davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-08-10

BACKED DowN.-The whole country will re-
toice to learn that the Union officers in the hands
Of the rebels who were placed within range of
the Union guns at Charleston, by way of deter
ring General Foster from Smelling the city, have
been exchanged for an equal number of rebel
officers placed under their fire in retaliation
The pride and brutality of the rebels have for
once been made to succumb to species of reas-
oning which is well adapted to their capacities
The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-08-10


attractive feature of military service. This SUI
perciliousness is confined in great degree,
strange to say, to the men who possess few of
the qualifications requisite for skilful officer,
having been appointed, through the influence of
friends, to positions in the military service from
civil life. Very few of those who have received
military educations but have learned to enforce
discipline and at the same time win the esteem
of their interiors; and it is relief in these days,
and makes us think better of our military sys-
tenn, when we hear the old regulars speak in
terms of unqualified admiration and affection of
the officers under whom they served years ago.
AS far as we are able to judge from observation
and experience, the stars, eagles and leaves
much more approachable and consderate to
private soldiers than the bars, and this circum-
stance accounts in great degree for the almost
idolatrous respect entertained by soldiers for
their field and general, while they execrate the
very names of their line officers. In many cases
soldiers submit to injustice and loss without
complaint, because, through fear of being treat
ed indtferently, they fail to reveal their griev-
ances to their immediate superiors.
This practice Of treating private soldiers with
Indifference and setting aside their claims is not
coxfned to military officers, but constitutes what
seems to be one of the new phases of civil life
The uniform which at one time elected admira-
ton for the wearer has become the badge we
were about, but hesitate, to say of contempt
Perhaps, as in the case of unrestricted inter-
course between superiors and interiors, famil-
arity breeds contempt" but in the contest
in progress in this nation, where the private SOL
der bears SO important part, and where his
services are indispensable for the preservation
of the law which affords security to all, it would
be well that the person in citizen garb should
see to it that the propensity which engenders
feeling of indifference for the uniform Of the
private soldier does not have similar tendency
when applied to familiarity with higher and no.
ler associations, for we hold that the person who
loves not the man who exposes his life to defend
have little affection for the government
ITSELF and devoid of patriotism he is destitute of
of every sentiment that goes to make up the
sum of true moral excellence.
We are happy to know, however, that there
are officers in every relation and situation, who
study to benefit and accommodate their infe-
rors as there are also citizens who treat with
all due consideration the soldiers of the Union,
mer are found in every regiment and depart
ment, the latter are met in every city and village
of the country. We need not partcuarize but
this much we will say, that the soldier who sur
wives the will not forget his friends, and
those who spurned him because he was an infe-
ror a soldier may rest assured that they will
also be remembered and, if circumstances per-
nit, property rewarded.
BACKED DowN.-The whole country will re-
The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-08-10
Soldiers Libraries.


While the Sanitary and Christian Commissions
are busily engaged in the philanthropic work
of clothing the needy feeding the hungry. mol
lifying the wounds assuaging the palms, and
imparting spiritual consolation to the heroes of
our national struggle, there are active minds
and hands at work at home, collecting and pre-
pairing boxes and packages which, although
they may not contain either lint or bandages
will contribute almost as largely toward the re-
lief and elevation of the soldier as the labors of
either of the two great commissions. Next to
proper medical and surgical attendance and
spiritual instruction, the sick orwounded soldier
requires something to preserve his mind from
engaging in those reflections that produce des-
pondency, or, than that, lead to the en-
ployment of time in games and amusements
that tend to immortality and extravaganza, and
that which has proven most effective for good
under these circumstances is good reading mat
ter 1t is impossible for friends to fully
realize the amount of relief they afford by tho
contribution to soldiers libraries of books, mag
azines, etc., which after being read by them are
thrown aside to become food for the moth and
glad to see that the frequent presentations
of this subject to them by the press and the
agents of our various relief societies have been
attended with such signal success. Not only
have the old magazines and books which works
of the more modern issue have supplanted on
the shelves of the home libraries been sent out
for the entertainment and edifcation of the SOL
dier, but the standard historical, theological
biographical, poetical, scientific, dramatic and
miscellaneous works of the day are to be found
among the books contributed, and who shall
undertake to estimate the benefits resulting
therefrom. We hope the friends OF the soldier
will not grow weary in well-doing, but taking
courage oy what they have already accomplish
ed, press forward untiringly in the good work to
which they have devoted themselves, and relin-
quish their efforts only when every hospital and
camp throughout the land is supplied with IL
brary sufficient in variety and extent to crafty
the taste and supply the wants of every class
and grade of men represented in our armies-
Educate the head of the soldier and his heart
will be better able to appreciate the momentous
issues he is fighting to establish. Tn cause like
that for which government is battling the
soldier should not be ignorant of the principles
involved, and nothing is potent for the dis
semnation of wholesome political principles as
ajudiciously selected library, While packing
your boxes with lint, bandages and edibles,
remember that it will not be considered out of
ate, to fill up small vacuums with volumes from
the shelves of the home library nearest book
stand.
CoNsPIRACY.-A short time since much sur
The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-08-10

