davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
stephens Mission. Again.

We publish elsewhere the correspon-
denfe between JEFF. DAVIS and ALEX
ANDER II. STEPHENS relating to the mission
OF the latter to our Government. The os-
tensible object of the mission was to in
duce our Government to enter into an ar
rangement for mitigating the barbarities
of war-the real object is supposed by
many to have been an endeavor to entrap
us into an implied recognition of the Con-
tederate Government. The Richmond
E.rdmine'' Of the 18th instant has a ftl-
rious article against DAVIS, founded upon
the failure Of this scheme. 1t says:
Mr.. President Davis proclamations and pro-
nunciamentos, his horrible threatenings and
gloomy appeals have been so often repeated
that they are the sneer of the world But never
nave nave they resulted III one solitary performance
He Is very obstinate, very bitter, when he gets
into a quarrel with some southern officer over
whom the law gives him temporary control
He Is very firm indeed in maintaining mniOp
or measure against the smothered Indignation
OF people who are compelled by their present
unfortunate situation to support silently great
deal from their officials. But when his duty
brings him into contact with the enemy he is
gentle as the sucking dove.
y Mr.. Stephens was sent to Washing
ton with a letter Of credence to Lincoln. and
another of instruction to himself from Presi
dent Davis. A good deal was said in this last
letter about titles, &c, which looks pitifuI
enough; and the rest relating to the business
on hand amounts to this: that if the federal
government will only vouchsafe a civil word or
so will say, for instance. that it would like to
mitgute the horrors of war, the Confederate
government would be happy to indulge in
boundless compassion for the two Yankees
afn no fyrn
ate officers in Kentucky, who feels compassion
for them?
The Vice President went on his crrand as far
as Hampton Roads was stopped by the
enemy's Admiral there, to whom he siSnified
his desire to open communication with the fed
eral government; kept two days in his steam
tug on the water: and then dismissed with a
flea in his ear
Now, who will deny that the Confederacy
makes sorrowful figure in this matter?
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
Relief for Families.

The city authorities of Philadelphia
have wisely vetoed proposition to pay
$5OO,OOO for exemptions of drafted men,
and have made an appropriation of 81, ,0O0,-
900 for the support Of the families of such
as are unable to support themselves.
This is an example worthy of imitation
by other cities. The soldier has right
to demand from the public decent sup
port of his family, but we do not deem it
very patriotic, at this juncture, for munich
pal bodies to appropriate large sums to
practically null;fy and defeat the effort to
fiji up our armies, as has been done in
some cities in New York. No valid reason
can be assigned for purchasing the exemp-
tions of unmarried men, who are drafted
ina ccordance with the law. When the
draft is made, it will be the work of NUM-
cipal and State authorities, as well as pri-
vate individuals, to see that no drafted
man shall be called into service without
full knowledge that his family shall not
only be protected from suffering, but
maintained in the position in which his
industry had placed it. No matter how
heavy the tax may be, it must be met and
borne, not as charity, but as simple JUS
tiee to the defenders of our country.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
Gen. Sibley's Indian Expedition.

The Milwaukee Sentinel says: For
some time past the Minnesota papers have
contained the gloomiest predictions as to
the success of the Indian Expedition un-
der command of General Sibley. 1t has
been reported repeatedly by returned Off
GERS and others from the Expedition, that
the men and animals were suffering terri
bly, from the extreme dryness of the cour-
try through which they were travelling,
and that total abandonment of the cam
paign was extremely probable. We have
not republished these melancholy vaticina-
tions, because we have had good reason
for knowing that they had no foundation
in fact, the route of the Expedition lying
along streams which are never dry, and
where forage can always be obtained in
the season
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
Little Crow.

DIR. DIBB, of Capt. FIsK's expedition,
writes that the interpreter who was en-
ployed by Capt. Fisk last year, had come
into their camp, and states that he had
been trading with LITTLE Crows band the
past six months, and that LITTLE Crow
had left Devils Lake with about sixty war;
riors for the headwaters of the Yellow
stone, in the Territory of Idaho. He was
out of ammunition, and could not obtain
any in the British Possessions, and was en-
gagged, when he saw him last, in making
arrows. He thinks Gen. SlBLEY will not
find any hostile Indians at Devils Lake, as
all who were disposed to fight had gone off
with LITTLE Crow. This is the interpreters
story, and it remains to be seen how much
truth there is in it,
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
ROsecrans Advancing.

