GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS
1865
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1865, p. 1, c. 5
The Soldiers' Home in Houston was opened yesterday, and we were present
by invitation of the lady superintendents at a most splendid lunch given to the
Provost Guards of this city, numbering some 75 or 100 soldiers.
The ladies had prepared the tables with the greatest abundance of the
very best our market affords, and it must have afforded gratification to every
one to see the ladies thus supplying the wants of those who have so long been
performing guard duty for our city. But
still more gratifying will it be to every true patriot to find that, hereafter,
no soldier will be permitted to pass through our city without receiving the
hospitality of our citizens, dispensed by the ladies of Houston.
The Houston Hall is a large and commodious brick building, capable of
accommodating several hundred soldiers at the same time, and is by far the most
suitable building in the city for a Soldiers' Home.
We understand that the organization is now complete, all the necessary
officers having been appointed. Mrs.
Col. James Relly [?] has been elected by the ladies President of the
Association.
We look upon the establishment of Soldiers' Homes as a most important
step in the right direction. Nothing
can have a better effect upon the soldiers than an assurance that they are
appreciated by those at home, and especially by the ladies, as their only
protection against a brutal and barbarous enemy and to whom, alone, they can
look for deliverance in this terrible struggle for life, liberty, and even
existence. We have too long
neglected to take the proper means to make the soldiers realize that we feel
indebted to them for our present safety, and that to relieve his wants is the
least we can do for the inestimable services he is rendering to his country.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Letter
from Santiago.
Waco, Dec. 23d, 1864.
Ed. News:--To use the well known expression of a little boy to the hero
of San Jacinto—"I have been set back."
A few days ago I dined with two of my countrywomen, both fair and
beautiful to look upon, whose husbands were absent.
Somehow, or somehow else, the all important subject of the war came up in
conversation. Now, I having been up
in Virginia with the old 1st, have many times felt as if the
Confederacy rested upon any individual shoulders—as if the salvation of the
country depended upon doing my duty, and have fact to face denounced those who
refuse to defend their country, as poor, pitiful scoundrels, who ought to be
hung.
One of the ladies remarked that her husband had been anxious to go to the
front several times, but that she had dissuaded him from it, because she loved
him, and was afraid he might get killed!
As quick as though I replied that the ladies of the South were generally
more patriotic than the gentlemen, and had by their devotion saved the country,
but that if all the ladies influenced their husbands as she had hers, we would
soon have no army, and the Confederacy would be wiped out.
I was in earnest, and suppose my face, which is not like that of Adonis,
showed my heartfelt emotions—not the watching smiles of persuasion. Whereupon this husband-loving lady very coolly inquired of me
why I was not in the field? Now,
I must confess that my dimensions were not increased by this question, for the
post of danger is the post of honor—where
"The battle wreck lies thickest,
And death's brief pang is quickest"
but I mumbled out something about volunteering at the first of the war, Virginia and Arkansas, Quartermaster's Department, cotton,
wool, hides, and God knows what! I
felt humble. Uriah Heap, in his
humility, might rather have been compared to Bonaparte at the battle of the
Pyramids, than I to that humble individual.
I was just in the act of sounding a retreat, when something turned up for
me, as well as for Mr. Macawber. I
had hardly made my reply when the other lady arose, and with that graceful
dignity peculiar to our Southern
matrons, addressed my vanquisher as follows:
"Madam! You do well to
love your husband and your country should be dearer to you than father, mother,
children, all! That virtue which
inspires one to devote his life for the good of his country, has ever been
considered sublime and godlike. Your
husband may die at home any day; to die upon the field of glory for his country
will be sweet and decorous. Would
you detain a soldier from the field and thereby weaken our force and aid our
enemies? Will you aid Andy Johnson,
Jack Hamilton, Parson Brownlow, and other shameless wretches, who have deserted
their country in the hour of danger and gone over to the Abolitionists, when the
gallant survivors of Stonewall Jackson, Sidney Johnston, Bartow, Bee, Pettigrew,
Stuart, Green, Scurry, Randal and Gregg, struggling nobly against immense odds,
cry for help? Can it be possible
for you or any true woman or honest man, in the Confederacy, not to distinguish
the path of duty and honor from that of disgrace and infamy?
Not only does Europe erect statues in honor of our gallant dead, but even
our wicked enemies respect their memory!
Even among the Yankees, humanity respects magnanimity and virtue, but
contemns vice and immorality, therefore they call Lincoln the Ape, Butler
the Beast, and Grant the Butcher, but our own illustrious dead,
they call HEROES! Madam, sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish, I give
my heart and hand to the cause of my people.
It is a just and holy cause.—Were my husband to shirk from the service,
much as I love him, I would quit him without regret, for I can be a brave
man's widow, a coward's wife never! so help me God!
Should he come home on crutches, or with an empty sleeve dangling by his
side, as witnesses of his bravery and courage in battle, it will be a labor of
love to minister to his wants and hear him fight over all his battles again at
the fireside—how the brave Texas boys charged the breastworks at Gaines' Mill
and Malvern Heights—how their first line charged right through the whole
Yankee army at 2d Manassas, and then how heroically they contended for victory
at Sharpsburg. Oh!
it will be such a treat to hear him tell about his dangers and perils and
hairbreadth escapes, and to know that my husband never failed his country
in the hour of need, but was one of its bravest defenders!"
After uttering these patriotic sentiments, this noble woman turned her
awe-inspiring eyes upon me, and was silent, but looked as if she desired
me to say something. I said slowly
and deliberately, "Madam, I would not survive the liberties of my country! If I do, may God blot from the book of eternal life the name
of
Santiago.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Capt.
Odlum.
On the 2d of November last, we published a communication highly
complementary to Capt. F. H. Odlum for the brilliant achievement of his company
at Sabine Pass on the 8th of Sept., 1863, wherein two of the enemy's
steamers and about 400 prisoners were captured by only 42 men!
On publishing this communication, we were reminded that it apparently
contradicted the generally received account that Lt. Dowling was in command of
the company at that time, and that Capt. Odlum was then absent on other duties,
and supposing that to have been actually the case, we remarked, editorially,
that Capt. Odlum was not present in that glorious action.
From the following order, it would, however, appear beyond all doubt that
Capt. Odlum was present and in command of the post, notwithstanding the reports
to the contrary, to which we had given credit.
Hd. Q'rs, Eastern Sub-District of Texas,
Houston, Texas, Sept. 13th, 1863.
General Orders, No. 39.A.
The Commanding Officer of this Sub-District congratulates the garrison at
Sabine Pass, and its commanding officer, Capt. F. H. Odlum, for the signal
victory achieved by them on the 8th inst., over the enemies of free
Government. The fearful odds
brought by the enemy against your works, add a double laurel to your
achievements, which will be so gratefully received by the country and your
brethren in arms. The heroic
resolution, the steadfastness of purpose and action, the manly fortitude in
braving the guns of the invaders; but, above all, the love of country which so
honorably stimulated you in the attack and capture of their two gunboats, and
disabling a third, must challenge, for a parallel, the martial performances of
the age, and the admiration of every patriot of the land.
To control the impetuosity of a garrison under the circumstances, and the
reservation of your fire until the enemy approached in short range of your guns,
are of those judicious and skillful acts rarely found in a volunteer corps, and
which contributed so largely to this most important capture.
To Lieut. R. W. Dowling, and Lieut. W. H. Smith, of the Engineer Corps,
(and other meritorious officers, whose name have not been officially
communicated to me,) who participated in that thrilling engagement, and who were
so conspicuous everywhere by their gallant bearing and activity, deserve, as
they will receive, the thanks of the army and the country. Monuments will be given to our defenders, and graves to our
invaders.
P. N. Luckett,
Acting Brig. Gen. Commanding Eastern Sub-Dist. of Texas.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
The following articles are from the San Antonio Herald:
Indian Depredations.—We learn that the Indians have just paid a visit
to Kerr and Kendall counties, killing two ladies on the Llano as they came down.
They succeeded in getting off with a large number of horses.
The people of these two counties are too weak to pursue them.
The two ladies killed were Mrs. Joy and her daughter, who were on
horseback riding through the neighborhood.
The Indians are said to be uncommonly bold, riding through the country in
day time.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1865, p. 1, c. 5
We understand that the authorities of Matamoros have ordered a large
surplus of the frail daughters of Eve residing in that city, to seek lodgings
elsewhere. Whether they will be
entered at the Custom House as a necessary, or be smuggled into the Confederacy
as a luxury, or go to the Yankee lines, whence they came, we cannot answer. It is understood that Mister Price and the ring tailed
Bosting Peeler are negotiating with the Matamoros officials for the new theater,
in this connection—Brownsvile Ranchero.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Among the passengers in Thursday's stage was a man dressed in female
attire, on his way to San Antonio. Whether
he was a deserter or a Yankee spie [sic], could not be ascertained.
He was travelling in company with a woman who told several tales
respecting their movements, but nothing satisfactory was elicited.
The Commander of the Post had both arrested and sent to Houston.—Ibid.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A Soldiers' Home has been established at Jasper, Texas, and our old
friend Dr. Syman White has charge of the same.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
We are glad to learn from Rev. Mr. Castleton that the Houston Hall
(Schrimpf's Hotel) has been secured for a Soldiers' Home in this city.
It will be under the supervision of the ladies of the State Central
Committee of this city, and Mr. A. Sessums will act as treasurer and commissary,
and to him all moneys and materials for the use of the house must be sent.
We believe the organization is now such as to insure permanency and great
benefits to our soldiers passing through this city.
It is suggested that the friends of the soldiers—farmers, planters and
others in the country—may send such supplies as they feel disposed to donate
to the support of this Home to direct to Mr. Sessums by Express as
otherwise losses are most certain to occur.
We have very little doubt that the proprietors of the Express will be
willing to make the charges very moderate, for the purpose of aiding all they
can to sustain an institution so indispensable to our soldiers, in returning
from and going to the army.
We are requested to state that the same Ladies' Central Committee act in
behalf of such Homes in the country as need assistance, and for this purpose Mr.
A. J. Burke is their Treasurer and to him should be sent all such articles or
such sums of money as are intended for the aid of Homes in the country needing
support. The treasuries for the Home in this city and Homes in the
country are kept distinct, so as to avoid all confusion and trouble in the
application of the means to the purpose intended.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1865, p. 2, c. 3
We find the following excellent suggestion in the Dallas Herald.
