May 13, 1864
Macomb Journal
Latest News.
We at last have the pleasure of announcing that the grand army of the Potomac has moved, and moved to some purpose. Grant’s whole army have crossed Rapidan, and, after three days hard fighting succeeds in driving Lee from the field. Lee left his dead and wounded in our hands. Our news is up to Saturday. Burnside had arrived at the battle ground on Friday, but had not participated in the battle at last accounts.
We expect to have full particulars before our paper goes to press, and also the pleasure of chronicling a glorious victory for Grant.
Gen. Butler has landed at City Point and, after a fight with Beauregard succeeded in cutting off the communications between Richmond and Petersburg.
The rebels have been driven from Spotsylvania towards, Cane creek.
Notices from Richmond represent the great distress and wild disorder found there.
It is believed that Lee will make a stand at the North Anna river.
[?] has been received in Washington that the rebel ram in Albermale Sound has been attacked and [?] the United States steamer Su[?]
Dispatches from General Sherman, [?] and fighting for the position of Rocky Face Ridge, and that General McPherson took Snake Creek Gap and was seven miles from Resaca [?] On Saturday the rebels were forced from Tunnell Hill by [?] and took position at Buzzard’s Roost, just north of Dalton. This is represented as a very strong position, which Thomas was unable to drive them from on former occasions. Resaca is on the Railroad, about fifteen miles south of Dalton. This will place McPherson, with a strong Corps, in the enemy’s rear, while Thomas adv [rest of article obscured.]
Army Correspondence.
Camp near Rossville, Ga.,
April 25, 1864
Last Saturday, [?] a party with some half dozen others in this regiment, I made a visit to the Chickamauga battle ground. This ground appears to be a point of much interest and attraction to citizens and soldiers, as upon every fair day may be seen groups of men roaming over the ground viewing the terrible evidences that remain of that awful conflict, and gathering relics to lay away as remembrances of the great battle. When I arrived upon the ground I found a number of such parties of soldiers already there most of whom had been engaged in the battle, and these were looking with sad interest upon the spot they had lain, or the tree behind which some of them had stood during the shower of shot and shell which rained about them. The whole country in that section is quite telling, and the various knolls afforded at times considerable protection to both armies. But it was in the desperate charges that were made that the greatest slaughter ensued. I soon found myself upon the spot where the 78th held their ground for more than three hours against largely superior numbers and where so many of our brave comrades sacrificed their lives upon the altar of our country. A rod or two in the rear of the line of where our regiment lay was a row of graves where rest the remains of these fallen heroes. They had been but thinly covered with dirt, and in two or three places I noticed the earth had washed away leaving a portion of the bodies exposed to view. – An order from the Department Headquarters has recently been issued requiring that the remains of all the Union soldiers that may be found upon or about the battle fields in this vicinity shall be carefully gathered up, enclosed in coffins, and deposited in the National cemetery which is now being laid out and beautified at Chattanooga. Captain Howden of Co. G, of this regiment has been selected to superintend the disinterment of the remains of those belonging to the 78th, and will go out tomorrow or next day with a squad of men for that purpose. I noticed in two or three places where some rebel bodies had been [?] imperfectly buried. In [obscured] which had been thrown only a few [?] such and old stumps [?] that bodies appeared to have dried [?] become hard [rest of sentence obscured.] There are a number of bones scattered about over the field which may be readily recognized as human bones, undoubtedly dropped where they are by the filthy buzzards.
[?] seem to abound and [obscured] by the spot where the 78th met the enemy there is not a tree [?] scarcely a bush that does not bear the marks of the hissing bullet or the screaming shell. In one tree near where the head of our regiment laid in the time of the battle one of our party counted fifty-six bullet marks. – There are to be seen in every direction limbs and trees lying about entirely cut down by the enemy’s shells. An oak tree, a foot or two from where Co. C was posted, was cut clean off by a shell about three feet from the ground, and at a point about one foot in diameter. – The shell appears to have exploded just as it struck the tree. One soldier was killed by it and two or three others wounded. The soldier killed was a stranger in the regiment. In the early part of the afternoon Col. Van Vleck had observed this soldier straggling, and upon questioning found that he had left his regiment, and as every man at that time was needed Col. Van Vleck ordered him into the ranks. He did good service in Co. G and that fatal shell severed both his legs and thus cut short his career.
After satisfying our curiosity to its fullest extent, and gathering a few relics, our little party started on its return to camp. Our route led us by a rude log cabin, which appeared to be occupied by a large family of children, where we concluded to halt for a drink of water. We found the family to consist of one old lady, about seventy years of age, her daughter who was then absent on a hunt for some old horse or mule to break their garden, and eight children varying in age from three to fourteen years. The husband of the old lady’s daughter was absent in the rebel army. This family had not a mouthful to eat except that which they obtained from the United States Commissary. They had been drawing rations from our government ever since the battle of Mission Ridge last fall. – And this is the condition of every family which remains in this section of the [?]. An order has recently been [?] rations to citizens. – [?] expense. We mentioned to this family the [?] of this [?] order, and found [obscured]. They were expecting to go into camp in a day or two to draw their usual ten day’s rations. The old lady inquired who had issued the order stopping rations to citizens, and we told her it was General Sherman. “Ah,” says she, “then it was not Mr. Lincoln – I know he would never do such a thing. He won’t let us starve, I’ll warrant.” She appeared to have great confidence in “Mister Lincoln,” as she called him. There was not one of the family that could read or write, and all, from the oldest to the youngest, chewed tobacco when they could get it. It is, in fact, a rare exception to find a woman in this country who does not use tobacco in some form. Before we reached camp we met an old woman on her return home from camp where she had been to procure rations. She stopped to talk with us, and noticing that Capt. Howden, one of our party, was smoking a pipe, she remarked, “I suppose, Captain, you chews as well as smokes?”
“Yes,” replied the Captain.
“And I reckon you use the very best kind of tobacker?”
“Well, yes, tolerably good,” replied the Captain; and taking her remark as a pretty strong hint that she would like to try the quality of it he took from his pocket a good sized plug and handed it to her, which she readily accepted, the Captain at the same time remarking, “You are out of tobacco, I suppose?”
“Oh, no,” says the old lady, “but I don’t like to get out!”
The Captain then showed her some of the relics he had gathered upon the battle field.
“This,” said the Captain, “is the small tree I caught hold of to prevent falling when shot in my left leg. I propose to make a cane out of it. And this is a splinter from the body of tree that was blown to atoms by the bursting of a shell within two feet from where I laid. And this,” continued the Captain, “is the root of another tree that was shot off close by my side. I shall make a pipe out of that.”
One of our party who had not seen fit to gather any relics, but determined to receive as much notice from the old lady as any body else, stepped forward with a huge stick which he had picked up somewhere, and was using as a cane, and addressing the old lady, remarked, —
“This is the identical club with which I rushed furiously at a rebel Colonel, and beat his brains out upon the ground. You notice that the end is splintered with the heavy strokes that I gave him.”
The old lady looked over her spectacles in surprise at the young man, and after gazing at him a moment or two, in a very subdued tone she asked him if he was not sorry for killing the Colonel so barbarously.
“Not at all,” he replied, “of course he deserved it.”
“It really seems to me,” said the old lady, “that I have seen you somewhere.”
“I haven’t the least doubt of it,” replied the young man, “and now as I look at you it strikes me that I have seen you somewhere.”
“Where was you born?” inquired the old lady.
“As near as I can recollect it was in Texas,” replied the young man.
“And where have you lived all your days,” continued the old lady.
“In North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.”
“What is your name?”
“Smith,” replied our comrade.
“Well,” says the old lady, “if I haven’t see you before I am sure I have seen some of your [?].”
We then left the old lady, the young man in question ruminating upon the omnipresent character of the Smith family.
We have recently ornamented and beautified our camp ground quite extensively. This country abounds in groves of pitch pine, and as this tree retains its greenness and freshness a log time after being cut down, they are just the thing with which to make an artificial forest, and hence we now have our camp shaded with this beautiful tree.
Indications are still gathering that a forward move is on the tapis. It is my own opinion that we will receive marching orders before the middle of May.
It is announced that we will be paid next week the four month’s pay due us on April 30th.
J. K. M.
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Going to Camp. – Capt. B. M. Veatch will start to-day (Friday) from Tennessee with a company of 100 days’ men. The Captain lacks a few men to make up his company to the maximum number. We hope the boys in this city will see to it that he shall start off with a full company of 101 men by promptly enlisting in his company. As the idea has been abandoned of trying to raise a company in this city, our boys cannot do better than going with Capt. Veatch. The Captain has been in the service and thoroughly understands his “biz.”
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Denies It. – We see by last week’s Quincy Herald that it denies having an “intelligent contraband” in its employ, as charged by the Quincy Whig and Republican. Well, the Herald need not deny it, for there is a young “American of African descent” working in that office, as we ourself saw a few days since while in Quincy, and from the manner in which he was addressed by “Massa Dave” and others in the office, we should infer that he was ‘employed’ there. Democrats don’t employ niggers. Oh, no! none but Abolitionists do that.
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The Weather. – We have had a [?] of weather since our last. First we had some rain, then some more rain, then it rained, afterwards it – and finally , it got too cold to do much in the way of rain and it concluded in frost awhile; accordingly it frosted on Tuesday night. Overcoats and heating stoves were in great demand on Wednesday morning.
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Horse and Cattle Hospital and “Rest.” – It may not be generally known that Macomb is the only city in this State, perhaps in the world, outside of [?], that has a hospital for diseased horses and cattle, and a “Rest” for broken down and tired out dumb beasts, but such is the fact. The Court House square has been fenced in and set apart for that purpose – whether by order of the Board of Supervisors or City Council we know not, nor do we care. Workmen have been employed this Spring to clear up the ground, take out all the brush, stones, brickbats, bones and other trash, so that “patients” should have an easy time of it. The commissary and sanitary departments are under the exclusive charge of farmers who come to the city to trade. They always bring a suitable supply of rations, so that owners of “patients” need not be at any outlay or expense in maintaining their stock while at the hospital. The hospital is conducted on the free principle, the entrances being so arranged that “patients” can admit themselves, either day or night, without the vexation of having to apply at headquarters for a permit.
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No Go. – We announced last week that an effort was being made to raise a company of 100 days’ men, and we understood with good prospects of success – but
“The best laid plans of mice and men
Gang aft glee.”
for some cause or another, the plan has been dropped. It appears that our young men would rather stay at home and tie cans to dogs’ tails than try the realities of camp life, even for the short space of three months. Sensible pastime for our gallant (?) young men, and we have no doubt but the young ladies of this city honor them greatly for their bravery.
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→ Those who contemplate subscribing for the Journal at the old price of $1,50, should bear in mind, that the time will soon be out when they can do so. We shall exact the $2,00 after the first day of June. Roll in the names, for there is still room for a few more in our books, — if not we will have a book made to order large enough to hold them. We want two thousand subscribers by the 4th of July, and we can have them if our friends will exert themselves a little.
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New Firm. – Mr. M. Strader and Mr. S. F. Wright have entered into co-partnership for the purpose of carrying on the boot and shoe, hat and cap business on an extensive scale. The goods that they have were bought before the late advance in prices, and they are therefore enabled to sell considerably cheaper than any other house. Their stock is large and well selected, and customers can rely on getting such an article as represented. They have a splendid stock of ladies and misses hats, trimmed and untrimmed, latest styles. They also manufacture all kinds of boots and shoes for ladies’ and gents’ wear. For particulars read their advertisement which will be found under the head of new advertisements.
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Mowers and Reapers. – We would call attention to the advertisement in this paper, of Wood’s Combined and Single Self Raking Reaper and Prize Mowers.
These machines have been thoroughly tested by the farmers of the West since 1860, and if we may judge from the number of high prizes awarded to them, and and the very large number sold each year, they are all that they are represented to be.
– The Self Raker must take the place of Hand Raking Machines now that labor is so scarce and high priced.
And the light Mower the place of the more unweildy combined machines for cutting grass where separate machines can be afforded. Graham & Bro., Agents, Macomb, Ill.
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Graham & Brother
Dealers in
FARM MACHINERY,
Macomb, Illinois.
FOR SALE, Plows, Corn Planters, Culti-
vators, Reapers, Mowers, Threshing Ma-
chines, &c.
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MILLINERY
And
DRESS MAKING.
Mrs. Jacobs,
Would Respectfully inform the Ladies of
Macomb, and adjoining towns, that she
has just returned from Chicago, with a well
selected Stock of
MILLINERY,
Flowers, Ribbons, Ruches, Hats, &c. Silk and
Straw Bonnets on hand at all times, and of
the best quality. All work warranted to give
satisfaction. New goods and new styles re-
ceived from Chicago soon. Ladies please
call before purchasing elsewhere, as I will sell
cheap for CASH.
Store East side of the Square.
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UNION PLOW WORKS.
350 of those celebrated
CLIPPER PLOWS.
250 DOUBLE SHOVELS.
75 Shanghai
49 of those
TWO HORSE RIDING CULTIVATORS,
Acknowledged to be the best plow in use. I
warrant all my work to be made of the best
material, and to give satisfaction.
Farmers and Dealers are invited to call and
examine for themselves at the
UNION PLOW WORKS.
Macomb, Illinois.
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FOR THE WOOL TRADE
OR
Cash for Wool.
The undersigned has the pleasure of an-
nouncing to the people of McDonough
and surrounding counties, that he has secur-
ed the best assortment of
WOOLEN GOODS,
for the Spring Wool Trade ever brought to
Macomb. The stock will consist of
Cassimeres, Satinets,
Tweeds, Flannels, (pl’d pl’n)
Unions, Jeans,
Coverlets, Blankets,
Stocking Yarns, Carpet Yarn,
“and sundry other things too numerous to
mention.” I hope to please all who may fa-
vor me with their custom.
Thankful for past favors, I solicit a contin-
uance of the same.
HIGHEST MARKET PRICE
paid for Wool at all times.
John Venable.
April 1, 1864
Macomb Weekly Journal
For the Macomb Journal.
A Song.
Who Says de Darkies Won’t Fight.
By Ned Foster.
Air. – Coal Black Roses
Some white folks hab been heard to say
de nigger’s wouldn’t fight,
But I guess dat dey look at it now
Quite in an nodder light;
Hush up your mouf you “copperheads”
Don’t take dat for a plea,
To keep us from de battle field,
Where all of you should be
Our cause is right,
And we will fight,
For dear old Uncle Sam,
And show de Traitors Norf and Souf
Though black we’re each a man.
