smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

PROFOUND IGNoRANCE.-When Henry A.
Wise was in the lower house of Congress, some
fifteen or twenty years ago, he thanked God there
was no newspaper published in Accomack coun
ty, from which he'had been returned as Repre-
sentative. An examination of the census return
showed that Mr.. Wise had most terribly be-
nighted constituency, alarge proportion of whom
could neither read nor write.


We supposed this disgraceful fact had a limit
within the bounds Of Accomack, and that the
institution of slavery did not necessarily degrade
all other classes with whom it came in contact
excepting only wealthiest families, whose means
enabled them to go abroad for instructive infor-
nation. 1t seems we were mistaken. The
masses over principal part of the South are
without education. They are not a reading peo-
pie. All Northern newspaper correspondents
writing from that region, agree in this statement
After the fraternal. social and commercial inter-
course of two-thirds of a century with the North
ern people, they seem to-day to have as little
perception and appreciation of their true char
acter as have the Barolongs of South Africa
They have been told, and religiously believe, all
such monstsous fabrications as that the Yankees
have commenced a war of subjugation that
they slaughter men, women and children indis-
criminately; that they are determined to overrun
the South for the purpose of liberating the ne
groes and enslaving white men !; that the North
ern army is bent on pillage, confagration and
the destruction of female virtue; that, in fact,
no crime is too horrible for it to perpetrate,
no excess too Infamous for its brutal indulgence.
In this manner bad men have worked upon the
evil passions of the uninformed, and aroused all
that superstitious terror to which lliterate minds
is alarmingly subject, and which, this people
relying solely for information upon the verbal
communications of their superiors, are compelled
to receive in such magnifed and distorted
proportions of falsity as may suit the exigencies
of the case, or the designs of those conveying it.
No power short of actual demonstration, could
satisfy them how cruelty they have been deceived.


When the facts are known, as they are certain
to be one of these days, the masses of the South
ern people will return to their allegiance, and
visit a retributive vengeance upon those who
have SO shamelessly betrayed them. In
the meantime, their almost hopeless ignorance
and damaging credulity must be deeply deplored.
1t contrasts strikingly with the high state of
intelligence prevailing North, among all classes
and conditions of people, from the highest to
the lowest, in the workshop as well as the office
of the professional man-among those who are
the true nobility of great nation, and have no
idle boasts to make of "chivalry"-a term too
often used to hide the defects of vulgarity, and
furnish gloss to the infamy of crime.
Year: 1861

FREE SPEECH.-Every American citizen lis
entitled to the liberty of free speech in the larg-
est proper degree. There is a limit, however,
even among free people, beyond which it is
sometimes imprudent to 60. The man who calls
another liar, does so at the risk of being
knocked down for his temerity. The assailant
Of personal reputation is in constant danger of
attack. Bravery and courtesy both hsve rules
for the government of human action. While
the country is engaged in war which every
loyal heart sanctions-a war to preserve the ex-
istence of the National Government, and secure
the permanent welfare of its citizens-he who
secretly or openly denounces that Government,
attempts to discourage its defenders, and utters
words of sympathy for its armed enemies-not
only violates all the propmefies Of free speech,
but renders himself obnoxious to the suspicion
tf treason. Ii Northern man in one of the
s,-called Confederate States, were even to hint
his disapprobation of the JEFF. Davis Govern
'nent, he would be hung up or shot down like a
dog. We propose no harsh measures but there
is quiet kind of indignation which can easily
silence these offensive declaimers.
Year: 1861

LIPPITT's REGIMENT.-A requsition it is
said has been, or is about to be made upon
California, for regiment of infantry and
five hundred mounted men, to serve on the
Central Overland mail route, as protection
against hostile Indians. In view of this
fact, Col. Lippitt has ordered the men COM
posing his regiment into camp at San Fran
cisco, with the expectation of sailing at an
early day and reporting at Government
headquarters. Those who have volunteered
will thus have chance for immediate duty.
Some there are who will jump at the op-
portunity. Others may feel disappointed on
account of the nature of the service, and
decline going. company has been formed
in this county. How many will obey the
call to report themselves to Col. Lippltt,
remains to be seen.
Year: 1861

All but two Of the men who started
with Captain Franklin's company from
Fifin, are nowlin camp. One more
CTrayis,) who teiegapbed to our Cap
tain, TO know If be could come, arrived
to-day. The two men who are absent,
were dismissed by the Captain from the
company, because they were found not
70 be iit for soldiers. The company now
numbers 100 men, who are regularly and
promptly on drill and at roll call


THE HEALTH or THE MEN.


