smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

The special Washington correspondent
Of the Cincinnati Enquirer fully confirms
the news of the great victory gained by
the Southern forces at Great Bethel, Va.
His report is as follows, under date Of
Washington, June IL:


Although no one is dshesrtened by the
sad affair at Bethel, Va, yet deep gloom
is spread over The city to-day when the
sacrifice of those noble fellows is thought
of. The official report, which you have
no doubt received, is feared has not given
the full return of the dead and wounded.
| have conversed with a gentleman who
was on board of the Baltimore boat when
the news of tho disaster was brought to
the fortress. He says that the boat was
detained two hours over her time, and
when she left some twenty dead bodies
had been brought to the fortress, and tho
men engaged in the sad work said that
there were double that number still on the
field. 1t is believed that the wounded
number nearly two hundred.
Year: 1861

A correspondent of the New Orleans
Delta writes as follows:


The stragelical importance Of Manassas
| junction to both sides is obvious. Rich
mond is ut the lower and obtuse angle cf
| the irregular quadrilatcral which bounds
the seat OF war. 1t is to be the military
as well as civil headquarters of the Con-
| federate Government, and it should by all
means command the two lines Of which
| it is the intersection--one leading to Nor
folk, the other to TTarper's Ferry. Now,
Manassas Junction is on the line to IIari
per's Ferry, about midway. Advancing
into Virginia, the United States Army
could not well afford to leave Confeder-
ate force, say from ten to fifteen thousand,
and constantly increasing, in its rear to
IIarper's Ferry. Nor could Confederate
commander at Richmond afford to have
20 ir~re.ta.,t q portion, of hfs urIny as that
at Harpcr's Ferry cut off by the seizure
OF his line OF communication at Manas.
sas junction. The precnution bad already
been taken to destroy railroad bridges to
that point and Alexandria. The enemy
can only reach 1t on foot; and depend
upon il, an attempt to do SO will bring on
one Of the most desperate and bloody
contests related in the annals of war.


The South Carolinians, under Gen.
Beauregard, have the post of honor, as
well as danger, at Manassas Junction.
They asked to be placed where the storm
OF battle seemed most likely to burst
Their ardent wish is to meet the enemy
face to face, hand to hand. They feel
not the least doubt of the result. They
reduce the question to the simple one Of
victory or death. The enemy must kill
them, be killed, or fly for his life. In fact,
this is the spirit OF the Southern soldiery,
in general. The Southern soldier has
Romans faith in cold steel-a faith whose
terrible illustration caused the vultures
to gather to their anticipated banquet
when they heard the ''long, stern swell
which babe the Romans close" Assured
it will be dreadful day when, after the
thunder of artillery is hushed, and the
rattle of musketry has subsidized, q South
ern column, with one terrific shout, shall
leap with rapture to close encounter
the enemy, and commence the harvest of
death with bayonet, cutlass and Bowie
knife.


The idea is prevalent in Richmond, wo
hear, that Scott will advance upon Ma
nassas at an carly day. 1t is said, too,
that Gen Beauregard is fully prepared for
him, so we may expect to hear of hot
work in that section, before another week
rolls around.
Year: 1861

raS" The New York Day Book says
"All New York is failing. The suspen-
sions and failures for the past few days
have been fearful, and the war promises
to bankrupt every merchant in New
York. The retail business is as bad off
as the wholesale. Trade is killed."
Year: 1861

KNoTTY QUEsTroNs.-A citizen of German
origin pIopounds the following pertinent
questions to the New York Tribune. Greeley
say that he won't pretend to answer them,
but offers the columns of the Tribune to
any Compromiser who will undertake to do
so:


1st. If the Republicans are to blame for
the Secession movement who was to blame
for the secession from the National Demo-
cratic Convention?


I'd. If the Republicans are to blame for
keeping up the present crisis by their un-
willingness to compromise (which means
concession) for the sake of the Union, why
didn't the Douglas Democrats make conces
sion in the National Convention for the
sake o: the union of the Democratic party ?


Sd. Why didn't the Democratic party let
the niger question alone ION which il
split,) and sacrifice their principles for the
sake of the Union, when they knew perfectly
well that the separation would cause their
defeat2


4th. If the South would not accept Popu-
lar Sovereignty as compromise in the Ma
tional Democratic Convention, would they
accept it now2
Year: 1861