If our subscribers, after reading our paper, would send it to some
friends in the army, as recommended, they would render a valuable service, at no
expense to themselves or any body else:
"The blockade having closed all our ports, paper can be procured
only at enormous prices, and consequently newspapers, so potent in forming and
directing aright public opinion, are often out of the reach of the people and
private soldier. A recent visit to our army now encamped at Camden, Arkansas,
has convinced me that if there were more newspapers circulated in the army, it
would add more to the contentment and satisfaction of the soldiers than any one
thing that their friends at home could do for them. It would enable them to spend their leisure hours profitably,
give them the local news at home, and keep them from time to time, properly
informed as the progress and objects of the war in which they are engaged.
The object of this article is to appeal to your readers to remail all
their newspapers so soon as they read them, to some soldier in the service.
Did they but know with what eagerness newspapers are sought for in the
army, they would put themselves to some trouble to forward all they could.
Will you call the attention of your readers to this subject, and will
other editors do the same."
Coin in a Corner.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1865, p. 2, c. 4
We notice an interesting statement relative to the condition of the
Soldiers' Home in Anderson, made in the Telegraph by the following ladies having
direction of that institution, namely:
Mrs. D. Nelms, President,
Mrs. A. Cawthorn,
}
Mrs. C. Kerr,
}
Mrs. Moore,
} Directresses.
Mrs. Barnes,
}
Miss Womick,
}
It appears from the account given that the Home in Anderson was opened on
the 1st of August last, and has since furnished over 1,200 meals to
soldiers and 768 feeds to their horses. The
number wanting accommodation is increasing, owing to the many furloughs now
being granted. Sick soldiers are
attended to by the physician of the Post, and by the Matron, Mrs. Hendricks.
Mrs. Hendricks receives one dollar, Confederate money, for every meal
cooked, and the money to pay for her valuable services is made up by voluntary
subscription and paid out by the Treasurer, Mr. Lawhorn.
The provisions, &c., are obtained by contribution from planters.
It appears that Mrs. Hendricks furnishes her own house for the Soldiers'
Home, and has hitherto furnished bedding, but the Directresses say that more
bedding is needed for this cold weather, and they appeal to the young ladies of
Grimes to send in comforts and such other articles of bedding as they can
furnish, which will be taken care of and returned to the owners.
We are glad to see that so much good is being done by the Home in
Anderson.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 7
Soldiers'
Homes.
We learn from the Re. Mr. Castleton that the following Homes are now
organized and in successful operations:
Beaumont
Jefferson county.
San Antonio
Bexar county.
Austin
Travis county.
New Braunfels
Comal county.
Corsicana
Navarro county.
Hillsboro'
Hill county.
Palestine
Anderson county.
Butler
Freestone county.
Fairfield
"
Cotton Gin
"
Springfield
Limestone county
Mansfield
Louisiana
Minden
Louisiana
Homer
Louisiana
Independence
Maj. Blanton's Hotel
Wash'n Co.
Waxahachie
Maj. Roger's Hotel
Ellis Co.
Ash Creek
Mr. Ward's
Hill Co.
Bastrop
Mr. Nicholson's Hotel
Bastrop Co.
Paris
[Name not known]
Lamar Co.
Beaumont
Col. Fletcher's
Jeff'son Co.
Houston
Houston Hall
Harris Co.
Hempstead
Defunct, but reorganizing
Navasota
Defunct
Millican
Defunct
Anderson
Mrs. Hendricks
Grimes Co.
Huntsville
Col. Polk's Hotel
Walker Co.
Crockett
Defunct
Rusk
Cherokee Co.
Henderson
Col. Davenport's
Rusk Co.
Marshall
_______ Hotel
Harrison
Shreveport
Louisiana
Dallas
Dallas Co.
Goliad
Goliad Co.
Mr. Castleton informs us that he believes there are as many as sixty
Homes in Texas, but that he cannot be positive as to the complete organization
of any but the above.
We omit from the above list several Homes that have been discontinued,
but which it is hoped will soon be reorganized.
Efforts are now being made to reorganize the Home in this city.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 4, 1865, p. 2, c. 6
Houston, Dec. 29th, 1864.
Editor News:--Much has been said and felt upon the subject of education
in our State during this war. Most
deplorable results must ensue unless something be done, which can be done even
in these troublesome times. During
my recent journey, I found some families employing private teachers and inviting
their neighbors' children to share the privilege with their own.
I found also elegant and accomplished ladies, refugees, accustomed to all
the refinements, and, I must add, all the indolence of genteel life, gladly,
cheerfully devoting their talents and energies to the sublime work of educating
those who are the hope of our country, and will soon be its bulwark or its
destroyers. With what admiration
did I gaze upon the noble spectacle! Their
brothers and lovers were winning our liberties on the battlefield and they,
gentle and lovely, were in the equally brave and patriotic work of preparing the
next age to enjoy them. Noble
women, said I, how will future ages bless you!
Now is the time for educated woman to lay out her whole talent for her
country by training its sons and daughters.
Will not Texas ladies enter this work?
Will not Texas planters enlist educated ladies and disabled soldiers,
whose education will admit of it, in the work of educating their own and their
neighbors' children? Let them think
of four, five, or eight years lost to education.
It is a black belt across the historic period, which will shade the next
half century. Perhaps a country may
never make amends nor recover from its evil effects. Can elegance and refinement contrive a more noble and
age-lasting monument of honor for themselves or a more durable blessing to their
beloved land? Will you, Mr. Editor,
give your thoughts upon this subject? We
look to you and your confreres to guide public enterprise.
Respectfully,
Thos. Castleton.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 11, 1865, p. 1, c. 2
Gardening in Texas for January.—(From Affleck's Almanac.)
Continue to sow Peas, Lettuce, Radishes, Parsnips, and Asparagus.
Sow Beets, Carrots, Salsafy, Turnips, Sweet herbs, &c.
Plant Beans, early Corn, and Okra; Irish Potatoes Horse radish,
Artichokes and Asparagus. Plant out
Cauliflower and more early Cabbage—Large white Broccoli should now begin to
head.—Frost, such as are here felt, will not injure Peas till in bloom.
If not done last month, sow in hot-bed, seeds of Peppers, Tomatoes, Egg
plants, Melons and Cucumbers.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 11, 1865, p. 1, c. 4-5
Ed. News.—During the holidays it seems to me proper that we should for
a time forget our dangers and our troubles, hold a truce with care and set
despondency at defiance. The bow
must at times be unbent and the tension of the mind relaxed, or their spring and
elasticity are destroyed. With the
view of affording your readers some entertainment, I enclose the following
sketch, which, at least, has the merit of being of home production—neither
copied from the Yankees nor yet imitated from the English, and further, that in
the main incident related, it is substantially true.
With this preface, I introduce
Roper's
Pearch—A Reminiscence of 38.
Before there was a mile of railroad in Tennessee; and when country roads
throughout the Western District were left pretty much as nature made them,
except here and there, a bit of corduroy across a swamp—when buggies were a
novelty and ambulances unknown, the few spring vehicles in use being almost
exclusively the old fashioned heavy C-spring family carriage, devoted to the
conveyance of ladies to and from church and to occasions of state and
ceremony—when, in short, the universal manner of traveling was on horseback.
At this time the Bench and the Bar were not exceptions, but rode the
circuit with a full train of suitors and followers, each man as well mounted as
his means allowed, with his stock of movables snugly packed in his saddle-bags,
which receptacle was not only expected to contain the lawyer's wardrobe and
library, but the frequently not less necessary requirements for success, a pack
of cards and a pair of derringers. The
profession, at this time, if it had its dangers and hardships, had also its
recompenses. There were no scores
left unsettled, no long hidden hatreds or growing enmities corroding the heart
and souring the temper—no lurking malice waiting in ambush for its murderous
opportunity. No sooner was a
gentleman aggrieved than he sought his remedy in the court of honor, and a quick
solution of difficulties, apparently insurmountable, was had at the muzzle of
the pistol, and all this, too, with a tithe of the bloodshed that has resulted
on similar occasions, under the blue light laws for the suppression of dueling.
Besides a readiness in the use of his pistol, the lawyer was expected to
be par excellence, a good fellow, to tell a good story, sing a good song,
turn an epigram or throw off a repartee, and to give and take a stinging jest,
so that there was but wit enough about it to cover its pungency skin deep. He that failed in these great essentials, in wit and good
humor, or had any foolish squeamishness about the burning of gunpowder, was
incontinently banished to Coventry, or made the butt and jest of the rest of the
party.
Into a party, such as described, his evil genius had contrived there
should fall a young man, just admitted to the practice and now on his first
circuit. P. Leonidas Strong had
been sent by his parents—worthy people living in Haywood county—to be
educated cheap in Ohio—he had taken a diploma at Steubenville, famous for
linsey woolseys, pork sausages and low priced graduates.
Leonidas had also attended law lectures at Cincinnati, and after an
absence long enough to efface the impressions of his childhood, the teachings of
home and the genial, liberal spirit of a Southerner, he returned to Tennessee a
covert abolitionist and a cunning niggard, with a thorough contempt for his
parents, his country and especially for his present associates, and with the
most unbounded admiration for, and devotion to, P. Leonidas Strong and no one
else.
The older members of the bar, in consideration of his youth and
inexperience, bore with him for a while, but after a thorough trial, it was
found that he would neither drink, treat nor fight, he could neither give a joke
nor take one; that he was ignorant, cunning and presuming; that the instincts of
a gentleman had been totally obliterated by Yankee training, and that, in short,
there was nothing in him but assurance and self-conceit.
Such "nem con," being the verdict of the bar, the
sentence immediately issued that the aforesaid Strong should be summarily
demolished, abated and squashed, and that Mr. Paul Dougherty should be duly
empowered to carry into execution the said decree on the first suitable
occasion.
Now, this Mr. Paul Dougherty was a good looking, black-eyed Irishman, for
Paul, though born in Maury county, Tennessee, was as thoroughly Irish as if he
had drawn his natal breath in Kilkenny. Paul
was the wit, par excellence, of the Western District; his fun and
audacity kept the court-house in a roar, and nothing but his invincible good
humor and his well established reputation for honor and courage prevented his
being involved in very serious difficulties.
But as matters stood, Paul could say and do a thousand things with
impunity, which would subject a less gifted man to the severest penalties. Now, it fell out that at Huntingdon Court, Mr. Strong and Mr.
