smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1863

We noticed the fact in our last that Jackson,
Mississippi in the hands Of the enemy, and that
our troops had retired from the place, in what d.
rection was not known. 1t appears that battle
has been fought near that place between our troops
under Gen. Pembertpn, and the enemy, under Gen.
Grant. We take it, from the accounts, that our
forces were defeated. Our loss is said to be 5000
killed and wounded; loss of the enemy not known.
Grave fears are entertained that Vicksburg is in
imminent danger We do not know what number
of Confederate troops there in that quarter, nor
do we know the force of the enemy, though it is
stated that Grant had 10000. 1t is also stated that
he was reinforced during his fight with Penn
berton.


In Virginia both armies are being largely rein
forced. The Yankees have strongly fortified be-
tween the Psmunkey and Mattaponi, abou. forty
miles from Richmond Their position at that point
is said to be already almost impregnable 1t is
strange that they permitted to do this without
interruption. 1t may be that the enemy contem-
plate an advance on Richmond from that point and
from the Rappahannock at the same time. We may
expect several sanguinary battles on large scale
in the course of few weeks. The Confederates
generally have had the good fortune to defeat the enc
my in pitched battles, but thus far practical
suit favorable to peace has been reached If We
viii them, they fall back. prepare for action, and
fght.us again. AS the Enquirer says, they gam
upon us "inch by inch and acre by acre." They
lose no ground on which they have once planted
their feet It requires spirit Of prophecy to FORE
tell the result if they continue thus to gain upon
us. Unless driven back at various points, and held
back firmly, it looks as if they would at last over
run US. But we have great con6deSce in our armies
and in the skill of our Generals, and we must hope
for the best under all circumstances "The race is
not always to the swift nor the battle to the
strong"
Year: 1863

We publish to-day the Confederate States tax
law recently enacted This measure will draw from
the people of this State, in money and produce,
about tsoenty millions Of dollars. They will have
to pay this year. in Confederate, State, and County
taxes, about twenty five mons-one-twentieth of
the value Of all the real and personal property in the
State
Year: 1863

PAY THE SOLDIERS "A soldier writes US from
Wilmington that he believes the government furn-
shes money to NY the soldiers their bounty and
wages, but that it is sometimes three months before
hey can get their wages and bounty from the pay
masters Is this so? Our soldier friend complains
f lean purse and hard times, and says the fami


les Of soldiers like himself would be benefited by
prompt payment of their wages. This is true The
wages of the soldiers ought not to be withheld one
day after they are due. They are little enough in
bill conscience, and ought to be paid promptly.
Year: 1863




On Monday some fifty prominent citizens
of COvingtOn, Kentucky, paid their re-
spects to General Burnside, who responded
as follows:


ale was entirely unprepared to meet so
large a delegation as the one present. He
only expected to see half dozen or SO of
gentlemen, who desired to talk with him
in regard to the policy he ought to pursue
in the State they represent He had, pos
sibly, the faculty Of talking to a few per-
sons, but was no adept in impromptu
speaking. He was gratifed with the dis
play of their confidence, as he believed it
was honestly and candidly expressed
What industry, talent and physical ability
he possessed would be devoted 10 the cause
Of his country. He came to this depart
ment to enter this contest without enter
tainiEg the slightest personal enmity
against any person; that his love of coun-
try and her interests induced him to for
sake home, kindred and friends. He owed
nothing to any other nation, and desired
no other ambition than the success of our
arms and the restoration Of our much-loved
Union. After alluding to the honesty and
justice on which the Government was
founded and to be perpetuated, the General
proceeded to give a general view of the
policy which would actuate him. He was
thankful for the kind manner in which his
name had been mentioned by the speaker.
He had tried to do his duty, but had made
mistakes. We are all liable to make mis-
takes. But he would gladly correct any
errors he might fall into, if possible. He
was always ready to listen to the honest
suggestions Of friends, and hoped that tho
present difficulties and troubles in Ken
tuoky would soon be at an end, aud that
the time was not far distant when Ken
lucky would be as peaceful as Ohio, Hi
nOis, Indiana, and other Northern States
now are, and he assured the delegation
that no pains would be spared on his part
to accomplish that end. He again thanked
them for the indications given of their con
fdence, and pledged his devotion to the
interests of Kentucky and cur common
country"
Year: 1863

NEW ORK, April 1.


