davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
THE OBJECT.

Military operations are not conducted on hap
hazard chance; nor 90 generals march their armies
about like roaring lions, seeking whom they may
devour;" but accomplish their purposes by pre-
arranged campaigns, having certain and well de-
fined objects. Gen. Lee did not march out of
Richmond towards the sources Of the Chicka-
hominy seeking enemy; but knowing the
position Of the enemy, he performed those cele-
brated mau@uvres by previously arranged plan;
nor did he move his army to Piedmont Virginia
without first determining what would be his
course upon reaching the theatre of war So,
also, to his march into Maryland-that, too
had an object and purpose, being different from
what the enemy supposed, as well what our
people believed.
1t was not step towards invading Pennsylva-
MIA, nor yet it made only to raise Maryland
The real objects were the capture of the Yankee
force at Harpers Ferry and the drawing of Nc
Ciellan out Of Washington, and incidentally the
rousing Of Maryland. While his proclamation to
fhe people of Maryland deceived his enemy and
manifested to the world the difference between the
Confederate manner of conducting the war and
that Of our enemies, it completely disguised his
principal object.
His march to Frederick and his proclamation,
assembled at Washington brigades aud regiments
which could have been sent via Chambersburr
and Hagerstown to the relief of Harpers Ferry.
Had Gen. Lee marched directly on Harper $
Ferry, his design would have been understood
and prevented by the immediate evacuation of
the place and retreat into PENNSYLVANIA or directly
to Washington. In military operations the most
circuitous route may be the shortest way to ac-
complish an object; and as the final purpose of
every campaign is most carefully concealed, ap-
rearances are made deceptive, and the people at
home. well the enemy are both deceived
Now that the capture of Harpcrs Ferry and the
i battle of Sharpsburg reveal the object Of the
movement into Maryland, every one must admire
the stragetic talents Of distinguished General,
and his wonderful power of combination becomes
more apparent contemplate the skilful man
ner in which he delayed McClellan's army, de-
stined to relieve Harpers Ferry, and postponed
the engagement in general battle until the be-
sieging force from IIarpcr's Ferry could come up.
Having captured llarpors Ferry, the carupagn
tcosed.
He then turns on Mcclellan, and fights the
battle of Sharpsburg-a battle in which he had
lnothing to lose, but everything to gain; and in
(which the enemy had nothing to gain, but every
sthing to lose. If General Lee had been defeated
at Sharpsburg nothing would have been deter
mined by the battle, because by crossing into
Virginia, he was approaching lis base of opera
lltions and drawing the enemy further and further
Hfrom theirs. Mcclellan discovered Gen. Lees
lesign too late to prevent It's execution. Harpers
Ferry. with It's garrison, armament, arms and
Hstores all fell into hands. \ glorious termi-
patton of splendid paign.-Rich Enquirer.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

A NOBLE PRoJEcT.-We learn from the w.:
mington Journal, that in the town of Wilsor" IL Il.
Thanksgiving day, sermon was delivered bv r." q"
DR.. Deems, after which large collection nv.
taken up in aid of circulating tracts and testansnsS
among our soldiers While the audience W.:
the kumor, it was proposed, and was at once resol
ed upon, that an attempt would be made to r.;'.
100000 or S150 900 for the purpose of estobli~S
ing Military College for the education of the .,
phan boys of such soldiers as fall in the wurs -
the Confederacy. More than $4,000 were snS
scribed, 81 goo being contributed by the sur,eoO.
attached to the hospital under the superintendent
of Dr. S. S Satchwell
New CoRN.-Mr. "A. Barksdac, living ma,
Albany, Ga, has sold ten thousand bushels &c
Corn to the Government, delivered at the railroad
at rs cents per bushel, the Government furnish
ing the sacks. This is probably a>larger nr;oa
than will be paid hereafter and has been done ~
insure its early delivery Charleston Courier
An old fellow once said to scapegrace VIII
asked him about the propriety of his joining the
church "Don't do it, Tom, don't do it," said ths
old fellow, shaking his head, cit will certainIv
injure the church, ard will do you no possible
good"
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

