May 22, 1863
Editor’s Note: Due to lack of material, there will be no column from the Eagle posted tomorrow.
Macomb Journal
May 22, 1863
The Latest News.
The latest reports from the Southwest say that the rebels have evacuated Vicksburg, and are concentrating all their forces to crush Grant’s army. – This report needs confirmation, but is credited at Washington.
Gen. Hurlbut telegraphs that Gen. Grant has taken Jackson, Mississippi. Altogether, the news from Grant’s Department is very encouraging. Not many days can elapse before a decisive battle will be fought.
The indications are that the army of the Potomac will not move for some time to come.
Latest reports reduce our loss in the late campaign across the Rappahannock to 11,000 killed, wounded and missing. The rebel loss is about 16,000.
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Those Resolutions.
The Eagle of last week publishes the Resolutions of the Co. H, 119th Reg. Ill. Vol., and then proceeds to comment upon them to show that the copperheads of to-day, were, at the commencement of the war, in favor of putting down the rebellion and maintaining the unity of the country. It says, “We were willing to lay aside party distinctions and principles, and did so at the commencement of the war.” Now, to show how willing the Eagle was to lay aside party principles, and how much in favor of the war it was, we quote from its issue of January 19th, 1861:
“If war does come, it will not be the fault of the Democrat. Let those who shall cause it fight it out. Let Democrats cultivate their fields, work at their benches, and pursue their usual business.
Let them raise the corn and hogs and make up the goods to clothe the abolition fanatics who want to carry out Lincoln’s doctrine of making the States all free. Again we say, let the abolitionists do the volunteering and be the subjects of drafting. Democrats and Union loving Republicans can be engaged in better business than shooting their neighbors.”
But this is not all. On the 12th of April, 1861, the very day that the rebels commenced the bombardment of Fort Sumter, the Eagle contained the following:
“We repeat that the Administration has no practical use for Sumter and Pickens, except as a standing menace and defiance to ANOTHER POWER; and the attempted reinforcement of those fortresses, after the repeated declarations of the Confederate States that such reinforcement would be resisted to the last extremity, can be regarded in no other light than as a wilful and deliberate intention on the part of Lincoln and his abolition advisers to wage a war of aggression, of conquest, of subjugation, against those States. If he does not wish to do this, there can be no dishonor in recognizing the Independence of the Confederate States.
Last week the same paper, in commenting upon the resolutions of the 119th, says, “Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, is precisely the watchword of the Democracy. They will part with neither the one nor the other.” We ask in all candor if the man who can see “no dishonor in recognizing the independence of the Confederate States” can claim to be a true Union man.
But again, the Eagle says “We care nothing for rebels as such, but we do feel a pity for the great mass of suffering and defenseless humanity in the South, who are innocent of any crime and guiltless of any blood.” If the above is true, why is it, Mr. Abbott, that from the very commencement of this war down to the present hour, you have persisted in finding fault with every measure adopted by the Administration for the purpose of crippling the rebels? Why is it that you have heaped every epithet of opprobrium upon the President and those Generals that have shown a determination to prosecute the war with energy? and why is it that you have just as persistently praised and lauded those Generals that have failed to accomplish anything? Why is it that your columns have week after week been filled with abuse of the Administration, while at the same time you have no words of condemnation for the rebels in arms? It is possible that you and your copperhead brethren are loyal, but if so you have a very singular way of showing it. Many a man in other countries has lost his head for just as such loyalty as yours.
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Vallandigham Sentenced.
The announcement in our last paper that the traitor Vallandigham had been sentenced to the Tortugas, was premature. His sentence was not made public until a day or two ago. His sentence is that he be kept in close confinement in Fort Warren, until the close of the war. Of course this sentence will be made the occasion of a new tirade against the “despotism of Lincoln and his abolition advisers,” by the copperheads, but every loyal man in the nation will breathe freer, now that it is known that the vile traitor will be kept where he can do no further harm to the Union cause. The Chicago Journal, in speaking of this sentence, very truthfully says, “The country is to be congratulated upon the fact that Vallandigham is no longer stumping the country against the cause of the Union and the Government; and we would remind those politicians who are disposed to make capital out of the conviction and sentence of this traitor, that Vallandigham has been convicted by a legal tribunal, and sentenced in accordance with the recommendation of those who tried him.
It is not an “arbitrary arrest and imprisonmemt” case, but a case of regular trial, conviction and sentence. They might, with as much propriety, attempt to make a martyr of the worst rascal that was ever convicted of crime and sentenced to the State’s prison at Joliet, as of Vallandigham, a tried and convicted traitor.
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Another Copperhead Arrested.
Henry Clay Dean, a renegade Methodist preacher, of Keokuk, Iowa, who has been perambulating the country preaching King Jeff and him persecuted, came to grief on the 15th inst. – He had just returned to Keokuk from a trip among the Copperheads of Illinois, when about one hundred soldiers formed and marched to the house at which he was stopping, and secured his worthless carcass. They then held a consultation as to the propriety of disgracing a rope by hanging him, but finally concluded to turn him over to the tender mercies of the Provost Marshal, who, at the last accounts, had him in his possession. The reverend scamp got frightened, and loudly denied that he belonged to the K. G. C.’s. One thing is certain, however, that he is a traitor of the deepest dye. Let him be sent South among his friends, where he can preach treason to his heart’s content.
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A Valuable Document. – We have received a Register of the 16th Reg’t Ill. Vol., from our old friend, W. H. H. Head. The Register is in pamphlet form and is neatly printed. It contains a complete history of the Regiment from its organization up to December last; giving the name, place of nativity, age and date of enlistment of each soldier. It also gives a list of the deaths, discharges and desertions in the Regiment. This work is a credit to the compiler, and we have no doubt will prove a profit to him also.
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Union League Badge. – Copperheads have adopted a badge which they wear for the purpose of showing their disloyalty to the Government. Let Union men wear the Union badge to show their loyalty to the best Government that ever had an existence. J. W. Everett, Post Office Box 1614 New York, is prepared to furnish a neat emblematical Badge at the following rates: $10 per hundred, $80 per thousand, or 16 cts per single Badge.
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On the 1st of June the Excise law, as regards stamps, goes into full operation. All instruments requiring stamps are declared null and void if not stamped according to law. This, with the penalty for violating the law enforced, will cause a better demand for stamps.
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The Indians in Minnesota, it seems, have fallen to killing each other. We are not sure but it is the best way of disposing of them – leave them to the fate of the Kilkenny cats.
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→ We learn from the Schuyler Citizen that Cox escaped from the jail in Rushville on Friday last. He was fired at by the Jailor several times, but without effect. This is the third time he has escaped from the Schuyler jail.
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→ “Minions of despotism” is the title applied to the brave soldiers of our army by Vallandingham, upon whom the Democratic press is expending so much sympathy.
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To Correspondents. – We have several communications on hand, which we intended to publish this week, but an unexpected rush of advertising, has prevented. Be patient, and they will appear in due season.
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Return of Gov. Yates.
Springfield, Ill., May 18. – Gov. Yates arrived home last night, via St. Louis. He is very much reduced by dysentery, having lost forty pounds in weight, but was able to see the State officers and a few friends at the Governor’s mansion. He is confined to bed. A gentleman who accompanied the Governor says he was everywhere received by the troops with the utmost enthusiasm. At Milliken’s Bend, Perkins’ Plantation, Port Gibson, Memphis, and other places, he reviewed the troops under Generals McClernand, Logan, McPherson, McArthur, Carr, Bently, and others, making speaches which were warmly responded to.
Gov. Yates bears most willing and cheerful testimony to the generalship of Gen. Grant. The Generals of divisions and brigades, including Gen. McClernand, he regards as all that could be desired – in fact, that the Mississippi division of our Western army may well be proud of its commanders.
The health of the army is most excellent. It appears to be thoroughly acclimated. It is also morally in the highest condition of efficiency. The Governor, from all he could learn, thinks there are 40,000 rebel troops in Vicksburg, but that the place is sure to fall, unless something at present entirely unforeseen, and most improbable should occur.
Gen. Thomas is getting along finely with his colored regiments. He has one thousand at Helena and one thousand at Milliken’s Bend, well clothed and equipped; also, others at Memphis and elsewhere; — in all nearly ten thousand. They are pronounced most excellent soldiers, and are extremely anxious to be led against the enemy.
The Governor intends to return to Vicksburg just as soon as his health will permit. He is most anxious to witness the opening of the Mississippi river, upon which his heart has been set from the commencement of the war.
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Inauguration.
On Monday evening last the new Mayor and Aldermen were inaugurated with the oath of office being administered by Geo. Wells, City Clerk.
The new Council then proceeded to [?] the following officers:
City Clerk and Att’y, Geo. Wells.
City Marshal, Jos. P. Updegraff.
Supervisor, Geo. W. Smith.
Collector and Ass’r, J. L. Anderson.
Treasurer, W. W. Provine.
City Weigher, Thos. Gilmore.
These gentlemen are all well known to our citizens, and no fault can be had with their election. Geo. Wells has filled the position of City Clerk and Attorney for several years, and thoroughly understands his business in every particular.
Mr. Updegraff has held the position of Mayor for two or three years, and his appointment as City Marshal will [?] the peace and quietude of the [?]
Geo. W. Smith is thoroughly conversant with all the duties of Supervisor, [?] under his administration we may expect good walks and good streets.
John L. Anderson is also Township Collector, and will discharge the duties of City Collector and Assessor with [?]tness and a due regard alike to the interests of the city and the taxpayer.
W. W. Provine is proverbial for his [?]ty and his capacity to keep money [?] his care the city funds will be [?] safe.
Thos. Gilmore will wait upon the Scales and see that the buyer and [?] each get their due proportion. In [?] the whole City Board from Mayor on down give promise that the city matters will be managed prudently and satisfactorily to all concerned.
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A Hard Case. – On Wednesday last [?] saw a soldier in this city, who, at the battle of Bull Run, lost his right arm, right leg, and a portion of his [?] He was trying to get to his friends at Logansport, Ind. A purse was at once made up, and he was sent on his way rejoicing. We trust that he may meet with kind friends and warm hearts wherever he may go.
