davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
From the Army of the Ranna-
hammock.
Correspondence Of the Richmond ENQUIRER.

I SPoA-uoiAo0 VI VIC lIlClmO0O EnQulrer.
| FREDERICKSBURG, Va, April %, 1863.
The month Of May is nigh at hand. The
terms OF enlistment of the two years and nine
months men, in the Yankee army. are fast
expiring, and they are about 10 return to their
respective homes, A few Of them, those who
have no homes, will remain; but the bulk of
them have seen service enough, and prefer
the quiet avocations Of home to sshard tack
and lighting for the niger" We have seen
enough on our Immediate front to satisfy us
that it will be a gala day to the men when
they come to be mustered out. They CONT
nually remind our pickets that their times
will soon be up. One fellow hallood across
night before last and said: .Good bye. old
fellow. This is my last night on picket. Our.
times are up in nine. days, and then we are
gong home" Our boy responded by asking
him ifthe conscript act did not get him His
reply was. Damn the conscript act-that's
played out over here.o
There has been immense activity in front
for several days. Wagons have been seen in
large numbers moving about and the move
ments of troops of all arms Of the service
have been plainly visible on our front. On
Monday night there was great cheering and
hurrahing, supposed BY some to have been in 7
consequence OF the orders releasing the nine
months and two years men. BY others, it I
has been construed as a wslcome to the troops
from the Notifications Of Washington, which
hooker has demanded, it is said, in order to
hold his entrsncAed position on the Stafford
heights. Though it is asserted here tonight
hat troops are crossing at Port Royal, and +
hat Hooker is really about to. forward
march. Nothing would suit us better than
or him to come, and if he is tired Of the Ar
ny Of the Potomac, Gen. Lee viii give him q
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

favor Of the National Government, few
nights ago, to Trades Union meeting, at St.
James Hall. It was we'll meant, but very
useless. The Times is not far from right
when it asserts that the whole public Of Eng.
|land-meaning the voting and income.tsx-
paving public--all but a few disappointed Re
(publicans, hope for the success Of the South.
Lord Harrington, in an election speech tins
week. stated the whole case. He had Just
come from America, where he had travelled il
both sections, and he was out and out south
ern, and declared that no union could be r.
stored, nor could the South be conquered
This opinion was never so firm as at this mo-
ment. Is it strange that strong efforts should
be made to hasten result in which faith i
so general? iasa eg4ds aa.iF
IF the statements publicly mades and appa-
rently based on good authority, are he b
lieved, the Confederasss, within q month, will
have at sea one of the most formidable fleets
that ever steamed out upon the Atlartic. The
steamers now preparing will be a. feet -
strong and as powerful as British machinists
can make them. You have not begun to for
lily the Northern ports day too soon. I
cannot tell when the blow will fall; l only
know that the Confederates here are in radiant
utilization. they care nothing about Visks.
,urg or Charleston. They expect to 60 homo
n 'sninety days" They care nothing for the
lew Union movement in the North. They
are not for recognition. The money market
las recognized theml-thatis enough. If cot
on is not king, it is at least a hard subject,
nd has given them loan Of SIS, 000, 900 With
he offer Of six times as much. That il glory
nough.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

