davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
The "Stab Uuder the Fifth Rib" :"
"Let hungry children cry for breat Till sprcula'ion's paunch is iei

;TiIl specula ions paunch is fei
 # Justice ste pS she IS not de1d!
 The press has so generally and so persstentiy mlde war upon extorlion and speculation, and has so incontestibly demonstrated it's hurtful influence upon the struggle in which we are engaged, that the common sentiment of the country now regards this practice as an evil almost as dangerous as the enemy opposed 10 us in the field. EvcryDooy con demns the prtotice am 1thcmatlZes those most con spcuously ged in it. but, unfortunately, 1t has gone on unchecked 30 long that It has now proven a Ieayen that has ''leavened the whole lump of society. The question now is, who is not an ex- tortioner? The manufacturer and the specuator can no longer be pointed to as exceptional wrong doers. but mechanics generally and the great body of the planters are following their perncious ex ample. The selfish determination to "take care oi number one," is the predominant sentiment, ana each man is endeavoring to get eren by makln? out of somebody else what he has lost in the purchase of any commodity for which an extortionate price had been exacted of him. And yet, wide spread as the evil has now become, and generally as It S enoaped in as a measure of tancled selt-deience, we are pursuaded that the great majority of the people wish to get rid of it, and will cheerfaily give it up if they can compel the pioneers ana most unscrupulous ssh ilocks' also to abandon It.
 That it must be abandoned, or we will soon be- come hopelessly ruined people, is nov apparent One after another of the luXuries of life have been surrendered by the middle and poorer classes of the people and were given up without murmur. But now when speculation and eXtorton IS with holding bread from their mouths and the coarS est clothing from their backs-when they are deprlVed cd of the means of sending clothing or shoes to theli suffering relatives and flen!s in the army, because encrossers and extortieners have run up prices be- yond their means-they are demanding remedy for so great an evil All eyes are turned to the State Legislatures to provide such rCmedy.-R'ca- an0nd UItg
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
Matters in Arkansas.

A few days after the fall of the Post of Arkan- sas, the enemy, with two gunboats and several transports, came up the river to South Bend, rob- ping and destroying. Among other acts of the enemy Mr. Carroll Fletcher tells that he learns from gentlemen just from below. that they burnt his house, destroyed his property and did all the damage they could. At the plantation of Mrs. Clay they robbed the house of everything, broke open the bureaus, and even the trunks, chests and boxes of the negroes. They tried to persuade the negroes to go with them, but the latter very gen eraily refused. Judge r-IeIcncr was 0'1Acn prisoner as reported, but is safe in Monticello After this expedition, the feds retired and part of their fleet, it is said, left the river. During the latter part of the week they appeared in White river and are said to be in force at Devals Bluff, Des Are and other points, Whether they intend to pay us a visit we do not know, and as to the nrcparations made to receive them, they must find out when they come.
 Mr. Boudinot, directly from the west, tells us that Blunt and Heron have fallen back and are at Fayetteville, Huntsville, and that section of coun- try Only aboutthirty came down to Ozark, shoot ing at the citizens and committing outrages A dispatch came from Russellyile that De Rosey Carroll had been murdered in Franklin county by the iavhawkers under the command of Bill Dark, a former inmate of penitentiary.
 It is confirmed that Marmaduke with his caval- ry force had taken Springfield, Mo, burnt the stores of the enemy and was marching upon Rolla The dissatisfaction with Lincons' proclamation is SO great in Missouri that Gamble's militamen are being disarmed. Numbers, however, will join Marnaduke and Burbage.
 Desertions from the federal army are numerous, the soldiers declaring that they will fight no longer to sustain Lincoln's abolition policy.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
DECATUR, TEXAS, Dec. 24, 1862.

EDITOR OF THE TRUE DEMOCRAT
 Sir: As it is the daily complaint of the citizens of this portion of Texas, about mail mat ter, hope you will permit me, through your pa per, to say to the different post masters, between here and Little Rock, that it is very necessary for every post master do his duty, in p'ying strict attention to the forwarding of mail matter, and let none remain in tho different offices no longer than chance to scndth em cut by the first opportunity. When post masters do then duty, we get our mall from Little Rock in eight or nine days, but here lately, it seems we cannot get letters or papers from there in two or three weeks, and negligence of post masters must be the cause, nearly every body in this portion of Texas has friends or rea- tires in the army, and you know, are anxious to hear from them, and do hope every man in the employ ofthe government, as post master or mai carrier, will do his duty, also, should notice and send Ali mail matter direct. We frequently get mail matter for this office from west, which should have come direct.
 Very respectfully,
 J. F. MCDONALD, P. NJ.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21

