smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1862

We are indebted to Governor Harris, so says the Appeal, for the following synopsis of the Conscrpt act of the Confederate Congress, telegraphed to him by the Secretary of war

 COPY OF TELEGRAM TO GOV. HHRRIs FROM THE SEC

 RETARY OF WAR.

 An act has passed both Houses of Congress, placing in the military service of the Confederate States for three years, or the war, all persons be. tween eighteen and thirty five years of age, who are not legally exempt from military service.

 All twelve months volunteers, between these ayes to serve two years from the term of their en- listrnent and all of them under eighteen and over thiryfve to remain ninety days, unless their places are sooner supplied by recruits. The twelve months men who have not vet received bounty or furloughs are to have them-the furloughs to be granted i'll such numbers and at such times, as the Secretary of war may deem compatible with the public service.

 Re-enstments, for the purpose of changing from one regiment, battalion company to another, unless already perfected by actual transfer are in effect csncelei and all authorities to raise corps are vacated, unless within thirty days from the passage the act the organization is complete and has the requisite number recruited from per sons not now in the service. Companies of infan- try are to have one hundred and twenty five, field artillery one hundred and fifty, cavalry eighty.

 All corps of twelve months volunteers shall have the right, within forty days, on a day to be fixed bv the commander of the brigade, to elect all their officers which they had right heretofore to elect such officers to be commissioned by the Presi dent

 All white males between eighteen and thirty i've subject to military duty and not now in service, are to be enrolled and mustered in, and sent to the old regiments

 All discharges from expiration of term of service and transfers of re-enlistng to new corps will be immediately stopped.

 c. w. RANDOLPH, Sec'y of War. :
Year: 1862

The bogus government at Wheeling, Va., is in great trouble to raise the wind It appointed sher ifs and tax collectors who have a very hard time of it. These gentry go armed and often with guard, but they collect more lead than silver The Yankee papers are mortified at the assassina- tions, as they call tof tax-collectors In south ern Illinois there has been a rebellion growing out of resistance to the war tax. In addition to this the people there took ground against LincoIn'5 emancipation message. regiment was sent to enforce the collection of the war tax and to arrest the members of the logislatuao who opposed Lin eoln's policy. A fight ensucd and the regiment was whipped. Seven more regiments were sGt forward and big fight is expected in Egypt.
Year: 1862

NEW OKh, Ntfch ID, IobZ. My DEAR SR;-It may safely be asserted that the Monitor is the best ventilated vessels ailoat. The blowers draw in from the external atmosphere upwards of four thousand cubic feet o fresh air in every minute, part of which passes through the boiler furnaces and part through the entire vessel, The trouble during the passage to Fortress Mon roe was caused by the sea breaking over and pass ing into the ventiating trunks-these not being made high enough.

 There appears to be . general msconccption of nearly every important relating to the impregnable battery The most serious error is the assumption that its power was fully developed during the con test at Hampton Roads. The power of the guns alone was tested. With guns of such calibre as the structure was made to bear, the Monitor would sink the Merrimac or the Warrior ill the first round

 Yours, very truly,

 J. ERICSSON
Year: 1862

It is not generally known that this vessel, not withstanding her light draught of water, enormous strength and weight ofdeck, side armor and revolv- ing turret carriers upwards of one hundred thou sand pounds of ballast to bring her down to her present fighting draught. The importance of this excess of buoyancy will be readily apprccated- The weigheof the turret is upwards of one hundred tons, and the gun-slides, composed of strong wrought iron beams, form part 1.-the massive turret

 The recoil of the guns will accordingly be check

 ed by such an enormous amount of matter that ordnance of any calibre may be employed. The Monitor, therefore, instead of being of limited ca

 pacity is capable of carrying guns of the largest size that we can manufacture. These facts prove concIusivciy that VIC have a8 yet idea of the real destructive poHe of the new engine of war, the sudden appearance of which has startled this country, and will startle Europe still more. Sup pose that the twenty-in guns, which the navy department is now erecting furnaces to cast, had been concealed in the mpregnabe turret of the Monitor, and hurled their eleven hundred pound balls against the Merrimac. How different the result. The first round would have sunk the sto

 len vessel, with her rebel crew. The entire ques- tion of the aggressive properties of the Monitor thus presents itselfin light. We now per

 ceive that an increase of tonnage and draught are not needed to render the Monitor absolutely supe

 rior in destructive force to anything af0at. We have the impregnable vessel and turet, and we have the of bouyancy uiste to carry guns of the proposed nordinate calbre Can we resist the inference that the dmnutive representative of the new system with it's twenty two hundred pound broadside, is big enough to sink all the warriors and Black Princes that could be put against us!
Year: 1862

