smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1866

The following is o correct copy of a
whilom rebel seeking information of the
Attorney General, the name of the
writer only being suppressed:


PoCAuoNTAs, ARKs October II 1866
To the .ittoray Genl of the United States


DEAR FRIEND-I am ''in the pursuit
of knowledge Under difficulties l want
Il legal Opinion, But you are not in duty.
bound to notice me, because / am not
otlicial-in fact | aint nothing, nor no.
body-no, even reconstructed rebel
reason, Thad Stevens Wont let me
However in the Language of Shakes
spear will cSclaim


Gracious God


Have mercy on poor Kunkypod


"As he would on you if he was God


And YOU was Johnny Kunkypod
But here. the pint As Dan Monday would
say was a rebel and Couldn't help it
was born with in me. Well Lee Sur
rendered to Grant "on terms Then
Comes our time in the Trans Mississippi
And Kirby Smith, McGruder, Il Price
Showed out to Mexico, and left Buckner
and Pagan to face the music.
And they surrendered on terms
of Lee 4 Grant Then l came
home and lookd round for a short time
About nine months; to see what Could
he done with the Confederate money
it playd clean out About that time l
came across President Johnsons Amnes-
ty Proclamatin; | took the Oath like a
man, and Walkd out into the atmos'
phere and tried to Whistle Yankee doc
dle-I Never Could whistle.


Iswore to


Support the Constitution of the
United States


Support the Union of the States there
under


Support All laws and proclamations
in regard to Addiction of Slavery.
| ISuppose the intent and meaneng OF
the Support the Constitution" is your
taxes | have supported 1t a Dollars
Worth guess l have Dead thing on
the Negro part of the Swear; to make
Certain was on the three nOtched road
of Loyalty; And Yankeized religion
picked ont Six of the Smellinest; LATEST;
BLACKLIST, Negroes in this province and
Fed them free gratis All this Year OF
iUnion-Glory-Stars and Stripes on a
bender Cheap Whisky low taxes and
Specie bottomed Currency A D 1866.


To support the Union of the States,
voted for Judge Bysrs for Congress, he
can take your "1ron Clad" oath, and
could take it just as easy if it had been
Copper bottomd also l was Sendeng
Byers to Congress to support 1.-The
Union of the States" for me Did you
let him am indeed restless on the
Union part of the Swear, and if you
will tell me how we rebs $50 called
can Support the "Union of the States
without representation. You will
greatly relieve the mind of your en-
Guereing friend am as poor and lear
as bobtail bull in fly time caused by
intense mental agony One more thing
And will close this interesting letter


If Thad Stevens is the Constitution
| will have to be sworn over


Respectfully Your
Obedient Servant
Year: 1866

Chief Justice BigeloW of Massachu-
setts, made short work with divorce
case which came before him at Spring
field a day or two ago. 1t was an appli-
cation of a wife for divorce from her
husband, on the ground Of extreme cru
city. 1t coming up in testimony that the
woman had been beaten and otherwise
i'll used by her husband, the Judge at
once decided the case in her favor, ia
king occasion to remark that in case of
any violence By a husband to the wife,
ne should not hear all she points before
deciding in favor Of the latter. The Wo-
man might forgive cruelty toward her
self, but the Court would not.
Year: 1866

To be Furnished By Applicants for Crops
The land shall be measured by competent person.
quantity of the ground.
The applicant shall make affidavit
the ground
premium together the samples of the grain.



by
expenditures;
be be
ularIy stated given.
4. condition quantity and kind
the putting
be
grain either weighed legal







of
nshed to the Secretary before the of December
Year: 1866

It should be remembered by tax payers
that the first day Of May is the time fixed
by the Internal ReYeue law for the re-
t1rn Of schedules of incomes to the As
sistant A assessors. The amended law Of
March 8, 1865, is still In force, and it Is
officially announced that the assessment
Of this year will be made in accordance
with its provisions, regardless Of any ac-
ton of Congress on the new tax bill just
reported to the House. The Senate re-
fused to concur in the House resolution
providing for an extension of time for two
months, in order to permit the new law to
20 into operation.