AN EXTENSIVE SEIZURE oT BLOCKADE Goops''-ARREsr OF THE RUNNER" " ester day, upon information contained III telegram sent from Petersburg. and addressed to G'nerai Winder. Detective Cole, of Captain Maccubln' s force. was dispatched to the auction house ot Messrs. Kent, Pain < Co.,, Main street, where he seized and detained from sale, a large lot ot blockade eooas, contained in six large trunks, estimated to contain goods to the value ot two thousand dollars each. The goods had entered Richmond via Petersburg from Notoik, an were owned by Thomas Smith, dry goods merchant of Norfolk. Smith was placed un- der arrest for disobedience of orders Tn torward- ino the goods to Richmond from eisburg, but he gave bail, and was released to appear at an examination before General Winder at ten o'clock this morning. A lot of cotton goods and other articles of 'prime necessity were -:~I ~. .hn SamA tirnn, hnlnpG pGing ta, the same lot, and all were taken to the Marshafs office.
 The trunks which are very Large, bore the ap- pearence of having been packed in the North several of them being plastered with the tickets of "Harnecn's Express Company"
 The value of the whole lot captured is fully ten thousand dollars.
 Blockade runners, such as do 1t for mere spec ulation, and who are not authorized by the Con. federate Government, had better make up their minds at once. that the authorities are deter. mined to suppress it, and take warning by the fate of those who have fallen into the meshes of their own greed. Its practice brings not one particle of gain to the public, but, on the eon~ trary, by bringing the needless luAures of the Yankee North to the doors of the people, en, courages spirit of extravaganza which had far better be kept out of sight by the stern ne- cessities of the present.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21

DIED-On the morning of the 2d inst. 1, in faris. rn aa%a' her sss sSs of Col John w.
 Payne, late of Missouri. ,smo;r was native
 the sStsed snGye to Missour Mas An when or here sbe lived until the fall of 1861. She yoon eeton with her family, arrived here in April, II, S with the exception of short interval, remain d here until her death. For the short time she so- ;onrned with us, she formed an acquaintance with
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
HEAD QUARTERS, 9TH REG'T INFANTRY. Camp Holmes, Oregon Co.,. Mo-,
 September 27th, 1862.

To Misses CAsEN, DENTON, HINsoN, etc,
 Batesvie, Arkansas:
 Ladies: Your very beautiful flag presented to my regiment through the hands ot Adlutant Leddy has been received and it is fit that should take oc casion to express the feeling responsive to the gift.
 assure you la .ies there is no gift to the soldier so ga cred and dear the emblem of our country s nationality
 Every heart rejoces, after years of repeated in suit and wrong purpetrated against us, to witness this proof that at last the banner of southern rights and southern independence has been unfurled, and that the noble Huguenot, who never knowledged a master has resolved, cost what t may, to be Tree from Puritan insolence and fanaticsm.
 While woman's countendncc and cheer are the dearest comfort to the weary soldier, It Is proud satisfaction to farther, brother and loved on the battle field to see before him such evidence of de- votion to our common cause, wrought with your own fair fingers, this lovely flag.
 am, ladies, very truly, your friend,
 C S. MITCHELL, Col. Com'dg.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21

- One of the northern papers gives 1t as re- markabe fact that the battles fought near Wash ington are Confederate victories, while the farther the battle ground is from Washington, the more decided the victories are for the federals Perhaps
 solution of this mystery may be found i'll the fact that when battle is fought near the centre. the truth is apt to leak out, while they seldom learn facts connected with an engagement at a distance.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
State of Texas-Proclamation by the
 Governor.