The promptitude with which the naval commit tee in the Senate has recommended the appropria- ton of fifteen millions to the construction of iron clad vessels is good sign that the lesson taught by the Monitor and Mernac is not lost sight of, and that shall not be slow to profit by it. That no time will be lost by the Senate in voting this sum for.the purpose in question, and that the work will be executed with as little delay as possible we sincerely hope.
Year: 1862

II is very possible that in his ora,ion on
Washinton, delivered in New York last
Saturday, the Hon George Bancroft de-
signed the following passage as 6 hint TO
some of our modern Generals who are
more fond Of parade than forward move.
ments


"The disinierestedness OF Washington IS
conduct beams forth 10 still greater
beauty, when, for the benefit Of this age,
we recall his conduct towards his Gen.
erals. He took care Of their honor even
more carefully than if II had been his
own. 1t was bis delight to give them
opportunities for distinction, and when
danger menaced alike himself and Gen
eral In another department. he would
cheerfully send to his subordinate the best
part Of his force, and suffer no one to risk
defeat SO soon as himself. Nor should
we forget that Washington was always
vigilant /: that he never was taken BY sur
prise that with all his caution, he never
missed an opportunity OF striking blow
that he never sent his army forward ex.
cept with himself as its leader; that he
never exposed them 10 deep roads and
bad weather except when they could de.
rive encouragement from his own presence
and example /; that he was always under
fire with his men, and committed no error
in the feld but from excess OF personal
courage"
Year: 1862

THE Empress Eugenie is, according to late
gossip, becoming quite q politician; but her
policy Is directly opposed TO that OF the Em:
peror. She corresponds with many men OF
the oIorical party, and defends warmly the
temporal power Of the Pope and the cause
Of the liking Of Naples.
Year: 1862

Many incidents connected with the
horse purchases for Government will
probably become matters of history here
after, and we will add one just learned
from friend, which we think will stand
pre- eminent among the evidences of the
honesty of the loyal men who ected as
agents for the Government.


A number of horses were purchased at
various prices in the Juniata region. which
were examined and passed by an inspec-
tor named Sherburne. AS Government
had no forage, the horses were placed
among the farmers in the vicinity to board.
Among the rest. an old farmer on Shaner's S
creek was allotted six head He took ex-
cellent care of them, and was getting along
finely. until oae day one of them slipped
his VIVID and his spirit scared away to
where cats is plenty. the pasture forever
green. and no drivers lash to goad him on
to labor r--fabulously known as horse
heaven. The farmer was alarmed. because,
honest. Conscientious man as he was, he
feared Government would hold him re,
sponsble for the loss of this fine army
nag. In order to clear his skirts. il pos
sible. he summoned half dozen OF his
neighbors TO hold an inquest and pos
mortene examination over the dead body o.
the charger. that they might testify thai
he did not die of neglect or inattention
The conclave assembled. and, after due
deliberation, decided that the horse had
died Of old age--one Of the jury of Inquest
testifying that he had known the anima
personally for upward of twenty seven
years -HarrisJurgh Patriot.
Year: 1862

of December, and all that time our army
has been in reposs. What the expediture
will increase to when that great day shall
arrive when our eyes shall be gladdened
with sight Of the army in motion, he
didn't know. And this hundred millions
will 20 with the hundred more he had
enume rated Another hundred millions
may DO added to these before the 4th Of
March. What it may cost to put down
the rebellion he cared very little, provided
alwaps that it be put down effectually. But
faith without works is dead, and he was
free to confess that his faith sometimes
fails him-he meant his faith in men-not
his faith in the cause. When the history
of these times shall be written it will be a
question upon whom the guilt will rest
mos. heavy upon him who has conspired
to destroy. or upon him who has proved
incompetent TO preserve, the institutions
bequeathed by our fathers.


