smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1869

MAYESVILLE, .. u, Dec. 1U, 1000.


Rer. s. C. Logan,


Sec Of Committee on Freedmen,


Rev. and Dear Sir: In my letter on the
81 December, l promised to give you my
views in full on the subject matter of
your letter of the Goth August, as soon
as could command time to do so.


am obliged to you for the copies of
your Second and Third Annual Reports,
which you had the goodness to send me-
They have been read with care and in
terest. My attention had previously
been called to the resolution passed by
your General Assembly last spring, con,
templating plan of cooperation between
your Church and ours for promoting the
moral and spiritual Improvement of the
freedmen of the South. | hailed it at
the time as an omen of good. Itseemed
to indicate partial restoration of the
confidence which Northern Christians for
merly felt in the piety and uprightuess
of their Southern brethren, especially in
connexion with their perseveriEg and
self-denying labors to promote the spir-
itual welfare of the blacks while yet in a
condition of servitude. You would be
surprised, perhaps, upon careful exam
ination of the matter, to notice how fre-
quently and how emphatically the Gen
eral Assembly of what was the united
Church commended these self-denying
labors. In my judgment, it is greatly
to be lamented that this feeling of conf
dence had not been predominant at the
close of the war. Had this been the
case, it would not only have prevented
many serious mistakes and much ill-feel-
ing, but it would have placed the great
work of improving the condition of thi:
people upon a much more solid founda
ton that it occupies at present, or than
can be acquired for it for long time tc
come. You will give me credit for can
dor. am sure, when / affirm that there
has been no suspension or abatement Of
the interest felt by the great mass Of
Southern Christians in the moral and
spiritual Improvement of the cOlored peO
ule. If in former times they were actu
ated in doing what they did by sense
of duty, they are influenced now by con
siderations of interest aud safety as vel
as of duty. This Southern country Car
scarcely be habitable very long for either
whites or blacks, unless the latter can bt
brought under the influence of indus
trious habits, sound morals, and enlight
ened piety. Previous to the war, as yor
we'll know, not only did large number
of our most popular preachers devote
their whole time to the religious instruc
ton of the negroes, but there were
scarcely any of our ministers that. die
not devote as much of their attention II
the cOlored portion of their congregation
as to the whites. The results of thes
labors were the gathering of something
like fourteen thousand souls into the folC
, of Christ. These labors were continues
without material interruption not onl,
! until the breaking out of the war, bu
through its whole course, and indeed u
Year: 1869

Columbia, S. c.:
Reverend and Dear Brother: Your
communication of December =, with
the accompanying note of December 3D.
came duly to hand. [ thank you tor
this full expression of your views in re-
gard to the work among the freedmen,
and the candid manner in which you ex-
press your views as to the possible mode
of cooperation of our Church with yours
in the work of their evangelisation.


have not time to reply just now as l
desire and intend, owing TO multiplied
duties. 1 am compelled to spend the
greater part of my time on the road
At this time, however, l desire to correct
an error into which you have doubtless
been led by the unfortunate blindness of
my expression III the official letter which
l sent to you. You infer that think
there ought to be "an African Presbyte-
rian Church unconnected either with the
Northern or Southern white churches. .
1 had no intention of expressing that
idea. If you will look at my letter again,
you will see by the connexion that l
mean that it would be wrong to perpetu-
ate among the freedmen the distinctions
existing between the Old and N. School,
or the prejudices unhappily existing be-
tween the Northern and Southern Church
es. Your mistake, l see, is natural, from
the sentence: "Thers ought to be but one
african Presbyterian Church" The
fault is mine. I mean simply that there
certainly ought not to be more than one.
If you present that letter to your Assem-
bly,, please let this correction go with it.
l agree with you, that it is not desira-
BILE to have these colored Presbyterian
churches separated from the whites; and
1 believe it to be our duty to do all we
can legitimately to prevent it. l do be-
lieve, however, that the peculiar forces at
work will produce that separation ulti-
mately; else, as you intimate, the colored
Presbyterians will slip away from both
your Church and ours when the whole
work of sustaining the gospel ordinances
falls upon them. My hope is that such
a result may be postponed until they
have been taught pure Presbyterian
ism, as well as pure gospel, and so be
sufficiently advanced to take care of their
own Church. I have little patience with
that spirit which draws lines in the
Church of God between sinners of diff
ferent races or conditions in life, and
which says to the poor man, sit. thou
there" not because he is poor, but for a
far less Christian reason-because he is
black. 1 believe we ought to retain these
poor people with us in the Church, if it
is possible. But, as said before, | fear
there will be an African Presbyterian
Church, as there is an African Methodist
Church already.


