smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1863




Mr.. EDITOR an absence of ten
weeks from Camp Douglas, have returned
and find things materially changed. The
loose manner in which things were then
carried on, have been change by Gen.
Ammon, commander of the post, who ap-
pears to be good officer, and very strict
disciplinarian. Under his watchful eye
every thing is conducted in most militia
~ stvle, much to the discomfort of row.
dies rioters and all who delight in DISC
beying orders. The Gen. is "up to tricks"
and ever ready to punish all neglect of
duty, from the highest to the lowest All
feel that now, they must do their duty
and are ever ready to perform it. The
sick list is very large, numbering proba-
bly,, near one half of this regiment. Near
ly all in this company are afflicted with
severe colds. Our guard duty here is
very hard as we have but fifteen privates
for duty, and we are called upon for from
five to eight every day so the poor fellows
have but little time for rest.


The rebel prisoners here are hard
looking set of fellows, no two can scarcely
be found dressed alike. One hundred
and forty-three regiments are represented
and if we can judge any thing how the
regiments lock, from what we see here,
they must be sorry looking army OF
soldiers. They are very peacable general
ly, although they have attempted to run
guard few times. Several have taken
the oath of allegiance and left camp.
Many others probably would do so but
for the SCOTS and ridicule of their compan-
ions have talked with some of them
who seem to be as sanguine of success as
they did when the war broke out; or at
ledst VHey vain So'


What few of my old companions are
left here talk as though they had most Of
their patriotism left, and say they are
ready and anxious to enter the lists and
show their devotion to their country, Ell
ther on the battlefield or any place where
duty leads. Out of nearly one hundred
men who left Lamoille county, nine have
died, twenty-eight have been discharged
and five or six have desertrd, then leaving
but twenty-three sick in hospital, and
seven detailed for hospital purposes, We
have sum total Of twenty-seven noncom
missioned officers, musicians and private'
for duty; but although our numbers arr
small, our hearts are large and our devo
tion TO our cause and all It's defenders il
unlimited. Our regiment is SO small tha
it probably would be better if it could b,
filled to the maximum number before W,
enter the field again. think the patri
otto men Of Lamoille county, who are liza
BILE to be conscripted had better enlist vol
UNFAIRLY in ,this company, for will as
sure them that they will have one gooc
officer left in this company, and as goo'
Colonel as ever entered the field. We
have been unlucky with our Captains
two Of them having resigned from thi
company. The memory Of Capt. slaytol
is held dear by all who ever served unde
him. May prosperity attend him throug
life Having never served under Cap'
Year: 1863

Mr.. ED1ToR:-Your paper has not ar
rived here in Co. E, for the two last num-
bers are now DUE The boys are almost
lost, for there is only little reading in
the company, and two Of your papers
would give them the news from sweet La
moile, as they borrow them to read of the
owners and get the news from their homes
that they have left to serve their country's
call. When it is not in camp the boys
are wishing that the next mail will bring
it, until the week passes off. The former
Postmaster was young, boyish fellow
and often would not carry the mail out of
camp, or return it in due season. This
would cause many letters and papers not
to 20 to their destination. All of the
commissioned officers went in for his re-
moval, and had man of about 40 years
old of Co. B appointed in his place. He
is very faithful in having the mail in due
time at the Station, and to get all there
is for our regiment. He also gets Dailies
and brings into camp to sell to the boys.


So they keep themselves posted in regard
| to things in Washington and elsewhere.


This month so far has been warm and


very wet. The wild geese have gone


to the North, and the robin has come with


her sweet songs to greet us. The frogs


have come from their winter quarters to


give us their music, and there are many


other things to show that spring is near
i We have been aroused number Of times


and every man that was fit for duty was


ordered to have his gun and straps and


40 rounds of cartridges ready to fall in


at a moments warning We have moi


had to start yet, but how soon we shall


don't know. When we do start we shal


have to give the rebels some pills


Sunday night the 6th, about one O'Clock
in the morning, the rebels came in a
Fairfax Court House in five directions
and surprised and took Gen. Stoughtor
and some of his orderlies and guards t.
; the amount of twenty men and some forty
, horses, and left before three o'clock
: Some of the men made their escape b,
stratagem. The telegraph operator slip
away from them about daylight He sait
that the rebels were guided by citizens
) who left them before they had got out o
our lines. This shows that we are in
, place where we have got to treat ever.
; man or citizen as a spy or foe. Colone
5 johnson of the New York Cavalry beini
r aroused, went to the barn and found i
guarded by rebels, who tried to captur