May 15 and 16, 1863
Editor’s Note. — Thanks to some internet issues going on at home, I’m posting a day later than normal. I’m hoping that things are back to normal soon. Thanks.
Macomb Journal
May 15, 1863
The Skies Brightening.
Each days news but adds to the already strong conviction that the Great Rebellion is about played out. The loyal armies are everywhere pressing the cohorts of treason to the wall. – Richmond and Vicksburg, the last strongholds of the enemy, are almost as good as in Federal possession. Gen. Hooker is ready to re-cross the Rappahannock and will follow Lee “on to Richmond,” and that, too, with an army in every way superior to the rebels. Grant is slowly but surely closing in upon Vicksburg, while Hunter and the brace Rosecrans are ready to strike blows that will stagger the rebel Confederacy. At last we have men at the head of our armies whose hearts are engaged in the work – men who love the glorious Stars and Strips – men who hate rebels and traitors – men who fight to conquer. But this is not all that makes us feel hopeful. The Government has at last become aroused to the magnitude of the task in hand, and has resolved to punish traitors wherever they may be found. Hereafter, traitors in the North are to be dealt with as their crimes deserve. The strong arm of the Government is bared to strike wherever treason has found a lodging place. The arrest of the infamous traitor, Vallandigham, is but the beginning of a new era that’s to speedily end in the complete and final overthrow of all enemies of the Government. The day has passed when men in the North can preach treason unmolested. The day of retribution for them has been slow in coming, but, thank Heaven, it has at least arrived, and its punishment will be swift and terrible.
The vile wretches who rejoiced when the news came that Hooker had been driven across the Rappahannock, will have but little to rejoice over hereafter. The army of the Potomac will soon again cross, and we believe for the last time until the rebellion is dead and buried. Let loyal men rejoice. The dark days of the Republic have passes away. Henceforth “victory” is to be the aim and the result of our military movements.
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A Just Verdict.
A Telegraph dispatch from New York announces that Gen. Burnside has sentenced Vallandigham to Tortugas for two years. We trust that this report is true. If there is a traitor in this Country Vallandigham is one and being the leader of the Copperhead party it is eminently fit that punishment to be visited upon the miserable Northern Traitors should be first felt by him. Now let the balance of the crew take warning at his fate. The Government is getting terribly in earnest and Copperheads had better stand from under.
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Stoneman’s Raid.
The rebel journals of Richmond are filled with evidence of the fear and [obscured] during the raid of Stoneman’s cavalry. They more than confirm previous accounts of the complete success of our valiant horsemen – of the destruction of bridges, the capture of prisoners, the general consternation caused along the rout of the raid and in the rebel capital inhabitants of which anticipated a direful visitation. All accounts, both Federal and rebel, concur in the general fact that all the lines of communication between Lee’s army and Richmond are completely cut.
This bold and wonderful achievement of our cavalry exceeds all the previous rebel raids made by Stonewall Jackson and Stuart.
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→ Gen. Howard, who was in command of the division at Chancellorsville, that is reported to have “behaved badly,” entered the service from Maine. He is a graduate of West Point, and was for some time a Professor in that institution. He resigned a year or two previous to the war, and became a student of theology, with the intention of entering the ministry. At the opening of the war he volunteered and was placed at the head of a regiment, and a year since became a Major General. He distinguished himself at Fair Oaks, where he lost an arm. Gen. Howard is an earnest, determined Christian soldier, and there is no more gallant and few more capable soldiers than Gen. Howard.
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Army Correspondence.
Memphis, Tenn.
April 14, 1863.
Editor of Macomb Journal,
Sir: I beg pardon for deviating from my regular routine of duty, but bear with me while I pen you a few lines in regard to company D, of the 28th. Most of the company are in good health and spirits, but the prevailing spirits seem to be bad whisky, as some of the boys are slightly intoxicated occasionally. If evil spirits do occasionally enter our camp, I think that the love for the Union still predominated, as all your readers are well aware from the past history of the company and regiment.
One of the most interesting scenes, since our organization, occurred last Sabbath evening just after Dress Parade. The members of the company presented Capt. Farewell with a splendid belt, and Mr. McGaughy, 2nd Lieut., with a fine sword. The presentation speeches were made by Mr. Sayers, in presence of Mrs. Farewell, and a large portion of the regiment. The speeches were eloquent, patriotic, and to the point. He spoke of our Captaing in the warmest praise – said that he had always been at the head of his company in every engagement, and never was found absent from his command when duty called him. He complimented the Lieutenant on his appointment and services.
The presents and presentations were highly complimentary, and the best of feelings prevailed.
I hope you will do the company the honor of publishing this epistle for their special benefit.
Yours truly,
CULEX HIBERNICUS.
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From the 119th I. V.
For the Macomb Journal.
Co. H, 119th Reg’t ILL. Vols.
White Station, Tenn.,
May 1, 1863.
Whereas, The very existence of our Government which we revere and honor is threatened; the glorious old flag of our nation that we love, insulted by traitors; the Federal Union, which we deem sacred, severed by the bloody and wicked secessionists; and whereas our beloved country is now engaged in a dreadful struggle to subdue this mighty rebellion and restore peace to our suffering land, therefore,
Resolved, That it is the most sacred duty of every man, woman and child throughout the land, to aid in every possible manner in upholding and supporting this best of Governments, which has been an honor to us abroad, and blest and protected us at home.
Resolved, That patriotism is superior to politics; that the time was when political divisions and political discussions were right and proper, and we earnestly hope and pray will soon be again, but at present they are neither right nor proper, but dangerous to our holy cause, should be laid aside for the present by every one, and all be united in the one noble cause of sustaining our Government, its constitution, and laws, and support the Administration in all [obscured].
Resolved, That this is no time for neutrality, or charging any one, or any party, with causing the war, but as we are now engaged in the fearful struggle, we should be for our Country right or wrong, fight till the last armed foe disappears, till our glorious old flag with the gorgeous ensign of “Liberty and Union” shall wave in triumph over every State, and till traitors bow in humble submission beneath its silken folds.
Resolved, That we have no pity for rebels, nor respect for those who sympathize with them; that we regard those in the North who speak against the cause in which we are engaged, and discourage the prosecution of the war, as aiding our enemies, as being accessory to the wound which our nation has received, in causing the hearts of millions at home to bleed, and in lengthening the time that separates us (soldiers) from our families and loved ones.
Resolved, That we are pleased and gratified to hear of so many noble expressions of loyalty among our friends of old McDonough county; that their patriotic resolutions and sentiments strengthen our hands and encourage our hearts.
Resolved, That we did not engage in this war for plunder, nor for the purpose of interfering with the institution of slavery; but since treason has been carried so far, bringing upon us a debt that will oppress us for years, murdering fathers, husbands, brothers and sons, and causing unprecedented wailing throughout the land, we care not what becomes of their slaves, horses, mules, homes, or anything else belonging to them; that we care not, though the many thousands of slaves, who have been under their galling yoke and lash, for many years, should be armed with musket and bayonet, and meet them face to face on the bloody field; that, we think they deserve no better, and we are in favor of anything that will bring this contest to a speedy and honorable termination.
Captain, Samuel McConnell,
1st Lieut. Henry C. Mullan,
2nd Lieut. J. Wells.
1st Serg’t Levi S. Mills; 2nd do., Joel C. Band; 3d do., P. H. Moore; 5th do., Lewis Wilson.
The Resolutions were signed by all of the members of the company, but we have not room for them. – Ed.
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Trouble in the Peoria High School.
From the Peoria Transcript, May 9.
Quite a disturbance has occurred among the High School boys, growing out of Copperheadism and Hooker’s reverse. It is said to have been commenced on Thursday, by the removal of a copperhead badge from one of the scholars by two of his companions. Yesterday several of the copperhead side of the school appeared with badges as if inviting difficulty. The result was that hard words ensued, which shortly turned into a fight. The Union boys went in on their muscle, and copperheads were shortly at a discount. Some pretty hard licks were given and taken, and black eyes, scratched faces, and bloody noses were quite plentiful. We are sorry to hear that one boy named Joseph Carrell, son of Benjamin Carrell, received a pretty severe cut in the head from a club in the hands of one of the young copperheads.
The affair has created quite an excitement. Mr. Coy, Principal of the High School, has issued “a request,” tantamount to a command, that badges of any character, except patriotic, shall not hereafter be worn by the pupils.
Some say the trouble first grew out of an exultation over Hooker’s defeat which so incensed the Union boys that they pitched into the author, tearing off his badge and giving him a general “shaking up.”
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→ Pope Pius is dying. The question of his successor is being already vigorously discussed. Cardinal Wiseman, of England, is said – though we can hardly believe it – to be the favorite candidate of the salons of Faubourg St. Germain.
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A Wolf Story. – The Peoria Mail says that a German farmer, living near Groveland Ill., a few days since, found nine young wolves in one den, which he killed. They were of the large grey species, and the hopeful progeny of some older ones who have committed depredations in that part of the country for some time past.
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New Court House. – Mr. Harker, Architect, of this city, has shown us a draught of a New Court House for this County. The building is to cost [obscured] if built, and would be an ornament to the city and a credit to the county. We trust that the Board of Supervisors will make the necessary appropriations, to build a New Court House, and that they will adopt the plan submitted by Mr. Harker.
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Arrested. – A woman, hailing from [obscured], Fulton Co, was arrested in this city on Tuesday last, by an officer from the former place. She was arrested on a charge of stealing. The next morning she was taken to Fulton Co.
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Hard to Take. – Sheriff Dixon undertook to arrest a young man named Henry Grim on Saturday last, but the young man didn’t see the propriety of the proceeding and resisted the sheriff. The sheriff then called on the spectators to assist, when three or four pitched in. Grim came near whipping the whole crowd but was finally overwhelmed and taken to jail. He gave bail and was released. He was indicted by the Grand Jury for resisting an officer and it was on that charge that he was arrested.
