davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

TnB SIEGE or ToRKrowN.-From present
appearances Gen. Mcclellan is likely to have
= serious job in the taking of Yorktown.
The siege will, no doubt, be prolonged one.
The New York Times thinks we can well af-
ford to take our time in its capture, and hopes
that all the military strength of Virginia is
concentrated there, so that when the place is
taken our victory will be the more complete.
The western part Of Virginia has for some
time been under our control Gen. Banks,
With strong column, is moving down the
Shenandoah Valley, the finest part of the
State, and from which the greater portions
Of the rebel supplies for the war have been
drawn. The 10 IS Of this fertile, productive
region the rebels admi to be a serious calam-
ity. Other movements will doubtless soon
threaten Richmond from the Northwest. Two
columns are rapidly overrunning the State,
while the great bulk of its forces is holding
Yorkto Wn in its extreme eastern section. If
Gen. Mcclellan remains simply on the defen-
sive, the rebels must soon abandon their po-
sition or they will be cut off in their retreat
to Richmond. But we presume that our for
ces have already made good headway in dis
lodging the enemy. After our glorious sue
cess in the West, the capture Of the rebels al
Yorktown would end the rebellion, as did the
capture Of the British forces there end the
War of the Revolution. .-s. ssla
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

INCIDENT IN A HosPIrAL.-A correspondent
of the Buffalo Courier, writing from st. Louis,
mentions the following touching incident
which happened i'm one of the hospitals Of
St. Louis:
In another ward I saw a Tennesseean,
whose cheek presented the palor of DEATH
walked up to his bedside. His hand was
trying to grasp some object that. in his fitful
dehrium was pictured on his dying imagi-
nation. His lips feebly uttered the word
"Catharine." l took his hand in mine; his
eyes, that were rolled upward in their sock.
cts, wandered around until he was able to
fix their gaze on me. "Do you say some
thing?" said 1, tenderly. He motioned to
me to put my ear down. 20, my wife
Oatharine-my childrenv' His breathing
was short his voice very faint "How ma
ny children have your said l. He held up
his four fingers. "What is your name2'
said I. "William G. Brandon" replied he
"Where are you from p I asked. "Dods.
vile, Jackson County, Tenn" Yves revol.
wing in my mind if there would be an oppor-
tunity to forward intelligence of him to his
family, when he said, "WilI you write to
Catharine ? Tell her II thought of he,
and the children j; IL prayed for them : Oh
God oh God !" l assured him would en-
deavor to fulfil his request. then talked t.
him about q Redeemer, and after while
he seemed happier. His looks spoke wha
| words could not. .t..,.r n
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25
Young Iowa.

In every fight Iowa bears distinguished
part. At Wilson's Greek, at Belmont, at Ft
Donelson and Pittsburg her gallant sons
were in the thickest of the fray. Brave, viii
ling, with rare power Of endurance, they have
made record for that young State that will
never fade. No where have her men faltered.
No where have they failed to claim the post
Of danger; they have claimed it because il ia
the post of honor. At Donelson the charge
of the Iowa Second was the crowning feat OF
the assault-the one that elected the highest
concentrations from the superior officers
At Pittsburg, the Iowa regiments engaged
did nobly and though in the first onset,
parts of three were surrounded and taken
prisoners, they contended against superior
numbers anu the disadvantages Of ground
until their courage was nobly vindicated
ln the encomlums lha. are heaped upon In
diana and Illinois, for they too have done
nobly, let Iowa, rot less heroic and patriotic,
be remembered. In fact, West Of Ohio how
shall we discriminate W hep we begin topraise
Where all did so well, who shall say who did
the most?- Chicago Tribune. .jJsl
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

HORRIBLE DOUBLE MURDER IN APPANoosE
CouNTY.-A correspondent of the Ottumwa
Mercury, writing from Centerville, Iowa, un-
der date of the 9Th inst, details the particu-
lars of the murder of a man named Frazier
and woman named King. They had made
their appearance together in that town on
the Friday previous in a wagon, and drove
some eight miles west, when they encamped
for the night. They were both found dead
in bed in the wagon next day, having appar-
emily been murdered instantly while asleep
the night previous. Their faces were chop
ped horribly With hatchet or some similar
instrument. S. A. King, husband of the
woman, is supposed to have been the murder
er. He an6 his wife had been separated for
some time and were making preparations for
a divorce. Pursuit is being made for him.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

