smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

While the brave soldier is facing
death on the battle field, to protect
his Government, let no man be
guilty of the craven act of begging
for peace from q bastard and trait
or foe. No peace is wanted, or
should be asked on the part of the
North, short of unconditional sur
mission by the rebels, to every le-
legal obligation they owe tho Gov.
ernment. David Tod


sit seems that some ofmy friends
are unable to comprehend the diff.
ference between arguments used in
favor Of an equitable compromise,
Year: 1861

MATTERS oNTHE SUMMIr.-A correspondent
of the Union, writing from Fredonyer's Pass.
summit of the Sierra Nevada. May 2lst saws ):


Three cheers for the United States mail and
the General Government, and three more for
the Sacramento Weekly Union, the goddess
of the domestic hearth and telegram of intelli-
gence, that dispenses light, comfort and hope to
all true patriots and lovers of liberty. who in
habit the innumerabe avenues that ramfy the
agricultural and mining districts of California
God bless the paper, the editor, the compost
tors, and the imp, that rubs on the tar. for they
are all doing good service for their common
country. The Weekly Union, of the 18th in
slant, arrived here to-day, at one o'clock P NJ.
just two and half days from the day Of publi-
cation, and will reach Susanyille, Honey Lake
Valley, by four O'Clock this afternoon-making
the trip through from Sacramento City to
Susanville in two days and sixteen hours
The Union is distributed along the whole line
of the route, and many copies in Honey Lake
Valley. The mail is conveyed at present on
horseback, but the mail contractor intends in
few days to put stage on the route, to run
from Orovile to Susanyille through the Sum-
mer and Fall, which will carry passengers,
freight and the United States mail The
Humboldt mines, which are one hundred and
twenty miles from Susanvie, and eighty from
the east end of Honey Lake Valley, are reach
ed in three days from that town at an easy gait
on horseback, and the distance is frequently
Travelled over in two days-good water and
grass in abundance along the whole route The
excitement about the mines is still raging
There are but half dozen men left in Susan
vile. Men are passing this station every day
en- route for the mines
Year: 1861

The GREAT BULLET MAcHINE--A cores
pondent of the New York Times writing
about the Watervliet New Y ork) Arsenal, thus
speaks Of the great feature of that establish
ment, the bullet machine


Bat the great curiosity of the arsenal is the
bullet machine from which those deadly pieces
of lead more perfect in shape than slow hand
processes can render them, pour out, as from a
hopper, at the rate of 10000 per day. The
operator has merely to change the dies, and
turn out conical or round balls at pleasure
This machine works with a smoothness, pre-
cision and automatic power that is really won
deriui. As a mere curiosity, it is unapproach-
able, while the practicable benefits of such a
mill cannot bO Over-estimated. This machine
bears with it a chapter in the history of ex-
Secretary Floyd's treason. 1t was devised at
the arsenal, and the only one in existence for a
long time was the original ''lead MILL, still in
operation there. That it should remain the
only one Of its kind was the intention of the
Ordinance Department and the patterns were
directed to be kept strictly within the control
OF the Commandant But FLOYD was anxious
that friends 'down South in Dixie" should
have bullet maker of their own. SO. by a
special order. he directed the patterns to be
delivered to machinest in Troy, who COM
menced making counterpart Very fortu-
nately, the work was delayed, and last week
the Lieutenant Governor purchased the un-
finished machine for the use OF the State at a
cost of 81, 200. It will be completed in about a
week, and then we can make our own bullets as
independently as Uncle Sam. There is a third
bullet machine in existence, but not in this
country. Whether it serves as plaything for
the Tycoon, or is really being used by our
quondam visitors cannot be determined but
that it was presented to the japanese ambas-
sadors, when they were here last summer, is
fact rejecting no credit on the sagacity of the
donors. However, it is where JEFF. Davis can't
get possesson Of it.
Year: 1861

LETTER OF SENATOR McDouGALL.-The fol-
lowing letter was sent to the late Union meet
ing in. Marysyille


San FRAScIsco, May IA, 1861.