sound drubbing, and old Abe will at oncefol.
low it up by relieving him at his own re.
quest"
have ceased, for my part, tospeculate up
on the situation here, as / have upon the du-
ration of the war. They both, to me, seem
clouded in mystery. Of one thing, however,
I am confident: that Mr.. Lincoln means to
"run the machine" on.the war footing as long
as he can. It is true, the men whose times
are expiring are as SO many missionaries to
the people of the North, whose experiences
will doubtless, in a large measure, assist in
inducing the Northern people to right conclu-
slons IN the elections to be held this fall, at
which time Abolition will hear its doom. Till
then, it sits enthroned in power, not to be dis
turbed, and will strain every nerve. Let us
net deceive ourselves, that the nine months
and two years men are in such proportion in
their service as to make the further prosecu-
ton OF the war impossible. On the contrary,
they can still concentrate in large numbers,
and give US battle in every one Of the leading
departments of active operations. Our argu-
ments are the bullets. Our friends are our
own unfailing wills, assisted by Divine Provi-
dence.
The health, moral, and discipline of this ars1
my is well nigh perfect. The veterans of two 4
men whose patriotism and brave
~ have lifted the Confederacy to the top
round OF military fame and financial respon-
slbiilty, need no encouragement to keep alive
The flames of manly devotion or patrial pride. /
This ancient town has not suffered in vain.
or her sufferings and her patriotism have ex-
,rclsed splendid moral influence over the I
men who are here defending their own homes.
md have to thank God that Virginia consent.
d to be the battlefield of the war, and is suf.
erlng IN her own person to shield those upon
Vhom the blows aimed at her BODY would
ave fallen with crushing effect had she not
brown herself Id the breach.
VI local intelligence, camp incidents, or ar
~ gossip, | am remarkably barren. AT
'nurch, on Sabbath last, the two most quiet
nd unobtrusive worshippers were jackson
no Lee. And on the evening Of the same
ay Jackson led in prayer meeting at his own
amp, offering up one of the most eloquent
no thrilling prayers. The man and the 90.
eral who saved the Confe2eracy in her hour
peril never fails to thank God for his mer-
es and blessings and experimenting Provi-
snce. Q
II ne warm weather is rapidly approaching.
10 decent regard to the health Of the army. ]
say nothing Of the citizens, demands unu.
al attention to cleanliness. Unless atten.
IN be had to proper diet and policing, this :
untry must be visited by pestilence. To f.
event this, it is suggested, as worthy Of con
ieratlon, that the burial Of the numerous Z
ad horses that line the road between this y
ice and Hamilton's Crossing ought to re- =
We immediate attention from those whose 2
siness it to preserve the health and eff. y =
ncy OF the army stationed in that vicinity. =
this town the Council ought to be conyen. q
and cooperate with the General, to the I,
that we may hare no halfway work, but q
borough cleansing. NJ
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
From the Richmond Enquirer.
Prison Item-A Yankee Brute

We give below letter received by Hon. T..
NJ. Bruce. of Kentucky, from gentleman
who, it will be seen. suffered cruelty by order
Of an officer Of the Federal Government, who
has since been captured, and is now confined
in the Yankee prison in this city. The North
erner. fearful Of just retribution, has tried 10
clear his skirts Of the matter, but the attempt
is an abortion as will be seen by reference
to the letter. The fellow ought to be mana
cled in his turn and fed on bread and water.
Read gaI saae
DEAR SrR: Tlearn that Capt. Sam. Mckee
Of the Federal army--and FORMERLY provost
marshal of Mt Sterling, Kehtucky--is now
q prisoner of war in Richmond, Va If such
be the case, I think it is nothing more than
right that our authorities be informed Of the
treatment received at his hands whilst q pri-
soner at Mt. Sterling. sll ssasaasS
had authority from the Secretary of War
TO recruit one or more companies Of men for
the Confederate service, and had succeeded in
raising. the larger part of two companies.e9A
portion Of that number having been CUTOFF
from me when we evacuated Kentucky, Gen.
Marshall permitted me TO 20 ia after tissln.
and was captured when on that business.
came before Captain Mckee, and III place
Of putting me whore other prisoners were e.
herally kept, he had me tIt Town into the co;7n-
y Jail; the weather being very cold, he HAD
my boots pulled off and heavy irons put d, nv
ankles which cut them to the bone; and, when
rent from there to Lexington, hAndlcufed.e -
. learn that he says it was done ;by the an
hor1ty Of General Granger. I know this NOT
9 be.the case, as he had not time To- hear
rom General Granger. Iwrote him allenethv
etter demonstrating against such treatment,
nd some OF my frjepds doing the same; Bic
emark was that he did not look upon any re-
81 as being gentleman, and that such treat.
lent was too good for them. 5a saTl
Such are the facts relative to myItfehtment.
'nich hope you will see that the proper a.
lorltles are notified Of and oblge your'ffieild.
franklin F1RGUsoN.d
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

ssT We saw it stated some days ago, in
one Of our Southern exchanges, that ten fami-
lies in the city Of Memphis, considered worse
rebels than the rest were ordered to be sent
within vi az the Confederate lines. Among them
were our friend Capt. L. V. Dixon and family.
Capt, Dixon is native of this county, and
the Youngest son of Capt. Henry St. George
Dixon TOR many years resident Of Abingdon
and vicinity.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
Fatal Occurrences.