At “Milkum’s Bend” Port Hudson to,
We made our Masa’s scoot,
And I guess dey formed de cision dere;
Dat we know how to shoot
I tink dat in a little while
We’ll drill it in dere head;
Dat Uncle Sam will arm all things
That can shoot down a “Reb.”
Old Mass Colonel say to us
Which make us feel quite proud
Dat de darkies make as good a mark
As any in de crowd;
And as we’re used to waitin’ on
Our Massa’a heretofore;
We’ll serve dem up a little dis
Dat they’ve not bargained for.
Dey talk about your arming slaves
And make a dreadful fuss,
But don’t dey repudiate dere debts
Which am a great deal “wuss?”
And when de nigger you compare
Wit traitors ain’t it true;
Dat dere deeds if not dere color
Am de whitest ob de two.
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Kansas Correspondence.
Salina, Salina County, Kansas.
March 17th, 1864.
Mr. Editor: — Having been a resident of your county for a number of years, from whence I moved to this place in the year 1860, I am frequently inquired of by friends, as to how I like this country, and what are its prospects as a farming country. And as it may be of some interest to your readers, I propose, with your permission, to answer some of the more general inquiries, in the Journal.
Salina is at present the extreme western county in the State. The territory lying west, being unorganized and uninhabited, except by the few ranch men, on the great roads across the plains. It is used at present as a buffalo pasture. We are one hundred and seventy-five miles west of Fort Riley, on the military road from Fort Leavenworth to New Mexico. The Smoky Hill fork of the Kansas river divides the county into two nearly equal portions. The Solomon and Saline branches also run through it. According to the usage of the country I call these streams rivers, although an Illinoisian, at first sight might be inclined to doubt the propriety of so dignifying them. In appearance, they are but little larger than Crooked Creek, at Macomb. Yet their great length and the size of the fish they produce entitle them to the name river. The Smoky Hill heads full three hundred miles west of this place. It is a peculiarity of Kansas streams, to have a length out of proportion to their size.
The greater part of our timber is cottonwood, some oak, walnut, ash, elm, [obscured], honey locust, box-elder and willow. A person who has been raised in a timber country, would not be satisfied with either the quantity or quality of that article here; but one used to the prairies of Illinois, would find sufficient for all practical purposes. Stone plenty, well distributed and of easy access. Stone will be the principal building material of Kansas. The bottoms on the streams are broad, dry, and smooth as a threshing floor, producing luxurious crops of grass of the best quality. The soil in the bottom is a light black loam, and produces the broad-leafed, blue stem grass and rosin weed. In some places it assumes a pale or ash color, but seems equally productive. The uplands are similar to the high prairies with you, and although but little tested, I think will yet prove our best wheat lands. In my judgement the soil lacks firmness and compactness it is too loose and light, but in this respect improves with cultivation. The sub-soil is of a porous mixture of sand and clay, hardly retentive enough of water. This defect adds to the health of the country, and gives us good roads eleven months in the year. I have seen as good corn raised here as ever I did in Illinois, but I do not consider it as sure a crop. For the small grains such as wheat, rye and barley it is superior.
Stock raising must always be a leading feature in all farming here. The country is peculiarly well suited for that business. It gives promise of both the surest and largest profits, for the capital invested. It is the testimony of all who have made the comparison, that the natural grasses of Kansas are more nutritious than in the States further east. To see our cattle and partake of the beef will convince any one of that fact. It is also illustrated in the condition of the buffalo, some of which have been killed in this section, yielding as much as eighty pounds of tallow. Our feeding season is from six weeks to two months shorter than with you. Indeed some cattle have gone through the winter without being fed at all; such treatment is poor economy and not to be recommended. But few sheep have yet been introduced here. Yet there is every reason to believe that they will pay even better than cattle. They would require but little feed to winter them, except the short time that snow is on the ground. Hogs are the poorest of all stock here, and I am not sorry for it. I am glad that I have got to a country, where the porker is not esteemed an important member of society, and where swine’s flesh is not an indispensible article of diet.
The land in this section, has not yet been offered at public sale, and can be obtained only by actual settlers, either by right pre-emption, or under the Homestead Act. By this means land speculators, (the curse of all new countries,) are excluded. In many parts of Kansas, the best of the land is held by non-residents, to the great injury of the settlers, depriving them of the advantage of society, and retarding for years schools, churches, and public improvements. It is to be hoped, that the policy of throwing the public lands into market as soon as open for settlement is forever abandoned. As usual with all first settlers, fruit culture has received little or no attention. My own little experience in planting has been perfectly satisfactory and I expect in due time to gather fruit. Native plums and grapes grow in abundance, and of excellent quality.
One of the greatest charms this country has for me, is its healthfulness. In regard to this I can speak with great confidence. No swamps or stagnate water producing miasma. A clear bracing atmosphere, giving health to the body and elasticity to the spirit. The population of this county is between four and five hundred, composed of German, Scotch, Irish, English and representatives from most of the Western States and some few Eastern people. Most of them came here with but little capital. The want of it was the main inducement in bringing them here. But few, I think, will ever regret the change. If they are not rich, they have lain the foundation, which if continued will lead to wealth. I am frequently asked through letters by persons, if I would advise them to come to this country. It is hard to answer the question satisfactory, as I do not know the habits, tastes and desires of the individuals or their expectations. What would be desirable to one, might be objectionable to another. Industrious and enterprising men and women of all kinds will do well here. Loafers will do just as well where they are. The country won’t suit them. We have no regular physician here. We want one; one who has a head and heart, in other words a good doctor united with a good man, such a one will find here a community to appreciate his worth.
Salina, the county seat of Saline county is a small town, but a place of considerable business. It contains three stores, grist and saw mill, school house, blacksmith, gunsmith, wagon maker, and saddler. The fur market of the place could not have been less than thirty thousand dollars during the past year. The presbyterian and christian denominations have church organizations. You will find by consulting the map, that you and I studied at school, that this country is part of what was then the “Great American Desert.” That desert may have a definite geographical position, if so it must be sought elsewhere than here. Or if this is a fair sample of it, a miracle is not necessary to “cause the desert to blossom and bloom like the rose.”
R. H. BISHOP.
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WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.
Washington, March 21, 1864.
The most important event that has transpired since my last was the visit of Gen. Grant to this city.
Major Generals have been crowding the hotels here during the winter, and Brigadiers have been as thick as locusts in Egypt, and none of them so far as heard from, have noted for their modesty, but General Grant is truly a modest man, and seemed to desire to avoid anything like show or display. He will be here again this week, and will go into the field immediately with the army of the Potomac, and we will have to let the future tell what the result will be. Officers who have been engaged in the attempted advances towards Richmond report the fortifications of the rebels as impregnable, owing to the nature of the ground they occupy. The country being so situated that one hill commands another, and to take one fortification would be to place our forces directly in range of another battery. But we will see what course Gen. Grant will pursue in reference to these impregnable positions.
Fort Donelson was said to be impregnable but it did not prove so when Gen. Grant “moved” against it, and so it was with Vicksburg. Grant persevered against every obstacle until that modern Gibraltar was taken.
Mission Hill was also said to be so strong a point that the rebels could not be dislodged. Gen. Grant was in command there but few days before the rebels were driven from it in confusion.
There is nothing about Gen. Grant’s personal appearance that would indicate the great man according to the popular theory, but it is impossible to [obscured] the results have been accomplished by good judgment, tenacity of purpose and determined perseverance, rather than by brilliant dashes, he is none the less entitled to credit for them.
The Presidential Question.
Chase’s letter withdrawing his name has proved a wet blanket to many aspiring gentlemen here. Those who were most active in their efforts for Chase, belonged to that class of persons, samples of which you see everywhere, who must either rule or ruin. Men, in most cases who had everything to make by a change and nothing to lose, and who were working purely from selfish motives. Very few of them I think ever had much hope of succeeding in getting Mr. Chase nominated, but hoped to raise a faction formidable enough to bring themselves into notoriety; while the real friends of Mr. Chase from the beginning discouraged the movement, as they knew the popular heart was for Mr. Lincoln, and they did not desire to see Mr. Chase make a failure.
I presume there never has been a time in the history of this country when the result of a coming election could be more clearly foretold. From every part of the country the voice of the Union masses comes up nearly unanimously for Mr. Lincoln.
The result of the election in New Hampshire can be taken as a forerunner of the elections that are [?] off in 1864.
The Copperheads in New Hampshire and their journals everywhere made the contest in that State a fight against the Administration and against Mr. Lincoln, as the exponent and originator of the policy of the Administration, and said that the result would show whether Mr. Lincoln was sustained. We have had that result, it was an overwhelming majority for the Union and an indorsement of the policy of the Administration. Connecticut will follow in April with a like verdict, and so the ball will be kept rolling until Abraham Lincoln is triumphantly re-elected in November.
The Fair.
The Ladies’ Fair for the benefit of the Christian Commission still continues and is a great success. Saturday evening there was a grand promenade concert at the fair rooms. Mrs. Kretchmar, the great singer, assisting, the rooms as usual were crowded. The fair will close with a grand ball on the evening of the 28th. Most of the valuable artifacts have been disposed of by raffling, or by “taking chances” as the ladies term it. Some of my acquaintances have been quite fortunate – one: Mrs. L. — , of Ohio, has drawn two very valuable silver tea sets.
Veteran Reserve Corps.
I see that by order of the War Department, the name of the Invalid Corps has been changed to the more appropriate one of Veteran Reserve. The regiment stationed here, belonging to that corps, has dress parade every Sabbath afternoon on Franklin Square. I went up to see them last Sabbath. They present quite a fine appearance in their light blue uniforms with dark facings, and the armless coat sleeves dangling by the side of many of the officers show that they have seen service.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
That attention of the traveling public is called to the above road, as a through route from the West. The Michigan Southern Railroad has made arrangements with the Newark and Sandusky and other roads in Ohio, by which they run through trains with close connection making better time from Chicago to Washington, and with less change of cars than by any other route. And in this age proverbial for gruff officials, it is a pleasure to come in contact with the gentlemanly and obliging officers and employees on this road.
Those doing business with the road, by shipping freight, or otherwise, will find in W. P. Smith, Esq., the Superintendent, a gentlemen, who, while he pays strict attention to the interests of the road, is ever ready and willing to oblige if in his power.
W.
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“Rally round the” polls, boys! Don’t forget the election next Tuesday, but go and vote; see that your Union neighbor votes. Remember that your opponents are wily, and that they will leave no stone unturned to secure our defeat. This election will be watched and commented on all over the Union, and we should not be found sleeping on our posts. Every Union voter that stays from the polls counts one for the copperheads. Let us send word to our gallant soldiers in the field that McDonough county is released from the thralldom of copperhead rule.
Remember, do NOT say “can’t” but go and vote. If you love your country – if you desire to gratify your friends in the field, go and vote for Union men; men who are tried and true.
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War in Illinois.
The copperheads have appeared determined from the first to bring on a collision between themselves and Union men in this State, and have, through their press, and by individuals, societies and every other way provoked Union men and returned soldiers till it was almost unbearable. The copperheads in Coles Co., more zealous in the cause of their master, Jeff. Davis, than others have commenced the war in earnest by going in crowds to Charleston on Monday the 28th, armed with guns concealed in wagons, and carrying revolvers. They commenced firing on some soldiers in the court house yard, and the County Sheriff commenced firing on Union men in the Court House. It is too late for us to make more than a note of it. We will endeavor to give the particulars next week. Several were killed and wounded, among the killed was Maj. S. York, Surgeon of the 54th, [obscured.]
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Union Meeting in Scotland Township.
At a meeting held at Centre Point school house, on March 26th, 1864, for the purpose of nominating candidates for township officers, Mr. H. H. Kyle, Chairman, and Mr. Robert Littleson Secretary.
The following nominations were made.
Geo. W. Provine township Supervisor, Robert Littleson town Clerk, Jeremiah Sullivan Assessor, Charles W. Greenup Collector, James M. Rexroat Commissioner of Highways, Samuel McKidney Overseer of Poor, John Roberts and Edwin B. Rall Constables.
ROBERT LITTLESON, Sec’y.
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Do They Talk Nigger?
Some of our Democratic cotemporaries are continually harping about Union men talking nigger, and our great love for the woolly heads. Where they get their information from is more than we know. We have never seen it in any paper or heard it expressed by an individual, except by the copperheads themselves. But we asked the question “Do they talk nigger?” In answer to it we would state that as a matter of curiosity we took the pains to count how many times the word nigger, or its equivalent of black, Sambo, &c., occurred in a certain paper, that is published something less than a thousand miles from this office. We counted the word FORTY-TWO times. Just think! forty-two times in one issue, and that is far less a number than usual. Besides the forty-two times the words was mentioned, the same issue had the photographs of 40 of his colored brethren. Copperheads don’t talk nigger? No-siree.
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ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
From the 78th Regiment.
Camp near Rossville, Ga.,
March 15, 1864.
This is a cold, chilly morning. Although I was looking yesterday upon a number of peach trees richly clothed with blossoms of brilliant hues, and listening to the sweet music of the birds, this morning I find myself jostling and elbowing with my messmates in order to get a comfortable position near the cheerful fire which illuminates our rude little cabin. The sky is overcast with blue and lowery looking clouds, and the winds come rushing into the cracks and crevices of our shanty with a dismal howl. But soldiers are called upon to endure all kinds of weather – cold and hot, wet and dry, cloudy and clear, and ever be ready for duty at a moment’s warning.
There it comes! a blast from Maynard’s bugle. That is a call for the pickets to fall in. Our company furnishes eight men for picket every morning. They pack their blankets, and provide themselves with rations for 24 hours, and rig themselves as though for a march. Picket duty in good weather is no hardship. Each picket is required to stand as sentinel six hours out of the twenty-four – that is, two hours on duty, and six hours off. As matters are at present arranged a man’s turn [obscured] The pickets usually take with them their writing materials, and a large portion of the letters sent from the army are written while out on picket. At half past nine Maynard blows his bugle again. That will be the call for company drill. Each company then assembles on their respective parade grounds, form in line, and are then marched out to the most convenient places for drilling. At eleven o’clock the re-call is sounded, and we then march to our quarters. At half past two the bugle sounds for battalion drill, which exercise is continued until four o’clock, thus consuming three hours each day in drilling. Saturday and Sunday, however, are excepted.
A recent order requires that the men shall practice an hour each day at target shooting. This exercise comes off immediately after dinner, and is rather liked by most of the men. The target is usually set at a distance of one hundred yards, and each man steps out as his number is called – takes aim, and fires. A report is handed in each day at headquarters of the names of the two best shots in each company, and the distance hit from the centre. These reports prove that we have excellent marksmen in the regiment, as scarcely a day passes but each company can show the bull’s eye pierced at the centre.