The telegraph brings us the welcome in
telligence that RosEcRANs is again ad-
vancing. He was checked in his forward
movement previously made by incessant
rains which rendered the roads impossible,
and by the necessity Of bringing forward
his supplies His destination, without
doubt, is Chattanooga, the pivot of the
Southern railway system which connects
the Atlantic with the Mississippi. The
East Tennessee and Virginia railway there
connects with the Memphis and Charles
ton, these forming the only direct route of
communication between Richmond and the
southwest, and with the lines between Chat
tanooga and Charleston, via Atlanta, the
only railway connection between Virginia
and Tennessee and the northern halves of
Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. The
only other railway route is by way of
Charleston, Augusta, Atlanta and Mont
gomery, to Mobile and thence to Meridi-
au, Jackson and Vicksburg,-a round
about route, nearly twice the length ofthe
other. The Importance Of Chattanooga
to the rebel purposes is so great, and so
vital to the existence of the Confederacy,
that we cannot expect RosEoRANs will gain
the position without severe fighting and
perhaps siege of considerable duration.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31

go back: as is usual, to the Greek sophists. nor
even to the French philosophers of the last
century; it is so now and here. What scien-
tiffc or theoretical vagary can be named, what
political extravagance, what license or folly in
social life which did not originate in the
scheming brain of some real or would be schol-
ar? What attack is ever made on law which
is not headed by some recreant lawyer? or on
medicine which is not headed by some recre-
ant physician? or on religion. which is not
headed by some recreant religious teacher?
regulations are also made, and I may add,
easily made, in this way. l remember being
ohce consulted by young man about the
choice ola profession, and becoming little
m impatient OF manifest craving for effect out of
az an proportion to his abilities, was tempted
" say you will be a great man at all
events, would advise you to commit some
outrageous act; or if you are not quite prepar-
eo 9.c !or that would advise you to begin by vii
hfying the Constitution of the United States:
Christianity :" ' ~
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
A Palpabie Hit.

In the grafton of Rev. JAMES WALKER,
D. D. L. L. D., before the Alumni of Har-
ward College on Thursday last, we find the
following palpable hit at some of our po-
litical and social reformers, whose utter
ances occupy so much of the public atten-
tion, and whose theories, as the attempt is
made to put them in practice, are evident-
ly leading the country into anarchy g
Error may be taught as well as truth, and
not only error but pernicious error; and in
looking'to educated men, as body, to save
US from this evil, must not forget that edu-
Gated men are, and always have been, the prin-
cipal offenders. For proof of this we need not
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
Gen. Sibley,s Expedition.

Col. MILLER allows US to copy the fol-
lowing letter received yesterday from Maj
CAMP, commandant at Fort Abercrombie
FORT ABERCRoMBIE, July Is, 1863
General Sibley's column aeft Standing Rock
on the Shayenne River last Monday morning,
and are finding water and forage much better
than was anticipated by me.
The farther west they 60 towards the Coteau
there will be better grazing. 1 learn this from
hunters who have returned to Pembina the 9th
of this month, through Mr.. Kay, who was at
the post on Thursday last. Little Crow and
band are reported to have fled to the Black
Hills, but the information is not such as to be
implicitly relied on. The mail left this post
this morning for General Sibley's camp, with
st. Paul dates to the 18th. 1 expect to hear
from him again on the first of next week.
No Indians have been seen in the vicinity of
this post this spring, or any signs of them.
The Red River carts, 175 in number, passed
on Friday for the Red River settlements and
on Saturday 100 more, all loaded from st.
Paul.
Captain Fisk arrived at this post ON Monday
last, and left on Wednesday, intending to make
his old route. He will probably fall in the
rear of General Sibley at the second crossing
of the Shayenne on his route, and where am
informed General Sibley intends to cross that
river.
should have written more fully with refer
ence to General Sibley, but l think that the
last command from him carried dispatches to
you. G. A. CAMP.
The following is copy of letter from
Capt. Brookins, commanding 120 scouts
scattered through the Big Woods Of
Wright, Mcleod, Meeker, and adjoining
counties, after scouting thoroughly for
about ten days:
MANANNAH, fuly 21 1868.
Colonel 8. MILLER, Commanding.
SIR Il would respectfully report that have
seen all the forces under my command within
the last twenty-fou hours, and find that they
have seen no Indians, or recent signs Of any.
There are certainly but very few, if any Indians
in the woods at present. My scouts travel in
small squads, and there are several State scouts
in the woods, so that the country is pretty
thoroughly secured.
Col. Thomas has gone to Kandiyohi Lakes,
with about ninety mounted men, and is ex-
pected back tonight. think that if there are
any Indians in the country, he will find them
there.
(Signed) Very respectfully yours,
H. Ell. BROOKINS,
Capt. Co. E, 9Th Regt. MINI. Vols.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
THE WEEKLY PIONEER AND DEMOCRAT.

