smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

OiscuSSlon on the Formation of the
"Constitution of the Confederate
States"


The Montgomery correspondent of the
Baltimore American, under date of the
9th, says:


The fight over the instrument in the
Committee room and in the session of
the Congress was determined and stub
born. A great variety of rumors as to
the details Of individual and State propo-
sitions has prevailed among outsiders, but
it is all speculation. The sessions of the
Committee and of the Congress were
thoroughly secret, and nothing has tram
spired, or will transpire, to crafty general
curiosity upon this subject. From all
can gather, the debates would have been
exceedingly interesting if it had been the
pleasure of the Congress to have taken
measures for their preservation. am re-
liably informed that the South Carolina
delegation were the most persistent in
their denands-exactly what the exac-
tions were 1 frankly confess i do not
know-but South Carolina is not, by II
long shot, the ruling power in the Assem-
bly,. Georgia holds the sling. All her
demands are conceded; and in maintain
ing her position, am given to know that
a nice little squall was anticipated at one
time. You now see what weight the
Rhett doctrine has, Sturdy Georgia, with
her massive blows knocks the enamelled
polish off diplomacy, and stands up for
the tariff. She will have none to do
with the free trade humbug, which the
people will ever learn to regard as a
fallacy, as a hobby for hungry office seek
ers to ride into power upon.
Year: 1861

BGS~ The Southern Congress is begin
ming to find critics. In the Augusta (Ga.
Chronicle and Sentinel writer re-asserts
the editorial declaration of that journal,
that 1.-The Government organized will not
be binding on the people of any State un-
til it receives their consent" The claim
is. that the people should be satisfied, and
that the Montgomery Congress is going
beyond its powers, and that the action
there will produce strife and dissension.
The writer alluded to asks why there has
been such hot haste to prepare q perma-
nent Constitution, and adds that other
Slater not in the Congress will be driven
off by such preciptancy.
Year: 1861

AMUSING lSCIDEST.-'Sigma,' the Mont
gomery (Ala.) correspondent of the Char
lesion Courier, relates the following very
amusing incident, which occurred at the
Montgomery Theatre few nights since


Quite an amusing incident occurred at
the Theatre last evening. Miss Mitchell
was performing the Wept of the Wish
ton-Wish, in one of the scenes of which
it is necessary to introduce young child.
This accordingly done, and said infantile
production RECALLED the audience with a
series OF operatic screams, in consequence
of which the curtain dropped and the
audience left in doubt as to whether it
was the child or the actors who failed in
their parts. To settle their minds upon
this point and to apologize for the inter-
ruption, one of the Indians, clothed with
ali the toggery of the savage, but who was
evidently avery modest novice of the
stage, came in front ofthe green drop and
innocently delivered himself of the follow
ing speech:


Ladies and gentlemen I'VE must ask
your indulgence for few moments, as
the child we had in the last Act disturbed
the play, and we have to delay the second
Act until we can get another child"


IL is needless for me to say that the
effect was terrific.
Year: 1861

CRoP PRosPEcTs ABRoAD.-A London
letter, of January "a, says Of the crop
prospects:


The chances against good harvest this
year are ten to one. We have had one
of the worst seed times ever known. But
half the usual autumn wheat is sown, and
the most OF the seed bad for want of
sunshine.
Year: 1861

Correspondent of the Rochester IN W
Democrat takes exception to a statement con-
cerning the renowned Sam Patch which re-
Gently appeared in an English book, and gives
the correct version of the story of that indi-
viduals last leap. He says


