Smyrna times., 1863-03-05
WHOLE NO. 1913
From The Dciqwsyean, FEB. 14th.1

NEwBERE n. C., Jan. 29th, 1863.
MIR. EDITOR 81 have just learned from friend
in Dover that am severely censured because I oc.
cupy house and articles of furniture formerly
belonging to a rebel who is in the ranks of the
secession army. further hear that it is said that
have acquired possession of elegant furniture and
plate OF much value, and the inference is kindly
drawn from this assured fact, that have appropra
ted these articles, their value to nv use as an in
dlvidual and not as an officer of the Government.
Furthc more, learn that, as a punishment for nv
mIsiccds, some persons talk of burning nv property
IN Dover. All this is very charitable and NAV be-
right, but cannot see it i'll that light. When ar
rived at Newbern l reported personally to Major
Gen. Foster, who requested Capt. Messinger "a mem,
bar OF his stall and Superintendent of Houses in
this city, to furnish with a residence. This
house, with all its contents, assigned 20 me bv
Captain Messenger. 1t was then occupid bv a ma1.
by the name of Morris, who had been permitted 20
remain IN 1t since the occupation of Newbern, be-
cause 1t had not been heretofore needed by the Cow
ernment, notwithstanding his character was daily
becoming notorious a malignant rebel. heard
him refuse, In pcrenptOry and offensive manner TO
take the oath OF allegiance, whercupon he was sent
beyond our lines, among the rebels in arms where
he VIII not be ot as much service to treason as he
was while spy in our camp, and now occupy this
house by virtue OF Il written order Of Major Gen.
Foster. There very little furniture in the house
three tables, an oldfashoned sidcbsard, two bu-s
reaus, chairs, some common china, a few tufnbeYs
and a cellar full Of whiskcy bottles (emptyl COM
Prised the lot. am happy to say that have made
some comfortable additions to the above articles.
Does 1t not seems that many of our Delaware people
are not aware that we waging ,rar in this sec.
tion Do they imagine We are on friendly visit
to the inhabitants of North Carolina7 Is sit not time
that they should learn that traitors have no reason
to expect to be treated with that polite consideration
which we accord to our dearest friends Do they
expect and desire that those who are here TO serve
their country should re consdcrate as to live in
tents and that the of the property of rebels in
arms against their country should be scrupuiouslv
avoided, and that rebel spies should be permitted Ia
| live IN the midst of the army. in the enjoyment of
all the rights oi loyal citizens? Ifsuch be their SEN
tments, let them at once and forever be undeceyed
We arc here 10 fight traitors, and while they contin
ne in their treason they have no rights of propertv
within our lines expect to occupy this house and
use the furniture within long as remain here
| unless Major Gen. Foster shall assign me better
ono, and when leave Newbern this house and its
contents will be turned to its rghtul owners
the Government OF the United States-by whom.
hope, will be Sold to help pay the expenses of tho
war. expect to take away neither bereau, side.
| board chairs, plate nor whiskey bottles.
! CLAYTON A. CowGILL v
| Surgeon of Volunteers.