A Hilton Head letter Of the 9th says =
I wrote you a day or two since of the
alarming destitution existing in the city
of Savannah. Since then we have re-
ceived into our lines several deserters
from the rebel defenses at Austins Bluff
and Thunderbolt, who more than confirm
my statements. They affirm that the daily
rations of the troops consist of four ounces
of bacon and seven Of corn meal. In con-
sequence of their privations very many Of
the rebel troops are falling sick, and all
are fearing illness. The last batch of de-
serters who came in assert that only for
the fact that they are kept at inside post
duty the entire regiment to which they be-
long would desert.


From what is deemed to be a source en-
tirely trustworthy, learn that all women
and children have been ordered out Of Sa-
vsnnah. They left the city on Monday
and Tuesday. This measure was induced
not more by fear Of an attack than by the
inability Of the commanding General to
subsist the troops while so many nOn-eOm-
batants were to be fed.
Year: 1863

had left. A Southern blockade runner was
at the same time openly in command Of a
new English vessel built for war for the
Emperor Of China.


British enmity is a matter we can stand.
and British power we can meet, but official
duplicity and lying is more difficult to deal
with. A few of our war vessels on her
coast would probably improve the morals
Of her political agents. If she will not
restrain her subjects from her piracies,
we must. Every ship that leaves her
ports must be examined, and the suspici-
Gus ones followed. There must be limit
put to her insolence.


In Philadelphia there are no alleys.
Every passage, down to those which a
modern lady would fill up with he1selfand
crinoline, are streets. Many of them are
narrow, but make up for this in intermin-
able length. The lesser ones enjoy as high
sounding names in the Directory as the
broad and airy avenues. I said Philadel-
phia is a city of cleanliness. This is due
principally to anthracite coal. There are
an abundance of tall chimney stacks rising
above manufactures in all parts Of the
city. But there are no clouds Of smoke OBJ
scuring the sky as in Pittsburg and Gin
cinnati. A stranger would conclude there
was a general holiday at the workshops.
Only din gray vspor ascends from the
ehimneys, as though they were just kind
ling the fires. In private houses there is
still less evidence Of heat. Chimneys that
send forth no smoke would seem to be use
less. But there are CRATES full of burning
Goals in every psrlOr. There are plenty of
engines in motion, TOO, driven BY steam,
applied to all the purposes of more smoky
cities. Bituminous coal and wood are used
only to a limited extent.


Dress coats, broad-brimmed hats, and
close bonnets are becoming less and less
numerous amid the increasing crowd of
worlds people.


TERIPUS FUGTT.
Year: 1863

ALL FooL'5 DAI.-To-day being the 1st
of April, is, according to time honOred Gus
tom, All FOOLS Day" The gravest among
Us wouldn't hesitate to play prank upon a
friend to-day, by which the anniversary
might be commemOrated.


The report became circulated, in some
manner, that General Mcclellan was to pass
through here this morning, arriving on the
Pittsburg train. A number of people went
to the depOttO see the young Napoleon, for
getting that it was the 1st of April. No one
acknowledged himself sold, however-every
one went to meet an expected friend or to see
some one of on the cars.


We felt really sorry for an unsuspecting
cOuntryman, who in walking up Water street
encountered an old hat lying upon the pave
ment. Drawing back his foot he gave the
hat tremendous kick, but was bent double
by the pain which followed it. Alarge and
particularly hard stone, was concealed in
the hat, affording such vigorous resistance to
the countryman's kick as to split his boot
and hurt him outrageously. It is
risky business, kicking old hats on the first
of April.


Ashrewder man was one who in walking on
Superior street saw bank note lying on the
pavement. His first impulse was to pick it
up, then came the second thought, and look
ing around he saw group of men standing
near, as if waiting to raise the derisiys laugh
when the sell he suspected was consummatsd.
The sbrewd man placed his thumb to his
nose and vibrated his fingers towards the
group of men, pointed at the bill and ex-
claimed, ono you DON'T" smile of peculiar
satisfaction illuminating his face. At this
moment man who wasn't so shrewd came
up, and innOcently picked up the bill.
shreWd man was nearly ready to burst with
merriment to see the greeney sold SO easily
by an advertising card. His ehagrin was
great, however, when the man unfOlded the
bill and found it be genuine S. Treasury
note. Which was the fool?
Year: 1863