good their inexorable purpose, than at any
period since the beginning of the strug-
gle," would thereupon resume their allegi-
ance to the constitution, and consent to
"re-union I"
These two statements are entirely ire
conciliable. They evidence in their author,
small mind, a distorted judgment and
unpatriotic heart, and prove him to be not
only bad logician, but also an unworthy
leader of the Ohio democracy, and an
incorrigible demagogue.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
The Only Remedy.

The Conscription Act is law, until de-
clared by the Courts to be unconstitutional.
If it is constitutional, then there can be
no room for question that it is the duty of
every citizen to submit to it; if it is not,
then it will not be enforced. To attempt
the enforcement OF an unconstitutional
act would justify revolution-not mob re-
sistance-as Mr.. LINCOLN said in his inau-
gusal: Happily the human mind is so
constituted that no party can reach the
audacity of denying any right plainly
written in the Constitution. If, by mere
force Of numbers a majority should de-
prive 4 minority of any clearly written
constitutional right, it might in a moral
point of view, justify revolution" The
Courts are still open, and so long as the
citizen can approach them he is debarred
from every form of resistance except their
shield
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31

banner of Union floats over Vicksburg. Gen.
Grant has caught the rabbit; )" he has dined
in vicksburg, and he did bring his dinner with
him. The " Citizen lives to see il. For the
last time it appears on wallpaper" No more
will it eulogize the luxury of mule meat and
ficasseed kitten-urge Southern warriors to
such diet never-more. This is the last wall.
paper edition, and is, excepting this note, from
the types as we found them. 1t will be yalua-
BILE hereafter as a curiosity.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
The Fiend,.n strategy of the Press


In all political parties there are ex-
tremes, which are but little observed in
quiet times; in periods of tumult and dis
cord, they frequently become the active
and prominent elements of party excite
ment It is the accepted duty of all good
citizens to exert their best endeavors to
subordinate and hold in check these dan
gerous extremes, and especially so in
periods of social irritation, the chosen op-
portunities of the unscrupulous political
partizan, deliberately, fomented and siezed
upon, to excite irritate and inhalne the COM
bustible material of an opposing party.
In each of the two political parties which
divide the people of the North, this ex-
treme element, although not in majority,
is exceeding Jealous, energetic, and dan
gerous. In one party, it is the "JEFF.
vIs-Copperhead extreme; " in the other,
the GREELEY-P PHILLIPS fanatic Abolition
extreme" These extremes reciprocally
recognize each other as the only true ex-
ponents of their respective parties and
each seeks to make its opposite extreme as
violent, dangerous and dOminant-in its
party-as possible. What each most de-
sires is, that its opposite extreme shall be
guilty of some horrible violence, some in
defensible act-the more dreadful the bet
4o,, 10 Il -so1 L.
party capital.
The Press Of this city is a faithful repre-
sentative of one of these extremes. That
journal, in several late issues. betrays an
impatient desire to excite riot, genuine
"Copperhead riot" in our midst, and
chuckles over this grand device in political
strategy, as if to excite popular passions,
civil discord and bloodshed, were the high
est order of party tactics.
To encourage the rank and file of the
Democratic party to rise in rebellion, the
Press falsely asserts that "the leaders of
the Democratic party" of the North are
deliberately, purposely, supporting JEFF
DAVIS and his traitorous cause. The
Press says:
Now, nothing is more palpable than that the
leaders of the Democratic party are bent upon
resistance to the Conscription law, to the last
extreme of violence.
That is to say
They are bent upon depriving our army of
the reinfOrcements necessary to consumate the
suppression of the rebellion.
They are bent upon creating diversion in
favor of the wasted and enfeebled armies of
JEFF. Davis, by rolling the desolating tide of
civil war over our northern cities-Our homes
and fields.
They are bent upon an indefinite prolonga-
ton, if not an absolute triumph, of the rebel
lion.
Now what purpose can the Press have
in publishing such palpable falsehoods as
the above? Only one, to deceive, under
the presumption that there are ignorant
democrats who may be induced by such
representations to rise against the law,
and to crafty the Press party, get up "a
Copperhead riot" Let all conservative
citizens, of either party, frown down any
attempt, open or covert, to enkindle the
terrible fame of civil discord in our peace
full community, and all will be we'll.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
The Democratic State Convention.