I have not time to write further now,
but will gladly reply without controversy
to your interesting letter.





l am your brother,


S. G. LOGAN.
Year: 1869

was next introduced, He had thought
it was best that no other person should
speak in behalf of Cincinnati. But in
response to what had been said bv the
speakers, others had thought it proper
that some one should express the feel
ing of the citizens.


A little body of workers, whose
shoulders when put to the wheel make
it move, had thought the order should
meet together for consultation


1t had been shown that Ohio was
behind hand in the matter of furnish
ing asylums. How was it,that State
who led the van in the dark days Of
the EsF-at asingie stroke of whose
Governors pen forty thousand men had
been sent forward to the army in a
single day-how Is It that the new
State Of Missouri has an asylum before
it? He had been thinking that it was
not the fault Of the Boys in Blue, but
of the State, which had forgotten the
promises that it made in the midst Of
storm. Here in Ohio are four thou
sand orphan children, and who is IA.
king care Of them ? Whassociety Is look
ing to protect them We should deter
mine that in this city should be builded
a central building where the orpbaui
and the widows shall be protected, aud
the needful provisions made for them.
Such a building would cost-how
much do you suppose Why, a bull
ding that would accommodate one
thousand persons would cost but S5O,-
600.


Gen. Burnett thea referred in strong
Year: 1869

we received the other day,
newspaper which had been deposit
ed in Western Post office, address
ed to us, but not prepaid by the
person sending. The local Young
Mems Christian Association had
forwarded it, pasting ON label ex-
planning the circumstances and re-
ferring us to E'Acts l6-3I,"


It was kindly and generous act,
and one undertaken in more places
than one, either by associations or
individuals. The severe political
economist would probably say that
it was an unwise interference with
that wholesome education of the
Dead Letter Office by which every
man learns, sooner or later, that
prepayment is not optional. But
this manner Of reasoning, like that
parallel argument which condemns
the bestowal of aims ON beggars, is
more apt to reach mems brains than
their hearts.


At any rate, the incident affords
a hint for a little common sense ad
dressed to letter writer's as to the
use of the post-oflice. The hide
pendent does its full duty iu preach
ing wisdom to the Post office De.
partment. It is well to preach it
sometimes to those who use the
Post Office.


The whole number Of letters an
nually sent to the Dead Letter Of.
fee exceeds two millions. Any one
of these may have caused, by this
unhappy fate, an amount of distress,
of anxiety, of calamity that might
make one shudder. For the want
of any one of these letters, some
child may have died Of starvation
or some woman of despair. The
last hope quenched, the last oppor
tunity Of virtue or Of life closed
that is what dead letter may mean.
They are well called by that name,
for they may end in the death OF
more than life.


What causes all this misery p
Who is responsible for dead letters
Ask your post master and he will
prove to you that they are caused
in more than nine cases out of ten
not by sheer ignorance or misfor-
tune, but by the neglect of the wri-
ter to comply with the simple pro-
visions made by the department for
the security of letters.