WHEREAS, The condition of public affairs, w both State and Confederate, renders 1t ne- cessary in my opinion, that the Legislature should be convened in Extra Session:
 Now, therefore, l. F. R. LUBBOCK, Governor of the State of Texas, do hereby issue this, my pro- clamation, ordering the Legislature ot the State of Texas to convene in extra session, at the capi- tol, in the city of Austin, on Monday, the I'd day of February, A.. D. lSb3. And whereas, it is believed that vacancies exist in several senatorial and representative districts of this State:
 Now, therefore, do require the Chief Justices of the several counties composing such districts tor any two County Commissioners if necessary upon the receipt of this proclamation, to proceed 10 have elections held in their respective countess to fill said vacancies; after having gwen not more than ten nor less than five days notice Of such election. and make returns thereof according to law. ,t o,. o, r .l
 State, at Austin, this thirtieth day of De- r,.s.1 cember, Anno Domin, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty two, and in the
 year of the Independence of Texas, the
 Twenty-seventh.
 F. R. LUBBOCK. By the Governor:
True Democrat., 1863-01-21

HORSE LOST.-A light bay Texas horse me- l X dium size; hind feet white; black stripe down his back; scrubby mane, part has been eaten off; shod all round; had on red morocco padded saddle, with lenders to the strups; also bridle and martngales and headstal. The finder will be liberally rewarded by leaving said horse so can get him, or sending him to me.
 J. w. RAGAN, Mai.
 McNell's Reg't, McRaes Brigade.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
For Sale CT Exchange.

4 VALUABLE tract of land in Dallas county, "A containing 40 acres, no cleared; good i'm provements; excellent water; good orchard, etc. Will sell for Confederate money or exchange for negroes. For particulars enquire for three days at this office, afterwards address the subscriber at Philadelphia. J. A. GEOGHEGAN.
 Jan. 2l, 1863. 4t*
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
OFFICE CoMMANDtNr CoNscRIPrs FOR DISTRICT ARK, l
 yjttIe RorI Ian 1892

OFFICE CoMMANDtNT CoNScRiPrS FOR DISTRICT ARK.
 Little Rock, Jan. s, lS02 ] General Orders No ?.
 The act commonly known the Exemption Act approv- edOctober h 1882 prospective in it's operations If not in conl toclam exemption the llth October 1892 under provisions he cannot place himself be placed in condition subsequent to that date to be- exemPted unless by physical injuries that dsqnaly him for military duty by being elected state feler"te states ofce the incubynt of which exempted by the act
 All Enrolling officers in this District required to a- here strictly to the above order.
 F. DANUEY, Col.
 and Comdt Conscripts, District Ark.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21

our line of battle was formed. Half of our army, the left wing, was in front of the river, and the right in rear of it. Folks corps formed the left. and Hardee's the right wing. while Wheeler and Wharton with their cavalry moved to the right and left to assail tha enemy's trains and rear guard The engagement was one of the bloodiest of the war, and although not so complete victory as we had hoped for, and as is necessary to set the wes tern campaign it's legs, still we think it far from being defeat.
 Bragg could, no doubt, have maintained his po- sition at Murfreesboro, but his soldiers were much worn by the battle and the heavy rains which fell during the six days they remained in the trenches and he therefore deemed 1t advisable to fall back to Tuaboma, where his hungry and fatiSued men could rest, and be in a condition to fight again should Rosencrans advance. This is the opipion we have formed, with the present light before us In a few days, as accounts come. shall have something more to say upon this subject, when we shali be able to speak advisedly.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
BARTHOLOMEW, ARK. Jan. 9th, Is


 MT. EpIroR-I send you hasty line to give you the good news that has just reached us here. The federal fleet has just passed up, and two Of their men who deserted at Columbia, in this coun- ty, say they were badly whipped at Vicksburg and acknowledge that they can't take that place; they also say that the flag boat Benton was badly crip- pied by shot passing through her, and that his captain and several others were killed; she passed up in tow yesterday-they further stated that the news had reached the fleet that Van Dorn's caval had taken Memphis. As the fleet passed down they stopped at Gains Landing and burned every vacant house thcre they also robbed severa! fa'n- lies, going into ladies' chambers, opening their trunks and taking every thing of value. was at the river day before yesterday and witnessed the burning of house on the opposite side, as the fleet passed up. Their conduct has indeei been cruel and shameful.
 Yours, etc, J. F. l..
True Democrat., 1863-01-21

- There was a Elutiny among the federal troops at Newborn, N. c. 500 threw down their arms and refused to fight.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
By the Governor:
 R. J. TowNEs, Secretary of State.

r OST.-One light bay Mexican HORSE, about IL l5 hands high, both hind feet white, small white spot on his nose, short mane, has dark stripe down his back, shod all round. Any one delivering the above described horse to Capt JOE. C. MARTIN, to be found at his room at the An thony House, will be liberally rewarded Said horse was bridled and saddled when last seen.
 Little Rock Jan 2l, 1863. lw*
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
The total number of slaves in l776 was as

Total number of slaves in l776.. 502,l3 - The area of the thirteen colonies in l776, was about SIC, ,O0O square miles. The area of the ;,
True Democrat., 1863-01-21

r37A note for SllO g in favor of J. R. R. Adams, has been left at this office. The owner can get the same by paying charges. Jan 2l 3t
True Democrat., 1863-01-21

FouND-A bunch of large keys. They are left at this office for the owner
True Democrat., 1863-01-21

-F Frank P. Blair is to assume command at
True Democrat., 1863-01-21
Post of Arkansas.