The health Of the mon 10 excellent
There has not been case Of sickness in
the company since We arrived here
Every man reports himself well and hear
Year: 1861

In view of the present condition OF the county
Jail of Trinity it being in the last stages OF IRE
parable decay. and unsafe for the purposes OF Il
prison, this Board deems it advisable to recon-
mend to the Legislature, through our Represen-
tatvc, f. Walter, Esq, the passage OF the ioi
lowing enactment for the especial benefit OF this
county, to wit The passage of an act authorIz
ing an additional tax Of ne-fourth of one per
cent. to be levied on the taxable property oil this
county for the term of two years


In view of the benefits derived to this county
from an act creating Road Fund for certain
counties in this State. known as the Cioverdale
Road Fund, this Board deems it advisable to rec
ommend to the State Legislature, through Hon.
+. Walter, our Assemblyman, that the provisions
of said Act be amended and extended so as to
embrace in its provisions the granting of said rev.
cnWe for the year 1861.


On the last day of the session of the Board,
the Treasurer being in attendance with all sealed
proposals received by him in accordance with an
Act of Legislature of this State, passed Februa-
ry, 1859, creating a Redemption Fund for this
county, and the Board being all present, proceed
ed to open and examine the same. Alter due eX-
animation of the several proposals, the following
Year: 1861

HEAVY ON WIsE.-Gov. Wise gives public no.
tice that il the people of Virginia should even
deliberate whether in the present crisis they will
go with the North or the South, al at least, for
one of her sons, will not follow her lead, but |
will rush to South Carolina or some other heroic
Commonwealth of the South, and implore the
use of her arms to save my mother State from
inenable disgrace" If we were Virginia, we
should go to celebrating at once, if it were only
to get rid of Wise. He seems to be one of the
biggest fools that modern times have produced.
~. Y. Tribune
Year: 1861

Let II hero he remarked that recreation
can be fully enjoyed only by the man who
has some earnest occupation. Tho end of
the work is to enjoy leisure; but to enjoy
leisure you must have gone through work.
Plsytime must come after schooltime. other
wise it loses It's SAVIOR. Play. after all. is a
relative thing it is not thing which has
an absolute existence. There is no such
thing rs play, except to the worker. 1t
comes out by contrast. Put whito upon
white, and you can hardly see it put white
upon black. and how plain it is Light
your lamp in the sunshine, and it is nothing;
YOU must have darkness round il to make
its presence felt. And besides this, a great
part OF the enjoyment OF recreation consists
in the feeling that we have earned it by
previous hard work. One gnes out for the
the afternoon walk with light heart when
one has done q good task since breakfast.
II is one thing for dswdling idler to set
off to the Continent or to tho Highlands,
lust because he is sick of everything around
him and quite another thing when hard
wrought man, who is of some use 10 life, sets
off as gay as u lark. with the pleasant feeling
that he has brought some worthy work to
an end, on the Self.same tour. And then a
busy man finds o relish in simple recrea.
tions; while man who has nothing TO do
fnds all things wearisome, and thinks that
life is "used ups" it takes something quite
out of the way to tickle that indurated ps
ate; you might as well prick the hide of a
hippopotamus with q needle as to excite the
interest of that base being by any amuse
ment which is not highly spiced with the
cayenne of vice. And that certainly has 4
powerful effect. It was glass of water tn,
wicked old French woman. was drinking
when she said, "Oh that this we're ain. {,
give II relish I"---,a Country Parsos's REQ
reuGiOas
Year: 1861

No one who visits these quarters can fail
to be struck with the vast change few
days has wrought. On last Friday morn
ing there was nothing visible there but the
old Fair Grounds, now it is a scene of mill
tary hustle, and thousand men are pre-
pairing themselves for the army. Comfort,
able barracks have been prepared and the
camp presents the appearance of an old
military post. The quarters are built of
boards, and are amply sufficient for the
wants of the regiment.