Dougherty were employed as opposing counsel in some petty case—a right of way,
or a trespass, or some such matter—it was Strong's first case, and he spent
the previous night in preparation; he had been a shining light at "The
Society of the Sons of Freedom and Natural Rights Association of
Steubenville," but he had never addressed a court and jury, and he
determined that his first effort should be characterized by the most astounding
results; that the Judge should be overwhelmed and the Jury electrified, as
indeed it did result, but not at all in the manner desired by the
unfortunate Strong. It so happened
that the night being warm, and the windows open, as Strong walked to and fro in
his room composing his discourse, that he gave his neighbors the benefit of a
rehearsal, and Dougherty, among others, heard a great part of it, and quite
sufficient for his purposes. In the
morning, Strong marched to court, armed with innumerable authorities, copious
notes and an armful of books. Dougherty
went simply provided with—what do you imagine good reader" a big crooked
sweet potato. Strong's case was
called, and amid a crowded court—for it was whispered about that Dougherty was
prepared for mischief—Strong rose and addressed the Court, but we shall only
attempt a faint outline of his grandiloquence; he passed in review Natural law,
the Mosaic law, the Roman civil law; descending to more modern times he touched
in passing the Magna Charta, and King John and the barons bold were before us;
thence, by an easy gradation, we were brought to confront the mighty Bacon, and
here the orator paused to invoke the shade of that god-like jurist, desiring him
to stand aghast at the wrong about to be perpetrated on his innocent client.
Thence, through a host of great names, Chitty and Kent, Storey and
Mansfield, not forgetting those great authorities Blackstone and Littleton and
Coke, his—here the orator caught Dougherty's eye fixed upon him, and his arm
outstretched holding the potato pointed full upon him like a pistol.
"Littleton and Coke his"—stammered poor
Strong—"Littleton and Coke" he repeated—"Littleton and
Coke his"—his "common tater," said Dougherty, in
a loud whisper, shaking the potato at Strong.
This was too much for Strong; he sank on his seat uttering common-tator,
common-tator, utterly confounded and bewildered, while the whole court roared
with laughter. As soon as he could
be heard, Dougherty rose and deprecated the share he had in the flagrant breach
of decorum they had just witnessed—he had endeavored to give his young friend
a word for which he seemed to be at a loss, but with no idea of discomposing or
interrupting him. "How,
indeed, your Honor and gentlemen of the jury, could I imagine that a gentleman
whose mouth was rich with fat things, overflowing with the ambrosia of the gods,
redolent of the oleaginous juices of Bacon, should be suddenly choked dry on
common tators. As to the
gentleman's speech to which he was expected to reply, he really was at a loss
how to begin—it reminded him of what his friend Roper said of the fish,
"It was a pearch, please your Honor; when Roper first saw him he was
expiring under an aged sycamore—he romanced across the creek—reiterated—fetched
a flounce and—absquatulated."
This, with Paul's drollery of voice and manner, was too much for the
Court—an immediate adjournment for refreshments was ordered, during which
Strong disappeared, literally laughed out of the county.
It is believed he turned up on Western Texas, on a high prairie, where
there was little water and no fuel, and where the food of the people was bread
and beef, to the exclusion of Bacon and Common taters.
The village post at Jackson has immortalized ________.
"Roper's
Pearch"
Where flowed the
clear stream, in silence and shade,
Amongst the dark trees, in verdure arrayed,
Beneath a fast root, where a sycamore grew,
Now flashing with light, now lost to the view,
I discovered a fish, and stopped to admire—
'Twas Roper's big pearch, I saw him—expire.
Far down in the
stream, he all motionless lay,
Nor heeded the minnows that leaped in their play,
But a buzzard wheeled slowly, aloft in the sky,
And the water reflected his form from on high;
Aroused by the shadow, see the big pearch advance
And cross Forked-deer with a graceful—romance.
As brilliant his
color, as transient his stay,
As a light summer cloud, reflecting the ray
The sun last gives back, as he sinks in the west,
When the winds are all hushed, all nature at rest,
So glorious a creature this big pearch appeared,
As straight for the bank his bold course he steered,
I longed for a pole, a hook, line and bait,
When he turned short around and did reiterate.
As he merged from
the shadow and glanced into light,
He looked like a warrior, all seamed for the fight,
His scales polished silver, all burnished with gold,
But his other perfections, I must leave them untold,
For like one who is hurried, and fears he's belated,
He fetched him a flounce, and absquatulated.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 11, 1865, p. 1, c. 5
Soap—Soap—Government
Soap.
Bolivar Point, Jan. 8th, 1865.
Ed. News:--Knowing that it is not your habit to soft-soap government
officials, agents and contractors, and that you are always ready to expose
frauds on the government and the soldiery.
I would call your attention to one that is being perpetrated on both by
the contractor for supplying soap to this and other commands within the defences
of Galveston. Soap is a great
institution, without it the world would soon relapse into the unwashed barbarism
of early times; the social status; the intellectual and moral purity or every
nation, community and family, may be reckoned by the amount of its consumption.
Our present civilization to a great extent may be attributed to its
humanizing and elevating influence. It
has its evils too, particularly soft soap, and by its lavish expenditure
contracts are received by which the government is defrauded and the soldier
robbed of his rights. We have never
known a man who habitually wore a dirty shirt that was not proverbial for
cowardice. We fear its demoralizing
influence on the military. In the
article furnished by the contractor referred to so far as our experience and
tests extend, we have been unable to discover that it possesses any of the
qualities of soap. In appearance it
resembles a substance procured from boiling beef shanks.
With the necessary ingredients, sherry wine and loaf sugar, it might make
excellent jelly—without them it is perfectly worthless.
We presume the contractor is making quite a good thing out of his
contract. If he expects to come out
with clean hands we would advise him not to rely on his own soap.
We have tried it and the more we wash the fouler our hands become and in
the end it involves a considerable outlay of a better article to get rid of it.
We would suggest to the quartermaster, as an item of economy to the
government that he suspend the further issue of the article, until the sherry
and sugar can be procured. It can
then be issued as a ration of jelly in lieu of others he has been unable to
supply.
Sentinel.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 11, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
The following Anthem was furnished us a little too late to appear for
Christmas, and has been delayed longer than it should have been by an oversight:
Christmas
Anthem
Written for the Victoria Female Academy, by
St. Geo. S. Lee
Music by Professor Chas. Reisner.
Oh!
Christmas is come, in Judea afar,
Our Savior was born, 'neath the bright eastern star,
Whilst far on the mountains, the shepherds rejoice,
And angels and men proclaim with glad voice,
Our Savior is come, our petitions are free,
Lord God of battles we have access to the;
Scatter thou red battle's cloud,
Still now war's tempest loud,
Cause this vile strife to cease,
Give us freedom, give us peace.
By danger
surrounded, in privation and woe,
Menaced and beset, by the insolent foe,
The world all shut out, our God is still near,
Still ready to rescue, still ready to hear,
Our Savior still reigns, our petitions are free,
Lord God of battles, we have access to thee.
Scatter thou red battle's cloud,
Still now war's tempest loud,
Cause this vile strife to cease,
Give us freedom, give us peace.
Far distant from
friends, who in the dread front,
In hardship and danger, encounter the brunt
Of death in the field, or a prison afar,
Oh, what can we do, to close this foul war,
Our Savior still reigns, our petitions are free,
Lord God of battles, we have access to the,
Scatter thou red battle's cloud,
Still now war's tempest loud,
Cause this vile strife to cease,
Give us freedom, give us peace.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 11, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Soldiers'
Homes.
We learn from the Rev. Mr. Castleton that the following Homes are now
organized and in successful operation:
Beaumont
Jefferson county;
San Antonio
Bexar county;
Austin
Travis county;
New Braunfels
Comal county;
Corsicana
Navarro county;
Hillsboro'
Hill county;
Palestine
Anderson county;
Butler
Freestone county;
Fairfield
"
Cotton Gin
"
Springfield
Limestone county;
Mansfield
Louisiana;
Minden
Louisiana;
Homer
Louisiana;
Independence
Maj. Blanton's Hotel
Wash'n Co;
Waxahachie
Maj. Roger's Hotel
Ellis Co;
Ash Creek
Mr. Ward's
Hill Co;
Bastrop
Mr. Nicholson's Hotel
Bastrop Co;
Paris
[name not known]
Lamar Co;
Beaumont
Col. Fletcher's
Jeff'son Co;
Houston
Houston Hall
Harris Co;
Hempstead
Defunct, but reorganizing;
Navasota
Defunct;
Millican
Defunct;
Anderson
Mrs. Hendricks'
Grimes Co;
Huntsville
Col. Polk's Hotel
Walker Co;
Crockett
Defunct;
Rusk
Cherokee;
Henderson
Col. Davenport's
Rusk Co;
Marshall
_____ Hotel
Harrison;
Shreveport
Louisiana;
Dallas
Dallas Co;
Goliad
Goliad Co;
Jasper
Dr. L. White's
Jasper Co;
Richmond
Mr. Botwick's Hotel
Ft. Bend Co;
Clinton
Mr. Cottingham's Hotel
DeWitt Co;
Hallettsville
Lavaca Co;
Prairie Point
Colorado Co;
LaGrange
Fayette Co;
Winchester
"
Mr. Burns' Cross Roads
Burleson Co;
Caldwell
"
Cameron
Dr. Drury's Hotel
Milam Co;
Waco
McKeig's Hotel
McLennan.
Mr. Castleton informs us that he believes there are as many as sixty
Homes in Texas, but that he cannot be positive as to the complete organization
of any but the above.
We omit from the above list several Houses that have been discontinued,
but which it is hoped will soon be reorganized.
Efforts are now being made to reorganize the Home in this city.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 11, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
Penitentiary
Cloth Given to the Several Counties of the State.
From a circular just issued by the financial agent of the Penitentiary,
we find the State has been laid off into six districts, for convenience of
appropriating the quota of cloth to the respective counties, as follows:
1st District.—Chambers, Liberty, Jefferson, Orange, Hardin,
Newton, Jasper, Tyler, Polk, Trinity, Angelina, San
Augustine, Sabine, Houston, Anderson, Cherokee, Nacogdoches, Shelby,
Henderson.