The SKULKERs.-A correspondent of the
Cincinnati Gdsette. giving lengthy descrip-
ton of the battle at Pittsburg Landing, speaks
as follows of the towards of various regiments
who sought shelter under the bank of the
river after the first charge of the enemy and
refused to be rallied for the fight:
On the bluffs above the river is sight that
may well make our cheeks tingle with shame
for some Of our soldiers. There are not less
than three thousand skulkers lining the
banks Ask them why they don't go to
their places in the line, "Oh, our regiment
is all cut to pieces" "Why dent you go to
where it is forming again ?' 81 can't find
it," ard the hulk looks as if that would be
the very last thing he would want to do.
Officers are around among them, trying to
hunt their men, storming, coax,ng, command.
am afraid. One strange fel
Iowa Major, if l remember aright-is max
ing sort of elevated, superfine Fourth of
July speech to everybody that will listen to
him. He means well, certainly "Men of
Kentucky, of Illinois, of Ohio, of Iowa, of In
diana, implore you, beg of you, come up
now. Help us through two hours more :
BY all that you hold dear, by the ho.ues you
hope to defend, by tee flag you love, by tie
State you honor, by all your love of country,
by your hatred of trs ason, eoniure YOU,
come up and d. your duty nowl' And so on
'or quantity. THAT fvler'sa good speaker"
vas the only response heard and the fellow
Who gave it nestled more snugly behind his
.ree as he spoke. -
| knew we'll enough the nature # tho skull
ng animal in an army during battle. had
'ecn their performance before, but never OF
70 large scale, never with such an utter
sickness of heart as looked, as now. Still,
do not believe there was much more than
he average per cen:age. 1t was big army,
md the runaways all sought the Landing.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

WO Our report from which we copy eau.
merates the Fifteenth Iowa infantry amongst
the regiments that ran on Sunday morning
when attacked by the enemy. Another re-
port has it the 10Th Iowa. Whatever may
be the truth in that respect it seems to be
conceded that there was no disgrace attached
to the movement, and so far as the 18th is
concerned the heavy loss of the regiment,
and the fact that three field officers were
wounded indicate that they must have done
some hard fighting during the progress of the
ba tile.
1t is useless, however, to undertake to
speculate without boarder foundation of facts.
- Gate City, 18Th.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25
Message from the President.

Message from the President.
,.-,... II. ..-s.r WASHINGTON, April 16.
The Presidents message On the emancjpa-
tson Of slavery in the District Of Columbia is
as follows: ..,.. ....... .... ,-.-...-
Felloao Citizens cfthe Senate and House of
Representatives
The act entitled an act for the release of
certain persons held to service or labor in the
District of Columbia has this day been ap-
proved and signed. / have never doubted
the Constitutional authority of Congress to
abolish slavery in this District, and | have
ever desired to see the National Capital Fl &c
from the Institution in some satisfactory way.
Hence there has never been in my mind any
question on the subject, except one of expe-
diency arising in view of all the circum-
stances. If there be matters within and
about this act which might have taken
course or shape more satisfactory to my
Judgment, I do not attempt to specify them.
ain gratified that the true principles of COM
pensation and colonization are both recog-
nized and practically applied in this act. In
the matter Of compensation, 1t is provided
that claims may be presented within ninety
days Of the passage of the act, but not there
after; and there is saving for minors, femn,es
ceoert insane or absent persons. presume
there is an omission by mere oversight, and
recommend that it be supplied by an amen
datory or supplementary act.
(Signed) AsRAHAM LINCOLN.
The President has named as commission
ers, under. the District Emancipation Bill,
Messrs. J. K. Goodloe, S. F. Vinton, aud j.
Is. Bennett.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25
The EseDeIs and the Battle in Ten.
-. he SSeH. --L -