Terrific Battle. Fighting for two Days Confederate loss l5o killed, 400 woun- ded Federal Loss 2Ooo killed and as many more wounded.
True Democrat., 1863-01-21


 The rebels are concentrating at Arkadel pha. The correspondent of the Inquirer in the army of the Potomac. says that on the night of the 2d, two brigades recrossed the Rappahannock, six m les above Fredericksburg, secured the country and re- turned.
 Butler was received with complimentary de- monstrations at Washington and other points, Lncoln's proclamation was honored with salutes and other demonstrations At Pittsburg, Boston and other places.
 thirty eight St. Croix Indians were hung on the 26th ult by Lincon's orders.
 Northern accounts sta te that General Cheatham was wounded and captured at Murfreesboro. Captain Wynne, a British officer, has been ar rested in Baltimore, as emissary ofthe Confede- rate government. It is said he was on his way to Europe with important dispatches.
 Burnside was in Washington on Wednesday, urging upon Lincoln the importance of allowing him to recross the Rappahannock. Lincoln refused peremptorly.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-09
WHOLE NO. 1913.

The Worlds Washington dispatch says
returned prisoner who reached here to-da
declares that A. p. Hill still commands th
! Richmond defenses with about 5000 mel
and that Longstreet reinforced Bragg will
$4,000 men about three weeks ago.
The Cabinet is said to be equally divided
on the Missouri question. Judge Bates VIII
is a brother-in-law Of Gov. Gamble and Post
master Blair are very active against the reno
val of Gen. Schofeld. Several members o
the delegation declare that the latter will BE-
suspended though it is quite certain that the
PRESIDENT has given no assurances to that
effect.
NEw YORK, Oct 2.
The Posts Washington letter says it seems
to be understood that Mr.. Chase will not call
for another loan Of fifty milions--certainly
not until after the meeting of Congress.
Gen. Schenck has assessed disloyal ci,-
zens OF Arundel county, Md, Sl45O for loss
Of buildings belonging to enrolled officers in
that district.
A lady was yesterday sent South from
Baltimore for writing disloyal letter to a
son in the rebel army.
The statement that our government has
demanded that Spain shall relinquish mari
time jurisdiction three miles from the Cuban
coast is ridiculous bunder. The facts are,
That one year ago the Spanish Government
demanded the alteration of the distance which
international law fixed for maritime iurisdic-
ton, viz: three miles. Tha, Government
asked for five miles instead of three. 1t is
not to be supposed that Mr.. Seward gave
way before any such alleged and impudent
demand.
The Commercials Washington correspon-
dent says the reported resignation Of Gems
Slocum and Howard is untrue They remain
IN command Of their corps, the | lth and 18th.
Lees position is a strong defensive one near
the southwest mountains, and running to-
ward Raccoon ford. 1t looks as though both
armies would remain on the defensive.
The same letter intmates that Gen. Hooker
takes Gen. Burnsides command, and that
Gen. Pope will probably have command
under Gen. Rosecrans.
The steamer Corsica from Havana, via
Nassau, has arrived. No news from Nassau.
Via Havana we learn that the rebellion in
Domingo is not suppressed. The Spanish
troops were marching on Badgo where the
rebels were strongly fortified. Additional
soldiers are being sent from Cuba Va
rlous skirmishes are reported in which the
rebels we're defeated.
WAsHIHGToN, Oct 2.
The subcommittee of Missouri and Kan
ias delegation do not expect another inter-
view with the President before Monday
They called to-day, but he was busy with
Cabinet affairs.
There was a severe rain In Baltimore. -
The streets we're flooded in some places to 20
yr' at depth to wash the passenger cars
I'll the track. The bridges on the Washing
on railroad at Laurel and Hanover have been
Eashed down.
ar Lamb the newspaper contractor, ar
ested on the carge Of smuggling through our
ines, has been discharged.
The United States Court for Eastern Vir- |
'inia, will open at Alexandria for the frat
line since the rebellion commenced, on Mon
lay next.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-09

