Editor’s Note. — Thanks to some internet issues going on at home, I’m posting a day later than normal.  I’m hoping that things are back to normal soon.  Thanks.

Macomb Journal
May 15, 1863

The Skies Brightening.

            Each days news but adds to the already strong conviction that the Great Rebellion is about played out.  The loyal armies are everywhere pressing the cohorts of treason to the wall. – Richmond and Vicksburg, the last strongholds of the enemy, are almost as good as in Federal possession.  Gen. Hooker is ready to re-cross the Rappahannock and will follow Lee “on to Richmond,” and that, too, with an army in every way superior to the rebels.  Grant is slowly but surely closing in upon Vicksburg, while Hunter and the brace Rosecrans are ready to strike blows that will stagger the rebel Confederacy.  At last we have men at the head of our armies whose hearts are engaged in the work – men who love the glorious Stars and Strips – men who hate rebels and traitors – men who fight to conquer.  But this is not all that makes us feel hopeful.  The Government has at last become aroused to the magnitude of the task in hand, and has resolved to punish traitors wherever they may be found.  Hereafter, traitors in the North are to be dealt with as their crimes deserve.  The strong arm of the Government is bared to strike wherever treason has found a lodging place.  The arrest of the infamous traitor, Vallandigham, is but the beginning of a new era that’s to speedily end in the complete and final overthrow of all enemies of the Government.  The day has passed when men in the North can preach treason unmolested.  The day of retribution for them has been slow in coming, but, thank Heaven, it has at least arrived, and its punishment will be swift and terrible.

The vile wretches who rejoiced when the news came that Hooker had been driven across the Rappahannock, will have but little to rejoice over hereafter.  The army of the Potomac will soon again cross, and we believe for the last time until the rebellion is dead and buried.  Let loyal men rejoice.  The dark days of the Republic have passes away.  Henceforth “victory” is to be the aim and the result of our military movements.

 ——————–

A Just Verdict.

            A Telegraph dispatch from New York announces that Gen. Burnside has sentenced Vallandigham to Tortugas for two years.  We trust that this report is true.  If there is a traitor in this Country Vallandigham is one and being the leader of the Copperhead party it is eminently fit that punishment to be visited upon the miserable Northern Traitors should be first felt by him.  Now let the balance of the crew take warning at his fate.  The Government is getting terribly in earnest and Copperheads had better stand from under.

 ——————–

Stoneman’s Raid.

            The rebel journals of Richmond are filled with evidence of the fear and [obscured] during the raid of Stoneman’s cavalry.  They more than confirm previous accounts of the complete success of our valiant horsemen – of the destruction of bridges, the capture of prisoners, the general consternation caused along the rout of the raid and in the rebel capital inhabitants of which anticipated a direful visitation.  All accounts, both Federal and rebel, concur in the general fact that all the lines of communication between Lee’s army and Richmond are completely cut.

This bold and wonderful achievement of our cavalry exceeds all the previous rebel raids made by Stonewall Jackson and Stuart.

 ——————–

→ Gen. Howard, who was in command of the division at Chancellorsville, that is reported to have “behaved badly,” entered the service from Maine.  He is a graduate of West Point, and was for some time a Professor in that institution.  He resigned a year or two previous to the war, and became a student of theology, with the intention of entering the ministry.  At the opening of the war he volunteered and was placed at the head of a regiment, and a year since became a Major General.  He distinguished himself at Fair Oaks, where he lost an arm.  Gen. Howard is an earnest, determined Christian soldier, and there is no more gallant and few more capable soldiers than Gen. Howard.

 ——————–

Army Correspondence.

            Memphis, Tenn.
April 14, 1863.

Editor of Macomb Journal,

Sir: I beg pardon for deviating from my regular routine of duty, but bear with me while I pen you a few lines in regard to company D, of the 28th.  Most of the company are in good health and spirits, but the prevailing spirits seem to be bad whisky, as some of the boys are slightly intoxicated occasionally.  If evil spirits do occasionally enter our camp, I think that the love for the Union still predominated, as all your readers are well aware from the past history of the company and regiment.

One of the most interesting scenes, since our organization, occurred last Sabbath evening just after Dress Parade.  The members of the company presented Capt. Farewell with a splendid belt, and Mr. McGaughy, 2nd Lieut., with a fine sword.  The presentation speeches were made by Mr. Sayers, in presence of Mrs. Farewell, and a large portion of the regiment.  The speeches were eloquent, patriotic, and to the point.  He spoke of our Captaing in the warmest praise – said that he had always been at the head of his company in every engagement, and never was found absent from his command when duty called him.  He complimented the Lieutenant on his appointment and services.

The presents and presentations were highly complimentary, and the best of feelings prevailed.

I hope you will do the company the honor of publishing this epistle for their special benefit.

Yours truly,

CULEX HIBERNICUS.

 ——————–

From the 119th I. V.

For the Macomb Journal.

Co. H, 119th Reg’t ILL. Vols.
White Station, Tenn.,
May 1, 1863.