CoNsPIRACY.-A short time since much sur
prise was created by the arrest of several prom
inent secessionsts of ST. Louis, Mo-, the cause of
their arrest being unknown. 1t has since trans
pired that they were connected with conspir.
acy extending throughout the entire Mississippi
Valley, having for it's object the erection of a
Northwestern Confederacy. The Washington
authorities have now in their possession testi-
nony that duplicates many prominent men, G.
L. Valandigham being conspicuous. 1t is be-
leved that the recent guillera movements in Mia,
souri, have connection with this conspiracy.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

not ashamed of it either!' The soldiers in that army understand each other, and they do not begrudge the boon ts comrads which may even be denied to them of spending an extrs day or two at Hone-(God bless the word91 while those who are careful not te leave them selves, seem to lser with a jealous eye at sol dier in these parts, when he is needed 50 much in the field.
 Again-Said one to me-"Taxes are awful high-Don't you think so !"
 "Indeed, 1 do," replied. "Have just paid them in two towns to help enable such men aa you to g,t substitutes, while am giving the best three years of my life in the service; and then was called on from both towns to pay a military taz, which seemed rather hard as ain doing duty but they were paid. If you can get on, my friend, through these times of peril by paying tax, while yeu stay at home and make money, / think you shosldn't complain ofn!'
 We hear no word of complaint from the front about so small a matter as few dollars, more or less The fiery trial there, slsvates and puri6es men in this respect. Those who take the blows, ahd bear the pains, and are taxed besides, have yet the infsxible, unaltsrable determination that the thing shall go on, until "R Rebellion" hides its hideous front, though they and you and this generation of men go down in the work.
 How we'll their principles are attested by their deeds, let the fresh wounds ever the lamented, heroic dead who rest smohg you, and those in a distaht soil, tneonsscrated by aught save the tears of surviving comrades the long list of our maihed and wounded, and tho continued labors and suferings of your own Hinsdals, and Stone and Osborn-Hemp. stead, (alasi he too has now fallen,) Vaill, Shumway and scoress of others of whom the world is not worthy. Let all these bear record. Yours, truly, GEORGE W. MASON, o. NJ. seg't., Co. A, 2nd c. v. H. A. Chestnut Hsll, Litehfsld, July 5th.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

REVENUE AND ExPENsE.-The communica- ton of Secretary Chase, which he sent to the ways and means committee June 18th, says The aggregate of revenue from all sources for the year closing the 18th ult.. reached $342,- 100000. Expenses, excluding two months pay of army due July lst, were $sSO, eco ,0o0.
 The amount in excess of revenue is there fore $64O, 100000. Taking the highest amount estimated, and assuming that miscellaneous receipts will reach about $35, 100000, the whole amount of revenue for the next year cannot be set down at more than $3l8, ,OO0,- 00o.
 The expenditures are likely to reach eight hundred and fifty millions, and four hundred and fifty millions is to be raised by loans. The loan bill provides for only four hundred millions apd that is the largest sum which in the judgment of Mir. Chase can be reasonably attempted. There remains then eighty two millions to be provided for, and all considera- tions oe public interest seemed to him to re- quire imperatiyely that they be raised by an increase of revenue.
 He therefore proposed to raise the deficiency, believing the changes proposed by him would produce in the difference between the rate on incomes by thssold and new bill.7
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