him, but under the darkness of the nigh
he made his escape by crawling under tn
barn, where he staid until they left whel
he followed them with his men. His sue
, cess is not yet known, hut will be in fey
days. The measles are still in the com
pany, and all who have not had them will
have them without doubt. Company
t has been detailed from duty for four days
: and they are erecting building 20 b.
e 40, for meetings of worship and for othe
Q purposes as occasion requires The Col
e has ordered team to draw the stuff, an
r it is fast going up. 1t will be complete
] pin the time allotted to them, for the boy
: that are not sick are resolute and will pu
D the thing through.


r a a. LYMAN. j. SEELY.


FROM THE PROVOST GUARD NEAR AL
Year: 1863

NO. L. t,,


THE WAY TO BE HAPPY.
would YOU know the way to be happy,
The way to be happy in life,
The way to be lov'd by your neighbors'
As we'll as your children and wife?
THE way to be puffed in the papers,
And lauded by sinner and saint;
And praised by garrulous spinsters'
Until they are weary and faint
The way to be called good fellow
And get invitations to dine
with those who are bountiful livers'
And ready to pay for the wineY
The way to be ever applauded'.
And called both a sage and wit.
And have all the rabble keep shouting
Until they are ready to split?
The way to be called good christian
And held as a pattern for all
The very best man, and most gifted
Since Adams unfortunate fall?
Would you have your opinions respected
Be worshipped and fiattered and pulled!
Just wear a good coat and dickey'
And keep your pocket-book stuffed
No matter how mean, or how little.
How wicked, or worthless, or stale;
If you've plenty of Tin" in your pocket
There's no such expression as faH.
Year: 1863

In c mmenng upon the probable consequences Of an
encounter with the Vanderbilt, Captain Semmes spoke
with much modesty OF the power OF his own ship. He
said that although the machinery OF the Vanderbilt
would be good target in lighting with steamer IL is
not easy TO escape from having broadslde. he found
that 70 be the case with the Hattcras. Although he dis
prevent her from giving him broadside The plan he
adopted with the Halteras his large Bakecy
gun from the stern OF his ship, and that gun did
work The gun Is eighty i've pounder aud he thinks
that bis only chance with tho Vanderbilt will use it
upon her machinery HIS opinion is that the Wander bt


will be impossible for him 70 get away from her He
does not intend to 20 and look for her. but says that
ne has to fight her he will do hts best.
Year: 1863

A correspondent Of the New York E1-
press, with the army Of General Hooker,
says that the men are as fat as pigs,
from the way they have been FED this win
ter" II the weather continues favorable,
the army will move in the course Of q
week.
Year: 1863

The following correspondence between the Hon.
THOMAS SWAMI and President LINCOLN is just
published at Baltimore:


OFFICE OF UNION STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE,


Baltimore October 26, 1863
To the PRESIDENT.


SIR suspicion having taken possession of the minds
many loyal Union voters of the State of Maryland that
the election about to take place the 4th of November
will be attended with undue interference the part Of
persons claiming to represent the wishes o the Govern
ment am induced by what know to be the desire of
large number Of people, and in urherance of appca-
on sday made to to ask most respectfully that you
would place me- as Chairman Of the Union State Central
Committee in possession of your views upon this subject
order that they may be communicated to loyal voters
throughout this State.


will beg you to believe, Mr. President that it with
no doubt dstrust my part, to what will be your
response to this letter that ask this favor at your hands
but simply to satisfy large class of persons who believe
that expression of opinion your part would not be
without its benefit to the people of the State in promoting
what all desire, fair expression of the public voice
l am, with great respect, your obedient servant


THOMAS SWAMI,


Chairman Of the Union State Central Committee.
Year: 1863

NORFOLK, (vA) OCTOBER 90 1868
To the Editors of the National hateLigsnesr.
Almost since the occupation of country by C0um
bus have Southern ports been subject to annual
visit Of the yeuoo eper aud other supposed climatic
diseases.