NJ. D. Dobbins. Secretary Marysville Union
Club-Dear Sir: Permit me to express to
you, and through you to your Club, my sincere
regret at not being able to respond to the
request to address a Union meeing to be held
in your city before my departure for Washing
ton | shall leave this coast on the steamer of
the 2lst instant and the brief time between
now aud then will be scarcely sufficient to ar
range my private affairs. You cannot but
know the deep interest feel in promoting and
maintaining Union sentiment and the Union
cause everywhere, and especially in this State.
That the Union must be maintained under all
circumstances and at all hazards is not merely
an opinion with me. 1t is my fixed determina-
tion to do all in my individual power 10 main
tain it in all places, under all circumstances,
aud to be and act wherever | can serve this
determination best Liberty; humanity, our
race for the present and all the future, are too
deeply concerned in the maintenance and per-
petuity of this Union to admit of any true man
and patrio. faltering in the crisis. And let me
say there are but two aspects to this crisis. the
one Liberty, Union and order the other Trea-
son, Secession and Anarchy. | hope to see
California a unit on the better side, and permit
me to express the hope that the men, women
and children of your beautiful city will be
found in the advance in the support of the
cause dearest to freemen.


The Union-from the Lakes to the Gulf
from the Atlattic to the Pacifc-now and
forever, one and inseperuble.


J. A. MCDoUGALL.
Year: 1861

SAILING UNDER FALSE CoLoRs.-Thomas
Butler King, who has been in Europe some
time to make arrangements in behalf of the
Confederate States for trade with France,
and who wished to go to Brussels, was obliged
to represent himself as citizen of the United
States in order to get passport.
Year: 1861

The FIRST BATTLE-A bout ten days ago
Union and Secession battle was fought on a
small scale, near the Cosumnes, in Sacramento
county, of which the following are the facts :
Eight men, all mounted, happened to meet on
the road, and being acquainted, got into
general conversation. -Four of them chanced
TO be Union men, and four were SeceSsioniSs.
The conversation very naturally ran upon the
universal topic, and though pleasant enough at
first, 1t soon assumed an exciting character
The four Union men were out in search of
cattle, and had no other weapons with them
than the lasso and whip. OF the other four
one only had a revolver. In q short time he
went so far as 10 pronounce all Union men
thieves and towards, and stated that he could
whip any four Of them that ever lived. lie
was soon told that he must take that statement
back. He stated that be would not do that
as long as his "artillery" lasted, referring to
his pistol He made move to draw the wea-
pom, when one of the Union men with
deXterous sweep of the lasso, caught him by the
neck and ierked him from his horse. His three
companions at once attacked the one who had
thrown the lasso, and a free fight enSued.-
Three cut of the four Secessionists were un-
horsed in the conflict, and the horses run Off
One of them received wound in the right eye,
from which it is supposed he will lose bis sight.
They at last called for quarter, and the matter
was settled by stipulation" by the entire
eight giving three lusty cheers for the
Union and three more for Abe Lincoln, and
the Union men riding after the fugitive horses
and bringing them back to their owners. Some
of the party have expressed themselves as
4darned glad that none of the Union men
heard about it, or they might have put in their
paper Sac Union.


If some of them practice what the preach,
they viii find themselves unhorsed with lasso
attached to a limb ofa tree, too short to admit
Of their toes touching the ground.
Year: 1861

SAD Ac5IDEYT.-A distressing casualty oc-
Cured in Nevada, on Tuesday last, resulting
in the death of William S. Mead, sou Mr.
G. II. Mead, aged about nine years. The de-
ceased was attending the public school, and
had gone, in company with two other boys, to
draw bucket of water from the well of Mr.
Hixsor. near the school house. The well is
about fiity-fve feet deep, and the water is
drawn up by means of two buckets and a pull
ley. From the statement of the other boy it
appears they had drawn up bucket of water,
and young Mead reaching over caught hold of
the bucket and was drawn over the curb
He let go the bucket, which descended rapidly
to the bottom of the we'll and one of his com
panions son Of Mr. Kraft, caught him by the
leg, and held on until the empty bucket coming
up struck hlm on the head, when young Kraft
was forced to let GO and the unfortunate little
fellow was precipitated to the bottom. AsSis-
tance was Immediately procured and the body
taken from the well He must have been kill
led instantly, as his body was terribly man
gled.
Year: 1861

