smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

REPREHENsIBLE.-Some one, we presume
thoughtlessly, while ringing the Court House
bell for the purpose of calling meeting of
citizens on the Plaza, to devise measures re-
garding the coming celebration, on Thursday
evening last sounded the fire alarm, which
caused general rush into the streets to ascer-
tain the whereabouts of the cause. Our citi-
zens are ever ready to respond to the call of
an alarm bell, and should not be imposed upon
by having it rung without a cause.
Year: 1861

THE CELEBRATION We call attention to
the programme of the Fourth of July Celebra-
tion published in another column, as some idea
OF its magnitude can be gathered therefrom.-
We sincerely trust that our citizens will not
allow private interests or personal prediiec-
tions TO rule matter of so much Importance,
but that harmony and good feeling will be the
governing characteristic in all their laudable
efforts to make the event worthy of the cause,
the day and the hour
Year: 1861

FIRE.-A fire broke out about half past IL
o'clock on Wednesday uight last, in small
unoccupied tenement situated on Myers street,
on the opposite side of the street and little
below the Brewery, destroying the building
and an adjoining one. 1t was the work of
some villainous wretch unfit to live or die
Year: 1861

MAJOR JOHN BIDwE1L.-We took occasion
some weeks since to place before the people Of
the State the name of Major Bidwell as a
suitable candidate for Governor. And at the
present time, renew the call, and recommend
him as one in every way fitted for the position
He is an old Californian gentleman of edu-
cation and strong intellect; possessing all the
qualifications of high executive ability


His course in the Charleston Convention,
and the unfinching support he gave to its
nominee, the lamented Douglas, in the canvass
of last year his devotion to the Union in
the present crisis from its ncpiency, his en-
terprize as q permanent benefactor to his
State in his calling; his strict probty, courteous
affability, all point him out as a reliable man
for the gubernatorial chair. He has a claim
to it equal to that Of any one named for the
position, and would grace it and reflect as
much credit upon it as any other man. He is
the man for the present crisis, and if nominated
would sweep the State, and distance the Re-
publican nominee, who has, by his party, been
proclaimed the Governor for year past


THE LATE NEws-The last news from the
East by Pony, published in detail in the Sac
ramento Union, very clearly indicates that a
hostile meeting between the opposing armies
cannot be delayed much longer, unless the
rebel squad retreat before the advancing COL
umns Of the National Army.


Harper's Ferry was in fair way of being
surrounded and attacked upon all sides at once.


Manassas Gap was to be attacked and ta-
ken, by Gen. Mcdowell with large force,
thereby iutercepting all communication be-
tween Harper's Ferry and Richmond


The Wheeling Convention will not move in
the separation of Western and Eastern Vir-
giEia, but will organize Provisional Govern
ment, order the election of a Governor.
Legislature and members of Congress, and
bring a charge of treason against Gov. Letcher
and his confederates. We shall look for stir
ring news in few days.
Year: 1861

forces to Valley Mountain. Lee is
still at Meadow Bluff


Official Intelligence announce that
the Potomac is closed to Federal YES
sells.


No steamers or other craft have
passed our batteries for the last two
days.


The Pawnee is positively sank.
We gave her about thirty shots on
passing Evansport.~
Year: 1861

We have been in receipt for the
paSt several days, of very cheering
Intelligence from different portions OF
our army. Our readers can surin'sc
the result, when We inform them that
the Confederate and Federal troops,
met and fought. AS heretofore the
Lincolnites showed that they were
swift on the foot. The different dis
patches published by us will suffice
without a repetition of, particulars.
Year: 1861

As the time for the election of city
and parish officers is not far hence,
the respective candidates should have
their tickets printed, so as to enable
them to distribute them among their
friends. The News" Office has all
facilities for printing tickets with dis
patch, on the most reasonable terms.
Year: 1861

they are comparatively nothing. who San
measure the effects of the war of the Rsvolu-
tion In the righting up Of the nations God
has ordained that this nation should have a
part. and it is 40 vanity to say a,conspicuous
part. We dere not disappoint the decree
Woe be to the hand that attempts to arrest
the fat of heaven.