-.l...ssA TT. MoNgoE, April II.
Copies Of the Richmond Nesp .tca and Nor
folk Day Book We're received here last even.
ing. The De%putch contains . tele ram from
Beauregard, dated Corinth, 9th inst, stating
that he was strongly entrenched and pre-
pared to defy the Fede,als in whatever num-
Der they might attack HIN. lie claims the
battle Of P!ttsbury LanGing, as most impor-
tsnt rebel victory. He says: I've captured
5000 Federal lris5ners and 36 cannoa.''
The Dispatch commenting on the above,
thinks that the totgl roat of Generals Buell.
and Grant is certain. No mention is made of
Beauregard being wounded
The Dispatch says, in reference to affairs
on the Peninsula, that no anxiety need be felt,
as Yankees are 20 be driven back to the
Fortress, and thoroughly vanqn;shed by the
forces under Generals Lee, johnson and
Magruder. -o -.. .e--, ,Al- I'D
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25
BY JOHN MAHIN.
SuppaEs ssEp WAR Nsws.-As we expected

in the beginning, the suppression of news
from our fleets and armies is turning out to
be mammoth humbug. .
While the citizens OF this and every other
city are cheated out of the legitimate news Of
the day, the rebels are just as well posted as
they ever were. As a loyal citizen we are
perfectly willing to suffer any Inconvenience
that We may aid the Government, but we
can see no propriety in keeping back news
from US the knowledge of which can do
no harm. The suppression of dispatches is
left to irresponsible persons who appear to
think they must strike cut certain portion
of every dispatch whether it is contraband
or not. We have reason to believe that this
useless system will ere long be done away with
when we will again be able to furnish our
readers with descriptions of events as they
happen, and not have to wait till they have
been published in every paper in secessia.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

The Parson Brownlow, in
his Cincinnati speech, said he was slave
holder; but he had no hesitation in saying
that "when the question comes, as it will, the
Union and no slavery and slavery and no
Union,' he was for the Union and let slavery
go to the dogs, or where else it may be sent" :"
What rebuke to the snivelling hunkies in
our own midst who cry "hands off, when
ever it is proposed to tread upon the corns of
the peculiar institution"
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

WHY THE MONITOR DID NOT PURSUE THE
MERRrMAc.- the success of the Monitor
in her encounter with the Merrimac, on the
9th Of March, many persons have expressed
their astonishment that the ''cheese box
did not pursue the retreating Merrimac, and
sink her before she arrived at Norfolk. 1t
was very feasible theory, but unfortunately
there was an insurmountable obstacle to its
being put into practice. The rebels have
constructed a trap at the mouth of Elizabeth
river, go that in case the Merrimac should be
compelled to fee from an attacking force, the
pursuing ships might be ensnared and CON-
PEELED to surrender. The channel of the Eliz-
abeth river was staked off with spikes so that
q clear channel of from seventy to ninety feet
only was left by which Norfolk could be ap-
preached. Just beyond the mouth Of the
river the Germantown was moored with
springs upon her cable and ready for instant
movement. The ship was also prepared, by
boring, SO that she could be sunk in five
minutes after the valve ropes were drawn.
The plan was, in case the Merrimac was pur
sued, to let her and her pursuers pass in and
then swing the Germantown across the chan
mel and sink her, thus placing an impossible
barrier to tho escape Of the pursuing vessels.
By examining the principle upon which
rat is trapped one may readily sec what would
have been the position of our "cheese box"
in the Elizabeth river with the bars put up.
All our efforts to release her would have
proven futile, and we should have been COM
PEELED to record far greater disaster than
the loss Of our two noble frigates. It must
be borne in mind that our enemies are as
fertile in invention as ourselves.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

TIE MARCH OF FRxRDoN.-Three steps in
the interest of freedom were taken by differ
ent branches of The government to-day The
President signed his gradual emancipation
resolution. The House, by more than two
thirds vote, passed the bill abolishing slavery
in the District Of Columbia, and the Senate
by an equally gratifying majority, repealed
all laws disqua.ifying colored persons from
carrying the nails Wash. Cor. N. Y. Tri-
buns, 18th.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

YoRKrowN.-Yorktown is situated on the
right bank of the York river, seventy miles
from Richmond. 1t is an old town, settled
in 1905, and now has about fifty houses. 1,
was the theatre Of one of the mo st important
events in American history-the surrender
of Lord Corvallis to General Washington
which occurred on the 10th of October, 1871. =.
The rebels are reported to have erected stroi e
fortifcations along the river banks; the works
at Gloucester Point, opposite Yorktown, are
represented particularly to be very tormida.
BILE. :.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

