davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
THE FOUR TERRIBLE Bi-TTLES
ON THE RIVER PO

The particulars which | have received Of
the battles Of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 18th
inst, at Spottsylvania on the river Po, prove
them to have been fercely contested and
sanguinary beyond description. On the Oh,
TO say nothing OF other losses, we suffered the
great calamity of the death of General Sedg-
wick, who might well be called General
Grants right arm. On the 10Th, although
General Grant had telegraphed to the Secre-
tary Of War that he did not intend to renew
the conflict on that day yet the maneuvcrs
of the rebel general in the morning were SO
threatening that General Grant altered his
mind before noon, aud at Il O'Clock issued
orders for a resumption for hostilties at five
in the afternoon. In this contemplated at.
tack, however, he was anticipated by General
Lee, who himself assumed The offensive be
fore ] o'clck in the afternoon. This of course
deranged General Grants plans to some ex-
tent, and made some modification in them
necessary. The whole of the fifth corps. as
L am informed, and the divisions of General
Birney and General Gibbons, of the Secon d
corps, were ordered to assault the center of
the enemy's position. There are no better
troops in the army than these The assault
was made. 1t was led-by the officers In per-
son..
The regulars took part in it, and it was
beautiful to see the steadiness with which
they moved to the attack, and the GOODNESS
with which they formed and reformed under
the CALLING fire of the, enemy. Bas the as
sauIt was repulsed with frightfu loss on our
side, and the enemy still held their position.
The enemy did more than that. When this
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
Another Battle obabie.
up.
WASHINGTON, May II.


Late rebel papers state that Lee is wound
ed and is now in Richmond. His army is out
Of gear and Is now in full retreat.
Careful invesligatonsf sfxed the total losses
of the army of the Potomac in killed, wound
ed and missing, including prisoner captured
by the rebels and stragg'ers, uD to the com.
mencement of the battle Of Thursday. at
about twenty thousand, rot thirty thousand
as has been represented in uaofIicIai de-
spatches.
From the fact that no canHonading was
heard yeaerday from the front, it is believed
that Lee, in shifting position, has taken care
to put himself out OF immediate fighting
range, if he has not actually moved off rapid
ly toward Richmond.
The public may expect to hear soon of The
occurrence Of the next fight, IF Lee has not
been so weakened as 10 c,npeI him to seek
the cover OF the Il chmond fortifcations, or to
retreat rapidly in the direction Of Lynchburg
and Stanton, from which points his army has
received its supplies ever since Grant eros sed
the RaPldan.
We may add tfat we d. not share the ap-
prehensions Of many around US that Lee can
make a more obstinate defence on the North
or South Anna river than he has made ON the
Pc, as the lines to be held on both Of those
rivers are much longer than that on the Po.
and therefore much weaker an; more easily
pierced or turned
Brigader General Joshua Owen, Of Penn
sylyanis, is not dead, as reported. He is
still on duty, having only lost finger
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
Nuts to Crack.

i''' o"'0' Is d lie Inc AmeF'W
Cnoh Is an impoS'ure' am Tor ITS over
.n''" ~ WIN the rag oil D'Sun'"n' -
".,, "I, i''0y" 'o'' '''"'
=, 1 "o 00H' '''u''o' o' our '"'her' was !"
mistake. lear 1t IN pieces and make bet
ter. Don't say the machine is cut of order
II Is IN order-'t does what Its ir"merS in
'e"ueo' OaF cam Is c'SunIon' breaking
up % me 0'a'eS nave SHOWN you that
our "'fN cannot DC done under cur insiIlu
t'ooS 'a"S'l Inc hepo0HcAn party is the
hrSt sectional party ever organized in tits
country. 1t does not kpc~ Its own face,
lnd calls itsel national. but it is sectional,
1t is party Of the North, pledged against
the South F'-Hendeu Phillips.
At an anti slavery meeting IN May 1914,
at New York
ReSolrcd, That secession from the Unit
ed States Government - Tho 6rtr of,-..-,,
Abolitioni ST.
Resorred " That tbo o,,v evod,s or .ho
slave to freedom. unIesS # h. ore IF h1ooa
va. - o'o"'
4'U % o',' ''e remains "i the present
American CAurch, anu the grave OF the pres
cht Union.
fesolred, That the Abolitonists Of this
country should make i: one of the primary
objects OF this az alton to dissolve the
Union"
American Union.n
Tn 1870 Senator Halo rro.o,.ol .
,it;o,s q nr.v;rr th,, SOM, ,,o, ho aouiro5
for the dissolution Of the American Uni,n ;,
50 This ne,;,ion roco;vod throo ro.o.
Halo w II sew.rd 6 D Ch.son
L can conceive of q time when this Can
s,itrtion shall not ha m oxisto,co -ho go
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
GENERAL BUTLEK's FIRST DrsrATcH.
HALF-WAY House, May l4-SA.M.