at is no wonder that the public treasury
trembles and staggers like a strong man
with too great burthen upon him. A
strong man in an airexhausted receiver
is not more helpless to day than is the
treasury Of the government beneath the
exhausting process to which it is subjected.
The mighty monarch Of the forest himself
may hold at bay the fercest and mightiest
of his foes. while the vile cur, coming
up behind him and opening his fangs.
gives him fatal wound, and, although he
may struggle on boldly and valiantly, tho
life blood is silently trickling from his
heart, and he is at last forced to loosen his
grasp, and he grows faint and falters and
dies.


I'm conclusion. lie said it is impossible
that the treasury Of the United States can
meet and continue to meet this state of
things sixty days longer. and an ignomln
ious peace must be submitted to, unless
we see to it that the credit of the country
is sustained. and sus stained too by the con
viction going forth from this hall to the
people of the country that we will treat AS
traitors not only those who are bold and
manly enough to meet us face to face in the
field OF strife, but all those who clandes
timely and stealthily suck the life blood
from us in this mighty struggle.
Year: 1862

A very learned and compassionate Jud ge
in Texas. on passing sentence on John
Jones, who had been convicted Of murder,
concluded his remarks as follows:


The fact is Jones. that the court did
not intend to order you to be executed be-
fore next spring, but the weather is very
cold, our Jail. unfortunately. is in verv
bad condition; murh OF the glass in the
windows is broken: the chimneys are in
such dilapidated state that no fra can be
made to render your apartments comforta-
BILE; besides, owing to the great number
Of prisoners. not more than one blanket
can be allowed to each; TO sleep sound and
comfortably. therefore will be out Of the
question In consideration Of these cir
cumstances. and wishing to lessen your
sufferings as much a. possible, the court,
in the exercise of its humanity and COM
passion. hereby orders you to be executed
tomorrow morning, as soon after break
fast as may be convenient TO the sheriff
and agreeable to you"
Year: 1862

strict accountability and economy in ma
tional and State affairs, are imperative
duties, the faithful performance of which
alone can save us from bankruptcy and
subsequent defeat, and render the exces-
sive burdens of the present contest tolera-
bic to the people.


Resolped, That the democracy having
been always true and faithful to the Union,
maintaining its interests and dignity in
war and 10 peace, against the assaults Of
foreign foes and the Vaccinations of
downright traitors. in order to become a
Union party" tits not necessary for them
to abandon their organization nor adjure
their name; that If any party should aban-
don its organization it IS that party which
has been in the wrong. and which now
retains in it's embrace and fellows zip the
elements Of abolition treason, which is as
fatal to the existence of the Union as se-
cession treason that we believe that the
Union cannot be restored until the princ-
Piles and spirit of democracy prevail in
the administration OF the Federal govern
men: and among the masses of the people;
that the triumph of the democratic party
offers the only hope of awakening the
Union sentiment OF the South which can
be aroused only by the assurance of safety
and protection in the Union therefore we
invite the true and patriotic of all parties
to rally under the flag of tine democracy
AS the only sure means by which the
present war can be brought to an honora
bic close.
Year: 1862

Pray tell me my dear. what is the cause
of those tears?'


'Oh such disgrace y


what is it my dear don't keep me in
suspense J


'Oh have opened one OF your letters.
supposing it to have been addressed TO
myself Certainly it looks more like Mrs
than Mr.


is that all? WI at harm can there be
in a wife's opening her husbands letters?


No harm in the thing itself. but the
contents Such disgrace =


Who has dared TO write me letter
unfit to be read by my wie?'


oh no. 1t is couched in the most
chaste and beautiful language. But the
contents the contentsl'


Here the wife buried her face in her
handkerchief and commenced sobbing
aloud while the husband eagerly caught
up the letter and commenced reading the
epis,le that had nearly broken his wife's
heart. 1t was bid from the printer for
three years subscription for the newspa-
per.
Year: 1862

In the town of THERE Vas a shoe
maker who had at times wrote the notices
himself. to save The expense of printing.
Here is one


There will be preaching in the pines
this sunday afternoon on the subject, All
who do not believe will be damned at 5 o.
clock.
Year: 1862

