smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1862

when sccesh fed, and getting across the
Warwick river in a way that we did not know
of, they all escaped but fourteen, who at once
surrendered. The ditch runs about hun
dred feet from the river or dam, aHd not on
the edge as was supposed Eighteen of the
sixty fell on the march, but the balance kept
OH as steadily as though not bullet was fly
ing. The rifle pit wheii taken was filed up
by another company, and our heroic band
fell back to the woods with the dead and
wounded, a list Of whom We forward by tele-
graph. Such unfinching courage as has been
displayed by the men here and at Lees
Mills is but a token Of what may be expected
when the word is given to loose the dogs OF
war; if VIC are beaten it will not be for the
want Of heroic, brave, and daring men, but
on account of blundcrs or drunkenes of the
officers.


" SECESII IN A l ASSIGN.
This morning about 81 o'clock, Secesl
thought he saw some men marching along
| the edge of the woods in front of Yorktown
and, from the number, supposed they were
for something else besides picket duty. Per
haps the shovels and picks OH the mems
shoulders were thought to be unnecessary 70,
picket duty, and so they opened their bat
terics for five or ten minutes. The shells
flew so lively that it was thought in camp
that an attack was to be made on us at once
but some of our artillery returned the fir,
and Secesh was soon glad to quit Then
shells went over the heads OF the iuen, and
exploded in the woods. The troops kept on
with their tools, and we presume, as there is
no Sundays in time of war, that they will not
remain idle all day.


| NEGROES UNIFORMED AND IN ARMS!
Two miles and quarter below Yorktown
are three rebel forts, on the west side of the
| Warwick rivcr---in front of one of them Lieut.
Wagner, Of Philadelphia, was killed. Gu,
artillery have shelled them out number o
times, and an encampmcnt in the rear has
been so ridded that their barracks have been
deserted. They have in these three forts SIX
guns--two in the left one, three in the ccnte,
and one on the right The dam from the
Warwick river runs in front, preventing them
from coming over or our pickcts from reach.
ing them. The artillery, however, make il
so hot that they cannot stay in the forts
In the center one can be seen, every day,
from two to three hundred negroes, with red
coats, grey pants and slouch hats, strength.
ening the work with sand bags, digging
bitches, etc. Whenever they dare to come
out to fire their artillery, which is simply field
artillery, these negroes ram home the balls
which the white men fire at the hearts of on,
soldiers. Any one who doubts that the reb.
els arc fighting side by side with their slaves
can be convinced at any hour of the day by
going up to the edge of the wood, about
twelve hundred yards in front OF their works
With the aid of an ordinary glass, the matter
can be put beyond room for doubt.
Year: 1862

Correspondence Of the Philadelphia Inquirer.


CAMP WINFIELD Scorr, NEAR YORKTOWN,


Saturday, April g. 1862.


The dull and heavy atmosphere that hangs
around the Grand Armec seems to have a ten
dcncy to make all hands feel out Of Sorts
Yesterday and this morning the very damp
seems to cling to one as though it was part
and parcel Of his very existence. Many of
the soldiers are busy with their thoughts
within them, while lying around loose, smok-
ing their bricr-rOOts. In fact the weather
down here is miserable. The residents are a
race of scrawny, poorly developed humanity
and If it were not that we are fighting for the
honor Of the dear old flag, the whole pcnin-
suia might go to thunder for what VIC care.


TIE SHARP. SHOOTERS.


Picket firing has been kept up all day, the
enemy losing some eight or ten men. The
Union loss was Sergeant of the sharp shoot
crs. He had just put ball through the body
Of rebel, and while engaged in reloading his
rifle, a ball crashed through his brain. The
shot that struck him was either splendid
shot or a chance ball. The enemy have some
excellent marksmen.


About five o'clock last evening the enemy s
sharp-shooters were entirely routed by few
shells being thrown into their midst, scatter
ing them in all directions, while our pickcts
picked them off as they tried to get to cover.


NEGROES IN TIE REBEL ARMY.