"Sam Pateh's last leap occurred on the af-
ternoon of the 18th of November, 1929 on n
cold, cloudy, and dismal autumn day The
heavens, ,as il in keeping with the melancholy
spectacle, were almost clothed in sack
cloth. The refused to look upon the
mournful tragedy. But ten thousand human
beings, more thoughtless, lined the banks of
the river on both sideS, perched also upon the
mills and houses, and in trees above and be-
low the high banks, to cheer and encourage
the poor drunken suicide in his self -immola-
ton: scahoid was erected thirty feet high ,
on the island above the falls, as they thea
were, standing very near where the saw-mill
upon the brow of the cataract now is. From
that sacffoId poor Sam dropped into the deep
water, as it then was below. Ten thousan nd
eager eyes watched him as he Went like an
arrow down against the dark ledge of rocks a
distance of one hundred and twentv-six feet
len thousand eager eyes gaZed with brea th =
less anxiety upon the spot where he fell, ex-
pecting to SEE him emerge from the water; as
he had done most gracefully Just one week be-
fore, after jumping from the precipce with
out the scafold, n distance of 90 feet; boats
were put out below and sailed around near
the spot, ready TO pick him up Ten thou
sand people, like great crowd of witnesses
still lining the cliffs, still straining their ewes
to catch the first glimpse of any dark speck on
the waters, no one daring to rInove or draw 4
long breath, for near half an hour until one
by one they began to turn away and give him
up, many with fearful eyes, many with words
saddened and subdued upon their lips, Poor
SAINT was his last leap. How ol-hardy ,
how wlcked| And some We're heard TO saw
HOW wicked 10 coun tenance miserable man
IN such suicide If we had not been looking
on, he would not have done it


f or TWO long hours at least IN til darkness
stopped their work, eager men hunted all
over ana through the waters below the ia lis
10 mo the poor remains of the misera BILE vic
tim OF his own folly; but found them not
Next day the search was renewed. Indeed, it
was kept up with more less diligence for
some time; and yet all in vain for that sea
son. Searching, fishing in the waters day af-
ter day, revealed nothing. But the next
spring the body was picked up by some un-
known person near the mouth OF the river
seven miles below, as it was floating out in o
the lake. 1t had lain in the water all win
ter; had gone down over the lower falls also
and still was in such state of preservation
as TO be readily identified. 1t was taken up
ana decently buried in spot of ground near
al hand"
Year: 1861

SINGULAR ACCIDENTAL CURE OF CRorP.-A
country physician having, in Il case of Group,
attempted to eauteriza the false membrane by
stick eaustic, the patient somehow or other
swallowed the whole piece. In an agony OF
terror the practitioner forced concentrated
solution of kitchen soda (hydroehiorate OF So
da) down the patients throat by way of anti
dote and To his surprise, mol only saved nm
from the effects of the caus tic, but also cured
him of his Group by the same simple remedy
Maysrfite Eagle,
Year: 1861

Org1nfc Error Our aIiusion to the % fine
organ OF the Broad Street Methodist Church,
yes sterday, was founded upon a report that a
new instrument had been purchased for that
edifice, connec ted with the fact of hearing the
tones Of something in the choir that we took
to be an organ. Our scientific knowledge In
respect to organs don't comprehend any thing
much above the hurdy -gurdy and hence We
naturally made the mis- Ike of applying lofty
name to a little instrument procured for the
occasion l= 80 f@
Year: 1861

How TO MAKE CoAL FIRE.-If everybody
knew how TO make coal fire. there would bs
more comfort inside, and less smoke outside
the houses, in cold weather. Before you
throw on the Goals, pull all the fire to the
front of the crate 10 wards the bars, nlI up the
cavity at the back with the cnders or ashes
which will be found under the CRATE, then
throw on the Goals. The gas evolved in the
nrocess of roasting the Goals will be absorbed
bv the einders and render them In an increas-
ed degree combustible. The smoke will thus
be burnt, and fine, glowing, smokeless fire,
will be the result.
Year: 1861

LyHcatarg EsPa6iieaa.- invite the at
tention OF business men TO the advertisement
OF this newspaper, which we publish this
morning. Advertising Is the great lubricator
OF the wheels OF business, and the Repa6iicaa
Is good medium OF communication with the
people OF the Southwest,
Year: 1861

