davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
Foreign Intelligence.

The London Lder, the rebel organ,
says:
We are credibly informed that secret
negotiations are now progressing between
the government of the United States and
that of Denmark, for the acquisition by
the former of the large Clyde built iron
clad of the Warrior model, which, it will
be remembered, was at one time supposed
to be designed for the Confcderates, and,
under the threat of proceedings by the
Crown, sold by her owners to Denmark,
then a bellgerent. The vessel now lies
in Copenhagen, and, if we are we'll in-
formed, as there is no reason to doubt,
about the negotiations there pending in
regard to her, the practical result Of Eng
lish neutrality will be to transfer this Tor
midable engine of maritime warfare into
the hands of the North, possibly to match
herself before long against her model, the
Warrior.
The London Telegraph says:
1t was reported on Wednesday that the
French Emperor had caused several war
steamers to 90 in chase Of the Conieder-
ate steam ram Olinda, now on her way to
one of the southern ports, and that the
Niagara had started from the channel on
similar mission. The City of Rich
mond steamer, represented to have sup
piled TIM Olinda with her armament of
guns, cleared out of the port of London
on the 31st of December last, for Bcrmu-
da, but her destination appears to have
been to the north, where she remained
till the Olinda was ready to receive her
armament, and then proceed to her rem
devious
Intelligence has been received from
Lisbon announcing that Portugal has re-
solved upon remaining neutral in the war
between Brazil, Paraguay and Banda Or
icntal
The Paris Nonteur publishes the Off
cial decress, which declare the Bishop Of
Moulins and the Cardinal Archbishop of
Besaucon guilty of an abuse of ecclesias-
tical authority in regard to the publica-
tion of the Encyclical The Moaiteur
also states that the Emperor has instruct
ed the Foreign Minister to complain to
the Pagal government Of the letters ad-
dressed by the Nuncio to the Bishop of
Orleans and the Bishop of poictiers, and
which are declared to have constituted in
themselves an infraction of international
law and of the public law Of France. 1t
does not seem that there is the slightest
chance of reconciliation between the
Prussian government and the Chamber of
Deputies. The new military bill makes
no concession, and therefore the majority
Of the Chamber are determined simply to
express theirregret thatsuch a bill should
have been introduced.
The intelligence from Japan is unsat-
isfactory The British forces were still
in the Bay of Jeddo tits reported that
the Mikado repudiates the late conven-
ton. The Prince of Nagato has CON-
menced rebuilding the batteries in the
Straits of Simonosaki. Two French sal
lors have been murdered by japanese
Two japanese have been executed for the
assassination of Maj. Baldwin and Lieut..
| Bird.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
The Situation.

Never, since Sumter was first fred up
on, has the military situation looked SO
hopeful as now. The winter of ga was
spent by the rebels in ceaseless vigilence
their armies were strengthened by ev-
cry available recruit. In the spring, they
confronted us at Manassas, and at Muir
freesboro', with two great armies to drive
these armies back was no easy task, still
it was done. In the east, the army of
the Potomac pressed forward through op-
position more formidable, perhaps. than
had previously been experienced during
the war, and although suffering great los
ses, it arrived before Richmond in early
June. From that time till the present,
Grant has constantly been extending his
lines round that rebel stronghold. Every
effort to dislodge him has failed. Expe-
ditions sent forth from that army, from
time to time, have accomplished much
the last and greatest of which has result
ed in the capture of Wilmington and
the closing of that port to blockade run
ners which had, till now, infested it.
The army of the south-west-under
Sherman, commenced its spring campaign
by pressing forward towards Atlanta, as
its immediate objective point. It's march
was through one of the most rugged and
monstrous parts of the Union, admirably
adapted by nature for defensive warfare
Still that gallapt veteran army pressed on,
pressing back the rebel hosts under John
ston, until it finally entered Atlanta about
the first of September in triumph. Af-
ter drawing Hood (who had superseded
Johnston) back to Tennessee, Sherman
eft him in charge of Gen. Thomas, and
retraced his steps to Atlanta; and from
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
CAPTURE OF CHARLESTON

