davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23
TIE SITUATION.

In great 3ivil strife like that in which
we have been engaged for more than two
years past, the scene undergoes many
changes. Before the first Bull Run dis
aster, We were full of hope-after the
tr6achery of Patterson brought that hu-
initiation upon us, all vas gloom-sadness
pervaded every loyal heart So too when
Mcclellan sgrand army pitched their tents
in front of Yorktown all were confident ;
all were cheerful But after the " seven
days BATTLE" how changed! Not only
were the unconditional loyalists disap-
pointed, and therefore, to some extent,
discouraged, but those who were not so
devotedly faithful, embraced every fresh
reverse to our arms, to stir up a feeling of
hostility to the Administration. BY them
the Administration was held responsible
for our Bull Run disaster, having forced
that battle on too soon when in truth it
should have been fought ten days sooner,
and it would have been glorious victory
as it was, had Patterson obeyed orders
BY them also, the Administration was at
fault for not sufficiently reinforcing Me-
Clellan, although all that was possible to
be done in that behalf without leaving
Washington to the tender merces of Lee,
al J his rebel army, was done.
While Vallandigham, Voorehees, and
their co-laborers were always hostile to the
war for the Union, they were still more
defiant and vindictive after each reverse
to our arms. They saw in every reverse
irrctrievable disaster. In every question
that seemed to require diplomatic solu-
tion, they saw foreign war Every blum
der of commander in the field-every
mistake of an agent, in whatever depart
ment he might be, was laid upon the
shoulders of the President, and his advi-
sers; nor did their immediate removals
make amends. For then, it would be de-
clared to be political persecution. Thus,
while the present Administration has,
from the beginning, had to struggle with
gigantic rebellion, covering about one
third of the whole county. 1t ha also hi d
to contend with " FIRE in the rear" which
being for the most part, masked in the
robes of Loyalty, was the more dangerous.
While the great body of the people of
the loyal States, without party distinction,
were rallying around the ''powers that
be" and wishing them God speed, these
men were watching the signs of the times,
hoping for something to turn up favora-
BILE to their disloyal purposes. Thus,
when we won great victory, such as the
occupation Of. New Orleans, they could
see nothing particularly encouraging in
it; it was barren success, and the dis
tinguished General, to whom it surren-
dered, has ever since been the subject Of
their animadversions and abuse. While
on the other hand, defeat has always
been hailed by this same class of patriots,
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23
THOMAS ROBINSON, lpa;4o,.
CYRUS Il. ANDERSON, A1e'i'ofs.
BUTLER PA.
WEDNEsDAY,::DEC as. 1868.
The Impending Draft.

As the time approaches which has been
fixed for making the impending draft,
those likely to be effected by it naturally
begin to feel uneasy This uneasiness is
increased somewhat, by the knowledge of
the fact that Congress is now in session,
and is even now debating the propriety of
making some changes in the law. The
present law, at the time of its passage,
was generally believed to be fair, but
when twas reduced to practice, many i'm
perfcctions were thought to be discover
ed by some. Amendments have already
been reported by the Military committee
of the Senate, and are now being consid
cred by that body One of these propo-
ses to strike out the distinction created by
the present law, between the two classes,
and thereby placing all able bodied men
between the ages Of twenty-one and forty
five in the same class. Another proposes
to strike out the Communication clause
This clause, we believe, was opposed by
the Democratic side of the House when
the bill was on itspassage. 1t has been
used by that party ever since it became a
law for the purpose of bringing the whole
law into disfavor, and whether it is right
or wrong, so great is the prejudice of the
people against it now, that its repeal seems
to be necessity. Conscripted service, at
the BEST is unpleasant. 1t is our duty
therefore, to yield cheerful obedience to
whatever just laws Congress may pass on
the subject. There can be no law on this
subject but what will work great hardship
to some. Let us yield strict obedience to
the law ourselves, and encourage others
to do likewise. Whether the proposed
changes will become part Of the law be-
fore the pending draft is made or not, it is
impossible to say. We think it probable
that some of them will.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23