That hand has been lifted Men in the
South have proclaimed with eaths that the
government shall be abolished have banded
together. that the stars and stripes shall be
stricken down that, dishonored and degra
ded in the eyes of other nations, and distrac-
ted and demoralized among ourselves. eur
power shall he broken, and the hopes of the
world blasted. To accomplish this they hoist
the flag of rebellion and sound the bugls of
war With words of defiance they come to
meet US and execute their threat The IN
terests in behalf of which they make war
upon US are mammon and slavery; they off.
er US an overthrow that may extend and es-
tablish for ever the enslavemsnt of millions
of human beingsl This ia the issue. There
are two alternatives. One is to submit, to
bow down and make no resistance; to say
to them, Gentlemen, have it your own way !;
We are men of peace, and do not believe in
bloodshed. If we take this course, we shall
save the lives of our sans, and the immedi-
ate horrors of war! Dare we do it7 With
the eyes the glorious past upon us, and
with the imploring gaze of unborn genera
tions looking to US, ard under the awful gaze
of the Almighty, who holds us responsible
for the part we act, dare we do it?


The other alternative is civilized warfare
We must meet them, and say to them, with
the thunder of guus, and the gleam Of bays-
nets, Hands off Dare we refuse9 Ad-
NIT tba, some, perhaps many, will die; that
our land shall be filled with wailings, that
our wealth shall be consumed, that most
that we loved upon earth shall be lost in the
struggle, still, with the awfal res possibility
resting upon US, dare we refuse Never J.
Appealing to the Searcber Of hearts for the
justice of our cause, impellsd by sense of
our obligations to posterity, We must accept
the challenge. We have done so. The nas
ton has risen up as one man from Maine to
our Western border and said, Ready! The
bridegroom has deserted bis bride weeping
blessings on his bosom; the son has torn
himself from the arms of bis mother pro-
nouncing bensdictions on his head, and in
brave thousands men have rushed around
the standard and capital ef the land. May
God be with them, and give us soor en hon
orable peace.
Year: 1861

10 take advantage of that boldness on the
part Of liquor sellers, which the apathy OF
temperance men had, 10 some extent, oc-
casioned, prosecutors thought best to pro-
ceed without reference TO former offenses.
In this spirit several persons were prose-
cuted to conviction aud fined according to
law, previously to the lst of January
AT this time the Prosecuting Attorney
elect, Charles May, Esq, came into office.
In this gentleman the community has
already como to recognize some elements
of character which are not found in every
public functionary of our times. Prom
inent among these traits is resolution to
perform with energy any duty which the
welfare of the public or his official posi-
ton may require at his hands.


With such man for Prosecuting At
torney, and Court where high regard
for the majesty Of law and The purity of
public morals arc found in combination
with integrity and ability, it is not strange
that something has been accomplished
1t is mo longer question whether the
Prohibitory Law can be enforced in Kali
amazoo. 1t is enforced, and il is the set
tied purpose of our public officers, and il
is believed, also of a majority of the com
munity, that il shall continue 10 be en-
forced with the same certainty and ener-
py as any other law. In fact, led by the
Burdick House, nearly all the proprietors
of liquor saloons in town have expressed
their determination to respect the law
Indeed, il is scarcely conceivable that men
could do otherwise, when an overwhclm-
ing public sentiment demands it, and their
own consciences approve il.


But let no one think that such q tri-
umph has been achieved for virtue without
an effort. An atmosphere so thoroughly
saturated with vapors of death is not 10 be
purified by slight agitation. Nor is it
contrary to experience that scme should
be found who would bend before the fury
of the blast; yet it is grateful to know
that while none have been uprooted, many
have stood like the sturdy oak while the
elements have been in wild commotion
around them. All honor to such hearts; /;
the assassin's weapon cannot reach them,
nor the voices of calumny affect them.-
They are the keepsakes Of a grateful peo-
pie. What though the threats which have
been SO abundant against life and proper
ty were executed, do you think such spir.
its can dieG Itell you, nay. Such ashes
are prolific seed. A legion would
spring up where one man fell.