The correspondent OF the New ork
Tribune, writing from Charleston Harbor
under date Of the 18th, gives an interest
ing account of the occupation Of Charles
ton by the Union forces from which we
extract the following particulars, as re-
ported to him by Gen. Gillmore's Staff:
Early last evening, Brigadier General
Schimmilfcnnlg, commanding the North
ern District Of the Department Of the
South, discovered some indications which
led him to believe the rebels were about
to evacuate Charleston and its dcfences,
and he accordingly ordered his pickets
and picket-boats to keep bright lookout
and report Immediately any movement on
the part of the enemy.
About halfpast three a. m. this morn
ing a terrific explosion took place in Char
lesion, which shook every shipin the har-
Dor and off the bar, and almost simultane-
ously with he explosion, flames broke
out, and could be distinctly seen in some
parts of the city. 1t appears the first ex-
plosion took place at the Wilmington de-
pot, the fire from which rapidly commu-
nicated with the adjacent buildings, caus-
ing general confagration all the dwell
ling houses in the vicinity, and it was
whilst the unfortunate inhabitants were
trying to extinguish this fire that the sec
ond explosion took place, which resulted
SO disastrously, causing such trrible loss
of life amongst the women and children,
who are represented as having been nor
ribly mutilated, and presenting specta-
Gle sickeningto behold.
About six o'clock this morning Gen.
Schimmilfennig moved his forces up to
and occupied the city and its defences.
The formidable earth works on james Is
land were found abandoned, and the guns
spiked. This damage can; however, be
easily repaired.
At eight o'clock this morning detach-
ment was sent to take possession of Fort
Sumter, and raise the flag which Gen.
Anderson hauled down nearly four years
ago. At precisely nine o'clock the flag
was raised, amidst deafening cheers, by
one of Gen. Gillmore's staff. The flag
staff of tn fort had loug since been shot
away, and it was necessary to improvise
one with the oar of boat.
As fast as Gen. Schimmilfennig's for
ces could be thrown into the city they
worked to put out the fire which, up to
the time of leaving was ranging feleely
in different parts of the city, presenting
an appearance OF horror frightful to be.
hold. Old men, women and children
rushing frantically to and fro, in an ago
ny of despair at the loss of their homes
and the killing and mutilating of their
friends.
The last or rear guard of the rebels left
Charleston at a. m. this morning, and
there are various rumors and conjectures
as to their destination, but the prevalent
opinion is that they intend concentrating
in the vicinity of Floreace, to which point
they have railroad communication from
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
For the Citizen.
A CARD.
HARRIsRURG, Feb. 2

HARRISBURG, Feb. "a 1865.
THos. ROBINSON, ESQ, Dear SIR
1t is only within few days that l be-
came aware that there was a serious oppo-
sition to the repeal of the Bounty Laws,
so far as they relate to the township of
Centre. A petition in favor of the re-
peal, very respectfully signed, was han
ded to me by an influential citizen of that
township, when | was on a visit to my
home few weeks ago. 1t was represen-
ted that other petitions of similar import
were being circulated and signed and
would be forwarded to me at Harrisburg
at an early day. With the light before
me, aud in the absence Of any remon-
strarce against the measure, | could not
doubt that a majority, at least, of the
citizens of Centre township desired the
repeal and therefore, when the Senate
bill repeating the bounty laws so far as
concerned Butler township, was pending
in the House, | moved an amendment in
Guiding the township Of Centre, So far
as any responsibility is involved in this
matter, it belongs exclusively to myself,
as Messrs. McCandless and Negley acted
in the premises solely on information de-
rived from me. From information since
received, was satisfied that a large ma
jority of the people of that township
were opposed to the repeal, and felt it to
be my duty to undo what had. been done.
Accordingly introduced, on yesterday, a
bill to repeal the repeal, and had the same
passed through the House under sus-
pension of the rules. 1t was to-day pass
ed in the Senate, and will of course be
promptly signed by the Governor-so
Centre township remoins subjected to the
bounty laws,
Truly Yours,
WIN. HAsLETT.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
----------&e--~b.-->s--.
Fort Anderson.
WAsHIGToN, Fl