Capt. Reynolds of Co. I, returned to the regiment a few days ago apparently much improved in health. Dr. D. M. Creel, of Industry, started for home a few days since on a leave of absence for thirty days. The Doctor has filled the position of Hospital Steward since the organization of the regiment, and won for himself the confidence and esteem of both officers and men. He goes home with a recommendation to Gov. Yates to commission him as an Assistant Surgeon in this regiment, and I hope to see him return with his commission in his pocket.
Orderly J. J. Clark of Co. I, has obtained a furlough for a few days and starts for Macomb on Friday. I learn that his wife is dangerously ill, but at last accounts was slightly improving.
Lieut. Col. Carter Van Vleck has been promoted to the Colonelcy of this regiment, and I presume he will now doff the silver leaf and don the eagle. Capt. M. R. Vernon, of Co. K, whose home is in Quincy, is promoted to the Lieut. Colonelcy.
Thursday Evening, March 17. – No mail arrived this evening. A rumor is current that John Morgan has cut the railroad near Tullahoma and captured a train, mail and all. I trust it may prove a canard. All remains quiet at the front. We had a biting frost last evening, and hard freezing. I think the whole peach crop in this section of country must be destroyed.
J. K. M.
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Union Meeting in Chalmers Township.
Pursuant to call, the Unconditional Union voters of Chalmers Township, McDonough county, met at the house of Mr. Joseph Litchfield in the above named township, on Saturday afternoon, March 26th, for the purpose of nominating candidates for the various town offices to be voted for at the coming Spring election.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Alexander Blackburn, Esq. Doanne was called to the chair and W. F. A. Kohler elected secretary. By request of the chairman, Mr. Blackburn stated the object of the meeting.
On motion the convention proceeded to make nominations for the several offices to be filled. The following Ticket was unanimously agreed upon:
For Supervisor, Alexander Blackburn; for Town Clerk, W. F. A. Kohler; for Assessor, James Thompson; for Collector, Joshua Wayland; for Highway Commissioner, Jacob Kaisersen; for Overseet of Poor, S. G. Scroggs.
On motion, Messrs. Steckel, Blackburn and Joel Wayland were appointed a Township Central Committee and also a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of this convention. The following resolutions were presented and unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That in the great struggle of our country for National existence there is neither time nor space among loyal men for party, but in the language of the lamented Senator Douglas, All must be Patriots or Traitors. He that is not for his government, his country, is against it.
Resolved, That we cordially endorse the Administration and its war measures, for the effectual suppression of the slave holders’ rebellion.
Resolved, That we tender our undivided thanks to those brave and heroic soldiers, who have so gallantly maintained our national integrity.
Resolved, That we look forward with hopeful anticipations to the utter overthrow of this terrible rebellion, to the complete recovery of all revolted territory, and the renomination of Abraham Lincoln at the Baltimore Convention.
On motion the Convention adjourned sine die.
A. H. DOANE, Chairman.
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For the Macomb Journal.
Interesting to Stock Raisers!
McDonough Co. Still Ahead!
Walnut Grove, March 28, 1864.
Mr. Editor: I enclose you the following:
Mr. Matthies Hemenover a neighbor of mine, has a cow that a short time since gave birth to three calves, one living and two dead. Last spring she gave birth to four, all were alive but the weather being very cold at the time three of them froze to death, one is still living. The spring previous she had three at one birth, all were alive but as it happened in the month of February and the weather being intensely cold, they all perished for want of proper care; hence she has had ten calves at three births, and in about two years. Said cow is a bright red, and rather heavy set. You discover nothing peculiar in her appearance.
The above facts can be well attested.
Yours, F. CRUISER.
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Copperhead Lyric.
Mr. Editor: — We commend to your readers the following copperhead morning hymn. Now-a-days we hear so much of the superiority of races, and of part of mankind having no rights that the white man need respect, that I have reduced their sentiments to numbers. It may be that Dr. Olds’ church may extend this far, and they may need special odes for their purified sanctuary. Moreover, your cotemporary seems again religiously exercised, and you might send him a copy. In this day of open bibles such lyrics are almost out of print, and these devout personages have to go to the heathen for their sacred songs:
Father Almighty, [?] as the race
Of white men far and near; but chase
The negroes from thy throne, black crew,
Swift headlong to the world below.
The Golden rule, good Lord, repeal,
And sanction, thou, who black men steal;
Those Hottentots and Congres rate
As monkies of superior state.
The Chinese save, the Indian, too,
The Dutch, the Swede, and dark [?]
But Sambo’s soul respect not thou,
Nor let his rights be heard below.
The negro is a lower race,
Unfit to dwell in thy embrace,
Then cause our cup to overflow,
And sink this Cuffee o’er so low.
Thus, Lord, thy praise shall rise supreme
In hearts more worthy thy esteem,
Whilst these low chattels we will use,
To spread thy name to Greek and Jews.
And when to Abram’s bosom we
Are raised to all eternity,
May ‘nigs’ on three-legged stools be left
Far down in torrid climes – a drift.
Then through high heaven on downy beds,
Both Butternuts and Copperheads,
Their social voices loud will ring,
And nary nigger there will sing.
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Annual Town Meeting.
The citizens, legal voters of the Town of Macomb, in the County of McDonough and State of Illinois, are hereby notified that the annual town meeting for said town will be held at the Court House in said town on Tuesday, the fifth day of April, 1864, being the first Tuesday in said month, for the purposes following:
To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
To elect one Supervisor, one Town Clerk, one Collector, one Assessor, one Overseer of the Poor, one Commissioner of Highways, one Justice of the Peace for one year, six Overseers of Highways, and to act upon any additional subject which may, in pursuance of law, come before said meeting, at the proper time, when convened.
Which meeting will be called to order between the hours of nine and ten o’clock in the forenoon and kept open until six o’clock in the afternoon.
Given under my hand at Macomb, this twenty-ninth day of March, A. D. 1864.
THOS. M. GILFRY,
Town Clerk.
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Meanness Personified. – Some malicious person, or persons, with malice aforethought, entered our office on Wednesday night last and pied a lot of advertisements on the inside pages and also several jobs that were standing on the job stone. Whoever it was knew something of the internal arrangement of a printing office, and also where we kept our key. We thought when we commenced this article that we would tell our opinion of such acts, but we can’t do the subject justice. We have not got the time to reset the “ads” that are pied, but will have them all right next week. Among the ads that were pied was that of G. W. Smith’s Nursery which we had promised to bring forward among the new advertisements.
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Billingsgate. – The classical regions of Billingsgate, London, have their counterpart in this city. On Campbell’s corner may be seen, about every other day, some gentlemen of the Irish persuasion engaged in the lucrative business of selling fish, while other gentlemen (!) of the copperhead persuasion are engaged in the laudable practice of “cussing” and swearing. – It is a very pleasant place for ladies to pass! Why can’t our city “dads” be made to stand there for a few hours in the day. It would help their morals – and may be they would do something.
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New Music. – The following are among the pieces of new music just received at Clarke’s book store: Vacant Chair, Babylon is Fallen, Beautiful Child of Song, Oh, Wrap the Flag Around Me, Boys, Sleeping for the Flag, House Far Away, Vicksburg is taken, Boys, Washington and Lincoln, Gay and Happy, Ah! he Kissed Me when He Left Me, Mother would Comfort Me, Brave Boys are They, Will you Come to Meet Me, Darling, Lottie in the Lane, All Hail to Ulysses, Maudie Moore, Columbias Guardian Angels, O come you from the Battle Field, Grafted into the Army, I Stand on Memory’s Golden Shore, Old Brown Cot, She Sleeps Beneath the Elms, Oh Bury the Brave where they Fall, When will my Darling Boy Return, Sleighing with the Girls, Bless Me, Mother, ere I Die, Corporal Schnapps, Rock Beside the Sea.
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Apple Trees. – We have neglected to call attention to the advertisement of G. W. Smith, nurseryman of this city. Mr. Smith is one of the oldest and most reliable nurserymen in this section of the State. He offers his trees at extraordinary low prices, and all who contemplate setting out orchards this spring should not fail to call on him for choice varieties of trees at greatly reduced prices. See his advertisement which we bring forward among the “New Adverstisements.”
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Teachers’ Association. – The Teachers’ Association for McDonough county commenced its session on Tuesday last. There are quite a large number of teachers in attendance.
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Brought Home. – The remains of Wm. T. Chase, a son of Rev. James Chase, of this county, was brought home from the army last week for interment here. Mr. Chase enlisted last November, and we learn had never reached his regiment. He was sent from Chattanooga with others to guard a train to Knoxville, Tenn., and on the road he was taken sick with the pleurisy, and died in a few days. He was buried last Friday from the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Moses A. McCandless, who was killed at the battle of Missionary Ridge last December, was also brought home last week for burial. The funeral services took place at the Presbyterian Church last Saturday.
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Mud. – “Spring time has come,” and so has mud. Now, as a general thing, people are not very fond of tramping through mud barefoot, and they, as a natural consequence, want to know where to get boots and shoes that will keep the mud from their feet. – There are several places in this town where they can be supplied, but J. M. Browne & Co’s is the place and no mistake. They are in receipt of their spring stock of boots and shoes, hats and caps, baskets all of the very best quality and at prices that defy competition. Be sure and call on them when you want anything in their line. Mr. Browne came to this city about one year ago, and by his politeness of manners and strict attention to business, has succeeded in building up a very large trade, but he is still willing to have more. – Remember it is of no use to go barefoot when you can be shod so cheap.
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Crackers. – Attention is called to the advertisement of G. W. Kruse, Machine Baker, of this city. Those contemplating going to Idaho will do well to call on him and supply themselves with a lot of those crackers. They will find that they will come handy on the plains.
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Sudden Death. – We were pained to learn on Monday morning last of the sudden death of Dean Ray, eldest son C. M. Ray, Esq., of this city. He had only been sick since Thursday evening previous. The bereaved parents have the profound sympathies of the whole community in their sad affliction.
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Indicted. – We understand that Capt. Geo. B. Reid was indicted during the sitting of the Grand Jury for bringing an “unbleached American” into this county. The Captain belongs to the 66th, and we don’t doubt but that he will feel bad about it when he hears of it. There is only one way for him to escape the punishment due to his enormous crime – and that is to vote the copperhead ticket.
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Windy. – The weather on last Monday was regular March weather. – High winds prevailed. Dust was in the ascendant – altogether it was a first rate day to stay in the house.
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Musical Convention. – A musical convention has been holding here during this week under the direction of Prof. Bennett, of Janesville, Wisconsin. A concert will be given this (Friday) evening either at the Presbyterian or Universalist Church.
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Adjourned. – The Circuit Court, after a busy session of seven days and a half, adjourned on Tuesday. A large amount of business was transacted in that time. The trial of Manion for the murder of Tom Brown was postponed till next court.
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Off for Idaho. – On Tuesday morning another company started from this place for Idaho. The company was composed of Robt. Bonham, G. A. Decker, John Harris, and C. C. Clarke, Wm. H. Phelps also belongs to the same company, but will not start for several days yet.
We neglected to notice last week the departure of Mich. Lipe and Ben. Naylor. They contemplate going by the way of Salt Lake City. We wish the whole crowd an abundance of success.
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Tangle-leg. – The other day we saw an old man attempting to navigate West Jackson street, who seemed to think that the plank of the side walk was too short at both ends – at least, he attempted to walk on both sides at once.
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Sickly. – There is a great deal of sickness in this city and vicinity this Spring. We believe the prevailing disease is diptheria, though there are several cases of fever. There has been several deaths.
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Changed Hands. – The building on the north side of the square, known as the Masonic Hall, has been bought by Mr. John Venable. He occupies one room with his woollen store. The other room will be occupied by a millinery store.
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Fire. – The smoke house of Mrs. Logsdon, on West Jackson street was discovered to be on fire on Saturday night last, about 12 o’clock. The origination of the fire is unknown. The loss to Mrs. Logsdon is about $500, as all of her flour, meat, &c, were stored in it.
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Quashed. – The indictment in the suit of Covalt vs. Phelps, for libel was quashed on Monday last by the Prosecuting Attorney.
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More Improvements. – We notice that the business house on the south side of the square, adjoining Cottrell & Bros., is being re-modelled, and fixed up in style. We have not learned who will occupy it, but presume it will not remain long without an occupant.
Thos. Gilmore is putting up an office on the south side of the square, and improving the old building. After he gets through, that part of the square will assume a more business-like appearance.
On West Jackson street we notice a large dwelling house going up – being built by Mr. Strader. It is of the “Barn” order of architecture.
Moab Lovely, of the firm of R. J. Adcock & Co., has bought, and is refitting a building on West Jackson street formerly owned by Mrs. Atkinson.
James Clarke, Esqr., has commenced putting a large dwelling on the same street, opposite the Macomb House.
W. O. Thomas is putting up a Carpenter shop on Lafayette street south of Adcock & Co’s grocery store.
Dr. E. A. Floyd is having the back room of the Chicago store fitted up for offices.
G. W. Bailey, dry goods dealer on the east side of the square, has bought the property, formerly owned by Mrs. Maury, on East Jackson street, and is making a new place of it. It will add to the appearance of that part of town when he get through with his contemplated improvements.
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→ A hump backed, Jew-nosed individual put his body inside our office the other day and asked, “Is that man I wanted to see in here yet?” We were about to inquire what man, when seeing the end of a whisky bottle sticking out of his pocket, we were satisfied and answered, “The man you want to see is in the abolition office.” He left. – Eagle.
We found the about artice in the Eagle last week, and we did begin to think that Abbott had reformed, but alas! on inquiry, we found that Abbott did not write that article. He is not the man to let a bottle of whiskey slip from him in that abrupt a manner.
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Musical. – By last week’s Eagle we see that our neighbor has turned his attention to music – and to verify our assertions of last week in regarding to the disease of “N. O. B.,” the notes he uses for his music are little darkies climbing on a rail fence. It is true, the music is not adapted to be sung in church, but it will do for a copperhead camp meeting. From the words accompanying it, we should infer that it is the opening ode of the Knights of the Golden Circle. Here are the words; our readers can judge for themselves:
In the rank dog fennel John Brown was born across the creek,
With a black spot in his bosom that astonished old Nick;
As he died stealing niggers, let us free them quick,
While the devil gets us all!
Glory to the big buck nigger,
Glory to the big buck nigger,
And the fat she nigger too.