Kalamazoo Gazette.
Year: 1861

The following extract from the letter of
our charming friend shows that there are
wheels within wheels" even in the minis
try OF beauty. Let US hope to hear from
those who have any notifications of their
angelic duties to recommend Home Jour


Handsome women are in dis
may. The Ladies Relief Association"
refuse allvolunteer nurses except plain ones!
Nobody is to be sent to Washington who
has any pretension to good looks. Beauty is
to stay at home and scrape lint This seems
to us all exceedingly tyrannical, though some
Of us are trying to disembellish to the eligi-
bic degree-leaving off our various little be-
comingnesses, ETC., etc. But it does not
seem to us very polite; for who wishes to
be handed over to history as a woman certi-
fed to be ''plain" by committee?


Then they accept ''none who are under
thirty y Dear me Is nobody to be de-
voted to dying young hero except an old
fossil like that? And how many are going
to confess to thirty? The army should be
consulted, | think, too, as to whether they
reaty prefer those nurses that are old and
ugly All doses are not agreeable, and it
may need handsome nurse, sometimes, to
persuade the wounded Adolphus to take his
medicine. Should there not be at least a
Reserve Guard (of us pretty girls for
this branch of the service?


OF course there is an elderly Army Sur
geon at West Point Could you not ask
him the professional question, as to whether
good looks are not naturally more soothing
and healing? And ask him whether plain,
gloomy-loOking nurse, like that hideous old
Aunt Hepzibah, who has been accepted and
gone to Washington is not discouragine
and irritating to the handsome young suf
ferer2
Year: 1861

families, to denude any County Of all its defenders
We say, no! mol 1- e


Common sense-ordinary prudence it strikes US.
ought to dictate to our authorities the great danger
and hazard of such policy Let the militia be or.
ganlzed and drilled weekly, as we have advised and
when occasions require it. let select portions of the
militia of fifty Counties if need be most contiguous
be drawn to the of action, but in the Of
humanity and our common safety, let not the entire
militia Of any County be drawn away at once
These are our views honestly spoken-not that we
would be considered opposing the measures of the
powers that be cautiously far from it-but because
we feel called upon at this juncture to present our
objections to policy which may prove exceedingly
injurious, and which, to say the least is hazardous.
Year: 1861

RUMoRs ABOUT HATrERAs.-We have carefully
suppressed the information we have had for some
days in regard to Fort Hatteras. The rumor that
Fort Hatteras had been taken, as published by at
least one paper, was at the time without shadow
of foundation. No sufficient time had elapsed since
the advance ofany expedition supposed to have that
purpose in view, to have had any information about
it. Indeed, it is doubtful whether any thing of the
kind has been attempted.


The facts are, as far as we disposed to state
them that an impression prevailed at certain points,
that the late storm had submerged the fort, cut it
off from the main land of the banks, and possibly
had forced out its occupants The Federal troops
there It supposed had escaped to the high land
of the banks, and were not very we'll able to resist
an attack Under this impression, if not the result
of positive information, yet eonjectured, recon-
nolsance has by this time been made, and if the
chances we're favorable, the forces have been at
tackled. The results Of the expedition will be made
public when known but we think it was a taash in
the pan.


P. s. Since the above was written, we learn that
Col Singletary who undertook the expedition, got
aground near Beacon Island and that his command
had returned to Newbern. He remained to get of
his vessel It ru,nored that he undertook the
petition of his own accord, without orders. We
give it reported, without yohching for its truth
Year: 1861

GENERAL BEAUREGARD.-The runors which have
been afoat for some days touching the resignation
Of Gen. Beanregard We are glad to say, have been
in advance of the truth. We doubt not but differ.
ences Of opinion may exist between himself and the
President, which may have led him to contemplate
such step probable, but we are assured that he
enjoys the highest confidence and attachment of
President DAVIS and there is no doubt but the con-
6dence is mutual. There is too much at stake for
him to take such step hastily. The confidence
which our whole people repose in him, would be
shocked beyond a cure, were he to resign. The
moral effect Of his resignation would be hazardous
to Southern interests both at the North and in Eu
rope. The Richmond papers appear to be confident
that he will not resign.
Year: 1861

having filled up his cup iniquity and shame, has re
signed, and been placed by Lincoln upon the retired
list and retains his pay of $4,000 per year. Crime
and disease have made wreck of him, and when
all his powers of resentment and cruelty to the
South are exhausted, he retires on full pay. The
interview between him and Lincoln at the time of
his resignation, was scene SO marked with hypoc-
risy as to make Satan blush. Scott licked over Lin
coin and his Cabinet and Lincoln licked Scott back
again. The old sinner, it is said going TO Europe
Well may be wish to escape.
Year: 1861