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Dear Pork. – An individual known as Dutch John, was arrested for breaking into the stray pen and taking out some hogs which had been shut up by the City Marshal. He was taken before Justice Chandler and fined $10 and cost.
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Still Another. – A man by the name of Cox who has been in this city for several months past was on Monday last arrested in Galesburg by the Sheriff of Schuyler County. It appears that Cox was some two years ago confined in Schuyler Co., Jail for some offence and broke jail and skedaddled. He then volunteered but was discharged a few months ago and has been in this city since. A few days ago he sold a cow to Ed Bunn of this city for $15 but after he had got the money it turned out that he never owned a cow. He also sold several other articles which he never owned. Bunn informed the Sheriff of Schuyler County where he was and he was arrested as stated above. He was taken to Rushville.
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Always Ready. – Venable, who for the past two years has been dealing out the best of Goods, (as those who have received then can bear testimony to,) says that he is now better prepared than he has ever been before to supply the wants of those desiring a good article of Woolen Goods. The highest market price paid for wool at all times. Give him a call before purchasing elsewhere. New advertisement next week.
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Renovating. – The Drug Store of F. R. Kyle is undergoing a thorough renovating, and when the painters finish, will be as slick as a new doll. Frank has also just returned from Chicago with a large stock of Drugs, Paints, Oils, Perfumery &c., which will be sold at prices that defy competition. He also keeps a large supply of all the Popular Patent medicines of the day.
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Tender Steaks. – If there is one thing above another necessary to a good breakfast that thing is a good tender steak. A nice, juicy steak for breakfast, is not only a pleasure while eating, but it exerts a beneficial influence all through the day. When you see a man cross and crabbed, you may at once conclude that he has dined on tough steak. And then tender steak is a great preserver of the teeth as well as a promoter of kindly feelings and genial temper. Chamberlin and Fowler have opened a new Meat Market on Lafayette Street where this article can always be found.
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Ambrotypes. – Mrs. Fisher has opened an Ambrotype Room in Churchill’s building one block north of the Square where she will be pleased to meet all who desire correct, lifelike pictures at reasonable figures. Give her a call.
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Macomb Eagle
May 16, 1863
→ The sentence of Vallandigham is banishment to the Tortugas – a barren island on the southern coast of Florida – during the term of Lincoln’s administration. His arrest was illegal and his sentence is infamous. Burnside is now madly dashing himself against the Constitution; but he will find it more impregnable and better defended than were the rebel works at Fredericksburg. It is hard to keep cool and be quiet, under the perpetration of such enormous outrages; but “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church,” and all such cases will tell in favor of the constitutional Democracy at the next election. These fanatical engineers will be hoisted by their own petard. When the Democrats have control of the Government, in 1864, they will not make a vindictive, but a constitutional, use of power.
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To Explode the Rebellion.
If the administration are in earnest in the pretence that they wish to restore the Union of the States as it formerly existed, they can greatly facilitate the accomplishment of this purpose by simply withdrawing the emancipation proclamation, granting an amnesty to the people engaged in the war, and proclaiming anew the language of the Crittenden resolution of July 1861. – The promulgation of these measures would soon leave Gen. Lee without an army, and Jeff Davis would soon be a fugitive. It would prevent the further expenditure of blood and treasure, and go far toward reinstating the old feeling of good will and friendship between the North and South, which existed during the peaceful and prosperous days of the Republic. No sound reason can be urged against the adoption of this policy, while it is called for by every instinct of justice and humanity.
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A Small Business.
On Saturday last dispatches were sent all over the country from Washington, announcing the capture of Richmond. As the administration control the telegraph lines from that city, allow nothing to be sent except what they choose to permit, they must be held accountable for the circulation of this report whatever – it was a pure fiction. We suspect, however, that it was manufactured for the European market. On Wednesday previous Lord Lyons sent a messenger to England with the news of Hooker’s defeat. The next steamer left on Saturday, and it is believed that this “capture of Richmond” story was gotten up at Washington for the purpose of sending abroad and counteracting the effect of Hooker’s defeat. It is certainly a small business for the administration to be engaged in, or even conniving at.
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→ It was Philip of Macedon, we believe, who demanded of the Athenians the surrender of their orators to him. It is the Lincoln administration, through such men as Fredericksburg Burnside, which propose to stop the mouths of orators and to silence the press. Democrates replied to Philip’s demand by telling the fable in which the wolves demanded of the shepherds their dogs, and promised, if that were complied with, to make an alliance offensive and defensive of the sheep. The shepherds did not see it!
May 9, 1863
Macomb Eagle
May 9, 1863
Democratic Constitutional Associations
Basis of Organization.
At the request of a number of political friends, we present below a declaration of principles, which may be adopted in organizing Democratic Constitutional Associations. No one can gainsay their correctness, nor deny the imperious necessity which exists for prompt action in accordance with these sentiments.
To cultivate and disseminate sentiments of intense attachment to our whole country.
To maintain the Constitution “as the palladium of our political safety and prosperity.”
To elevate to high political station only men of well known and sterling integrity, who revere the Constitution as their highest political authority.
The institution of slavery being local in its character, the responsibility of its continuance and management rests exclusively with the States where in it exists.
The war power of the General Government, in case of rebellion, is limited to its suppression, and cannot rightfully be exercised for any other purpose.
The sovereignty of each State being absolute, except so far as limited by the Constitution of the United States, therefore State laws cannot be abrogated by the General Government, nor suspended by it except in case of military occupation consequent upon invasion, or rebellion within its limits.
It is justly held to be the duty of State Executives to protect the personal rights of citizens guaranteed by the National and State Constitutions.
We feel impelled by every motive of patriotism to maintain the General Government in its three co-ordinate branches, as defined in the Constitution.
As American citizens we claim the right to Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of the Ballot Box, submission of all persons to the decisions of the Judiciary, and the subordination of the military to the civil power.
“The war in which we are now engaged should not be waged in a spirit of conquest or subjugation, nor for overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of any of the States, but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution, and to preserve the Union with all the dignity and rights of the several States unimpaired.”
That we will oppose the election to any office within the gift of the people of any person in political connection or sympathy with abolitionism, secessionism, or fanaticism of any kind.
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→ The administration is squandering thousands of dollars a day on the vagabond negroes which it has collected about the various camps of the army. They are fed and transported hundreds of miles into the northern States. While this is going on, we hear of nothing being done for the families of men in the South who have become outcasts in consequence of their adhesion to our government. Negroes who have done nothing to entitle them to the bounty of the government are watched and cared for with parental anxiety; while the poor white men who have been beggared in striving to preserve the Union from destruction are left to shift for themselves and still become the prey of spoilsmen. – This is the way our republican administration rewards its friends.
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Correctly Named.
The “S.B.’s” are correctly called in Indiana, the “Stabbing Brothers,” because they have a kind of fraternal way of stabbing the reputation of their neighbors by slander, of stabbing their financial interests by stealing, and of stabbing their bodies because they will not vote right. The name is appropriate. Let them be “Stabbing Brothers” hereafter.
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→ The name of Liberty must be very odious to the federal authorities, and also to the tory abolitionists. If this be not so, why do they make such a fuss about Democrats wearing breastpins with “liberty” inscribed thereon? Persons have even been arrested in this State for no other crime. We rather think that this is a free country.
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“Seed is Fruit.”
No one can forget the devoted adherence of the leading men of the republican party to the higher law doctrine, in the days when they had no control of the administration of the government. This higher law, which they so persistently inculcated in their papers and speeches, was the right of an individual to disobey any law that he might think was wrong; and with a large portion of that party their action did not rest there, but they counseled and organized active resistance to the enforcement of the law. This pernicious doctrine, this most wicked heresy in a government based on the positive support of the people, impregnated all the active men in their party. They scoffed at Democrats for obeying the law, and ruthlessly invaded the sanctity of the courts of justice in order to resist its execution. The seed which these destructive politicians then sowed, we regret to see, is becoming fruit. The moral and natural consequence of this republican teaching is now seen in various parts of the country, in the attempts of individuals to resist obnoxious laws. Although the accounts of these disturbances are no doubt greatly exaggerated, yet there is there enough in them to excite grave apprehension in the minds of all citizens who desire the preservation of peace and order. The entire futility of all individual efforts at resistance to the power of the government requires no argument or illustration; all history shows that it brings additional evil, rather than lightens any burden. There is a peaceful and constitutional way to repeal obnoxious or oppressive laws, and it is certainly the part of wisdom and patriotism to pursue that method, at least so long as its exercise is left free and unrestricted. When our rights to the ballot shall be interfered with, it will then be time enough to resort to the bullet, and show to the world that “resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.”
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Meeting at Abingdon. – The Democracy of Abingdon had a large and enthusiastic meeting on Wednesday. Senator Richardson addressed them at length, showing the corruption and oppression of the republican legislation, the incapacity for that party to administer the government successfully, and the great danger that exists of the liberties of the people being destroyed and a ruthless military despotism established in this country. The speech was well received, despite the barking of a few abolition tories, who sought to divert attention from the speaker’s arguments. Mr. Richardson believes that a thorough discussion of political questions should now be had, and were it not for sickness in his family he would engage at once in the work. He hopes to be able, however, in the course of a few weeks to respond to the many calls made upon him.
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→ The city election on Monday resulted in rather more than the usual republican victory. Their candidate for Mayor has about forty majority, and they have gained an aldermen in the first ward. We lost a number of votes in consequence of recent changes of residence, and but little interest in the election was taken by the Democrats, while the republicans were thoroughly organized and worked as if something important was at stake. We trust the result of this election, although unimportant in itself, may have the effect to impress the Democrats of our town with the necessity for a thorough and active organization. It will not do to slumber any longer.
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→ The fine weather this spring has enabled the farmers of this part of the State to sow a large breadth of wheat. It has come up well, and now promises a good crop. The weather also has been favorable for preparing the ground for corn, and a number of farmers planted a large portion of their fields last week, and many more will finish this week. Apple trees give promise of an abundant crop, and those who have peach trees are looking forward to one more feast of this delicious fruit this fall.