The enemy have large number of armed
negroes with them, who arc plainly visible
keeping guard as other soldiers. This cxas-
pcrates our own troops very much. They do
not like the idea of shooting at negroes
These negroes are very cruel to our wounded.
It is reliable fact that all or nearly all our
wounded at Lees Mills were bayoncted, while
stuck in the mud Of the bog, in their feeble
attempts to escape these savages


This morning, towards daylight, there was
some considerable firing at the right of the
line, the report of the guns being followed by
the noise of the bursting she'll TO-.
FOURTEEN PRISONERS TAKEN CHARGE by A
.-. MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.


A charge was made on riile-pit this morn
ing, by Company II, of the Massachusetts 1st.
1t was carried with the loss Of three men, the
rebels running in all directions. Fourteen
prisoners were taken, belonging to the 10Th
Virginia, and are as rough and dirty look
ing set as we have ever seen. The rihc-pit
was about three miles from Yorktown, and
was in advance of their works. They caused
a good bit of annoyance to our pickcts from it
heretofore.


The prisoners have been brought in to
headquarters. .-s... ..
Year: 1862

Though misfortune and grief encompass thy way,
And cloud after cloud should arise,
Think not for moment my love can decay,
Unless it by thee were despised.
In happier hours thy pleasures were mine,
And now, midst thine anguish to flee
What baseness to this could e'er be compared,
To be SO regardless of thee?
Then let me endeavor to soothe thy distress,
And tighten thy burthen of care;
Con6de in the heart that loves thee the best,
And permit me thy sorrows to share.
Then do not despond, tits useless to pine
Much bliss is in store for thee yet,
Though the star of thy hopes may seem to de-


cline,


Believe me, it never hath SET,
Have faith in thyself-struggle on midst the


strife, .l.t a
Never fail, never finch in the battle of life;
The fercer the conflict, the wilder the din,
More honor and glory to thee shouldst thou


win


Struggle on, struggle on, be honest and true,
No peris should daunt you, no sorrows sub


due


On, on to the onset, all danger defy,


Let this be your watchword, to conquer or die
DEER PARK, Harford Co., Md.
Year: 1862

Quite an amusing episode took place at
the house Of q prominent clergyman Of
Cape Ann, Mass, few days since. A
couple presented themselves as candidates
for matrimony, but the gentleman had ne
elected to procure the customary certi6-
cate, being possessed Of the idea that the
minister could fill out one. After some
delay, the necessary document was procur-
ed from the town clerk, and the banns
were consummated. The happy bride, in
orange wreaths and bushes, turned to ad-
just her bonnet, while the newly made
husband drew forth his wallet to liquidate
the clergyman's fee.


"Whats to pay ?" quoth the BRIDE
groom.


We leave those matters to the discretion
Of the parties,' replied the clergyman.


"But what do you usually get p


"That depends upon the circumstances
Of the parties married." answered the
clergyman.


"Well, there" said the happy BRIDE
groom, in tone of satisfaction, deposi-
ting one-dollar bill on the table.
elbow much did you give him, Johnw
asked the bride turning from the glass.


GA dollar.'


"One dollar Well, if I had thought
it wasn't worth more than dollar to get
married | wouldn't have come here. Let
me see your Wallet she continued.


The new husband very obediently pas
sed all his treasure over to his better half,
when she proceeded to draw bill of
much larger denomination, and laid it
with the other on the table.


"There," she continued, ''if it isn't
worth that to get married, it isn't worth
anything" and passed back the wallet
and proceeded to finish her toilet.


But John was not disposed to sanction
such wholesale extravagance on the part
of his new spouse, and no sooner had she
turned to the glass than he hastily
snatched the bill and placed it in his wall
let again.


The newly married pair took leave Of
the clergyman-the one gratifed that she
had repressed her husbands niggardliness,
and the other chuckling that he had not
been forced into prodigality.
Year: 1862

The DUTIES OF A MOTHER She
should be firm - gentle n kind always
ready to attend to her child. She should
never laugh at him-at what he does that
is cunning-never allow him to think Of
his looks, except to be neat and clean in
all his habits. She should teach him to
obey a look to respect those older than
himself; she should never make q com
mand without seeing it performed in the
right manner. Never speak of a child's
faults or foible, or repeat his remarks be-
fore him it is a sure way to spoil a
child. Never reprove a child when ex-
cited, nor let your tone Of voice be raised
when correcting.
Year: 1862