river was apprsed that heavy column CT the
enemy had arrived on the opposite side, prepared
to give him battle. Gen. j. concealed his
corps as to show only small portion of his force
A battery of field pieces was placed on hill near
the river, and the gunners ordered to fire but one
round, and leave their pieces. The ruse was emil
nently successful. Several brigades of the enemy
fastened over the river, when our forces were
thrown upon them with resistless power and most
destructive effect Nearly the entire force of the
enemy were annhilated, the slaughter being per-
hans the most terrific ever known in the same
space of time Many of the deluded creatures
were slain in the attempt to the river, and
it is stated that the number of dead was SO great
that the stream was literally damned by their
bodies. Some fifteen hundred prisoners were
taken, and of the ten thousand Of the boastlng
foe it is believed that not over two thousand
ESCAPED Our own loss is said to have been very
slight. 4 gentleman who left ShepherGstown
after the fight says that captured some thirty
or forty pieces of splendid artillery in this fight
We think we are justified in saying that the
situation of our army is encouraging, ard such as
to warrant the conviction that our prospects are
decidedly more cheering than before the great
battle at Sharpsburg. Mcclellan will probably
not be anxious to renew the contest.
Later information states that the number Of the
enemy that made the attack was only 5000, all
but 800 Of whom were either killed or captured.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
THE STORY OF THE ENEMY.

The Northern papers which we have received
contain very voluminous accounts OF the military
operations on the upper Potomac We pass over
their long accounts Of the battle, the swayiag Of
the opposing lines. They little besides fancy
sketches--wild romances, invented to please a
people who Will not bear the truth.
We take the following extract from the Her
aid s. account, stating the forces Of the enemy:
General Mcclellan commanded the national
troops IN person, and had on the field the whole
command of General Burnside recently augment
ed by the addition Of several new regiments; the
army corps lately under General Mcdowell, now
under command of Gen. Hooker; General Sum
ner's corps; General Franklins corps; General
Banks corps, commanded by General Williams;
and Sykes division of Fitz John PorterS corps.
In the fight General Hooker was wounded and
carried from. the field and Ricketts, assumed com
maud."
In the following the courage of our soldiers is
acknowledged The praise is extortcd, and there
fore comes mingled with SANDERS and hate:
at is beyond all wonder how men such as the
rebel troops are'can fight they do.-That those
ragged and filthy wretches, sick, hungry, and in
all ways miserable, should prove such heroes in
fight, is past explanation Men never fought bet
ter. There was one regiment that stood up before
the fire Of two three of our long range batteries
and Of two regiments Of infantry, and though the
air around them was vocal with the whistle of bull
lets and the of shells, there they stood and
delivered their fire in perfect order; and there
they continued to stand until battery of six light
twclves was brought to bear on them, and before
that they broke. Nothing mortal can stand a
battery of six light Napoleon guns, if there is plen
ty of grape and canister in the ammunition chests.
The Yankees lost in the engagement of the
1Ttb tho f,IlIOViu,r roma1 Gopora1S Ei1lo6 oOa
wounded Major,Gen. Mansfield killed; Generals
Hooker H arruff, Duryca, Richardson, Edgwick,
French, Sumner, Dana, Mcag her. Ricketts,, Weber
and Rodman, wounded
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
THE pRIvATEs.

Whilst laurels are heaped upon the heads of the
victorious leaders of our armies, the people will
ever embaln in their gratitude the noble soldiers
through whose disinterested and sublime selfsac-
riice our wonderful successes have been achieved.
Whilst behind none In admiration of the genius
and courage by which our armies are directed, and
without which the best armies would be like ships
without helmsmen or captains, we cannot but feel
fol the humble soldiers in the ranks emotion of re-
spect and affection as deep and pervading as any
which successful rank can elicit. Even if we do
not take into consideration the fact that a large
proportion of the pryates in the Southern army
gentlemen of education, refinement and high So
cial position, profound sympathes of every gen.
erous heart must be awakened by the tolls, the
suf1erngs, and the matchess daring of these hero
ic men. They have given up homes where none
of them ever knew want or hardship, for life in
which they have cheerfully endured such priva-
tions labors and perils have rarely fallen to the
lot of humanity. They have endured the extre-
mites of heat and cold, and the keener pangs of
long and, perhaps, amending separation from their
homes, to a country which is dearer to tn EN-
than life. They have done all without even the
prospect Of reward, or even distinction, for the
miserable pittance which is all that the Govern
ment can bestow is no compensation for services
Ike theirs, and the honors won by the whole are
widely dffused that the individual share of glo
ny is small indeed. 1t is touching sight to be-
hold these modest war-worn heroes, often without
an arm Or leg, by whom even kind word or a
look is received benefaction, and who are too
often treated with official insolence by those who
are not worthy to tie the latches of their shoes.
But virtue, in its humblcst estate, must, here or
hereafter, receive its appropriate reward from Him
who knows how to estimate the value of every hu-
man action, and whose treasury is large enough to
reward ultimately without stint all who deserve
favor at His hands.-Richneond Dispatch.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
w ar News.
FROM THE PoToMAC.