HALFWAY House, May l4-SA.M.
10 Hon. Ed,Tin M. Stanton:
We are still before the base of the enemy s
works at Dury's bluff, Fort Darling. The
enemy are here in force.
General Gilmore, by flank movement
with portion Of his corps and brigade of
the Eighteenth corps, assaulted and took the
enemy's works on their right 1t was gall
antly done. The troops behaved finely
We held our lines. during the night, and
shall move this morning.
BENJAMIN F. Butler,
Major General Commanding
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
Sir. Linco!n's Bold Avowal of the DoctTin
of AbolitionisHl.

The Louisville Journal, in publishing Mr..
Lincola's late letter 10 Mr.. Hodges, Of the
Frankfort Commonwealth, makes the follow
ing commentary thereon 1t is more Just
and pointed than anything we could say :
and in the closing words Of Prentice, We
would cal! upon every free man in lhe Union
to take up the guantlet of despotism which
Lincoln has thrown down, and meet him and
his courtiers and sycophan,s at the Noyem-
Der election, with a determination tq hurl
from power the nnbIushing advocates Of an
absolute rule that would shame the Auto
crat of all the Russas:''
Mr.. Lincoln's letter contains more di-
rect and explicit enunciation Of the doctrine
of absolutism than he has ever before made.
He says therein: | felt that measures, OH
erwise unconstitutional, might become law
tul, by becoming indispensable to the pres
ervatiou Of the nation. Right or wrong,
assume this ground and now avow it. That
is to say, whatever he deems indispens q bic
to the preservation of the nation is lawful ;
which is to say his discretion is the supreme
law of the land, anything in the C0nstitu
ton or laws of the United States or Of any
State to the contrary Notwithstanding =
This is fair statement Of the doctrine in lis
natmral and naked proportions. The doe
trine is simple absolutism. Mr.. Lincoln
more or less openly has been acting upon
this doctrine for the la { eighteen months .
but he has never before so openly and bread
ly avowed it.
We venture to say that the annals of
constitutional government may be searched
in vain for a parallel to this avowaI. 1t is
the most unworthy declaration that ever
emanated from the chief magistrate Of free
country. lit does not awaken the people
to due sense of the peril which the gov
ernment must encounter from the "e-e'ectIon
of Mr.. Lincoln or the electioa OF any other
Republican, words cannot awaken them, nn-
less followed by corresponding deeds even
more fragrant than the edict OF emancipation
and the proclamation of reconstruction,
though the consummation Of Rese deeds
threatens to involve the destruction of the
. Republic. Patsioic (reemen Of the Union
Mr.. Lincoln has boldly thrown the gauntlet
Of despotism at your feet. Take it up, and
meet him at the baliot-box in November
meeting the champions in the meantime
wherever and whenever they come FORTH
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
SHERMAN FIGHTING Ak. DAY SAT-
URDAY-TfGE ADVANTAGE ON OUR
SIDE. BUT DECIDED RESULT.
GoFFICIAL.1

loFFlCiAL.
WAR DEPARTWET,
WASHINGTON, May 15-l0:l5 Pm.
To Mdj0r- General Die:
Dispatches from General Grant have been
received by this department down to I o'clock
this morning. There has been no engage
meat for the last t@3 lays.
Dispatches from General Sherman down
to s O'clock last night, state that his forces
had been actively engaged during the day
with advantage on or side, but No decided
result.
Nothing mas been heard from General
Buffers operations since his telegram of last
night, heretofore published.
EDWIN NJ. STANTON,
Secretary Of War.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18

important to the ETGneD.--" The Universa
Clothes Wrinsar," is Acknowledged to DO far ahea
OF al other laTentioa3 OF the kind now oerod for
sale Iaose who have rrei it, in this vicinity, say
they would not dispense with it tor any price.
We are gial TO !earl, that o,r fr;or:I w r.,-
foFi who his the agency for the gale Of them in sew
er1l townships 10 thsc uty. has ordered a lot Of
th'in AMI will so9n ora- the II tie pubic. W,
expect 10 get one fo:-tho gir, that does our Wash
ing (Ars So and expect her as a committee Of ons
to make rorort thereon, the substance of whies,
We shall mako public.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
MATHER & CO., No 335 Broadway Ny.
are our Authorized Agents to take Advertisement,
or this paper, at out published rates
IL Elsewhere, in our papcr of to dav,

L Elsewhere, in our paper of to day.
will be found SUCH brief extracts in relation
10 the late battles, as We have room for, clip
ped from the great mass Of news, ruLnors &C.,
as published in the ". Y World 1t has thus
far been impossible to get reliable aud sue
ciDct account Of this terrible struggle be-
tween the two great armies that ever met
in deadly strife on this continent. There has
been no general engagement since Thursday.
Both armies seem now sated with the car
mage and are resting now from their bloody
work, only to renew it after taking breath
Lee has fallen back but short distance from
the scenes Of the last battle and taken up a
position which Gen. Grant will only take
after desperate fighting. Grant awaits rein
forcements which have been sent him. Ev-
erything considered, his victories of the past
few days: as they have been styled, are very
expensive ones. The advance from the Rap.
idan has been disputed inch by inch. and ev-
cry mile has cost thousands of lives.
The army of Lee is now sullen and defiant,
and under the eyes of Gen. Grant who does
not advance, if indeed can 90 SO. In spite of
all the flank movements Lee is said to be
now receiving reinforcements. II is not
claimed that he has lost in killed and wound
cd, as many as Grant. As ha recedes to-
ward Richmond his defences grow stronger
Ii seems quite certain. that unless that city
shall be taken by some movement not now
looked for, that immense sacrifices of human
life will yet have to be made before the great
object of the campaign shall have been at
tanned
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
27,7o0 Wounded Already Brought In.

WASHINGTON, May IA.
The total number OF our wounded brought
up from the battlefield 50 far is twelve thous-
and seven hundred. Of this number one
thousand four hundred have been placed in
hospital at Alexandria, and the remainder
distributed throughout the hospitals of this
city.
Our army surgeans who came up last cv-
ening say that We have about fifteen thous
and remaining at Fredericksburg and Belle
Plain. These figures include many "ske-
dadders," who, when separated from the
wounded, will decrease the number materi.
ally.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
Before the Battle.

BERMUDA HUNDRED, May 13-S P. NJ.
At an early hour this morning General
Butler renewed his advance toward Fort
Darling. He reached Kingsland creek at 12
o'clock, noon, and formed his line OF battle on
the southeast side of the creek. with the
right on the James river. The monitors a;
gunboats are near the mouth of the creek
within three miles Of Drury'S bluff.
3 o'clock, p, NJ
General Butler is experimenting the con-
centraton of lis batteries. Yesterday after
noon his advance pickets captured rebel
cturier with dispatch from Beauregard to
the officer in command at Drury's bluff
The dispatch says :"HoId your position antil
reinforce you."
Four o'clock, p. m.
In two hours the rebel reinforcements
came. Gen. Butler had sent force to turn
the pike, and drove the rebels back. Our
loss was slight.
General Ames is in position to keep Beau
regard in Petersburg. The rebels at Drury's
Buff are evidently not disposed to fight with
out reinfurcements.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
Letter from the If3l,