swim through every stream they could find
on their way, twice swimming the turbid
waters of the Amte River in their wan
derings. Upon coming from the water,
they had presence. of mind and sagacity
enough to rub every portion of their body
with onions and strong-scented weeds, in
order to elude the trail ofthe bloodhounds,
who were several times close upon them.
10 their intelligence may be attributed
their narrow and fortunate escape from tho
terrible fate that befell Poor john their
companion. This concludes my narrative
OF the two pictures, libeled by the Pro-
Slavery press as ''the fruitful results of d
fanatical Abolitionist's deluded imagina-
ton"
Ne~ York, Nov. 12, 1868.
BosToNIAN.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23
FoRTREss MONROE, Dec. 18th inst
The following has been received. dated

nc IolioWlng mas Deen received, dated
Yorktown, Va, Dec. 14.-To Major
Gener1a Butler Il have the satisfaction
to announce the complete success of the
expidition sent out under Col. West. All
worked in successful combination. Our
cavalry carried the enemy's camp at
Charles City Court House, after sharp
fighting, the enemy firing from their hou-
ses. We captured eight officers and eigh-
ty-two men, being the whole command,
Qhree companies } ffty-fve horses, and
three mules, besides many small arms, &c,
left on the ground. The enemy's camp,
with its equipments, ammunition and pro-
visions, were all thoroughly destroyed
Our loss is, Capt. Gregory severely woand-
ed, one sergeant and one corporal killed.
and four men wounded Ali are entitled
to high commendation for gallantry and
unfinching endurance, and Col. West es-
pecially, for his precise execution of
difficult. combination, by which alone he
could have accomplished my object
Signed, T. J WIsTAR. Brig. Gen.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23

WASHINGTON, Dec. lS.-The Senate
Military Committee had long session to-
day on the Amendment to the Conscription
Act. After an animated debate the $500
exemption clause was stricken out, and
the two classes put into one. These are
the principal amendments to the bill, which
will be reported tomorrow, and an effort
made to pass them at once, so that the
House may have the bill on Monday togo
to work on, and complete it before the ad-
journment of the holidays. The Objects
toprevent the postponemento of the draft a
the 5th of January.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23

THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE In CAM
ADA.-The Toronto GyoJe, probably Il /
ablest of the Canadian journals, opens it'd
comments on the Presidents message int
thefollowiHs words
"The great Southern rebellion is on its
last legs 1t may lastsix months or wear,
but it is not to be disputed by any fair
minded observer that it is dying. The fall
of Richmond and the fight Of jeff. Davis
and his Cabinet cannot be far off. The
Globe thinks Mr. Lincoln does not fully.
set forth in his message what is tbbe done
with the South when it is conquered. but
his present movement for the pacifcation
of the South is of the "pegging away"I
order. IL is not strictly logical, nor is
it comprehensive, but it may achieve 1
great success" The Glo6e thinks thu
Southern people will soon be ready to TAXI
the oath after their armies are subdued
and though some fierce spirits may lonS
hold out, "they will be regarded as thi
Jacobites in Britain, who, even within III
present century, have refused to take iii
oath of fealty to the Hanoverian line.-
There will be commotions and rumors 4
connections, great army will be needq
to preserve order, and the expense will D
heavy; but in the end Mr.. Lincoln's 'pea
ging away" will bring the Southern pei
pie to submit to what is inevitable.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23
A GEM beautiful sentimer

A GEM.--A beautiful sentiment,
beautifully expressed, is the following
from the Chicago Journal: eff man
die, shall he live again?" and once a
day have the daisies answered it, and
springs little infant given its frag-
rant testimony testified, and yet the
world is murmuring still, eff man
die, shall he live again?"
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23

New YORK, Dec. l8.-By the esteamer
Arago it is stated that the recent heavy
gale swept away nearly all the rebel OBJ
struction in Charleston Harbor, and their
remnants line the shores. The entrance
to the harbor is now believed to be clear,
and it is supposed that our navy will take
due advantage of the fact.
The New Orleans Picqyune, of the 9th
has news of the recaptnre of Pubela by
Juaraz's force, and that Comonfort was
advancing against the Rsnch,
The French in Tampico are in state
of siege, and hay lost 800 men by yellow
fever.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23
GEN. BANKS IN MArAMoRAs-Affe,