Board OF CLAIMs.-Our readers must bear in
mind that the labors of the Board of Claims will
terminate on the 18th of December next. 1t is
highly important that all persons who hold war
claims against the State contracted before the Goth
of May last whether individual Or county claims,
should lay them before the Board Immediately. If
they are delayed until few days before the expira
ton of the term of the Board they cannot be exam
iped and allowed A word to the wise is sufficient


Our exchanges will do the public q service by no.
ticipy the above.
Year: 1861

1t is becoming question Of great financial 'm'
portance, what are we to do with the large number
Of Yankee prisoners in the South. They are becom-
ing nuisance and a burden. The people Of Rich
mond have had their fill Of them. 1t has required
900 worth of beef alone to feed the Yankee pri-
soners in Richmond sixteen days.


We see it rumored that the Confederate govern
ment has purchased parcel of land in this State for
the purpose of erecting prisons and accommodations
for all the Yankee prisoners taken. We do not be-
leve it but if it is So protest in the name of the
people of North h-Carolina against it. We have
enough people of our own to consume what will be
made in the State and to supply our own armies.


We like Gen. McCullochs and Gen. Prices plan
better. McCulloch says he had rather whip them
than feed then We suggest therefore, that it is far
better to require all prvatcs captured in the war to
take the oath not to take up again against us,
to have their names and description of their per-
sons registered, and send them home. Let the Off
GERS be kept as prisoners and hostages and treated
well until they are exchanged. The moral effect OF
such course would force Lincoln to release our
own privates on the same terms, and would exert
wholesome influence upon the Northern people.
Year: 1861

Senator Mack's bill suspending the col
lection Of the two mill tax and reducing
all State taxes with the exception of the
school tax) to one-ha1f Of one mill on the
dollar, for 1861 and 1862. was yesterday
signed by the Governor, and has become a
Law. The people: are thus restricted" from
taking $2,500,0o0 in gold out Of their
pockets and putting it into the Treasury,
for no other purpose than to curtail the
Circulating medium and aid in bringing on
another financial panic Some Of the
Democratic organs and politicians are de-
c aiming against this measure, while, at the
same time, throwing out hints about the
corruption Of Republican State oh1cers-as
thoughthose officers could steal speculate
in the peoples taxes zohen the ta1es arc 10:
lerted or ooNectedi Now if the Democracy
are not satisfied with the Law, or if they do
not believe it is constitutional, they can
make up case and take it to the Supreme
Court
Year: 1861

AT the principal telegraph stations in England the
direction of the wind throughout the kingdom at 10 a.
IN. Is shown daily. On large map hung in the obbes
of the stations circle about half an inch In diameter
surrounds each seaport and principal city, on the sur
face of which circle expressive of the different
kinds of weather. end also the initials Of the different
points of the compass, printed Two small watch
hands one red and the other white inserted in each
circle BY means of the hands the state Of the wealth
er and the direction of the wind the country
are indicated and the progress Of ships known to be on
the coast eau be pretty accurately guessed at from day
to day. 1t is expected that these maps will come into
general use among persons interested in shipping who
can have the hands in the circles regulated by the tse
graph company every day.


--India-rubber has been put 10 new use in making
cards hch cannot be defaoed sssly and are almost
indestructible.
Year: 1861

A few days ago, y child Of one of our most
esteemed citizens of the first ward jumped
into an ambulance going along the street, and
in few days thereafter 1t was discovered to
have the small pOx. We understood yesterday
shat the child was somewhat better.
Year: 1861

e9~ The OregOnian says we used its
work without giving proper credit. We
did not at the time give the source of the
syllabus of Gen. Harney's letter, through
inadvertence We have no desire to ap-
propriate any exclusive news without prop
er credit. We are generally indebted to
the Portland papers for our news.
Year: 1861

R%We have received a political com
munication, which we must decline publish
ing, il for no other reason than because it
is accompanied by no name. The matter
and style We could not indorse as entirely
proper at this time. Its Insertion would do
more harm than good.
Year: 1861