WAsHIGTON, Feb. 70.
General Schofeld makes the fol-
lowing report
For ANDERSON Feb 10 1865.
To Lit. Gen. Grant, City Point, Va.
GENERAL-I have the honor to re-
port the success of our operations "a
gainst Fort Anderson and adjacent
works on both sides of Cape Fear riv-
er. Yesterday while the guns main
tanned heavy fire upon Fort Ander-
son, l pressed the enemy on both
sides of the river and sent a force,
under Gen. Cox, about sixteen miles
around the swamp to turn the ene-
my's right. This force made its way
along a narrow defile between two
swamps, and comgletely turned the
enemy's position. AS soon as the
movement became known to the enc
my he abandoned his works and re-
treated towards Wilmington.
We captured ten guns uninjured
considerable amount of ammuni-
ton. We have about fifty prisoners
The loss in killed and wounded is
small on either side. The troops are
pursuing the enemy, and the gun
boats are moving up the river.
Fort Anderson and its collateral
works are very strong and rendered
almost inaccessible by swamps. A
small force could have held them till
their supplies were exhausted. My
information is that the rebels have a
line of defense behind Tom Greek,
where they propose to make a stand.
If so, it can probably only be a short
one. l am sir very respectfully your
obedient servant.
J. M. ScHoEIELD.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01

there he set out on his memorable retreat "
as the Rebels called it, to Savannah,
where, after paying his respects to Mil
ledgeville-the capital of Geor gia-and
some other points of interest, he arrived
in safety. The city fell an easy prey
Nor did he spend long here. But follow
ing up his advantage pressed on to Colum-
bia-the capital of South Carolina-cut-
ting off all the roads leading to Charles
ton, except one-that to Wilmington
the small garrison left there taking
alarm, and soon evacuated the city. These
who are always in the habit of underrat-
ing our successes are now heard to say
that their evacuation of the seaboard is a
stragetic movement-that they will yet
overpower Sherman. We have no doubt
they will attempt this, but we have as lit
tie doubt, that they will be disappointed.
Sherman's army has gained too much al
ready TO be thrown away by a defeat now
Nor has the country any right to sup
pose that Grant is going to see Sherman
overpowered. For surely no General du-
ring the war, has shown such an indiffer-
ence to his own reputation and such a
studied care to do justice to all others as
Grant. Sherman's whole campaign ,cW,
we have no doubt, be success. lie will
pass through North Carolina, paying Wis
it to Raleigh, the capital of the State,
opening base of supplies at Whining
ton, he will press on, and before the first
of May, will assist Grant in completing
the investment of the Rebel capital which
must fall, perhaps with Lees army before
the fourth of July.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
Capture of Wilmington.
The following has been received, at th'
Navy Dep, rt nent:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20.
The following has been received, at the
Navy Dep, rtnent:
U. s. FLAG SHIP MALVERN,
CAPE FEAR RIVER, Feb. %, 1865,
SIR: have the honor to inform you
that Wilmington has been evacuated and
is in possession of our troops. After the
evacuation of Fort Anderson pushed
forward gunboats up as far as the water
would permit. The army pushed up at
the same time on the right and left banks
of the river After sounding and buoy
ing out the middle ground at Log Is
land, succeeded in getting the gunhoats
over and opened fire on Fort Strong, the
work commanding the principal otstruc-
tions, where the rebels had also sunk
large steamer, the North Eastern. Our
fire soon drove the Rebels from the fort.
Now and then they would fire shot, one
of which struck the Sassacus below water
mark, and sent her to leaking badly. No
lives were lost. That night, the Goth,
the Rebels sent down two hundred float
ing torpedoes, but had str, ng force IF
picket boats out and the torpedoes were
sunk with musketry One got in the
wheel of the Osceola and blew her wheel
house to pieces, and knocked down her
bulkhead on board. There was no dam
age done to her hull Some of the vcs-
sells picked up torpedoes with their tor
pedo nets. Next morning spread two
| fishing nets across the river.
Yesterday evening Gen. Ames with his
division moved within a short distance of
the fort, and had sharp engagement
with the rebels. In hearing muskctry,
and seeing where our troops were, /
opened a rapid firing on Fort Hall along
the enemy's line. The fort responded
with three CIR four shots, but was soon
silenced This morning we heard that
Gen Terry was within their works, and
the road was clear to Wilmington. The
Montauck could not get across the shoals
without tightening, which was work of
some labor. / had the pleasure of pac-
ing the flag on Fort Strong tnoon day,
We all fired salute of thirty-fve guns,
this being the anniversary of Washing
tons birthday. I am, Sir, very respect
fully your obedient servant,
d. D. PORTER,
Rear Admiral.
To GIDEON WELLS, Sec'y of Navy.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
From Cairo and Below.