GEN. BANKS IN MATAMoRAs.-After
the capture of Brownsville, Gen. Banks
paid an official visit to the American con-
sui at Matamoras. The Mexicans. hav-
ing previously learned of his intention to
do so, decided to give him public re-
ception, of which we find an account in
the New Orleans Times. A deputation
was dispatched to invite him to the public
hall. The military were paraded, a salute
was fired, and all the enthusiasm of ga
Ia day was manifested. Speeches were
made by Srs. Argues, Cortina and others.
expressing their sympathy with the Fed
eral cause in the United States, and their
belief that the result would be favorable
to the cause represented by Gen. Banks.
General Banks replied, hoping that Mex
leo would come out of her present trou-
bles triumphantly; and after great ma
ny mutual expressions of friendship and
sympathy, the party adjourned to the Of
fee of the American consul.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23

CINCINNATI, Dec. 21,-Ihe great San
itary Fair will be inaugurated to-day.
Gen. Grant arrived at Nashville on Sat
urday.
A special dispatch to the Commercial
from Cumberland Gap, dated Dec. 18th,
says: Longstreet divided his army on Mon
day, one part making an attack at Beans
Station, and the other at Kelly's Ford
The design beingto cut off Shakelford and
Foster, but the movement of Gen Ferrero
frustrated the plan
Heavy firing was heard yesterday be-
tween Tazewell and Clinch river.
Longstreet isreported killed and his for
ces surrounded.
A dispatch to the Commercial, dated.
Loudon, KY, Dec. Goth, says: General
Shackelford and staff arrived here en- route
for home. They left Blair's Cross Roads
on the 10th The battle of Beans Sta
tien on the 18th commenced at 2 o'clock
and lasted till dark, Shackelford holding
the ground till that time when he withdrew.
Our loss was from one hundred and fifty to
two hundred killed and wounded. Our
forces were concentrating at Blair's Cross
Roads when Shackelford left.
Since the Senate Committee indicated
its purpose to repeal the $500 exemption
clause onlistments have substantially ceas-
ed all over the country Governors of
many States, in letters to leading Senators,
protested against its repeal, as it is sure to
run up the price of substitutes to at least
1000. The probability to-day is that
the exemption will be increased by the SEN
ate Committee to $500.
The governmentwill dispatch messen-
ger to Halifax tomorrow, with Instructions
| to our Cousul their.
The action of the British authorities in
protecting the pirates of the Chesapeake,
caused much comment in diplomatic cir
cles.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23
FOREIGN NEWS.

NEW YORK, Dec. 1S.-It is reported an
undoubted ram was lately launched at
Hull, with steam up, and Immediately put
to sea, with sundry Southern looking gen.
tlemen.
1t is also reported that there is daneerof
complications between France and Ameri-
ca, owing to California and Sonora supf,iy-
ing the Mexicans with arms.
The three war steamers recently sold bv
the British Admiralty, in addition to the
Victor alias Rappahannock, were the Phe
NIX, Cyclops and Amphion, the latter
twenty-six gun screw trigate. 1t is feared
they were intended for the rebels.
Austria and Prussia have offered to abide
by the treaty oflS52, asregards the Crown
of Denmark
Great Britain will advise Denmark to
make concession, and thereby remove all
anger and hostilities.
Denmark will regard the entrance of
Federal troops into Hoist as declaration
of war. The Federal Diet, however. is not
yet determined to carry out the coercive
measure.
Cotton closed with a decline of 102d.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-23

sy@ The poet speaks to the heart; 1
musician to the soul; the painter to
imagination; the sculptor to the eyes,
The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-11-04

upon the Democracy. As long as they want
war they will, judging from past results, con-
tinue the Government in the hands of the Re
publicans.
Let us say further to the World that the
Democracy of Ohio, and we believe, also, OF al.
the Western States, agree with Mr.. Vallaudig-
hams views respecting the war Even If ne
had not been arrested and exiled, he would
have been nominated for Governor The Con-
vention that selected him was for peace, and
would have SO declared in the platform, if the
antecedents of the man had not been sufficient
ly explicit.
The World may dismiss its ideas about the
people calling the Democracy to power to
prosecute the war, for they will never be real
ized. The Republicans are entitled to all the
glory and all the discredit of the war, and the
Democracy have no intention either to 6lch
the one or ahare in the misfortunes of the
other. They will never come into power un-
til the people resolve upon total change OF
policy from war to peace.-!Cia. Eng
The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-11-04