2nd District.—Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Bosque,
Brown, Stephens, Burnett, Cameron, Clay, Comal, Comanche, El Paso, Erath,
Gillespie, Hamilton, Hildalgo, Jack, Kendall, Kerr, Lampasas, Live Oak, Llano,
Mason, Medina, Montague, McCulloch, McMullen, Nueces, Palo Pinto, Parker, San
Saba, Starr, Uvalde, Webb, Wise, Wilson, Young, Zapata
3rd District.—Limestone, McClellan, Falls, Milan, Robertson,
Madison, Leon, Brazos, Burleson,
Washington, Grimes, Walker, Montgomery, Harris, Austin, Galveston
4th District.—Smith Rusk, Panola, Harrison, Upshur, Wood,
Van Zandt, Marion, Davis, Titus, Hopkins, Bowie, Red River, Lamar
5th District.—Fayette, Lavaca, Colorado, Fort
Bend, Wharton, Jackson, Victoria, Calhoun, Matagorda, Brazoria, San
Patricio, Rufugio, Goliad, Bee, Karnes, DeWitt, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Caldwell,
Bastrop, Hays, Travis, Williamson, Bell, Coryell
6th District.—Fannin, Grayson, Cooke, Denton, Collin, Hunt,
Kaufman, Dallas, Tarrant, Johnson, Ellis, Navarro, Hill, Freestone
The agent says, "adopting, under advice of the Comptroller, as a
basis, the indigent lists heretofore furnished to the Comptroller's office by
the Chief Justices of the several counties, I have divided the State into six
districts, and will proceed to furnish said cloth as follows:
1st District, 20th February, 1865.
4th District, 20th May, 1865
2nd
"
20th March, "
5th
"
20th June, "
3rd
"
20th April, "
6th
"
20th July, "
"I would respectfully call your attention [that of the various
county chief justices] to the duties imposed on the several county courts by
this act, in connexion with procuring these goods from the Penitentiary, and
particularly to the 4th section of said act, which makes it the duty
of "the county courts to procure promptly from the Financial Agent of the
Penitentiary the quantity and quality of cloth and thread to which they are
entitled, and to provide transportation for the same to their respective county
seats. This is the more important,
as the Penitentiary has but limited storage room for goods. Under
regulations heretofore adopted at this office, many of the counties made
application for cloth, and paid for it on delivery; while others failed to do
so, or to indicate in any way their desire for the cloth, and consequently
received none. An act approved
November 15th, 1864, requires the financial agent to set aside for
these counties the amount of cloth to which they would have been entitled had
they made application as did the others. The
price to be paid by these counties in C. S.
Treasury notes, new issue, is the same paid by the counties already
supplied—osnaburgs $2.80, cotton jeans $3 per yard.
State treasury warrants will be received in payment at their relative
value. This distribution will be
made out of the first cloth manufactured after the several counties are
furnished under the act first referred to in this circular.
Chief justices, however, if they wish their counties to receive the
benefit of this act, are required to give notice to this office to that effect,
within 90 days from the 15th November last.
I shall attempt to execute faithfully the provisions of the law on this
subject; but cannot forbear saying that in my opinion these goods should have
been furnished to the army. Our
destitute and suffering soldiery certainly have claims paramount to all
others."
We also gather from the circular that the factory will be in running trim
about the 15th inst., and of course the resurrection of Huntsville
will be a simultaneous event.—Item.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 18, 1865, p. 1, c. 4
A Picture of New Orleans.—A letter from New Orleans, published in the
Mobile News of the 3d, says:
The city is full to overflowing of Yankee women, Yankee shoddies,
speculators, etc.
You would not recognize the elegant promenaders of Canal street in the
vulgar, over-dressed, would be-genteel objects that now crowd it.
No good Confederate lady wears anything but black, or whatever she may
have, not conspicuous. We never
walk for sight-seeing or pleasure, except to pass the prisons and cheer the poor
"boys" with a nod and a smile. The
officers of Fort Morgan have all been sent North, to some prison; the privates
to Ship Island, guarded by negroes! Don't you think they will fight well when exchanged?
We heard part had been sent North, but I think all are at Ship Island.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 18, 1865, p. 2, c. 5
Bolivar Point, Jan. 10, 1865
Ed. News:--I never was considered much of a grumbler, and much less a
writer, which you will readily conclude when you have done with this
communication. I desire to make no flourish, nor create any sensation,
unless it be in the proper place.
You are aware, Mr. Editor, (at least you should be by this time), that
the troops at this place, as well as at others, are living on yellow corn meal
and beef, and nothing more—not a potato, a bean, or any other vegetable,
except the above named yellow corn meal, has ever found its way to this isolated
point, through any government channel whatever.
Bacon we have none—sugar we do not expect.
Why is it? Our men who come
from furlough tell us that at every tithe station, during the summer, there was
from ten to twenty-five thousand pounds of bacon.
What has become of it? I
will tell you what the soldiers think about it.
I may be censured for doing so, but better tell it now, that the fault
may be remedied, than wait its telling by a practical demonstration. Private soldiers come to the conclusion that the Clothing
Bureau, the Subsistence Department, the Pay Department—in fact, all other
Departments—have fallen into the hands of ruthless speculators, and they are
using all their powers of speculation to enrich themselves, thereby depriving
the soldier of every necessary of life, except just enough to keep soul and body
together, and that of the very coarsest kind. . . We wee our officers all have
new gray cloths [sic], and I suppose it is the case everywhere.
Our men are shivering away their lives night after night, with one pair
white cotton pants, shirt ditto, low quartered shoes, socks, none.
This is the sort of fair [sic] our regiment has to bear with now, as cold
and wet as it has been for some time past, and but a blanket so coarse and worn,
that a severe gush of wind would blow it to pieces, yet, a Brig. General not a
thousand miles from this Post, says "he never saw such a regimen—every
man must have a plank under him and one over him;"
God knows if such is the case, the regiment is not beholding to him or
the government for them for all the planks and boards used are picked up from
the beach. Again, he says he has a
black record against the regiment for making a requisition in the summer for
musquito [sic] bars, when the musquitoes were swarming as thick as bees around a
hive. It seems very unbecoming in a
man who has his quarters in good apartments and a musquito bar besides no doubt,
to make use of such language; it is not designed to enhance much love of the men
for their superiors when such language is used.. . . Soldier.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 1, 1865, p. 1, c. 5
We learn that a fight with a thieving band of about 24 Comanches took
place, on Saturday, the 7th inst., about 10 miles North West of
O'Neil's Station, in Montague county. A
party of State Troops 15 in number while on a scout, came upon the Indians while
they were eating dinner, and got within close rifle range before they were
discovered. A charge and volley was
made in which three Indians were killed and several wounded, the balance
scampering off as fast as their ponies would carry them.
Our men pursued them some 15 or 20 miles but were out run, and had to
give up the chase. The Indians left
all their plunder on the ground, which was taken; consisting of 7 or 8 head of
horses, a number of blankets, saddles, bridles, bows and arrows &c.,
amounting to about $4,500 in value. Only
one man was slightly wounded among our men, by an arrow shot through the thigh.
The Indians were all armed with bows and arrows, there being but one gun
among them. Mr. D. A.
Say has shown us one of the Indian scalps, which was taken from one of
the dead Indians. Mr. Say
participated in the affair, and gives us the above information.—Dallas Herald.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 1, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Fairfield, January 21st, 1865.
Ed. News:--I occasionally get a glimpse of your valuable paper, and
notice something concerning soldiers' homes.
I bet to inform the public, through your columns, that the County Court
of this (Freestone) County has succeeded in establishing the following soldiers'
homes, to wit:
Fairfield, by Judge D. H. Love; on the Palestine road, 6 miles, by Wm.
Blythe; on the Palestine road, 11 miles, by G. G. Cole; on the Palestine road,
14 miles, by W. M. McDaniel; on the Palestine road, at Burton, by H. Maning; on
the Palestine road, 17 miles, by Thomas P. Whitt; on the Palestine road, 21
miles, by Mrs. M. W. Struty; on the Pine Bluff road, 6 miles, by R. H. Gordon;
on the Pine Bluff road, 8 miles, by F. C. Olivers; on the Corsicana road, 6
miles, by J. B. Johnson; on the Corsicana road, 8 miles, by F. M. Bradley; on
the Tahuacana Hill, 6 miles, by N. L. Womack; on the Tahuacana road, 8 miles, by
Oliver Carter; on the Springfield road, 9 miles, by W. W. Groover; on the
Springfield road, 11 miles, by Sterling Sims; on the Springfield road, 12 miles,
by Joseph Lynn; on the Springfield road, at Cotton Gin, by J. J. Robinson; on
the Springfield road, at Cotton Gin, by James S. Wills; on the Springfield road,
15 miles, by Charles Stricklin; on the Houston road, 12 miles, by Andrew Batey;
on the Centreville road, 3 miles, by W. R. Dais; on the Centreville road, 8
miles, by J. H. Blain; on the Centreville road, 12 miles, by
R. F. Chandler; on the North-west road, 14 miles, by Thomas Lamb.
The keepers of these homes are required to register their houses as such
at the Clerk's office, keep proper registers, examine passes, papers, &c.,
of each visitor, present his register with his account quarterly to the County
Court for payment, which accounts are audited and paid by the County Treasurer.
No soldier is allowed to remain longer than one night at any one of these
homes unless sick or disabled. No
drunkenness or gambling is allowed.
I, of course, do not expect you to publish the one-half that I have
wrote—a mere notice is all that is desired.
I have not heard of any County having more than seventy-five soldiers'
homes, but believe each ought to have at least that number.
I am, most respectfully, your obd't serv't,
J. C. Yarbro, C. J.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 1, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Duff's Regiment, 33d Texas Cavalry,
Camp Gano, C. N., Jan. 15th, 1865.
Ed. News:--Citizens and non-combatants say that "what a soldier
don't know is not worth learning," but really I don't know what to write.
I arrived here from home on the 6th inst. and found "the
boys" generally well—the health of the regiment was never better, only
one case in the hospital—all is life and animation; everybody comfortable as
soldiers expect to be. The winter has been unusually mile for this climate, but rain
enough to keep up a good supply of mud, which makes it disagreeable.
I find on my return quite a change in many of the citizens round about.
They have become so sociable that parties are being quite
common—"very select," of course—only officers are expected, and
"eagle buttons" rule, but some of them do not prove very profitable.
I hear of several officers being minus stirrup-leathers, bridle-reins,
ropes, &c., and none Captain a hat, after making his bow a la militaire.
The beaver was stuffed into a crack, but there happened to be some one on
the outside who drew it through. Whether
the Captain rode home bareheaded or not, I do not know, but one of his boys said
there was a very neat bonnet in the Captain's cabin next day.
Yesterday, I visited "Camp Relief," about six miles distant.
This camp is composed of some fifteen or twenty families, refugees from
Missouri, forced to leave on account of the barbarity of the Lincoln rulers in
that State. Could the people of
Texas see the destitute condition of those poor women, their heroism, and hear
them relate the persecutions, trials and sufferings they have experienced, there
would be but few Union men and women in Texas, and all because their husbands
are in the Southern army, yet, they are cheerful and complain not; hope, bright
hope, buoys them up, and they talk and expect to go back to their once happy
homes, with as much certainty as though our independence was acknowledged.