The xova Tribune, the leading German paL ner of Southern Iowa. repudiates Fremont and raises the Lincoln and Johnson flag.
 A canal boat was sunk in the Hudson, near Albany, on Saturday morning last. Her sar. go. which consisted of one hundred and forty tons of sugar, was nearly destroyed. Loss about $50, 900. The sugar was consigned to firm in Montreal
 Gen. Robert Toombs, formerly Senator in Congress from Georgia, and then General in the rebel army, is now private in Georgia regiment. Roger A. Pryor is private in . Virginia regiment.
 Gen. Buell., since his retirement from tho army, has taken up Summer residence aS Bedford Springs, Pa.
 It is expected that by the first week in July, 50 locomotives will have been supplied to gov ernment by the Patterson, N. J., works for use on the railroads in Tennessee and GeorgiaJ now in the hands of our troops.
 John N. Clsy's $25.000 race horse vss stolen by Morgau's raiders.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

LIST OF OFFICERS AND MEN or THE 2Nl HEAVY ARTILLERY 1NTHE HOSPITAL, 9TH ARM, CoRPs, CITY POINT, VA, JUNE 29rH. Thos. Beach, Co. A, Inf. Rheumatism. Geo. Lowe, B, Corp. c E Guernsey, B, wounded in righ died June 18th. Richmond, c, left arm fractured. G W Newcomb, c, enron. diarhea. M Walters, D, wounded, left thigh. J H Richards, D, diarrhea. John Grieder, D, left thigh. Denneth, D, right breat. Elmore Hotehkiss, E, chren. liarrhea. Edwin Camfeld, E, typhoid. Philip Carroll, E, intermittent. G Bulcroft, E, left hip. J Christmate, E, dropsy.
 Sergt. Lawrence, F, left shoulder. Stephen McMasters, G, debility Christie, G, hand.
 II Pearse. H, head.
 H B Nicholson, H, right foot. Sam Payne, H, chr on. diarrhsa. " Smith, l, great toe amp. Comanay, K. right side. U Taverean, K, right thigh. Amos Ives, L, typhoid.
 Geo Parker, L, left side.
 Geo Bunnel. M, pneumonia. Corp. Wm Hall, pro. rec. Nelson Barker, E,
 Lieut. o H Knight, head. Lieut.. G Hempsted, died June 18th,
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

WAsHIEaroN.-The citizens of this place place celebrated the 4th with an enthusiasm and vigor worthy of the day, by pio-n,c in F. W. Granniss' grove. The exercises were opened by the appointment of Guy C. Ford Esq, as President, and Simeon D. Platt, Vice President Then followed piece of instru- mental music. after which prayer was offered by the Rev. Oliver Stone Dean of Roxbury After singing America, the Orator of the day Rev. Wm II. Murray, came forward and announced as his theme-1he Permansncy of Republican Institutions. His argument " Neither Nations character or destiny is the result of chance; they are the effect of clear and unmistskable causes ; the legiti- mate outgrowth of their origin ;" was han dled in masterly and convincing manner. Then came all sorts of good, better and best eatables-enough and to spare-to which am pie justice was accorded. And with brief speeches, sentiments and toasts, interspersed with songs, and collection of $25,2 ,25 for the Soldiers Aid Society," and fireworks in the evening, and unlimited good feeling general ly, the inhabitants went to rest with Q 6rmer belief in the perpetuity ef thsi, government the overthrow ofrebeliion and universal tri- umph of democratic principles.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07
gWr Gold, at New York, Tuesday, 2.4!