FoRNEY's Washington Chvonicze, which
claims to express the views of the War De-
partmert, Units issue Of the 22d inst, has the
following donbls.ieaded editorial: sits
We are in receipt of astonishing intslli-
gence in regard to the removal Of Qehsra1
Rosecrans. The whole country wiz be stirrsd
at what we shall chronicle: |: It is-rumored
that three charges are made against this lats
popular commander. The first charge Is pre-
ferred By Garerals Qvittenden and McC6ok,
to the effect that Rosecrans left the battlefield
during the crisis and fed to Chattanooga and
reported to officers there thatthe day. was lost.
1t was reported that subsequently through the
use of opium, he became insensible. = IN
The second charge, it is rumered, is mado
by the Government to tie effect that his or.
ders were to remain at Chattanooga till rein
forcements should arrive. The third charge,
as is rumored, is to the effect that he declined
to move from Murfreesboro, in june last,
when ordered to do so by Government, as an
opportunity was offered to crush Bragg D
large portion of his army having been with
drawn to suceor johnson, who was operating
against Grant. IF these charges are true, e
is most unfortunate as the name of Rosecrans
was a talisman of immense weight. The
New York papers make the sweeping ACCUSE
tion that during the battle Of Chickamau6a
General Rosecrans, Crittenden and McCook
were asleep at Chattanooga. We learn semi
officially, that in regard to General Crittenden,
this statement is false and that nothing has
warranted the circulation Of such paragraph.
The blame, it is said, connected with the fall
urc at Ghickamauga, will rest wholly upon
Rosecrans.
In another editorial, apparently written be-
fore the above, the Chronicle says
It will doubtless be generally assumed that
Gen. Rosecrans's almost total absence from
the engag cement was the principal reason for
his being relieved OF the command, more es-
pecially as the General who bore the brunt oe
it has beer appointed in his stead We have
reason to know that his conduct on that oc-
casion, when the news Of the battle first
| reached here, was severely censured by the
military authorities, and was probably the
/ turning point in the decision that has been
reached, but we hazard nothing in saying that
prior to that there had been grave cause os
/ complaint against the General. He was once
/ before on the eve of being removed, for .
/ failure to move to aid Grant and make a di-
version in his favor by attacking Bragg and
to another timo was somewhat strongly re-
monstrated with for his delay in moving from
Murfreesboro. General Rosecrans has, il
many things, shown himself a good officer,
and his supersedure, we believe. has been
very reluctantly determined on, but neglect Of
orders from his superiors win unit the best
man for military command
The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-11-04
Political Preachers.

Let US commend to the prayerful consdera-
ton of Political Preachers, the following opin-
ions of DIR. Adam Clarke, whose aComments-
ries" are standard authority in the Methodst
Episcopal Church:
Political Preachers neither convert souls
nor bull up believers on their most holy faith
One may pique himself on his loyalty,i the
other on the liberality and popular notions Of
government; but, in sight of the great Head Of
the Church, the first is a sounding brass and
the second a tinkling cymbaL 4
When preachers of the gospel become par<
ties in party politics., religion mourns, the
church is unedifed, and political disputes agi-
tate even the faithful Of the land. Such
preachers, no matter which side they take, are
no longer messengers Of glad tidings but the
seedsmen of confusion and wasters of thes her
itagc of Christ tsist se
And the views of laymnn as distinguished
as Edmund Burke should also possess somein-
fueEce:
Politics and the pulpit are terms that have
little agreement. No sound ought to Re heard
in the church but the healing voice of Chris
tian charity. The cause of civil liberty and
civil government gains as little as that Of re-
ligions by this confusion of duties. Those who
quit their proper character to assume Bhat
does not belong to them are for the greater
part ignorant both of the character they leave
and of the character they assume Wholly
unacquainted with the world in which they
are SO fond of meddling, AID inexperienced u
all its affairs, on which they pronounce with
SO much confidence, they haye no infuencein
politics but the passions they exotic =
r =
The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-11-04