"Vengeance is mine, and I will repay, saith the Lord." . . .
Private Haynes, of Co. E, was killed a few days ago in Boston, Bowie
county, by Ex-Governor Runnels and his brother Howel Runnels.
The circumstances were these: Gen.
Shelby, a few days before, had borrowed a lot of corn, and rode into Boston on
Sunday morning, where a n umber of gentlemen were talking, Haynes among the
number, and asked if they could tell him where he could buy or press some corn;
Gov. Runnels' name was mentioned, when it was remembered that he had already
furnished twelve hundred bushels; Haynes then remarked that he was a rich man,
press him a little harder; just then Gov. Runnels rode up, saying that he had
heard his name mentioned, and asked what about; when he was told how it had been
mentioned, he then commenced cursing and abused Haynes, applying the most
opprobrious epithets, and threatening to shoot. Here it stopped until evening, when the parties again met,
under the influence of whisky, and, after more vulgar abuse, pistols were drawn;
both of the Runnels firing at the same time—killing Haynes instantly.
Haynes had been in the service from the commencement of the war, was an
excellent soldier, and much esteemed by all of his company.
The two Runnels are undergoing an examination before Judge Gray.
There is a rumor in camp that we will move in a few days to the Trinity
river, and it is generally credited. The
object, as I understand, being to save the forage on Red river for the spring
and summer campaign.
Yours, etc.,
Lance Corporal
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 1, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
The Umbrella China Tree—This is a tree of rare beauty and usefulness as
a shade tree. Although introduced into Texas more than a quarter of a
century since, it has been confined, until within a few years past, to the
locality in which it was first planted in this country, to-wit: Lynchburg, in Harris county.
Within a few years it has been introduced into Houston and the
surrounding country, and has become a favorite tree with those who desire to
make home beautiful.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 1, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
We have received from the President of the Bastrop Manufacturing Company
a sample of the thread which is now being spun by its machinery.
This thread is remarkably even, smooth and strong.
This we understand is the first thread spun, but when the establishment
is in full operation, it is expected to produce a superior article.
Mr. S. S. Munger is the president of the company.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 1, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
Headq'rs 5th Texas Field Battery,
Camp Waul, Tex., Jan. 24, 1865.
Ed. News:--Permit me, through your columns, to tender the sincere and
heartfelt thanks of myself and company to Mrs. Ernst, of Fayette county, and to
Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Ball, Mrs. Elliot, Mrs. Ward, Miss Minton, Miss Bracer, Miss
Burns and others of Austin county, who made liberal donations of socks to my
company.
Ever keeping in remembrance this act of kindness, it also reminds us that
patriotic ladies sympathize with the soldier in the field, which nerves and
encourages him to deeds of valor and glory.
Chas. Welhousen,
Capt. Com'g 5th Texas Field Battery.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
Army Mail.—An army mail will leave for Richmond, direct, on or about
the 15 February. Letters must be
prepaid 40 cents and Carrier's fee 50 cents specie.
Address care News Office.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 5
Our
True Policy.
Ed. News:--From the inception of this war, men have deserted the country
in greater or less numbers to join the foul despotism of the Puritans, leaving
their families behind to save their property from confiscation.
Several hundred, first and last, have probably let the State and become
thoroughly identified with Lincoln, Beast Butler and their Puritan minion. After joining these relentless enemies of liberty and
morality, they manage, through their wives to keep in communication with their
tory leagues in Texas, who in turn are busily, craftily at work to do all the
evil in their power. This has been
going on for nearly four years. Women,
when so inclined, can do more harm than most persons imagine. Many of the desertions and an immense amount of the
demoralization in the country can be, indirectly, traced to the influence of the
female members of the families of renegade tories.
They receive the necessary hints from the leading tories among us, and
are but instruments in their craven hands.
These evils have continued long enough.
I lay down this plain proposition to our Confederate and State
authorities: that, when a man has deserted or may desert our country to
avoid a participation in the war, or league himself with the enemies of his
country, his family should be promptly sent after him; unless, however, his wife
should affirm, on oath, that she intends never to live with him again because of
his treason—in other words, that she is a friend to her country and considers
her husband's treason good and sufficient ground for separation from him.
I know of a few such cases. Such
noble, patriotic women should be cherished in our country.
But in the case put, of adherence to the renegade, they should be sent,
furnished with transportation to the enemy's lines, allowed to sell or take
their personal property, guaranteed full protection en route and treated
with that respect which all true Southern men extend to the female character
everywhere and under all circumstances. This
is no war on women and children. It
is simply a humane step towards the safety and protection from vandalism of our
own families—of the wives and daughters of our absent soldiers.
It is a fact, undeniable, that many of the wives of renegades, in
different parts of the country, in addition to being in correspondence with
their husbands are active emissaries of the enemy; and, in many cases, openly
rejoice whenever they hear of the death of a Confederate patriot at the hands of
the Yankee Puritans. This state of
things breeds evil and evil only. It
chills the hearts of some of our purest and best, both male and female.
Respectfully removed from our midst to the embrace of their Yankee
friends, these unguided women ought to be happy and would be powerless for evil.
The families of Davis, Haynes, Hamilton and others have already gone to
their husbands in Yankeedom—many others remain.
They can do things with impunity because they are women, for which men
would be hung by the populace. They
well know this, and so do their tory advisers, who remain behind the curtain and
direct the female tories how to act. The
very leniency extended to these people is a subject of derisive contempt among
them. Their removal is fully
justified by the plain principle of self-preservation.
The Yankees come into our country, capture a town or city and drive out
whole communities of patriot women and children, penniless, breadless and
clothesless to perish as beasts in the desert.
These tory women in Texas rejoice at these hellish outrages, knowing that
their hellish husbands aid in the hellish work. We would not return measure for measure, by no means, but
send them as comfortably as practicable, let them take their property or its
proceeds and go in peace. Our only
object should be to protect our own country and families, by putting it out of
the power of these tory families to injure the one or the other.
The attention of Gens. E. K. Smith, Walker, Governor Murrah and all in
authority is respectfully called to this subject.
If these people love the hated Yankees better than the Confederate people
and want to miscegenate their sons and daughters with Yankeeized negroes, why,
in all conscience, aid them to reach their land of promise and enjoy its
miscegenating beauties.
Common Sense.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 5
Fayette County, Texas, Jan. 28th, 1865
Ed. News:--having tried the following remedy to my satisfaction, I
therefore feel no delicacy in recommending the same to the public as a certain
destruction to the well known pest of this country, to
grain, garden seed, &c., termed weevil.
It is well known that those insects will breed in garden seed, such as
beans, peas, &c., even though the seed may be confined in a bottle made air
tight by corking and sealing. Now
sir, if a very small portion of the gum of camphor be put in the bottle with the
seed, when they are first put up, I will insure that they are never troubled by
weevil. I have even allowed them to
become quite numerous in the seed, and a short time after applying the gum I
found the grown weevil, all dead, and by examination I found many dead ones in
the seed, which I suppose were destroyed by the effect of the gum, before they
were able to cut out. Twenty-five
cents worth of the gum will preserve a bushel of seed.
Yours, &c.,
E [?]
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 15, 1865, p. 1, c. 2
[From
Flake's Bulletin, Feb. 10th.]
Another flag of truce boat was sent to the blockaders yesterday, carrying
out M. Funk and family and several ladies and children, permitted to leave the
country. . .
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 15, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Galveston, Feb. 8, 1865.
Ed. News:--The flag of truce boat met the blockaders yesterday, and
brought in Mrs. Jones and Miss Gibson, of Matagarda [sic]. . .
Yesterday was quite an exciting day here.
During the shelling of the steamer Wren, the tops of the houses were
crowded with people, and several ladies went out to the beach to enjoy (?) the
shelling. About 3 P.M. the Wren got
afloat, and by the exertions of Col. Cook and Lt. Patton, who acted as engineer,
with the assistance of a number of Col. Cook's soldiers, the vessel was brought
safe into port amid the cheers of the multitude congregated on the Central wharf
to greet her arrival. Quite a crowd
visited the steamer in the stream, and to heighten the excitement, some six or
seven persons, among whom was the correspondent of the Telegraph, (Sioux)
introduced an aquatic feat, which terminated to the entire satisfaction of the
spectators. The boat in which they
attempted to take their departure for above turned over, and such a floundering
was rarely before witnessed. Everybody
was saved, but the actors in the scene refused to respond to the encores of the
spectators.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 15, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Galveston, Feb. 10th, 1865.
Ed. News:--The flag of truce boat went out again on yesterday.
Mr. Funk and some ladies and children were received on board the fleet. .
.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
We have received a second prospectus of a new paper to be issued, called
the "Texas Christian Herald," to be devoted to the family circle, the
farmer, the artisan and the housemaid. This
paper is to be published under the auspices of the Texas Baptist State
Convention. It is to be the largest
paper in the State, on good paper, and printed with new material.
Price $4 per annum weekly, the first number to be issued as soon as 500
subscribers are obtained. The
Executive Committee are B. Blonton, W. C. Crane, James W. Barnes, Jno. M. Knight
and H. Clark. Under such auspices,
we cannot doubt but that this new paper will be a most valuable acquisition to
the journalism of our State.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 3
Another flag of truce boat (says the Bulletin) will leave with Mrs.
Romain on the 9th (to-day), having permission to leave the country.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 22, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Having procured some better and larger type than we have been heretofore
compelled to use, we shall now increase the size of the Bulletin to that of the
News, making the News a daily paper which will be sent to all who are
subscribers for both. Hereafter, no
matter contained by one paper will be copied into another, except
advertisements. The subscription price of the Daily News will be the same as
for both the News and Bulletin, that is $12 per year, or at that rate for a
shorter period. Our city
subscribers to the Tri-weekly will be furnished with the Daily for a few issues,
which, after an opportunity of judging, we hope they will be induced to take, as
it will save us the trouble of employing two carriers.
Those who do not wish the Daily will please notify us.
The destruction of our office, near three years ago, at a time when new
printing material and type, could scarcely be had, has compelled us to use type
too much worn to be always easily read. We
trust our readers will find our present paper a considerable improvement.
We have had many difficulties to contend with under our heavy losses by
the war and fire, but shall spare no labor or expense within our power, to make
the News satisfactory to all in point of typographical execution, and to every
true Southerner, in all other respects.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
Telegraph Line to San Antonio.—We learn that Mr. D. P. Shepherd,
Superintendent of the Southwestern Telegraph Line, in connection with other
parties, have ordered material and made other preliminary arrangements for
building a line of telegraph from Hempstead, via Brenham, LaGrange, Bastrop,
Austin and New Braunfels, to San Antonio. The
proprietors will have the co-operation of the military authorities of this
Department and every thing augurs favorably for the early completion of the
line. The work will be
commenced as soon as the weather will permit.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 1, 1865, p. 1, c. 3
Independence, Texas.
Mr. Editor:--In compliance with your request I write a short article on
the culture of tobacco—born and reared in the midst of that region which
supplies Richmond, Petersburg and Lynchburg with their choice leaf for
manufacturing chewing tobacco, and having grown and manufactured it myself for
twenty-five or thirty years, I herewith give you, in substance, the method
approved and generally observed, when (as a refugee) I was driven from my home
and occupation as a tobacconist. Tobacco
is grown for export and for home manufacture and consumption.
For the first, or shipping tobacco, the various kinds of seed producing
the largest, heaviest, coarsest leaf is preferred—not adapted to home
use—and is cured by firing or heavy smoking in tight closely daubed and
chinked barns, thus the oil of the leaf is so thoroughly dried or crystalized as
to resist the dampness of a sea voyage. To
us, this kind of tobacco and mode of cure is not now applicable; for the kind
suitable to us, the three varieties of the prior, the white stem or the orinoco
are preferred. They produce a leaf
less bitter, with less nitre and much milder, of smaller finer fibre and more
silky texture. The last or Onnoko
[both names transcribed as written] has been long preferred as being the
sweetest leaf. Great care should be used in preparing and sowing seed beds, so
as to destroy all grass and weed seed, and that the plants be not two [sic]
thick to thrive and have good body and shape, else they live badly when
transplanted (being too spindling) and produce an unthrifty plant, with long
shank (or body) and few narrow and scattering leaves equally troublesome as a
good plant and much inferior in quality and quantity.
Hence tobacco seed is measured before sown, and the number of square
yards in the bed computed. The pipe
bow or table-spoon has been always the unit or standard of measure—a common
full sized tablespoon, filled to heaping by dipping up the seed, is ample to sow
a bed twenty feet square, which should yield plants enough for ten acres, which
is a full crop for four hands in Virginia—the worming, succoring and housing
or saving, being the burden of the crop. The
seed should be thoroughly mixed with one or two gallons (the more the better) of
finely [fold in paper] dry ashes [fold in paper] sown carefully or cross-sown.
The best land for beds is rich, moist (not wet) branch flats (not
alluvial) thick grown with brushwood and long covered with leaves, the soil of a
close, tight character, not spongy, puffy or loose when dry.
This is very necessary in windy, drying, Texas—chop down all the small
growth just under the surface and cut down all the large timber, clean and rake
off the bed-spot nicely and let the sun dry it well, then burn it well and
uniformly to destroy weed and grass seed, wash off all the ashes and brands from
the burning, loosen or chop the soil deeply (not turning it over) and closely
with grubbing hoes, chopping and taking out all small roots, re-chop or hoe
finely the surface with weeding hoes, then rake off all clods and trash and
avoid tramping the bed until sown; then the sowing may be well done and uniform.
Lay off the bed two ways in narrow lands and sow high and regularly and
patiently—this done trench around as security against any wash, then with the
broadest, flattest, heaviest shoes at your command have the bed closely and
heavily tramped, and lastly cover the bed so as nearly to hide the land with
large leafless brush and await the result.
For the tobacco field new ground is preferable; it should be productive
and dry or well drained; very rich land produces an article too large and coarse
and is more apt to damage on the hill and must be cut before it is ripe.
The land should be well broken and hilled up in good order, if not too
dry, a very heavy rain is well as for a season.
The usual distance for hills is three feet three inches each way, yet
three feet one way and three and a half feet the other gives the advantage of
the wide way in chopping and worming and succoring.
New ground in tobacco should never be ploughed after planting as pulling
the roots destroy too many plants. Hence,
the necessity for thorough preparation. Old
land, though fine and rich for corn or cotton, should have a little manure in
the hill, to start off readily the tender plant, else it may stand for weeks
without growing.
But to return. When the
leaves in the plant-bed are as large as dollars, the bed must be uncovered, and
when the body of the plant is two inches long, you can plant if a season.
The bed must be wet, to draw the plants well, which is best done one
plant at a time and the largest, finest, and where too thick, let the first
drawing thin them out. In planting,
just leave the bud out, and if the plants are too old and long, give them an
oblique planting, down to the bud. When
the plant is large, top it, which is best done by pinching out the button, or
bunching seed bud, before it begins to new up.
Next, weekly the suckers must be taken off when small and tender.
Four or five crops of suckers and the plant ripens, which is indisputably
known by the disappearance of all the furze from the top of the leaf, a
better indication than color, breaking of leaf, speck spots, etc.
When the upper side of the leaf is perfectly smooth, it is ripe, as is
generally the case with the forest leaf. Tobacco
gets its weight and quality in ripening. The
sap is then converted into oil, which, when perfect exudes and appears in small
dark specks on the leaf. When
tobacco is cured, (if ripe) this oil (unlike the sap in green tobacco) remains
and gives weight and virtue to the weed, and which when volatile in the pipe,
puffs dull care away. The bud and
horn worms should be hunted once a week, so as to kill the egg, or the worm very
young. The name of the first, marks
his position, the latter is best caught soon in the morning or on cloudy days,
for if not caught till grown, during sunshine, he hides in the hills.
When you think the plant is ripe, wait till it begins to waste before you
cut. Split midway down the stalk
before you cut it from the hill, thus it will straddle the stick well and dry
and come up much sooner. If
the weather be hot sunshine, cut in the cool of the evening and pick up in the
morning, else the hot sun will burn the plant, which is as bad as frost bite.
Put the plants then on sticks, (not longer than 4 ¼ feet) crowd them on
a scaffold, (better near your shelter or house.) In two or three days, the leaves yellow and almost bleach,
then open to the sun and let it dry. Watch
against showers—if about to rain or the dews are too heavy, put it under
shelter or in the open houses and there let it remain, secure from rain, direct
or directing, and seeing that it is not too much corroded [crowded?] to cure
regularly by the air—no firing, smoking or doctoring. This is the whole process for air curing or sun curing, from
which comes all our fine, sweet chewing tobacco. Take off the coal cured yellow wrapper from the fine plug,
and the balance is the sweet, rich, oily, ripe, mahogany, sun or air cured,
leaf, from which the nectar flows. Before
cutting, a few dirty, sandy, gritty leaves should be pulled off and thrown away,
that the balance be not soiled by them. When
thoroughly cured, stem and all, then strip off and bundle the leaves in from 15
to 20 in a "bind," putting similar leaves in each bundle and each
variety by itself, and then you classify your chewing and smoking tobacco, and
thus you can have your choice of the various qualities.
But after it is striped, rehang the different qualities separately, hoist
them as high up in your shelter as you can, and let them soften and dry, (or
come in and go out of order.) Frequently
with the changes of the weather and the acridity and newness is removed and the
character of the article much improved, and when you would pack it down, do
so when it is coming in order, which is when the leaf is supple, (or it will
not break,) and the large part of the stem breaks even below the middle.
Lap the bundle half across each other, in a straight, close bulk, with
the heads out, and then labors and care can be given place to the solace that
the luscious treasure is safe, and when the full, merry, cracking fire of winter
glows, and you see that the big back log is on, while you are volatilizing the
fruits of honest, ruddy labors away and dissolving sights and cares into empty
nothingness, fancy will revert, in pity, to the fate and days of Orpheus, which
lack this magic theme for song:
O, weed, divine—
Great solace mine!
Whilst I repine
O'er days, Lang Syne!
J.A.D.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 1, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
Blessing of the Blockade—Texas Home Industry.—We have on our table a
group of nineteen samples from the looms of a single plantation, embracing such
a variety of quality, material, color and fabric, as to command the admiration
of all who see them. No two of
these samples have the same color or quality; and they range from the heaviest
plain cotton domestic, to a fine and smoothly executed stripe and check for
dresses—from the heaviest double twill bleach pilot cloth, to a nice, purely
white and soft flannel, linsey and tweeds of several qualities and patterns.
The grey jeans, or cloth, is so exact a fac simile of our grey
army cloth in color, and so superior to most of it in quality, as to answer well
for Confederate uniforms.
Would that we were better skilled in fabric technicals, and the
operations of the factories, that we might do justice to the patriotic
handicraft and economy of "Greenwood," in Montgomery county.
We learn with surprise, that the two looms, kept constantly running—the
one with the fly shuttle, and the other with the common hand shuttle—have
yielded, during the past year, more than six thousand yards of manufactured
goods, of which these samples are fair specimens.
Every color is borrowed from the neighboring hills and forests; every
fabric of cotton and wool consumed, grew upon the same plantation that
manufactures and wears them; the looms, the shuttles, the harness and the slays,
the reeds and the warping bars, were made out and out, on the spot where they
are used, and not a nail or bolt of iron is found in the loom house.
The slaves that do the labor in these manufactures were born in the
family, and readily learn to perform each their special part in the work.
The intelligence and supervision has been furnished by the lady of the
manor, and not a hired assistant in any department has been employed; and only
two articles have been purchased to enable them to obtain these results, namely,
the cards and the copperas. The
latter of these is abundantly produced in the hills of Texas, and is being
rapidly brought into market. The
latter [former], we hope, soon to see manufactured within the State.
We cannot add that this prolific product of the loom has been entirely
consumed on the plantation that has yielded it; on the contrary, besides
clothing entire the slaves of the plantation, it graces the parlor of the
mansion, in the dresses of the elegant and intelligent mistress and her family;
and it blesses many a soldier in the trenches and on the field, from Texas to
Maryland.
The county is greatly indebted to Major Green Wood and his accomplished
wife and family, for these testimonials, to the blessings of a blockade.
Heaven spare their noble boys who have borne their industry and their
patriotic blood through storms of battles in the farthest and bloodiest fields
of the Confederacy.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 1, 1865, p. 2, c. 6
Gonzales County, Texas, Feb. 4, 1865.
Editor News:--I send herewith a few practical instructions concerning the
raising of tobacco plants, which, in the absence of others more meritorious, may
prove acceptable. I have often
tried the plan laid down and it never entirely failed.
Tobacco is a plant that requires much attention, and that precisely at
the right time. I am of the opinion
that a tolerably fair article of tobacco can be raised here, if the proper
attention be given to the subject. Of
course no one expects to make an A No. 1 article.