The Assessor is under no legal obHga-
ton to send blank forms he may do so
as an act Of courtesy but it is the busi-
ness of taxpayers to find his Office obtain
the blanks, fill them up and return them.
In case Of neglect or refusal, the Asses
sors are empowered to make the return
and to add a penalty of twenty-five per
cent, or, in case of fraud, to add one hun
dred per cent. to the amount ascertained
to be due.


The duties on incomes are payable
within sixty days after the return of the
schedule to the assessOr-that is, on or
before the Both day of June. The in
come must be reckOned for the year end
ing December 81, 1865, and the tax is 5
per cent. on all sums between $500 and
S. 600, and 10 per cent, on the excess
over $1,000 The deductions permitted
are


comes.


Second. All National, State, county
and municipal taxes paid within the year
(including the income tax paid last sum
mer.)


Third. The amount paid for rent, or the
rental value Of any homestead occupied
by the taxpayers or his family, In his
own right or in the right of his wife.


Fourth. The amount paid for usual or
ordinary repairs, taking the average of
the preceding five years


These are all deductions that can be
made.


The income tax is lien upon property
if not paid within the time fixed by law,
and the collectors are invested with full
powers to take legal proceedings for dis
traint and collection. The proper OBJ
servance Of the time and manner Of pay
ment will therefore save the taxpayer much
trouble.
Year: 1866

tackle him and bully-rag him, aud bite him,
and throw him overhis shoulder two or three
times, and Andrew Jacksoil--which was the
name of the pup-Andrew jackson would
never let on but that he was satisfied, and
hadn't expected nothing clsc-and the bets
being doubled and doubled on the other
side all the time till themoney was all up
and then all of sudden he would grab the
other dog just by the joint Of his hind leg
and freeze to it--not chaw. you under
stand but only just grip and hang on till
they thrOwed up the sponge, If it was q
year. Smiley always came out winner on
that pup till he harnesscd dog once that
didn't have any hind legs, because they'd
been sawed off in circular saw, and when
the thing had gone along far enough, and
the money was all up and he came TO make
snatch fOrhis pet holt, he sawin minute how
held been IMPOSED on and how the other
dog had him in the door so to speak, aud he
'peared surprised, and then he looked sorter-
discouraged like and didn't try no more to
win the fight, and so he got shucked out.
bad. He gave Smiley look, rs much as to
say his heart was broke, and it was his
fault, for putting upa dog that had no hind
legs for him to take holt of, which was his
main dependence in a fight, and then he
limped off a piece, and laid down and died.
IL was n good pup, was that Andrew Jack
son, and would have made name for his
self If he'd lived, for the stuff was ia him,
and he had genius; | know it, because he
hadn't no opportunities to speak Of and il
dOIi't stand to reason thata dog could make
such fight as he could under them cir
emnstances if he hadn't no talent. IL al
ways makes me feel sorry when | think of
that last fight of his'n, and the way il
turned ont. "i
Year: 1866

Salt Lake must be remarkable
place, according to the correspondent
of a Texas paper. The waters not only
cure all manner of diseases, bat emit a
gas with which it is contemplated to
light the neighborhood. A stove fun
mel, into the end of which tube had
ben inserted, having been placed over
the water where the gas escaped, and a
lighted match applied. a jet flame was
emitted which burned as 4 kerosene
lamp.
Year: 1866

impose the least obligation upon the sew
eral States Of this Union to submit 70
such an unwarrantable act, or to receive
into their family and fraternity such mis-
begotten and iliegitimate progeny.