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More Copperhead Literature. – The following sweet specimen of copperhead audacity was received a short time since by the person to whom it was addressed. We have not learned whether Mr. Hill has been “Badley whiped” or not, but presume he keeps a body guard with him, and will not be “ketched” out alone. Such letters are more amusing than frightful, and if the copperheads think they can scare good Union men by them, or accomplish more than their brethren of New York did last summer, why – let ‘em “pitch in”
Tennessee Illinois
Mr hill if you dont mind your Bisness you will get youre selfe Badley whiped Before you leeve yet the next time I ketch you out you will get one of the gratest whipens you ever had I wont leeve A Bit of hide on your Back I think you will get A thing A Bout the sise of A Beene I have bin wAtching you for last week Now you Beter kep your ise open your Friend toly
March 18, 1864
Macomb Weekly Journal
Another Call Made.
The President has made another call for 200,000 more men, and designates the 15th of next month for the draft to take place. The quotes of the different counties, townships and cities will be announced in a few days. Let McDonough county have a clear record by the day fixed. The men must be had, for this war is going to end soon, and it takes men to do it.
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Spring Election.
The time for the annual Town Meetings is fast approaching, and it behooves all true Union men to be at work, in order to secure a good result to their side. It is none to early for primary meetings in each of the townships to bring out candidates to fill the various offices.
By vigorous work, and that only, can we hope to secure a majority of the Board of Supervisors in this county. It can be done, and we must all do our part to accomplish the desired object; and to do this, we must organize early, meet often, and on the day of the election see that every Union man votes, and then we can have the satisfaction of knowing that we have redeemed our county from copperhead mis-rule and corruption. Remember the word ‘can’t’ lost us the last election. Let it not be said that is has done so, or will do so again. Some think that these Spring elections are, of themselves, unimportant, and are not worth the trouble of attending. We would say to such, in the language of one of the opposition, ‘These elections are the skirmishes which precede the great battle next Fall.’
We can and we must carry this county at the ensuing election. Therefore, hold your primary meetings, bring out your candidates, work faithfully, and all will go well.
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– It is announced that Gen. Grant, who is now on his way to Nashville will, after arrangeing matters in the West, return to the East and head the Army of the Potomac, which is to be largely reinforced for a grand forward movement upon Richmond.
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ARMY CORRESPONDENCE
From the 78th Regiment.
Camp near Rossville, Ga.,
March 1, 1864.
I wrote in my last letter that we were under orders to be prepared to march at a moment’s notice. Soon after I closed the letter, the orders came to march forthwith. We were soon in marching trim, and about 5 o’clock, P.M. we bid adieu to Turner’s station, and to the neat and cosy cabins we had just finished, and we found ourselves headed toward Ringold, 11 miles distant. The road was dry and hard, and wound along through a splendid timbered country. We reached Ringold about 10 P. M. without much fatigue. The night was still, the large full moon in the east shed its light upon us from a clear and unclouded sky, tendering the scene about us one of peculiar interest and beauty. We received orders to bivouac for the night, and were marched to some vacant lots in this once beautiful town, where we spread our blankets, and soon forgot our troubles, hopes and anxieties in quiet sleep. – The next morning after the sun was well up, our brigade was marched through what is now called Hooker’s Gap, about a mile to the south of Ringold. The name of Hooker has been given to the Gap since the desperate battle fought by that General at this place last November, at the time the rebels were driven from Mission Ridge. The trees, bushes, &c., in and about the Gap, bore the marks of the terrible conflict. A number of small trees were cut completely down by the shot and shell, and in the bodies of some of the trees left standing could be counted more than fifty bullet holes. In passing through this Gap we were obliged to wade a creek about knee deep, which was not so very comfortable on a cold frosty morning. Up to this time, we knew nothing of the disposition to be made of our brigade. We learned that one or two divisions had marched through the day previous, and we heard rumors that they had had an engagement with the enemy at Tunnel Hill, and had driven them some miles beyond. But it appears that we had about reached the end of our trip[.] The various regiments of our brigade were ordered to occupy a series of high ridges which lay just to the south of the Gap. The 77th [78th] occupied “Taylor’s Ridge,” which was the most southern, and overlooked a beautiful valley which was visible for two or three miles southward. Here we remained from Wednesday morning until Saturday morning. It appears that the only object of this move southward was a reconnaisance to feel the strength of the enemy, and to prevent his sending reinforcements to other points, which object was accomplished. Citizens, deserters and captured prisoners all concurred in the statement that at the time our advance was made, there were eleven trains at Dalton loaded with rebel troops about to start southward. They were of course detained, and thus some rebel scheme was frustrated. On Friday, from our position on the Ridge, we could see our troops moving back in large numbers, and we could hear the popping of the guns in the skirmishing which was kept up by the rebels with our rear guard. At length our troops and wagon trains were all safely through the Gap and now we saw the rebel cavalry approaching very cautiously, and about 4 o’clock in the afternoon we witnessed a very interesting little skirmish on the valley below. Our regiment was now left in the extreme front, and we began to have excellent prospects of some practice with our rifles. It was surmised that we might be attacked in the night. Col. Van Vleck ordered the regiment to throw up as good breastworks as circumstances would permit. We had neither spade, shovel or pickaxe, and but a few axes, but in less than an hour we had good bullet proof breastworks thrown up the entire length of our regiment, built of logs and stones. We stacked arms near the breastworks and laid down beside them, and notwithstanding the fair prospect of a battle before morning, nearly every man was soon in profound sleep. Of course we had our pickets and sentinels at their proper posts. About two o’clock the sharp crack of two rifles brought nearly every man to his feet. The signal for alarm is the report of three guns, but here were only two. It was finally ascertained that the pickets on our outposts discovered two rebels cautiously approaching our lines, and fired upon them, when the butternuts turned their coat tails and run like deer. Those pickets ought to have been courtmartialed for making such poor shots.
The next morning we left the Ridge and took up a line of march northward, back through Ringold. This place appears once to have been a very beautiful town, of probably 1500 inhabitants, containing several magnificent residences, as well as a fair [obscured] of commodious and elegant business houses. But the town has been almost totally destroyed. The business part of the town was destroyed by fire at the time Hooker took the Gap which now bears his name. At this time there are probably not over a dozen families in the whole town. As we passed through on our way back we found a number of regiments camped there, and the boys were busy tearing boards from the deserted houses with which to build themselves new shanties.
We marched on that day (Saturday) to a point about seven miles north of Ringold where we bivouaced in a pleasant piece of woods near a splendid stream of water, and about a rod in width. It was understood that we were halted at this place in order to intercept any flank movement that might be attempted by the enemy. All was quiet, however, and the next afternoon we started for our old camp near Rossville, which place we reached about 5 o’clock.
Monday, March 3. – We still remain at the Rossville camp. The paymaster has found us at last and is now engaged in paying off the regiment for the two months ending December 31.
Wm. McClellan, John Weaver, W. J. Thomas, and Wm. Bates reached our regiment a day or two ago, having been home on a thirty days furlough. Capt. Black and Capt. Allen of Hancock county have also returned. The latter was severely wounded in the left hand at the battle of Chicamauga. J. K. M.
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Camp Butler, March 7, 1864.
Dear Journal. – Since writing last, we have “changed our base” from Camp Yates to Camp Butler – a change favorable to obtaining supplies. On Saturday afternoon, about one hundred and fifty recruits, with knapsacks, haversacks, (with one days rations) cups, spoons, knives and forks, and last, though not least, blankets, were ordered to “fall in” and take up line of march for that camp, which place we reached about dusk, not a little leg-weary. None of us met the fate of Lot’s wife, for instead of looking back on that Soddom with great regret, we were all greatly rejoiced to escape its gray-backs and corporals. All of the soldiers and recruits in Butler appear to be comfortably quartered in good barracks. The “grub” is also much better here than at Camp Yates! In honor to our noble Governor, the name of that camp ought to be changed to Camp lance-corporal.
The barracks in which your humble servant is quartered is under the charge of Sergeant Ross, who is wideawake for the interests and comfort of his men. The cooking department is superintended by Perdue of Bushnell. He is a brick.
We left the boys for the 124th at Camp Yates, all well.
Col. Rowett, of the 7th Ills. infantry commands this post. Lieut. Col. Sidwellof the 108th Ills., has charge of the recruits. There is a battalion of recruits formed for drill. Yesterday evening, while the boys were engaged in their sports, throwing old boots, canteens, oyster cans, &c., one fellow unfortunately received a severe gash in the forehead. The fun commenced to wax warm, threatening serious results, when it was brought to a sudden stop by the interference of the guard. In passing through the hospitals this morning, I found Richard L. Smith, of McDonough county, a patient sick with typhoid pneumonia, but much better than he had been, and in a fair way to be out in a few days. He is a recruit for the veteran 57th. There is a good deal of sickness in camp – mostly measles and mumps. There was seventeen graves dug yesterday. This, to some, may look like burying all of the recruits before they have an opportunity to join their regiments, but it must be remembered that some of the dead are kept several days before interment.
The 2nd cavalry recruits were sent home on furlough yesterday. We are all anxious to be sent forward to our regiments, but do not know when we will be gratified.
Yours for the death of slavery,
HIGH PRIVATE.
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For the Macomb Journal.
Flag Presentation.
To the Officers and Soldiers of the 8[4]th Regiment Ill. Infantry, Volunteers.
On behalf of many of your friends in McDonough County, whose names are herewith enclosed, I have been deputed to present you with this flag, as a token of our respect and esteem for you as citizens, and of our appreciation of your gallant service as soldiers in the defense of our common country. While we feel proud, and justly too, of the noble prowess, and gallant deeds of daring performed by the brave sons of Illinois, upon almost every battle-field, we have watched with an especial pride, the noble part performed by the gallant 84th on the bloody fields of Stone River, Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, and where so many of our dear friends, and your brave comrades have already sealed their devotion to their country with their lives. – Your fearfully decimated ranks, and your tatters and torn ‘Flag’ most nobly attest that wherever duty called there was always the gallant 84th.
Friends and Soldiers of the 84th. – To your gallant Colonel and very gallant officers and soldiers in his command, all, and alike, your friends in Old McDonough send Greeting:
You will please accept this ‘Flag’ then as a mark of our respect for you, and what more fitting token could we present, for your fidelity and prowess on so many a hard fought battle-field? We pray you, then, receive this emblem of your country’s nationality – of her courage, purity, and faith. We are sure you will unite with us in one hearty prayer, that –
“Long may it wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
J. B. CUMMINGS.
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
Well & Wheat, J E Wyne, W S Peebles, W H Randolph, A V Brooking, D Runkle, W M Ervin, R McNair, G W Smith, D W Hawkins, H R Bartleson, James Chase, Thomas Philpot, A E Hoskinson, S French, Cottrell & Bro.,Patrick O’Mera, William B McMillen, L Socker, D G Tunnecliff, J M Browne, A J Thomas, W P Pearson, J Strader, Andrew Allison, S F Wright, Charles H Wolf, A J McCabe, Thomas Adcock, S P Dewey, J H Cumming, Edward A Floyd, L E Walker, D Wood, Thomas Lillard, R W Smith, W E Withrow, Wm H Graham, T M Hall, I August, Caleb Hathaway, W H – J Mc –, J B Cummings, Frank R Kyle, Joseph Burton, W E Martin, Luther Johnson, N P Tinsley, Jno W Venable, J P Updegraff, J L N Hall, C M Ray, George M Shafer, T J Beard, E L Wells, William L Baily, W W Provine, Wm M Chambers, H Tatman, John Knappenberger, Amos Dixon, James Matthews, F W Minshall, A P Weatherhold, Wm Van Hozen, B I Dunn, Ladies Loyal League, A J Davis, J L Anderson, C Chandler, L Garrett, J E D Hammes, B Randolph, B R Hampton, J M Jordan, Stephen Yocum.
Headquarters, 84th Ill. Vols.
Blue Springs, Tenn.,
March 1, 1864.
Mr. J. B. Cummings:
Sir: — I received on the 21st ult. By the hands of our Capt. Ervin, a beautiful flag, presented by the citizens of McDonough county: to the 84th Ill. Col., accompanied by your communication on behalf of the kind friends who procured it, and a list of their names.
I have been prevented until now, by our recent reconnaissance towards Tunnel Hill and Dalton, answering your communication. We followed the old flag through Stone River, Chickamauga and over the rugged sloped of Lookout Mountain, we returned the little of it left, to be kept with the Battle Flags of our comrades mute witnesses of the part taken by the sons of our gallant Illinois, in the war for the preservation of the Union. Soldiers love to know that they are kindly remembered by their friends at home. Our new flag will be an additional bond of union between us, and wherever we may be called upon to bear it, although the storm of battle may thicken around its folds, we will remember that anxious hearts are watching us and our flag from our distant homes. On behalf of my regiment, please return to the donors our thanks and best wishes.
May God bless each and all you with a return of peace, and with peace, the return to the vacant places by the firesides of the farmers, husbands, brothers and sons of Illinois now battling for the right.
Very Respectfully,
Your Ob’t Serv’t.,
L. H. WATERS,
Col. 84th Ill. Vol.
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Union League.
A meeting of the County League will be held on Monday, the 4th of April, in Macomb. A punctual attendance is requested. Township leagues are requested to appoint delegates in [?].
W. E. WITHROW, C. P.
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Local News. – There is quite a dearth of local news at the present writing. Nothing of any special interest has transpired, to our knowledge since our last.
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To Correspondents. – We are under obligations to Ned Foster for another original poem. We shall publish it next week. Send those sketches, too.
We received a communication or advertisement, or letter, or something we cannot tell what, from Industry. There is not a word of explanation about it, and as we do not care to advertise gratuitously, we have laid it aside till we are further advised as to the nature of the document. L. C. will please take [?].
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The Weather. – The clerk of the weather has evidently been on a spree for the last week or two. We have had all sorts of weather since our last press – snow, rain, hail, mud, and freeze following one another in rapid succession and changing places with each other almost every day.
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Keeps Grocery. – Joe Updegraff wants people to know that he “keeps grocery” on the north side of the square, and so informs them through the columns of our paper. Updegraff is too well known in this community to need any commendation from us, but cannot refrain from speaking a word for him. He keeps everything that you could think of calling for in a store of that description, and sells at prices that defy competition. He has a lot of boots and shoes, which he is selling out at [?]. Call on him if you wish to secure good bargains in that line, and while there take a peep at his groceries.
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A Want Supplied. – It has long been known that we needed a library in this city. S. J. Clarke proposes to keep one on very reasonable terms. To persons who are fond of reading, this will be a good chance to gain information at a very small outlay of capital. See his advertisement, and then go and subscribe.