Very respectfully yours,
J.W.F.
Tobacco Culture.
Gonzales County, Texas, Feb. 4, 1865.
Editor News:--In your issue of the 30th ult., you invite
information concerning the successful raising of "Tobacco Plants," and
having spent several years of my life in farming in the tobacco region of Va., I
send you the following plain directions, being incompetent to the task of
writing an elaborate article on the subject.
1st. Select a
low, moist situation—generally found near creeks and ravines—cover it with
wood to the depth of 18 inches and burn the land well, taking care not to stir
it before burning, as the grass seed will thus fail of being entirely destroyed,
which the burning is intended to accomplish.
Next, manure well with the droppings from sheep, slaked ashes, or manure
from the barn-yard, if well decomposed, and turn under with the spade, to the
depth of eight inches. After having
cleared the bed thus formed of all extraneous matter and raked it well, sow a
medium sized tablespoonful of seed to every two hundred square feet of surface. If you run late in the season, sow one fourth less, and if
early, you may add as much more. Sow
entirely around the bed adjacent to the tobacco plants, a row of mustard seed,
one foot in width, as it not only serves to attract the attention of the flies
and bugs, (the great enemies of tobacco plants) it being their favorite diet,
but gives the planter timely warning of the danger near.
Next, tramp or roll the bed until it is quite compact, and then be sure
that it is covered closely and perfectly as possible with the smallest and
straightest branches of trees or with undergrowth, which is better, especially
if covered with leaves; if not, scatter a few over the bed before putting the
brush on. Put sufficient weight on
the brush to keep it permanently in place.
The brush covering is intended to maintain an even temperature upon the
bed and to protect the young plants from the inroads of insects, and should be
allowed to remain until the plants are free from this danger, which is generally
about the time their leaves are a half inch in width.
After the brush is removed, should the plants be attacked by insects,
first sprinkle the plants with water and then soot, and put the covering back
for a few days, which is the best remedy I am acquainted with, of a simple
nature. Should the weather become
dry, occasionally irrigate in the evening.
J.F.W.
P.S.—Any kind of seed will suit, except the kind known as
"Brazilian or Havana tobacco seed," which I deem of a character too
light and poor to make good tobacco.
J.F.W.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 8, 1865, p. 1, c. 7
[From
the Charleston Courier.]
Acrostic.
Grand in his
purity, guileless and true,
Ever he leads us to victories new,
Never had a nation a worthier son,
Link we his name with our own Washington;
Rich in each attribute known to the brave,
Onward he presses his country to save;
Boldly repelling the insolent foe,
Everywhere meeting them; laying them low.
Rarely he smiles; but would'st see his eye bright,
Then follow him on to the end of the fight.
Even as he marshals his host on the plain,
Leading them on to conquests again.
Every page that is brightest in history shall be
Enshrined by the name of some patriot like Lee.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
The price of Irish potatoes in Galveston is $15 per barrel, and in
Houston $25.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
Headquarters, &c., Near Colqeut [Colquet?], La.,
February 25th, 1865.
Ed. News:--It has been some time since I saw they free and handsome
columns. I have been far away to
the northward, with ye cavalry, but I have returned, and as editors are presumed
to know almost everything, we have decided to ask you some questions of vital
importance to us, after first stating what we know relative thereto.
Cotton by the thousand bales has been shipped to Mexico, and many
thousand pounds of the precious article have been sold to Yankee trading boats
on the Mississippi river; and the citizens tell us that their cotton has been
taken by government officials for the purpose of buying clothing for the
soldiers. And our worthy
commanders, when questioned on this point, tell us that the cotton trade is
absolutely necessary, to relieve the necessities of the private soldiers of this
department in furnishing them with shoes, shirts, blankets, hats, coats, pants,
&c. Laudable undertaking, is it
not, thus to have the welfare and comfort of the private soldier so much at
heart? But Mr. Editor,
notwithstanding this exportation of cotton has been going on at a fearful rate,
for two years, we have not yet had our necessities relieved.
Plenty of time has certainly elapsed for as to have received the first
installment; but this winter finds us, after an active and arduous campaign of
ten months very destitute of clothing, in fact, almost naked.
The citizens are surprised to see us in this condition, after hearing of
the unceasing labors of the great men at Shreveport to clothe us.
There is not one soldier in every three of the rank and file of this
division, that has a change of clothing, and there is not an average of one good
blanket to every man in the command throughout and, at least, fifty men are now
absolutely barefooted, and many more so nearly that they suffer intensely from
the cold biting frosts that we have even in Louisiana.
We have not tents or cooking utensils, but we care not for tents, pots,
skillets, frying pans, &c. We
can do as we have done before, bake our bread on boards and roast our beef on
bricks. But when our tender
hearted, considerate rulers have done so much and have labored so assiduously in
shipping cotton both to Mexico and the Federal Union, to supply the soldier's
wants, we think we should reap the benefits of their labors, at least, to the
tune of one suit each year. If you
have traveled much in the great State of Texas, Mr. Editor, within the year
1864, you perhaps know as well as I do, that nearly every town in the State is a
military Post. These posts have
their commanders, who rank from Lieutenant up to full Colonel.
You will find also Post Adjutants, with rank appropriate to their
responsible positions, and no town whether it be a Post or not, is free from
A.Q.M's and A.C.S's. Take the two
latter, as a clan, and it is as numerous almost as the sands of the sea.
I have often asked myself the question:
Where did they all come from? All
of these officers, Mr. Editor,
if you are a close observer, you find wearing the newest of uniforms, with
glittering buttons thereon, and such quantities of lace, Mr. Editor, as is never
seen on the battle field. And it is
said by those who have been there, that the two hundred or more officers that
honor Shreveport with their presence, dress in the same style.
All must have and do have caps, cloaks, overcoats, &c.
If this is the case, the wardrobe of one of these patriotic, heroic
dandies would well nigh clothe a small company of private soldiers.
Some of our boys thinks that the gentlemen above alluded to, have drawn
the cloth that was purchased for them, with all the cotton; but then soldiers
are so ignorant they don't know, and, in fact, have but little use for the
little sense they have. What do you
say Mr. Editor?
Sometimes it is the case that officers resign, way up here on the
Northern frontier of this Department, and leave the service; go right to
Shreveport or some other place, to see a Governor or a General, to see if it is
possible to get an agency in the Cotton Bureau; to try their hands at relieving
the necessities of the soldiers. (Only
a few days ago, a Colonel resigned, and I fancy, from what I know, that, were
another month has shown its tail, he will be rolling somebody's cotton bales.)
After these men have been in the cotton trade six or eight weeks, we find
them sporting gold watches, heavy chains and jingling double eagles for pocket
pieces. Brass mounted McClellan
saddles, silver plated bitts, ivory handled pistols and new pocket cutlery
follow. At the end of six months,
we see them purchasing plantations and negroes—wonderfully progressive—don't
you think so? And the General or
Governor who assists these men to position in the Cotton Bureau, is almost
certain to receive a demijohn of fine brandy, a gold watch or something of the
kind. Some of our boys think that
there is a private understanding between these Generals, Governors and Cotton
Bureau men, but I guess it ain't so.
Mr. Editor, was you ever a soldier?
Well, if you never was, you know nothing of muster rolls, pay day,
&c. We have all been soldiers
for nearly four years and we know almost as little as you, who have never been
one, in regard to these small details of military life.
We were last paid on the 31st day of August, 1863—about 17
months ago. Our Quartermaster,
Major P., says that he has received a written paragraph order, ordering him to
make estimates for funds. But, Mr.
Editor, this pleasant little incident related by the worthy Major, as plausible
as it may seem, is no sign that we will be paid; it is only a proof that ye
grand Quartermaster of ye Department wants to keep his clerks out of mischief,
and he can do it most effectually by keeping them at work.
We are told that the "new issue" is beautiful to look upon and
easy made—in all respects much better than the "old issue"' but one
of our boys tried to buy one bushel of sweet roots, some time ago, from a
detailed twenty negro man, and he asked him twenty dollars in "new
issue." Our boys, Mr. Editor,
didn't have but ten dollars and they came away without the roots.
It is not likely that we will go into winter quarters, as it is
impossible to forage our animals long at a place.
However, the going into winter quarters is a matter of small consequence,
as the winter is now nearly gone. Our
boys are in good spirits, Mr. Editor, and will be ready for the field in a very
short time, and they hope that, in the interim between to-day and the opening of
the spring campaign, to welcome back their gallant leader, major General J. S.
Marmaduke, who is now held a prisoner on Johnson's Island.
We are all anxious for his early return.
We have confidence in him, Mr. Editor, for he is sober, discreet, noble
and brave. It would, indeed, be a
happy day for his old Division were he to return to-morrow. Will our rulers do all they can to have him exchanged?
I hope so.
Respectfully,
Wallingham.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 6
17th Texas Infantry, Feb. 21, '65.
Editor News:--I desire through your columns to publish the progress of
Christianity in this department of the army (Forney's division.)
There is, and has been for some time, an intense interest on this
subject, manifested by the soldiers. We
have indeed had refreshing showers of the grace of God poured out upon us,
interrupted from time to time only by marches of the command.
Several missionaries have visited this division in the last few months,
and much good has been accomplished. Owing
to the recent removal of camps, and very much cold wet weather rendering it
necessary, public services have to a great extent been dispensed with.
But again as the weather is better, and opportunities presenting
themselves, interest is again manifesting itself.
Brother N. O. Mason, Missionary of the 2d brigade, has arrived, and
commenced his labors, not only in the pulpit, but among the sick, and at the
prayer meeting and Bible Class. He
has done much in visiting the sick, encouraging the desponding, cheering the
hopeless, and ministering to not only their spiritual but their temporal wants.
He has ingratiated himself with the soldiers, and is much esteemed by
them. On his return he found the
Christian Advocate, which he was instrumental in organizing last summer, in a
flourishing condition, and dispensing through its committees, its charities to
the sick of the brigade. Its
regular meetings are held on the first Sunday of every month, and on the
intervening Sabbaths it meets in the capacity of "Bible class and prayer
meeting," where much spiritual refreshment is had by its members, by an
affective intercourse and exchange of advice, instruction and encouragement to
one another. No schism or sectarian
spirit is manifested, but rather a holy communion of spirits, refreshed by the
presence of the Spirit of the Father. But
much more good might be accomplished by the Association, if it were not hindered
for want of means, to carry out their chief objects, one, and chief of which, is
to visit and procure comforts in every way for the sick, to procure attention
and such articles of diet as are indispensable to the unfortunate and suffering
sick soldier. Much has already been
accomplished in this way, and efforts are about being made to devise means to
extend their usefulness in this way. We
have also organized a Baptist Church in this brigade, which is in a flourishing
condition, and of which, I am acting as pastor.