CONDITION OF THE FEDERAL ARMY IN TEXAS
The steamer Empire City is ready TO depart
from New York. She has been chartered for
the purpose of taking one hundred tons OF
army stores TO lndianola Texas, for the sub
sisteuce of the United States troops, who are
supposed 10 have accumula ted at that port 10
the number of 900 men. An army officer
viii go out in the steamer 10 superlntend al
fairs but he will not be accompanied by any
soldiers. The Empire City carries no arms or
ammunition. What her next move will be
after she mas reached Indianoia, is not public
ly known, but it is supposed with good
reason, that she Will take six hundred troops
(all that she can conveniently carry and
bring them to New York. This load with
that which the Daniel Webster undoubtedly
brought away, Will diminish the number OF
United States troops in Texas to about 500
men, OF which number about 700 constitute Il
fine regiment of cavalry. At last accounts
this mounted corps We're scattered all along
the frontier, and definite intelligence has not
been received as to their fate-Whether they
have surrendered by squads, have got to-
gether and determined to retain their horses
and a rms against all attacks.
Year: 1861

l return, for a moment, to Hurricane
bridge. parted with you there to go on
picket. Gentlemen, were any of you ever
in "tbis fix" on "a bitter cold night, in an
enemy's country? If ever you were, my
word for it, the event is "burned into your
memory" | know | shall never forget it.
At dark, the voice of the officer of the day
came up from the camp to the cold hill
where we stood, with the very comforting
words, "Put out that fire!" and the fire
was put out, and from that until morning
we were doomed to stand or lie there, und
shiver in the cold. Unfortunately for
picket, on a cold night. he has not only to
stand without fire, but he has to stand still
and keep hid ms much rs possible, lest lin
this country especially he may be deserted
by the 'cat-eyed bushwhackcr," and sent
to "that bourne from whence no traveller
returns" ra


This was the more necessary in my case,
as my post was the very spot where the
young soldier had heen fred at, mention
ed in my last, and who slew the would-bc
murderer; and from three or four points
could be. easily reached (as the moon was
shining) by IL good marksman, without the
probability of my seeing the approach to
either of them, MS the woods would conceal
him, and stood upon Il bald hill, with on
ly a low fence on one side. But such was
the intensity of the cold (it having been
the coldest night, up to this time, this fall
in Western Virgiuia) that the blood of the
slnin man, which lay almost ut my feet, AS
we'll as the danger to which was exposed
was almost entirely forgotten, and when
my turn came to lie down on the cold hill,
with one blanket and no FIRE, 1 can't see
that my condition was much improved, as
sleep was out of the question.


had, on that dreadful night some faint
conception of the feelings of Bonaparte's
soldiers on their retreat from Moscow,
when, as the historian records, whole
masses of them would fire villages, and
then rush into the flames and submit will
lingly to be burned to death: This may
Year: 1861

/ yesterday visited the spot where ouI
young picket guard shot the secession Ser
geant Legeorge, spoken of in my last
There is yet blood upon the ground wher.l
he fell, Notwithstanding the heavy rainI
since. The amount of blood that fOwerI
from his wounds was immense. A portion
of his handkerchief lay hard By, perfectly
saturated with it. He and his companion
fred Mt the same moment; the marks Of
Eve buckshots can be seen in the rails oI
the fence through which he fired. Tn
wily rascals had stolen up to within fifteer
or twenty yards of the picket. The spo
where he fell is upon beautiful elevation
adjoining the village, commanding view
of one of the loveliest landscapes upoi
which the eye ever rested. %


Just at this point am warned by the or
derIy, that must stand picket guard ID
night, which will make it tsomeWhat uncer
Year: 1861

bc published, l understand from the War Department.
Many have enlisted under assumed name. All can
write home they wish All letters in reference to men
enlisted my regiment will be addressed to the Adutant
OF the regiment have opportunity of keeping papers
rof writing ctters position subject to an at
tack at any time through the night. My mind is 50 much
engaged in watching and attending to my regiment and
Its safety that have not time to be answering SO
many letters inqnrng about the health, whereabouts
OF the Relief Committee and pay OF individuals The Ad-
jutant can attend 10 all write 20 him.


