smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1862

Free negroes have been coming into this Dis
trict for generation past and never more
rapidly than during the last six months This
District has, in fact long enjoyed the reputa-
tion Of being " the paradise Of free negroes"
Slavery has always existed here, as II does To-
day, but experience has not shown that II has
had any tendency to keep free negroes out II
might with much more plausibility be said.
that II is slavery which has attracted them here.


But the moment IT is proposed to abolish
that institution, our city fathers manifest ter
riblc apprehension that to doso will be followed
by an alarming influx Of free negroes But
they have not condesccnded 10 explain in what
particular the abolition Of slavery will change
the laws in respect to the immigration Of free
blacks, or what connexion there is in point ol
fact between the two things.


Upon general view Of the whole country
there are more free negroes in the States which
tolerats slavery than in those which prohibit it
That Is the fact, whatever the explanation o.
II may be.


We know, by having tried it, that slavery
has not kept free negroes out Of this District
Let us now try the experiment Of abolishine
slavery here, and see If Il works any better In
that respect. 1t cannot possibly work worse.
Our own view of the subject is, that slavery
produces social and industrial condition
which favors the growth Of q free negro popu
la,ion, and that il our only object was TO pre-
vent such growth In this District, the mos
effective measure we could take /, to abolisl
slavery here.
Year: 1862

ES- We learn that Surgeon General Fin,
ley has been removed from the charge OF the
Medical Bureau, which, for the present, is In
charge Of Doctor Wood. Other important
changes have been made in the medical dc
partmcnt.
Year: 1862

during the years that you have guided aud
governed him. And it will be bitter and
a grieVous thing TO you, if in that hour
conscience upbraids you with having caused
him q single hour of needless sorrow.


The dear little girl whose presence fills
all your house with light and melody, may
soon be sleeping in her grave. Full well do
/ know that such blow will almost break
your heart. You will need then, the COM
fort that comes from the remembrance that
you always treated the dear lamb tenderly,
and led her by gentle methods into the
green pastures and besides the still waters.


May the blessing of Him who took the
children in his arms, and blessed them, be
upon as many as remember and act upon
his words:


"Take heed that ye despise not one of
these little ones. For say unto you that
in heaven their angels do always behold the
face of nay Father who is in heaven"
Year: 1862

The Tribune office, New York, has been
noted for its energy in getting up and pub
fishing political pamphlets. Indeed, it is
groat on such instruments for enlighteniug
the public mind. and issues them in num-
bers innumerable. In 1874, when tho can
didate of the Tribune for President was Mr..
CLAY, a campaign tract was issued by Gree
ley & McElrath, signed JUNIUs. from which
we m AXE the following extract:


"We are not fond of alarming topics, nor
disposed to excite unnecessary anxiety
But the evils of Political A5olition, rising up
an the North, m ust BIZ faced. and the conse-
quences it tends to must be considered
However averse the people of the free States
may be to slavery (and we believe they are
almost universally SOY. yet we can not but
feel that this remedy Of Political abolition is
a0orse than the disease. first, because the rude
ness and violence of the treatm ent only ag-
oravate it; and next, because they fear that
the edicine, if administered as proposed, =,
will Kill both patient and the doctor. A DIS
SOLUTION OF THE UNION WOULD BE AS GER
TAIN as any effect of moral cause that can
be reasoned on. Nor is it likely that this
would be the end. The political asperities
and exasperations that would grow out of
such conflict, would themselves naturally
be breeders of other convu'sions; and it would
not be strange if SOME CHIEFTAIN or chief
tains should rise up in the struggle. to make
Slaves of all f'eenaen. and bind in stronger
chains those whom, by such means, it is pro-
posed to set free.


I'VE are family of States, bound to-
gether bp a covenant solemnly ratified,
which prescrbes THE RIGHTS of each. In
this family, concord i; beautiful; but tan,i1y
quarrels are the worst of all. Look a. Spain
Will any one say that such a movement as the
POLITICAL ABOLITION OF THE North, does not
put in Jeopardy the peace If this Union, AND
THE UNION ITSELF? And can any hum an
foresight tell what scenes Of strife it is likely
to produce. if it should be encouraged to pass
on its way toward the supreme power of the
nation, which is its avowed aim?"