The Senate of the United States has
been the scene of more wrangling in which
the demagogue Douglas played conspicu-
Gus part. History records numerous in-
stances of distraction to the State by the
wrangling of petty chieftains On the eve of
national trials. History is likely to record
another instance and this time for our Re-
public. How disgraceful it is when the need
of moderation and patriotism is felt to see
the selfish feelings of men in the country's
counsels predominate How admirable to
see defeated aspirant for the Presidency
taunt the people who chose another, with
sectionalism and with being the cause Of
bringing the country to disaster Such is
the course Of Douglas. He knows his doc
trines were repudiated as intolerable by
the secession States, and vet in the face OF
the fact that the leading men in the seces-
sion movement boldly declared they pre-
ferred Lincoln to him because the former
was the more conservative; in the face Of
the fact that the South had emphatically
declared they would never submit to the
expulsion Of slavery from Territories by
local enactmepts; in the face of the fact
that they emphstical,y demanded the right
to their slaves into the Territories Of the
United States and hold them there and the
right must be recognized, all of which the
doctrines Of Douglas denied, lie yet has the
audacity to declare that had he been elect
ed the Union would have been saved At
the same time he accuses the Republicans
of carrying ont his doctrines. Was ever
more consummate assship displayed?


Douglas seems to entertain the idea that
by constant and repeated accusation he will
succeed in defrsuding history of his right
to be called the father of the disorders of
the country. Like the chicken thief with
the inmates of the roost in his pocket, he
cries " stop thief" to turn attention from
himself. The immediate cause of disorder
lies in the ill-starred and itching efforts of
Douglas for popularity. The repeal of the
Missouri Compromise was the stab fatal to
the peace of the country. Mr.. Douglas may
attempt to shift the responsibility to the
shoulders of the Republicans. 1t will not
do. Impartial history will take note of the
mark of the beast on his own forehead. He
cannot dodge the verdict of the future
The annals of time will tell how that in
1860 in the American Republic, turbulent
minority demanded the success of their own
candidate 70. the Presidency, and the une-
quivocal acknowledgement of the political
principles he professed; how they expressed
their implacable hostility to either Mr..
Douglas or Mr.. Lincoln, and declared posi-
lively they would submit to the principles
of neither; how the latter was elected in
spite of threats, and how little magnanimity
or patriotism the former exhibited in the
dark hour of his country that followed. 1t
will spread all this before the eyes of gene
rations to come, where will be exhibited the
that if the secessionists were true
to their threats had Douglas been elected
his boasted salvation of the American Union
could have been accomplished only by |
treachery to the principles he had pro-
feSsed
Year: 1861

The complaint Of duh times is as COM
mon as corruption in high places. 1t has
been heard in every land at times, from the
earliest ages down to this moment and in
Nevada Hard times are often produced
by too many consumers in proportion to
the producers. One part of community
feeding on the other without compen sation
must inevitably produce in any settled
community cause for complaint. There is
cause for the murmurs about the times
which are heard in our streets at the pres
ent time. Too many Of the community
have nothing to do, and must of course live
on the other and industrious part. We
have in every community in California a
great many who have ne yisable occupation
wherewith to earn living. great many
others are found naturally Industrious but
who see no place to employ their hands.
This latter class would work and earn an
honest living if directed to ths field. Thi S
they are unable to discover. 1t does not
occur to them that the red soil of our hills
can be made under our genial skies pro-
ductive far beyond the capacities of half the
cultivated lands in the world, and that the
thousands of virgin and unoccupied acres
that are spread out all around them are ca-
pable of being transformed into smiling
fields, contributing to the support of a
dense population. The soil is free to the
laborer and water for irrigation can be OBJ
tanned at a very reasonable price from the
numerous canals that course our mountain
sides. Those who have nothing to do and
are willing to work would do we'll to take
tivating the hills in this vicinity. Winter
apples can be grown at this altitude of a
quality superior to that of the same kinds
produced in the lower regions Of the State.
They are sounder and keep longer than
those raised in a warmer atmosphere
Plums and pears reach perfection here and
are not very likely to be destroyed by late
frosts. Grapes tee if properly cultivated
are sure of being productive. The market
cannot be overstocked with fruit in twenty
years to come, so that no fears need be en-
tertained that the business of fruit raising
will be oyerdone.


In the way of vegetables the hill sides
are remarkably productive. A preference
is given to mountain vegetables By hotels
and families, who gladly pay high price
for the upland products. Wheat and other
cereals are found to mature without much
irrigation, and the high price of hay would
lead one to suppose that oats might be
sowed to be moved for hay shortly before
maturity, and that profit might be derived
from it.


