davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-05-26

l.
the Yazoo to be ready to co operate with Gen.
Grant, leaving two or three iron-clads at Red
river, one at Grand gulf, one at Carthage, three
at Warrenton, and two in the Yazoo river, LETT
me small force, still | disposed of them to the
best advantage.
On the 18th, at meridian, firing was heard in
the rear of Vicksburg, which assured me that
Gen, GIANT was approaching the city. The
cannonading was kept up forously Tor some
time, when by the aid of glasses discovered a
company of our artillery advancing, taking po-
sltion and driving the rebels before them.
Immediately saw that Gen. shermans division
had come into the left of Snyder's Bluff, and
that the rebels at that place had been cut off
from joining the forces in the city.
dispatched the De Kalb, Lieut.. Com. Walk
er, the Choctaw, Lieut. Com Ramsay, Romeo.
Petrol and Forest Rose, all under command of
Lieut.. Com. Breeze, up the Yazoo to open com.
munication in that way with Generals Grant
and Sherman. fThisI succeeded in doing. and
in three hours received letters from Gems. Grant
Sherman and Steele, informing me of this vast
success and asking me to send up provisions.
which was at once done. ~ 4, Fl ~
In the meantime Lieut., Com. Walker in the
De Kalb pushed on to Haines Bluff, which the
enemy had commenced evacuating the day be.
fore, and party remained behind in the hopes
of destroying or taking away large amount of
ammunition on hand. When they saw the gu D.
boats they ran out and left everything In good
order, guns, fort, tents and equipage Of all kinds
which fell into our hands. t8.'D
AS soon as the capture of Haines bluff and
the fourteen forts were reported to me, II showed
upthe gunboatstrom belowV cksburg 10 FIRE at
the Hill batteries, which was kept up for two
or three hours. At midnight they m wed up to
the town and opened on it for about an hour
and continued at intervals during tue night to
annoy the garrison
On the 10Th, placed six mortars in position
with orders to fire night and day as rapidly as
they could. gg,rss7 s,rsape 4, d. .,-.-'rv.'r
The worksat Hanes Bluff are very formidable.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16
A Vermonter at Vlcksburg.

We have seen letter written by Edmund Mar
tin, son Of Mr.. Allen Martin Of Plsinfeld, dated
near vicksburg, 3lst ul,. The writer Is in the
l7,h Illinois regiment lie said the siege had
then been progressing thirteen days and his reei'
ment had been under FIRE all the time, though
fortunately its loss had been slight lie expresses
the opinion that "is not very comfortable posi-
ton to be 10, where musket balls are humming
and pieces Of shell burzing around ones head !
and to our,unmitary judgment this seems to be
a correct proposition. lie says, I'VE have disabled
all the guns on this side Of their he rebeD forli-
fcaiions bu, one, and that they dare not use 10
the daytime. 1t hssure death
for rebel to put bis head above their works, as
Il be does be gets mimic ball through il. Our
sharpshooters go up within hhy or hundred
yards Of the enemys works. 7.
We are bound to have vieksburg and oil ,ha, L
in Il. The rebels have tried to cut their way oul
several times, but were glad to get back again
We have made several unsuccessful charges, and
in one our regimen. lost II killed and wounded
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

position they have now lain for twenty hours
while our cannon are trying to drive the rebels
back and let our men in over their breastworks
We are sure to fetch them. It is impossible foi
them to drive US, and we have cut off nearly every
avenue to their water. Still the General says
"keep quiet men, wait little longer and we will
save the lives of many Of your brave fellows.
Notwithstanding that hundreds Of thousands ol
shots were fred yesterday, only l2 Of our men
were wounded.
| have been on the ground but little. am or
dered by Gen. W., to stay with the trains and
stores, in the rear, as was not paid for stopping
bullets and whom he wanted me in front be would
send for me. Yesterday during a pause Of the
firing he sent for me and went and looked over
all the works and Notifications, and received his
instructions. 1t has kept thirty-eigh! four mule
teams constantly at work drawing ammunition.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16
Drav, Conduct of a Vermont Soldier.