Political Abolition obtained the ascend en-
cy in the North in 1860 and the conse-
quences. as foretold by the Tribune tract of
1874. are now in part the country, in fearful
and desolating certainty and magnitude; and
the future may realize the prediction in all
its fullness.
Year: 1862

We call attention to the extract given be-
low from letter written by soldier in the
army of the Southwest, in regard to the
completely of army officers in cotton specu-
lations and robberies. The letter was writ
ten by young man to his sister, now a resi-
dent Of an adjoining town. and was not in
tended for publication. We have been per-
mitted to make it public, however, and do
so on the assurance that every word is true.


NINE MILES BELOW HELENY(


September 20, 1862. {


DEAR FRIEND: We are yet under march
ing orders. This morning we exchanged all
of the canister shot for solid shot. which
implies that we have got some wall to batter
down somewhere.


Last night aur forces burned another lit
tie town Just on the opposite side from
where We are now encamped. Day before
Yesterday we took transport and went down
the river about eighty miles to get some cot
ton. lou must understand that we con fis-
cate all property which belongs to rebels in
arms and whose sentiments are antagonistic
to this Governmet, and that we have now in
camp Dot far from two thousand negroes,
contrabands OF war-persons whom we use
TO get Cor rather stealI cotton with. and OF
which cotton Uncle Sam never gets pound.


Our camp is always thronged with cot
ton spectators, who seem to be very social
and intimate with our officers Well, to our
trip down the river: The crew consisted of
two companies of the Thirty-third Illinois,
aud one section of Captain Schofield's bat
terry, twenty-five negroes. and a man who
made himself very conspicuous after we
were out of sight of the camp. ard who
afterwards proved to be the overseer of
rebel planter, whose son is a Captain in the
Confederate Army. This overseer was on
board of this Government transport, who af-
ter we steamed in sight of the rebel pickets,
dlsem barked, went to the picket guard, and
in half an nour returned, when our boat re-
<u umed its journey and passed without being
hred upon. Extraordinary. wasn't it? In
an hour we landed at plantation landing,
where we took aboard twenty bales
Of cotton. After this was done, and the
cotton securely slowed away. the overseer
and the Captain of the transport chained
fifteen of the negroes together. when the
overseer. thoroughly armed. drove them
away. Next morning our boat was hailed
by two negroes. Of course we took them
a board, for negroes are contraband Of war.
Year: 1862

How MODEST MAN WAS MIsTAKEN.-The
Syracuse Standard says: In Lowell, at a
lecture. = few evenings siLce. a gentlem an
the modest man cf his sex. and no less po-
lite than modest was sitting in a pew rather
remote from the light. A prettv lady sat
next to him. Looking on the floor during
the lecture, he espieh what he thnnght was
the lady's handkerchief, the lace trimmme
edge just visible from under her dress
Turning to his pew mate he sallantlv whis-
pered, you've dropped your hand dkerchief
madam. - and before she could reply he
proceeded to pick it up. Horror! he had
seized the cdge of her pet-skirt. and did
not discover bis mistake until the top OF a
gaiter boot stared him in the face. and the
faint sound Of laugh just n;ppe1 in the
bud by the application of a real handker-
chief warned him of his mistake Moral
Don't attempt to pick up anything with
lace to it before you know what it is.
Year: 1862

AN ENGINE AND rkAIN OF LARS THROWN
OFF THE TRACK BY REBEL BULL Last
week. as an engine, with twelve empty stock
cars was coming up the North Missouri
Railroad ne ar Florence. an iufuriate'i tnll
disputed its passage bv getting on the track
and throwing up the dirt with his feet in a
furious manner. The breaks were whistled
down, and the train stopped. but all to no
purpose. as the bull obstnately maintained
his ground, as if determined to dispute ev-
ry inch.