FooLHARDINEss.-The wind has blown q
large quantity of ice down the lake from the
vicinity of the Islands, which spreads out in
broad field in front of this port. It is
packed in quite densely at the mouth of the
river, yet it is in comparatively small frag-
ments. About o'clock this morning a man
was seen walking on this "sea of iee," of
the beacon pier. He had long pole in his
hands and was slowly and carefully making
his way out towards the lake. 1t was i'm
possible to conjecture what object a man
could have in thus exposing himself on such
a treaeherous footing. Quite crowd col
lected on the end of the pier, expecting mo-
mentarily to see him disappear. A cake Of
ice on which he stepped would frequently
sink with his weight, and one leg would go
down, and once or twice he sunk in up to his
middle, but managed to get out again. It
was evident that he wasn't drunk-he exer-
cised too much carefulnoss for that-so it was
co1jeetured that the spectacle he presented
was the freak of crazy man. Men shouted
to him his danger and told him to turn back,
but without needing them he picked his way
carefully along. Reaching an open place in
the ice about fifty yards out, he turned
around and walked back, exercising the
same care that he did in going out. Pale
and almost breathless the crowd on the pier
watched his progress, and when he finally
landed in safety, they were unsparing in de-
nouneing his foolhardiness and folly. It
transpired that he was neither drunk nor
crazy, but that he had made the perilous ven
ture on a bet with a companion. It was one
chance in ten that he accomplished it in
safety. He bet on that chance and won. He
will have few imitators, we think.
Year: 1863

The WEST SIDE MUSICAL FEsTIVAL.-
The festival to be given by the ametuer mu-
sioians of the West Side, for the benefit of
the West Side Relief Association, which was
appointed for Friday night of this week, has
been postponed one week. It will take place
on Friday evening, April l1th. Great prep
aratiOns are being made for it and it viii no
doubt be a success. If it is not it will not
be for want of musical ability. The West
Side can boast Of brilliant array of ameteur
musicians
Year: 1863

Just previous to his death, General Sum
ner stated to his friends at Syracuse that
he had been allowed an insight into the
plans for future military and naval opera
tions, which gave him a higher confidence
in the certainty of the complete and speedy
restoration of the Union, and the undis-
puted sway of the Constitution than he had
felt at any previous time since the begin
ming Of the rebellion.
Year: 1863

Strange to say, the Richmond Examiner
Of the 3rd, makes DO sort Of reference to
the great rebel victory and raising Of the
blockade at Charleston, but simply announ-
ess that the frissss IrOnsides is of Charles
Year: 1863

THE Lancacter correspondent of the New York
Tribune writes that Buchanan was terribly scared
when the news reached that city of the approach
of the rebel army The old Pub. Func. rushed
franiically through the streets with big tin box
under his arm.
Year: 1863

SOCIAL LIFE IN CAIIFoRNIA.-We have long
been accustomed to q superfuity Of lachrymose
lamentations from certain questionable quarters,
on the subject of " social decentralization " in
California. Without undertaking to affirm that
there has not been in the past history of our
State much to give rise TO Jeremaids of this kind,
we nevertheless make bold to say that the self
constituted moral retormers who are loudest in
their wailngs at the latitudinarian tendencies of
society here, indulge in n vast deal of nauseous
pharsaical cant. A cosmopolitan population


like ours, full of energy and intelligence, aud
with a strong tendency to liberallty of opinion
and independence of action, will necessarily
present many features TO shock the bigot and the
bypocrite. But we undertake to maintain that


there is no great city in the world which is not
quite as open to criticism as San Francisco, on
the score of laxiy of morals and social corruption
In these respects, none of the great capitals of
either continent can claim any superiority over
us and we surely shall not suffer by comparison
with Paris or London, Stockholm or Vienna, New
York or even that cynosure of the proprietles
and responsibilities, Boston itself,


There is something, too, remarkably suspicious
and even sinister, in the sources from which these
assaults upon the purity of California society
emanate and if the mask were to be lifted from
the faces of the anonymous "Juniuses who so
feelingly deplore the prevalent laxity OF morals,
and who, in their philanthropic efforts 90 reform
| the evil, not unfrequently assume the tone OF a
black smaller in disguise we suspect that in the


majority of cases the features revealed to the
public gaze would not be those Of confessor or
a saint. The fact is that only to the superficial
observer, and the moralist of " conventional


ties" that California seems the Botony Bay Of
the universe. There is no more vice or rre giOn
here than ia older communities; but their is
much less byp0cracy. What is evil and peTniciOus
in opinion and practice is less carefully concealed
and thus more easily attracts observation The
proportion of good men and women among us is
as great as any place in the world but question
able opinions are more openly avowed aud ques-
tonable morality more openly displayed than in
more artificial societies We are not of opinion,
however, that the hideousness OF vice is at all
softened when hypocrisy is added to its other
deformlies, or that the ngrained sinner becomes
transformed into q saint when wrapped i'll the
decorous mantle of pharasac morality San
Francisco Sunday Mercury.
Year: 1863