The simple use of stamped enyel-
opes, instead Of stamps, would keep
Year: 1869

The court met at is p. M, pur-
suant to adjournment, and the sher
if at once announced the jury ready
to deliver their verdict. Amid
breathless silence the jury marched
through the crowded court room,
and took their seats. There seem
ed to be soma surprise that they
should have returned so soon. The
prisoner was sent for, and came in
to the room almost staggering
through the doorway. He was
obliged while walking down the
aisle, to seek the support of the
sheriff, who had his arm about Mr.
Smiths waist. He was conducted
to a chair beside Colonel Wilcox
and near Major Barry, who entered
the room just behind him. These
were the only counsel present on
either side.


The prisoner was very pale, trem-
bling with a nervous fright, and ap
parently not daring to look the ju-
ry in the face. He at once drop
ped his head on the back Of Colonel
Wilcox's chair, and extended his
left hand over that he might hold
his council by the hand. His veins
swelled visibly in his forehead
when Judge Wilcox said, "Gentle-
men Of the jury; are you ready to
report ?'' and when the verdict was
being handed to the Judge, great
drops of sweat stood on his fore
head. Wilcox cautioned the audi
ence against any manifestation,
whatever, and threatened the Sc
verest penalty Of the court upon any
Year: 1869

$50 you are going to keep a
school p said young lady to her
old aunt. ''Well, for my part, soon
er than do that, l would marry a
widower with nine children I
should prefer that myself was the
quiet reply; but where is the wild
oWcr?'
Year: 1869

II a man is so situated that he cannot be
happy in his family relations, he will not
enjoy happiness at all. Man must culti-
vate. therefore, and look for this great end
Of his labors at home and in the bosom OF
his wife and the affections Of bis children.
Around his own hearth. in the presence Of
a loving family. the husband and father,
himself the affectionate head Of the house.
hold. cannot be otherwise than happy. He
has no competition in business there, sno op-
posing candidates for honers, no grasping,
INSCRIPTIONS enemy.
Year: 1869

Some of the French journals announce the
discovery in the public archives of the Sc
crrl Of the .Man with the Iron Mask" The
solution of the historical enigma is said to
be established on authentic eviien ce, and
has been communicated in sealed letter to
the President of the Academy of Moral and
Political Sciences, and without doubt. will
shortly be made known to the world.
Year: 1869

BAD YIELD.-The wheat raised in this
county this season is Of very poor quality.
One would scarcely imagine it to be as poor
as it is, until he has compared it with old
wheat, or with that raised in other states.
We saw some of it compared, to-day, with
Minnesota wheat, and the difference was
perfectly astonishing. How good -four or
good bread is to be made from it is ques
ton for the millers and housewives to de.
eide.
Year: 1869

MoHErARY.-Uuited States Treasurer
Spinner will shortly issue circular direct
ing the government repositories throughout
the country to redeem and forward to the
treasurer all notes of the National Banks
in liquidation, for the purpose of returning
them to the banks which issued them, and
thereby withdraw them from circulation
There are between thirty and forty banks on
this list and their notes are still in circuIa'
ton.
Year: 1869

On tomorrow evening, at seven O'Clock
the Democratic Township meeting convenes
at the Court House to choose delegates to
the County Convention. 1t is hoped that
every ward in our city will be represented
and that due interest will be taken in this
formal opening Of the campaign. Let every
democrat be on hand.
Year: 1869

MORE AIn-With the coming of winter
the ventilation of the church and school
house question will be in order More per-
sons take colds and consumption through
breathing the hot and poisonous air of close
churches, lecture and ball rooms and school
houses, than in any other way.
Year: 1869

TUE RIyER.-The river has nearly reach,
cd the high water mark Of the rise in May.
At Dubuque it is still rising, but not so rap
idly as last week. At La Crosse a decline
is noticeable At St Paul the fall is at the
rate of six inches in twenty.iour hours
Year: 1869