WM WILSON, Colonel Commanding.
Year: 1861

The United States steam gunboat winona, Commander
T. D. Nichols built by Messrs Poon left tho city yes
terday morning on trial trip She proceeded down tho
Day as FAR as Sandy Hook and returned carly hour
IN sne evening She worked to their entire satisfaction,
making, with twenty pounds OF steam ten knots and
seventy Ave revolutions per mnute with thirty pounds
Of steam twelve knots and ninety-two revolutions per
minute This is the fastest time made by any Of tho
now gnboats that have been built. Al the conclusion
OF the trip which was enjoyed by all the winona went
10 the Navy Yard where she will receive her armament
mere now remains but ono Of tho gunboats built in
this vicinity the Chippewa and she will be ready for her
armament very shortly. The engines OF the Winona
were designed by Mr. sherwood Chief Engineer United
states Navy, and were built by the Alaire Worka.
Year: 1861

We the people of the Confederate States each State
acting in its sovereign and independent character in
order to form permanent federal government, estab
lsh justice, insure domestic tranquility, and
the blessings of liberty ourselves and posteri
ty-invoking the faver and guidance of Almighty God
do ordain and establish this Constitution for
Confederate States of America.
Year: 1861

Our stock Of these articles is very complete, and
has been imported expressly for our trade. We shall
continue receive by nearly every vessel arrives
from the Atlantic States, additions to our present
large stock
Year: 1861

Natchitoches, Louisiana.


w hat are we to think of all this
That, we cannot know, in q clear and
precise manner, the duties of each
Foreigner toward the Confederate
Government and Louisiana, until the
Legislature shall have passed Law
which can be undertood, as we'll by
the Governor and Attorney General as
by the humblest OF our citizens.
Year: 1861

The Pittsburgh Gazette calls upon the
people of the North to arm themselves,
saying:


"Look at the facts. The Northern Arse
nails belonging to the United States have
been denuded within the last three months,
every available arm within them having
been shipped South. The Stale Arsenals
are empty. The rife and pistol manufac-
tories have all been empticd by tho South
ern demand, and have orders far ahead of
their ability to supply. The government
has ordered all the U. S. troops to the Pa
cilc Coast, out of the way; and all the
available force of the Navy has been sent
to distant stations, where orders of recall
canrot reach them under a months time.
All these facts demonstrate that while the
South is fully armed and ready for war, the
Ncrth is defenseless.


The military spirit, besides, has not been
active for some years past, and the number
of volunteer companies is smaller than it
was. The number of arms in the hands of
the volunteer soldiers, therefore, is compar-
dtNSlJ lIIlluRs ll6tCO our Culel TelldOCe
must be on the arms in the hands of indi-
viduals; and no Republican should now feel
himself secure without one.


We are not alarmists; but it would be
criminal to hide from the people the fact
that they are in danger They have been
betrayed by their government into the
hands of their enemies. There is a we'll
settled purpose on the part of the Southern
hot-heads to take possession of Washington
city and prevent the Inauguration of Lin
coin. When that conspiracy develops itself
as it will, in what position will the North
be to prevent itG Can she do it in her
present unarmed conditionl She has num-
bels, but she has not the weapons, and she
will be false to herself if she does not sup
ply the lack ut once.


When, however, we advise the people Ia
arm, we do notadvise them to pat themselves
in an attitude of hostility to the govern,
ment. 1t is as precautionary measure
simply, that arming is necessary. An ounce
Of prevention is worth pound of cure
Let us take no steps toward resistance; but
let us be in position to defend ourselve!
and sustain tho government Of Lincoln
when the time for its Inauguration comes
should it be necessary.
Year: 1861


Have left us to wander alone,


But we trust they are happy above.