We hesitate not 10 say that annexa-
ton, effected by any act or proceeding OF
the Federal Government or any of its
departments, would be Identical with
dissolution. IL would be violation OF
our national compact, its objects, de-
signs and the great elementary princi-
pies which entered into its formation of
2 character so deep and fundamental,
and would be an attempt to eternize
an institution and a power of a
nature so unjust in themselves and so
Injurious to the interests and abhorrent
to the feelings Of the people OF the free
States, as, in our opinion, not only ine-
vitably TO result in a dissiution Of the
Union, but fully to justify it; and we
not only assert that the people of the
free States ought not TO submit to- but
We say with confidence they would not
submit to itu
Year: 1866

No man in West Virginia has any
guarantee for the continued enjoyment
of his rights as citizen other than the
very slight reliance that is to be placed
in the integrity of the ignorant and
narrow minded partisans who may be
elected by the radicals to make our
laws. The constitution of the State
was framed by men who generally had
some regard for the rights of the people
and for popular liberty. 1t was ordain-
ed TO protect the people from legislative
tyranny. But the class of men that
has made our laws during the past two
wears cared nothing for the constitu-
ton. They were never restrained by
it: il never was permitted to stand in
the way of the accomplishment OF their
desires. They did what they pleased,
without consulting the constitution,
and they have always found officers ser
vile enough to obey their behests, no
matter how plainly unconstitutional
they might be.


The continuance of this system, which
seems to be inseparable from radical
rule, is full of danger TO the dearest
rights which the people possess. The
legislature can disfranchise half of those
now permitted to vote, Just as easily as
il has disfranchised twenty thousand
already. An amendment to the test
oath is all that is necessary to take from
the people any right they may possess
1t is of the utmost importance that men
be elected to both branches of the State
legislature who will obey the constitu-
I ion and their official oaths, and under
whose control the people may feel some
degree of security for the enjoyment Of
their rights.i
Year: 1866

The preparations for the torch-hght
procession are progressing on q large
scale. Every arrangement necessary to
entire success has been made, and there
is no reason why the affair should not
excel anything of the kind which has
ever occurred here. We are glad to find
that our suggestions with regard to a
general illumination have met with
such universal favor. The response on
the part of our citizens will be unusually
generous. We sincerely hope that all
NAV Join in the display who can. IMAM
imous cooperation will contribute great
" to the splendor of the display and
evince that spirit of earnestncss and de-
termination which is generally felt by
our Democratic and Conservative cit
liens. We can make this occasion o
grand one if We try, and there is little
doubt that our people are willing to do
their utmost to further the cause. We
hope that none of our friends will allow
the procession to pass their houses with
out sight of their flags and glance
al many brilliant lights.
Year: 1866

ulated that none but those who could
take the test oath should be admitted


to seats. 1t did not propose in any
event to admit those whom the radicals
term "red handed traitors" but even
this was thrown aside. The radicals
majority in Congress would not consent
to the restoration of the Union upon
any terms whatever, or admit any dele
gates from the South, no matter what
their personal qualifications and record
might be. They are resolved upon dis
union in its simplest terms, and if a
patriot as pure as GEORGE WASHINGTON


were to present himself for admission
as representative from Virginia or
any other Southern State, they would
reject him. 1t is against this determin-
alton of the radical politicians that the
conservative masses of the people are
arrayed. They are not contending for
the admission to Congress of any par
ticular class of individuals, but they
contend that the constitution and the
laws shall be obeyed, that the Union
shall be restored and that some persons
shall represent the Southern States.
Year: 1866

The radicals are in the habit of speak
ing of 1.-The Congressional plan of recon-
struction," and holding out the idea


that the ratification of the proposed


constitutional amendment is the sole


condition precedent to the admission to


Congress of the delegates from the
Southern States. The truth is Congress


has no plan Of restoration. 1t has never
promised to permit the restoration of
the Union, even if the proposed cOnstl-
tutional amendment be ratified by ey-
cry one of the thirty-six States. 1t has
made no offer for reunion whatever; 1T
has proposed no possible condition by
compliance with which the Union is to
be restored. They have seemed to re-
gard the Union as out of the question
altogether and its restoration far from
their thoughts or intentions. When
proposition looking to the reunion OF
the States upon condition that they
ratify the proposed constitutional
amendment was made in the House OF
Representatives last July, it was con-
cast aside, Mr.. HUBBARD,
from this District, voting with his fel-
low radicals to lay it upon the table
They would not entertain proposition
that professed to desire the restoration
of the Southern States and the admis-
sion of Southern Representatives, but
now they have the effrontery to go be-
fore the people and pretend that they
are in favor of the Union, and call them
selves "Unionists" and "Union men,"
Never was a name so utterly misappro-
priated and so grossly belied by those
who arrogate it to themselves. They
will not consent to the restoration of
the Union upon any possible conditions
that can be named.
Year: 1866