This scourge Of Southern cities this terror Of Northern
people, this pestence which at times waketh at MONDAY
the yellow fever, supposed to be local disease oIig
mating under the Influences of the climate, which none
could safely Withstand without years Of acclimation.
How erroneous this suppostion will appear when
we consider that for than two years entire
Southern has been subject to blockade and during
that period not single Of ycOD eDcr has appeared
any Southern port, This is not more true than astc
nishing.


1t is astonishing for the that the fact, and it
must be acknowledged fact strikes down and totally
disspaes popular deluslon namely that the yellow fever
is climatic disease, indigenous to Southern ports and
Southern cities and most likely to seize and confscate
the life Of Northern subjects 1t will be consolation
TO know that at least for than two years Yellow
jack has not made his appearance in any Southern city
fact which goes far towards proving the yellow fever
have been foreign disease imported into country by
the neceucy of quarantine the seductive influence Of
money when brought TO bear upon the guardians of the
public health


1t is now boldly affirmed here Norfolk, va) that the
latter the fact when in 1855 this city laid waste
by its ravages Whether not there any truth in this
allegation have Of knowing other than the a
frmaton Of citizens resident here at the time


If upon further investigation it shall appear that yellow
fever is not climatic disease, and not indigenous to
Southern territory how much Of terror fear and gloom
will our South ,rn cities be relieved With what satisiac.
ton will people contemplate residence in New Or
eans Mobile, Charleston Savannah and Norfolk, knowing
that with proper vigilance health may be enjoyed the year
round without fear of death by yellow fever


vERAsTUs.
Year: 1863

and constant has been my ad to avoid all side infu
ences and to keep in view and act steadily upon the idea
OF maintaining the just authority Of the National Govern
ment against dsoyay in all its FORMS and for the general
good only.


1t in this spirit that issued the General Order in
question Its simple purpose TO prevent tratorous per-
from controlling IN any degree BY their votes or taking
part In the coming election. The order Is not aimed at
canddates either individually class the Governor
would presume Neither is it aimed at nor can it by any
proper Interpretation any way interfere with the rights
loyal voters 1t 10 only framed and intended TO exclude
from voice in the election of those who to administer
the affairs either Of the National Government of this
legal STATE such individuals hostile to that Govern
ment OF which Maryland part Will any good citizen
pretend that the exclusion of such persons not wise
and protection due to those who adhere to and
sustain the Constitution and lawful auth0rtyf And it s
clearly not hardship be implanted Of by the individual
challenged for such disqualification when he permitted
purge himself by his own oath of allegiance to the Gov
ernmen IN the management of which he claims share
Governor Bradford himself cannot appreciate more
highly than do the sterling loyalty Of the great majority
Of the people of Maryland but he must know, do
that there still remain large from forbearance of the
Government authority, very considerable number who
are more less actively engaged aiding and encouraging
rebels in Even in his proclamation he admits the
existence OF such prevailing dsloyaty the counties of at
least Of the Congressional districts But my General
Order only put forth after the receipt through oil the
last month, of great number of letters petitions and ap
peas in person. from respectable and loyal citizens par


cuary throughout the southern part of the State,
both sides OF the Bay implorng the issuing of such
order have only failed 10 complying with their requests
bY making ts provisions less stringent than ustness and
fairness to loyal citizens seemed to them to demand


will add only to show with what anxiety have sought
on this occasion to peace and good order at The
polls that officers entrusted with this duty have every
instance, been furnished with written printed nsruc
tions OF which the following cause "The officers
and to be cautioned not to commit permit any
unlawful violence. They must not enter into political
discussions, and to remember that while protecting
the polls from rebel sympathzers they conservators
Of the peace and there to support the judges of cleo


tion Even Governor Bradford could scarcely object to
this repeat to the provost guards that instruction,
and epon upon them that while they enforce the observ
Of the General Order firmly and faithfully direct
they do it in every respect dscreety and tempeatey


append copies of the Presidents letter and of the Gene
raj Order as modified ROBT. c. SCHENCK,


Major General Commanding
Year: 1863

From the London Times of OetsSar Is.