FoR OFFfcE-Up to the present time there
have been nearly four hundred applications
from ladies for positions in the Mint under the
present Administration. There are twelve
situations to be filed
Year: 1861

'Tis never too late to do good


We all have our time to improve;
TlS doing no more than We should,
Progressively onward to move.
IT'S folly to lornfulIy grieve;


he hopeful and you will be wise,
The lower the station we leave,


The greater the merit to rise.
We all might be betteT-In fact,


More loving-more friendly-more kind
With little more feeling-more tact
70 manage the heart and the mind.
'Tis noble to earnestly strive


by labor or learning to rise;
The gem-seeker deeply must dive,
Or never look out for prize.
Year: 1861

Here ended his story. give it to you
without addition or establishment, as he
told it to me. 1t is secondhand, | con-
irss, but hitherto have never been for
tunatc enough to hear story with aught
of supernatural in il that was not open to
the same objections.
Year: 1861

A bill will soon be introduced In Congress,
authorizing the organization Of steam fre
engine brigade. As q large amount Of Govern


ment property has recently been destroyed for
the want of some such organization, there can
scarcely be doubt Of the passage of the
measure. r..
Year: 1861

The following preamble and resolutions have
been introduced into the Convention by Mr. Thomas,
OF Carteret. They appear to US to embody senti-
ments which should meet general approval. Their
unanimous adoption by the Convention would go
very far to repress that spirit of party so unfortun
atey prevalent at this time in this State. We trust
that these or similar resolutions may be adopted
" "Resolution Discountenancing Purity Spirit during


the Var, and declaring the military to be sub


ordinate to the ciril authority


WHEREAS, The delegates of the people OF North
Carolina, in Convention assembled, did lately adopt
unanimously, a series of resolutions, expressing,
among other things, undminished confidence in the
Justice of the cause for which We have taken up
arms, our sense of the duty of the people Of these
States to maintain and uphold that cause, and de-
termination to shrink not from the performance OF
our whole duty in the achievement of our ndepen-
dence which we have asserted and to accept no al
tentative therefor: And, Whereas unanimty and
harmony are necessary, and whatever would impair
these among those who would, in good faith, keep,
stand to, abide by, and perform these resolutions,
should be discountenanced; therefore,


Resolued, That we, the delegates aforesaid, will
discountenance all party spirit which may have
been excited BY former differences Of principles
measures or conduct Of parties as designated prior
to our act of separation from the government OF the
United States, and during the war in which we are
engaged, VIC would condemn all mere party manage
ment political prescription and favortism as well,
also, the selecting and appointing men to Office or
Year: 1861

We publish to-day a communication over the sig
nature Of "A Volunteer" written BY one of the
most patriotic and useful soldiers in the service to
which we inV>te the attention of our readers. Our
correspondent, with our former correspondence
Democratic Confederate ";-is of the opinion that
the Conservatives owe it to themselves anG to the
people to present firm front to the faction which
now controls this State and to insist on Justice for
themselves, and that the gross partyism which has
heretofore and which still prevails, shall be checked
and extinguished In our next we shall publish
communication over the signature of Patriot"
from the pen Of one Of the most eminent men in the
State in which the gross partysm of the faction re-
ferred to is thoroughly exposed.


Since our recent article on the subject of "Party
Spirit" we have heard from friends in all quarters
who warmly endorse the tone and the sentiments of
that article. Prescribed, crowded out and crowded
down, suspected, maigned, and almost crushed, the
old Union men are determined now to make stand
and to appeal to the people. This course has been
forced upon them. They will not submit to be pro-.
scribed any longer They are the equals in every
respect of the old secessoniss, and they intend to
assert and maintain their equality with them at all
hazards. This is a war for Southern rights, and not
for the exclusive benefit or advantage of a certain
facfion
Year: 1861