81 am dying, Egypt, dying" ."-lshakpe
lam dying, Egypt, dying,
Ebbs the crimson lfe-tide fast
And the dark, Piutonian shadows
Gather on the evening blast;
Let thine arm, Oh J. Queen, support me,
Hnsh thy sobs and bow thine ear,
Harken to the great heart secrets,
thou, and thou alone, must hear.
Thou my SCARED and veteran 1egions
Bear their eagles high no more,
And my wrecked and scattered galleys
Strew dark Actium's fatal shore
Though no glittering guards surround me,
Prompt 70; do their masters will,
must per p like Roman,
Die thef Eat Triumvise still.
Let not Cassar's servile minions
Mock the lion thus laid low;
Twas no foeman's hand that slew him,
Twas his own that struck the blow,
Here then pillowed on thy bosom,
Ere his star fades quite away,
Him who, drunk with thy caresses,
Madly flung world away
Should the bas, pleblian rabble,
Dare assail my fame at Rome,
Where the noble spouse, Octayia,
Weeps within her widowed home,
Seek her, say the gods have tol@me,
Affairs, augurs, eireling wlngs,
That her blood with mine commihgled,
Yet shall mount the throne of kings.
And for the star-eyed Egyptian
Glorious sorceI ess of the Nile,
Light the path to stygian honors
With the splendors of thy smile,
Give the Cesar crowns and arches,
Lefhis brow the laurel twined-
I can seorn the Sena e's triumphs,
Triumphing in love like thine.
1 am dying, Egypt, dying;
Harkl the insulting foeman's cry,
They are coming-quick, my falchion
Let me front them ere 1 die.
All no more amid the battle
Shall my heart exulfing swell,
isis and Osiris guard thee,
Cleopatra Rome l-farewell,l
The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-11-04
s ASHLAND, ASHLAND COUNTY. OHIO, WEDNESDAY NOR

. RI
it again. Weak as child, covered my face
and brrst into tears. Richard was en- his
knees by my side at once
II was brute to recall it., he whispered re-
morsefally sdo not think of it now, old boy
you must not excite yourself 1t is all forgot,
ten and forgiven ss ass.as.
"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
thosewho trespass against us,' I prayed from
my inmost heart.
sThose words have been in your mouth
night and day, ever since you were TAKEN
said my friend. M -
Lay silent, cogitating.
..tTell me one thing, Iasked, sare we in the
North or South p W 29
sNorth-in Philadelphia,
sTAeusy0n are pris0ner, Z said ,smournlul-
ly, recalling his principles.
Not bit ofit.' 1>,sis7 SO
Richard laughed. - sak
II have seen the error of my ways. / have
taken the oath of allegiance. When you are
strong enough again we shall fight side by
side
sAnd the wound in the hcedpa I asked
with emotion, looking up at his bright, hand
some face. sEea
sDon't mention it !; it healed up long ago.
tAnd the little drummer p ulf. l8sl
Richard bowed his head upon my hand
| sHe was found dead upon the Eeld Heav
en- bless him ! They said he died praying
with his mothers name upon his lips
Revere him as angelp L whispered
grasping him by the hand But for his dy
ing prayer we had yet been enemies
The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-11-04
Southern German Con
federacy. s,k-

A story is circulating in Yionua which, e
true, is of singular Importance. It Is ass,rted
that before leaving Frankfort the Emperor ef
Austria induced the Kings of Bavaria, bq4o-
ny, Wurtemburg, and Hanover, as well IS the
Duke of Nassau, to sign SOLEMN deciaratIol
to the effect that they would unite and torn'e
Southern German Confederacy in case ttne
Frankfort Reform act was not accepted 0y
the whole of the German soyereigns- ne
following is given as the text Of this secret
agreement: : -
4 consideration that the draft Of Reform
act of the German Bund. proposed by big
Anostolio Majesty the Emperor OF Austrlss
affords secure guarantees for the malntsnsnos
IF the independence of Germany and OF tne
states of the Bund the undersigned sover-
eipns have come to the following agreement
Art. 1. The Reform act shall be put into ex-
acnt;on. leyen in case all the States OF the
German Bund do not accede to it. Art 81
Tn care one of the other governments connec-
ted with the ;Buud should find itself induced
~ rronose another project of reform, the IN
,dersigned sovereigns bind themselves 20 g
The signatures of the Emperor Of Aqstris
and the soyereigns Of the five States above
mentioned (the Grown Prince Of W1rtum psrs
s;oning for his father) are SAID to be apPsnftsa
to this document. LlUerPooE Mercury SzFsl
29fh ss 49, - p
Ia.st D.
81 slaessass sgy
The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-11-04

checked. This, on parallel in point Of nil
itary sagacity with the withdrawal of Mellow
ellis troops from Mcclellan (another rolitioe.
necessity for the ruin of popular ofiicsf..1)
demonstrates that Washington Generalship Is
still at the lowest ebb. Rosecrans has lost
more prisoners than all the men which win be
realized by the draft in New York" ~