Some sensitive Ohio gentleman has
deemed it his duty to deny over his own
signature, the assertion which has been
going the rounds of the newspapers, to
the effect that Doctor BUTLER received
$3.50 per day for his services as stump
er. We confess that we thought some
what strange of the Radicals for making
any provision to recOmpense the Doctor
for his labOrs in their behalf. Aside
from the proftless return of his labors'
the Doctor is marked by certain traits OF
character. and addicted to certain prac-
tees which abundantly fit him to take
care of himself, and render any special
provision in his behalf utterly useless.


If ben. BUTLER can't pay his way ont
of the table furniture, and other little
articles to which he has access in his
pilgrimage, it will simply be because
I" his right hand has forgot its cunning,
an occurrence not yet officially reported
Like FERGUSON, he only asks his friends
to furnish the pardons for his 'pickGdil-
loes," and he will not only line his own
pockets but be able to aid his pals in
need. either pecuniarily OF in any other
way that they may lack assistance
Such persons are the general utility
men " of the party, and can adapt them
selves TO any emergencies, from picking
pockets to nominating candidates fol-
judicial position.
Year: 1866

Addison. in one of his admirable es-
saws. compares the human mind to the
unhewn block of marble which, chipp-
ed and dressed by the statuary's chisel,
finally emerges an almost breathing I'M
age of life and beauty, of symmetry
and grace. 1t were well to consider,
however that the process of developing
the human mind is conducted by multi
form. miscellaneous, and often conflict
ing agencies. From the rude, elemental
mass, every passer-by snatches chip, or
impresses upon it lineament. Parents
NAV work upon it-teachers may work
upon it. But they work not alone.
Friends touch the emerging form-toes
touch 1.-THE novelist imparts feature
the servant in the kitchen shapes
part-feeciest clouds of heaven gives
il a shade or a line-all things work
upon it. and trifes light as air contri-
butte to its form and complexion.


1t is painfully interesting to observe
how the whole tenor and temper of an
individuals history is modified byslight
events, as the whole expression of a
beautiful portrait may be changed by
one false touch of the pencil. An un-
kind word may turn away for life the
sensibilities of some quick, generous
nature. An impure tale or novel may
be read, flung aside, and its very name
forgotten: yet as the small flower alb
serbs something of nutriment from the
casual dewdrop and the shortest breeze,
so NAV the soul unconsciously drink IN
| from its most trivial and accidental as
sociations with books and men that
which shall make or mar its happiness
through the longest life, A single seed
lodged in favorable soil produces the
oak that may battle with the blasts OF
century, and single thought or feeling
once generated in the human bosom
NAV cope with all the influence which
time shall bring to bear against 1t.


What solemn trust is influence, even
the smallest degree of it, when its vast
possible results are contemplated; and
oh, how unutterably fearful the abuse
of such measure of it. as is commonly
welded by the parents of our land!
Year: 1866

jingling proclaimed the imbecility and
infrmity of the wearers. Can it be pos
sible that any portion of our people are
not only so degraded, but so insanely
proud of their degradation as to initiate
the old time court fools, and publicly
display the evidences Of their weakness
and their shame. The applause of the
people bestowed upon declarations of
their enslavement, like the bells upon
the fools cap, only serves to suggest to
the beholder the idea of personal degra-
dation displayed with idiotic pride.
Year: 1866

GENERAL SHERMAN hits off the
"braver men who now wish to e1termi.
nate the South, in the following home
thrust, contained in recent letter:


"It is amusing to observe how brave
and firm men become when all danger
is past. have noticed on the field OF
battle brave men never insult the cap
tured, or mutilate the dead but the
towards and braggarts always do. Now,
when the rebellion in our land is dead,
many Falstaffs appear, to brandish the
evidence of their valor; and seek 10
win applause and to appropriate honor
for deeds that never were done"
Year: 1866