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→ We are indebted to Mr. S. C. knight, of Scotland, for a jug of most excellent sorghum syrup. A better article need not be desired by anybody.
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PLANT NOW FOR THE SOLDIER. – Will not every farmer and gardener set aside a patch for onions in the garden and an army acre for potatoes on the farm? Trifling would be the labor and expense, and great the good accomplished thereby. Top onions ripen soonest.
HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN.
May 8, 1863
Macomb Journal
May 8, 1863
The Latest News.
The latest news from the Rappahannock is of a very indefinite character but the authorities at Washington seem satisfied that everything is moving on right.
The rebels have been reinforced from Richmond.
Gen. Heintzelman has reinforced Hooker with 30,000 men.
The rebels have retaken Fredericksburg, but this is considered of no importance.
3,000 prisoners have arrived at Washington and more coming.
Gen. Hooker had telegraphed to the President that his position was good, and that he could hold it.
On the whole, matters look encouraging for our side, although much hard fighting will have to be done before a victory is won. A day or two more will probably decide the contest. The slaughter on both sides has been great.
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A Slander.
Abbott publishes in the last Eagle, under the head of “Two Original Copperheads,” extracts from the writings of Washington and Madison. A baser slander was never published, than that a single word ever uttered by these noble patriots can, in any way, be tortured into a support of these hellish doctrines advocated by the Copperheads of this age. Every pulsation of their noble hearts was in favor of the Government – every word they uttered was in favor of the Union. How is it with the Copperheads? Every effort they make – every word they speak, is calculated to weaken and destroy the Government. Washington and Madison loved the glorious “Stars and Stripes.” Abbott and his companions love the “Stars and Bars” of Jeff Davis’ Government. The man that would place such men as Washington and Madison upon the same level with Vallandigham, Breckinridge and Jeff Davis (for Jeff Davis is as loyal a man as Vallandigham,) must be lost to every sentiment of loyalty and honor.
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The Greatest Cavalry Raid of the War.
The greatest raid of the war is that just accomplished by Col. Grierson, of the 6th Illinois cavalry, with a mounted force of two or three thousand. He left Holly Springs, made a dash into Central Mississippi cut the Central Mississippi and the Mississippi Southern railroads, burned bridges and caused damage and consternation all through that rebel State, and reached Baton Rouge, La., about three hundred and fifty miles south of Holly Springs.
Had this raid been made by a Stonewall Jackson or some other rebel hero, the croakers among us would pronounce it a most daring and wonderful feat, and lament that we have no such brave leaders. But Grierson’s raid beats all other cavalry dashes on either [obscured] to learn the particulars.
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Communications.
Chalmers, April 27, 1863.
Editor of Macomb Journal,
DEAR SIR: — I concluded to pen a short communication for your paper, relating a little circumstance that occurred a few days ago. What I will narrate is strictly true and happened in Chalmers township, about four miles southwest of your city.
A certain man stopped over night at a certain house in this neighborhood last Saturday evening, remained there all night, enjoyed the hospitalities of the place, and in the morning before departing, had the impudence to commence a debate with the ladies of the house. His arguments abounded in the most treasonable tirade against the Administration, against the army and everybody in favor of sustaining the Government – in fact, showed himself to be a rank secessionist and copperhead. He told the ladies – Misses Nancy E. Lane, Lucy J. Lane, Mary Westfall, Rebecca Jane Penrose and Annie C. Gill, that those Resolutions passed by the 16th Ill. Vol., and published in your paper, were forgeries; that they were written by yourself, without their knowledge and approval; that all those letters published in your paper, purporting to come from soldiers in the army, were forgeries and lies from the beginning to the end. He called them Black Abolitionists, Black Snakes, and epithets of a like character, and finally declared them as beneath his notice. The lady of the house, a widow, then told him to leave, as she did not wish to hear such treasonable talk in her house; that she had two sons in the army, and had no respect for persons asserting such disloyal sentiments, but, instead of leaving, he kept on in his treason. The young ladies then went out doors, collected a lot of eggs, deposited them at some convenient place, came in and told him that he must leave now. He concluded to leave finally, and when he had got out of the house, they left by another door and commenced pelting him with those eggs. I say served him right – The patriotism of those ladies cannot be praised enough. One of them is a Democratic lady, a true Democratic lady; none of your Copperhead Democrats; a loyal, Unconditional Union patriotism is still in existence in this vicinity. The ladies almost to a “man” are in favor of the Union. God bless them, is my sincere prayer. The man in question is the father of a certain Methodist preacher in this county, who has the damnable impudence to call the men at the head of our Administration ungodly. But, thank the Lord, copperheadism is about played out, and like the Cow Boys in the Revolutionary War, they will come to the same ignominious fate. Let this be a warning to copperheads, and if they will persist in their treason, I would advise them to shun this vicinity and our loyal ladies here, or else eggs might come uncomfortably close to their wise persons. Of course the copperheads will make a howl over this affair, but let them howl. The Tories howled, too. Their howling will hurt nobody but themselves.
I presume he will give his version of the affair to the editor of the “Buzzard” who will fairly shriek with rage. He will distort the affair to suit his own selfish purpose. But if he does so, I will be ready to deny his falsehoods and particularize in another article.
Yours, respectfully,
UNCONDITIONAL.
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Illinois Sugar.
For the Macomb Journal.
Mr. Editor: — About the 10th of October last, in company with Mr. H. Miller, of Laporte, Ind., I visited the place of Mr. Samuel Hooker, with a view of ascertaining certainly his success in making sugar from cane, his mode of operation and the variety used, and if all was satisfactory Mr. M. wished to purchase a large quantity of the seed for Mr. Belcher the Sugar Refiner of Chicago, and for himself. – Mr. Hooker was absent from home, visiting a son sick in the army, and his family had been doing but little at boiling for some time, but had that morning taken off one boiling or batch which we saw yet hot in the barrel. They were working on a small scale, and had few conveniences. We, however, saw about 4 pounds of the sugar which we pronounced very fair, but Mrs. H. told us it was the poorest she had made – that she had sold all that was fit, about 100 lbs, which was both fairer and drier. They were working with an old, one-horse wooden mill, and boiled in a pan with sheet iron bottom which would hold probably about half a barrel. – Their process was, as the family informed us, when they got juice enough to fill up a pan, to place it over a little furnace built of stone for the purpose, and get to the boiling, skimming in the usual way, and filling up with fresh juice from time to time until they get as much boiled in as they wished. In one batch, they then boiled it down, putting in a little soda and skimming when required until it was very thick molasses – a stage known by the drops from the skimmer drawing out into thin sheets or fine threads – the pan was then lifted off the fire and the contents poured into a barrel with only one head, set in the kitchen near the stove, and covered with a quilt to prevent rapid cooling, in which operation the sugar grained at the bottom of the barrel, the molasses rising to the top, and when cool they were poured off into another vessel and the sugar put into a sack ported at the bottom to drain. The time of cooling was about 24 hours or a little more. The yield of sugar is about seven pounds to the gallon as taken from the pan. Specimens of the sugar can be seen at the stores of G. W. Bailey, C. M. Ray and O. F. Piper, and at the Journal office.
We found Mr. Hooker’s seed all sold to Mr. Scripps, of Rushville, but procured a large quantity of the same variety raised in the immediate neighborhood, for Mr. Belcher and Mr. Miller, also a supply for this vicinity, which may be found at the above named stores – Bailey’s being direct from Scripps of Rushville.
In compliance with a promise, I give this statement to the public with a few suggestions and a description of the cane.
1st. I would put my cane patch, if I could, on rather thin land. 2nd, I would soak my seed in pretty hot water for a few hours, then put it into a small sack and bury it in moist, mellow earth on the south side of a wall or some other object, until the hull of the seed began to open, when having my ground well prepared, I would plant about the width of corn – on clean land in drill, but on such as inclined to weed, in hills, and not until the season was good for planting corn. It will then come forward rapidly and be much easier to tend.
Mr. Miller, who has been experimenting on the sorghum and imphee for some years, recommends making up early in the season, when the seed is in the dough. He says the juice is sweeter at that stage and will give the best article of syrup. He and Mr. [obscured] kind of cane, with his Rotary pan for boiling.
The Hooker cane is, we suppose, the variety known as the Otaheitian. It has a long, slender stock, not so heacy a head as the Chinese or African, does not give suckers as they do, will bear about four or five stalks in a hill, and is as early at least as they are. It has been raised for two or three years in the neighborhood and may have become mixed with the other kinds. I would therefore recommend attention to this in procurring seed for another year, and have no doubt that even if somewhat adulterated it will be greatly superior to our old varieties. Mr. Hooker is an experienced maker of sugar from the tree, and it may be that such operating on a small scale may succeed best. A. BLACKBURN.
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A Rural Copperhead.
One Abbott, the editor of the Macomb (Ill.) Eagle, and a small vender of rural treason, is abusing the City Hotel of Chicago because he was kicked out of it. The rustic martyr upon a late occasion came to this city and forgot to leave his treason behind him, but brought it to the City Hotel in the shape of a copperhead badge. The consequence was that he suddenly found himself in the street, and he ought not to complain, but thank his stars that he got off so cheaply. We do not know what is the fashion at Macomb – loyalty or disloyalty – but the former prevails here to a considerable extent, as this country martyr has found. The same kicking out would have occurred at any other hotel in the city, or in any decent society here, to the latter [obscured] young man is evidently a stranger. His Copperhead badge may do very well in Macomb, possibly, but this way it is emblematical of treason, and if he will very likely get kicked out again. As for the abuse of his two penny concern we suppose the City Hotel can stand it, and that jolly Dick Somers will not lose a pound of his fat. We advise the small rustic Copperhead to stay at home in future and preach his treason to his pigs, though even in that case he might get kicked out of the pen. – Chicago Tribune.