The engineer started the trained again,
,hinkino that the obstinate animal would
certainly give way to the iron horse; but in
this he was mistaken. The bull lowered
head and slowly advanced for the contest.
The train was raining so slow, that. instead
of knocking the infuria,ed animal off Of the
track, as it would have done in full speed.
it ran up on it. The consequence was th 9
engine and entire train was thrown from the
track and entirely destroyed. involving a
loss to the company Of between $4,000 and
S25 COO! A rather dear "bull fight.
Year: 1862

BAD LucK.-A wooden legged amateur
happened to be with skirmishing party
lately. when she'll burst near him. SIN ash
ing his artificial limb to bits, and sending a
piece Of iron through the calf Of soldier
near him. The soldier 'grinned and bore it
like a man, while the amateur was loud and
emphatic in his lamentations. Being re-
buked by the wounded soldier, be rep lied {.
Oh. yes; its all we'll enough for you to bear
it. Your leg didn't cost anything. and will
heal up; but paid 5000 cash for mine.'
Year: 1862

POLISH PIETY.-In removing to a new
farm it is always customary in Poland to
have it solemnly blessed by priest. In
fact Gods blessing is invoked upon every
undertaking, and trivial domestic arrange
m ents and duties. No cook will as much
as put batch of bread into the oven with
out having first In ade the sign Of the cross
over it. to ensure satisfactory result. One
of the national characteristics is strong relig
ious feeling. and an ever present conviction
of wa;chful Providence.
Year: 1862

0E'Are you near sighted, Miss? said
an impertinent fellow to young lady that
did not choose to recognize him. Yes. at
ahis distance can hardly tell whether you
are . pig or q puppy.'
Year: 1862

THE appreciation of good living is
vastly heightened by long diet on sol
dier's ratiOns. An Ohio volunteer in
hospital at Frederick City, Nd, was re-
Gently treated to a chicken pie, and the
way it affected him can be imagined from
the following;


" At nine o'clock we make our rounds
in the barracks, which occupies US till
dinner at twelve. This consists Of roast
beef, nice potatoes, and chicken pie
such pie was never before seen. 1t is a
pie indeed Ia subject for hymn and
glory; pie to be held in reverence as
Mahommedans pay the Osaba-evidently
the production of a great artist. 1t is
more an AcrOpolis, or temple than pie;
worthy of being served to an alderman
amid anthems; not made to be opened
with knife of Sheffield, but carved with
blade of Toledo or Damascus. 1t may
be considered as poem, a composition
Of talent and chickens, of genius and
crust. Into such pie was it that Bion,
the philosopher, wished himself meta
morphosed, that wisdom, in his form,
might captivate the sons of men. Hen
cOOps are depopulated to furnish forth
its mighty cOneave. 1t is pie under
whose dome one might wish to live or be
content to die, appetite grows by feeding
on it its very sight is better than to eat
aught else eatable. It dilates the soul
and ezalts the character to be in the
same room with so noble creation of
gastronOmic mind. When the pie is in
ruins it reminds me Of the Coliseum.
Year: 1862

We confess to uncommon pride and pleas
ure in this renewal Of intercourse with the
friend and intimate Of other days, and we look
to be 6elicitated 6orit by the established read
ers who constitute the family of the Home
Year: 1862

The people of North. Carolina will be gratifed to-
learn that Maj Gen. Holmes, of this State, has been
assigned to the command of the Confederate forces
in this department. His experience soldier and
his efficient services rendered in his late command
the Potomac, give assurances that the interests
Of the State will be safe in his hands, Let our brave
men rally to his standard, and let the people every
where render him all possible assistance in provid-
ing for our defence and driving the enemy from our
soil.


The following General Order, issued by him on
the 25th inst, exhibits the spirit with which he
enters upon his work:


"The enemy are before us and must advance at an
early day. If we do not defeat him, North Caro-
lima will be under his than vandal despotism.
Let us all then give ourselves up body and mind to
the sacred duty Of her defence To effect this, the
strictest discipline must be preserved, and the
nanders accompanies, Regiments, and Brgades are
required to enforce the NEST exact obedience to all
orders and regulations. Until further orders no fur.
loughs will be granted nor will any officer soldier
be permitted to leave his camp without permission
from his Brigade commander The most active sys
TEN of drill will be instituted, and every command.
ing officer is held responsible that his command is
ready to march at moments notice."
Year: 1862

THE Council OF FIVE IN SOUTH -CARoLINA.-We
referred recently to the action of the Council of
Five Of SouthCarolina, depriving the rank and file
of that State of the right to elect their officers
This act of despotism is thus characterized by the
Edgefeld Adcertiser Of that State:


"It is our duty to tell the truth, when to do 50
is important to the people and not injurious to the
cause of the South. We therefore unhesitatingly
say that the action of the Council Of Five in taking
to themselves the appointment of field and company
officers in all troops to be hereafter raised by South
Carolina, is pre:eminenty and universally condemn
ed in the up-country SO far we have been able to
ascertain. Individuals here and there who can get
Office no other way may possibly approve it; but
the mass of the people, we honestly believe, regard
it high-handed exertion of authority by an Off
cial board, whose creation took them entirely by
surprise, to say the least of it.