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Another Removal. – C. M. Ray has removed his Boot and Shoe store to the east side of the square, where he has a large roomy store wherein he has plenty of room to spread himself, and if you will take the time to go in there you will see that he has spread himself – in displaying as fine an assortment of boots and shoes, hats and caps as can be found in this State outside of Chicago.
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Second Ward. – Miss M. L. Woods will re-open school in the second ward school house, in this city, on Monday the 4th prox. Miss Woods has taught several terms in that school house and gives good satisfaction. See notice of terms in another column.
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Circuit Court. – This court sits in this place next week. There are but very few cases of importance on the docket, and the court will not last many days.
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N. P. Tinsley, — the pioneed Dry Goods dealer of this city, is still on hands with an extensive stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, and every thing in fact that can be called for in a variety store. His mill is also in operation and he is prepared to sell, or exchange for wheat, as good an article of flour as can be obtained in this State.
See advertisement in another column.
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New Books. – The following comprises a partial list of new books received this week at Clarke’s Bookstore: Hannah Thurston, by Bayard Taylor, Daring and Suffering, McClellan’s Report, complete, Broken Columns, Lessons in Life, Fashion and Famine, Soundings from the Atlantic, Around the Block, Rutledge, Peculiar, Langsworth on the Honey Bee, Jenning on the Horse, Youatt on the Horse, Prince of the House of David, Pillar of Fire, Throne of Davide, Gala Days, A. S. Roe’s complete books, and two or three hundred novels of different kinds. – New books received every week.
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Killikinick. – Smokers who contemplate going to Idaho should stop in at W. J. Lea’s and get a sack of the celebrated Killikinick smoking tobacco. It will be a great solace to a person crossing the plains.
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Butter – is a scarce article in this market at present. So are eggs.
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→ To all those who contemplate going to Idaho, we would advise them before starting to drop in at Clarke’s Bookstore, and buy a ream or two of note paper, Envelopes, Pens, etc. He has by far, the largest stock of stationery ever brought to this city. Also Pocket Books and Purses, a new stock just received, just the thing to carry your gold in, or, in lieu thereof, “Greenbacks.”
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Young Ladies’ School. – The Spring Term of Mrs. Dewey’s School, will commence on Monday, April 4th, in the Universalist Church. Common English Branches, $4,00. Higher, $5,00. Languages, extra. None admitted unless qualified to read in the Fourth Reader.
March 4, 1864
Macomb Weekly Journal
Another Law and Order Advocate. —
An Interested Person Turned Judge.
In the last Eagle, a contributor under the assumed garb of a mere looker on, says several wise things, and preaches a homily on government. He adopts the signature X, and heads his piece in allusion to our last, “an apologist for lawless violence.” We are quite disposed to guess from the wincing of this jade that the saddle fitted somebody’s back quite closely. He is still anxious to perpetuate the falsehood of the resolutions he assumes to defend, for he says still that the “resolutions were passed by a large and respectable number of our most worthy citizens.” Now we never doubted that there were a number of respectable men at the meeting, and there may have been a majority of the votes of that class; but what we before denounced, and now denounce is the getting up of a secret conclave and then publishing the proceedings as having been held by citizens without distinction of party. – Why not say at a meeting called by the leading copperheads of McDonough county, attended by as many honest men as could be deluded into the meeting – such and such things were done.
We called the array insulting because it studiously spoke for the public when not one-fifth of the public was represented. And assumed to hold out implied threats which they would enforce.
But we again say, what this commentator, “X,” well knows, that but for the copperhead breast pins and Jeff. Davis and Vallandigham sympathies foolishly paraded by many of his party leaders if not by himself, and defended by most of them, the boys would not have acted so, nor the prompters had the means of instigating them. If saying this much is sympathy, then we must be guilty. We repeatedly condemned the actions of some of the soldiers, but we remarked that people who lived in glass houses must not throw stones.
He talks learnedly of publishing on suspicion, and makes quite a far fetched allusion to the official prosecution of Judge Jeffries in the times of one of the Charleses or Jameses of Great Britain. Unfortunately for the analogy, Jeffries was an old royalist beast who brought to a nominal judicial trial under forms of law, those suspected of [obscured] King, their master. But the suspicions complained of against the young soldiers were suspicions of sympathizing with the enemy in time of war; and the evidence was pretty clear that some at least of these so-called persecuted men had worn the insignia very much akin to the genuine rebel. Nor did the young soldiers array the courts and officers nor bodies of men against their victims; on the contrary, they seemed willing to settle their spite with their personal prowess.
But “X” galvanizes again an old thrice dead argument derived from the party claim that they had “raised our county to the highest pinnacle of greatness.” This correspondent certainly quotes from the ancient classics. He is talking about a thing of the past. All the democracy that had anything to do with national glory is dead and plucked up by the roots years ago. The present party has assumed the lion’s skin, but the master beast has long since left it, and the hideous braying of the present tenant discloses too plainly for deception the nature of the inhabitant. Democracy lied when James Buchanan, the rotten leader, and Floyd, the prince of thieves, and Cobb, the polished scoundrel, and Toucey, the northern Judas, and a whole administrative phalanx, as the standard bearers of the party, fore-swore themselves, and publicly sold their country. It died still more effectually when instead of heeding the advice of Dix and Davidson, of Douglas, Logan and Butler, in supporting the existing governm’t, i tfollowed the councils of such jacobins as Vallandigham, Wood, Richardson and H. Clay Dean. The Illinois democracy, held to Douglas just so long as he had a prospect of distributing the spoils. When his power in that line was gone they repudiated his counsels, made new creeds and hang like Cossacks on the administration that succeeded, holding to the motto – rule or ruin. This writer says the democratic party is a law and order party, they hate blood. Where were the voices when Free State men were slaughtered by the hundred in Kansas, and when appeals to law in Congress were met by the democracy with scorn. This extraordinary fondness for law and order is too rediculous to deserve a moment’s notice.
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ARMY CORRESPONDENCE
From the 78th Regiment.
Tiner’s Station, Feb. 17th, 1864.
Just as I closed my last letter, I was called to assist in the construction of our new shanty, and now I have the pleasure of announcing its completion, and here I am seated upon a three-legged stool, (a present made to me last evening, by my friend Karr McClintock) a cheerful fire illuminates our neat little fire place, and with portfolio upon my knee, and pencil in hand, I propose to devote a short time in scribbling a few lines for the columns of the Journal. About the most gratifying news to the 78th, that I am able to send you at this time is that we have nearly all completed our shanties, and we are expecting every day a visit from the Paymaster. It appears to have been in former times the practice of the army to dwell in tents, but that practice has become almost obsolete, especially with the 78th. A few of the officers retain some old mildewed, dilapidated tents, but the men, the rank and file, seek their homes in log huts or shanties, as the most of us call them, which for comfort are far superior to many of the dwellings of the “poor white trash” of this country. A large smooth straight white oak is selected and peeled to the ground, about twelve feet of the butt cut off. This is carefully split into rails or slabs of uniform size, and these are laid up, carefully notched or dove-tailed at the corners, log house fashion, with the exception that the front of the cabin is left open. The sides are carried up about five or six feet high, and then the covering is put on. A large majority in the regiment have what we call “dorg tents,” which is a piece of heavy muslin about a yard and a half square. Four persons uniting together can put a very good shelter over their cabin. Those who have not yet drawn “dorg tents,” or have lost them, split out clap-boards, which are placed in proper position for shelter and secured to their places by heavy logs laid upon them. Not a nail is used. The front of the shanty is set apart for a fire place and a door way. – Our fire places are generally built of clay, which is tramped down in frames made of proper shape from our clapboards. A fire is then built, and the inside frame burned away, leaving the clay nearly as hard as a brick. Bunks for sleeping purposes are made in the rear part of the cabin. The finishing touch is to daub every crack and crevice with mud. The cabins so constructed are much more comfortable and convenient [obscured] A party of four persons with no other tool than axe can complete a shanty in two or three days.
I have said that we were expecting a visit from the Paymaster. We signed the pay rolls last week, and it was rumored that in a day or two the Paymaster would be on hand. But if, as some say, there is more pleasure in the anticipation of an object that in the possession of it, the boys ought to be satisfied, for the anticipations are assuming more huge proportions every day. I have no doubt the realization will come before we are called upon to move from this place. It is currently rumored and believed in camp that when we move from here we will go to Chattanooga, to do garrison duty at that place. I can not say how reliable these rumors are, but they come in a shape that gives them an air of probability.
I was much amused the other day, while attending my turn at picket, at the vehement expressions an old lady of secesh proclivities, who had come into our lines to obtain some necessaries of life. We have what is called a chain picket surrounding the brigade which is camped here, and there are only four places at which persons are permitted to enter or depart. The old lady was accompanied by her daughter-in-law, and they had been to the commissioner’s, and the large sack of hard tack and bacon which they carried showed that they had not been turned empty away. It appears that the old lady was obliged to travel about a quarter of a mile out of her way in order to pass out at station No. 1, and this she considered shameful treatment of a poor old woman like her. But that treatment was nothing to be compared to the scandalous manner in which she had been treated at the depot of the commissary. She had heard that our officers were issueing rations to the citizens, and she had walked three miles on purpose to get some coffee, sugar and tea, “and would you believe it,” said she addressing me, “not an ounce could I get, and they put me off with these nasty hard crackers, and only five or six pounds of bacon.” They had sugar for she saw it, and also coffee, but they refused her a grain of it, a poor old woman like her needed tea and coffee, — and so she railed on with a glib tongue about the shameful treatment in refusing her tea, coffee and sugar. She will probably be back in a day or two for more hard tack and bacon.
A general order has been issued from Department Headquarters, which was read on dress parade last evening respecting the matter of furloughs. It appears that furloughs may be granted to those having urgent business, not exceeding five per cent. of the effective force present. The furloughs in this regiment I do not think have reached two per cent. of the number reported for duty. Mr. L. Mainard, of Industry, one of our principal musicians, has been paroled with a furlough and started home on Monday last. There are a number of applications in, and I presume the larger portion of them will be granted.
There are no serious cases of sickness with us at present, but still the sick list is intolerably large, the complaints being principally heavy colds, rheumatism, and a few cases of dropsy. Harry Curnes of Blandinsville, has been on the sick list for a long time, complaining of rheumatism. Robert Laughlin of Macomb, has been unfit for duty for many weeks, and if he does not get better soon will be discharged.
We have had magnificent weather for two or three weeks past, but last evening it blowed up cold, and before morning it was severely cold, freezing and bursting some of our canteens, and forming ice half an inch thick. To-day the weather is clear and cold, and too blustering for dull exercise.
We have here a very remarkable spring at which we procure our water. It is situated at the base of a gently sloping hill, and furnishes enough water to turn a good saw mill. The water boils up from an aperture about five feet in diameter, which has been sounded to the depth of four hundred feet and no bottom found.
J. K. M.
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Re-Union.
For the Macomb Journal.
There being a number of returned soldiers in the town of Eldorado in this county, the Union people thought it proper to give these defenders of the Union and of our homes, some testimonial of their esteem, and under an appointment of the Union League, they met at the residence of Mr. Joseph Smith on the 9th of February, each bearing their burthen of good things which in due season were arranged upon the tables, and the company to the number of at least two hundred with twenty-five of the brave defenders of the Union, with the families of our brave volunteers, sat down to a sumptuous feast, to which all seemed to do ample justice. After thus nourishing the inner man we had a feast of reason, in the shape of a patriotic address from Col. Hamar, and then a flow of soul in patriotic song, all passed off in the most harmonious manner, and after giving three cheers for Old Abe, and the Union, and for the Stars and Stripes, which during the occasion were floating over the house. The company mostly dispersed, feeling that those who defend our goodly heritage are worthy recipients of the honor and esteem of their fellow citizens.
CITIZEN.
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Coming West. – The farmers of Washington county, Maryland, owing to the apprehension of rebel invasion early in the spring, are selling their farms and stock, preparatory to moving west. Washington county is one of the largest and best wheat growing counties in the State of Maryland, but since the breaking out of the rebellion, the farmers have been such heavy loosers by having their crops destroyed by the rebel army, that many of them put out an unusually small crop of wheat last fall.
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State Items. – From the Carlyle Union Banner, we learn that one hundred and twenty bales of Illinois cotton, the product of last year will be shipped from Carbondale, this season. All that has yet reached market brought eighty cents per pound. The lint is fine, silky and white, though somewhat shorter than Mississippi cotton.
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Tribute of Respect.
At a Meeting of Blandinville Lodge No. 233, A. F. and A. M., Feburary 23, 1864, A. L. 5864. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
WHEREAS, It has pleased the Almighty Ruler of heaven and earth to remove from our midst our beloved brother, Thomas J. Davis, Co. C, 78th Illinois Infantry, Volunteers.
Resolved, That in this our sad bereavement while we recognixe the hand of the Supreme Architect of the universe, that we are convinced that our brother has gone from his labors on earth to an everlasting refreshment in the paradise above,
Resolved, That we sympathize with the afflicted family and friends of the deceased and offer them our condolence in their affliction, whereby they have lost a devoted husband and affectionate father, and our country a self-sacrifice patriot.
Resolved, That in token of our respect to our departed brother, we will drape our hall in mourning and wear the usual badge for thirty days.
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be presented to the family of the deceased, and also for publication to the Macomb Journal, Macomb Eagle and the Masonic Trowel.
W. W. GILLIHAN,
Secretary.
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Increasing. – Our subscription list is rapidly increasing, but we have room on our books for a few more names, and we would advise our friends, if they want to take the Journal during the campaign at the present rates to hurry up their names, for if paper keeps raising in price we will have to raise our subscription correspondingly high. So bring them along.
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Now is the Time. – Lieut. Geo. Naylor, of Co. H., 2nd Ill. Cav., is stopping at the Randolph House, and has opened a recruiting office there, where he will be happy to wait on all who wish to enlist in a good regiment – one that has seen service and will see more. Lieut. Naylor is well and favorably known here, and as the company is the one that was raised in this county by the late Dr. Jas. D. Walker, recruits will know that they cannot do better than enlist under him. He will remain here until the 16th – so, “now is the time.”
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Elocutionary. – Our citizens were favored on Monday evening by a lecture on elocution, by Prof. H. H. Belding. We have seldom seen an audience more unanimously pleased than the one that listened to Mr. Belding that evening. Mr. B. thoroughly understands the art of elocution, and his recitations and personations are perfect. – The “green boy at the show” was decidedly rich. As several of our citizens did not get to hear him that evening, we are requested to state that he will be here again in a short time, when another opportunity will be given for all to hear him.