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The Slime of the Serpent. – Abbott, the shameless treason-monger of the Macomb (Ill.) Eagle, who, for insulting the decent society he obtruded himself upon at the City Hotel in this city one day last week, by wearing a copperhead treason pin, was, at the request of the house, ordered to leave, blackguards the hotel and its loyal and gentlemanly proprietor in the last issue of his dirty sheet. The fellow calls his copperhead badge of treason, “the badge of liberty,” and calls the City Hotel, which is in fact a very well-kept and homelike public-house, “a one-horse tavern.” Next time Abbott comes to Chicago, we advise him to bethink himself that he may come in contact with decent people and to leave his badge behind. There is only one place in town, that we know of, where copperhead badges are tolerated with complacency, and that is the Times office – a place of very bad repute among patriots and honest men. – Chicago Journal.
May 2, 1863
Macomb Journal
May 2, 1863
The Steps of Despotism.
The future historian of this country will perhaps find it a difficult task to identify precisely where and when the present administration took its first step toward the destruction of constitutional liberty and the consequent establishment of a military despotism. A thorough sifting of the public archives, and a keen analysis of the motives of our rulers may be necessary to this end; whether the disarming of the people of Missouri, the prohibition of voting unless the ballot were cast for the administration, the suppression of newspapers for exercising the constitutional right of the freedom of the press, the abrogation of the writ of habeas corpus, the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of citizens in violation of all law, — which of these was the first step toward the inauguration of a French or Austrian despotism in our land, and how far the President was merely a tool in the hands of the traitorous conspirators in and out of his cabinet, or whether he was the most cunning knave in the entire band who are now striving to destroy the last vestige of constitutional liberty in this country, are tasks which the future historian will have to solve. We shall not attempt it. But after two years of this conduct and this progress on the “royal road to Despotism,” there can now be no difficulty in marking the steps that are taken. The last one is contained in a late order issued by Gen. Hascall at Indianapolis. The General, after stating his determination to enforce Order No. 88 issued by Gen. Burnside, says that he has proof that its provisions are violated by well meaning men, led astray by newspapers and public speakers. He goes on to say:
“All newspapers and public speakers that counsel or encourage resistance to the conscription act, or any other law of Congress passed as a war measure, or that endeavor to bring the war policy of the government into disrepute, will be considered as having violated the order above alluded to, and treated accordingly. The country will have to be saved or lost during the time that this administration remains in power, and therefore he who is factitiously and actively opposed to the war policy of the administration is as much opposed to his government.”
We shall not now question Gen. Hascall’s sincerity and honesty in issuing the above order. He may be sustained by the administration, and he may not be. But its attempted enforcement will lead to evils tenfold more aggravated than those which he is apparently seeking to destroy. If the administration sustain his position, it will be the boldest and longest step which it has yet made toward the destruction of constitutional liberty in the United States. The same flimsy pretext which Gen. Hascall assumes to justify this order, will authorize the issuing of another to prevent any ballots being cast at our elections for any man who does not endorse the “war policy of this administration.” When this shall be submitted to the subjugation of American citizens will be complete, and the destruction of their rights under the Constitution as effectual as it would be under the infamous despotism of Austria.
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The republicans say they are in favor of enforcing the law. It depends, however, on what law it is. If it is a law to drag men into the army, tearing them away from their homes and subjecting them to all kinds of suffering, because they happen to be poor, then the republicans are in favor of enforcing it rigorously. But if it is a law to keep negroes out of the State and prevent them from becoming pests and burdens upon every community, then the republicans are not in favor of enforcing it.
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The war does not appear any nearer an end than it was two years ago, when the President called out 75,000 men to destroy the rebellion in ninety days. The administration has vigorously pursued the policy of “how not to do it.”
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Copperheads. – It is rumored that Lincoln will soon issue a proclamation calling in all the old copper cents, upon the ground that they are used to give aid and comfort to the enemy, being used by the Democrats for copperhead breast pins. The Secretary of the Treasury has under the consideration the propriety of altering the design upon the nickle cents – erasing the Indian that now occupies one side and placing in its stead the bust of a “free American of African descent,” as being more distinctive of the object and policy of the administration.
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→ Almost every week this spring we have had enquiries made by farmers for boys to work for them. There are a number of boys in town, who would be much the gainer in morals and industrial habits by working this summer in the country. If any of them will report to us, we may be able to find them a place, at reasonable wages.
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Notice – Foreign Mails. – From and after the 1st day of May all postages due on unpaid letters received from foreign countries in the mails dispatched to this country from Great Britain, Ireland, France, Prussia, Hamburg, Bremen, or Belgium, will be collected in gold or silver coin.
J. E. Wyke, P.M.
P.O. Macomb, Ill., April 30, 1863.
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→ People who want to buy dry goods etc., at the lowest terms, will call upon Mr. Tinsley, north side. They will find a full stock of goods, from the silken outfit of the bride to the commonest articles of every day wear, at his store.
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→ Ladies and gentlemen who wish to obtain choice plants and trees to ornament their homes, gardens, and farms, can obtain such now at the Randolph house, where a full assortment is furnished by O. W. Hoff, of the Home Nurseries. Oh! fathers and mothers, do not fail to beautify home, the dearest spot on earth to the child. Make it a home that your children will look back to with honest pride, which will serve as a stimulus to greater improvement in civilization. Make home beautiful and pleasant, and home will be happy.
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→ Our friend of the Peoria Mail asks us “how we could be so foolish” as to stop at the City Hotel, Chicago. We rent there at the request of a friend who supposed the house was a decent one. We were both badly deceived. We have since learned that it is the general resort of thieves, pickpockets, blacklegs, prostitutes, niggers, etc. We rather count it an hour that our general demeanor was obnoxious to the keeper of such a set of dirty scalawags.
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→ Farmers, see here! Custom made plow shoes just received and selling very low at J. M. Browne & Co.’s, south side of square.
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Copper Lightning Rods. – Mr. J. K. Smith, the agent for these invaluable lightning rods, will be in this county in a week or two, prepared to put up these rods on dwellings and barns. It is well settled that copper is a better conductor of electricity than iron, while the cost is about the same. Those who go to the expense of protecting their buildings from lightning will of course procure the best and most efficient conductors.
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Removal of the Depot. – We understand there is another movement to have the railroad depot moved up to within a reasonable distance of town. We hope it may be successful. The depot should be located just east of the crossing of Lafayette street, to secure the best accommodation of travel and business. Strangers passing through town will then form a favorable opinion of it, which is not likely to be the case at present.
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→ There is to be an election for Mayor and Aldermen next week. The republicans have already made secret nominations for these offices, and have called a meeting on Saturday night to go through the farce of publicly ratifying them.
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→ Our old friend, James Brown, has again taken charge of Brown’s Hotel, in this city. Under his management, it will be the popular stopping place of all travelers who love good cheer, whose business or pleasure may lead them to spend a day or two in our city.
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Democratic Meeting in Walnut Grove Township.
The Democrats of Walnut Grove township held a meeting at the center school house, April 25th, 1863. D. J. Dungan was elected president and R. F. Anderson, secretary.
Jesse Arbogast, A. W. McKee, J. Larkin, B. Robinson, Perry Phillips, Dr. Emory, and S. Lindsey, were appointed a committee on resolutions, who reported the following:
WHEREAS, War rages with unexampled fury in the United States, brought on by the agitation of the slavery question by the abolitionists of the North, and a disloyal element in the South; and
WHEREAS, The federal government can lawfully exercise no power that is not conferred upon it by the federal Constitution, therefore the exercise of other powers not granted by that instrument, in time of war as well as in time of peace, is a violation of the written will of the American people, and destructive alike of their plan of government and their common liberties; and
WHEREAS, The Constitution cannot be maintained nor the Union preserved, in opposition to public feeling, by the mere exercise of the coercive powers confided in the general government; that in case of differences and conflicts between the States and the federal government too serious for adjustment by the civil departments, the appeal is not to the sword, but to the people and their will expressed at the ballot box; and
WHEREAS, we declare that the acts of the administration, in suspending the writ of habeas corpus; the arrest of citizens not subject to military law, without warrant or authority, transporting them to distant States, incarcerating them in political prisons, without charge and denying them the right of trial, to lie there and rot without redress; the abridgement of the freedom of speech; the establishment of a system of secret police to invade the sacred privacy of unsuspecting citizens; the proposed taxation of the laboring white man to purchase the freedom and secure the elevation of the negro; the transportation of negroes into Illinois, in defiance of the organic law of the State. No American citizen can, without the crime of infidelity to his country’s Constitution, sanction such usurpations of power. Therefore,
Resolved, That we, as free and independent American citizens, most heartily indorse the language of Wm. H. Seward, to wit: “In this country especially it is a habit not only entirely consistent with the Constitution, but even essential to its stability, to regard the administration at any time existing as distinct and separate from the government itself, and to canvass the proceedings of the one without a thought of disloyalty to the other.”
Resolved, That while we condemn and denounce the flagrant and montrous usurpations of the administration and encroachments of abolitionism, we equally condemn and denounce the ruinous heresy of secession, as unwarranted by the Constitution, and destructive alike of the security and prosperity of our government, and the peace and liberty of our people. And fearing as we do, that it is the intention of the administration at no distant day to acknowledge the independence of the Southern Confederacy and thereby complete the severance of the Union, we do hereby declare that we are unalterably opposed to any such severance of the Union, and we never can consent that the great Mississippi shall ever water the soil of two nations.
Resolved, That peace, fraternal relations, and political fellowship should be restored among the States. The best interest of all and the welfare of mankind require that this should be done in the most speedy and effective manner. We would favor the most vigorous prosecution of the war, had we any satisfactory assurance that it is carried on for the sole object of restoring the Union. But we do prefer compromise rather than war.
Resolved, That we are utterly and forever opposed to any and all secret political societies, whether K. G. C., U. L, or S. B., which we denounce as utterly wrong and dangerous to the peace and happiness of the people.