Camp Goodell is mcst delightfully."- stu
ated, as far as convenience, health and pure
water is concerned. Capt. Spicer, the eff
cient Commissary, has proved himself
adequate to the task reposed upon him. 1t
is astonishing how much he has accom-
| plished in SO brief a space of time.


For the FIRST two nights the men suffered
greatly for the want of blankets. The cold
weather coming on Unexpectedly, found
most of the companies unprovided in this
respect. Our citizens did all they could in
the matter, but we regret to say that there
was much suffering for the want of suffi-
cieut covering.


All things are right now, however, and the
patriotic men who have left their comfort
able homes to defend their country, are
faring as well as could be expected. We
visited the Camp yesterday aud found the
men as cheerful and happy as could be-
The officers, as far as we could see, have
discharged their duty faithfully.
Year: 1861

We admonish our readers against giving
away to excitement. There is enough to
exercise the feelings of the most self pos
sessed, but then it should be the aim Of
every one to take matters calmly.


We are in the midst of startling events,
truly. The whole country is in whirl Of
excitement and commotion. War and ru-
mors OF war sound necessarily in cur ears
and as the war promises to be long one,
and to be attended Oy the most terrible re-
suits, let US prepare ourselves for whatever
may come.


1t is the duty of all to keep as cool as
possible. Enter into no heated discussion
on political topics. Quarrel with no man
on account of his honest opinions about
matters of public policy, so long as he is
loyal to the stars and stripes. And, above
all things, discountenance mob spirit
Let our city be not disgraced by such scenes
as have been enacted in the neighboring
towns of Morris, Wilmington. and Oswego,
where men have been insulted and dragged
through the streets by gangs of excited men,
for mere expression of opinions. Whatev-
er the provocatiOn, keep good-natured and
let law and order reign. Let US not ;mi-
tate the rebels in their violent proceedings
against those who do not agree with them
in opinion.


And, finally, let us have faith in the
Government. We have Government and
military chieftain who understand them
selves, and let us trust in their wisdom and
patriotism.
Year: 1861

We learn that at a meeting of the officers
at Camp Goodell last evening, Capt. VIM
Erwin was unanimously nominated for
Colonel. We are rejoiced to hear of this
nomination, and trust that the brave sol
diers of the regiment viii! confirm it ut the
election. Capt. Erwin is just the man for
the position. Generous and kind hearted
and honorable in all his dealings with his
fellow men, he will see that the solder,
under his command receive fair treatment
And better than all, he is good disciple
marian and has seen service. lie COM
manded company of volunteers under
Gen. Taylor during the Mexican war,
and was in all the bloody battles which
render the name of that old hero glorious
in American history
Year: 1861

The most horrible cases of ScrofuIa, in which
Face, Bones and Limbs of the victim had been
preyed upon by the Unsuitable disease, are proved
by the unden liable authority of the sufferers them
selves, to have been completely cured by these
purely Vegetable medicines after all others had been
found more than useless
Year: 1861

eS- well regulated and proportionate quantity
of bile upon the stomach is always requisite for
the promotion of sound healtn--it stimulates di-
gestiOn and keeps the intestinal canal free from all
Instructions. When there is "a deficiency of bile
the body is constantly costiye. On the other hand
abundance of bile frequent nausea
in the stomach and often promotes very severe at
tacks of disease, which sometimes end in DEATH


DR.. Mofat's Life Medicines :!
Year: 1861

ATTEMPT TO LIBERATE THE ROBBERS
1t is evident there is quite a gang of vii
lians in the city of the same kidney as those
who committed the robbery, and an attempt
was made by some of them to break into
the calaboose Monday night for the purpose
of liberating their comrades. They made an
effort to wrench off the bars of the windows,
and were prowling around all night, but the
suspicious of the keeper were excited early
in the evening by the conduct of the prison.
ers, and he kept constant watch until MORN
ing. About midnight fellow, apparently
feigning drunkenness, staggered into the
Office, but he was Immediately secured and
locked up, and was unable to accomplish his
purpose of doing anything for his friends.
The police inform US that there are more
desperate characters in the city now than at
any previous time during the season, and it
behooves our citizens to be on the lookout
for them.
Year: 1861