Among the many instances where the bra
very of our officers and men have shown
conspicuous, the one we are about to relate
is almost unequaled:


Capt. Spencer, aid to Gen. Wool, receiv-
ed information from two ladies who went
from Norfolk to Fortress Monroe with flag
Of truce, that near midnight 6-oared boat
was to leave Norfolk for Richmond with
money for the payment Of the rebel soldiers.
He requested permission of Major General
Wool to attempt their capture, and was told
not to place too much confidence in the in
formation received. Nevertheless permiss-
ion was given, and selecting two good oars
men on whom he could rely, with their oars
mufied, he started at dark, and awaited the
coming of the enemy's boat. He had pre-.
viously given direction to his men to pull
directly for the boat, and on the moment Of
striking to "back water" instantly. About
midnight the boat was heard approaching
and taking his station in the bow, with a
nine inch shell in his hands, he gave the
order to 'give way" The moment his bow
struck the rebel boat he throw the shell in.
TO the middle of it, and was himself drawn
back, luckily receiving no injury from the
explosion. Not so the boat and occupants
however; the former of which was broker
IN two, and the latter were scattered in al
directions in the water, not, however, befor,
discharging their pistols at him, two ball
going through his cap and three perforatiDG
his coat. The men were then told that !
they submitted quietly they would besaved
otherwise he would leave them to their fate
They preferred the former, and arming him
self with his pistol in one hand and dirl
(taken by him at the battle of Bull Rur
from ''secesh") in the other had them tax
en- into his boat one, by one, handwriting
them as they were pulled in. In addition 4
which, from the stern Of the enemV's boat
which aosted, he took Sl1O0 in gold, anc
$4,000 in their worthless paper money.
was with some difficulty that he reached th'
Fort, the gunwale of the boat being almos
level with the water by its increased freight
Year: 1861

A little while ago, 10 speaking of the ap-
parent tardiness of our war preparations, VIC
took occasion to tell the story Of Daniel
Boone and the Indian, as illustrative of the
condition of the country.


The Indian surprised the old hunter
asleep in the forest, and Boone awoke in
time to save his life by dodging behind a
tree. His gun was unloaded. Il lodged
and ran as we'll as I could" Boone used to
relate, ''the Indian so close on my heels
that could not get time to load my gun.
My knife had fallen to the ground. The
Indian was fully armed and knew / had
nothing. He kept me moving; and as 1
ran l had to load my gun. That was the
longest loading ever did 1t took me
half an hour at least. AT last l got the
bullet down, and then / changed my tactics
and made short work Of the cussed var
mint"


Boone's case, we said, was the nations case
as against the insurgents. They caught US
asleep and disarmed us. Fully armed
themselves, and ready in al things, they
have kept us on the defensive, warding off
blows with one hand while we loaded with
the other: but at last our gun is loaded.
The first reports of its discharge come to us
from Piketon and Port Royal: next week
we shall hear from East Tennessee, and the
firing will not cease until the white Indians
are made to bite the dust-TN. Y. Post.
Year: 1861

But very few of oursaiors had ever been
in action before, owing to the peaceful con-
dition of our National affairs Of late years,
which have entailed no wars on US; but 1
cannot learn that a single man flnched OF
faltered. Several of the captains have told
me that they now look upon their men as
already veterans in point of bravery, cool
ness, and utter indifference to danger.
Year: 1861

TnE INAUGURAL.-We give on our first
page an extract from Lincoln's Inaugural,
which includes that portion relating to the
enforcement of the laws and the protection
Of the government property. The docu-
ment certainly is not very warlike; on the
contrary, it's tone is much more pacific than
we bad reason to expect from a perusal of
the synopsis. 1t is true, he announces his
purpose to enforce the laws, unless the
American people withhold the means, 'and
we do not see how q man conscientiously
can say less, who has taken an oath to sup
port the Constitution. He says the power
con6ded to him will be used to "hold, occu
py and possess the property and places be-
longing to the government, and collect du-
ties on imports" but no force will be used
further than is necessary for these objects.


We infer from the language used, that he
does not intend to employ force to recap
ture The forts and other property stolen by
the Secessionists but that all the means at
his disposal will be used to retain such as
are still in the possession of the government.
If this policy is adhered to, there can be no
serious collision unless the seceders are the
aggressors.