GLORIOUS NEWS. NAVAL ENGAGEMENT BE TWEEN THE U. s. SHIP OF WAR "KEARsAaE' AND THE PIRATE ALABAMA. THE ALABAMA suNK.-Bythe arrival of the |" City of Balti- more' at New York, July 5th, we have the following cheerful intelligence
 The pirate Alabama loft Cherbeurg the 9th to engage the Kearsage. She attacked her teE miles from Cherbourg. The engagement lasted one hour and forty minutes. Both yes. sells made seven completecrcles in manoeuvers at distance from. one quarter to half 8 mile. The Alabama then sunk. The pirate Semmes and crew were nearly all saved by the English yacht Deerhound. Semmes was slightly wounded in the hand. Before going out the pirate left all his chronometers, sixty ia num- Der, specie ann ransom bonds at Cherbourg.
 Pirate Semmes publishes an account of the engagement He says he had men killed and 2l wounded, and charges the Kearsage with continued firing after the Alabama struck her colors,
 The pirate says that in an hour and ten minutes the Alabama was found to be in a sinking state, the enemy's shells having ex- ploded on her sides and between decks. For few moments he had hopes of reaching the French coasts, but the ship filled rapidly and | the furnace fires were extinguished. Captain Semmes says, " now hauled down the colors to prevent the further destruction of life, and despatched boat to inform the enemy ot oul condition. Although We were now but 400 yards from each other the enemy fired at me five times after the colors had been struck. It I is charitable to suppose that ship of war of a christian nation could not have done this in tentionally
 "Some twenty minutes after my furnace fret
 had been extinguished, and the ship being or
 the point of 8 hiking, every man, in obedience
 to previous order which had been given tc
 ths crew, jumped overheard and endeavored tc
 save himself. There was no appearance of any
 boats coming from the enemy after the shiI went down. It was fortunate for myself te
 thus escape to the shelter of the neutral Aas on board Mir. Laneaster's yacht Deerhound together with about 40 others
 There are further details, but nothing addi- tional of moment relative to the Keersage ant Alabama fight. The whereabouts of the Rear sage is doubtful, one rumor places her at Os- tend, another at Cherbourg. She landed som. wounded men at Cherbcurg. It is confirmed
 that no one was killed on the Kearsage, onl
 three seamen slightly wounded. Vessel wa very little injured. Semmes declined publi dinner at Southampton. He has gone to Pari to report to the Confederate Commissioners
 Three of the Alabama's officers and six of tn crew landed at Cherbourg from French pilo boat, also several from the British ship Actor
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

DESTRUCTION OF THE SENECA MnLs.-The largest Touring mills in the State of New York, at Minetto, Oswego county, were destroyed by fire early on Tuesday morning last, together with l,s00 barrels of -four, l5,o00 bushels o! wheat, l,S0O tuns of feed, and some 10000 empty flour barrels. Loss on the buildings S2O0,0oo. Insurance on buildings and stock about $lo0,ooo. The mills were owned by E. c. and M. Merrick..
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07
ELLswoRTH.-Mrs Giles Skia, of Ellswerth

ELLswoRTH.-Mrs Giles Skia, of Ellsworth, has Lemon Tree, from which she bas recent ly picked seven lemons that weighed 53 tbs. the largest weighing II OF. While lemons grow thus indigenous to the soil, and the Sorghum is cultixntsd, and water runs in Litchfcld County, there is opportunity for some perspiring geniuses to indulge in home made lemonade this hot weather, with or with out the ''stick."
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

and meddlesome course of the member in question is not calculated to add any very great lustre to his reputation, nor strength to his professions of Unioh;sm, nor respect for his abilities nor, in our opinion, will the of fensive egotism and puerile sophistry and idle threats of this last effort, help to cover over the folly or stupidity of lis legislative action.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

@F The news of the destruction of the English rebel pirate Alabama, will be well come to our readers. The only regret w;ll be felt that the pirate Semmes was not captured; with his crew, from the sinking vessel, and for this, it seems, we have to thank cur British cousins, who witnessed the fight from their pleasure yachts, tenderly picked up the pirate and his surviving comrades, conveyed them to their friendly shore, feted and comforted and toasted them in their defeat, and will undoubt- edIy provide another vessel for them forth with, to prey upon American commerce. Great is British neutrality
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

CoRNwALL.-The 4th was celebrated in West Cornwall by Sunday School Picnic. in which the citizens of the town, and large number of strangers from abroad participated, The exercises consisted of prayer, singing and ad- dresses by Messrs. Hawley and Kingsley of Hartford and Rev. E. F. Howe of South Ca naan after which bountiful collation. was discussed together with appropriate toasts and sentiments. The Lakeville Brass Band furnished the instrumental music, and played finely. The addresses were all excsllsntly conceived and executed, and the children as we'll as older people seemed to have grand time generally. The absent boys in the army were not forgotten, and purse of $55, was raised for the Sanitary Commission, by sub scrspticn.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