Resolved, That we, as constitutional and law abiding men, do hereby denounce all the epithets and nicknames thrown out against the Democratic party, such as tories, traitors, etc., to be flagrant falsehoods, emanating only from foul and polluted demagogues, who thus seek to divert public attention from their own dastardly conduct. If persisted in by the abolitionists, it will create a feeling of indignation and retaliation that will bode no good to the peace and order of this community.
Resolved, That we will sustain our soldiers in the field in all their social, political, and military rights, and while we are proud of their capacity and glory in their achievements, we heartily sympathize with them in their privations and sufferings, and protest against their being compelled in the army to associate with negroes.
Resolved, That inasmuch as Abraham Lincoln is sworn to support and enforce the Constitution, we feel bound to stand by him and his administration in all their constitutional acts; but no farther.
April 25, 1863
Macomb Eagle
The Chicago Election.
Copperheads at a Premium!
The election in Chicago last Tuesday resulted in a glorious Democratic victory. Sherman is elected mayor by 118 majority, and the council will stand 20 Democrats and 13 abolition-disunionists. The vote is 4,500 larger than last fall – an increase that is mainly due to fraud. The abolition-disunionists had control of the ballot boxes in every ward, and it was therefore impossible for the Democrats to poll illegal votes, even had they desired to do so. All the circumstances considered, it is a great and glorious victory, and shows that nobody is frightened at the cry of “copperhead” by abolition traitors. It is a terrible verdict against the abolition-disunionism that is seeking to ruin the country. Vox populi, Vox Dei!
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Runaway.
From the subscriber, living two miles east of Industry, McDonough county, Ill., MARTIN KEELER, an apprentice to the farming business, aged 15 years, of German parentage, and common size. Left on Wednesday evening last.
I will pay $5 to any person returning Martin Keeler to me.
JAS. VANCE.
Industry, Ap 15, ’63.
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The Chicago Journal says the editor of this paper was requested by “the boarders” to leave the City Hotel, Chicago, for the crime of showing a “badge of liberty.” The “boarders” said nothing to us, whatever. – The proprietor advised us not to wear it in his house, when we paid our bill and went to a respectable hotel. That’s all there was of it. It was the first time we ever stopped at a one-horse tavern in Chicago; and shall not so offend against good breeding as to do the like again.
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Farmers’ Store. – From the bundles of boots and shoes we see packed away from S. F. Wright’s boots, shoes, hats, and cap, store, one would think his stock would get low, which would be the case were he not in daily recpt of fresh supplies. Mr. Wright deserves for his energy and efficiency, the patronage which the public do not fail to bestow. We recommend all that want good goods at the lowest possible price to deal with him. He is in recpt of a large stock of: ladies hats, trimmed and untrimmed. Shaker’s of best quality for sale.
April 24, 1863
Macomb Journal
The News.
No great movements have taken place during the past week, nor have any great battles been fought. But from all quarters the notes of preparations are heard.
Several gunboats from Admiral Porter’s fleet have run the blockade at Vicksburg.
The rebels made an attack upon our forces at Suffolk, but were repulsed.
Gen. Banks’ forces are reported on the move.
The recent attack upon Charleston was only intended as a reconnaissance in force. An attack will soon be made that we have every reason to believe will be successful.
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Served Him Right.
Nelson Abbott, the editor of the Macomb (Ill.) Eagle, put up at the City Hotel to-day, with a copperhead breastpin on his vest. The boarders invited the gentleman to leave the house, which he did instanter. [Chicago Journal.]
How it was done. – We learn from gentlemen who were at Chicago on Tuesday last, the following particulars of the indignity offered to the Copperhead editor of the Eagle: Abbott put up at the City Hotel, the proprietor of which is a Democrat. After dinner he was sitting in his office, wearing the badge of disloyalty, when the proprietor came to him and informed him that he must either take off his copperhead breastpin or leave the house. The hisses and threatening gestures of some fifty boarders and guests, convinced him that the safest course would be to do both, and he settled his bill, gathered up his plunder, and departed, the crowd following him to the street and hissing him until he was out of hearing. It is said that Abbott had very much the appearance of a whipped spaniel as he sailed down Lake Street. It appears that the minions of Jeff Davis are not in very good repute in Chicago.
We also learn that the boarders of the Hotel at once made up a purse to purchase a fine silk hat and a fine pair of square-toed boots, to be presented to the proprietor of the Hotel. But the best of the joke was that the Hat merchant would not take anything for the hat.
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GREAT OUTRAGE in CHICAGO!
McDonough County Aroused!
FREEMEN ARISE!!
NON-INTERCOURSE TO BE DECLARED!
CHICAGO TO BE STARVED!
CROOKED CREEK TO BE BLOCKADED!
Proceedings of an Immense Mass Meeting supposed to have taken place on the public square, to take into consideration the proper course to be pursued in regard to the recent outrage committed by the people of Chicago, upon the rights and liberties of a citizen of McDonough county. The meeting was called to order by Grand Giasticutis of the K. G. C. of this county.
A committee on Resolutions having been appointed, the “blessed martyr” Nelsonious took the stand and proceeded to relate the story of his trials and tribulations from the time that he entered the city of Macomb until he made a hasty exit from the door of the City Hotel in Chicago. How the abolition Presbytery at the first named place branded him as a slanderer, and a disgrace to the Church, and how the the boarders and guests of the City Hotel treated him as a traitor to his country, intimating to him their intention to try the virtue of an indefinite number of square-toed boots if he did not make tracks instanter, how he, thinking discretion the better part of valor, did then and there, do some pretty tall walking, followed by the hisses and jeers of the boarders aforesaid, and all because he exercised the inestimable right of wearing a Copperhead breastpin. The speaker was proceeding with the tale of his wrongs and the insults heaped upon the great cause of liberty, when the announcement was made that the committee on resolutions was ready to report, whereupon the following Preamble and Resolutions were read and unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, The boarders and guests of the City Hotel in Chicago, did on Tuesday last, have the audacity to commit an outrage upon the dearest rights of the McDonough Co. Copperheads in the person of the illustrious editor of ye Macomb Buzzard, by intimating to him that his room was more desirable than his company, and whereas, that intimation was coupled with an evident intention to enforce the same by sundry kicks and blows, Therefore,
Resolved, That we Copperheads of McDonough County, looks upon this act of the Chicago abolitionists as an infringement of the Constitution. By Laws and approved Decisions of the C. S. A. to which government we owe allegiance, and a direct act of war upon the Copperheads of this county; and that we hold the city of Chicago responsible for this outrage upon the person of our well belived Copperhead Brother.
Resolved, That it is our duty to resent this outrage upon our rights in such a manner as shall teach the citizens of Chicago that our liberties are not to be thus trampled in dust, and that we demand an instant apology from the constituted authorities of that city, and guarantees that such outrages shall not occur in the future.
Resolved, That in order to make this demand effectual we should make the most stupendous preparations for war, and that in our opinion the quickest way to obtain redress would be to declare a blockade of the city of Chicago both by land and water, and thus starve the abolitionists into terms.
Resolved, That we petition the Board of Supervisors of McDonough County, to pass an act of non-intercourse with said city, to direct the Sheriff of the county to at once proceed to Chicago and arrest the editor of the Tribune and hold him as a hostage until a treaty can be concluded or the town wiped out of existence; to at once make an appropriation sufficient to build two gunboats, for the purpose of blockading the mouth of Crooked Creek so that no supplies shall reach the enemy through that great channel of commerce; to pass a law making it a penal offence for any merchant in this county to sell to the people of Chicago any powder, lead, fire-arms, bacon, eggs, pea-nuts, or to purchase any article of the Chicago merchants.
Resolved, That in order to excite the ardor and infuse the proper spirit into the Copperhead fraternity, a further appropriation be made to purchase 500 barrels of K. G. Whisky.
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From the 7th Ills. Cavalry.
Lagrange, Tenn.
April 8, 1863.
Mr. Editor: — From a copy of the Eagle, received in camp yesterday, one would be almost led to believe the President and cabinet were fools, and the United States army one entire mass of cowardly traitors, and that they are similar to the editor of the above named sheet. Its appearance among us was something of a novelty – in fact as a company, we do not appreciate papers of that stamp, and consequently do not put ourselves out of the way to secure them. And further, we, as a company, do not appreciate the motive of that individual who, in sending them to their children, thus aid in sowing the seeds of treason broadcast in our midst. Subscribe for the paper, inculcate its doctrines into the minds of the rising generation, extend its influence to those of riper years among you, if you have no longer any regard for your own of your country’s interest, but we would ask you to keep its contaminating, treasonable, demoralizing influence away from us. That you may know to what we refer in particular, we will say that the date of the “Eagle” now before us, is March 7th. The editorials and some articles therein intended to convey a false impression, are well worthy the spirit of the man who wrote them. By printing a few extracts from discontented soldiers who were drove into the army by the force of public opinion, he has endeavored to convince the public, as we said before, that the army was one mass of cowardly traitors.
We hope the 85th, 86th and 125th Illinois have condemned those letters ere this, as base calumnies upon the patriotism, courage and morality of those regiments. If they have not, we cannot do it for them, being in a different department, and unacquainted with their principles.
We can say we have no such regiments here – not one which would not brand as a liar the one who would write such letters in regard to them. There are men who do not altogether approve of everything done by the President – that is their privilege – but you may search in vain for one who will endorse the plain, out-spoken, high-minded treason of Nelson Abbott, or for one who will have to be “forced to the front by the point of the bayonet” if ordered there. The most ultra man in this company, and the only one who has ever been denominated a bona fide “Copperhead,” is in for extending the benefits of Lincoln’s “bill of infamy” to 1,000,000 of the militia immediately. – Upon those in the army such extracts can have but little impression. They know that what little of them is true, is of no consequence when properly understood.