The following letter written on the day Of
the last general engagement between the ar
mics of Graut and Lee, by Wesley NJ Coop
er, to his mother, who now resides at this
place, is the first we have heard from TIC
l43d regiment, since the commencement of
the great contest. Though hastily written, in
pencil, and deficient in details, it will he
read with interest by all.
Among the names Of wounded in c.. X.
l43d, as published in the papers, we find
those Of Samuel Spencer, joseph A. May
nard and Lewis j. Yale, The writer as will
be seen, does not pretend 70 give list Of
killed and wounded in his company but
such, only, as he supposes his mother will be
more particularly anxious to hear of. We
might add that il is now feared by the Fa-
ther and friends Of Col. Dana, at this place
that he suffered more than the pangs Of 4
death on the battle field as lie was left
W ounded in the woods, which shortly after,
took fire and burned. L is possible that
some of his men, may have shared the same
terrible fate.
II THE WILDERNESS, }
Nay I2th 1864.
My DEAR MOTHER:
7 i, is the first tins
have had an opportunity Of writing to you
since we broke camp, on the morning Of the
4th inst. We went into battle on the morn
ing Of the Fifth, in dense wood and were
completely routed. Our loss that morning
was quite heavy-four killed that we know
Of, positivey-and great many missing
Capt. Little is missing is either killed. Or
takan prisoner; and if taken prisoner he
must be wounded.
This is the Eighth day Of the fight, aud
they are at it now very hot. Our Rcgt has
fought seven days out of the eigh', and every
day under calling fire.
Our loss in the Rtgt is terrible. We
have upwards Of four hundred killed and
wounded.
Out Of seventy five men that we went intO
the first days fight with, We had but twon-
ty- one, yesterday morning. / left the ReeI.
then, as | was completely exhausted. Am
now with the Wagon train.
Col. Dana is wounded and prisoner-
Col. Musser is dead-was killed on the sec
ond day. Maj Conyngham is severely wound
el. We have but two officers left with tho
Regt. One Of them is Lieut.. Vaughn, and
he has Slight wound in his finger. biy
mess-n mates are all wounGed-C lendenir.
Dixon and Hardins-taey have all gone 10
Washington-Clen has lost his right
ara.
l have 10 doubt that We are going to whip
them but it will be one Of the hardest bat
ties ever recorded. Arthur Sproul and Eti
Nichols have either Of them been in tic
fight. Arthur is sick and Eli is wiki tie
/ train. Samuel Dnriing of Tunkhprnock, is
wounded, but don't know how badly.
feel too bad to write mote at this time
and will close by sending my love to all.
[ remain, as ever, your Aftcionate Son,
WESLEY II. COOPER.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18

E1 All accounts show that the Penna
Reserve Corps has suffered terribly in the
late battles. We have heard nothing direct
ly from Co. B. of the 18th but find in the
lists of wounded the names of James Gillis-
pie of this place and of Lieut. P. H. Reynolds
of Factoryvile.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
.&s.....I1 Z. - LA-z

hoNG-At I,aGrango Hill, Tnu.sIay, April. l4ti,
little Jerry, iaflnt son of Elisha and Sarah Long
Ago+ - months AM days
Another charm is ADDED
To the Paradise.a6oye,
Bu. Oh va miss the baby voice
hot filed our home with love.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18

LATEST News ITENs.-The report that
Gen. Lee was wounded seems to- be untrue
also the report of Gen. Stuarts death Gen.
Longstreet is said to be slightly wounded =.
Gems. Grant and Wright narrowly escaped
being captured by The rebels on Saturday
last, having rassed few rods to the front
to take an observation.
Butler is said to be advancing on Peters
burg, Font Darling, and Richmond.
Beaureg ard is sad 10 have eIuded bis
(ButIer's) vigilance, and has marched his
forces to reinforce Lee. Gen. Bragg is said
to be in command of the for;ifcations of
Richmond,
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18

G.WALL0W Two or three Eo.shoais oCsTs,ub'
- "ronic Bi;crs,' 'Sarsapari!la" "Nervaus
andotes' &c, &C.. Sc, and after you are satisfied
with The reS3lt, then trr one hov Of OLD DOCTORS
BJCHAN'S ENGLISH SPECIFIC PILLS-and be
restored health an, vgnr in less than thirty davs
They purely vegetable, pleasant 10 take prompt
and sautary in their Effects on the broken down ard
Shattcrcf constitution. Old and youn can take
hem with advantage. Imported and sold in the
United States culY ~
JAS. :. ECTLTH,
Station D, Bible House,
New York
General Agent
P S-A box sent to any address on receipt Of
price--which i Doiiar-post. free;
,3-n3l-3m NJ. d CO.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
LOCAL AND PERS CNAL,

A5entf1r the Democrat--AuIRA GAY. ESQ
has consented to act as Agent in receiving and
Ieoep,ng subscriptions for the North Bronch Dem
ocrat. Az monies paid him either on subscription
or for advertising viii bs duly a2col lnted for and
rclitel the same as if paid to us.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18

no fOJ WISH To BE CURED IN
- BrCHAS'S ENGLISH SPECIFIC PILLS cure.
oss than 30 days the worst eases of SERvoUsxEss-
Lnp3' "a =. Premature Decay. Seminal Weakness
IuSanty, AMI all Urinary. Sexual, and Nervous
Affections, 10 matter from what cause produced -
Price Oac Dollar Per box. Sent, postpli,i, by mail
on receipt If ~ order. Address,
JAMES 5. BTTLFR
station d, Bible House
New York.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18