Some 10 days ago, 1t. Branscon,, Enrolling
Ofhcer for this county, accompanied by sin
gle member of the guard, went into the lower
end OF the county for the purpose of gathering
up conscripts and deserters. Hesucceeded in
getting four of the former and one of the lat
ter. Two Of those arrested; asked the Lieut..
70 go with them to the house, that they might
get their clothes. The request was at once
granted, and they all proceeded to the house,
Ihe men entered, 1t. Branscom and his assis-
tant remaining on the outside In moment
after entering the men returned to the ward
with loaded guns in their hands, pointed of
the Lieutenant and threatening to send him
1p IT ne didn't give them exem ption papers.
Thinking discretion the better part of yalor
whilst looking into the muzzles of four loaded
rifles, his only alternative was to furnish tb.
Iequired papers, which are of course illegal
under the circumstances. He and his guard
were then permitted to return to Abingdon.
"a few days after. with an adequate guard
Ut. -Branscom revisited the scene. of his for
mer adventure, but OF course the birds had
flown, though he succeeded in arresting seve.
raj other conscripts. On starting with them
for Abingdon, one Of them, a man BY the
name of Granville Barker, attempted to escape
by running. He was ordered two or three
times to halt, and on refusing to do so, he was
fired upon by the guard and instantly killed,
lit is fearful and terrible necessity thus to
shoot men down in their tracks, but military
law must be enforced and obeyed. 1t is our
'nly safety in time of war. and particularly.
n time of invasion. It is the duty of every
nan subject to military law to obey it, and
errible at times, and greatly to be regretted,
. in the present instance, is the punishment
or disobedience
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

RaT We understand that Mr.. A. P. Cole.
candidate for the State Senate from this dis
trict, made a short speech at the Court House
IN this place, on the first day of the Circuit
Court, but as we neither heard the speech nor
an opinion of its drift or merit, we cannot
comment upon it's purport.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

EsF The few farmers left in this county.
are putting in unusual large crops Of corn for
the forces they have to work it. Gardens, al
50, have more attention paid them than we
have observed before. If the season should
be good one. we will have grain and vege-
tables enough to feed two or three armies.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
Reduction of Price.

Those who feel unwilling to pay our ad-
pance price Of 81 for the Virginiap, can have
It for one year for any and all sorts Of pro-
duce. Jeans, DC, at the old price, for one dol
Tar per gear. What say you to that, grum-
blers?
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
HSE Col. McMabon Who i !. 80,

Br Col. McMahon, who is candidate to
represent this district in the next Confederate
Congress, addressed the people of this county
at the Court House on Monday last. He took.
ground identical with that assumed in bis cir
cular, which everybody will see.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
The News.

Up to the present hour, "wednesday even
ing,) we have no news of very grave OF start
ling import Hooker's grand army seems t,
be swaying up and down the north bank o
the Rappahannock like giant wave. Occa
sionally he puts out feeler here and ther,
along the upper portion of the stream, but ha.
/ never dared to make demonstration in the
vicinity Of the main body of Gen.. Lees forces
Perhaps he s'smells mice"
Gen. Lee is resting calmly and patiently in
his strong position, preparing his magnificent
. army for the pending struggle. The men
e themselves, with the prestige Of former tri-
unphs, are anxious for general and decisive
engagement, and when it comes, if the Yam
KEGS face the music, it will be a most sangai.
nary conflict.
At Tullahoma, up to last advices, no impor-
tant movement had been made. Heavy Skin
mishing and considerable scouting are dailv
occurrences, but nothing like an immediate
general engagement has been Swallowed forth.
The Federals sometimes sally out to plumber
and burn and steal negroes, but if they hear
twig crack, they take to their heels and
scamper back to their defences. If a general
engagement should come on, there will be no
child's play, no falling back upon the verge
OF vietery, for Gen. Joe Johnston is at the
helm, and he will guide his columns thro, the
storm.
At Vicksburg, things look rather more un-
promising than for some time past. A num-
Der of gunboats and transports have recently
run the gauntlet of our batteries, some going
to '.Davie jones' locker" by the way, but ma
ny getting through. A few days ago Grant
seemed to be evacuating. and supposed to be
reinforcing Resecrans, but the Federal min.
ions are again swarming the river and the OBJ
posite shore, with an apparent determination
to make another bold and desperate strike for
the capture Of the gallant little city.
at Charleston, all is quiet. The blockaders.
in swarms, still hover off the harbor, but our /,
runners come and go almost at pleasure.
In Kentucky, the same game that has been
played from the beginning, is still going on.
We have several pretty strong detachments in :
hat State, and Burnside is said to be at or :
lcar Lexington with a formidable force He !.
addressed his command not many days ago,
cling them that it was his purpose to opsn
he way into East Tennessee. He will find
omebody to help him when he undertakes
he job. ),
In the Valley of Virginia, the Yankees run It
ut and steal and ravage occasionally, and d.
aen, scoot back to Winchester as if they saw Ia
ae devil in every bush. The idea among them bl
ow seems to be, that they will starve the s.re-
e.hon" to death and will have but little more
Citing to do. Miserable fools We still have
roylsions in abundance, and the earth is now
eming with crop that will keep us going C :,
70 years. The State of Georgia alone will .
'oduce bread and meat enough this year to
pport the Confederacy to the end of the war. pa
arve us, indeed! They might as well try la,
dry up the Chesapeake. tn
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