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Heard From. – J. W. Nichols, Grand Worthy Chief Templar of the Good Templars of this State is now traveling for the good of the order through the south part of this State. – We received a copy of the Winchester Democrat the other day of the 26th ult., in which we saw the announcement that he was to lecture there in the M. E. Church the next evening.
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Agricultural. – We neglected to call the attention of our readers to the advertisement of S. F. Lancey, dealer in Agricultural implements and farmers tools generally. Mr. Lancey keeps on hand a full supply of every kind of article wanted by a farmer, and he wishes to dispose of them as evidenced by his advertising in our paper. Give him a call before you purchase elsewhere, and you will be very apt to be sated.
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Acknowledgements. – We acknowledge the receipt of the Daily Quincy Whig and Republican in exchange for our Weekly, for which we return our sincere thanks to J. J. Langhorn, the accommodating proprietor and publisher.
Also our thanks are due to Hon. Lewis W. Ross, M. C., for continued favors.
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Suicide. – We learned last week, after we went to press, of a melancholy suicide at Tennessee, in this county. – An old woman, whose name we did not learn, hung herself on the morning of the 24th ult. We did not learn the particulars.
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Charitable. – Mr. J. K. Gray of Bushnell, in this county, has been for some time raising money for the destitute widows of Lawrence, Kansas, and will leave for that place in a few weeks to take and distribute the same to them and will faithfully take any sums that may be forwarded to him for said sufferers. They are worthy objects of our charity and this is a good chance to get any mites to them, would it not be well for our ministers to take collections in their churches, for this object, and forward to Mr. Gray, at Bushnell, Ill. Benevolent ladies might do good by raising some money among their neighbors, and forwarding the same. The number to be provided for is about fifty widows and one hundred and fifty orphans. The following speaks for itself. And we hope a response will be made to this. Mr. Gray will publish the amount received by him and to whom given.
WHEREAS, Mr. Jos. K. Gray, of Bushnell, Illinois, proposes to call upon the public in behalf of the Widows and Orphans made so by the recent murders at the sacking of Lawrence, Kansas, and having entire confidence in the integrity of Mr. Gray, and that he will see the money judiciously distributed, we, the undersigned, recommend him and the cause he advocates to a generous public.
D M Wyckoff, Notary Public , Stewart & Clark. Wm Shreeves, J H Smith, Capt B F Pinckley, Dr Wm T Wright, George F Hendrickson, Elder John Scott, Wm H Oglebee, Beard & kinne, rev G J Cowgill, A Parker, Sidwell & Kelley, Rev B B Kennedy, Cole & Walters, A Hess, Rev B C Swarts, Abingdon; Dr E D Rice, Lewistown; Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois; John W Ingersoll, Hon Wm Kellogg, Hon A C Babcock, Dea John G Piner, Major Jonas Ruwalt Canton; Col Robert G Ingersoll, Rev Richard Haney, Peoria; Rev D H May, Woodhull; Capt Wm H Randolph, D G Tunnicliff, J B Cummings, Circuit Clerk, Alex McLean, J W Nichols, H V Westfall, Macomb; Rev M L Haney, Chaplain 55th Reg Ill Vol; Rev B C Johnson, La Harpe; Rev P J Strong, Princeton; Elder Charles Cain, Buda; Rev T J Addis, Moneka, Kansas.
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More Excitement in Edgar County Illinois.
Terre haute, Ind., Feb. 29. – Another outbreak occurred to-day at Paris, Edgar county, Ill. About fifty butternuts from the Big Creek country, went to Paris and took possession of an old stable, and from it fired on passing soldiers. A soldier who attempted to enter the building was shot and instantly killed.
In retaliation the soldiers killed his assassin, having put thirteen balls through him.
Much excitement prevails, and further serious troubles are apprehended.
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BUSINESS NOTICES.
– If you want a nice photograph of yourself or your friends, call on Pearson & Thomas, at their rooms, south side of the square, over J. M. Browne & Co’s boot and shoe store.
– Another lot of Buckwheat flour at 6 cents per pound at WADHAMS. North west corner of the Square.
– Something New. – Solomon, the wise man, the man who was a great deal married, said once upon a time that there was nothing new under the sun. Solomon did not live in Macomb. If he was alive and in this city at the present time he would take that back, for all he, “or any other man” would have to do to see his mistake, would be to go into S. F. Wright’s Boot and Shoe Store, and he would find plenty of new boots, shoes, hats and caps of the very best quality, and at the lowest prices. – Wright has received a choice invoice and will be in receipt of goods in his line for some time to come.
November 7, 1863
Macomb Eagle
The Election in this County.
We have met the greenbacks, and are almost, but not quite, overcome. The vote polled is light on the part of the Democrats, but it is heavy on the part of the republicans. The Democratic majority in the county is believed to be about twenty votes. The official returns are not yet canvassed, and in their absence we give the majorities by townships, as follows:
DEMOCRATIC. – Emmet 68, Chalmers 7, Blandinville 62, Hire 30, Industry 38, Bethel 44, Tennessee 41, Lamoine 46, Sciota 12, Eldorado 34. Total 382.
Republican. – Macomb 105, Prairie City 161, Mound 21, Scotland 51, New Salem 18, Walnut Grove 8. Total 364.
The Democrats who staid at home – two or three hundred of them in number – will now see how nearly they have suffered an ignominious defeat, in consequence of their indolence. We trust the result will be a lesson to them and to us all, which will not be soon forgotten. We hope to publish the official vote next week, when we shall something more to say.
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→ New York and Wisconsin have gone republican, by about 10,000 majority. So has Massachusetts.
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Increasing the Pay.
It is proposed, at the next session of Congress, to reduce the price for exemption of conscripts to $100, and to advance the pay of soldiers to $60 per month. We are in favor of cutting down the pay of the officers to something near equality with that of the soldiers. The brave men in the ranks who perform all the fighting and endure all the suffering are entitled to at least a larger pay than they now receive. Besides it don’t cost much to make greenbacks, and the soldiers earn an abundance of them. Pay them without stint.
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→ The numbers of provost marshals, assistant ditto, clerks, aids, helps, enrolling officers, etc., engaged in carrying out the conscription act is set down as numbering altogether, we see, to about 75,000. The number of conscripts secured is estimated at 60,000. Would it not be well to draft these 75,000 officeholders, the most of them under fat pay, and march them off to Tennessee or Virginia, where they can do the country some service?
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→ We don’t know that the President can raise 300,000 new volunteers, but he can place Buel and McClellan in the field, and that would be worth half the number.
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Rebel Exultation over Abolition Victories.
The abolition victories in Ohio and Pennsylvania seem to afford about as much gratification to the rebels as they do to the abolitionists themselves. We have always believed the radicals of the two sections were working together, and this rebel exultation is another evidence of this fact. The radical leaders rejoice over the defeat of our arms at Bull Run and the failure of McClellan’s campaign in the Peninsula; and in turn the rebels are equally jubilant over the successes of the abolitionists at the polls. They are both working for the accomplishment of the same object, the destruction of the Union of our fathers. The Richmond paper says:
A year ago there were many “reconstructionists” in Virginia, to say nothing of other States – we mean a sort of partial reconstructionists, looking to reunion with some select States of the Yankee nation, and, of course, on “honorable terms.” Where are they now? The continued and still increasing brutality of our enemy in all the regions occupied by their troops, but more especially the distinct policy of entire subjugation, with the reduction of these States to territories, universal confiscation, disfranchisement, disarmament, and a settlement of our lands by Yankee proprietors, — this plain policy, announced by Lincoln, and adopted by generals, ministers, platforms of republicans, and now deliberately sanctioned by the Ohio and Pennsylvania elections, has opened the eyes and nerved the hearts of thousands of weak and well intentioned men, who dreamed of peace on “some terms,” and who now know that they can have peace on no terms save surrender at discretion and abject vassalage to the meanest and most vulgar race of beings on all this earth. * * *
Whereas, we should have dreaded the evil effects of Vallandigham and his copperheads, and his moral suasion, united as it would be, with a vigorous prosecution of the war, — in one hand the sword, in the other money bribes, party alliances, constitutional guarantees, and “honorable terms.” These influences would still have found, we fear, certain of the meaner and more stupid Confederates ready to listen and respond to the false promises of Yankees. A crop of Unionists would appear again; the natural allies of northern copperheads are southern blockheads; and original anti Exodists would again snuff at the fleshpots of the Egyptians.
Far better is; the present programme happily insures to us a complete, final, and irrevocable separation from Yankees, which is the paramount political good.”
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→ Nothing is more common than to hear an impudent ignoramus declare that he is “a Jackson Democrat, and believes with old Hickory that the civil power must sometimes give way to the military.” Jackson never held any such sentiment, except in cases within the lines of the army. When Congress proposed to refund him the thousand dollars fine which he paid during last war, he wrote a United States Senator these words:
“I would be the last man on earth to do any act which would invalidate the principle that THE MILITARY SHOULD ALWAYS BE SUBJECT TO THE CIVIL POWER.”
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→ A contemporary wants to know how the Republican party makes itself out a Union party, when its leaders all declare that “it is neither possible nor disirable to save the old Union.” But for all that, it’s a Union party, because there is not a political theif, shoddy contractor, renegade Democrat, Abolitionist or Judas Iscariot, who has not united under its bloody plundering banners.
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Men who want the War to go on.
All the abolitionists, who want slavery torn out root and branch even if the country is ruined, want the war to go on, but they don’t want to help.
All the federal assessors, who make three and four dollars a day, want the war to go on, but they don’t want to help.
All the tax collectors, who get ten per cent. on commission money, want the war to go on, if it takes every man – but themselves.
All the shoddy contractors, who have made princely fortunes by furnishing rotten clothing to the soldiers, want the war to go on – without them.
All ship owners, who sell the government rotten vessels, for double the cost of a good vessel, want the war to go one – for they can afford to pay $300.
All the cotton speculators, who “go in cahoot” with generals to steal cotton, want the war to go on – until all the cotton is stolen.
All the knaves, who sell old spavined, ring-boned, and blind horses to the government at exorbitant prices, want the war to go on.
All the provost marshals and their under-strappers, who get so much a head for arresting democrats, want the war to go on – without their assistance.
All the New England manufacturers, who get dividends of fifty per cent., want the war to go on – until all the poor men are killed off.
All the railroad companies, who are growing rich by charging the government exorbitant rates for transportation, want the war to go on – until the government is bankrupt.
Lincoln and his cabinet, who hope to make their offices perpetual by the bayonet, want the war to go on.
But the people want the war stopped the first moment the Constitution is vindicated, and those in rebellion evince a disposition to return to their allegiance. – Hancock Courier.
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→ The Genesee Farmer is the oldest agricultural paper in America, and is also one of the very best and cheapest. It is a monthly journal of thirty-two pages, filled to overflowing with good things. No farmer can afford to be without it. Price only 75 cents a year, and the publisher offers to send the October, November and December numbers of this year free to all who subscribe at this time for next year. Send the seventy-five cents in a letter to Joseph Harris, Editor Genesee Farmer, Rochester, N. Y., and you will get the paper by return mail.
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Peterson’s Magazine. – We are in receipt of this popular lady’s magazine, for December. It is a splendid number. Peterson will be greatly improved in 1864. It will contain nearly 1000 pages of double column reading matter; 13 steel plates; 12 colored fashion plates; 10 colored patterns in Berlin work, embroidery or crochet, and 900 wood engravings – proportionately more than any other periodical gives. Its stories and novelets are by the best writers. In 1864, four original copyright novelets will be given. Its fashions are always the latest and prettiest. Every neighborhood ought to make up a club. Its price is but two dollars a year, or a dollar less than magazines of its class. It is the magazine for the times. To clubs it is cheaper still – three copies for $5, five for $7 50, or eight for $10. To every person getting up a club (at these rates), the publisher will send an extra copy gratis. Specimens sent if written for to those wishing to get up clubs. Address Charles J. Peterson, 306 Chestnut st., Philadelphia.
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A Word to Farmers and Wool Growers. – The clipping season is over, and the wool gathered in. The question now to be settled by the owner is as to what disposition he can make of his wool, to net him the greatest amount of profit. The present wholesale price of wool would pay the owner say $60 for 100 lbs. The cost of putting that wool into yarn $20. The 100 lbs of wool will make forty dozen pairs of socks, now in demand even, when at $5 60, making $220, a profit of $140 on the manufactured article, over and above what could be realized from the salke of the raw material. As knitting machines cost but $75 in this city, and can be managed by a woman or child, any farmer who raises wool can see the advantage of manufacturing his wool, instead of throwing it on the market. We hope the country press will take notice of this, and thus advance the interest of the farmer and the whole country, by encouraging this branch of home manufactures. – Chicago Tribune.
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Items Here and There.
– Mr. J. H. Wilson has sold his fine residence in the north end of town to Dr. Westfall. The price was $3,200.
– Snow to the depth of nearly two inches fell on Friday morning, Oct. 30th.
– The knitting machines advertised in another column are no humbug. We have seen them and know. We should like to contract for the sale of a few.
– Every one should go to J. M. Browne & Co.’s, south side of square, for boots, shoes, hats or caps.
– We trust the people will not overlook the account of the arbitrary arrest of two citizens of New York. What happened to them may happen to almost any citizen under the operations of Lincoln’s administration.
– Republican papers say that there are now about 80,000 negro troops in the field. This is certainly a colored statement.
– Ladies, go to J. M. Browne & Co’s, on south side of square, if you want to see the largest, cheapest, and best assortment of baskets in Macomb.
– The election is now over. How many loyal leaguers are ready to volunteer and thus make good their recent loud professions?
– Shooting irons for sale at Quiggle’s. See advertisement.
– It is estimated that the wheat crop in England this year will equal to that of 1861 and 1862 added together.
– If you want to save money in buying your boots and shoes, go to J. M. Browne & Co., south side of the square.
– Twenty-one recruits left Macomb on Tuesday last for the seat of war. We honor the brave men who thus show their devotion to their principles by shouldering the musket.
– One firm in Massachusetts has sold the government 3,600 coffins since January. – They are in favor of the war until the last man and the last dollar is spent.
– The streets of Virginia City, Nevada, are said to be paved with silver. It certainly can’t be the New Jerusalem!
– Our clerical freind, Rev. P. Albright, of Macomb, enlivened our sanctum, yesterday, by his cheerful presence. Mr. A. is a gentleman of high literary attainments, and of agreeable manners – one of that class of “reverends” who, while preserving all proper regard for the sanctity of his calling, uses life as a season given to the “children of men” for cheerfulness and not for moroseness and acerbity. We are sorry that his increasing labors elsewhere compelled him to give up his charge in this place. – Oquawka Spectator.