D9= Sam Slick says Yes, yes, ma
ture balances all things admirably, and
has put sexes and every individual Of each
on par. Them that have more than
their share of one thing commonly have
less of another. When there is great
strength there amt apt to be much
gumption. A handsome man in gener-
al way amt much Of man. "A beauti-
full bird seldom sings. Them that have
genius have no common sense. A. fellow
with one idea grows rich, while he who
calls him fool dies poor. The world is
like baked meat pie; the upper crust is
rich, dry, and puffy; the lower crust is
heavy and under done; the middle is not
bad generally; but the smallest part Of
all is that which fayors the whole.
Year: 1862

CoUNTERFEIT ON THE STATE BANK
I'VE were on Saturday shown copn-
.terfeit five dollar note on the tfcrchants'
Branch of the State Bank, wiich is an
excellent imitation Of the genuine. BY
little care, however, it can be readily
detected. In the yisrette Of the
genuine, directly over the head Of the
cattle in front, wagon with white
cover, drawn by three yoke Of cattle,
with man on horseback in front, is
distinctly seen IN me distance; this is
entirely absent in the counterfeit. On
The left Of the vignctte, and directly in
the rear Of the large wagon, another
team is distinctly seen ii the genuine,
while in the spurious bill this is very
indiStinct. Each letter n, in the words
American Bank Note Company, is re-
versed in the counterfeit, the loop being
10 the right Of the perpendicular stroke
instead of to the left. By noticing
these particulars no one can be deceived
- Dacenport Gazette. @
Year: 1862

CuRE FOR EARAcHE. An exchange
paper recommends the following as a
certain cure tor the earache: Take a
small piece of cotton batting, make q
depression in the center with the end OF
Tie finger, and fill it mp witt rs much
ground ,,erper as "il. rest on five cent
piece, d.,lrer it into i ball and tie it up;
dip the ball into sweet oil and irscr, it
in the ear, cverins the latter with cotton
batting, use bandage or cap u retain
i, in its place.-Almost instant relief will
be experienced, and the application is so
gentle that III infant will not be injured
BY IT, y.
Year: 1862

done more than any other one man to d.
Voc C them from the bogus Democracy, to
enlighten them to the true issues before the
people, and the liberation Of his country
men from the strange spell Of a prostituted
name, has been in no small degree attribu-
table to his energetic and well directed Ia
bors in demonstrating that Democracy has
come to mean anything but Liberty. Mr.
Schneider has done much to Americanizc
the German mind, and rid it Of old world
prejudices, giving his Jealous efforts in the
direction Of blending into one people all
nationalities, native and foreign born. Rec
ognizing these traits and services in his
connection with the press, We unwi1lingly
note his retirement from the position he
has filed so well, and hope it will not be q
long interim before he resumes his labors
IN the profession VIC trust he has only tenn
porarily laid aside.
Year: 1862

TBE Galena Advertiser says all the lower
half of Illinois is a cotton growing region.
A gentleman who left Louisiana on account
of the political troubles, and settled at. Deca-
tur. this year raised bale of cotton and
sent 1t to market. Next year he is prepared
TO raise thousand acres, satisfied as he
is by his experiment that it will be profta-
bic crop. Twenty and thirty years ago the
article was cultivated sufficient for domestic
use in most of the families in the lower part
of the State. Cultivated by free labor. i,
may no doubt be made profitable crop.
Year: 1862

CAMEL coal has been discovered at Crab
Orchard, Ky. by the troops there. and the
inhabitants are astonished at it. One man
said that several years ago he had dug a well
on an adjoining farm through the same sort
of stuff, but it had never occurred to him
that it was camel coal.
Year: 1862

THE CONDITION OF THE SrREErs.-Now that
the season of frost and snow has gone by, we
expected that the contractor for street cleaning
would make up for his past inaction by remov-
ing the accumulations of the winter from the
public thoroughfares. But instead of doing
this he has merely loosened the masses of ice
here and there, and left them to obstruct the
public traffic, greater obstacles than before,
till they melt away. This will probably occur
in the course Of a month, and meanwhile the
streets will be kept wet and dirty by the
gradual thawing of these piles and bouders of
ice and snow. We submit that II is, or ought
TO be, the duty Of the contractor to cart all
these away in the same manner that he is re-
ouired to do ashes and other rubbish. What Is
the use Of paying for street. cleaning IL the
eets are not Qleaned'
Year: 1862