We throw out these remarks for the ben
eft of the many who have little to do, and
want employment.
Year: 1861

The St. Louis correspondent of the Sac.
Union, writes, that special dispatch to the
New York Tribune, from Washington, Mar.
18th, says:


The decision in regard to the withdrawal
of Major Anderson's command now rests
exclusively with the President. lie has had
the fullest oral and written opinions of
General Scott and the most skillful officers
of the army, aud the spoken and written
counsel of every member of his Cabinet.
No determination was reached yesterday.
Lincoln is fully sensible of the important
responsibility which rests upon him, and
and will decide finally, with the full knowl-
edge that he is to bear it before the coun-
try. 1t is known that after a deliberate
investigation of all the facts, the Cabinet,
with one exception, approve the military
judgment of General Scott, and yield to it
as a necessity which cannot be avoided.
This almost unanimous concurrence on the
part of the men who have been supposed
to regard this subject from opposite stand
points, and to hold different views of pol
icy for its treatment is sufficient to show
that there must be the most sufficient rea-
sons for this conclusion.


various nOueS nave uecu SuHpeSteu lOT
reinforcing Fort Sumter, but not one of
them can stand the scrutiny of scientific
military authority, and all others are un-
worthy of consideration. Some emanate
from civilians, and others from naval Off
GERS of respectable standing. They pro-
pose a demonstration at night through the
shallow parts of the entrance to Charles
ton harbor, sending in the men and supplies
by boats. These plans have been discussed
for some time in naval circles, but with a
few exceptions they have not been regard
ed as practicable, though there are many
officers who would cheerfully command
such an expedition. If vessels of light
draft or gun boats could run the gauntlet
of the extended coast guard and batteries
which line the entrance to both channels,
it is questioned if they would be enabled
to land reinfcrcements under the fire OF
Fort Moultrie, because they could not es-
cape the vigilance of the lookouts every
where, and any suspicious fact would be
Immediately signaled to that and all other
points. 1t is stated upon the best military
authority that Major Andersons present
force could not hold out forty-eight hours
in the event of collision with the batter
les new concentrated against him in full
play. The physical endurance required to
work his heavy guns would be exhausted
in that time. He could, doubtless, destroy
Fort Moultrie and sacrifice many hundred
lives beside, but would be compelled to
surrender from causes beyond human con-
troll. 1t is easy for those who have no re-
sponsibility to propose plans and to blame
others for not adopting them; but if an
experiment should be tried against the ad-
vice of the most experienced soldiers and
fail, who would avert the execration which
would follow it? Lincoln will deliberate
well before deciding.
Year: 1861

EXPORT DuTY ON CorTos.-The South
seeing the cotton seeking northern mar
ket by railroad to the great detriment of
the Southern seaports, is getting earnest
for an export duty on cotton, and in order
to cripple the commerce of the North and
give busineis to the seaports, it is proposed
BY Southern newspapers that the duties
on cotton exported by land shall be twice
tha5 ~ sea. This policy will not hurt
New England against which Southern spite
is directed, to half tho extent it will the
Northwest, and will have tendency to
breed difficulties between tbs upper Missis-
sippi country and the Lower in case the
independence Of the Southern Confederacy.
The West will not be tributary to both the
South and East.
Year: 1861

The New York dispatch of this morning
says o Paris letter in the Times states that
the English and French Governments are
fitting out powerful fleet of war steamers
for the United States. The suggestion
came from England. France will furnish
three first class frigates and the English
will perhaps be larger. The fleet will sail
with sealed orders. Spain is also prepar-
ing to send a formidable force in the Gulf
of Mexico, though not working in concert
with France and England.


The above comes by the last pony. What
Is in the wind is yet to be learned. If the
report has foundation, doubtless the step
to be taken by England and France has ref
erence to the troubles in the United States.
If these great powers are about to take a
hand in the controversy, which side will
they espousea OF are they merely going to
protect their commerce in the Gulf? The
latter is most likely, but the influence of the
British Government, if thrown at all into
American politics, is liable to be against
slavery. 1t is more than probable, howev.
er, that the above item had its origin in thu
fertile brain of some letter writer.
Year: 1861

BRECKENRIDGE ADDREss.-The Breckinridg-
ers of the State ha4s issued an address signed
by Charles Lindley, Chairman, in which they
clearly show their hand They are for Union
if the South wish it, but not otherwise. The
tone of the address is for a recognition of the
independence of the Cotton Confederacy. SEN
ator Douglas told the truth when in his place
in the Senate he expressed his belief that there
were as many traitors North as South.
Year: 1861

FRIDAY MORNING, APRIL IL, 1861.


WIN. II. SEwARD.-The greatest living
Statesman of America is Wm. II. Seward
He SO stands in the estimation of European
nations A majority of the educated anu
unbiased of our country so regard him.
Occupying this proud position it is natural
that the eyes of the world should be turned
towards him in the present distracted state
of American affairs. He is the first adviser
of the Administration, and on him devolves
the duty of furnishing good counsel for the
guidance of his country.