"GoD bless the old Democratic party |!
With all the contumely and abuse
which has been showered upon it, it
comes ont of the contest, worsted for
the time, but with its colors flying, its
honor untarnished, its numbers incress-
ed, and its courage higher than ever. A
party that can stand where it has stood
for six years past, is indestructible. II
Ia written in the book Of destiny that
its future will be as glorious as its past
I To it will vet be committed the task o.
restoring the Union,
Year: 1866

a CoRREsPoNDENT Of the 4rmy and
Nary Journal says the experiments at the
Fortress prove incOntestibly what was
well known 10 practical naval ofncers
before, viz: that no monitor in the navy
would stand for any length of time the
hammering from a solid l5-inch shot
and it is doubtful whether it would
stand more than three or four blows.
Year: 1866

Youngest daughter, Fannie, who don't
appear to go cent on polygamy. Upon
being strongly pressed to give herself
to a wealthy friend and sOn-in-law of
Brigham's both by him and her father,
and on various grounds, she said that if
it was positively necessary, she would
consent on the condition that she should
have as many husbands as her liege lord
had wives. We guess they didn't push
that suit any farther.
Year: 1866

THE sexton of the Louisville, Ken
lucky, Cemetery on Monday night de-
tected two men in the act of robbing a
grave and fired upon them with a
double-barreled gun loaded with buck
shot. One of the body snatchers was
killed and the other so seriously
wounded that he was captured by the
sexton.
Year: 1866

The WestminiSter ReUiel1 pronounces


Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg speech the
finest that ever fell from human lips
In view of this fact, and that it is even
more pertinent than it ever was, we need
make no apology for re-publishing it, es-
pecially as it takes little space. We give
it below:


"Four score and seven years ago our
fathers brought forth upon this continent
a new nation, conceived in liberty and
dedicated to the proposition that all men
are created equal. Now we are engaged
in great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived or ded-
ieated. can long endure, We are met on
a great battle field of that war. We are
met to dedicate a portion of it as the f.
nal resting place Of those who here gave
their lives that that nation might live
1t is altogether fitting and proper that
we should do this. a -.......


but in a large sense we cannot conse-
crate, we cannot hallow this ground. The
brave men, living and dead, who strug-
gled here, have consecrated it far above
our power to add or detract. The world
will little note or long remember what we
say here, but it can never forget what
they did here 1t is for US, the living,
rather to be dedicated to the unfinished
work that they have thus far so nobly
carried on. 1t is rather for US 10 be ded-
icated to the great task remaining before
us-that from these honored dead we
take increased devotion to the cause for
which they here gave the last full meas
ure of devoton-that we here highly re-
solve that the dead shall not have died in
Vain-that the nation shall, under God,
have new birth of freedom, and that
the Government of the people by the peo-
pie, shall not have perished from the
earth %
Year: 1866

not their rights, but what the clemeucv


and magnanimity of the North shall give


them-unt1 they receive Northern men.


Northern soldiers, into their communi-


ties with equal rights and equal privi-


leges-nay, more, until every man black
or white, who has ever worn the blue, Is
as good as anybody else in the South
until that time comes, l say, 1 donot de-
sire them back. Great cheering How
is the question to be settled have
some knowledge of the South and south
ern men-I have already said to you that
had the President and congress agreed
on what was to be done, and what terms
they would offer, at the moment after
the surrender of Johnston's army, those
terms would have been acceded to. But
by the encouragement of the President,
by his most singular and not to be ex-
planned course, and by the acts of those
at the North who have encouraged them,
the South have come into q very differ
ent frame of mind. But, fellow soldiers,
let them see that the President does not
rule this country without the aid of Con-
gress.- Applause, "That's it, Let
them understand that you take no step
backward, and that as shure as light fol
lows the darkness of night, SO shure we
propose to maintain the government of
this country, for which we have fought;
and they will except any terms we will
offer, and we will offer none but what are
Just and magnanimous. Cheers loud
and long continued