PROMOTION OF GENERAL WooL.-We learn by
intelligence from Washington, which we pub
lished yesterday, that in the executive session
of the Senate on Friday afternoon strong feel
ing was manifested in favor Of placing General
Wool in more important position than he now
occupies, and involving more active and COM
prehensive duties. This feeling was developed,
it is said, in marked manner during the dis
cussion upon the confirmation of Major General
Mcdowell The truth is, that not only in
Washington, but throughout the country has
the feeling been universal for long time that
General Wool is entitled to the position of
Major General, and to the opportunity of active
service in the field He is only Brevet Major
General, an honorary title conferred upon him
for distinguished services in the Mexican war.
That title does not enable him to rank with
Major Generals in the field. We think he de-
serves such promotion, not only from his long
military experience and fidelity to the govern
ment, but for his efficient and judicious dis.
charge of his duties since he assumed command
at Fortress Monroe. No military blunder has
since happened in that district General Wool
is better entitled to the full rank of Major
General in the army than some who have been
promoted to that position. No one will pretend
to compare his military capacity with that of
Fremont Justice, as we'll as expediency, de-
mands that he should receive the appointment
without DELAY.
Year: 1862

POSTAL FAcrLrTEs.-We are glad to observe
that the Post Office Department is ready to es-
tablish as soon as Congress shall give the ali-
thority, the free, delivery Of letters in cities,
with uniform rates of postage for local and
general letters. This is an improvement in our
postal system of which we are much in need,
and il will doubtless be fully appreciated by


the public, anS lie contributing to the gene


raj convenience, nave considerable effect in in


croasng the business of the department. At
present there are so many drawbacks attending
the employment Of the Post Office, especially
in the transmission of city letters, that the COM
morcial and social intercourse of the commu-
nifty is seriously affected thereby. The people
of all sections of the Union would be brought
into closer relations by such system as that
which prevails in England, and we hope that it
will not be long before the Post Office In Ameri-
ca will become "a popular an institution a. II
Year: 1862

THE REvuIsIoN IN SOUTHERN FEELNG.-
Hitherto wherever our troops have penetrat-
ed into the territory recently included in
Rebellion, whether Tennessee or Virginia,
the people have taken to flight at our first
approach. They had been told that our army
would confiscate their property and free their
slaves and that they themselves would be given
over to the worst passions of an infurated and
unbridled soldiery. No wonder, therefore, that
the poor, dcluded people fed when the Union
forces marched into their cities. But when
they saw that our men acted as all the Union
troops have done, like gentlemen, respecting
persons and property, and protecting instead of
destroying, and so presenting remarkable
contrast to the lawless and riotous conduct of
their own troops, they saw that what had been
told them was untrue, and with returning conf
dence they returned themselves, bringing with
them their slaves and whatever other property
they had taken away with them in their fight.
Those who have returned feel perfect security,
and their example is being followed by
the remainder, who are 6ocking back to
their homes without the slightest apprehension
of danger This has resulted In great revul-
sion of feeling among tho Southern people.
They begin to sec that we are not the monsters
that the rebel leaders represented us to be, and
the Union sentiment is spreading and develop
ing itself with great rapidity, and there is
every sign that this rebellion is on the verge
of breaking down as suddenly as it appeared
to sprngup. Even the rebel newspapers as
sist us to this conclusions; and that the great
bulk of the people are sick and tired Of the
war and its consequences and would rejoice to
be again at peace under the protection of the
flag Of the Union, we have abundant testimony
from all quarters
Year: 1862

NJ m xp DESTRUCTION OF THE Cor.
rox AVN Ton,cco g, >ors.-lTne rebel Congress,
in passing bill makins IL tne duss " all mill
tary commanders in the SO. vice OF the Soniede-
rate States to destroy all .'otton, tobacco Or
other property which could be VI use 70 the
North, whenever, in their judgment they are
likely to fall into our hands, have planned an
outrage upon the civilized world, which, II car
ried into execution, will brand the leaders OF
the rebellion with fresh infamy and consign to
still more hopeless ruin the people who have
been drawn to take part in this gigantic con-
spiracy to dissolve the Union. The desperate
resolve of the desperate men who have aked
their ALL present and future, upon the success
of this unholy revolt against the federal autho-
rity may be ranked with the worst acts of the
Goths and Vandals. 1t is an atrocious design,
worthy of the bridge burners, and shows an un-
limited appetite for wanton destruction. The
Jacobins of France were never actuated by
worse spirit than the ringleaders of this rebel
lion, who would destroy everything and sacri-
fee every interest of those around them for
the sake of aiding their own diabolical ends.