Thus far we know what his counsel, and
what his policy has been. He talks like
pacifcatOr. Bat, when the emergencies
likely to arise arc comr, there is an intense
anxiety manifested to know what course he
will desn best to pursue. Will he favor
concession? Will he decide for coercion
OF will be counsel the independence of the
South We have his past history, his char
acter and his speeches, from which to Judge
Of the probable course of the man. His
late speeches inculcate the doctrine that
party is subordinate to the Union. He,
however, does not appear to favor com
promise measures gotten up under the pres
ure of the present excitement, and in all his
votes he has shown not whit of a tempo
riziug policy which looks to an immediate
settlement of difficulties. He is willing to
allow the people to act on matters of es-
ttangement when the cool, sober second
thought has returned, but not soouer.-
Doubtless the man will be consistent. He
has always been so-more SO than any
statesman now on the stage of action. He
has life long been consistent to the prin-
ciples he professed, and will prove true to
the last, we may be well assured. He will,
therefore, concede nothing to the slave in
terest more than the Constitution guaran-
tees But, so great is his devotion to free
dom, regarding it as superior to all human
institutions, as he does, We are not SO well
assured that he might not regard the sepa-
ration of the Slave States from the Union
as a step fatal to slavery Should such be
his view of affairs, the question is open for
discussion, whether he may not favor the
independence of the Slave States rather
than the use of coercion


Daniel OConnell, than whom Ireland new
er produced a more fervcnt patriot, declared
the independence of his native island was
not worth the shedding of single drop of
blood. William H. Seward, his laudator,
e1tols the sentiment as Christian and in ac-
cordance with the advancing spirit of the
age. Acknowledging the oppression and
burthens of the Irish people as intolerable
under the British domination, and pro-.
claiming the wrongs thus endured by Ire
land for ages, he yet indorses the sentiment
that independence and freedom are not
worth the loss of a single life. Such orin-
ions would certainly make the Premier of
America valuable man for the Union if he
lived in the South, but is he not liable to
the kindred opinion that the retention of
the Southern States in the Union is not |
worth hazarding single life?


An inscrutable uncertainty hangs over |
the future we know, but particularly as to |
the course of Lincoln's Administration
While Seward is at .he head of the Cabi-
net
Year: 1861

MINING HAS ITS EvILs.-The recent food
has borne down to the valleys an incredible
amount of sediment, which has settled upon
valuable cultivated soil and ruined it for
further use. The damage from this cause
must be immense. The sand and gravel ac-
cumulating upon the bottom lands of the
rivers covers up the rich soil to depth
beyond the reach of the plow, and renders
it unfit for cultivation. Thousands of acres
have thus been bopelessly covered. Wea are
told Of house near Nicholas that had its
lower floor submerged in water during three
days something more than foot in depth.
When the waters subsided, the floor was
found covered with Shiny deposit almost
two inches in depth. This will give some
idea of the vast quantities of sediment sent
down from the mountains by mining. The
house was set up six feet above the surface
of the ground. If the upper foot of the
waters deposited two inches of mud in three
days an idea may be formed of how much
sediment must have been borne along by
the lower six feet, to be deposited some
where.


This state of things has continued for
some wears, and is bound to continue while
gold washings last, and it is plain that
marked changes are to take place in the
valleys in consequence. The owners of
lands along the rivers will have to resort
to levees to save their property, and the
channels of the..navigable streams must in
time be seriously obstructed, and even the
bays into which the rivers de5cacke must in
time be filed. Nor is the time long hence
So many thick and turbid streams are pour
ing down from the uplands of the State that
the sediment carried along by them can be
safely counted by the thousand square yards
daily. Suisun bay is fast Swallowing in
consequence of these sedimentary deposits.


JUDGE HOFFMAN awarded $1,000 and costs
TO Robert T. Morrison and wife, from the Pa
cifc Mail Steamship campany, for placing
another passenger in the room With them, con-
trary to the contract made with the company
in New York
Year: 1861

" We hold it to be the duty of society to first
find employment, especially in the mechanic
arts, for its honest, yirtuous, and industrious
members"


The San Francisco Call has to have full cred
it for this luminous opinion. We 'h0ld" SO
too, and believe it to be the duty Of the people
Of San Francisco to send the writer in the Call
to choppng wood.
Year: 1861

THE people of Sacramento are little nervous
about an overflow. The river is wearing away
the levee on the lower part of the town. The
waters have risen within few inches of the
height of the great food of 1852.
Year: 1861

The eject of climate on the human system is
shown in striking manner by the inhabitants
of Australia, who, in the course of two or three
generations, lose the corpulent character of the
Englishman, and become tail, gaunt, rawboned
race like the inhabitants of tie Southern States
Year: 1861

HAIL SroRN.-Shasta county was lately Wis
tied by terrific hail storm. The hail covered
the ground to the depth of three inches and re-
mained day on the ground before it disappear
ed. 1t is supposed to have injured the fruit
cron