            Whereas, The very existence of our Government which we revere and honor is threatened; the glorious old flag of our nation that we love, insulted by traitors; the Federal Union, which we deem sacred, severed by the bloody and wicked secessionists; and whereas our beloved country is now engaged in a dreadful struggle to subdue this mighty rebellion and restore peace to our suffering land, therefore,

Resolved, That it is the most sacred duty of every man, woman and child throughout the land, to aid in every possible manner in upholding and supporting this best of Governments, which has been an honor to us abroad, and blest and protected us at home.

Resolved, That patriotism is superior to politics; that the time was when political divisions and political discussions were right and proper, and we earnestly hope and pray will soon be again, but at present they are neither right nor proper, but dangerous to our holy cause, should be laid aside for the present by every one, and all be united in the one noble cause of sustaining our Government, its constitution, and laws, and support the Administration in all [obscured].

Resolved, That this is no time for neutrality, or charging any one, or any party, with causing the war, but as we are now engaged in the fearful struggle, we should be for our Country right or wrong, fight till the last armed foe disappears, till our glorious old flag with the gorgeous ensign of “Liberty and Union” shall wave in triumph over every State, and till traitors bow in humble submission beneath its silken folds.

Resolved, That we have no pity for rebels, nor respect for those who sympathize with them; that we regard those in the North who speak against the cause in which we are engaged, and discourage the prosecution of the war, as aiding our enemies, as being accessory to the wound which our nation has received, in causing the hearts of millions at home to bleed, and in lengthening the time that separates us (soldiers) from our families and loved ones.

Resolved, That we are pleased and gratified to hear of so many noble expressions of loyalty among our friends of old McDonough county; that their patriotic resolutions and sentiments strengthen our hands and encourage our hearts.

Resolved, That we did not engage in this war for plunder, nor for the purpose of interfering with the institution of slavery; but since treason has been carried so far, bringing upon us a debt that will oppress us for years, murdering fathers, husbands, brothers and sons, and causing unprecedented wailing throughout the land, we care not what becomes of their slaves, horses, mules, homes, or anything else belonging to them; that we care not, though the many thousands of slaves, who have been under their galling yoke and lash, for many years, should be armed with musket and bayonet, and meet them face to face on the bloody field; that, we think they deserve no better, and we are in favor of anything that will bring this contest to a speedy and honorable termination.

Captain, Samuel McConnell,
1st Lieut. Henry C. Mullan,
2nd Lieut. J. Wells.
1st Serg’t Levi S. Mills; 2nd do., Joel C. Band; 3d do., P. H. Moore; 5th do., Lewis Wilson.

The Resolutions were signed by all of the members of the company, but we have not room for them. – Ed.

 ——————–

Trouble in the Peoria High School.

From the Peoria Transcript, May 9.

            Quite a disturbance has occurred among the High School boys, growing out of Copperheadism and Hooker’s reverse.  It is said to have been commenced on Thursday, by the removal of a copperhead badge from one of the scholars by two of his companions.  Yesterday several of the copperhead side of the school appeared with badges as if inviting difficulty.  The result was that hard words ensued, which shortly turned into a fight.  The Union boys went in on their muscle, and copperheads were shortly at a discount.  Some pretty hard licks were given and taken, and black eyes, scratched faces, and bloody noses were quite plentiful.  We are sorry to hear that one boy named Joseph Carrell, son of Benjamin Carrell, received a pretty severe cut in the head from a club in the hands of one of the young copperheads.

The affair has created quite an excitement.  Mr. Coy, Principal of the High School, has issued “a request,” tantamount to a command, that badges of any character, except patriotic, shall not hereafter be worn by the pupils.

Some say the trouble first grew out of an exultation over Hooker’s defeat which so incensed the Union boys that they pitched into the author, tearing off his badge and giving him a general “shaking up.”

 ——————–

→ Pope Pius is dying.  The question of his successor is being already vigorously discussed.  Cardinal Wiseman, of England, is said – though we can hardly believe it – to be the favorite candidate of the salons of Faubourg St. Germain.

 ——————–

            A Wolf Story. – The Peoria Mail says that a German farmer, living near Groveland Ill., a few days since, found nine young wolves in one den, which he killed.  They were of the large grey species, and the hopeful progeny of some older ones who have committed depredations in that part of the country for some time past.

 ——————–

New Court House. – Mr. Harker, Architect, of this city, has shown us a draught of a New Court House for this County.  The building is to cost [obscured] if built, and would be an ornament to the city and a credit to the county.  We trust that the Board of Supervisors will make the necessary appropriations, to build a New Court House, and that they will adopt the plan submitted by Mr. Harker.

 ——————–

Arrested. – A woman, hailing from [obscured], Fulton Co, was arrested in this city on Tuesday last, by an officer from the former place.  She was arrested on a charge of stealing.  The next morning she was taken to Fulton Co.