What will be thought Of such scheme OF
destruction in Europe we well know. 1t will
excite as it deserves general disgust and indig-
nation, and show to the world what manner Of
men the rebel leaders really are. Yet these
are the individuals who held out to the South
the prospect of better state of things than
existed under the protecting sway of the Union.
Not content with devastating the land by the
sword, they wish to lay it waste by fire. and so
consume the last vestiges Of the substance Of
those who have been forced to drift with the
tide into the sea Of troubles in which they at
present find themselves. But it is to be hoped
that our troops will be able to prevent the per-
petration Of this barbarous crime, and capture
before the hand of the destroyer has time to
burn. For the sake of civilization, we trust
that the evil designs of these traitors will be
frustrated
Year: 1862

She stood beside the wash tub, with her
red hands in the suds, and at her slip-shod
feet there lay pile Of dirty duds; her hus-
band stood beside her-the crossest man
alive-the last was twenty-nine years old,
the fust was twenty-five The heavy wash
was over, and the clothes hung up to dry
and Pom had stuck his finger in the dirty
baby's eye. Tom had been spanked, and
supper made upon crust of bread, and
the bride and bridegroom went grumbling
off to bed.
Year: 1862

THE BEAVER IN SooTF VALLEY.-The
beaver, says the Yreka journal, has been
remarkably busy on Scott river, in Scott
valley The industry and energy they dis
play in building dams is truly wonderful.
AT the sloeh of Scott river running around
the island, near Fort Jones, they have
built dam quarter Of a mile long, which
is as good piece of work as men could
derform Trees nearly a foot through
have been cut into lengths, which, togeth-
er with drift wood and fence rails, have af-
forded them sufficient timber to build. Their
modus operandi is first o dig hole with
their broad shovel fashioned tails, and then
to tip log down into it, climbing on the
top of the upper end to force it down solid.
Others attend to filling up brush and mud
to prevent leakage, all rustling about with
great activity. Their dams are strong
enough for a horse to travel over, aud
their cunning is fully equal to that Of a
monkey.
Year: 1862

A FABLE FOR THE LEARNED.-A
father had heard that children were some
times sent beyond the sea to be educated,
and that who had been sent beyond the
sea could at once be distinguished from him
who had not. So, not to be behind others,
the father decided to send his son across
the seas, that he might learn something
useful; but the boy returned a greater
Ounce than before He had fallen into
scholastic hands, and had inexplicable
things explained to him, but he learned
nothing and remained fool The dull did
not understand him before, bat now even
the clever could make nothing of him.


One day, seeking the beginning of all be-
ginnings, he was ascending into the clouds,
when, as he proceeded along the road, he
stumbled, and fell into pit His father,
who happened to be with him, ran to fetch
a rope with which to rescue wisdom from
from the abyss, and bring him up into the
world again.


In the meanwhile, the youth sat in the
pit, and reflected what could be the reason
Of his stumbling and falling into it. "The
cause said he to himself was probably an
earthquake, and my rapid fall into the pit
may be accounted for by central attraction
and the pressure of the air.
e The father came back with the rope.
.'' Here, he said, is rope for you; take
hold of it, and I will pull you out Hold
fast"


mo, do not pull vet tell me first" said
the student, "what manner of thing is a
rope"


The father was not learned man, but
he possessed common sense; and without
regarding the scientific side of the question,
replied, $ A rope is a thing for pulling out
people who have fallen into a pit.


For such a purpose some other instru-
ment should be invented" said the learned
youth, continuing his mode of talking
'and that is a rope?"


Time is necessary for what you pro-
pose, replied the father, "and it is lucky
we have the rope at hand.


And what is time p re-co ommenced the
son.


''Ah, time is a thing shall not lose
with fool; remain where you are. said
the father, "till come again Translated
from Krillof