It has been our privilege to be present during about as many marches, to endure about as many hardships, to meet as many perils, as any man in those Illinois regiments mentioned, having been in the service one year before they were organized. We consequently know about those things, as well as how negroes rode fine horses, soldiers fell exhausted and were probed to death by bayonets. In this department which, it is well known has been for a long time under command of Gen. Grant, a few negroes, upon marches, might have been seen riding the extra horses of the officers, whose servants they were, that is the extent of that. – Upon a march some are bound to give out, but they are invariably given time to rest, and if sick, are provided with a conveyance. We have yet the first man to see suffer thus, beyond what was necessary.
There is something peculiar about that man’s case thus probed by bayonets. We wonder who did it. Was it the same class of men who would so courageously refuse to go to the front, or so basely desert were they ordered on a march? We have no doubt it was. For as obedient to orders as good soldiers are, they have not yet arrived at that point, where they will thus murder their fellow soldiers.
When we say that such letters no more speak the sentiment of the army, than Tom Payne’s writings did the religious sentiment of the world, we are not far from right. The address of such men as Logan and Hurlbut and Rosecrans, and the resolutions endorsed by thousands and thousands in the field, show the true position of the army. – We are not writing this for the sake of argument upon the principle involved in this war, or the policy of this or that measure, but for the sake of refuting the falsehoods and condemning the treason of the whole Abbott faction, be they few or many. We cannot believe that the people of McDonough county will sustain such doctrines should it come to the test as are breathed – not breathed – out-spoken in the columns of the Eagle.
We have seen just such men as the writer of those columns before. In a situation where they dare not hurrah for Jeff. Davis, they relieve themselves by opposing everybody and everything opposed to him. Many of the citizens within our lines at this place, who, before we came, were rank secesh, are of that class.
If the people will be deluded and hearken to the voices of such men, the consequences be upon their own heads. In regard to the secret organization which he has discovered, nothing would go farther towards convincing us of its propriety and loyalty, than the fact that he opposes it. When men arise as bold in treachery as he, it is high time the people organized under some form, and let it be their first act to adopt measures for the suppression of such an infamous sheet. Down, we say, with that man in the army or out who thus endeavors to aid, comfort and stimulate the open enemies of our government. He would not be tolerated in the expression of such sentiments here in camp more than would the presence of a real, genuine, crawling copperhead. We would say to the people, before you inaugurate war at your own firesides, reflect upon the consequences. You may think you are suffering now, but let its devastating influence sweep down upon you, as we have seen it upon as beautiful homes as yours, and you will say it had been far better had I sent my last friend to fight its originators where it originated.
Stand by the army in the field – strengthen us with a few more good men in our ranks; encourage us by your moral influence everywhere, and in a few months at farthest we are satisfied that the welcome cry of peace will be heard from one end of our country to the other – not a peace founded upon the fragments of a dishonored nation, and each fragment floating a bastard flag, but the stars and stripes floating gloriously over a permanent “Union,” with that glorious old motto above, “Liberty and Union now and forever, one and inseparable.”
Yours, & c.,
J. H. Chase,
Co. L, 7th Ill. Cav.
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From the 28th Regiment.
We are permitted to make the following extract from a private letter from a member of the 28th, to a gentleman in this city:
I fear some of those we once called friends, cannot now be enumerated in that list. Campbell, I understand, is one of the Copperhead stripe. If we could but get permission to go home and conscript enough to fill our regiments, we could punish some of the traitors of Macomb; for besides being compelled to do duty with true soldiers watching them, they would be beaten hourly if they uttered any treasonable sentiments, and daily have their souls worried to death by the cry on every hand of “Conscript!” “Copperhead!” “Traitor!” I should be pleased to see Abbott and some of his co-workers at Macomb, enduring daily torture of some kind, until all the treason was worked effectually out of them.
It is enough to exasperate an honest man, to hear of the proceedings of some of these poor, God-forsaken wretches, calling themselves peace democrats, who lead and are led by party checks, held in the hands of such men as Richardson & Co. Would to God they were in the rebel ranks, and would give the honest and true boys from Illinois an opportunity of shooting them down as they do a stray hog in the South, when it refuses to halt when called upon. Woe to many of these Northern rascals when the soldiers get home. If convalescents can and do destroy the offices and property of traitorous publications, what will be the consequences to them, when the able-bodied masses of the army come against them. Let them look to it, that if they are too cowardly to support the Government, by joining the service, the soldiers who are nobly battling for the old Flag will not always submit to their defamation, and to their assassin like conduct and language, in their rear.
Tell Mr. Abbott that he cannot come down here in the enemies’ country, and utter to any one individual in the old 4th Division the sentiments he does at home, without getting knocked down and kicked Southward out of camp.
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Religious Service. – In pursuance of the President’s Proclamation, setting apart the 30th of April as a day of fasting and prayer, religious services will be held at the Union School House, No. 4, in Walnut Grove township, at 10 o’clock, A.M. Several Clergymen are expected to be in attendance.
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Union Convention.
There will be a Mass Meeting of the Unconditional Union men of the city of Macomb, held at Campbell’s Hall on Saturday, May 2nd, at 8 o’clock, P.M., for the purpose of nominating candidates for City Offices. Let there be a large turnout.
MANY CITIZENS.
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Agricultural Notice.
There will be a meeting of the Executive Committee of the McDonough County Agricultural Society on Saturday, May 2nd, at the office of T. Chandler, Esq., in Macomb, for the purpose of making arrangements for the Annual Fair for 1863.
April 18, 1863
Macomb Eagle
→ Those copperheads have come.
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→ Sixty-four members of Congress, in 1859, indorsed Helper’s “Impending Crisis” and recommended its circulation at the North. We append a sample of its invocations and teachings. Those sixty-four members of Congress are now busily engaged in the formation of “Loyal Leagues,” and are prominent participants in war meetings. Read and see if their past action is not an index to their present motives:
“Freemen of the North, we earnestly invite you to organize yourselves as one man under the banners of liberty, and to aid us in exterminating slavery. We think it will be an easy matter; independent of the negroes who in nine cases out of ten would be delighted to cut their master’s throats. We are determined to abolish slavery at all hazards, in defiance of all opposition of whatever nature. Of this the South may take due notice, and govern themselves accordingly.”
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→ It is not the part of a true patriot to endeaver to strengthen and confirm the Administration in a policy that he knows is directly calculated to divide and weaken the loyal North. He may promote his individual interests and advance his fortune by playing the lackey to the party in power; but it is at the expense of the country whose cause he pretends to uphold. The efforts of an honest and earnest patriot should rather be directed to the reform of an unwise policy, and the initiation of a course that would command the support and enlist the sympathy of all men who love the Union and are eager for its restoration.
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More Secession. – The editor of the Portland Advertiser, a Republican journal, advocates the Union of Maine with Canada, and professes to see mines of wealth for Maine when Maine can go back to the “Mother Government.” That is about all that can be expected of abolition papers generally. – They have preached disunion for twenty years, and it is not to be expected that they will quit it now.
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Who is the Traitor?
The Republicans denounce Vallandigham as a traitor, and eulogize Bingham as a patriot. They are both representatives from Ohio, both have been making campaign speeches in New Hampshire and Connecticut for their representative parties, and during the late session of congress, they gave expression to their honest sentiments as follows:
Mr. Vallandigham said: “It is in the restoration of the Union as it was in 1789 and continued for over seventy years, that I am bound to the last hour of my political existence.”
Mr. Bingham said: “Who in the name of God wants the Cotton States, or any other States this side of perdition, to remain in the Union if slavery is to continue?”
Pray, now, which is the traitor? Will some Republican answer?
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The Republican Creed.
I do believe that I should give
What’s hizen unto Linkin Caeser;
For it’s in him I move and live,
From him my bread and cheese are;
I do believe that all o’ me
Doth bear this sooperscription –
Will, conscience, honor, majesty,
And things of that description.
In short, I firmly do believe
In humbug generally;
For it’s a thing that I perceive
To have a solid valley.
This hath my faithful shepherd been,
In pastures swept hath he led me,
And this will keep the people green,
To feed as they have fed me.
April 17, 1863
Macomb Journal
The Attack on Charleston.
The attack upon the defenses of Charleston harbor by our iron-clad fleet commenced on Monday, the 6th inst. Our gunboats, after battering away and being battered for some hours, found it impossible to pass the obstructions in the channel, and withdrew. The Keokuk was sunk, two of the iron-clads were entirely disabled, and three others partially. We presume the attack will not be renewed until repairs are made, though the latest rebel dispatches state that the bombardment was expected to be resumed at once.
Gen. Hunter’s troops are reported to be coming up in the rear of Charleston, which report we must discredit for the present.
The capture of Charleston, though evidently a most difficult matter, is not an impossibility. The failure of the first attempt should not dishearten us, as it certainly will not our naval officers, who will now take a few days to repair damages, and make ready for another and more terrible attack. And though a dozen attacks may prove unsuccessful, the next one may result in glorious victory. Let us master our impatience, and trust to the judgment and gallantry of Dupont, Hunter and their gallant men. Let us be mindful of the fact that they are just as anxious for success as we are.
The New South, of the 11th, says the fight at Charleston was renewed on the 10th, but with what result it could not ascertain. It adds that Fort Sumter has probably been reached before this time.
Thursday morning’s papers say that the attack upon Charleston had not been resumed by our forces.
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Northern Treason Aiders to be Dealt With.
The Chicago Journal says, “We learn from Washington, that the Government contemplates the issuing of a general war order, to the effect that all men at the North who shall be found talking or publishing sentiments of a treasonable character, will be arrested and sent South through rebel lines, and that any person or persons in the North who shall be detected in acts of treason by giving actual aid to the enemy, as spies or otherwise, when arrested, will be tried by court-martial, and, if convicted, shot.
The order to this effect, recently issued by General Burnside, indicates that this plan for the silencing and checking of treason to the loyal States is about to be adopted.
This is the course the Government ought to have pursued from the start, and the sooner it adopts it now the better. The first duty the Government owes to the country, in a time of war, is that of protecting itself from its enemies.
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The Fate of the Copperheads.
