Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-02-11
For the Journal.
D, JAN. 27th, 1884.

that defeat wagluR Unparalleled history FOL
its arocity and vodctiveness of spirit and whereas
have learned through Northern papers, that the despo
@ &c Gss o bountes
broad promises to enlist and ia offering extraordinary
United states fiji the Of his army, thus
clearly defining settled determination to eubugate us
First, That viewing cause as a just and holy one
enlisted for the war the strug
honest and patriotic heart THAT wachword shall be
Liberty and exhort Congress and the President oil
fall short of ccmp te unranmeed independence
Second That have the most uabounded confidence in
and willingly stand by him through sunshine
until the prize for which We are contendpg shall be &C.
knowedged by all nations
TIE TAKING OF Buffers OATH IN NORFOLK
The New ork News of the 18th inst, has long let
ter from Norfolk, dated the 9Th, which gives history
of the susrDgs of The people of that city, since its
cupation by the Yankees. Many of these facts we
have published in detached statements from time to
time. Wenow copy that portion relative to the oath
which Butler has forced upon the people After draw
ing vivid picture of city, built and owned by white
people, hut galrsoned by negro troops, the writer who
is lady, says:
In the midst OF this state Of things comes an order
from Gen Butler requiring all citizens to take the oath
refused all protection except from personal violence
Now you VIII perceive sufficient cause for uppre
cedented excitement. If that truth was 30 revolving
year ago; if men gave up everything but honor and
prison for weeks and months in preference what must
/ be their emotions now If we hated the invaders of
county then what must we now III We abhorred
Government vile tn D, what must be the state Of
our feelings now? Yet with this Deep uDdyiDg hatred
10 our iImcs souls land they well aware of it, we
must raise hands to Heaven and swear before AL
mighty God, without mental reservation, or evasion,
of any kind, willingly" to support it. Did you ever
hear Of anything SO enormously wicked? Do the an
mails of history contain parallel? Not in my read
ings, surely. Even Buffers reign New Orleans was
not 50 dcspoic this. Let relate some of the ag
gravated features
ferbdding the sale, by auction privately of any kind
of property personal real estate belonging to dsoy-
al citiz Suppose my little ones were crying for
bread | had lot cent of money, but would sell my
piano. my watch any article of furniture, jewery or
cothng-to keep my little darIings from starving.
dare not do it. And would have the temerty
to purchase for fear of the penalty What resort have
|? More but that 1etestabe oath to keep gaunt hun
ger from my door. Suppose aldacious negro
through sptefu and malicious spirit, should infct
severe punishment on of my little ones. What re-
dress have |? Mere without that oath. Suppose
some vile contraband, or worse STILL negro fellow
in the uniform of the United States should come and
demand possession of my house and furniture turning
me and my little out without shelter for our
heads. Where should 60 for protection Newt ere,
unless have in my possession certificate OF loyalty.
Well, when this Infamous order promulgated
what were we to do ! We had no time,for reflection
three days. end it would be too late. The effect was
stunning No alternative presented that was held
in reserve. What might it not be From the past
and present. what might not expect in the future
Oh, the terrible conflict How should We decide p
Scarcely eye closed in sleep during the interval
Gould we ignore our rightfu Government, our friends
dearer than life battling for our holy cause, and
exposed to all the dangers of camp life and the
battle,fitld to free from this terrible opprts-
sion? We would dec de no, no, no, thousand
times no. But then one would look at the little
and aged and helpless ones dependent US for protec-
ton, and the thought of what they must suffer was in
toerabe and capng the little nocent darlipgs to CUR
breast, we WoulPteel yes, anything However btters
the draught must be swallowed, and there was no ME
to lose Ia this state of stunning bewdernes do you
wonder that the rush was great to claim the promised
protection that time had be extended several days?
They felt that farce, and their papers have not
had the efronery to give the affair very extended no.
tice They have referred to the people of Norfolk re.
turning to their allegiance, but in rather
tame way, very different from their usual extravagant
and bombastic style,
While this desire for protection the primary ana
ruling motive, there a secondary one, and it has
proven the ready perception of our people, Major
Gen. Butler has been outgeneraed this time his STRAIT
egg has been oiled with his own weapon and be has
been keenly disappointed. He an'ed possession of
number OF the largest and best furnished houses in the
city for the occupation of his officers and considered
this the easiest method of obtaining it. He total
ly unprepared for the result. Knowing the hitherto
heroic resistance of citizens he did not expect them
to ye.G so readily now aud great his disappoint
ment and chagrin, the second day. in connection
with his own OATH be added that annexed to the late
amnesty of President Lincoln Does not that show
the spirit of the man
Immediately after came order Unauthorized by |
the President or Secretary to enroll the citizens
Don't you the fruits OF bitter disappointment p
The sequel has not yet been developed.
The Opening OF 1sG4-For.ign Opinions.
We Ccte orf;o frou bo |