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Obituaries.
At the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., on Sunday, Sept. 20th, 1863, BENJAMIN F. LANE, of Company I, 78th Ill. Vol. Infantry.
At a meeting of the members of Comp. I, Oct. 6th, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
WHEREAS, It has pleased almighty God in his infinite wisdom and goodness to deprive us of one of our number by death, therefore,
Resolved, That the deceased was in every respect as a brother soldier and companion in arms, truly worthy of the high regard which we entertained for him,
2. That the deceased was ever prompt and ready for every duty, whenever duty called; that he unflinchingly met the enemy and nobly gave up his life for the great cause in which he was so earnestly engaged; and that in his death we have sustained a great loss.
3. That we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased, in this their deep affliction.
4. That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the Macomb papers, requesting their publication.
5. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased.
J. [?] McClellan, ch’n.
J. J. Clark, sec’y.
Camp near Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 12.
At a meeting of the members of Comp. I, 78th Reg. Ill. Volunteers, the following preamble and resolutions were read and unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, Our brave and noble companion in arms, George N. David, has fallen a victim to the relentless hand of treason, yielding up his life on the battle field, in his patriotic endeavors to beat back the destroyers of our government and to maintain the honor and glory of our flag – we, his brother soldiers of Comp. I, appreciating his lofty patriotism, and realizing a deep and heartfelt sorrow at his departure from earth, do unanimously concur in the following resolutions:
Resolved, That in the death of George N. David this company [?] the loss of an excellent man, a brave and gallant soldier, a warm hearted and genial companion, a kind and generous friend, and one beloved by all who enjoyed his acquaintance.
2. That we tender our cordial sympathies to the stricken family and friends of the deceased, and trust that their loss is his eternal gain.
3. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased, and the The Macomb Eagle be requested to publish the same.
W. W. McCandless, ch’n.
Harmon Veatch, secy.
October 30, 1863
The Macomb Weekly Journal
From the 78th Regiment.
We are permitted to make the following extract from a private letter, written by Dr. Creel, of the 78th, to his brother in this county:
You may say what you please about the rebels not fighting, but I tell you they fight here whether they fight anywhere else or not. They may say in the papers what they please about the rebels wanting to desert and come to our lines but it is all a mistake. They could all come to our men if they wanted to. It is all in your eye. If the rebels wanted to desert they could do it. But some few of them that get cut off from the main rebel army give themselves up and claim to have been conscripted, when they have been in the army longer than I have, and are demons at heart. Some, or I might say plenty of them, are seeking our destruction, as some of your neighbors are doing at an hour when you are least thinking of it. Any one there that is supporting or going with Abbott, or any of his political plans or party, are, and I shall forever hereafter treat them as my individual and determinate enemies, for the very reason that the rebels here claim them as their friends in the North. The The Chattanooga Rebel newspaper quotes from the Macomb Eagle, and exhorts the South to hold out a little longer and the north will help them; and even refers to the difficulty in Fulton county of enforcing the draft to fill up our regiments. It is the copperhead there at this time that are killing more of our men then the open Southern rebels. Give me a man that will come out plainly, before a snake in the grass, all the time.
You and others may think this very plain talk, but those of us who are in the army, and see the rebels, and talk with them, and know what the facts are, are prepared to a good degree to tell who are our enemies and who are not.
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GREAT UNION MASS MEETING.
There will be a Grand Union Mass Meeting held in the city of Macomb, on Saturday, Oct. 31st. Gen. John A. McClernand, Hon. E. C. Ingersoll, Col. Van Vleck, and other distinguished speakers are expected to be present and address the meeting.
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The Latest News.
The advices from the armies in Virginia are conflicting and uncertain. – One report states that no considerable number of Lee’s rebels have crossed to the north side of the Rappahannock, and another report represents the larger portion of the rebel army on this side of the river and advancing against our retreating forces. The latter report is probably incorrect. There was more cannonading and cavalry skirmishing yesterday.
The rebel official report of their losses in the battles of the Chicamauga, gives the number at nearly 18,000. Ours was not quite 16,000.
The news from the army of General Grant’s Department reports all quiet. There appears to be a general lull all around the theatre of war.
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The Last Appeal.
Again we appeal to the Union men of this county to go to the polls on Tuesday next and cast your votes in favor of the Union and the Constitution. Never before were greater results hanging upon the votes of the people of this country. If the Government is to be saved it will be by the votes of the people. Our armies in the field can only be successful when backed up by the voice of the people. The strong arm of the Government becomes weak and powerless the moment the support of the masses is [line obscured] vote the Union ticket. If you desire the arm of the Government to be strengthened, give it your support by voting the Union ticket. If you desire to destroy the last hope of the rebels you can do so by voting down their friends and sympathizers in the North. In short, if you desire to perform your duty to your God, your country, and your fellow man, you must go to the polls and deposit your ballots for the men that are in favor of sustaining the Union and whipping rebels.
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Don’t Believe Them.
Reports are being circulated in those townships where Mr. Stevens is not know, that he is shaky on the war question. Union men don’t believe any such reports. Mr. Stevens is unqualifiedly for the prosecution of the war until the last rebel is killed or thrashed into obedience to the Government. He is in favor of every measure adopted by the Administration for the suppression of the rebellion. In fact he stands exactly where Ben. Butler, Logan, McClernand and Ingersoll stands and has [?] single sentiment in common with copperheads and traitors.
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Get Them Out.
Let every Union voter in McDonough county be at the polls next Tuesday. Our adversaries are straining every nerve to carry the election. If they succeed it will be through the inaction of Union men. We have the voters in the county to beat them. Let us do it.
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→ Abbott says that Indiana has pronounced in favor of the copperhead party in the recent election. The official returns from 48 counties (all that have been heard from) gives a gain for the Union ticket over the vote of last year, of 7,812, and yet Abbott has the impudence to claim a copperhead majority.
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Peace Men.
We have in our midst a class calling themselves Peace Men. They have been in favor of making terms of peace with the rebels ever since the war broke out. They have denounced the Government in the most unmeasured terms, because it did not make a compromise with its deadly enemies. They have been ready to get down upon their knees to Jeff. Davis and his ragged crew, and beg of him to grant their prayers for peace on any terms that might suit his august majesty. They have done all they could to tie the hands of the Government, and place it helpless at the mercy of rebels and traitors. They have sacrificed every principle of patriotism, and every spark of manhood in their efforts to secure peace. These are the men known as copperheads. But why all this dirt-eating and this crawling in the mire on the part of these men. Is there no reason for it? There is, and that reason is to be found in the fact that these men love office and political power better than they love the country. Here is the whole secret of the [obscured] the South was permitted to secede and set up for itself, that their party in the North would not be strong enough to elect a constable, and that the scepter of power would pass from their hands forever. Hence they opposed the dissolution of the Union, and were in favor of patching up a compromise that would give them the benefit of the Democratic vote of the South, and in order to do this they found it necessary to so conduct themselves that in case of a restoration of the Union, the copperheads of the North and the rebels of the South could strike hands as friends and join their fortunes in the selection of the rulers of the country. But thus far the traitorous scamps have received but little comfort from their friends in the South. As bad as Jeff. Davis hates the Abolitionists, he does not hold them in such supreme contempt as he does these same copperheads. The rebel leaders are not laboring just now for the supremacy of the Democratic party, and they have nothing but sneers and kicks for the miserable northern miscreants, who are whining at their heels. In answer to these men who are so anxious for peace, the Richmond Enquirer being Jeff.’s official organ, lays down the terms upon which peace can be secured. They are as follows:
Recognition by the enemy of the independence of the Confederate States.
Withdrawal of Yankee forces from Maryland, until that State shall decide, by a free vote, whether she will remain in the old Union or ask admission into the Confederacy.
Consent on the part of the Federal Government to give up to the Confederacy its proportion of the Navy, as it stood at the time of secession, or to pay for the same.
Yielding up all pretentions, on the part of the Federal Government, to that portion of the old territories which lies west of the Confederate States.
An equitable settlement, on the basis of our absolute independence and equal rights, on all accounts of the public debt and public lands, and of the advantages accruing from foreign treaties.
Let the copperheads read these terms and see if they can find a ray of hope for a political Union with the rebels – if they can see any grounds for a compromise, any fair return for the dirty work they have done for these same rebels – if they can see any way to save the country and to secure an honorable peace, but to soundly thrash the traitors that commenced the war.
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“A Few More Days”
Union men of McDonough county are you aware that only three working days remain in which to labor for the Union ticket. So far the canvass has been brisk and promises well for the Union cause, but it will not do to relax our efforts now. Let the time between now and Tuesday night be well put in. See that all necessary arrangements are made to secure a full vote. There are many Union men in the county who have not voted since 1860. Every Union voter must be brought to the polls. Let committees be appointed at once to bring in the infirm and aged. – If this is done, next Tuesday will witness the dying throes of copperheadism in McDonough county. Let us give the enemies of the Government an opportunity to join Vallandigham in mourning over the fate of traitors.
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Look to Your Tickets.
Union men look well to your tickets on Tuesday next. The copperheads, maddened by their recent defeat in Ohio and Pennsylvania, will hesitate at no step to secure success here. See that your tickets have the names of Socrates Stevens, John C. Reynolds and D. C. Folsom upon them. There is reason to believe that spurious tickets will be abundant on that day. Look out for them!
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Union Men, Remember.
Union men, remember that that Macomb Eagle is the acknowledged organ of the so-called Democratic party of this county.
Remember that the Chattanooga Rebel copies from the Macomb Eagle, to prove that the rebels have friends at the North.
Remember that the Macomb Eagle, in April, 1861, advocated the recognition of the Southern Confederacy.
Remember that the Macomb Eagle favored a division of the Union, and desired the line to run north of McDonough county.
Remember that the Macomb Eagle has opposed every measure of the Administration that was calculated to punish rebels.
Remember that the Macomb Eagle has advocated every measure that was calculated to cripple the Government and aid the rebellion.
Remember that by voting the copperhead ticket you virtually give your sanction to all the treasonable utterances of the Macomb Eagle.
Remember that the Macomb Eagle is the organ of the party calling itself democratic in this county.
Remember that the Eagle, in 1861, was in favor of recognizing the Independence of the Southern Confederacy.
Remember that the Eagle was opposed to sending provisions to our starving soldiers in the Southern forts.
Remember that the editor of the Eagle, in a public speech, threatened to DESERT, if drafted into the service of his country.
Remember that Knappenberger, the candidate for County Treasurer, was was one of the first men in this city to wear the infamous copperhead pin.
Remember that every man in this county who is notoriously disloyal to the Government, will vote the copperhead ticket.
Remember that the men, who for the past six months have been arming themselves for the purpose of resisting the laws of Congress, will vote for Knappenberger.
Remember that the 33 men who voted for Abbott in that convention, will all vote for Knappenberger.
Remember that it is the duty of all Union men to vote for Socrates Stevens and against Knappenberger.
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Look Out for Them.
[?] a large number of men in the county who have been driven out of Missouri by the Union men, within the past six months, who are intending to vote on Tuesday next. Let good men who are not afraid to do their duty, be placed at the polls to watch these men. Let no man vote who is not legally entitled to do so. Union men remember that the “Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance.”
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→ Abbott claims the election in Indiana as a victory for the copperheads. The truth is, that in nearly every county in the State of the Union gains were large. The election was only for county officers, and excited very little interest. Had the election been for State offices the copperheads would have been whipped as badly as in Ohio. The same will be true in this State and we desire the Eagle to mark the prediction. In every county, the Union ticket will make large gains over the vote of last year.
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At His Old Tricks.
The Editor of the Eagle is at his old tricks again. In January, 1861, he advised all Democrats to remain at home and did all he could to discourage enlistments in the army. He has done the same thing every time the President has made a [?] calls from that time until this. The President has lately issued another call for volunteers, but the recent defeat of the copperheads in other States and the approaching election in this, while it has not made him any less malignant and treasonable has had the effect of making him more wily in his endeavors to injure the Government, hence we find him taking another tack. Instead of boldly advising Democrats not to enlist, he accomplishes the same end by advising all Republicans to enlist. He thinks it the duty of all who sustain the Administration to volunteer under the recent call of the President, but he has nothing to say about the duty of Democrats to volunteer in defense of the flag of the country. Oh, No! Nelson wants them to remain [obscured] We have no doubt that if all the Union men should take his advice and enlist, he would be highly pleased. He sees that the political ascendency of his party in this county depends upon the absence of the brave soldiers in the field, and that unless something can be done to make another draft upon the Union voters, that copperheadism is near its grave so he franticly appeals to supporters of the Administration to enlist. But Nelson, that won’t save you. There are Union men enough in this county to fill the armies – whip the rebels in the field and their miserable alies in the North. The time of treason sympathizers is short. Copperheads, tories, and traitors are all in the same ship, and future editions of Webster’s Dictionery will class them all under one definition.
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Notice.
The young man who took from Randolph house, a black satchel, on the morning of the 7th of Oct., leaving his own instead, (for which he has a check No. 42) is requested to return the same at once, by express or otherwise, and save costs. I am, or was satisfied, that it was a mistake, and have looked for its return ere this.
J. W. Randolph, Proprietor.
Macomb, Ill., Oct. 24, 1863.
[Fulton papers please give notice.]
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Mass Meeting.
Don’t forget the Great Mass Meeting to be held in Macomb on Saturday next. Let the Union men and women turn out, with flags and banners. – Let us show that old McDonough is thoroughly aroused to the importance of the contest now going on in our country.
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Turn Out.
We trust our city readers will not forget the meeting this (Friday) evening. Mr. Donegan, a Union man, who has lately escaped from the South, will address the meeting. We are informed by those who have heard Mr. Donegan, that he is an effective speaker, and is doing good service for the Union cause. The meeting will be held at Campbell’s Hall, at early candle lighting. Let the Hall be filled to overflowing.
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→ The place to buy Boots, Shoes, Hats and Caps, is at J. M. Browne & Co’s, on the south side the square. – They now have on hand one of the largest and best stocks ever offered for sale in Macomb. They are now receiving weekly, large additions, as their trade is rapidly increasing. They buy direct from manufacturers, and having at all times a large stock on hand, they can sell BETTER GOODS, and CHEAPER, than any other house of the kind in this place’ and if every one will consult their own interest, they will call on them before buying. Try them.
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Home Again. – Col. Wilson arrived home from Nashville on Tuesday morning last. He left Nashville on Friday of last week, and reports our wounded men all improving.