The call of the Democratic State Cen
tral Committee for State Convention, to
meet in this city on the 26th day of Au-
gust, to nominate candidate for Cover
nor and other State officers, has been pub
lished in our columns for some days past.
Were we the arbiters of political events,
there would be but one party in the coun-
try during these perilous times, that of
the UNION, pledged only to its restoration
under the constitution, without alteration
of section, article, line, letter, or pune
tuation mark, in that sacred document.
But not having that power, we are COM
PEELED to yield to the necessities of our sit
uation, and as the next best thing to be
hoped for, to earnestly desire that each of
the two great parties which divide the suf-
frages OF our people in this State, shall
put their best, most competent, and con-
servative men in nomination for State
Offices.
But, while such is our earnest solicita-
ton, We have little confidence that the
Republican party of this State, will heed
our counsel. The worst, the most frantic,
malignant, and corrupt managers of that
party, control and administer its affairs.
About one bakers dozen of them (who
would sacrifice every interest not immedi-
ately their own, public or private, for per-
sonal advantage,) make it's platforms, and
divide its patronage and stealings among
themselves. They enjoy nine-tenths of
party law: they are in possession And
by means of the prestige Of past success,
and money made out Of the Government
during the war, they intend, if possible,
to retain possession of the State They
will, probably, succeed.
1t may be that the Democratic State
Convention will help them to prevent a
change in the personnelle of our State
government, but we trust not, we hope
not.
To place our young State in an advan-
tageous position, in proper relation to
coming events, in a course of progressive
advancement, in situation to profit by
opportunities that will arise for internal
development and material improvement,
it is necessary to have a change; it is
necessary to turn out the clique of polit-
clans who rule the republican party of
Minnesota for the sake of the money and
personal advantage to be derived from
such political power.
They have had their day-a change is
necessary to promote the best interests
Of our people; and if the Democratic
State Convention will act wisely and Sc
lect its best, most capable, conservative
and patriotic men, whose loyalty is en-
lightened and above all party or personal
ambition, as candidates for the several
State officers, we will certainly be graft
fed and not at all surprised or displeased
to have an opportunity to announce their
triumphant election.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
Lieut.. Col. Adams.

The report that Lieut.. Colonel ADAMS
died of the wounds he received at Gettys-
burg is incorrect. We'are glad to learn,
from the Hastings Co,aseroey, that at last
accounts he was still alive, and that hopes
are entertained. of his recovery. .---......-...-
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
1rOn.Clads to be Launched.

The latest reports submitted to the Navy
Department from officers experimenting
the construction of iron-clad vessels of
war, show that the following formidable
fleet will be ready for launching within the
next six weeks:
N0me. WHere Baafd'ng. Condition.
Canonicus. South Boston. Nearly finished
Catawba. Cincinnati. /. -. Well advanced
Manhattan. Jersey City. Completing.
Mahopac. Jersey City. D. .Prep'ng to launch
Manyunk +. Pittsburg i. Frame finished 'n
OneOta . >. Cincinnati. Well advanced
Sangus. -. Wilmington. Frame eoinr m
Tippecanoe. Cincinnati :. Prepng to lannch
Tecumseh jersey City. Nearly finished
These are all 1904 tons burthen or
nearly 800 tons larger than the iron-clads
now .afoat. The following four are still
larger, measuring no less than 1 ,564 tons:
Agumentcus. -. Portsmouth. :. Finished,
Ma Monadnoek. Boston. ;. Nearly finished.
Ionawanda. 49,. Philadelphia. /. :. Building.
Mlantanomah. -. New York . ... Finished.
Each OF these vessels has one turret.
pierced for two guns, and is protected
from shot on the same general principle as
tie Passaic and Montauk. The size Of the
guns is not decided upon.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
Interesting Trophies of War.