We hive seen private letter which states that
Robert Coiey, Company X, 4th VT, at the battle
Of Fredericksburg, exhibited conspicuous cool
ness and bravery. lie took two swords, one from
a Captain, and one from Lieutenant of the sis,
n. c. regiment. Alone he captured seven rebe
prisoners and took them to the rear lie ordered
a rebel Major to surrender, but the Major at'
tempted to escape by running. lie soon brought
him up standing by charging bayonet, when the
rebel tried to shoot him with his revolver, but
Cofey was too quick for him shooting the rebel
through the head and killing him instantly. The
rebel Captain from whom be afterward took the
sword saw Coffey when he thus summarily dis
posed the rebel Major and called to some ol
bis men to shoot him, and three Of them fred but
fortunately missed him. Cofey Immediately
sprang toward the Captain and told him, unless
he ordered his men not to shoot he would Kill
him on the spot. The terrified Captain gave the
order and directed bis Lieutenant to come In and
surrender himself, which he did bringing five reb
sls with him, they all surrendering themselves tc
Coffey. No federal soldier was near Cofiey du
ring this encounter except his first Lieutenant
and singls-handed, Re accomplished this brillian
result. The Colonel Of the regiment very prop
erly thanked him for bis bravery.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

THE CHRISTIAN COMMISSION IN THE CosvAL-
EscENT CANA correspondent, in a letter dated
&" Camp Convalsscent,' near Washington, June
4th, writes:
"This camp has fine healthy location on part
Of the Arlington Heights, and from appearances
is intended to be permanent There at, fere
now more than four thousand soldiers, ,ides
officers. The Christian Commission has .ut q
chapel capable Of holding from three to 10 ar hun
dred men. Here we assemble at $3.50 A. NJ,
for morning prayers. AT 6, and 2 z. NJ, rayer
meetings are held, and at $3.50 p. NJ, da ,thero
is service with short sermon. A great any OF
the soldiers are interested in these service num-
bers attend regularly, and often from tw, ty-6vc
to one hundred aud twenty-five come lorw I'd and
appeal for the prayers Of the congregation. Their
hearts are touched, and many no doubt ara bsne-
fitted for life.
"The Christian Commission is doing good
and noble work among the soldiers here, as It's
many friends and patrons will be glad to know"
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

NEGROES NOW UNDER ARMs.-There are prob
ably more colored men now under arms than
most people suppose. The Anglo African says
that two weeks ago Adjutant General Thomas had
1900, Gen. Banks 5000, Kansas regiments
1000, Gen. Hunter about 5000. Gen. Foster
5000, Gen. Roseerans about 5000, navy 5000,
Gen. Curtis 1000, Massachusetts, regiments 1900,
District Of Columbia SOt, q total Of $4,000. We
know that the estimate in some of these cases ID
too small, and tina, the actual number is probably
nearer $4,000. Gen. Ullman in Louisiana had
not done so much as he would have done, bad il
not been Tor the arrangement made with General
Banks and the planters for paid negro labor.
But General Banks said recently that country
would soon be opened where negro enlistments
might be made TO any extent. He probably
meant Mississippi, which bids fair to soon be in
our possession.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

How OUR LOYAL INDIANS DEAL WITH GUER-
RILLAs.-A letter from Fort Scott, Kansas, 18th
inst, to the Chicago Tribune says
/" The Usage Indians performed q gallant
deed last Friday, the 10th, at a crossing Of the
Usage river, on their reservation. Twenty-Five
puerrillas camo on the reservation and camped.
They were seen by some of the Indians.
They sent a small, smart Indian boy Two un-
derstood Englsh) into their camp. lie wormed
out Of them who they were, &C., and reported
to the chiefs. Tho braves were hastily got to
gether and made an attack upon them with
rides, bows and arrows and clubs, After q few
volleys from the guerrillas, and returned by the
Indians, the guerrllas fed for the crossing
but the Indians headed them of, reached the
place first, drove them into the deep water, and
succeeded in killing every man-not one was
left TO carry the tale of their disaster to then
leader. The Indians cut of their heads (thus
securing their scalps) and brought them in tri
umph to their village. They reported to the
commandant OF the post fort Scott) yesterday
They received fresh supply OF powder and
lead, and were told to do SO again"
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