We have to very disagreeabe news from New
Zealand The hostility of the tribes in the Northern Island
has broken forth in open revolt and are once again at
war; The country about Auckland one of the earliest
settled and most hourshng districts of the island is the
scene OF atrocities which lead one to doubt whether
quarter OF century of Christian preaching has had much
effect on the cruel and perdious native 1t was in The
middle Of July that the events took place. the account Of
which has just reached u.s.


For some time Rewi, chief who has long been the
leader OF the macontents aud who suspected of having
Hshgafed some foul MURDERS had been endeayorny III
the Maores in the of Auckland to re-
beion HIS object was to make general rising of the
Northern tribes, particularly the Waikatoes warke
race whose country is close to Auckland, and then by
sudden movement to externate the settlers The rst
act which he contemplated the murder of some white
men on the Waknte river However, the plot was dis
covered the troops were withdrawn from the Taranaki
district where they had been watching some i'm dspoasd
natves and preparations made for anticipating the
outbreak by movement against the Waikatoes While
TINS was taking place the natives began the struggle by
murderng TWO settlers at place called Drury about
twenty mlles from Auckland. THIS was on the 18th OF
July The murderers fell upon the unfortunate men who
were cutting timber killed them and hacked their bodies
savagey Two days after attacked within
| short distance of the same place.


After this it need not be said that both Government and
people were at the last advices preparing for war ON
lsrge scale The hrst military movement was made bv
Gen Cameron who, with FIVE hundred men, advanced


against the natives who TO the number OF several hum
dreds fought with considerable ssi making stand AZ
every formidable point, and defending with The grestest
obstnacy certain Positions which they fortified with
lines OF rlfepts These people belonged 10 the Wakato
tribe whca, with it's proximity TO Auckland, seems to
have become proficient the arts Of warfare if in no
other kind of civilization. The natives however were
defeated with considerable loss


This the only military event which had taken place
to the departure of the mail but the for
determined struggle were in progress. We are happy
TO find there is no doubt Of the spirit Of the coonsts
they have sprung to with aacrty equal to that
which the mother country would exhibit if threatened
with foreign invasion The volunteers and militia of the
province Of Auckland amounted already four thousand
ully armed. There is permanent colonial corps of ca
yary, which will be actively employed The future pros
Pery of New Zealand will depend the event of this
war; which has long menaced it, and nothing should BE-,
spared to make the operations effective and the victory
complcte.
Year: 1863

policy has been to threaten at all points, but not TO fight


h then from one position and presto they appear at


force them back there aod they reappear at tho
nst and 90 on alternately Woord in the and Shack
eord IN the east two hundred miles apart have been


goeed TINS unpleasant and Improbable pasne since our


adyebt nto the STATE and the situation differs but little
today from our status six weeks ago.


Chattano0ga distant from Knoxville one hundred and


Ten miles Ihe bridges over the HOlston and Hawassa


are destroyed and Bragg holds the railroad from Ceye-


land to Chattanooga Our subsistence certainty If not
our existence during winter residence in East Tepnes


see will be seriously influenced by one or more of three
contingencies: the entire and efficient cation Gas
proposed by Col Gbet) of the present superdamnabla
system of wagon transportation the mountains de-
molishing Bragg altogether driving him back to Dalton
or beyond, or the resumption Of navigation on the Ten
cemmanderinchef Of the army of East Tennessee any
thing but bed of As have stated in previous


letters It s possible to procure bread meat and forage
provided the rebels maintained at sufficiently re-
specul distance to enable to 60 where they are but
it 10 not possible to clohe and shoe the army or obtain
supplies OF coffee sugar candles SOAP and other
TIC. to comfort other than BY one Of the methods sug
geted and without these supplies to say nothing of the
physca condition involved, il will be impossible 10 pre
serve the morale OF the army throughout long winter
comparative inactivity.