PERsoNAL.-General Schenck, of
this State, is said to be in Washing
ton suffering great deal from a
bad wound. No visitors are allowed
to see him. His right arm is terri
bly, injured between the wrist and
elbow, but there are hopes he can
be removed in the course Of three
or four weeks.
Year: 1862

The extensive Rolling Mill at Sharon,
Pa, recently purchased by Coleman, West
erman s &C., was put into practical opera
ton Monday last. They have already
commenced the manufacture of bar and
sheet iron, and in a few weeks expect to
have their nail and spike department in
full operation. In addition to these they
viii make railroad iron for coal banks, and
in the Spring will enter upon the manu-
facture Of steel springs and sxles. The
concern, when in full blast will employ
between three and four hundred hands, and
will be one of the most extensive iron
works in the western country to
the enterprise.-MahOniNg Register.
Year: 1862

There never was a party that had so
many reasons for and inducements to con-
cert of action as the party composed of the
friends Of the war and the General Admin
istration. They have a country to serve
and to save, and they have immense politi-
cal interests to rescue from injury and
destruction. If they are not thoroughly
united they lose both country and party,
and give the advantage to psrtisans whose
hopes are all concentrated in the separation
OF the Union, and whose party is in active
sympathy with the rebellion. The Union
men in the comming short session Of Con-
gress, as the representatives Of the Union
people, should eonscientiously consider the
relation to their vast constituency, and
their duty in the premises. If they can
move in serried columns, they may accomp-
lish much before the 4th Of March, 1868;
but if they are divided, fatal and irrepar-
able evils will ensue The only basis of CO.
operation is the policy of the President of
thei eiUnited States in all its details Those
who oppose or embarrass that policy can
of course be regarded as the open adver-
saries Of the Administration. There are
decided maiorities in both branches of Con-
gress in favor of this policy, and if these
majOrities can be vitaliZed and made to
move in harmony, the happiest results will
follow Washington Chronicle
Year: 1862

The new Monitor Passaic made the trial
voyage to Fortress Monroe in q perfectly
successful manner. By an improvement
upon the Monitor, the leakage about the
turret was entirely prevented. Trouble
had been feared at sea from the impOssi-
biiity Of using the compass in any Ordi-
nary manner, without its being affected by
the great mass Of iren around it. This
was Obviated by the ingenious arrange
msnt Of 8 lOOking-glsss rejecting the
movements Of the compass to the wheels
man, the compass itself being far removed
from the deadening influence Of the iron
house.


As to its ses-gOing qualities, CORES
pondent writes to the Tribune:


'The third principle tried is the general
sea-gOing qualities Of the new Monitors.
Being water-tight, where alone water
could always come, they are safe. If
waves reached the top Of the turret they
may wash over but cannot drown any
body. The steadiness Of the craft is won
derful. Moving through the toughest tide,
she is as free from rolling as one could
well imagine; with fne engines she might
steam around the world We are ordered
to Washington. What is the business on
hand for us it is not for me to say if
knew But Monitor No. is successful,
and that is good news enough for one let
teri
Year: 1862

A secessiOnist, who lives between Shelf
field and Canovan, Connecticut, attempted
to raise a flag, but loyal neighbor was
resolved that he should not. Getting all
ready for hosting, he seized the rope and
began to pull, but the patriot pulled also
on the other rope. The secessionist thought
to tire the Union man out and hung on; the
neighbOr sent for his supper and the seces-
sionist for his lunch. When the Union
man called also for buffalo skin for his
bed over night, the seeessionist gave in,
bundled up his flag, and went home amid
the cheers Of a erowd.-M Z. Post.
Year: 1862