The REBEL DEfESsEs AT PoRr HUDsoN.--
The water defenses Of Port HUDSON are said "a
consist Of eight batteries numbering between 20
and 30 guns. One OF these batteries Is stationed
on bluff SO feet high. Another is planted just
below the mouth OF Thompsons ore,k. The
most Of the guns are 2i's 32s and f2's, but there
are one or two l2opouuder. The land deienses
were chiefly built after the advance Of the
Federal forces to Baton Rouge. They mount 10
all some 80 or 40 guns, some OF them Of heavy
cabre, and in addition to these there are at least
four field batteries which can be readily moved
to any part Of the works. The position seems to
to be entirely incosed in a series oil fortfcatlons
Of the most elaborate and formidable character,
but whether there are any interior lines remains
to be revealed. The probability, however, Is ,ha,
the rebels would scarcely rely on a single line
and that the exterior inirenohments include seve.
raj others, as was found to be the case at vicks.
urg.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

Tm GRAsARIKs or MINNESOTA AND WIscos-
sIs.--Tno La Crosse (Ws.) Dsmoerat says the
granaries Of Minnesota and northwestern Wis
oonsin are apparently inexhaustable, judging
by the heavy loads the steamers are continually
landing at the depot Of the Milwaukee and La
Crosse railroad. Steamboat men say that the
grain is not near oil hauled to the shipping
points on the river, and the quantity so far ex-
ceeds the means Of transportation that large
portion Of the crop will have to lie over till
next year. The shipments this year will reach
millions Of bushels.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

WESTERN R,vER Mrs ON vIcksBuRc.- he
western river men talk about vicksburg il. this
fashion: I" You see, they look at their iinds,
and Grant orders them up. Then Mr.. P4mbtr-
ION sees be cantt make anything, and or'cn TO
give him point. Old U. s. is four al-~dy
and that would carry him out, but they arc
playing laps and slams, so hc can't SEQ .s. but
goes in Cor march and one on the next gsae.'
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

An Irishman. in describing America, aid
al am told that 70 might roll EnglaId through
II and II wouldn't make din, In the ground
there's fresh water oceans inside that might
drownd ould Irelsad in an as for Scotland,
ye nigh, stick Il, IN a cerner and ye'd niver be
able 70 find il out, except Il might be BY The
smell Of whisky" 'A
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16
Grief.

Bow your heads very low,
Solemn measured be your PAGES,
Gathered up In grief your faces,
Sing sad music as yego;
In disor iertd handiuls strew
strips OF cypress, sphga OF rue
In your hands be borne the bloom,
Whose long petals once and only
Look from out their pale -leaved tomb
In the darkness louelyi
let the nlshtshade's beared coral
Fall In melancholy moral
You wan brows aIould
While In very seorn ys fling
The amarAnth upon the ground
As an unbelieyed thing
What care We for its fair tale
or beauties that can never fail,
Nosuch blooms sfe on the track
lie has past, who will come back
Never again! Nun
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16
THE DAILY FREEMAN

Is published at Tax FEEExAs OFFICE Two edit Ions
are issued in for the mail West aud the stage
that leave Montpeerin the afternoon the other In the
msrnlngln season Tor the morning mails Each edition
contains latest telegraphlc news to the time Of going
to press.
Terms.
$500 per year 90 for three months, TO mail sub
scribers asd those taking the paper from the Office.
$500 per year or 81 25 for three months toviage sub
scriberpaper delivered their houses or places Of
business.
Adyertisementsinserted on reasonableterms. Order
are solicited, CIV. WILLARD
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16
1)oetrp.
The Dead Hero.