THE PuBrrC WELL.-Work on the public
well at Market Square has been put through
in speedy manner. The walHng has been
perfected, and fine depth of good water is
within. The balance of the work will be
done as soon as possible, and Mark Il Square
will then rejoice in valuable and long re
Quircd addition.
Year: 1869

for tie purpose OF - vipdicating them.
selves from the slanders and misrepresenta
:i"ns cast upon them by the National Typo
graphical Union" The question thus
assumes a new, but not unexpected phase.
For the printers in the Government Offiee
Ia sustain The Union against Douglass
would be to ensure their speedy dismissal.
To retain their situations they propose to
array themselves against the Union.
The easiest solution OF tho difficulty will
be for the Union to cut off the Govern.
ment Office, and let it be given up to ne
groes altogether with such white men as
will work with them. Some persons pro-
fe~s to believe, however, that Mr.. Superin-
tendent Clapp and the colored printer,
Douglass. will accomplish the complete
demolition of the Typographical Union
This is what the Radicals desire. but what
they will be unable to accomplish. They
do not know the power Of the organization
they seek to destroy.


In this matter there are wheels within
wheels. Mr.. Clapp dare not discharge
Dougloss. Should he do so, a Radical
paper declares that he could not hold his
Office one hour after the next meeting OF
the Senate. The printers in the Govern
ment Office dare not oppose the Radical
will for fear of losing their places also.-
Meanwhile, the public will watch with in,
terest this attempt to break up the Society.
Year: 1869

We were more mortified than surprised
to learn that Chief Justice Pearson, of the
Supreme Court of North Carolina, in be.
half Of himself and his associates, had
taken advantage of his position to require
the humiliation of many of the best law
yers of the State to compel them to relin-
quish their practice in the Supreme Court


In order to understand the matter, the
reader must remember that two of the Su =
preme Court Judges, Pearson and Reade.
took an active part in the late political
contest in this State, and used their inhu-
ence to promote the election Of particu-
Lar candidate or candidates to Office
Against such unusual and unbecoming
conduct large number Of lawyers OF the
State published Protest, condemnlng all
exhibition Of partizanism on the part OF tn
Judiciary. And now Judge Pearson an
nounces from his seat in the Supreme
Court that said lawyers must apologize or
be deprived OF their right to practice in tho
Court.


Is not such action Judicial tyranny of ths
worst sort How can q man be held gull
ty of contempt for words spoken out OF
Court or when the Court is not in session:
Is not each individual entitled to entertain
his own opinion of the conduct of public
officers and express it in fair and legiti
mate manner Who will dare deny this
right before the people of North Carolina?


Western Democrat
Year: 1869




The rejection of the applications of the
colored Doctors Purvis and Augusta for
membership in the Medical Society of the
District of Columbia is exciting considera-
ole comment. The WASHINGTON Star, in
explaining the case. says:


The question was simply that of admitting
them to social fellowship. The board of examin-
ers of the society granted licenses to Drs Puryis
and Augusta to practice soon they made
instance in the country where any medical socie-
ty has given colored practitioners any status
The society did not quite come up to the mark of
receiving the colored doctors into social atfiia-
tion but they have shown themselves quite as
exclusive in regard to numerous white applicants
in the past The colored practitioners will. as
they become better known, be able to dispel
every prejudice to their social disadvantage. The
Medical Society of this District was formed with
practitioners in order to shut off quackery. The
board of examiners of the society are authorized
to license applicants to practice who are able to
show themselves properly qualified, and by the
charter of the society every person who under
takes to practice without such license is liable to
fine of $50 in each case. 1t is not requisite that
the applicant shall be of any particular school OF
medicine, but he must show knowledge of med
icine and the qualifications for practice. Drs
from the Medical Society here, ae above stated,
and have all the legal rights OF any practitioners
in the District.