The late events on the Potomac, since the
capture of Harper's Ferry, may be stated thus:
On Tuesday, the 10th, Lee, whose forces were
concentrating at Sharps5urg, was confronted by
Mcclellan who had followed him thither from
Boopsboro the day before. On Tuesday evening
a ligbt and harmless cannonade occurred lasting a
few hours On the next day the great battle of
Sharpsburg was fought, lasting until night. Some
Of Gen. Lees forces arrived during the action-a
portion of them at an advanced hour. The close
of the battle left in possession of the field; and
IN the next morning it was discovered that Nc
lleau had retreated.
Gen Lee held the field all day Thursday, caring
for the wounded and the dead. He then crossed
the Potomac, which only about two miles
distant, and took position at or near Shepherds
town We think he thus moved nearly or quite
his whole army.
The General of the enemy, ascertaining his
withdrawal to the south side, began what they call
their pursuit Perhaps deceived to some extent
by the stories with which they deceive their
people, they even vcntured to throw over force
of ten thousand men to press the fight of the
"disorganizcdp Confederates How this expedi-
ton Jared on Sunday the 2lSt, let the following
official dispatch, dated Saunton. September 23d,
tell:
General: dispatch has just been received
from Winchester, dated Dist The enemy crossed
10000 men over the river at Shepherdstown, and
were Immediately attacked by Jacksons corps and
routed. Their loss very heavy ours slight. Quite
number of arms taken. jackson has re crossed
into Maryland. III. b. DAVIDSON,
Col. p. A. c. s.
Another chastisement, swift and sudden and
severe has fallen upon the enemy from the hand
Of Jackson
Gen. Lees present position we do not know
whether he is still on the south side or whether
he has re-crossed his army to the other. But he
has his plans, and himself and his army, crowned
with the fame of new exploits, are in the highest
spirits. We will not even guess at his plans, lest
it might suggest the right idea to the enemy.
But, surely, Gen. Lee can be cheerfully trusted
to manage the operations confded to him That
be will do this to the best advantage, may we'll be
inferred from his brilliant career, from the cam
Paign the Chickahoniny this hour His
plans have been admirably concevcd-a admirably
concealed from the enemy, and admirably execu-
,ed To the enemy he must seem like cross
eyed man
He out-generalled Mcclellan on the Chcka-
hominy-he made fool of Pope from the Rapi-
dan to Manassas-he has disgraced Mcclellan
again, by the capture Of Hatper's Ferry with
nearly twelve thousand prisoners, right before his
eyes, while Mcclellan thought he was about to
strike at Harrisburg or Washington While he
has managed well, his officers and soldiers have
executed like heroes, and continued success has
gladdencd the heart Of the country.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