The South has work to do-hard work, to carry
her successfully and trinmphantly through this war;
Our men who are able to bear arms, must not hesi-
tate to rush to the field of battle Our sacred
honor. our property, our lives and our strong arms
are pledged, and must be consecrated to the main
tetance of our liberties and our rights. Our SOL
diers iI the field must be clothed and fed and sup
ported by those who stay at home. Men of pro-
perty must not hold back or hesitate at the large de-
mands which will be made upon them. Every man,
woman, and girl or boy able to put hand to work
must 60 at it With true heart and will There is
no use in blinking the matter longer. We must 60
to york. Idlers and spendthrifts and men unwillin.
to work for the support Of the war, must be made
to shoulder their muskets and go to the field But
we must not only work but economize Our food
and clothing must be made to cost less than hereto
FORE and every effort must be made and that quick
ly, to drive back the immense hordes of Northern
Vandals, who are coming down upon u.s. Let those
who are faint hearted, who indulge in gloomy fore.
bodings as to the future-who discourage and par
aze our efforts by magnifying the strength of the
foe and our own weakness, shut their mouths and
60 to work, take up arrs in defence of the South
Let those who were anxious for the war, who in.
dulged in bravado and gasconade about the weak.
ness of the cnelny,-et not one such man stay from
the field. Above ALL let us make long pull q
strong lull and pull altogether, relying upon the
justice Of our cause and the favor of Heaven.
Year: 1861

.-.... Salt. -. - II


We publish below the ordinance passed by the
Convention making provision for the manufacture
Of salt on the sea-coast On Wednesday last Dr..
John N. Worth, of Randolph, was elected Commits
sioner by the Convention. Dr.. Worth is an ener-
getic business man, and those who know him best
are confident that he will make most efficient
Commissioner -


REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SALT.


The Committee to whom was referred the resolu.
ton in relation to Salt, have had the same under
consideration, and instructed me to report:
Tha:, though they have no means of ascertaining
the quantity of Salt required or the precise amount
OH hand in the State it is quite certain there is
great deficiency in the supply.


1t is believed by your Committee that something
near five hundred thousand bushels will be required
for the use Of the entire population for one year
while it Is doubtful If more than hundred thou
sand bushels is IN the market, and probably less
than that in private hands. 1t is thought there is
. deficiency of three hundred thousand bushels or
more, and that one-haf of this will be required in
the next six or eight weeks.


The only source from which any part of this de-
ficency can be supplied beyond our own limits, is
at the Washington County Salt Works, near Abing-
don, Va and it is doubtful if one bushel from that
quarter be furnished for ten that is absolutely
necessary. At this establishment about twenty
five hundred bushels is furnished per day; but so
large section Of country is dependent on it, that
no considerable portion Of the deficiency can be ex-
pected from that 1t is true that salt is be-
ing made in the remote portions Of Texas and Ar
kansas, but entirely out of reach of our people.
1t is then certain that we must look to our re.
sources and to the manufacture of it on State &C.
count, on our sea coast and though there s little
being there manufactured and none for SALE enough
has been done to satisfy your Committee that an
abundant supply can there be nade and at cost
| greatly below its present market price.


1t is believed that it can be made and furnished
to consumers for less than two dollars per bushel,
even at this season of the year, by boiling while il
will cost much less in spring and summer seasons
when evaporation by the atmosphere and heat of the
sun can be called to our aid


1t is not believed that individual enterprise can be
relied on to furnish any part of the supply now re
quired owing to the uncertainty to the blockade
| Your Committee, therefore, recommend that pro
vision be made for manufacturing and supplying Il
the people of each county in the State sal: at its
actual cost and to this end, recommend the up
pointment Of a Commissioner, to he charged witt
the whole subject, and recommend the passage o
the accompanying Ordinance.


| All of which Is respectfully submitted.
| N. w. WOODFIN, Chairman
Year: 1861

BY the Steamer Canada, at Halifax, we have
news from Europe one day later. The new Lord
Chancellor had taken his seat in the House of
Lords, with the title of Lord Westhury. Lord
John Russell has made strange declaration in
the House of Commons, in reply to a question
whether the government would recognize the
blockade of certain Of its own ports by the
government of New Grenada Ee replied that,
in case of rebellion, any government had Iigh
t, close ports, but, in case of civil war, fpOrts
were de facio occupied by the insurgents, the
government of the country could not take that
step by International law. Therefore the British
commander would not recognize the closing of
the ports. 1t is officially announced that the
policy of Turkey will be unchanged under the
new sultan. lie also meditates some salutary
Year: 1861