GEN. LAUMAN's BRIaADE.-We learn from
the Burlington Hawkeys that in the late bat
tie Gen. Lauman's brigade, consisting of the
I'd, 7th, 18th and l4th Iowa regiments. sup
ported battery on the extreme right of oul
line Of defense, and was engaged from
O'Clock, A. NJ. till P. n. Sunday, exposed tc
the fire of the enemy during the whole time
Many were killed and many wounded, but nc
names of the 7th regiment are reported. Gen
Lauman is unhurt, though he had hors,
shot under him. s-'e
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25
"Hold, Occupy and Possess"

The Government is faithfully carrying out
the promise in President Lincoln's inaugural
address, to hold, occupy and possess" the
forts and other property of the United States.
In possession once more Of Fort Pulaski
our forces gain most important position,
which commands the main entrance to Sa-
lannah harbor. 1t releases a large land and
naval force from the special duty which has
lately occupied it, and enables US to employ
it at other points. Savannah is more than
ever at our mercy, and after Savannah falls,
we may attack Charleston and take it with
less difficulty than has heretofore been ex-
pected. All honor to the army and navy
that have achieved this glorious victory.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

O. Beauregard is said to claim a sscomplete
victory in his two days operation in the vi,
cinity Of Pittsburg Landing. It was very
curious sort Of victory" for the army that
. eft their dead and wounded, among the for
mer the Commander in Chief on the field, in
the hands of their enemies. And Beauregard
on the same day that he telegraphed that he
had won a victory, wrote to Gen. Grant, ask.
ing permission to bury his dead.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25
News from our army in Tennes-
Sec Another Battle Expect.
cd-Geal. 1litcllell Islva.
ding Mississippi. t
CHEERING NEWS FROM YORKTOWN.
Gen. Banks Still Driving the Enemy
Before Him.
Three Hundred and Sixty Secesll
Prisoners Coming up
the River.

New YORK, April 18.
The steamer Mcclellan has arrived from
Port Royal, l4th.
The frigate Vermont was being towed in
as the Mcclellan came out.
The following is the account of the capture
of Fort Pulaski: On the morning of the
10th Gen Gilmore sent to the fort com.
manding unconditional surrender. Col. O!m.
stead replied he was there to defend, not to
surrender, the forts. Our batteries immedi
ately open-d fire. A few rounds shot away
their flag, but it was replaced and firmly kept
up till sunset Gen. Gilmore then placed a
battery at Boat Point, only sixteen yards
from the fort, to freak the walls, and com.
menced firing at midnight for that purpose
with Parrot and James guns. On the morning
of 11th two breaches were discovered on the
Southeast face of the fort, which, at noon
assumed huge proportions, and about O clock
the rebel rag vas knocked down, and the
white flag displayed and the fort surrendered
Col. Olmstead stating that it was impossi
BILE to hold out longer. our rifle shots reach
ing the magazine and most Of his guns being
disabled. The 7th Connecticut regiment
took possession that night. The Union loss
is one killed and one slightly wounded; rebe
loss badly wounded, 1856 prisoners. One
hundred and five prisoners are on board the
Mcclellan, in charge of Col. Morrill,, aid te
Gen. Hunter.
By the Mcclellan we learn that jackson.
vile had been evacuated and our troops ar.
rived at Hilton Head on the steamer Cosmo
politan on the 18th. 13
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

"a %Iuka, Miss, to which Gen. Mitchell
Is reported to have advanced with his diyis-
ion, is on the Memphis and Charleston Rail-
road, only Is miles east Of Corinth, the rebel
stronghold. This report, if true, shows that
our forces are closing in on the enemy rapid
", leaving but one avenue of escape-by way
of the railroad to New Orleans.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

- The President, we are glad to see, has
just pardoned the Rev. DR.. Gordon, of Ohio,
who was imprisoned last fall by . q. s. Dis
trict Judge, for refusing to assist in capturing
fugitive slave. -5H gg7sH iso3 la .lal
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

- The treason law passed at the last
session Of the Maryland Legislature went in
to operation on the 10th inst. 1t Furnishes
with death or with from six to twenty years
Imprisonment all who levy war against the
State, adhere to Or give comfort to its enc.
mics, and fines all persons furnishing rebels
with goods or any assistance, or who raise en-
lstments for the rebel army or display seces
sion flags.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

~AM accounts of the battle of Pittsburg
agree that the 18th Iowa regiment fought
calamity in the action. It gave the enemy
one of his first checks after his terrible on
slaught, and with the did of the Iowa 18th
held him at bay four hours
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