Bind the oak leaves round his head
Hehls shown himself mani
Bnvely charging he fell dead,
Fighting foremost In the van.
Cheering with mighty cheer
On he led the ierried band
Now he lies upon his bier,
Cold and stately, still and grand.
slowly gather round him oW,
Ye, his soldiers and be dumb.
Cast one look upon his brow,
As you hear ths mullied drum.
Then with solemn feet I'D slow,
Mourning for his early doom,
with your folded banners 60,
Lay the hero In his tomb.
Park Benjamin.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

Gen. Grant has sent five thousand rebel pris.
opers 10 Island No. 10, in the Mississippi,
where they will be detained until the late Of
vicksburg ID decided.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16
Gen. Grant S Letter.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE,
Second Division Sixth Corps,
lst Vermont Bripadel Nav 30. 1861


list Vermont Brigade) May 30, 1863. J
5. B. Colby, Esq, Montpelier, w.:
My DEAR SIR Your esteemed favor Of the
Goth inst. has just come to hand. Your recog-
milton Of the brilliant conduct of this Brigade
in the recent campaign is .joyfolly received.
Nothing more encourages the soldier amidst his
dangers, hardshps and tolls than the assurance
that bis conduct is known and appreciated at
home. Your lively interest in our behalf, and
your pride in the record which tho hardy Sons
of Vermont are making, shall encourage us to
future noble deeds.
Permit me to say, that you and the people of
Vermont cannot be too proud of the conduct of
your troops on the recent battle fields. They
showed themselves worthy Of noble sires-wor-
thy Of a noble State. Nothing could exceed
the brliancy Of their charge across the plain
and up the heightsol Fredericksburg. Nothing
could exceed the undaunted courage and
unbroken front with which they received the
charge Of the enemy on the following day.
There was hurled against them three-fold
force, flushed with the hope of victory, and
led by robellions chosen leader With
shouts the enemy rushed upon them like
the waves of the sea when lashed into fury by
mighty wind.--Broken and discomGtted he
fell back like those waves when dashed against
an inyincible rock. And, in turn, the enemy
was charged upon and put to utter rout.
The soldier, too, is proud Of his State. The
Vermont Brigade" is favorably known through.
out the army. To be soldier from Vermont is
an honor indeed
Fear not for the good heart and spirits Of the
command lney were never better. We are
now in pleasant camps, performing easy duties
ever ready to do our part towards ending the
Waiver ready with loaden hail or cold stee
IL pierce the heart Of the rebellion.
an, dear Sir, very respectfully yours,
l.. A. GRANT.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16
The Conduct of the Vermont Brigade a
Fredericksburg.

We are glad to print below a glowing trib-
ute by Gen. Grant to the brilliant courage Of
the gallant Vermonters at fredericksburg. The
letter was enclosed to US in the following note ;
MONTPELIER, June ii, 1868.
Mr.. WILLARD-Dear Sir The enclosed
letter from our heroic Gen. Grant, in reply to
one from me, rendering the hearty thanks of a
a private citizen to his Brigade, for the high
honor it bad done our State, issubmtied to your
discretion. Although not designed for pubiica-
hon, shall expect the gallant writer to ad nit
the spirit and purpose of the act as my ample
apology. What think is, that with lille
more constant and ardent attention towards our
brave boys in their military campaigns, and a
little less Of anxiety about political and personal
campaigns, at home, our country would realize
much brighter hopes in .its terrible strife.
Your friend, 5. b. G.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-16

OF her own, and Laurie's learned his trade; for
we not rich, and must be father to the chill
dren, and husband to the dear old woman, il |
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-12-18
THE REPORT OF THE SECRE.
TARY OF WAR.