The wife of Prof Longfellow of Cambridge,
was fatally burned on Tuesday evening, from
her clothes taking ERE while in The act of melting
sealing wax. She died next day. Prof Long
fellow himself was badly burned while endeavor-
ing to sAye his wife.
Year: 1861

The Republican papers Of the State are
devoting considerable portion OF their
"available space" to the subject Of fusion
Of the Union members Of the Legislature.
Thus far they have had the discussion pref
ty much to themselves, and the only differ
ence Of opinion seems to be as to the terms
on which the Union Democrats shall be
permitted to come into the fusion fold. So
far as we have seen, not one Of these patri-
otic journals have advocated fusion for
the purpose of accomplishing any good for
the country; the grand object proposed is
clutch the spoils-to elect the few petty
officers at the disposal of the Legislature.
We should not certainly advise Union DEM
ocrats to meet in caucus with members of
another party, and bargain and trade to
get their friends elected to clerkships and
other offices.


But there is one kind Of fusion we are 10
favor Of, aud that is fusion to put down
the rebellion. California should contribute
her proportion for this object, aud when
ever the question is brought up we hope
the Union Democrets will fuse with those
who vote for the State to collect and pay
the direct tax levied by Congress. If deem
cd necessary, the members who favored the
collection of the tax by the State could
meet in caucus and adjust the details of the
bill. A majority of both branches of the
Legislature are in favor of sustaining the
Government, and of prosecuting the war
to an honorable close; but they differ as
to the cause OF the war, and as to the best
mode of carrying it on. Some have an idea
that the rebellion can be crushed out By
edicts Of emancipation and coniiscation
while others believe that such course
would only render it more formidable. II
is not necessary, and would do no good
for the Uuion MEMBERSHIP unite upon these
minor subjects; and even II they could unite
upon the conduct Of the war, the military
commanders might disagree with them.


There is another question upon which 9
fusion may be desirable. Should our for
egn relations become threatning, it will bt
necessary for the Legislature 10 take meas
ures for the better protection of the har
borp, in accordance with the late recon
mendatOn of Secretary Seward. AT presen
the Government has its hands full, ant
energetic measures taken by the Legislature
might save.ns from foreign invasion. Upor
this question, if necessity requires it, VIZ
hope there will be fusion, and trust tha
no Union Democrat will vote against the
measure 10 order to prove to his constitu
ents that he is not a Republican.


Nothing which the members of the Leg
islature can do will have any materia
effect upon the political organizations o
the State.
Year: 1861

New York POITrICs.-The New York Pc
lice Gazette, referring to the late State elec-
tion in New York, says:


1t was something ofa friendly fight, as all the
candidates declared themselves as standing on
the same platform, namely, the integrity of the
Union and the vigorous prosecution Of the war
to an honorable close; consequently there could
be no question as to principle, and the only
ganizations. II the question had turned
on the fidelity Of either party to the Union that
party would hardly have been able to boast a
corporaps guard of supporters.
Year: 1861

BEE TREEs.-The Stockton Republican says
some men engaged in cutting wood about lo
miles south of that city, in the course of week
discovered no less thon % bee-trees, in which
there was an average Of fifty pounds of honey
each. In one tree there was one hundred
pounds.
Year: 1861

OVERLAND misunderstanding the
violence aud severity of the late storm,
the overland mail arrived with remarkable
regularity, thus establishing the fact that
the route can be travelled in the worst sea-
sons.
Year: 1861

GEN. .LANDER.-A letter from Washington
saws that Gen. Lander is slowly recovering from
his wound, and expresses the hope that the
Government will detail him to superintend the
reconstruction of the Baltimore and OHIO rail-
road. with which the "peace" men of the Mon
lImentul City have made such sad havoc. 1t is
feared that the General will not be able to take
the field again for some time.