A gentleman long connected wfsi railroads
in the South was in the city yesterday, hav.
ing recently left New Orleans. lis reports
the condition Of affairs there as exceedingly
discouragmg to the rebel Cause. The people
are suffering for the necessaries of9lfe. In
business there was nothing doing worth
naming, Citizens were d,s.rustful of each
other. Disloyalty to the Confeleracy, was
increasing, and there was an ounmistakable
desire for the re-establish,nent Of National
authority in the Crescent 1City.--Cineinnat
Gazette, ,-- Co.. .-,,,.., -t4-.... ,-
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS that the re-
turning loyalty of the Tennessee people
might affect such of their relatives as are in
the Confederate army, one Of the first things
Beauregard did, on assuming command, was
to send off his Tennessee regiments to New
Orleans, Pensacola, and other places on the
Gulfshore-so as to be as remote as possible
from "reactionary influences" at home.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

ET The people of Upton received no mail
from Saturday of week before last till Thurs.
day Of last week, in consequence cfhigh water
in Sugar Greek. 1t was bad time to be with
out the news. .-. -"'''
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25
ADisaster ON the Shennndoah.
Fifty Soldiers Drowned by the A,oamping
a@ of a Boat. - ID Ffl
WINCHESTER. Va. Anri,

WINCHESTER, va, April II.
Yesterday large boat, containing num-
Der of men and Off GERS of the 10th Pennsyl-
vsnia regiment, swamped at Castlem ans
Ferry, On the Shenandoah, drowning between
forty and fifty mer and several officers
Among the latter are Adjutant Tealman, Cap
tain Wilson, Of I'D bligaue, Commissary, and
Captain Ward. The regiment was formerly
commanded by Colonel Boiler, now acting
Brigadier General Of the Sd brigade, General
Blenkers Division.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

@ Huntsville, Alabama, now held by Fed
eral troops, is the home of L. P. Walker, late
rebel Secretary Of War, who predicted, on the
fall Of Sumter, that the rebel flag would wave
over Fanueil Hall. Instead, the stars and
stripes hoat in triumph over his own town
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

SINGULAR CASE OF PoLYGAMY.-The Kills
dale (Mich.) Democrat says A young man
aged about twenty-four years. married Miss
Smits, of Coldwater, in this State, in Novem-
Der, 1860, and in a few months after he mar
ried young lady inKalamazoo During this
fall he married another young lady in Constan-
tine, st. Joseph county, and in four months
thereafter, he was again welded to Miss
Rowley, of Goshen, Indiana, the daughter of
a wealthy citizen, which be induced to
elope with him. The father becoming recon
ciled, sent for them, and few days ago. be-
came aware of the above facts, when he caused
his villainous son-in-law to- be located in the
Centreville jail The last named young lady
is represented as being very handsome and
well educat, ed with an unblemished charac-
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

EThe bill locating the Deaf and Dumb
Asylum at Desmoines failed for want Of a
Constitutional majority. It required 48 votes
TO pass it, and received only A.
We think the present location of the Asy-
lum (at lows City, isthe best that could be
selected. lneJ l4o gd fai-9. Jc
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-04-25

COMPARATIVE Loss IN GREAT BATTLES.
The loss of killed and wounded at Pittsburg
can be compared with other great battles by
the following figures: 80 --s- ..-
The loss in killed and wounded at Maren-
60 was, French 1000, Austrians 5000; whole
force engaged, French $4,000, Austrians 30
600. At Austerhtz, French loss $4,000, al.
hes loss, 10000; French engaged 20, 900,
Allies engaged 10000. At Jena, French loss
AGO, Prussian loss 43, 600: French engaged
$4,000, Prussians engaged Ito, 900. At Fried
land, French loss 5000; Russian loss 1S, 90;
French engaged 100000, Russians engaged
$4,000. At Wagram, French loss $4,000,
Austrian loss $4,000; French engaged lsO,-
600; Austrians engaged lOo,O 900. At Water
loo, French loss $4,000, Allies loss 20, 500;
French engaged $4,000; Allies engaged no..
0oo,: At New Orleans, American loss 13;
British loss 1902; Americans engaged 1000;
British engaged $500. at Alma. Allies loss
3,lOJ; Russian loss 5000; Allies engaged 51,-
100, Russians engaged $4,000. =. -