filled you nominated one RepubLacanl ! d!
and that for the most unimportant Office.
So, according to arithmetic that would
leave you about one-seventh of a Republi-
can party. That is falling off pretty fast.
He says there are some things he with
holds, for fear, l suppose, of wouuding the
feelings of the Democracy. Let it out,
we are not afraid of the light The De-
mocratic party was not spawned in a cellar
or garret, where the Irish and German
catholics were considered as bad as Sc.
ccssonists now are. The gentleman speaks
about blushing; if he is not devoid of
shame, when he looks at our Army he may
well hide himself under the garb of unions
ism. Look at the sixty ninth Regiment,
all Catholics. The men that had arms
concealed to ruin our country according
to knownothingism. But there is no use
in speaking of dead carcasscs, as Repub-
licanism and Knownothingism have died
out according to their own showing. In
looking over the whole field the signs are
encouraging; their papers and leading
men begin to ignore mobs and the sup.
preston of presses, it would be well enough
for our friend to read Jefferson on the
freedom of the press. As we are now
getting the sectional party of the North
around upon union ground, all we want is
to enc ourage the Union men of the South,
and then we will be able to drive both
extremes to the well, and our glorious old
flag with all the stars on will once more
float over united and happy people,
This sudden transition of Sectionalsm 10
Unionism in the North, together with
Liucoln's abridgement of Freemont's Proc
lamation, must produce the most satulary
results in the South. Our friend still
seems to cling to Sectionalsm. Come
along with US, we will do thee good it is
not the Chicago Platform but the Govern
ment we must perpetuate.


BACK TOWNSHIP.
Year: 1861

Mr.. EDITOR,


Sir In looking over and reAeo.
ting on the many Misrepresentation that
have been thrown broad cast over the
country, upon the citizens of Fishingcreek
and the other back townships of Columbia
county, | cannot forbcar TO notice how
grossly the inhabitants Of these Townships
have been insulted. The citizens, or
majority of them have been put down as
traitors and secessionists, But as actions
speak louder than words, l will present to
your readers the position of would be
clergyman, the self constituted Captain of
the Home Guards, whose zeal and patriot.
ism has never been apparent to any one
but himself. He paraded his company
day and night and sang union songs to
dis-unlon chorus. When the company
was fully formed they called themselves
the " Anderson Guards, but they are now
known as the John Brown Reserves"
which should be their proper name, For
a noted writer has well said that whero
God sets up house of prayer the devil
always builds a chapel thero!" This
brave clergyman took vote of his com.
pany at two or three several times to know
whether they were willing to 60 to the war
or not, and they always voted, aye but
never went. But the brave patriot of the
north, this Noble Captain, determined that
if he could not 60 to the army and fight,
he would 60 and pray, aud leave the COM
pany, WHICH have got ashamed of him,
with which he had figured at pic.nicks and
donation parties at home. So ON Sunday,
amid tears and expostulations, he said to
them that he would go to the army either
as chaplain or boot-blaok; what a pity
they did not take him for the latter In
this latter capacity he might have put
down rebellion by making their boots shine
so brightly that they could not fight If
this Noble Captain was as much patriot
as he is an abolitionist, he might be of
some service to his county, but as it is Che
is one who is trying to steal the livery Of
the court of heaven to serve the devil in"
and as in Ava none but priests dare trade
in that best marbles of which Gods are
made, so this man would forbid each and
every man from being republican unless
he subscribes to abolition doctrines.


BACKWOUDSMAN.
Year: 1861

ANECDoTE TOLD BY DANIEL WEBSTER.
Hon. Daniel Webster had an aneodote
of old Father Scarf, the minister Of his
boybood, which has never been in print,
and which is too good to be lost. 1t was
customary then to wear buckskin brooches
in cool weather. Ono Sunday morning
in the autumn, Father Soarl brought his
down from the garret; but the wasps had
taken possession of them during the sum-
mel, and were having a nice time in them
BY dint of effort he got out the intrudcrs
and dressed for meeting. But while read
ing the scriptures to the congregation, he
felt dagger from one of tho enraged
small wasted fellows, and jumped about
the pulpit slapping his thighs. But the
more he slapped around and danced the
more they stung. The people thought
him crazy, and were in commotion what
to do, but he explained the matter by
saying


g Brethren don't be alarmed The
word of the Lord is in my mouth, but the
devil is in my breeches.'
Year: 1861