Capt MARTIN, of the Minnesota Fourth,
exhibited to us yesterday battle-fag taken
at the capture Of Jackson, Mississippi. 1t
is of silk, and manufactured in good style.
One side bears the inscription ''Olairborne
Rangers, and the other "Our Rights. D.
Jackson is in Clairborne county, and the
flag was presented by the ladies to regl-
ment raised in that vicinity, and was the
only one captured by our forces.
Surgeon MURPHY, of the Fourth Mime
sofa, who arrived yesterday, has shown US
great curiosity to a typographer. 1t IS
a copy of "IAe Daily Citizen, I. M.
SWORDS, Proprietor, and is dated July 2,
1868. It's some page of four columns, printed
on coarse wall paper, and filed with imag-
mary rebel victories, an0 some pleasant
gossip about the straits to which they were
reduced for food, and few obituaries OF
the chivalry who had fallen within the few
days preceding in defence of "Southern
Rights" At the bottom of one Of the col
umns there appeared the following;
ON DIT.
That the great Ulysses-the Yankee Gener'
alissimo, surnamed Grant-has expressed MS
Intention of dining in Vicksburg on Saturday
next, and celebrating the Fourth OF July by
! grand dinner, and 80 forth. When asked II ne
would invite Gen. Joe Johnston to join, he said,
No! for fear there will be a row at the table.
ulysses must get into the city before he dimes
init. The way to cook rabbit is 4" first to
catch the rabbit" &c. ol0 ,tl
/ When our soldiers entered the city
! some of the printers rushed to the print
ing office of the Citizen, and finding th,
o, -m standing, they issued a supplement
arv edition, with the following note at tn,
hotton Of the last column: ~ sHe.
July 4rH, 1863.
Two d.v. \ ring about great changes. Th
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
A CoNTRABAND arrived in New Bedtor

A CONTRABAND arrived in New Bedford
last week with returned Lieutenant, and
not making his appearance next morning,
his room was visited to ascertain if he
was sick. The poor fellow said he had
been up since O'Clock, but couldn't find
the catch. " The door opened with knob,
something he had never seen, and he
could not get out of his room.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
'Ehe Indian Expedition--ygiaat Gen.
Sibley Says of its Prospects.

Col. MILLER allows lis TO make the fol-
lowing extracts from u private letter ad-
dressed to him by Gen. SIBLEY, under date
of the 18th inst. They show that some
OF the discOuraging reports which have
been widely circulated as to the sutferings
Of the expedition for want Of forage and
water, are without foundation, and that
its commander is looking forward hopeful
ly TO its success:
Yesterday we marched fifteen miles, and to-
day being Sunday, we rest as commanded.
hope to be at Devils Lake in twelve or thirteen
days. No Indians about, except an occasional
small party. Yesterday the traces of six on
foot were found, who had left the spot only an
hour or two before The marks they left. as
interpreted by our Indian scouts, indicate a de-
sire to open communications with us. If so,
they will have a chance, as a hieroglyphic was
left on the same spot. We are at loss to
know what the redskins mean; but one of
two things is certain, either they are scattering
Missouri-ward to avoid us, or they intend to
fight with their concentrated forces. l hope
the latter. 1t would be simple solution of
the question at issue.
The loss in blood would be of small import,
compared with the great effects which would
follow victory on our part. S' Erery-
thing looks encouraging. Thus far ne suffer from
no lack of acater or grass, and / look .torwud
hopetuily as TO the success of the expedition.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
. Here. is a &c Inorganic" incident from
the Indianapolis (Ind.) Journal:

uuo InuldHaPOlI5 (IHu.J 0OU7UU:
When Morgan took Col. Cravens, of Ripley,
he behaved roughly at first. He asked where
the Colonel lived. cat Osgood," was the ans
wer. What, that little town on the rail-
road 2" "Yes," said the Colonel. "Well, P"
said Morgan, I" I have just sent sixty men up
there to burn the town" ''Burn and be d-d,"
said Cravens, it isn't much of a town, any,
how" Morgan laughed heartily at this answer,
and said, 81 like the way you talk, old fel-
low" and released him, with the injunction not
to follow till the rear guard got past.