attempted to re-cross the river when the grape of
our musket batteries told fearful tale OF death
and destruction among the afrighted herd. Cur
loss in this repulse Of the enemy was small, and
that of the enemy very great. The troops were
the flower of Burnside's Division, and the ford of
the Potomac fully three hundred yards wide, was
filed with them to its entire capacity. Few could
have escaped and many dead Yankees have no
doubt aoated down the river even to Washington
The following are the names of some of the
prominent officers killed and wounded in the
Sbarpsburg batte:
Killed-Major Dingle, Captains Tompkins and
Exum, of the Hampton Legion: Major Dingle
fell with the flag of the Legion in his hand. The
last words on his lips were 'Legion, follow your
flag" Captain Smith of the Legion, is also
supposed to be MORALLY wounded. Generals
Starke and Branch are also killed.
Woundcd-Maior General r. H. Anderson,
Gen. Ripley, and Generals Toombs and Wright,
Of Georgia; Colonel Aiken, Col Barnes, Twelfth
South Carolina; Col. Gordon, and Lieut.. Colonel
Lightfoot, of the Sixth Alabama; Col. Stevens,
of the Holcombe Legion; Major Sorre General
Longstreet's Adjutant-G eneral; Major Walton,
Cen Longstreets Aid; Capt. A. Coward, Of Gen.
ID. h. Jones Staff
The enemy's loss is estimated at twenty thousand,
the Confederates from five to nine thousand. The
fight commenced at daylight and lasted until
dark. The enemy attacked first our left then the
centre, and in the afternoon the right. The
Fedcrals occupied the base of the mountain,
and consequently could not be driven out, but the
battle was decidedly in favor.
Mcclellan commanded the right, Burnside the
left, and Sumner the centre of the Federal forces.
General Longstreet commanded our right,
jackson the left, and D. H. Hill the centre.
The enemys force supposed to be two
hundred thousand. We took but few prisoners.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
BATTLE IN MISSISSIPPI.

IuKA, Miss, September 20-The right wing
of the enemy, under Rosencranz, eight thousand
strong, were found advancing on the San Jacnto
Road, driving in our pckets Gen. Price i'm
mcdiately ordered Gen. Hebert to move with his
own and Martins brigade against them, and went
himself upon the field, accompanied by Gen. Little.
They met the enemy advancing in line of battle
about mile South of the town. Our lire was
Immediately formed and the battle opened. Dis
covering the enemy in force, Gen Price sent back
for the other brgades Of Littles division. They
came forward at doube-quick, but did not reach
the field until the enemy were driven back from
every position more than six hundred yards, with
loss of over fifty prisoners and nine pieces of ar
tlllery. Darkness prevented further pursuit,
and Litles division bivouacked on the field. Our
loss in killed, wounded and missing will reach two
hundred and fifty. Gen. Little was killed, and
Colonels Whitfield, Gilmore aud Mab1y wounded.
The enemy having received reinforcements during
the night, Gen Price determined to carry out the
orders of the previous morning, and the army left
luka between and o'clock in the morning.
bringing off the captured stores. The attack
which the enemy made upon our rear guard was
repulscd with a severe loss to them. Our loss was
only one man.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
ANOTHER BATTLE AND ANOTHER
VICTORY.

On Saturday, the goth, another battle was
ought near Shepherdstown, between Jackson's
md Burnside's forces. 1t appears that after Gen.
acksen had crossed his army to this side of the
Potomac, Gen. Burnside, with 10000 federals,
Undertook to pursue him. The result is thus
Eated By the Richmond Dispatch:
OF the great battle of Saturday, of which
.lere are various versions, we have only learned
pat our triumph was complete, and the slaughter
4 the enemy terrible One statement is that
ZEN Jackson, still holding the north bank of the
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

esg@Two carloads Of negroes arrived in this
city yesterday, by the Central Railroad, direct
from Harper's Ferry. Included in The number
were men, women and children. They are the
property of citizens of Virginia living in the
vicinity of the Ferry and are part of those found
with the Yankees after their capitulation to the
forces of Gen. Jackson. Their masters propose
to offer them for sale in Richmond, not deeming
them desirable servants after having associated
with the s-Rtchmond Dispatch, 24ih
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
EReadq's District OF IS. Carolina,
RALEIGH, September 6, 1862

General Orders, No Q.
L All persons Liable to Military Duty under the Con
scription law hereby required to the Camp
of instruction, this city at Those doing
will be allowed to select the Infantry Regiment they
wish join, and unless full they will be assigned
cordingly
II. The Regiments of IGfanry and Artillery duty
in this State authorized to enlist Conscrps to in
crease each Company of Infantry and Heavy Artillery
one hundred men, but not exceeding it; and Light
Batteries to one hundred and fifty
Bv command of Brgadicr General J. e. MARTIN:
A. GORDON, \. Adj Gen
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

SUDDEN DEATH-The Rev. H. G. Lake. of
North Carolina of the Universalist persuasion
died suddenly on the streets of Richmond, last
Monday afternoon, from hemorrage of the lungs
Deceased had been in declining health for some
time past, but was able to oficiate in the pulpit
up to few days previous to his death, which he
did in the Universaist Church at Richmond, on
Sunday week last
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