9eas- We are in receipt Of call from the
10th Regiment, signed by number of officers
ana prlvates, upon Capt. James Fields, to an
nounce himself for the Legislature. It will
appear next week.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
Immense Stock IF Goods

See advertisements Of Mr.. j. G. Meem, Of
Lynchburg, in this paper. 1t is quite refresh
ing to hear of such stock at a time of boast
ed general blockade Of our ports.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

AaS See IN another column, the advertise
Inent Of Mr.. A. Z. Hendricks, who proposes
selling bis goods at auction. Perhaps some
OF eur people might buy themselves pretty
well off by attending.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.
Medical Purveyor's Office.

Richmond, Virginia, April LIST, 1863.
NOTICE-The Ladies Of Virginia will render
the Confederacy very essential service if they
will interest themselves in the culture of the
Garden Poppy as q means Of supplying one Of
the most valuable remedial agents used in the
treatment Of the sick and wounded Of the army.
The juice exuding from the. punctured cap
suies should, when sufficiently hardened, be
carefully put up and forwarded to the UNDER
signed.
Persons having seeds of the Poppy will be
paid liberal price for the same if early appli-
cation be made at the depot
E. w. JONES.
Surgeon Medical Purveyor, C..S. A.
April Oath, 1863-1t
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

Ia Gov. Leteher is announced as candi-
cate tor Congress in the Rockingham district.
Col. J 3. Baldwin is his competitor. The
district will be well represented, let the cleo
ton 60 as it may.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

S -Four hundred seventy.nine thousand
ana i've hundred dollars were invested at the
depository in this place, up to the 22d, in s
per cent. Bonds. Since that time, persons
nave invested pretty freely in per cents.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
This Congressional District.

We have at present very fair prospect Of
quite lively triangular contest il this district.
| The contestants are, Hon. Walter Preston. orr
present representative, Ex-Governor McMul-
lin. and Col. McMahon, of the 63d Rer't Va.
volunteers. AS there are no parties now. and
the candidates all personal friends of ours. VIA
shall not at. present commit ourselves to the
| support OF either, but look round and consi.
der, and after weighing the qualifications of
each, vote for the man who we. think can
make himself the most useful and reflect the
largest credit upon his country and his con-
stituency. This is no time for personal pre-.
ferenees, nor for rewards or punishments-
out time to select our best talent, best ener
gy, best patriotism. Nor is it time to try
men as before jury, nor a time to settle per.
sonal difficulties at the ballot-box. We want
men who can command the largest amount Of
respect and WELD the largest amount Of infu.
ence-men devoted to their country, able to
,legislate for its highest honor and interests.
and not for the winnings Of the station. in
either laureis or dimes In word, the best
and abfest men Of the Commonwealth should
be called to the Confederate councils, without
regard to their former political affiliations.
In this respect, the people of the Albernarle
d ls' have acted nobly, magnanimously, and
worthy of imitation. All parties have united
upon Mr.. Rives, the ablest statesman within
Their limits, though formerly identified with ,
the minority party in the district. Other dis
trlets would do well to follow the example
and select their best and purest men, no mat
'er to which Of the buried parties they belong
ID in bygone years.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