Il GENTLEMAN, cured of Nervous Debility. In
competency, Premature Decay and Youthful Error,
actuatee by desire to benefit others will be happy
to furnish to all who need t. (free of charge y tho
-e.ipe and directions for making the simple remedy
used in bis case Those wishing to profit by his, aud
possess Valuable Romed, " II relieve the came,
by return mail, Carefully seaIei,) 10y addressing
-JOuNB. OGDEN
No. So Nassau street, New York.
v3-n40-3m6
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
WASHINGTON, May 14-9: SOP,

WASHINGTON, May 14-9: 5OPM.
Mdjor- General Die
The following kilograms have just reached
this department from General Butler. No
other reports have been received since nv
dispatch of this afternoon.
EDWIN NJ. STANTON.
Secretary OF War.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
GENERAL BUTLER's SECOND DISPATCH.
HEADQUARTERS HALF WAY HOUSE, }
May 14-1OA. NJ. (
Major General Commanding.

hon. Edwin NJ Stanton, Secretary of Var
General Smith carried the enemy's first
line on the right this morning at s a. M
Loss small. The enemy have retired into
three square redoubts, upon which we are
now bringing our artillery to bear with effect.
BENJAMIN Z. BUTLER,
Major General Commanding.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18

10 friend in this city in sewers deDuncia-
ton of the Administration. The following
is the conclusion a." Believing that this Ad-
Rinlstration is carrying Us to a point where
we shall be obliged either to acknowledge
the Southern Contederacy or reconstruct tho
Union on terms grossly unjust, intolerable
to the masses, and sure soon to result in An
other war, earnestly advise an unpledged
convention, to consider public affairs and
nominate for the presidency statesman and
q patriot.
The National Debt Measured and Weighed.
Mr.. John Fair calculating machine OF
New York city, thus measures and weighs
four thousand millions Of dollars, which be
assumes is, or is to be, the National Debt.
1t has been said that this debt is SO grea:
that it is to vast for comprehensions. Now
as practical man propose to weigh and
measure it, that We may thereby obtain a
more definit idea of its jmmensity.
A silver dollar measures 10 inches in
diameter SS placed edge to edge will make
one foot in length S24 50 placed will make
ono yard in length, and S42540 so placed will
make one mile in length
The earth is 2l 500 miles in crcumfer-
ence.
Itwould, therefore, require $9l2,3O4,0O0
TO 60 once around it. This vast sum must
be multiplied by four and four tenths to
make il equal to the amount Of our National
debt, which would make the silver dollars go
around the earh's circumference four times
and cover S,940 miles besides. Allowing
silver dollar TO weigh an ounce. l6 to a
pound, 1000 pounds to the ton, our debt
sweuld weigh l25, 900 tons, and would re-
quire los ships Of l, 600 tons burthen to
carry it. . s sg
II would make G2.500 truck loads, Of two
tons each and calculating that. each truck
/, Will cover space of 30 feet, they would
stretch distance Of 1856 miles. and make a
chain OF New York, Albany aad Troy in an
ellptical line. 1t would take man 365
years and 40 day to ,unt the amount of this
vast debt, estimating that he would count
800 per minute, wo, king ten hours a day
snd six days week.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
ON THE PENINSULA.

THE ATTACK ON FORT DARLING-THE
WORKS ON THE RIGHT CAPTURED BY
GILMoRE-SMITH CARRIES THE
FIRST LTNE-0UR ARTILLERY
PLAYING ON TIE ENEMY.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18

The Republican party has now four grand
pillars on which it rests, to wit
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
Special Notices.
Administrators Notice.

Whereas letters Of Administration, have been
granted TO Tee Undersigned on the estate of Solomon
hitcomo late Of Winihan Township Decd All
persons owing said d-ccdeLt are requested TO make
immediate payment, and those having claims against
the same are requested to present them duly auen
Gated to
HENRY LOVE.
Mehoopany Pa. AIministrator
April 9th 1864
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
AZ frUNxHANNocK, Pa
Wednesday. May 1S, 1864.

". vi. Pettengil g. Co.--No. 81 PARK Row
NEW YoRK, STATE ST. BosToN, are our Agents
for the n B. Democrat in those Cities and are author
ize to take Advertisements and Subscriptions
Nc at onr lowest Rates.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
MAY 15-12::30 A. NJ.

In dispatch this moment received from
Admiral Lee, he reports to the Secretary Of
the Navy that the Richmond papers Of yes
terday mention the death Of General E.
B. Stuart, shot in battle This no doubt
happened in the battle with Sheridan.
EDWIN II. STANTON,
Secretary of War.