1t is not believed that the Council can make bet
ter selection of officers than the men who are to do
the fighting. The men have had the privilege Of
eecting their own leaders thus far in every South
ern State, except as to a few regiments termed
ReguLars 1t is first denied to them in South Caro-
lima. And why? Can the Council appoint better
set of officers than the men have thus far elected
1t will be nowhere admitted"


Certain politicians and military leaders in this
State were anxious to pursue the same despotic
course but they gave back before the action Of the
Convention and the indignant protest Of the people
The people of this State, at least determined,
while achieving freedom, to preserve the means Of
fr,,edo,n
Year: 1862

At a meeting of the citizens of Edgecombe, at
Tarboro, on the goth inst, the following preamble
and resolutions were adopted:


WHEREAS, The military authorizes in this depart
ment of North Carolina have issued an order that
all cotton naval stores and tobacco shall be removed
west of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad by
the 25th inst, be liable to be destroyed to pre-
vent their falling into the hands of the enemy be it
therefore resolved as the sense of this meeting


1st That in our judgment all Of the articles above
named should be promptly destroyed by fire or 9TH
erwise whenever in danger of falling into the ene
my's hands, and that q committee of three in each
Captains district be appoined by the Chair to see
to the enforcement of this resolution.


End. Believing it impossible to remove the cotton
west Of the w. and W. Railroad by the time speci-
fed we respectfully request the military authorities
to extend the time to the 10th of April and to carry
out this resolution we ask the appointment Of .
committee by the Chair to attend to this matter.


3rd. That as the earnest sense Of this meeting in
this hour of peril to the very life of our Young Re-
public believe the cultivation of cotton the pres
ent year will make inroads from the enemy, and
render the staff of life, bread scarce and we invoke
the planters of Edgccombe not to cultivate cotton
larger area than will make one acre to the hand.


4th. That we regard ardent spirits at this time
as worse enemy than the Yankees, and respectful.
ly request meeting of the Justices Of this county
70 consider the proprety OF ordering the SherlH to
seize every drop Of spirits of any kind offered for
sale, with the understanding that fair valuation
shall be paid the owner of the same and should any
one offend second time, then the Sheriff shall seize
the spirits and pour it on the ground, without com
pensation.


5th That we recommend to our citizens to re-
main at home and pursue their usual avocations,
should the fortune Of war place US temporarily un
der the enemy's control.


We are glad to see the selfsacrifce and cool, SO
bercourage displayed by our fellow-ctizens Of Edge
combe There is no wild-fire or phrensy betrayed
in the above resolutions but sensible, patriotic
view Of their responsibilities and duty in this crisis
The last resolution is eminenty wise and provdent
Let all our men who can by any possibility take u
arms, 60 to the field to defend their rights, thei
honor, and their homes, but it is equally necessary
that those who cannot go and who have not by an!
overtact laid liable to arrest should
home by the "stuff" and take caro- Of their prop
erty. Put the enemy to the test and see if he vii
violate all the laws Of war, Of nations. and of hu
manity and justice by inuring the persons or prop
erty of private citizens. Those who run away fror
home exhibit poor courage, and invite the enemy I
! acts Of rapine and vandalism.
Year: 1862

Our EASTERN PEoPLE.-Many Of our Eastern
people are in deplorable condition. we fear. Many
have been driven out from their homes, without
warning, having unfortunately made no provision
for their exit Their condition demands the COM
msseration and sympathy Of their fellow citizens
who as yet, are permitted to stay at home. Every
assistance should be rendered them. 1t has oc-
Cured to us, however, that those positions in the
East not in the probable track OF the enemy, are as
safe as any other portion of the State; and that
those who have been eappelsd to leave home should
seek shelter in the surrounding country, rather than
in the towns lying on the railroads, for the reason
that they are in danger Of being routed again.
Year: 1862