Itwere well this connection to consider also that
these diculties will be enhanced by the elementsn


roduced into the army by the Tennessee recruits Vete
rams know the difficulties and willing to excuse and
submit; raw recruits are not The oudest ciamors over
short ratons inefficient clothing deferred arc
always heard from those who have done the least to de-
serve nem feen Thousand recruits from East Ternes-
see and probably five thousand from North Carolina 10
not an estimate of this class who be provided
for These men lack every thing and their families for
the most part impoverished by two years of rebel outrage
and page will chiefly depend upon the soldiers ptance
for subsstence would not have il understood that
mention these matters in spirit of fautRndng It il
not so. We must face the facts, willingly or unwngy


There nothing discouragnR ether present or prospec
tve-nothng that executive ability aud prompt energy
may not overcome but it is plau to any one who will
calmly view the field that present decision and energetic
wedrected action alone preserve the East Tennes,
see enterprise from an inglorous terminus.
Year: 1863

Hon. THOMAS SWAMI.


DEAR sR Your letter, copy Of which is on the other
half Of this sheet, is received trust there just
ground for the suspicion you mention and l. some
what mortified that there could be doubt of my views
upon this point Of your inquiry. wish all loyal qualified
voters Mary and elsewhere to have the undsturbed
privilege of voting at electcns and neither my authority
nor my name be properly uaed to the contrary.


Your Obedient servant, A. LINCOLN.
Year: 1863

y- BY GALES & SEATON.


JAMES c. wELLING, ASSOCIATE EDITOR.


The subscription price Of this paper for year Two
DOLLARS, payable in advance.


reduction of 20 per cent fifth of the full charge)
will be made any who shall order and pay for at
tme ten copies Of the Weekly paper and reduction Of
25 per cent or oneourth of the full charge to any one
who will order and pay for at time, twenty or more
copies.


No being kept this paper it will not be sent
to any unless paid for advance than
the time for which it is paid
Year: 1863

scouts reported that the enemy had taken an
other road to the left of US. Our regiment
was then ordered to the western part OF the
village, and again formed in line OF battle,
where we remained until morning dawned once
more, when we returned to camp well weared
and hungry; and glad that our watching was
over


This being in line of battle all night, IN mo-
mentary expectation of being attacked is not
the most pleasant of duties; especially during
such cold night as that was. We mad the
satisfaction, however, of having done our duty
and done it well, too.


1t was bold raid on the part OF the reoeis'
but can have done them little or no good. Ii
they had been able to get down 10 airiaA
Station, they might have captured quantity
of Government sIores, puu is 49, 90 --'rii
guarded. Our cavalry are IN pursuit OF them
now, but l hardly think they will find them.
They have probably escaped within their own
lines before this.


AS trophies, we have taken two prisoners,
with their equipments, and killed one OF their
horses. How many We're wounded by the vol
lev fired at them is not known but some OF
them must have been Although they fired a
number of shots at our skirmishers, none OF
them were injured.


We have "smelt gunpowder" if we have not
felt it, and from tn, conduct of the men no ap-
prehensions need be felt that they VIII mol 90
their whole duty if ever brought into action
The regiment wa, in command of Lieut.. Coi.
Farnham and MAJOR Kingsley at the time, ootn
of whom were cool and self-possessed, ana IN
spired confidence in the men.


Wednesday evening We were again ordered
to be IN readiness to march, and expected 10
march that evening, but reinforcements having
arrived, we have not yet been called away
1t is reported that Jackson has crossed the
river with large force, and is endeavorlng TO
get in our rear do not think we shall re-
main in our present camp much longer, ana
anticipate lively times ere long. In Whatever
circumstances we may be placed, am comb
dent company, regiment and brigade VIII ac-
omit themselves with credit, both to themselves
and our much loved State
Year: 1863

The BEGINING or THE END-The Boston
Journal says


But if the first of January will be day of
jubilee to the slave, should it be to the loyal
men of the North who will have reason to date
from this day the beginning of the end of the
rebellion. Other means of putting it down
have failed We have Topped the branches,
but the poisonous tree still survives. The ak
i now struck at the roots, We have faith to
halieve that from this time forward the rebel
armies in the field will gradually waste away.
The necessity for maintaining subordinatlon
among the slaves will override all other consid-
erations, and all the vigilance of those who
own slare will be required to keep them in
| subjection. Possibly they may do this for a
time, but it will be at the expense of the cause
upon which they have foolishly staked their
| fortunes They cannot carry on the war and
resist the growing spirit Of disafection al
home, and in returning to combat the nearer
danger they will open the way for more
speedy suppression of the rsbsllion