SalhO, ICDs ~.
The steamer Swan, from New Orleans
on the 18th, passed up for st Louis.
The constitutional amendment abolish
ing slavery was ratified by the State of
Louisiana on the 18th, by both Houses.
In the Louisiana Legislature Mr.. Hill
introduced memorial signed by about
five thousand colored men, asking the
right of suffrage. The resolution was
read and referred to select committee.
At special meeting of the New Or
leans Chamber Of commerce on the 18th,
a committee was appointed and instruct
ed to memorable Congress for an appro-
priation for removing the distractions in
in the passes of of the Mississippi river
as the mud and other material accumula-
ted there have become so great as to prove
a scource of considerable risk, delay and
inconvenience to underwriters, ship own
ers, &c.
Also, to represent to Postmaster Cen
eral delays and Irregularities of the mails
by these distractions, and great injury
resulting therefrom to business of the city
and secure, ifpossiblc, correction of the
evils.
The 7-30 loan by the first National
Bank of Cairo, to date amounts to one
hundred and eighty seven thousand dol
lars
The steamer Alice Dean, from Mem
phis for Cincinata, passed with 800 bales
of cotton.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
Election.

All Loyal voters who obtain their mail
at the Butler Post Office, are respectfully
invited to meet at the Court House, on
Saturday the 18th inst, for thepurpose Of
choosing a suitable person whose name
shall be presented through our Member of
Congress, Hon Thomas Williams, to the
Post Moster General, for appointment
The candidates wi of course, be Repub-
lcans. Let all come out and express
their preferences. MANY SIGNERs.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01

of this new mode of warfare. Being
more obnoxious than Yankees, they would
br its first victims. Let them recollect
the treatment of captured tories in the
revolution of 1776, and take timely war
ming from their fate Did not blind
madness drive the Yankees on, they would
recoil with a just terror from that result
which we have but family sketched, but
to attain which they are striving with
frantic eagerness, as if it were their high
est good. Nothing remains for us, but,
taking for our watchword Meier Sarren-
de,-!" to prosecute the war in whatever
form we may and with all the energy VIC
can command, until we drive out our foes
from this fair land which God has given
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
COMMUNICATIONS.


For the Citizen.
Mr.. EDITOR Article after article may
succeed each other, and convey to the
minds of men self-evident facts that can
not be disputed ; and fast as the types
are set new discoveries are made; men
fall and rise again the world is in mo-
ton battles are fought aud victories won
opinions are changing slavery has per-
ished; but still the great meloch of in
Temperance is going on destroying what
ever it comes in contact with the old
and the young are alike affected by it;
its effects are felt in the light of the noon
day sun its poisonous vapors abroad and
broadcast at the midnight hour, whatever
it breathes upon is blighted and ruined.
Men walk about our streets with this
monster preying upon their vitals; they
are smitten, and they know it, not uncon-
scious victims, thinking themselves un-
scathed, they fall daily by the wayside,
while others rush past them on the same
high way to ruin and death. When |
wonder, will men learn to be wise and
drink only as beverage the sparkling wa
ter of which God has so plentifully sup
piled our lovely land.
Fill it up the glowing cup,
Come fill it to the brim,
Upon its oyerfiowing top
Let not feather swim.
Fill it up, the glowing cup
Let your intervals be shorter,
Fill it up, the gushing cup,
But let the draught be water.
The inquiry is made by some, do you
think it is worth while to make an effort
to suppress intemperance from our land :?
Judge from the success of the temperance
societies in past years, when her orator $
took the stump when societies were form
ed all through the land, how nearly they
gained the ascendency And judge also
from the principles of human nature up
on which it is founded. If it be not
likely, if properly urged onward, to ac.
complish the total eradication of intem-
perance, it must approach nearly to that
result at least, it must lose off great ma.
ny branches, if not desti oy the trunk and
roots entirely. In either case it is worth
the trial, and since, whether entirely sue.
cessful Of not, it is the only plan that Of
fers any hope of delverance. We con,
jure you as in shipwreck, you would
snatch at the smallest plank; unite with
us in this means of safety; abstain from
that which as a beverage cannot benefit
you the use of which is so fearfully APT
to glide into excess, and from the moder
ate use of which, beyond the possibility
of draught, all excess proceeds to fortt
fly your own resolves, and diffuse arodnc
you that moral inufence by which man''
very structure as an initiative and socia
animal; united efforts and resolutions vii
ever produce upon him, join together il
pledges of total abstinence twine you
strength with one another, and by con
cert, by organization, and by combine
movements give yourselves that uperio
efficiency that trained battalions posses
over undisciplined multitudes.
ID. NJ. HARBAUGH.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
nsy-Tbe capture of Gems. Crook and

