address, Cleveland Herald
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23

The You've PAYMAsrER.-We published
last week an interesting letter from William
Sells, son of the Secretary of State. William
is Assistant Paymastcr in the United States
Navy, and is attached to Commodore Porter's
Orleans feet By virtue of his position, he
was under no obligation to participate in any
naval engagement but like true Iowan, he
volunteered to go with the frigate Colorado
on dangerous expedition to cut an immense
chain which the rebels had buoyed up on
schooners below Fort jackson. William was
in charge Of the powder division, occupying
post Of great danger. In the subsequent
engagement, the vessel to which William be-
longed was completely wrecked by the guns
from Fort jackson, but he fortunately escaped
without injury. In writing to his father be-
fore the fight came off, he intimated that the
battle would be desperate one, and stated
that ii nc should fall, be desired his friends
in Iowa 90 know that he fell at his post in de-
Tense Of the old flag. 1t is matter of re
joicing among his numerous friends in Iowa
to know that he was spared to see the Con-
federate flag lifted from the Custom House
at New Orleans, and Federal supremacy rec
ognized again IN the great city Of the South
west.-Desmoines Register.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23
eK- soldier in G eneral Mitchelrs divis-
ion at Huntsville, writes as follows:

ion at Huntsville, writes as follows:
The rebels telegraphed up here, as more Of
our men arrived, to know if it would be safe
to send prisoners through here to Richmond,
Va.-they did not know our men had possess
sion of Huntsville-and Gen. Mitchell tele-
graphed back, stating it would be perfectly
safe; so they sent up train full Of our men
that they had taken prisoners at Plttsburg
Landing; and we got them back, to the sur
prise of the rebels
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-23
TELEGRAPHIC.

Ikl6QIlA1 HUI
McCLELLAND'S HEAD QUARTERS
WITHIN A SHORT DISTANCE
OF RICHMOND.
OUR ARMY ENCAMPED NEAR THE
CITY.
A Great Battle Expected Soon.
TIE PRESIDENTS PRO0LAMA-
TON GENERALLY APPROVED.
100000 ADDITIONAL VOLUN.
TIERS TO BE CALLED OUT.
General Engagement Looked for at
Corinth.
THE STEAMER ORIENTAL WRECKED ON BoDY's
ISLAND
FIT. GAINES ACU ATED.
INDIC ATOMS OF FOREIGN INTERVENTION
IN AMERICAN AFFAIRS.