The Cincinnati Gazette, paper Of large
circulation and wide influence, which at
one time claimed to be conservative, is
now as ultra and violent as the worst
abolition paper in the North. In recent
article on the Niger question" it
says:


The nse tc be made OF them within cur
lines must be governed by its practicabihty.
So far as they are used by our armies, they
will be used under military direction and
discipline. fdhey edB Be made to PIT 5lZJ.ts
O. 5cyonets thTOpgh tleir masters eitcEs IN a
regular lcGy and accorGiRg 10 the sLeGgIs cf
tbot lgttch sei!h curious ParGdoz ~ c1y cig-
liked ardrfars, there cGV Be 10 reasonable co.
5ectfon; but on the contrary there would be
poetical justice and eminent fitness in IT,


But we suspect that it will be found difficult


te use them to any great extent as soldiers,
from the difficulty Of bringing then under


proper discipline and the requisite courage


for soldiers cannot reasonably be expected
In race coWed by generations Of bondage.
They have been organized and drilled to
considerable extent by the rebels, but they
would probably find them unreliable in bat
tie; besides the tenure by which they hold
the negroes, and their despotic and severe
way Of goVerniRg them, would make them
more successful IN training them in military
discipline than We could be


But merely to deprive the rebels OF their
slaves will cripple their military power and
resources, and strike a heavy blow to the
rebellion. IT will also at once bring home
the penalty Of rebellion to the guilty. The
nation can well afford to support them, and
incur all the responsibility of their future
disposal for that alone; besides, there are
heavy labors 10 be done in war, aside from
the fighting, which are most exhausting and
dispiriting to the soldier, which these ne
groes perform for the rebels, and will for


our armies. In one way or another they are
quite as valuable to the enemy as their white
soldiers, and their loss would be more Sc
verely felt. They can be made of great
service to us.


Our armies must either have these ne
groes as enemies or friends They cannot


be put out of the question, for they are in
the hands of the enemy and are used against
US. They build the Notifications which are
so prominent an element in this war. They
do all the heavy labor of the camp and of
transportation. Wherever our armies ad-
vance they must advance over intrenchments
| made By these negroes whom our own poll
cy drives to this labor. So it will be through
| the war; and they perform the labor at
| home, which releases an equal number Of
white men for the war.
Year: 1861

PIrIABLE SIGHr.-This morning there ar.
rived In this city John ID Reed forty. acre farmer
near Bailey's Crossroads lin the vicinity OF this
city, with his wife and i've children the old not
more man elg Ut years sfage They had been driven
from their home at three hopr,, notice a,-;u;nr
mere In asingle horse cart drawn by skeleton and
loaded with just such of their clothing and poor
furniture as they could snatch up in an instant


MS FAMILY have not dollar left. Surely Il is
time for men there who value the cbaIacte, sn5
reputation OF this section Of Virginia to put stop
70 ihe pcrpetration Of such things In their midst


ana In the name Of the people OF those countie.
Year: 1861

THE COMING CALIFORNIA STEAMERS ARNEp -
The Pacific Mail Steamship Compsny has acted
In the most prompt manner TO ensure the prot.e
ton OF passengers and the security of freight and
treasure on thelr steamers In the Pacific. Besides
supplying them abundantly with small arm. in
Guiding revolvers, musksts and cutlasses and am
munition, each steamer will carry at least two
heavy carronades or 12-pound cannon; and in
suucllohS nave gone out some time since to
thoroughly sheath the bows of each shin with
iron, 50 as to enable them, without injury to the
selves, TO run down and sink any pirate or priva-
teer which might attempt their capture AS they
are al! last vessels they would prove In this way
most formidable in any encounter on the usually
calm Pacific, where sailing vessels could not SO
well manage to escape Their engines are pro-
vlded with hot water, pipe and hose which, with
the large number OF well-armed California and
oregon passengers always on board, would enable
them to rePel any hostile visitors The North
star, one of the line, sailed Fl ON New York On
Monday armed as described