sfarThe capture of Gems. Crook and
and Kelly at Cumberland by Rebel raid
ers, excites some merriment IN spite of its
serious character. Ii is known that the
Secretary of War has been very much
dissatisfied with the frequent incursions
of euerrillas into Western Maryland and
Virginia, and had more than once called
the attention of the Commander of the
Department to the necessity of their be-
ing more vigilant, and of being nearer the
front himself Only the day before the
capture he had repeated his dispatches
on this subject. That two Maj Gems.
one of them OF the Department Comman-
der himself, should be quietly seized in
their beds, with their Staff of officers, at
a point so far removed from apparent per-
il as Cumberland, is not credible to their
watchfulness.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01

General Grant, in conversation at
Washington, it is said, freely stated the
ground for Rosecrans' removal from the
department of the Missouri. He said i:
81 ordered him to transfer his troops to
Thomas, after Sherman had started for
Savannah. lie could have done it in three
days; he spent thirty at it. There was
no occasion for the delay there had been
no serious campaigning in his department
and the talk of an enemy then dangerous
was preposterous So | ordered his re-
moyal
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
Yours Truly,
GEO. w. MILLER.

Refugees from Texas say that
the forces of Smith are broken and
without dicipline. Troopers are ran
ging the country picking up what
they can and where they can. 1t is
estimated that 10000 would more
than cover the force of the rebel in
their trans-Mississippi empire. Com
munication with headquarters at
Richmond is very irregular and diff
cult, much more SO than it was six
months ago. At last accounts the
local papers were congratulating
themselves on the retreat of Sherman
through Georgia, and stated that he
was just where they wished him to
be.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01
Truly Yours,
WIN. HAsLErT.
A CAR ID.

Mr.. EDITOR, Dear Sir Il wish to
state through your paper that l don't in
tend to proceed any further by way of
getting signers to my petition for Post
Master. find that the minds of people
generally agree with your suggestions in
the CITIZEN of last week, that it is the
wish of the people to have the privilege
of holding an election, to elect a suitable
person in the Republican party for post
master for the coming term, and SO far as
[ have conversed with the citizens, both
in town and country, they are in favor of
the privilege'of voting, being given to all
the loyal voters, who receive their mail
matter at the Butler Post Office, and no
others-to those 254 persons who were
so kind as to favor me with their names
to my petition, | Ireturn my cincere thanks,
and if they with others of my fellow cit
izeus feel disposed at the election to con-
fer the Office of Postmaster upon me, l
can only say, that | will endeavor to the
best of my ability, to reciprocate the ia
vor by afaithful performance of the duties
of the Office.
Yours Truly.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01

sa5- In to-day's paper will be found
call for an election to choose Postmas-
ter for the next four years. For ourself
we don't intend to take any active part in
this matter, further than to dowhat every
citizen ought-to quietly express our
choice. Let I'll who have an interest in
this matterb be on hands; and let the voice
of the people be free and emphatic.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01

BE- We have never before seen so ma
ny movings during the winter as this year.
Scarcely day passes that a moving is
not seen passing Many of them are to
the oil regions.
American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-03-01

BN~ Winter is still loath to leave U.S.
On Monday evening little snow fell, the
hills are still white; and it is quite prob
able that the roads may not break up till
the middle of March