Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1864-08-25

The county OF Jones, in the state OF Mlssls-
sippi, through which Leaf river and Tallahala
run, " lthout bringing much fertility with them,
Is known for the poverty of Its soil and the in
dependence of Its people. In our young days
1t was called the Free State Of JONES'" from
the absence of any "humau chattels" or any
other property restraints upon Its people. They
were wholly Indifferent to the judgments of the
courts, for they had no jail, except a log pen,
without lock to its door or roof upon 1t,
and as for pecuniary penalties, they deded
them.
We heard last year, indeed, that Jones had
seeded from the Confederacy, and that they
had quite a force guarding their territory
against all incursion. We had supposed that
by this time they had been reduced to terms,
but learn, by the following correspondence in
the Natchez Courier, that the republic still
maintains It's Independence. The editor Of the
Courier, who, year ago was at jackson, Miss,
says:
Paroled men were then frequently reporting
to the commanding officer at that post, and
when asked where they hailed from, their reply
was that they had been taken prisoners in
Jones county and paroled. As conclusive evil
dence of the fact, they generally exhibited a
parole, written upon birch bark-paper being
scarce in that county. They also represented
an organized community in Jones, determined
to resist the Confederate conscript act. An
armed force was sent against them, and we
had all this time supposed that the little Jones
Democracy had been broken up, but our cor
respondent writes different. He represents the
people In the height of prosperity, and their
army and navy complete, seeking to cultivate
and enjoy the arts OF peace. We are not of
those who believe the republic of Jones eau
long survive. What the Confederates do not
absorb, owing to Its interior location, will not
be worth much to any one.
The correspondent says that the confederacy
has declared var against the republic, aud sent
an army under Col. Maury, from Mobile, "to
crush the rebellion" The republic, which has
a regular government, both civil and military,
Immediately prepared TO act on the defensive,
raising an army under the command of Major
Robinson, commander-in-chlef of the armies
of the Republic of Jones. The belligerents
mot; a desperate battle ensued, In which the
armies of the new republic were victorious,
having killed, wounded, and captured many OF
the Confederates; the remainder, under their
gallant commander, inglorously fed.
The following is q copy of a dispatch sent
by the ommander-in-chief of the forces to his
honor the Secretary Of War for the Republic
OF Jones:
HEADQUARTERS FoRcEs OF THE REPUBLrc,l
In TIE FIELD, Jan. 81, 1854. (
To tie Hon A. { Williams, Secretary of War;
SIRi We met the forces of the. invader on the
evening OF the 18th inst, at Gross Roads. After
an engagement of eight hours duration we
broke his centre, when he aed In confusion; on
the field we captured many prisoners and sew
eral pieces of artillery. Our loss was slight.
have the honor to be, respectfully,
r. ROBINSON.
After this hard.fought battle an armstlce
was made. Ministers were appointed to confer
with the "so-called Con tederate States" Pro-
positions for peace were entered into, bat de-
clined by the Confederate States. A cartel for
exchange of prisoners was offered by the Re-
public, which was also declined. All prospects
of an amcabe ad ustment ceased the ministers
of the Republic returned to their capital fully
convinced that the Republic had no other alter.
native but TO prepare for war. Their Congress
having met, a lengthy debate took place, the
question being on " Propositions to form an
alliance with the United States" which was
opposed by Mr.. Billing, on the ground that
the position of the United States In regard to
the question of secession had been clearly de.
lined, In her war with tho 80 called Confeder-
ate States"
Congress at once declared that IL would be
useless expenditure of time. An act was
unanimously passed ordering all persons, male
and female, who denied their inaliGnabo right
of secession, to leave the Republic at once, on
the pain Of being punished as spy.
No provisions having been made for the eX-
change of prisoners, thoy were paroled. The
following is true copy of parole:
HEADQUARTERS Forces OF THE REpuBLrc,I
February 2, 1891. (
!, Ben. Johnston, do solemnly swear that
will not aid or assist the enemies of said Repub.
lie in any way whatsoever during the war, un
less sooner discharged. So help me God
BEN. JOHNSON.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this I'd
day OF February, 1864.
WM. ARMSTRONG, Captain and A. A. q.
To many this may seem ghly wrought, but
nevertheless 1t is true. Numbers of desertCrt
having congregated In the swamps of Jones
county, determined to form a government fol
themselves. Col. Mowry, with a force, wal
sent over to dlsband them, but they fought
desperately, and In their strongholds deaed the
Colonel and his forces, killing and wounding
and capturing many of his men.
30 the Free State of Jones yet maintains itf
ancient independence.-M o. PicdyuHe.