THE Story oE AN AToM.-The atom of
charcoal which foated in the corrupt atmos.
phere of the old volcanic ages, was absorbed
into the leaf Of fern when the valleys be-
came green and luxuriant and there in its
proper place, it received the sunlight and the
dew. aiding to fling back to heaven reflec-
ton of heavens gold; and at the same time
to build the tough fibre of the plant. The
atom was consigned to the tomb when the
waters submerged the jungled valley. 1t had
lain there thousands of years, and month
since was brought into the light again, i'm.
bedded in block of coal. 1t shall be con.
sumed to warm our dwellings, cook our food,
and make more ruddy and cheerful the hearth
whereon our children play it shall combine
with portion Of the invisible atmosphere,
ascend upward as curling wreath to revel
in mazy dance high up in the blue ether,
shall reach the earth again, and be entrapped
into the embrace of flower; shall live in
velvet beauty on the cheek of the apricot
shall pass into the human body, giving en-
ployment to the palate, and health to the
blood shall circulate in the delicate tissues
of the brain and aid. by entering into some
new combination, in educing the thoughts
which are now being uttered by the pen. 1t
is but an atom of charcoal; it may dwell one
moment in a stagnant ditch, and the next be
flushing on the lip of beauty it may now be
a component of limestone rock, and the next
an ingredient in field of potatoes it may
slumber for a thousand years without under
going a single change, and the next hour
pass through thousand and, after all, it is
only an atom of charcoal, and occupies only
its own place wherever it may be.
Year: 1862

THE RULING PASSION STRONG IN DEATH.-
Historians tell US that Henry VII. was re-
markably avaricious. As he advanced in life
he became more covetous he Eeaped up a
far greater store of gold and jewels, it is said,
than any of his predecessors. Even when at
tackled by mortal disease, he was actively en-
gagged in his employment. But at the APP
proach of death he was filled with fear, and
the closing act of his life clearly shows his
avarice for he ordered that two thousand
masses should be said for the repose OF his
soul. at sixpenee apiece. He did better when
he directed the debts of all persons to be paid,
in London and Westminster, who were I'M
prisoned for forty shillings or under; and
that restitution should be made to those from
whom his agents had taken more than the
law should warrant.
Year: 1862

SENsIBILITY OF CoNquEsoR.-The morn.
ing after the battle of Waterloo, DR.. Hume
waited upon the Duke of Wellington to report
the list of the killed and wounded, and to
take his directions. He found him worn out
with fatigue. and buried in deep slumber.
When awakened he was ready for the duty.
and commanded the doctor to read the list.
which took him more than an hour. The
doctor looked up once, and saw the Iron Duke
wringing his hands in sorrow. while the big
tears rolled down his cheeks. Though know,
ing that his country would 5e intoxicated
with JOY at what he had achieved. and would
be ready to load him with the highest honors,
he displayed no thought of personal glory,
and no unbecoming exultation over a fallen
enemy, but felt as a man who had discharged
solemn duty at painful sacrifice of human
life and happiness.
Year: 1862

A VAST GRAVE YARD.-The fields over
which the battles of the Antietam ragged, are
dotted in every direction with graves These
graves are generally very shallow, and it
will be difficult hereafter to turn up the soil
to any depth without disturbing the bones of
those who repose in them. Many unexploded
shells have also buried themselves beneath
the surface. and if these should come in v.o-
lent contact with the plow-coulter, they
would certainly explode, and render ploving
a very unsafe work in such soil.
Year: 1862

THREE or four times couple appeared be-
fore clergyman for marriage, but the bride
groom was drunk, and the reverend gentle
man refused to tie the knot. On the last oc-
casion he expressed his surprise that so res
pectable a looking girl was not ashamed to
appear at the altar with a man in such a
state. The poor girl burst into tears and
said she could not help it. '' And why, pray ?''
" Because he won't come when he is sober. y
Year: 1862

There's fresh little mound meath the willow
Where at evening wander and weep,
There's dear vacant spot on my pillow


Where a sweet little face used to sleep;
There were pretty blue eyes. but they slumber
In silence beneath the dark mound;
And the little pet lamb Of our number


Has gone to the heavenly fold.
Do dream, when sleep behold her


With beauty so fresh and divine,
And so close in my arms ! enfold her,


can feel her soft cheek upon mine!
Oh so loving those gentle eyes glisten


That my vision is lost in my tears,
And bewildered, enraptured, listen
To voice from the spirits bright spheres.
There's silence in parlor and chamber,


There's a sadness in every room;
We know that the Father hath claimed her
Yet all things seem burdened with gloom,
But I'll not be comfortless mourner,


No longer brood over my pain,
For know where the angels have borne her
And soon / shall see her again. f