b. 1t may be cheering to acknowledgements
to know that a good article Of the weed has
gone up to 81 per h., and common negro-head
to 81. Itafords them an opportunity to quit.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
buried treasure Ure,, go. 9, I

correspondent of the New Orleans n.
writing from Brashear City, saws: i.'T So
A few evenings since desefter from CAM.
blsland, came over to our picket lines aniI
was brought by the guard into the of;cs N, n
P E Marshal Captain Fitch, il 'Brashss-
City Noticing that the prisoner was excbsrs..
ing gold coin for greenbacks With tie soldis,s
Captain Fitch interrogated him and ascerts;r n
ied that ne had considerable amount ~ Az.
precious metal in his possession. Besides M III
"a money ney ne had exchanged, the prisonar IA
! 30 y ooe in twenty dollar gold pieces. =
captain Fitch made some iiriouiri4. Il ara
the source Of SO much wealth in the keer;rs-
OF rebel soldier. From the prisoners NV.
ment It appeared that he had for so,,,a t;,sI
known where 100000 in solid gold Was h IS;
ed IN the ground. Taking advantage 3 of 81, ~
darkness on the previous night, he went Il M
n!doen treasure and took all he thouoht ~
could carry away in. safety, amonnt;ns
value TO little more than six thousand dcif...
ana a, then came over to the Federal liner
The place where this treasure i concs.,.,
9 =. exactly known, and at the proner it;ms q
VII De properly cared for, if not preyion.iv
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
AUDITORS Orr1es. !

Z AN n ACT IMPOSING TAXES ToR LHE SUPPORT OF CO.
vERNMEKT, PASSED MARCH 18th, 1863.
SEC 20. The act entitled an act authorizing
the receipt of Confederate States Treasury
Notes IN payment of taxes and other public
aues, passed March 22d, 1868, he and the same
IS hereby amended and re-enacted so as to read
as follows:
Confederate States non-interest bearing notes
Of the denomination of or over FIVE dollars. dat
ed and issued on and after the LIST April. 1863.
shall hereafter be receivable in payment Of taxes
and other public dues to the State''
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

DF Gen, Marshall and Staff reached this
place on Saturday last, from Kentucky. He
proceeded at once to Knoxville, where, it was
understood, he was to succeed Gen. Donelson
as commander of this department. but the
Register announces the previous arrival Of
Major Gen. Maury, with part of his staff, for
the same purpose.
'But how the subject theme may gang,
Let time and chance determine
Gen. Marshall's forces are still in Kentucky.
not far from the Virginia line, where it NAV
happen, in the course of human events, they
will have something to do.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

Ga = washington dispatch to the oincinn.sz
n,o an = Aom'nlstration has determined - -
p plvy nsgre soldiers on large scale but ~
sss'lso on plan. Il has been san,, -,
lss sl ~ g various points in the South -.
LOCI me Facts bearing on the subject s. - g
~ most wisely. Adjutant-G eHersl a s.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01
Candidates.

We have only about 10 candidates in the
field at this time for Congress and the Legis.
lature-three for Congress, three for the State
Senate, and four for the House of Delegates.
The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-01

!. a letter from Murfreesboro', Tenn q RI.
81. Louis Republican says: ~ y - -. -.
The slaves continue to pour in from ~
~ - a g country The men slaves have bean
ln, OF on, some time ago, and now come tis
women and children, the aged and infirm "a a
s ssgro camp has been established, and IS ~
ming up: From one farm Of man s. IN.
aame q James King, thirtynine negroes isn
one night. The farm is seven m 4 ~ sSs,s4
mere. Ia The blacks came in with alfthsir nI IT,
y. YET. Iney had taken their masters 49,
oeree large wagons, each drawn BY three 49,
uoe ca..le. They also rode in some mules sn6
live stock. The wagons were piled I'LL asS ,ss
s svlt peas ana bundles, Of whitish cottSm',F
G1ao,' and on top were literally covered -;t
y as'l ev ana ola The teams were turn
naoule go g .ne Cniet Quartermaster, and the
90 to hospital work, cooking pot a. = ~ assai!
lcations, and the like = s s.