CHEERING.-A correspondent Of the San Fran
cisco Rqubhc at Shasta, writes that the Union
men Will carry that county by a clear majority
OF 500 in the coming election. Shasta will prob.
ably not cast over 1900 votes, and according to
the correspondents count the loyal vote will be
just two to one over the amalgamaton ticket
Year: 1863

A WASHINGTON correspondent of the
New York Independent describes a pit
liable spectacle. He says: "There was
sight to be seen in broad daylight,
few days ago, in front of the Presiden-
tial mansion, which gave those who wit
messed it a shocking idea of the onward
strides which the vice of intemperance
has made in good society during the
last few years. A woman clad in the
richest and most fashionable garments,
with diamonds flashing from her slender
fingers in the slant western sunshine, sat
upon the stone balustrade, unable to pro-
ceed on her homeward walk without be-
traying herself At last she rose and
started on, swaying to and fro, and yet
soon rested again, utterly unable to pro-
ceed. The carriage of foreign minis
ter passed by, the poor woman was noticed,
and it turned, stopped, took in the lady,
and carried her to her luxurious home
for the lady is wealthy and occupies a
high social position, but she was drunk
in the streets of Washington
Year: 1863

Capture OF the AngiO-Rcbol Trader Sir


william Peei-French Acknowledge
ment or the Efficiency or tho Blockade.
1t is stated that the agent despatched by Ioyds Sal
wage Association TO inquire the capture Of the steamer
Sir william Peel by Union vessel will proceed, in the
instance, TO Washington to communicate with Lord
Lyons aud will afterwards go Matamoros, and thence
TO New orleans where he will claim the ship and cargo
in the prize court TO be held there.


PARIS telegram had been posted in the underwriters
room at Liverpool to the following elect


" Dont ship anything TO Matamoros. Blockade enec'
fiyoi
Year: 1863

CHINESE SUGAR CANE--Tt being out of the question
to get molasses at present. let every farmer plant every
seed that he obtain OF the Chinese Sugar Cane, and
make ali Of the sirup, which is an excellent sub
sttute. It proftaby made before the at less
than so ceptsa gallon yet shall not fail to see it
selling this Summer at So gallon, unless the war
hoald end The proper time for planting s said be
late in April or early in May The seed be sown
in good SOIL and far removed frcm broom corn other
paLts which bear seed atothe top of the stalk It viii
yield from LOO to l50 galous OF srup to the a1d
large quantity of seed and fodder suitable for TODD for
stock After the run thrugh the MILL there is
much juice LETT in the stalk which should be fed to
hogs At So per gallon for the sirup, it is more profit
able than tobacco at $40 per hundred.


Fay. Observer.
Year: 1863

We learn, just We are gOjDg to press, that dis
patch has ben received from Rocky Mount stating that
the town of Washington taken POSSESSION of by
Gen. HILL yesterday. We have 10 doubt of the
correctness Of the report, that such
result expected to take pace time during The
nrp5pnt week
Year: 1863

The q Unconditional Union men of Van
Buren, county. without regard to former
party associations. who are in favor of q
vigorous prosecution Of the war against
ihis unholy and accursed rebellion; who
are determined 70 sustain the Government
In its efforts to crush out treason: who
intend 10 preserve the integrity of the
Union at any cost Of treasure and blood !;
who mean to transmit our free institu-
tlons q unimpaired to future genera
tons; WHO believe that "the further Of
fensive prosecution of the war" Is the
only means Of securing the blessings of
peace and maintaining our national hon.
or. and who would rejoice to see the "Old
Flag" floating over every citadel and
fort. and protecting every inch Of terrific
ry IN these United States, are requested
TO assemble in grand mass convention at
keosauqps, on the 4th day Of September,
1858.