The result of the late elections and the terrible condemnation of the Copperheads by our brave soldiers in the field, shows plainly what is to be the fate of the Copperheads of the North. It is an old saying that “Every dog has his day,” and we suppose the same is true with regard to snakes; at least it is most emphatically true of the breed known as Copperheads. They thought to ride into power by opposing the war – by slandering the Administration – by crippling the Government, and by aiding the rebels. But they have most signally failed. An outraged and indignant people have risen up in their might and placed the seat of their condemnation upon the traitors. Henceforth, to be known as a Copperhead will be more damning than was the title of “Tory” during the Revolution.
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Hasn’t Heard from Connecticut.
The editor of the Eagle on Thursday of last week had not heard from Connecticut we suppose or that in a large majority of the township and municipal elections the Copperheads were badly defeated – at least we judge from the fact that he did not inform his readers that there had even been an election outside of McDonough county. In fact all the Copperheads hereabouts have been as deaf as adders and their faces as long as the most fanatical puritan in New England can boast of. It is very evident that they feel decidedly bad – down in the mouth, and pretty much used up.
Abbott, have you seen anything lately of that “great reaction” that was sweeping over the North with such fearful speed, and which was to restore the Democratic party to place and power, and if so, how did it look? Have you seen the S. B.’s? Have you heard from Connecticut? and if so, what do you think of the general prospects of the Copperhead fraternity?
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Black Law to be Tested.
The Quincy Republican says a case involving the constitutionality of the Black Laws of this State, came before the Circuit Court, in session in that city, on Tuesday last. Hon. O. H. Browning made an argument against the law, but Judge Sibley decided in favor of the law, and held the parties to answer – several colored people who had entered the State in violation of the statute. The care will be carried to the Supreme Court.
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From the 78th Regiment.
Camp near Franklin, Tenn.
April 3, 1863.
Our regiment still remains here in the vicinity of Franklin. Since the date of my last letter nothing of special importance or of unusual interest has occurred in the 78th, calculated to disturb its usual quietude. Col. Benneson has returned to his regiment, and has assumed command of a Brigade. – Dr. E. S. McIntyre, Ass’t Surgeon, of Hancock Co., has resigned, and our friend and neighbor, Dr. D. M. Creel, of Industry, has in consequence been promoted to the position of 2nd Ass’t Surgeon. Dr. Creel has been our Hospital Steward since the organization, and a more faithful and efficient man never filled a similar position. Dr. Jordan, our principal Surgeon, I learn has returned to his home in Macomb, on a leave of absence for a few days. I am afraid the Doctor will be forced to resign on account of a sprained ankle, which does not appear to improve in the least, although nearly four months has elapsed since the accident occurred to him. Lieut. McCandless of Co. I, has offered his resignation, which will probably be accepted, as he has not been well for several weeks. – Our regiment has considerably reduced since our arrival in Tennessee; several are sick, some have died, and a number have been detailed for duty elsewhere. Three out of every company have been attached to an artillery company in this brigade. From Co. I, James Withrow, E. B. Rhea and John Pembroke were taken, of course with their own consent. The several companies have also been required to furnish two each for a pioneer corps, which is commanded by Lieut. G. T. Beers, of Co. H. I was in Nashville a day or two since and was informed by Dr. Kyle, who is on duty at Hospital No. 12, that all the sick in the Hospitals in that city who are not well enough to report for duty in 60 days, are to be transferred to hospitals in their own State. John McClellan, of Co. I, who has been very low with typhoid fever, is among the list of those to be transferred to the Quincy Hospital. There are doubtless many others of this regiment who will be taken to Quincy under this rule.
We continue to hear numerous reports of great destitution among the rebel troops. Our cavalry scouts bring in a few prisoners almost every day. A few days ago they brought in fifty, who declared of their own accord that they were not hard to take. They preferred our rations to those dealt out by the Confederates. There seems to be a growing confidence that we are now rapidly approaching the close of the war. The recent patriotic demonstrations of the loyal portion of the Democratic party has done much to inspire us with this confidence. Copperheadism in the North appears to be rapidly on the wane, and with the decline of the Copperheads dies the last lingering hope of the rebels.
According to present indications I think we will have no general engagement with the enemy [obscured] unless they should attack us, in which event we are ready for them.
J. K. M.
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From the 84th Regiment.
Murfreesboro, Tenn. March 28.
EDITOR JOURNAL: — Having leisure I write again. I left Nashville on the 4th inst., and am now at Hospital No. 1 at this place nursing Charley who has been quite ill. I except to rejoin my regiment in a few days. The regiment left to-day for the front without tents, the Col. in command of the Brigade, and Major Morton in command of the 84th. Boys all well and hearty. – Have had good times since the fight in standing picket, throwing up entrenchments, playing quoits, ball and the devel generally. You would hardly know them, for a dirtier, greasier set of men is not to be found. Capt. Higgins is the only man in the regiment that keeps tidy and neat; you ought to see him. Co. A. won’t follow his example however.
The regiment last pay-day sent home about $25,000. Pretty good for only 400 men to do, considering that they paid the sutler. They will in a few days be paid off again to March 1st. – There never was an army in better condition than this one. In the best of health, undivided in sentiment, with the greatest confidence in Old Rose, they are confident and cheerful as to results. The enemy shows himself in force, the length of our lines, and miniature battles are fought almost daily. If the rebels keep feeling around Franklin much longer, the 78th may have warm work yet. If they get a chance I hope they will play their hands well.
I do not think any decisive battles will be fought before we get to Chatanooga and there I think the rebel hordes with their Vicksburg army will try to overpower and crush us. The rebels are in a state of extreme destitution and it is only a mushroom spunk that makes them still effective against us. The truth is their army lives on corn-bread and sow-belly, and that in small supplies. My own opinion is that their so-called patriotism will play clean out sooner or later, on an empty stomach. I believe that we can whale anything with Old Rose, and for sometime past have been fearful that he would be sent Rappahannock-wards, where he would be sure to play out as all the balance have done yet. I visited the late battle-field and gathered a handful of bullets &c., that I would send to the author of the Resolutions thanking the McDonough County boys for the part performed by them, and passed at your late Union meeting. Who is he? Have you got any men up your way who are hell on the Proclamation, and particularly so on the suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus? If you have send them down here as conscripts, and let them see their “misguided brethering” in all their purity of character, and chastity of conduct, and I guess a few doses of the lousy be-vermined cusses will satisfy them if it does not satiate. This army has a queer opinion of the rebels. We all believe that when Jeff Davis dies, there will a staff appointment in the infernal regions. We believe that those in arms against us should be hung up side by side, and the Copperheads of the North be made to do duty at their own expense, in keeping the birds from touching their filthy carcasses, that is, if there is any birds immoral enough to do such a thing. I’d like to have a chat with the wives, mothers, sisters, fathers and brothers of those who compose the army, about the Copperheads. To them the whole army says, be of good cheer, and mind not the chuckles, and smiles of joy of the Copperheads when they hear of disasters befalling us – when they hear that our loss is heavy – when they see our comrades coming homeward one by one broken down in health or perhaps wounded and crippled for life. It may wring your hearts with agony to know that some of your neighbors gloat over your griefs; and laugh at your calamities. But there is a better time coming. When the Union is again restored, united and whole, as it certainly will be; when we can with safety lay our weapons down, we pledge the loyal ones at home, by all our love for country and for them, by the memories of our comrades who fell by the wayside, in the hospital, and on the bloody field of carnage, by what we have braved and endured, to commence the peaceful work of retaliating on the Copperheads for their misconduct and incipient treason – to make them hated and shunned by the good and true – to ignore them, and their very existence. In short, we are coming home and that a good deal sooner than Copperheads want us. This army is nursing its wrath for the especial benefit of the Copperheads at home. Pick up a soldier anywhere and ask him if he would like to go through the war safe and return home, and he will say, “Yes.” Ask him what he wants to return for, and the reply instantly is “To give the d – d Copperheads [obscured] a foretaste of the life to come.” We don’t believe the Copperhead is mortally good enough to be a nurse in a nigger hospital; and if they get off in the other world with a slight touch of the infernal regions, shall believe it was effected by a sort of compromise with the devil. The men who for such poor, ignorant, pusillanimous specimens of humanity as those who compose the head and front of this rebellion, would give up Government, and her darling institutions, forsake friends in their greatest straight for succor and support are men who will be, in “the true light of day” universally hated, spit upon, and contemned. I hate them and so does the whole army, and every boy we lose by the gun of a barbarous savage and unrelenting “brother” adds but fuel to our hate. If this army had in detail a guard to relieve St. Peter, who it is said does duty at the gates of the Celestial World, the guard would be instructed to pass none into that Elysium, unless the applicant could answer in the negative truthfully the following question, “Was you a Copperhead in 1862 and ’63?” * * *
Before this reaches you, Chauncy Case, Esq., will arrive at home. Allow one of his company to say, that all though 55 or 60 years of age, he has endured all our long marches with patience, shared our hardships, and reluctantly returns home compelled to it by age. He has “sand in his gizzard” and the boys hate to lose him. Out of 20 of the boys of our Co. who were wounded, but 3 will return, the balance are discharged.
Jos. G. Waters.
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Make Your Own Sugar. – G. W. Scripps, Esq., of Rushville, Schuyler county, called into our office a few days since and showed us a sample of sugar made by Mr. Hooker, of that place, that far excels anything of the kind we have ever seen. This sample is from a lot of near one hundred pounds made from a twenty gallon keg of syrup. Mr. Scripps assures us that any man who can make good molasses can make this sugar, and that it will yield from eight to twelve hundred pounds to the acre. Mr. G. W. Bailey, on the East side of the square, has a quantity of the seed for sale, and we advise our farmers to plant none other. Mr. Scripps, also, will send it free by mail for $1 per pound.
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Strayed.
From the residence of the subscriber, [?] miles south-east of Macomb, on Friday last, a Black Cow, with a white spot on her rump and a white tail, the brush being bitten off, and a scar on the left shoulder. Any person giving information of the whereabouts of said cow will be suitably rewarded.
JOHN R. ROBERTS.
Macomb, April 17, 1863.