REBEL CONDITIONS OF PEAoE.-The re-
port that the rebel Col, r.. c.. Hill told Gen.
Costor, under flag of truce at Fredericks burg,
" that there would soon be peace" was all
bosh. Col. Hill denies it in the Richmond
Sentinel, and says on the general subject;
am opposed 70 peace any terms short Of a sub.
mission Of he deras 70 such terms as we may dictate;
which, in my opinion, should be Mason's and Dixon
line as boundary the exclusive navgato of the Missis-
sppi below Cairo full naturalization for the negroes
stolen and prope ~ destroyed, the restoration Of For.
uess Monroe Jefferson. Key West, aud all other strong
holds which may hive fallen Into their possession
ing ihewar II they unwilling TO aceede 20 these
terms, propose an Indefinite continuance Of the war
until the existing fragments Of the old Union break
TO pieces from mere rottenness and want Of cohesion
when we will step in as the only first class power the
western hemisphere, aud take possession OF the pieces
as subugated and conquered provinces"
Such being the extremely reasonable and
pacific views of the rebels. isn't it nice time
for the copperheads to be crying out for arm
istice and Cancellation Are they ready to
come to Col His terms Sprihfeid Re
publican
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-09

SUDDEN DEArH.-We record the death Of
Mrs. S.J.Y.Vail, which occurred very suddenly
on Thursday night She had visited neigh.
Dor during the evening, and retired in usual
health, but soon after died from bleeding Of
the lungs. Although Mrs. Vail has resided
here but few days, she was well known and
highly esteemed
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-09
FROM GEN BANKS COMMAND.

New YoRg, Oct. 8.
The Steamer Geo. Washington, from New
Orleans the 26th, has arrived
On Sunday the 18th after the Calhoun and
Jackson had run the steamer Fox aground
and had destroyed her, three gunbosts were
headed for Grants pass, near Mobile, and at
IL oclook arrived within two miles OF the
fort. Near the fort was the rebel ifon-clsd
gunbost Gaines, Long Tom Hunter COM
mander, and steam transport The Tennes-
see opened with her famous 100 FOUNDER and
soon the rebel commander was compelled 10
retire behind the fort to save his vessels. -
The Jackson with one 64-pounder Sawyer
gun and the Calhoun with small rifle niece
After the retreat Of the rebel iron clad and
the transport steamer behind the fort, the
shellng was directed solely against the fort.
twenty-five shells from the Tennessee alone
fell inside the fort and the shelling from the
other boats was remarkably accurate. Sand.
stone, logs, &c, we're sent flying upward
in great quantities and before the actioa
terminated every guns was dsmounted and il
is believed disabled. One large gun knock
ed completely end over end, drew forth hearty
cheers from the gallant tars.
New Orleans letters TO the Herald say -
Guerrillas are growing bold AMI numerous on
the Mississippi river, and have located 3-gun
battery sixteen miles above Natchez from
which they fred fifteen shots ON the steamer
J lula, five OF which went through her, but she
escaped. The health of New Orleans is ex-
cellent. On the 25th there were 1000 bales
of cotton in the market.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-09

A party from Orwell crossed the Lake
few days ago and assembled St. AnIhony's
nose. When near the summit, lady en-
oountered a raitle-snake. Not long ago we
net another Orwell party on the summit Of
Mansfield, and we trust they have already re-
ported that there are no rattle-snakes in that
neighborbood.
l.. B. Dudley, of Royalton, has cut thir-
teen tons and two hundred and forty pounds
of hay this season from two acres twenty
three rods and quarter-being more than
six tons to the acre. "Going to grass" with
avengeanoe. Who beats
Headquarters for recruiting officers Of the
Invalid Corps we're on Monday removed from
Montpelier to Windsor, by order Of Brig.
Gen. 7. G. Pitcher, A. A. p. NJ. g, for
Vermont.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-09

Any number of newspapers may Oo sent by
mail under two cent stamp, provided they
do not exceed four ounces 10 weight. This
fact, it appears. people will not remember
although it has been frequently published.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-09

From the official returns of the Maine cleo
ton it appears that the Senate stands 80 In
ion to one democrat, and the house of Repre-
sentatives. 20 Union to 81 democrats. Last
year the House was composed Of l07 Unienists
and A democrats, showing Union gain this
year Of 20.