Senator Harlan and other distinguished
speakers win Be present and address the
meeting. The railroad company will car
ry passsn gem attending the meeting for
half fare
Year: 1863

~ We always publish interesting
matter on our second page, which some
OF our readers overlook. We warn them
against ne bad habit, and call their At
tention this morning 10 oar interesting
Washington correspondence.
Year: 1863

If you take a dollar in gold to
Richmond, they will give you in turn
sixteen of the paper dollars of the
Confederate government, or twelve OF
them for one Of Uncle Sans green,
backs The rebel treasury is poorer
than that Of Hayti, for there a paper
dollar is worth eight cents in hard
currency, which is two cents better
than that of the rebels.
Year: 1863

The Universe is one great circle of ever-recur-
ring events: periodicity marks all the great move
ment, and even is plainly visible in the most
minute. The fashions of the world also return
with some regularity, and society is governed by
some unknown law around which it revolves,-
different periods of time are marked by peculiar
beliefs, and these periods return, rs Time in its
eternal march moves on. Ghosts are no novelty
they were once, real and genuine; the people firm
ly believed in their existence; this time has re
turned, we have reached that point in the circle
of life-the ghost period


In our cities they have been fashionable, and
the elite of the avenues have nightly enjoyed the
presence of ghost; why should they not deign
to visit this spot? why forget us in our lonely
= hours? They have not forgotten us, for few
nights since the sandy beach of Hilton Head was
impressed by the elastic feet Of such a sprite


The afternoon had been pleasant, the sun in
the blue vault of Heaven was partially obscured
by heeting clouds, yet his rays were full Of the
fire of this southern latitula, at the autumna!
season: evening came on, and a peculiar sense of
dampness, gave signs Of an approaching storm.
Sol had left his bright glory, in streaks of mellow
light on the western sky and nature lay calm,
serene and peaceful, at this the hour of the dying
day. The evening passed as usual, save in my
ear the sound of some strange, magical music; it
had the harmony of the .Eolan Harp, waited by
gentle breeze DER the vast expanse of Ocean; it
had a charm, and held entrancel my senses, yet
with all its sweetness and harmony, there was
something of sadness and untold mystery in
Year: 1863

resolved to investigate and solve the mystery.
My friend R. was well adapted for this midnight
scene, accustomed as he was to graveyards and
the paraphenalia Of the dead Che was doctor Of
medicine) he seated himself by my side; the
window still open: here We were in the silent
midnight, the wind had died away, the rain-drops
fell from the piazza, whils~the waves with easy
and gentle motion washed the beach; it was an
hour I long shall find recorded in the book Of
memory, dark and still all seemed in the midnight,
while thus seated, both gazing oceanward, the
sweet harmony began, and observed form OF
snowy whiteness in the dis:snce, moving grace
fully through the darkness; my friend the doctor,
the same instant exclaimed, do you see that? SEQ
what said I, endeavoring to evince no uneasiness
at the sight of this figure clad in the habliments
of the grave or of the spirit world; in breathless
silence we watched the sepulchral form; again the
mysterious song filled the air, and by it's magic
power, We passed into that land of dreams, nei-
ther spoke, both while thus sea d yielding to
Slumber


Just as the morning streaked the east my friend
awoke, and with sudden impulse siezed my arm,
arousing me from what sppeareaa stupid sleep.
In moment my friend, The doctor, began to
describe the image which last impressed him, he
spoke in fowry Language, As>~s with the peculiar
nature Of his warm and generous soul, he dwelt


in e1tacy over the beauty of the spirit form; des.
cribng the lovliness of the mystic song and re-


oicing DER the happy hour when the singer touch
ed the hidden harp.


I listened with amazement at his story, and
ere the sun had risen from his watery bed, We
were both firm believers in that ghost, which the
night before had charmed me with its music, and
produced in the doctor such extacy, contemplating
its beauty.


Reader, it is said that the same apparition pre-
sents itself at the midnight hour, during the tenn
pest and the storm, when the waves roll and dash
in all their fury.
Year: 1863

This is the way in which soldier who had
been caught stealing clothing was drlmmed out
of the Camp of the Invalid Corps at Augusta:


The men were paraded, and the culprit having
had the sentence read to him, the buttons were
cut from his coat, the visor from his cap, which
was turned inside out and copy of the proceed
ings of the Court placarded on his back He was
then marched out of camp, a squad Of soldiers
with fixed bayonets behind him, to the tune OF
= The Rogues March