CONGRESS AND THE ARMY.-We are at loss
for terms in which to speak of the conduct of the
Congress now in session in Richmond. With the
Yankee draft before their eyes, which is rapidly
gathering together army Of six hundred thou
sand men for the avowed purpose of overpowering
the Confederate forces at all points and re-enactinc
upon Southern soil, the scenes of devastation aud
atrocities of the last season, this body has been
wasting day after day and week after week, in
Idle and mischievous harangues, merely it would
seem, to murder time and thereby expose their
country to new and severer sufferines from the
war. "a plague upon all towards" cries Falstaff
and ga plague upon" these Congressional speeches,
say we, with our whole heart We wish we could
never hear of another during the war, for such as
are now spouted forth every day, more dis
astrous to the republic that any army of million
of Yankees would be.-PetcrsJrg Express,
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

CHARLESTON, S. c. Sept. 25.-The lNercu,y of
this morning, says that passengers report there
grounds for believing that the enemy are sending
heavy reinforeements to Hilton Head, and along
the shores of Broad river. Pnckney Island is now
occupied by a large body Of troops
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
NOTICE..

Taken up by the subscriber living two miles east Of
Charlotte, about the 18th of August, Bay Mule
supposed to be about ten years old, with split in the
left Ear, and Swinneyed. The have it by
paying expenses and proving property.
MARG'T ALEXANDER.
September 9, 1862. 3t-pd
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

A GREAT HAUL IN KENTUCKY-Wc learn
from Nashville that Gen. Bragg has captured
Mumfordsville, Ky, and with it 5,400 prisoners,
large number Of negroes and several pieces of
artillery.
As~It is said fourteen companies of Tennes-
seeans voluntarily joined Gen. Bragg, between
Sparta and Pikeville, without waiting to be con-
scrlpted. This Is the true spirit. Let our citi-
zens in every State follow this noble example
FROM ARKANsAs.--We had an interview
yesterday, says the Memphis Appeal of the 10th,
with gentleman who left Helena Friday last
He informs that the day before he lett, our
forces in the of Helena, bagged an entire
regiment of Curtis army, amounting to FIVE
or six hundred men. They were decoyed by
cavalry scouts into infantry ambuscade and
captured.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
DAVIDSON COLLEGE.

The exercises of this Institution will be resumed at
the regular time, viz: the 25th September
In addition to the usual studies, Preparatory
School will be opened under the personal supernten-
dence of members of the Faculty.
For particulars address,
J. L. KIRKPATRICK,
September I'd, 1862 St President
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

FIELD OFFICERS OF N. C. TROOPS
friend has taken some pains to furnish. n.
our request the following list of the field officers
of North Carolina troops. This list is correct 20
the present date, (Sept. 13th) it having been CON-
piled from official records
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
Corn Wanted.

wish to purchase large lot of Corn. Persons haV,
ing corn to sell would do we'll call at the livery ana
the Jail j. W. WADSWORTH.
Sept 0, 1862 1t
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

BEAUTIFUL CoTToN.-The finest specimen of
Cotton we remember to have seen in this market
brought here yesterday from the crop of Mrs
l.. j. Powell of Powelon, Richmond county It
brought 22i cents u above the market price,
Fuyctfccile Observer
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
FEED FOR STOCK.

Any quantity OF Linseed Oil Cake for sale at 81
Catharines Mills, near Charlotte
July Is, 1862
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30
NOTICE..

Those acquainted with the duties of the County
Court Clerks Office think that it is unnecessary for
the Office be open every day, and by the advice and
consent of the Court now give notice that will be in
the Office business Mondays, Thursdays and Sat-
udavs of each week only until further notice is given
WM. MAXWELL, Clerk G. c..
August IL, 1862 If
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-30

The following regiments and battalions have made no
returns to the Aduant Genera, and have. therefore, not
been numbered Colonel d. d. Ferebees Colonel L. NJ
Aliens, and Colonel r. G. A Loves regiments Colonel
G. n Folks cavalry, Major Moores light artillery, Major
Young's artillery, Major Whartons slarpshooers, Major
Greenes battalions. There also quite number Of
heavy artillery companies, etc. enough in all TO makeOur
active force up to sixty-ye regiments- Raleigh jour
nal 18th inst