New YORK, Dec. 9.-The report of the Secretary
of War is of considerable elgth. 1t reviews our
victories and Pays high tribute to the bravery and
skill of our troops. He says the combined opera
tions of our army and navy against Charleston have
not as yet accomplished what expected of them.
In Texas large force operating under Banks
will give protection to the leOpe of that State and
cut off chief avenue of the rebels for foreign com
merce and foreign aid.
The armies of Lee and Meade now occupv rea.
lively the same positions as they did at the date of
the last annual report.
West Virginia is now clear of rebels and the
people of that State are enjoying in comparative
peace the blessings of civil government
The rebel forces in Missouri have been driven be-
yOnd the Arkansas River.
No military operations OF any magnitude have
taken placein Virginia or North Carolina
The Federal forces are now firmly planted in every
rebel State
The success Of our arms during the past year has
enabled the department to make reduction of over
$500, OOO 600 in the estimate for the ensuing wear.
The trouble in regard to the exchange of pris-
ones is reviewed at length and the blame for the
nOn-exchange Is thrown entirely upon the rebel
authorities. He aludes to The good treatment the
rebel pri-Oners have received at our hands and de-
the rebel authorities for the cruel manner in
which they have treated our prisoners in their
hands.
He then discusses the act of Congress for enroirp
and calling out the national forces and says that the
law has been enforced in twelve States Welding
so 600 soldiers and ten million dollars for DR. curinS
substitutes. The three hundred dollar clause is
attended TO- as are also the conflicting opinions in
regard to its justice and injustice He saws that
large proportion of the troops whose term expires
next year. wi re- enlist it being stipulated by the
government that they shall have atleast one months
furlough before their present term expires.
The indications are that the force required win in
great measure be raised byvolunteering and without
draft An appropriation for .bounties should be
made He then alludes to the valuable services the
corps now numbers 90 600, officers and privates, He
says that Immediately after the issue of the Presi
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-12-18

want of strength as compared with those of
Iron structure, and the more rapid decay of the
material, particularly when covered with iron
plating the action of the immersed iron armoI
or copper sheathing near it causing the copper
to become foul and the immersed armor plates
to waste The difficulty of keeping vessels
light under armOr plates, and the probability
OF greater strength OF iron permits the construc-
ton of ships Of greater size and finer lines. and
and having greater internal capacity. They
can be at any lime inspected in all their parts,
are safe from fire, and are better protected from
great leaks as they can have water tight COM
partments. Their repairs can generally be
more easily made, and from theiri great dura-
bility they are probably, in the end, not more
costly. An iron vessel. moreover, can be taken
from the water and placed on land for preser-
walton. which cannot be done with wooden
vessels
The disadvantages of iron vessels are the
serious local weakness of the thin plates COM
posing the bottom of an iron ship, the danger
that would result from getting on rocks or sub
merged distractions, their liability to rapidly
become foul in salt water, whereby their speed
becomes greatly impair ed. their requiring to be
frequently locked for cleaning, the great dan
ger from shot striking below the armor
plating as they roll; the injury caused by the
splinters OF iron when the plates are broken or
smashed; the corrOsiOn inside from bilge wa
ter; the difficulty in making TEMPORARY repairs
of shot holes and the limited number of arti
sans yet to be procured having skill in this
description of employment.
1t is believed that the troops at every point
have been supplied with an abundance of whole
some food, and that if in the movement of the
armies temporary want has been felt it has not
been due to any want of foresight or attention
on the part of the COmmissary Generals De-
partment
The Paymaster's report and the Acting Sur
geon Generals report, with full details are also
given.
A compliment is paid to the military tele-
graph and the valuable services it has rendered
to the Government under the superintendent
of Col. Stager and Major Eckert.
After abiding to some claims against that
department saying that further legislation or
a larger appropriation win be required to carry
them into effect, he concludes as follows: Il
may be permitted to express the hope that the
next annual report from this Department may
announce the complete overthrow of the re-
belliOn and restoration of peace and the estab-
lishment of the Union on sure foundation in
all the bounds of the United States.