There is some talk among the extremists
Of carrying the matter to Congress and
making an effort to deprive the society OF
its charter.
Year: 1869

The Chicago Republican, speaking OF
one OF Grants appointments, says:


1t is not now too late, and we trust
President Grant willpromptly recall the
appointment of Consul General to Brit
ish India which he recently bestowed
on low fellow named Butler, of Wilkes
Shirt of the Times. This follow, with
every issue of the Spirit, is demonstrat-
ing more and more the discredit which
is done the country by his appointment
We trust and believe that the journal.
lists of America do not include in their
number another so utterly vile and sour
rilous as this Butler. McCoole is q
gentleman compared to him. Revoke
his appointment, by all means.


The New York Times, commenting
upon the golden circle and Butterfiel Id
unpleasantness, states:


Snow, this is very simple story. The
public know it by heart, and they have
been wondering why in the world the
Government gives any excuse for the
unjust charge that is waiting for a grave
scandal to elbow over" The truth is
that General Butterfeld's alleged mis-
conduct is not the kind of thing tC
"blow over" People do not forget a
charge of that kind. If he is guilty he
ought not to be where he is another day;
if be is innocent the Government ought
proclaim the fact to the world, though
how it could have satisfied itself on the
point would be great mystery. But
his resignation called for an immediate
inquiry, into his entire course OF con
duct. There has been no such inquiry
and his resignation is quietly ignored
We only echo the voice of public opinion
when we say that this sort of treatmen'
of an official "undsr closd," is very
serious mistake on the part of the Ad
ministrrtion.
Year: 1869

NEw YORK, November ia letter
from Macon, Ca, says: The evidences
of returning prosperity in the South are
specially noticeable. Although the cot
ton crop is much less than the planters
expected to gather and the price is much
smaller than they hoped to receive, yet
the country generally is prosperous.
During the past week q large proportion
of the notes of the planters in this part
of the State to their merchants and
factors fell due and not one has been
protested. Every one was paid in full
at maturity. The laborers are content
ed and Notwithstanding the recent
Labor Convention are contracting
largely to work another year with the
same employers. The laborers who
made these re-engagements were well
and fairly treated aud were literally
compensated. The country is perfectly
tranquil. There are remarkably few
cases of crime and none of an aggravat-
ed character. Politics is neither spoken
or thought of. The fair, the price OF
cotton, the fertilizer and the next crop
are the all-engrossing subjects OF
thought and discussion,
Year: 1869

There appears to be a general com
plaiRt among the heirs Of deceased
soldiers that the conditions required at
the Office of the Commissioner Of Pen
siens in Washington, In proof of heir
ship, amount almost to impossibilities,
and that claims on that account have
been laid over for years which should
have been allowed promptly. Nothing
ought to be more simple than the proof
required to support such applications.
In former times the instructions issued
from the departments were plain, sensi-
BILE and easily complied with; but now
it would seem that they are so compll-
Gated and unintelligible that no two
persous can construe them alike, and
the consequence is that claims the set
tlsment of which ought to be made IN
a day or two, cannot be adjusted In
months or even years. There is evil
IDENTIFY something wrong somewhere,
and these in authority cannot look to
the matter a moment too soon.
Year: 1869

Last Friday Elijah Duckworth, son
of Mr.. William Duckworth, of our city,
was found lifeless, hanging by rope in
a woodshed near the house. He was
discovered by an old lady, who at the
time was alone upon the premises, and
who, frem fright and lack of strength
combined, was unable to cut him down,
and lacked the presence of mind to
scream for help before running to Duck
worth's shop, distant a square and a
half, and bringing the unhappy father
to view his only son hanging lifeless In
the air. He had been but short time
missing from the house, and might have
been saved by the proper appliances,
had he been cut down when first dis
covered. Every effort was made to re-
store life when he was finally taken
down, but the vital spark had forever
fled. He wasyet in his thirteenth year.
There is a great deal of mystery con-
nected with this sad affair. 1t seems
hardly probable that boy of his age
would think of or commit suicide, yet
it is hard to account for his getting in
that position NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
(Iad) Democrat.