We learn from rumor that the enemy came up to
Washington last week, with two or three gunboats
and landed some or 400 troops. There being no
Confederate force-the post having been previously
evacuated, the enemy Of course met with no resis-
tance. 1t is said they marched through the Streets
the band playing "Dixie" and "Old North State"


The particulars of their visit we are not in possess
sion Of except from statements which must have
come second-handed, and hence we are not disposed
to repeat them. How long the enemy remained, OF
whether he has any force there now, We have not
learned. We have, however, been panied to learn,
there are rumors in circulation, seriously affecting
the loyalty of the Mayor and other citizens of
that place. and injurious to the reputation of that
noble town, touching their conduct while the ene-
my was there, but which we are frank to say We do
not believe. Indeed, from our knowledge of the
people of that place and the County, we may, in
the absence of any positive information from respec-
table persons uho there at the tine positively
deny every jot and title we have heard, so far as
they affect the loyalty and reputation of the people,
We have received no direct information from WASH
ington since the enemy went there, and hence We
are not prepared to say what did take place; but
we must have positive testimony to convict any one
there in our estimation of having acted unworthy
Of their former reputation, or of in6delity to our
cause, before we believe it.


They have shown from the beginning of this
war, as much enthusiasm and patriotism in its sup
port as any people of the State. Washington and
Beaufort County have sent as large number of
men to the field any portion Of the State although
up to the time of Lincon's proclamation it was as
stubborn an old Union County as any.


We feel obliged to make these statements in dc.
fence of people, who, we suppose are cut of
from all intercourse with the State, and who have
not the means of selfdefence. If it can be shown,
however, that any individuals have acted traitor.
ously let the burden rest where it belongs and moi
upon community as loyal as any in the State
We shall be the last to defend any, if there be
such, who have proven themselves unworthy or dis
loyal citizens.
Year: 1862

There are now unmistakable evidences that Pres.
dent Davis and his chief assistants are fully aroused
to the importance of the crisis. Within week or
two, unusual energy has been manifested in the ju.
dicious movement of troops and in making the ne
cessay preparations to resist the advance of the en-
emy at every available point. We heartily rejoice
at this exhibition. 1t has been painful to US to al
lude at any time to the ineciency or tardiness of
tine government in any respect, but duty to the
country and the interests of the South and the State
demanded it.


The President will find the people ready to rally
cheerfuy to his call, whenever and wherever their
services are demanded, in measures wisely and
promptly directed towards ridding the country of
the foe and in conquering peace The watchword of
the country now, as it has been, is toroard, for
aoard! Our retreats have been more disheartcning
than our reverses and the recent energy displayed
cannot but be hailed with delight by the people
Confidence in the ability, courage and wisdom Of
the government and justice to all parties is all that
is lacking to unite, consolidate and inspire our peo-
pie with determination and the certainty of success


twill be especially gratifying to the people of
Carolina to be assured of the purpose of the
government to resist vigorously and with strong
arm the advance of the invader upon North Carolina
soil. We are assured that this is to be DONE The
advance of the enemy from Newbern will be check
ed by a force commensurate with the demand
Wilmington will be defended to the last extremity,
and we are glad to learn that Gen. French is conf
dent that successful defence will be made. In the
meantime, the Albemarle country will be vigiantly
.l.l
folk Va, will be checked promptly. Let the peo-
pie every where then take courage. Let them rem
der the government all the aid in their power and
with strong arms and brave hearts, drive the inva
der from our soil.
Year: 1862

The Goldsboro' Tribune says that Gen. Galin
was relieved of his command at his own request on
account of ill health The Tribune further states,
that he has become the object of vituperation and
unmitigated falsehood without cause, and that the
press should abstain from remarks of slanderous
character upon much injured man. We are glad
that the Tribune thus vindicates Gen. Gatlin. Our
own private information received within few days,
fully justifes the Tribu nc in its remarks
Year: 1862

OBITUARY NorcEs-Our friends sometimes send
us lengthy obituary notices for publication, often
not very interesting or in good taste As we do
not charge for obituary notices, we are compelled
to rewrite or abridge them which, if not so graft
flying to the writers, is at least more acceptable to
our readers Lengthy obituaries in order to secure
their publication, as written, must be accompanied
with Y or an X.