 ——————–

Hard to Take. – Sheriff Dixon undertook to arrest a young man named Henry Grim on Saturday last, but the young man didn’t see the propriety of the proceeding and resisted the sheriff.  The sheriff then called on the spectators to assist, when three or four pitched in.  Grim came near whipping the whole crowd but was finally overwhelmed and taken to jail.  He gave bail and was released.  He was indicted by the Grand Jury for resisting an officer and it was on that charge that he was arrested.

 ——————–

Dear Pork. – An individual known as Dutch John, was arrested for breaking into the stray pen and taking out some hogs which had been shut up by the City Marshal.  He was taken before Justice Chandler and fined $10 and cost.

 ——————–

Still Another. – A man by the name of Cox who has been in this city for several months past was on Monday last arrested in Galesburg by the Sheriff of Schuyler County.  It appears that Cox was some two years ago confined in Schuyler Co., Jail for some offence and broke jail and skedaddled.  He then volunteered but was discharged a few months ago and has been in this city since.  A few days ago he sold a cow to Ed Bunn of this city for $15 but after he had got the money it turned out that he never owned a cow.  He also sold several other articles which he never owned.  Bunn informed the Sheriff of Schuyler County where he was and he was arrested as stated above.  He was taken to Rushville.

 ——————–

Always Ready. – Venable, who for the past two years has been dealing out the best of Goods, (as those who have received then can bear testimony to,) says that he is now better prepared than he has ever been before to supply the wants of those desiring a good article of Woolen Goods.  The highest market price paid for wool at all times.  Give him a call before purchasing elsewhere.  New advertisement next week.

 ——————-

Renovating. – The Drug Store of F. R. Kyle is undergoing a thorough renovating, and when the painters finish, will be as slick as a new doll.  Frank has also just returned from Chicago with a large stock of Drugs, Paints, Oils, Perfumery &c., which will be sold at prices that defy competition.  He also keeps a large supply of all the Popular Patent medicines of the day.

 ——————–

Tender Steaks. – If there is one thing above another necessary to a good breakfast that thing is a good tender steak.  A nice, juicy steak for breakfast, is not only a pleasure while eating, but it exerts a beneficial influence all through the day.  When you see a man cross and crabbed, you may at once conclude that he has dined on tough steak.  And then tender steak is a great preserver of the teeth as well as a promoter of kindly feelings and genial temper.  Chamberlin and Fowler have opened a new Meat Market on Lafayette Street where this article can always be found.

 ———————-

Ambrotypes. – Mrs. Fisher has opened an Ambrotype Room in Churchill’s building one block north of the Square where she will be pleased to meet all who desire correct, lifelike pictures at reasonable figures.  Give her a call.

 ——————–

Macomb Eagle
May 16, 1863

→ The sentence of Vallandigham is banishment to the Tortugas – a barren island on the southern coast of Florida – during the term of Lincoln’s administration.  His arrest was illegal and his sentence is infamous.  Burnside is now madly dashing himself against the Constitution; but he will find it more impregnable and better defended than were the rebel works at Fredericksburg.  It is hard to keep cool and be quiet, under the perpetration of such enormous outrages; but “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church,” and all such cases will tell in favor of the constitutional Democracy at the next election.  These fanatical engineers will be hoisted by their own petard.  When the Democrats have control of the Government, in 1864, they will not make a vindictive, but a constitutional, use of power.

 ———————–

To Explode the Rebellion.

            If the administration are in earnest in the pretence that they wish to restore the Union of the States as it formerly existed, they can greatly facilitate the accomplishment of this purpose by simply withdrawing the emancipation proclamation, granting an amnesty to the people engaged in the war, and proclaiming anew the language of the Crittenden resolution of July 1861. – The promulgation of these measures would soon leave Gen. Lee without an army, and Jeff Davis would soon be a fugitive.  It would prevent the further expenditure of blood and treasure, and go far toward reinstating the old feeling of good will and friendship between the North and South, which existed during the peaceful and prosperous days of the Republic.  No sound reason can be urged against the adoption of this policy, while it is called for by every instinct of justice and humanity.

 ———————-

A Small Business.

On Saturday last dispatches were sent all over the country from Washington, announcing the capture of Richmond.  As the administration control the telegraph lines from that city, allow nothing to be sent except what they choose to permit, they must be held accountable for the circulation of this report whatever – it was a pure fiction.  We suspect, however, that it was manufactured for the European market.  On Wednesday previous Lord Lyons sent a messenger to England with the news of Hooker’s defeat.  The next steamer left on Saturday, and it is believed that this “capture of Richmond” story was gotten up at Washington for the purpose of sending abroad and counteracting the effect of Hooker’s defeat.  It is certainly a small business for the administration to be engaged in, or even conniving at.

 ——————-

→ It was Philip of Macedon, we believe, who demanded of the Athenians the surrender of their orators to him.  It is the Lincoln administration, through such men as Fredericksburg Burnside, which propose to stop the mouths of orators and to silence the press.  Democrates replied to Philip’s demand by telling the fable in which the wolves demanded of the shepherds their dogs, and promised, if that were complied with, to make an alliance offensive and defensive of the sheep.  The shepherds did not see it!