NEw MILEeRD.-rhe Grocery of P. Nc Cornell, opposite the Depot in New Milford caught fire on Sunday morning last, about 1 o'clock, and promised anotker general conaa- grafton. The new fire engine was early on the ground, and succeeded ill putting out the flames, after the interior of the building had been pretty well gutted. There were about ten barrels of liquor, however, which, it is said put themselves out by their own supply of water, though the value of the fre-sngine was duly tested and appreciated. It is more than probable that had it not been for the foresight of the New Milford people, in thus guarding against fire, ws should again have been called upon to chronicle such another disastrous con. fagratiea as New Milford has been of late twice visited with
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

DJr The State Legislature have acccm- plished little of interest during the past week and will probably adjourn sine die this week.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

Sds- Salmon F. Chase, Secretary of the
 Treasury, resigned his portfolio on Thursday
 last, and is succeeded by Senator Fessenden of Maine.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

bas- Our readers will find an interesting ac ] count of the marches and battles of the 2nd Conn. prior to Cold Ha-bor, in communca. l tion in another column from Geo. w. Mason
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

D@~ Ex. Gov. Reeder, of Kansas, died al Easton, Pa., on tho 5th inst.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

The Annual Meeting of the Litchfeld Mutual Insurance Company was held on the 4th inst. The following Directors were cho- sen for the ensuing year Charles Adams. Jason Whiting, Geo. c. Woodruff, AS. Lewis, Sheldon Osborn, H. R. Colt, P.S. Beebe, Geo. W. Thompson and Freak D. McNeil. Subse- quently, Charles Adams was reelected Presi- dent, Jason Whiting. Secretary, and Dr. A. Lewis, Treasurer. The Directors declared 0 dividend of 100 cents on the dollar on the cash premiums paid by the present members of the company, which is equivalent to the repayment of the premium paid on the last insurance. It was also voted that 25 per cent. be deducted on future renewals. The salary of the Secretary was fixed at $500 per annum.
 The meeting in behalf of the Christian Commission, was largely attended on Friday evening last, at the Court House. Addresses were made in behalf of the Commission by the Rev. hessers Pierson and Murphy, and testi- mony to its efficiency and benevolence was added by Serg't. G. ". Mason. At the close of s-S AAoo'a"S u 1SolicCtiou eo P1oo WaS taken up, and more kas since been handed in. We regretted that the lateness of the hour to which the exercises were extended, prevented the subject of the "Battle Monument from being taken up; but we hope that another meeting will be called beforelong to inaugurats the movement.
 The second time our new flag was raised upon the flagstaff was on the Srd inst, when it dropped meurnfully at half mast. In telligence was received on that day of the death of Lieut.. Geo. B. Hempsted of the 2nd Conn. Artillery, who was wounded on the 23rd, and died on the 18th ult., at City Point Hospital He was brave and noble fellow, and his death makes asad addition from his regiment te tho long list we have been called to mourn. His re- mains have been ehbatmed and will be brought home for interment
 -The Hon. John H. Hubbard arrived at home on Tuesday evening Congress adjourn ed on Mondaysnoon.
 We notice the confirmation by the U. 8 Senate of Serg't. Geo W. Mason of this town, andlate of the 2nd Conn. Artillery, to be Assis- | tant Quartermaster in the U. s, Volunteers, with the rank of Captain of Cavalry.
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

p@ We have received, with request to publish. the following official notice from the Provost Marshal of this District.
 Extract:-The Board of Enrolment shall have copies of the Enrolment Lists opento the exam ination of the public at all proper times, and shall give public notice that any person enroll ed may appear before the Board and claim to have a name stricken of the list if he can show, to the satisfaction of the Board, that the person named is not properly enrolled on account of
 1st-Alienage.
 2nd-Non-r residence.
 3rd--Over age.
 4th, Permanent physical disability, of ity, of such degree as to render the person not proper subject for enrolment under tho law and Regulations.
 Civil officers, clergymen. and all other prominent citizens are invited to appear at all times before the Board to point out errors in the lists, and give such information in their profession as may aid in the correction and revision thereof
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07
FOR PRESIDENT,

NATIONAL UNION NOMINATIONS.
 FOR PRESIDENT, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, of Illinois.
 FOR UCE-fREsIDENT, ANDREW JOHNSON, of Tennessee
Litchfield enquirer., 1864-07-07

The following is the letter of aecsttanoe by Mir. Lincoln of the Baltimore nomination for the Presidency: