smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

Next to the universally Of the air we breathe,
is the aspiration of the loyal ptople of the North
that the ireason-nursing city of Charleston may
be laid in ashes by Com. DUPONT. We never
before heard of so popular weakness; we have
no recollection of the prevalence hitherto OF su
snong public sentiment. 'Burn il down, say
the children, as they catch the echo from older
lips in the street. "lurn it down" say the girls,
"a they think of loved ones away on the field
of battle burn it down" say the young as
they RIA over the history OF their country. aud
see how much of toll aud labor and blond was
spent to establish this "asylum of the oppressed,
by our revolutionary sires. "Burn it down
say the aged as they fall back upon their G.
nores aud recount the trials the hardshps aud
privations through which they passed during
the infant days OF the Republic, that Freedom
might grow in strength, and become secure
throughout all future time, aud be blessing to
their posteriy forever. And "burn it down
says the patriot everywhere, as he sees the flag
Of his country insulted; the authority of the
government deied, and the peace OF millions of
people disturbed by this demon. succored den of
traitors, periured robbers and rascals "Burn it
down says everybody and although it may
not always bo wise for public journalist to
chime in with the popular voice aud cry amen,
yet we cannot help thinking that in this instance
our country's honor requires us to exclaim
"burn it down.
Year: 1861

Union is not accompanied with such disclaim'
ers as will remove the apprehension among
the Southern people, that it is war against
their peculiar institutions. If disclaimers will
do any good, these resolutions of Mr.. Critten-
den, agreed to by the House with singular
unanimity, are up to the mark.
Year: 1861

Coxveniion If Democratic Edito'x.
The Hudson (N. W Gazette makes
the ngproposition, which looks
As if there was some little moral
courage and self respect still remain
ing among the Democrats in that
State. The councils of the savage
and canibal could not excel in their
monstrous orgeries the base and un-
principled warfare proposed to be
waged on the South by the North and
the ruthless mobocracy law, that hold
its terrors over the heads of those
who do not fall down on their knees
and swear that there is but one God
the Chicago platform, and that
Abraham is its Prophet-that the
only hell is the South and JEFF. DA-
Wis it's chief. The Gazette says:


There never was time in our
political history which called SO loud
for unity Of action and tirmness on
the part of the Democratic editors of
the Empire State. as the present. As
body they exercise a powerful intlu-
ence, and this influence shoulp be So
directed As to result ia the greatest
possible good and the perpetuitv of
our time-henored principles. This
can be accomplished in no more di-
rect way than by comforting together
and adopting such measures as shall
secure tAe freedom of the Press and
the right of speech,


In view OF this, it has been sug-
gested that Convention of Democra.
tic editors to be held at an early day
at Albany, or some other central 90.
sition- The suggestion is worthy Of
consideration by our cotemporaries
1t is only necessary to bring the sub
,ject properly before the Democratic
| Press to render the movement success
full.
Year: 1861

How is it to be possible that any


man Of common sense, can come into


our office and ask us for paper,
thinking it does not cost any thing 2
After date no person need ask US for
paper, with the expectat ion of not
having to pay for the same. A pa
per business is the same as any other
every paper is printed with the view,
of selling it; and we do not expect
any person to get copy without
paying for it, no more than week
pect grocer to give away his gro
eeries. When we publish a paper
Tor gratuitous distribution we shall
notify every person of it. Bear this
IN mind. and if you like our pape,
we'll enough to come to the office af-
ter it; come prepared with the money.
Year: 1861

A COFFIN SELLING CLERGYMAs.-An Epis-
eopal minister in England was recently
prosecuted tor selling an old lead coffin,
which had been discovered while digging a
grave. The bones were decently reburied,
and as it was proved that he had purposed
putting up tablet in the church, which
would cost ten times the amount, the case
was honorably dismissed.
Year: 1861

A RAsoALLY POLICEMAN IN IRELAND.-A
rascally police constable in Ireland, was re-
Gently arrested at Ballincurra, on the double
charge of perjury and arson, on which he
will be tried at the next assizes. He set a
rick of hay and another of straw on fire, ar
rested two laboreTs, and charged them home
with the act, pgOducing hat which he
swore was left behind by enc of them. He
then called woman to support his evidence,
when she sWore he was the incendiary that
she gave him the hat, and that he commit
ted the act and fabricated the charge to OBJ
tain promotion. -rrr ---, frE-r
Year: 1861

lot of Circassian chiefs figuring in Paris
1t was thought at first they destined for aero
batic exercise in the circus hut they found to
be a deputation to the Emperor for protection of
course against Russia.
Year: 1861

In the Chicago Post, which was Senator
Douglass mouthpiece, and is edited by his
warm personal friend, Mr.. Sheaban, we
find this statement /:


Mr.. Douglass plan to preserve the Dem
ocratlc party was that the Democrats
should run this war, as they had ran every
other war since the foundation of this Un.
ion; in fact make it Democratic war and
fight it with all the powers of the nation,
and if necessary to station standing army
in every one of the rebel States and by the
bayonet enforce obedience to the laws.
Pierce with regular troops enforced the
laws in Boston, why should not Lincoln do
the same thing in Charleston He was
for dropping all local issues and controver-
sizes until after the war was closed, and
then in Union preserved, he was for rais>
ing once more the old Democratic banner,
inscribed with the names of hundred bat
ties for that Union, and again dispute with
the old political enemy the contest at the
ballot box.
Year: 1861

The 5th New Jersey regiment, Colonel
Starr, is performing guard duty in the city
of Alexandria, and officers and men seem
to have been active in promoting union
sentiments with the fair sex. The editor OF
the Trenton paper writing from there, says
one of the lieutenants had bea utiful lady
whom he introduced as his wife, and no one
suspicioned anything wrong. 1t appeared,
however, that he had put her off from day
to day on a promise of marriage, and at
blast becoming angry, he disavowed her
altogether, refusing to give her funds to
return to her friends in the South. Then
came the moment Of her revenge. She ap-
pealed to Court Martial for redress, and,
says the editor


After listening to all the evidence, the
judgment of the Court was that he should
forthwith make the lady bis lawful wife,
and give her an order OF the Government
Paymaster for one half of the amount due
him-being some $l60. He refused at
first to abide by the Judgment of the Court,
when his sword was promptly taken from
him, and guard ordered to take him in
charge. This cooled him down wonderfully,
and after little further reflection he res
solved to abide the decision. A clergyman
was sent fOr-the two were lawfully united
in matrimony, in the presence of some
twenty witnesses--the husband gave the
order On the United States Paymaster for
half his wages-congratuIations were ex-
changed among all present in the court
room, and all went their way rejoicing save
the husband, who went off little nettled,
though 4" second sober thought" will, we
think, doubtless bring him around all right.
Some twenty other cases were disposed of
through the day in like peremptory man.
ner.
Year: 1861

the tin horn or trumpet, which is kept in
almost all rural homesteadsSto make sum-
mons to dinner or sound an alarm to the
neighbors in case Of an accident, sprapg to
the door and blew blast. At this the
hellish demon turned, drew a pistol from
his girdle, fired bullet through her brain,
and with one wild shrek she fell in agoniz>
ing death at the feet of her screaming moth
er. That blast, the shot, the shriek and
scream, pierced the ear OF the waiting faith.
er be sprang from bis retreat, he stood
at his door-one glance revealed all and
taking deliberate aim, he sent his rifles
bullet straight through the villains heart {!
The other four, alarmed at the trumpet
blast, and knowing that the whole neigh.
borhood would soon be upon them, mount.
ed their horses and fed. The enraged
father, finding them beyond his reach,
turned to where the slayer of his little
daughter lay, seized his axe and cut his
brutal body into quarters and threw them
out as only fit for the dogs TO devour!


Such, my friends, is secession at home.
1t is robbery, rapine and murder. And it
is marching towards you, and will be upon
you. You must arm for your own defence.
l speak not 10 you in fables. These things
occurred not in a remote country, but
right over there in Tennessee. l seem even
yet to hear the shrek that went up from
that young and innocent heart, as it took
leave of life, so wild, so clear, so agonizing,
that even angelic spirits might come to
listen and avenge! Will you not, then,
rush to the support of your government
and the rescue of your country from the
reign of terror that has no parallel in the
history of civilized man
Year: 1861

If the people Of Virginia desire any further
evidence Of the hostile feeling and inimical
purpose of the Northern people towards the
Southern States, they have it in the lawless
seizure Of the property Of citizens and States
of the South by the police Of New York,


These pretended. lovers Of the Constitution,
hesitate not 10 violate its solemn provision
by plunderng property, yet cry out most lus-
tily against sovereign States who, under the
sanction Of the popular will, withdraw their
consent from Union thus prostitutcd and
from Constitution thus violated. The second
amendment Of the Constitution provides that
",he right OF the people TO keep and bear arms
shall not be in(ringed," and the decalogue says
"tkou shalt not steal," yet neither arc observed
by the authorities of New York. Arms pur-
chased Of the citizens Of the Northern States,
are seized and onfscatcd-.lnoney gone and
arms withheld, by the citizens and authorities
Of \ State whose supreme law guarantees the
right to keep and bear arms Will the people
of Virginia longer expect right and justice from

the North


The State OF Georgia has seeded, but there
is no war recognized and declared by the a'i-
thoritics Of The Federal Union; the Northern
States deny the validity Of the ordinance of
secession; and yet the police of the city of
New York seizes and confiscates the property
of the people Of Georgia without law. This is
a game that others can ply at, as well as the
police of New York. and with far greater inju-
ry to her merchants Retaliation against the
goods and merchandise OF New York will fol-
low if this kind Of robbery is persisted in
We advise the authorities Of New York to re-
store these muskets, and we would counsel the
merchants Of New York TO see that 4 rcpcti-
zion Of such outrage does not again OCCUR
Any Southern city could, in orc day, seize
New York property sufficient to compensate
for all the robbcres Of the police Of that city,
We do not desire tn see the present difficulties
complicated by retaliation, and, therefore,
would warn the authorities Of New York. If
honesty does not restrain them, let prudence
induce them to respect the property Of Others.
Year: 1861

The editors Of the Charleston IS.
c. Southern Lutheran, in the
issue for last week, say that there
is some expectation that the Yam
kee feet will land about Charles
ton. In this connection they
make the following announcement:


Should this expectation be real
lied, we hereby notify our readers
that the Southern Lutheran will
necessarily be suspended during
the progress CT any military opera
tions in this vicinity. One OF, the
editing Committee is an army
Chaplain, and another is a member
of rifle company; the business
agent, financial agent, and all the
compositors, are volunteers who,
at this writing, hold themselves in
readiness ia march at q moments
warning; hence the nen-appearance
of cur paper willindicate that the
whole establishment has gone to
fight, and its reappearance will
show that the Hessiaus are whip.
ped"
Year: 1861

ranging the relative rank of these
officers, we cannot undertake to
explain. We believe that the
Confederate Congress sanctioned
the schedule, and what the Presi-
dent by ard with the advice and
consent of Congress, has done, let
10 man question. We will only
say, that If ace had had the ar
rangement Of relative rank among
these Generals, gradation would
have been very different. We
believe all the full Generals are
graduates of West Point.
Year: 1861

A correspondent Of the Cincin-
natl Commercial, writing from
Camp Red House, Winfield, Wes-
tern Virginia" gives the following
rather graphic picture Of the Tn
ion men In that section of the
State:


But the most curious misery
set Of beings L ever saw, are the
Union men of Western Virginia.
/ have never seen but one who
would expend a dime towards the
preservation of the Union. Ihave
seen but woman in Western Vir-
giria who would bake a biscuit for
a sick soldier, without first asking
if he,had any change; and during
our marches [ never saw the first
drink of water ofeerd without
asking fof it, and nearly in all ca
ses the man would not move from
lis leaning posture on his fence,
but would point to the well and
say, "There it is-help yourself
If a rail is missed from a Union
mans pile near camp, he goes to
the Colonel for Its price; if cab
bage is missed or turnip from the
garden has disappeared, the old
woman sends to the Colonel for
the value Of it.


The people hereabouts have an
idea that every Zouave carries
Uncle Sans treasury in his KNAPP
sack. One just now told me that
he is going to ask for two hundred
dollars as some one had broke his
fence down. Some cattle got in
and destroyed some corn; the land,
corn, and fence would not fetch


fifty dollars if offered for sale. A
little hauling was required by our
commissaries. 1t was to get his
provisions up the river bank. 1t
took one hour and a half, with a
yoke Of steers hitched to q Sled
The man modestly asked four dol
lars. He was tod that one thou
sand Zouavcs before him had left
their homes, their all, to protect
such as him; he said "Oh, yes! ali
you are volunteers; | am not. >
Such men as he composed the ma
jority Of Western Virginia; still l
have not the least doubt they. are
really Union men, but they won t
give their time or blood toward the
preservation of what they desire.
Year: 1861

A R1Pdao ,Story-The Column
bus (Ky.) correspondent of the
New Orleans Crescent is RESPONSE
bic for the following:


The papaw crop hereabouts is
very great, and those who esteem
that forest dainty are having a
high time of it. There are many,
however, who can never eat this
fruit, and of these>I am one: But
the fruit is voraciously devoured
and greatly enjoyed by those who
have the stomach for it. The
value of papaws to papaw eaters
is well illustrated in joke heard
in camp. A good mother in the
country asked her pet boy to split
some wood for the bake oven; he
was stubborn and she coaxed.-
Come, that's good boy" she
said; ''now you split me a few
sticks Of wood, and you shall have
some apple pie, and some of the
nice bread and butter, just as soon
as they are baked ma" replied
young impudence, "your pies and
your bread and butter can just GO
to hi; papaws is ripe nowr'
Year: 1861

! A correspondent of the Knox.
vile Register thus describes a Wis.


it lately made to James Keelan,


the man who so nobly defended


the bridge at Strawberry Plains


against an attack upon the proper


ty by The Union men: ave went


to the residence of Mr.. Elmore,


the Railroad Agent, where we


found the brave sufferer. He was


shot in three places-the back,


thigh, and elbow. His hand was
severed at the wrist. Many CASH
'es are found upon his person


From his coat | judge twenty at
tempts were made to cut his throat.


When | saw him he was perfectly
calm and sensible, bearing his
pains with patience and fortitude.
he viii probably recover. He is
a poor man, with a large family de-
pending upon his labor for the sub
sistenee of life. He fought sixteen
men, probably killing their leader,
whilst in the act of firing the
bridge, and finally drove the enc
my away without their accomplish
ing their tiendish purpose. He
done all that a man could, unaid-
ed by any one, In defence of his
Government and his people. In
deed twas not known by any one
of the citizens, until in bleeding
and exhausted condition he reach
ed the house of Mr.. Elmore, where
he sank down from great weak
ness, exclaiming; ''They have
killed NE but | saved the bridge"
He is hero, and has physically
done more for the welfare Of his
country than any man in the Con-
federacy. He deserves well of his
countrymen, and let a grateful
people do something for the relief
of his family. Let such testi-
monial be made as will show how
o generous people appreciate men
who know their diity and dare to
perform it. -
Year: 1861

Gen. Albert Pike, Of Arkahsas,
arrived in Richmond last Saturday
on business connected with his la
bors among the Indian nations OF
the West as Commissioner OF the
Confederate States. His mission
thus far has proved an entire sue
cess, and favorable treaties have
been made with all the numerous
and powerful tribes scattered
through the vast territory lying
between Kansas and New Mexico.
They have now four regiments OF
troops in the field, and are MAX
ing common cause with the South.
The advantage of such alliance at
this time is incalculable, and the
Intimate results will be no less
important. The enmity of these
Indians in such an emergency as
the present, would have been a
source of perpetual annoyance
and injury. The hazardous and
laborious undertaking Of Gen. Pike
and its successful accomplishment,
entitle him to the highest praise
and gratitude.
Year: 1861

COmmercldt Gfu%6(tng.-" e
clip the following from the None
tary column of the Chicago Post
of the 18th. The credit of the
Lincoln government is beginning
to be doubted:


If the government would send
a sufficient supply to the West to
paw off its Indebtedness, much OF
which it has owed for months, 1t
would do much to restore its cred
1T with those who feel that they
have right to complain in regard
to the neglect which they have
received from the government
We understand t. al one OF our
leading banking houses holds over
lSl5O.OOO worth Of claims for
money advanced for supplies to
the western division of the army,
| A large amount of this money was
advanced with the most positive
assurance from the Guartermaster's
department that the money should
! be paid on demand.


Yet weeks and months have
gone by and there is no more pros
meet of payment than when
| the debts were contracted. Such
transactions are unbusiness like
and disgracefal.
Year: 1861

Never fear? My heart is in your keep
ing! Once more, my own darline-good
bye.


Another quick embrace, and lie was on
the car


think ny heart mingled in tie hearty
cheer that went up from every throat as
the TRAIN swept away from the station, &
that my handkerchief kept company with
those that waved till the last car vanished
in the distance ; but l hardly knew it,
Ny happiness had come upon me SO sud
denly, that I felt dazzled, bewildered, al
most stupefed with joy, woke up, tho
as Faith and walked home, together with
our middle aged escort. Faith was sober
ed down now, and spoke demurely, as was
her usual habit.


What did they step for, Mr., Ross, after
all?


There was something the matter with
the engine, I believe. Miss Faith. Quite
lucky chance, though, for some folks,
wasn't it? Indeed it was l thought
with glad thrill


Indeed it vas. But it wasn't chance.
It was one of Gods blessed proyidences
and oh if He will but help me when my
lover comes homo from the wars-as God
grant he maybe shall fad wife worthy
of the glorious name he has promised me,
And this, you see, is what owe the War.
Year: 1861

"A very good story is told in the Uni
ted States Journal, of sailor on board of
a vessel laden with Spanish dollars. which
had been wrecked The crew were takea
off the wreck in boats, and just before the
last boat was pushed off man was sent
back to ascertain if there might not be
some one left. On arriving at the main
deck, where the casks had been left, lie
found fellow who had broken open sew
eral of the raceptaeles Of base iuere, and
spread the contents thereof on table cloth
on deck, in the midst of which he was
seated, weapon in hand. Being told that
the ship was fast gsing to pieces he re-
piled: The ship may go-I have lived
q poor rascal all my life, and / am resolv-
ed to die rich Remonstranee was in
vain, and poer Jack, who preferred the
death of rich man to the life CT ''Poer
rascal. l." was left to die alone in his glory.
Year: 1861

Mr. Colfax's bill, the object of which is
to suspend the mail service in the Seeding
States, does not specify the States in which


it will be operative. Instead of that, it
gives the Postmaster General the authority
to discontinue the mails on any route,
whenever, in his opinion, the postal laws
cannot be executed or the letter bags safely
transmitted The, enforcement of this
small penalty against secession, is, if the
bill passes the Senate, Of which there is


little doubt, matter Of discretion with Mr..
KING, the head Of the Postofice Depart
ment. He is a violent partisan, though an
able and experienced officer; and we are
not well enough assured Of his perfect
fidelity to the Union, to predict that lie
will use the power reposed. in his hands.
Mr.. colfax deserves great credit for getting
the bill through the House; but we regret
that he did not make it mandatory in lis
terms. Weshan see what Mr. King will do.
Year: 1861

sleep till we are called to our last sleep" Some
weep, others sleep.


Five carts stand waiting for them in the prison
yard. The crowd press upon them, as one after
another they come forth to meet death. In the
last cart four Of the living are placed with the
dead body Of Valaze.


On their way to the scafFold they chaunt the
Marseillase," not like funeral dirge, but like
q song Of triumph. The song ceases for a mo-
ment, while they take one long farewell embrace
at the foot Of the scaffold, and then the strain
continues, The bloody axe silences voice after
voice. till but one remains-it is Verginaud's.
Singing as he goes, he ascends the scaffold; q
moment more, and his voice is gone forever.
Year: 1861

Give me back the days Of old,


The days Of honest labor,
When man TO man was frank and ffee,
Add would not wrong his nelghbor.
whe1 men were not ashamed to work
And cultivate the soil,
Seeking no other boon than that


Which follows earnest toll.
When truth, and right, aRd honest zeal,
Gave all their proper station,
And justice weighed In truthful scales,
And wisdom ruled the nation;
Our soldiers they were brave and true,
And neither crest nor shield
Was needed then 10 make them men,


In blVOuAe or held.
But let Us not forget 10 pay


The tribute due 10 others;
And while We sing Of men Of old,
God bless our ancient mothers.
And let Us pray that, come what may,
The charming days Of old,
When right was might, and honor bright
Was valued more than gold.