Our Office, have you seen it2


Seven burners there are in it,


Two new presses work within it,


And lot of new type for it.
Do you think of getting married,


Want cards printed-city style7
We can do them now you've tarried,
Do them in a little while.
Cards of all kinds we can print


Bills of every shape and size,
ladies' sure, will take the hint


If for you we Advertise
And now, farewell, whate'e you've seen
Not suited to your mind,
Too light or prosy if I've been,


Too seriously Inclined
Remember 'tis the CARRIER Boy


That's speaking in your ear
He only came to wish you Joy,


A Happy, glad, New Year
p S. have omitted to mention the Kansas
troubles the arrival of the Great Eastern the
death of RALPH FARNHAM, the last Revolutionary
Soldier; the evacuation of Fort Moultrie; the
investment of Fort Sumpter; and last but not
least the evacuation of my pockets, and the sug-
gestion of new reinforcement of gold or sill
yer, to keep at bay the armies of blues in the
shape of rags and tags that often attack the


PRINTERS DEVIL.
Year: 1861

The people of Cincinnati were dissatisfied
with the result of the census Of that city as ia
ken by the United States Marshal, and the Com
mon Council had the work done over at the ex-
pense of the city. The return has Just been
made, showing a total population OF IN ,293
which is about ten thousand more than returned
by the United States Marshal,
Year: 1861

Were we to ask a hundred men who from
small beginnings have attained condition of
respectability and influence, to what they inn
puted their success in life, the general answer
would be; ait was for being early compelled to
think for and depend on ourselves"
Year: 1861

Governor Jackson's inaugural address was AL
most exclusively devoted to the discussion OF fed
eral relations. He says the destiny of the slave
holding States is IDENTICAL and Missouri would
best consult her own interests and the interests
Of the whole country by a timely declaration of
her determination to stand by her sister slave
holding States, in whose wrongs she participates
and with whose institutions her people sympa
thize.


Missouri will remain in the Union so long as


there is hope of maintaining the guarantees OF the
Constitution but if the Northern States are de-
termined to put the slaveholding States on foot


ing of inequality. by preventing the entrance OF
slaves into the Territories admitting no more
slave States or persising in nullity ing or pervert
ing the Constitution in reference to slave proper
ty, then they themselves practically abandon the
Union and cannot expect the South to submit to
such a government.


He opposes COERCION and says the project Of
maintaining the government by force, may lead
to a consolidated despotlsm, but never to Union
Our government is based upon justice, equality
and the first drop of blood shed in a war OF ag-
gression upon Sovereign States will result III the
overthrow of the entire federal system. He says


he has not abandoned all hope of the preservation
of the Union. and he believed that by prudence
and well-directed efforts, an adjustment alike
honorable to both sections be effected. He
is opposed to Congressional compromises. and
saws the South can rely only upon Constitutional


Guarantees and to effect this end he advises the
| callinr of a Southern Convention to agree upon
such amendments of the Constitution would
| secure her Just rights and submit them to the
No,thern States for their action He advises the


calling of a State Convention to ascertain the


viii of the people the subject; and also advises
/ thorough organization of the State militia to
repel invasion and protect the property and the
| lives of citizens He recommends the legahza
4 ton of the suspension Of specie payments by The
| banks.
Year: 1861

ESPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE = DAHL At' !


RALEIGH, Jan. Z, 1861


Dear Progress "A short letter Will suhce
to communicate all of interest that nave 10
write to-day, Most ofthe members nave got
back to their posts but there was nothing OF
general interest transacted in either House 10
day. The Treasurer sent in his report to the
Senate but it was not read. 1t was sent to the
House with proposition to print, and the pro-
position was concurred in.


In the House the proceedings OF several pub
lie meetings, containing sentiments OF con-
servative character, were read and LAID upon
the table. Several bills were also introduced,
read first time and referred, None OF them OF
an important character.


The bill passed by the Senate before the re-
cess, making an appropriation for armlng the
State, will come up tomorrow IN the house,
and will give rise to considerable debate Many
in the House are opposed to its passage In Its
present shape.


The report of the committee Federal Re-
lations have been made the special order for
Wednesday. will keep you posted on the
fate of each of the above


[ think the public excitement IS somewhat
subsiding here-people place less reliance on
telegraph dispatches. Yours, JACOBUS.