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Domestic Economy. – No housekeeper or cook is fully prepared to enter successfully upon her culinary duties without having the Chemical Saleratus on hand. It relieves the mind of much of the care and anxiety experienced by a skillful cook. For sale by most merchants and grocers. – Call for the genuine in red papers, and beware of the [obscured] green.
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The Call for Volunteers.
We understand that Capt. Veatch, of this county, formerly of the 59th Regiment, is raising a company for the 78th Regiment. Capt. Veatch is a good man and an excellent officer, and those wishing to volunteer cannot do better that to volunteer in his company. Volunteers wishing to enter that or any other Regiment, can be sworn in by Capt. W. H. Randolph, at the Randolph Hotel, in this city. Discharged soldiers who have served nine months will be entitled to a bounty of $402, and new recruits will receive a bounty of $302, $75 in either case will be paid before leaving the State.
October 10, 1863
Macomb Eagle
“Union County Convention.”
“’Will you walk into my parlor?’ says the spider to the fly.’”
The abolition paper in this county has a call for a self-styled “Union county convention,” to be held at Macomb on the 12th inst. The call is signed anonymously – a mythical “union cen. com.” being all the sponsor for it. It is very modestly addressed to all the people of McDonough county, and very innocently provides for a representation in the convention of the Democratic vote of the county! On the part of the Democrats we respectfully decline the invitation. It comes from political hacks, from played out demagogues, from men who in swindled the voters of this county out of their choice for county officers, and from men who now want the war prolonged for the purpose of emancipating the negro slaves and raising them up to the “rights of citizenship,” as Gov. Yates expresses it. Ever since the republican party in this county was driven into a minority, the spoilsmen in their ranks have been trying various dodges and claptrap phrases to humbug the people and induce them to vote at the bidding of unscrupulous demagogues. They have went before the people as “republicans,” as “unconditional unionists,” as “no compromise men,” as “no party men,” and having been defeated in all disguises they are now simply “union men.” That means they are for union with all men who will vote their ticket. But the cheat will not win – the trick is too transparent. They proclaim themselves to be anything or nothing at all, if thereby they may deceive somebody. Their meretricious gilding of abolitionism, which is but the elder twin-offspring with disunionism, will not tempt the virtue of any man who loves his country and his country’s peace. The so-called union convention will be controlled by the union leaguers, whose secret councils will mark out the work which their followers are expected to perform, and will be justly chargeable with endorsing all the corruptions and oppressions and despotic strides which have obtained under the reign of Abraham Africanus.
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The Enrollment.
The enrollment of the 9th congressional district shows a total of 12, 836 white men in the first class and 21 negroes. McDonough furnishes 2,171 white men and “nary nigger.” Good! We hope our noble county may always be free from black spots!
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→ “Blessed are the peace-makers; for they shall be called the children of God.” – Jesus Christ.
Rev. M. L. Haney declared at Bushnell not long ago that he “would rather be in hell than be a Democrat.”
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Giddings’Millenium.
Old Joshua Giddings, when a member of Congress, predicted the “dawn of a political millennium.” His friends and co-workers at Washington are laboring to bring it about. Already they make the war democrat dwell with the woolly-head, and the nigger lie down with the abolitionist; and the war democrat and the abolitionist and the woolly-head together, and a little contraband shall lead them; the contractor and the blood-letter shall feed; their young shall lie down together, and go to school with the little nigger head; and the sucking contraband shall lay his hand in Abraham’s bosom. And they shall all eat greenbacks like the ass feeding upon thistles.
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→ The New York Post rejoices over the bloody defeat of Rosecrans because it thinks the peace talk at the north will be checked on account thereof. It think that when our arms are somewhat under a cloud, the necessity for a “vigorous prosecution of the war” will be apparent to any one, and therefore finds a promise of good in the slaughter on Chickamauga river. None but abolitionists, to whom the extinction of slavery is of more consequence than the lives and liberties of white men, can find consolation in disasters to the federal arms.
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→ The Chicago Tribune says that Gen. Tuttle, by becoming the Democratic candidate for Governor of Iowa, has “lost all chance of military preferment.” That is the way the administration knows no party and seeks only to preserve abolitionism. However much of heroism and skill on the battle-field may be displayed, if the soldier be not an abolitionist, or a cringing and fawning tool of the administration, he has no hope of reward from Abraham.
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Fulton County. – The Democrats of Fulton have nominated the following ticket: for treasurer, Wm. C. Worley; for surveyor, David Shreeves; for school commissioner, W. T. Davidson. These are excellent nominations and will be elected of course. Mr. Davidson is the editor of the Fulton Democrat, and his nomination is a fitting and generous approval of his efforts in behalf of the Democratic party. His predecessor in the same office for four years is Mr. Thornton, of the Canton Ledger, also an able and untiring laborer in the Democratic field. The Democrats of Fulton seem to understand the propriety of strengthening the hands of those who, in every campaign, bear the chief burdens and devote the most time to the success of the party.
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J. G. Stolp’s Cassimeres. – The time is fast approaching when the genius of western manufacturers will drive from our markets the “worthless trash” “palmed off” on honest and unsuspecting people as an article of woolen goods. Prominent among the names of the heroes who have been instrumental in delivering the people from the thralldom of “King Shoddy” will stand that of J. G. Stolp of Aurora, Ill., who manufactures the best and cheapest cassimeres (in fashionable styles,) that are brought to the town of Macomb. – To procure these goods go the store of John Venable, who is sole agent for McDonough County.
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Casualties in the 78th. – This list of killed and wounded in the 78th is in addition to what we have heretofore published:
Comp. A. – Killed – M. V. Fugate, Solomon Soland, Wm. H. Davis.
Wounded – Jas. E. Beloat, Berager Davis, Jasper Wilson, Wm. H. Landson, O. L. Petney, Sam’l Fugate, John S. Miller, James M. Groves.
Comp. I. – Killed – B. F. Lane.
Wounded – C. V. Chandler, P. Hamilton, J. C. Buchanan, Gorge David, S. G. Downen, Jacob Faber, James P. Shamon, D. M. Chapman, Joseph Mayfield, Thos. Edmonson.
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Strayed. – Strayed from the residence of the undersigned, living in Macomb, on Tuesday the 6th inst., a light cream colored mare pony, three years old, black mane and tail, and has a letter A branded on left shoulder. Any person leaving word at this office where she may be found will be liberally rewarded.
J. Ben. Naylor.
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Gov. Yates and his man of all-work are back in Springfield. Their return was made known by the renewal of vituperative and lying dispatches in those common conduits of baseness and filth, the Missouri Democrat and Chicago Tribune. Gov. Yates and his newspaper correspondent are sowing the wind in Illinois – it may not be long before they reap the legitimate fruits of their labors. They have only to persevere in the course they have inaugurated.
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Items Here and There.
– Mrs. Jacobs invites the ladies to examine her stock of fall millinery. She will be able to please her customers.
– We had a call last Friday from J. M. Davidson, Esq., late editor of the Fulton Democrat and various other papers. He seemed to be perfectly rational, except when he talked about breaking into some newspaper office, when his eyes would be “in fine frensy rolling,” giving indubitable proof of the truth that sombody said – “The lunatic, the poet, and the editor, are of imagination compact.”
– Mr. Haines has fitted up his oyster and eating house in fine style, and can now readily minister to any man’s apetite in manner comfortable to experience.
– The postmaster at Bushnell is requested to be a little careful in distributing Democratic papers and this paper in particular. We hear a great many complaints from our subscribers about the loss they sustain through the postmaster’s negligence. The discharge of the duties of his office, we respectfully suggest, is not to be influenced in any degree by his political opinions or prejudices.
– Lincoln has written Hackett the tragedian that he likes Macbeth the best of all Shakespeare’s plays. We should think Africanus would be haunted by the ghost of the Constitution he has murdered.
– “Good wine needs no bush,” is an old saying, and one which those people who deal with our advertisers will find to be a true one.
– The Salem Baptist Association, at its late session at Blandinville, besmeared itself with abolitionism, by adopting resolutions and ordering the printing of a sermon in the minutes, solely on account of their dark complexion. Delegates from six churches of the association met at Blandinville last Saturday and adopted a protest against the departure by the association from the usage and custom of their church.
– We have seen the hippopotamus. He is a great beast. We think he would make a good cross with a Berkshire hog.
– Another “showcus” is coming. The original, genuine, unadulterated “Yankee Robinson,” with a “hull lot” of other performances, is advertised for next Thursday. The half dollars will go!
– There is a vexed question still unsettled. At the side show the other day was a thing; which some suppose to be the “Chicago platform,” while others contend it was the original union leaguer. We shall not undertake to decide. It was filthy and disgusting enough for either.
– Gold was selling in New York on Wednesday at 47 to 48 per cent. premium.
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The Democratic Party Oppose
Anarchy, Arbitrary Arrests, Abolitionism, and Abraham;
Bastiles, Banishment, Burnside, Butler, Brough;
Chase, Contractors, and Courts martial;
Disunion, Darkies, the Devil, and Davis;
Emancipation and Everything Evil;
Fanaticism, Fraud, and Favoritism;
Greeley and Gory Graves for soldiers;
Home patriots, Halleck, Hascal, and Humbug;
Irrepressible Incompetency, Injuring Interests;
Jacobinical Jackasses Jeering at Justice;
King Abe, the Know nothing;
Lying Leaguers Leaguing for Long-Legged Lincoln;
“Military necessity,” Martial law, and McClellan’s removal;
“No party party,” Negro Equality, and Negro Soldiers;
Oppression for Opinions Opposed to Old Abe;
Propagating Politics by Perverse Pestiferous Political Priests;
Quarreling in the cabinet;
Riots, Rebels, and Ruin of the Republic by Republican Rule;
Secession, Separation, and Subjugation;
Tyranny, Traitors, and “Toddy;”
Usurpation and Unjust laws;
Vagaries and Various Varieties of Villainous rulers;
War Wages by Wicked Warriors;
Xemption of the rich, Xciting mobs, and Xecutive dictation;
Yelping Yates’ abolition hounds;
Zealots in abolitionism;
& so forth.
September 26, 1863
Macomb Eagle
A Note from Jackson.
If Old Hickory were now alive, how he would make the welkin ring with his denunciations of the abolition crew who are now engineering our national affairs. On one occasion, when among us, said he: —
“Sir, the abolition party is a DISLOYAL organization. Its pretended love for freedom means nothing more nor less than CIVL WAR AND A DISSOLUTION OF THE UNION. Honest men of all parties should unite to expose their intentions and arrest their progress”. – Andrew Jackson.
How true! How painfully, disastrously true have events proved his words. Phillips, the great abolition republican drill master, in his Washington address, before President Lincoln, Vice President Hamlin, and the republican Senators and members of Congress, said: “For sixteen years I have labored to break up this Union, and thank God it is broken.” Who will attempt to deny the truthfulness of Gen. Jacksons declaration: “The abolition party is a disloyal organization. Its pretended love of freedom means nothing more nor less than civil war and a dissolution of the Union.” But what said President Lincoln to Phillips’ declaration that he had labored sixteen years to break up the Union and thank God it is broken? – Did he frown upon him? Did he spurn him from his presence? Did he denounce him as a disloyal citizen – a traitor to his country, as Old Hickory would have done? No, not he! But, on the contrary, he honored him with a grand reception and dinner party, (so stated,) at the White House. And these are the men who pretended to be excessively, distressingly, excrutiatingly, and unconditionally for the Union! “O shame, where is thy blush!”
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Abolitionism.
The abolitionists say disloyal persons should be prevented from voting by the military. They also call all Democrats disloyal; therefore they would keep all Democrats from the polls by bayonets. That’s the way they gain their victories in Kentucky, Missouri, &c. They are like the Mormons, who decreed that the farmers, grain and cattle in Illinois belonged to the Lord and His Saints. They next resolved that they were the Saints, and therefore the corn and cattle belonged to them. But the Illinois farmers did not agree to such logic, and soon drove Joe Smith and his followers out of the State. Following their example the people in the exercise of their sovereign rights will this fall expel Old Abe and the whole abolition host of office holders and contractors from their positions. Should an attempt be made to prevent a fair election, by use of military in the free States, this revolution may come sooner, and by other means than the ballot box.
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→ The sickness of the editor has prevented him from paying any attention to editorial matters this week.
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→ The Democrats of Macomb township are requested to meet at the court house in Macomb, at 2 o’clock p. m. of Saturday, Oct. 3rd, for the purpose of appointing delegates to the county convention.
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→ The Democrats of New Salem township will meet at the New Salem school house on Saturday, Oct. 3rd, at 6 o’clock p. m., for the purpose of appointing delegates to the county convention.
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→ Private dispatches from Chattanooga state that 78th regiment was badly cut up in the late fight. Maj. W. L. Broaddus and Frank Lane is reported killed, and Col. Van Vleck, P. Hamilton, C. V. Chandler, wounded. Other casualties will no doubt be reported in a short time.
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Almost a Fire. – On Sunday morning last smoke was discovered issuing from the coal box attached to Mr. Tinsley’s mill, and it became apparent that the coal was on fire. – The alarm was quickly given, and a large number of our citizens at once rallied to the spot. There were some four or five hundred bushels of coal in the box, and fully one half of this had to be shoveled away before the fire could be reached. When this was done the fire was found to be at one side of the box and extending into the center of the heap, and also about midway from top to bottom. It was easily extinguished. How did this fire originate? The coal box is twelve to fifteen feet square and nine or ten feet in depth, and was nearly full. Did the fire originate in the centre of the heap and extend to the frame? – or did it begin at the outside and extend to the middle? Was it a case of spontaneous combustion? If not, how was it kindled? – We have received the following card from Mr. Tinsley for publication:
Macomb, Sept. 22, 1863.
To the citizens and friends who so promptly assisted to extinguish the fire in my coal house, on the 20th inst., I am obliged and return thanks.
N. P. Tinsley.
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→ The poor old abolition sheet of this city has gone into hysterical ecstacies over the result of the Maine election. It did then, really fear that the democracy would carry the State. Maine gave a majority against Buchanan of 31,324. Lincoln had a majority of 24,000 over Douglas. Last year the abolition majority was 29,000. It is now reduced 14,000. Since 1856 here is a loss by abolitionism of 17,000 votes. Is it not growing small be degrees and beautifully less. Last year they had a majority of 20,000 in Maine and lost Ohio by a democratic majority of 8,000. Having now majority of but 14,000 in Maine, what should we expect from Ohio?
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.
The Eagle and The Journal 