But owing to my feeble health, I do not know how long I can act in this
capacity. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. S. Cox.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 7
A Good Joke.—A friend of ours, says the Jackson Mississippian, who is
always on the alert for amusing instances, as well as being a jolly, whole
souled fellow, gives the following exceedingly original anecdote in relation to
an enthusiastic Baptist minister, having since been promoted to a captaincy in
Gov. Clark's militia. Holding forth
lately at a revival not over fifty miles from this city, he concluded his
description of the beauties of heaven in this way:
My dear brethren, there will be heard no more the thundering roar of the
cannon, the loud roar of the mortar, the bursting of the bomb in the air, nor
the sharp crack of the rifle; and what is better, my brethren, there will be no
Yankees in that celestial city.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 7
Seeds to Give Away.—I will give to Soldiers' Families, or others unable
to purchase, the following Seeds: Mustard,
Kale, Pea, Bean, Okre [sic], Carrot, Parsley, Kershaw, Raddish, Pepper, Indigo
and Tobacco.
James Burke.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 8, 1865, p. 3, c. 5
Who will make a good wife.—When you see a young woman who rises early,
sets the table and prepares her father's breakfast cheerfully, depend upon it
that she will make a good wife. You
may rely upon it that she possesses a good disposition and a kind heart.
When you see a young woman just out of bed at 9 o'clock, leaning with her
elbow on the table, gasping and sighing, "Oh, how dreadful I feel,"
rely upon it she will not make a good wife.
She must be lazy and mopish.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 8, 1865, p. 3, c. 6
Achievements
of the Thirty Rangers.
12 Miles from Covington, Newton Co.,
Georgia, Dec. 18th, 1864.
Dear Parents:--I am still in the land of the living, and expect to be for
some time to come.
Gen. Hood selected from the Rangers 30 picked men, to act as his special
scouts, who were placed under the command of Capt. Shannon, of Co. C, of our
Regiment. I having the honor and pleasure of being one of the 30
selected for special duty, have in consequence, been absent from the command for
some two months. Since I left,
several of our brave comrades have fallen, among whom are Jno. S. Stewart, Jno.
Fowler and A. Moore, and John Ryon slightly wounded.
On the 14th of Nov., Gen. Sherman, who is in command of the
Yankee army, finding that Gen. Hood
had flanked him, and that it was impossible for him to retreat from Atlanta
through Tennessee, and being nearly starved, left the 14th, (after
burning everything except the Churches,) with four corps—14th, 15th,
17th, and 20th—moved down toward Augusta with the 14th
and 20th, while the 15th and 17th went in the
direction of Macon, but flanked the city and moved to Milledgeville. The 14th and 20th, after going down the
Augusta Railroad to Madison, left the Railroad and went to Milledgeville also.
The army then crossed the river and moved toward Savannah.
They will also flank that place to the coast.
When the Yankees left Atlanta, we were twelve miles below the city, on
South River. In the morning, in passing down the road, about 3 miles from
camp, found 3 Yanks driving off a lady's cows.
We soon scattered their brains and moved on—crossed the R. R. in a
cloud of smoke from the burning buildings of the little village of Synthiana,
and moved down the enemy's flank, looking for more of the thieving rascals, but
did not find any, and camped in a thicket, within a half mile of the enemy—had
potatoes and meat for supper.
I will now give you a few extracts from my diary for a few days that we
were on the look out for some of Old Abraham's children:
Nov. 18th.—We started early, and near Oxford, in Newton
County, we found a pen of hogs that some Yanks had put up and gone to town for
help to drive off. We moved in
towards town, but did not go far before we met nine Yanks.
After a run of some two miles, we killed three and wounded four. We then left the road, keeping close to the route the
enemy was traveling, but not meeting with any more, we camped at a house a body
of Yanks had just left.
Nov. 19th.—Up early and crossed the Alcova River and down
the railroad through Social Circle Station, then to Rutledge Station.
There we found two Yankees, whom we killed, and on down to within six
miles of Madison, where we came up with the rear guard of the army.
We soon learned there were some 50 or 60 of the enemy behind us.
We took the woods to reconnoitre; moved round them and came back on the
road between them and the army; formed in line of battle.
Captain Shannon then sent them a flag of truce, demanding an
unconditional surrender, telling them we had them cut off and surrounded. They soon "caved."
We took the party, numbering 56, "in out of the weather"—our
whole number being only 30. We then
armed some of the citizens with their guns and let the citizens send them off.
We then left the road and camped.
Nov. 20th.—Out again early; passed through Madison, but did
not go far before we caught six Yanks at a house.
Went to the next house and caught four more.
On again, and soon came up with the wagon train, which we charged, but
had to leave it in a hurry, but brought off ten prisoners.
After sending them off, took a thicket and camped.
Nov. 21st.—We followed on to-day and run into the rear guard
and had to run out, and after moving about until dark, we camped.
Nov. 22d. To-day we followed
on and only whipped about 1000 negroes, who were on their way to the enemy. We camped at dark.
No. 23d. This morning we
moved on through the plantations to the Oconee river, and swam it.
After riding about three miles we found twenty-five or thirty Yankee
cavalry. We charged them, and after
a round or two, they ran, after we had killed and wounded several, but in the
run we run into the whole brigade, and had to run out. We took the woods and camped within five miles of Sparta,
Hancock county.
Nov. 24th. Moved
out early and learned from the citizens that a party of Yankee cavalry were in
search of us. A general desire was
expressed that their wish to find us might be gratified.
We moved on about half a mile and found them, 30 strong. We pitched into them and run them three miles to their main
army, killing five and capturing five of them.
We then took the woods, crossed the creek, and found three more at a
house. To kill two and capture the
other was but the work of a moment. We
moved on, and when near Sandersville, we found we were in the very heart of the
Yankee army. After trying in
several directions to get out without any chance of success, we hid in the
woods. The Yanks killed hogs all
around us. We lay low until after
dark, when we moved out, taking care to avoid all their campfires, which were
all around us; rode until nearly daylight, and stopped at Worthing's Cross
Roads, some ten miles from Sparta.
Nov. 26th. We had
just finished breakfast, when Gen. Kilpatrick's special scouts of 28 men came in
sight. Capt. Shannon took 15 of us and charged them, and run
them some two miles, killing two and capturing two.
Our horses were so jaded we could not follow them farther; came back into
the timber and camped.
No. 27th. We
rested in camp until 2 o'clock, when we moved out on the road to Vining's Bridge
on the Ogeechee river, and found a large force of the enemy camped.
We turned off up to May's Bridge and camped.
We have nine prisoners and some thirty Yankee horses with us now.
We are in Gibson county.
Nov. 28th. Crossed
the river early and met a scout who took our prisoners off our hands, and bought
most of our stock. We moved down
the river ten miles and camped.
Nov. 29th. Turned
out early, and when within four miles of Soursville we found our enemies,
charged the lot, killed three, captured three, and run the whole brigade for a
mile. We then turned off to the left, and soon found nine Yanks, burning some
houses, cotton, cotton gins, barns, &c.; charged them at once, and in a very
few minutes the whole lot were in kingdom come.
We then moved back and camped, satisfied with the day's sport.
Nov. 30th. Moved
out early, but did not go far before we run into an infantry command, and taking
a hasty farewell of them, went into the woods, followed by some of their balls,
which did no damage, more than an occasional dodge of the head from Mr. Minnie's
near proximity to our ears.
Dec. 1st. Soon on
the road, and traveled all day; no game; had stopped to rest a few minutes with
the remarks, such as "A bad day's work, boy," "They won't come
out to day," &c., when a dense smoke rose to our right.
"Mount your horses," thundered Capt. Shannon, and in less time
than it takes me to write, we were in a gallop. About a mile off, we found a dwelling, barn and cotton-gin in
flames. The negroes said the Yanks
had just left. On in a fast gallop
1½ miles; another smoke arose; away to it we went. They had left; on we went and soon came to a mill they had
just fired. "Faster
faster." Every man's heart was
in his throat, and every one trying to get ahead for the first shot. We soon overhauled them to their death. They had twenty or twenty-five negroes, and forty or fifty
mules and horses, a carriage loaded with whiskey, brandy, wine, chickens,
turkeys, knives, forks, spoons, ladies' shawls and silk dresses, and a thousand
other things too numerous to mention. We
took the whole, and then moved and camped.
Dec. 2. Out early, crossed
the Buckhead Creek, and found a large body of cavalry near the mill that was
burned yesterday. We took the
hack-track, crossing a field and met a squad of Yankees coming on our rear.
We charged, killing two of them; crossed the creek again; then crossed
the Augusta and Savannah Railroad, and camped.
Dec. 3. Moved on slowly, all
tired, and weather bad. After
riding ten miles, we heard of a party of Yanks and cut for them; found twelve at
a house. We soon had six ready for
the ditch, and six prisoners, and are now in Scriven county, and the poorest
county in the State, all pine timber. We
camped five miles of Silvania, the county seat.
Dec. 4th. The
Augusta and Savannah river are so close together that we cannot play in here any
longer. Crossed the Savannah at Herndon's ferry, passed through the
bottom seven miles wide and camped. We
now learn we cannot cross back until we get to Augusta.
After four days traveling, reached Augusta, and found orders for Capt.
Shannon to report to Gen. Hood in Middle Tennessee.
We are stopped on the road to rest, but will move on in a few days.
During the last two and a half months this scouting party have killed and
captured 459 Yankees. When Gen.
Hood started his flank movement, he ordered us to stay around Atlanta, and keep
him posted as to what Sherman might do. We
lay around the city day and night; caught forage wagons; took their pickets in
out of the rain; caught their couriers between the city and the river for their
papers, keeping the Yanks in constant hot water.
We killed 43 and captured 102 that we know of.
We are (the scouts) now well off for clothing, the Yanks having supplied
us liberally, with clothing and funds. I
am going to a dance to-morrow night near here.
"So let the wide world wag as it will,
I will be gay and happy still."
I have enjoyed myself for this trip but think, sometimes, I am getting
hard-hearted. But I notice the tears of a lady always brings tears to my
eyes and the smoke and flames of a dwelling prevents the prayers of the Yankees
for their lives, even when on their knees, being heard, and steadies my nerves
to kill them all if possible. I
will get more of the blue jackets yet, as I have a brace of pistols that never
snap, and a horse that is as true as steel, and never flinches.
We are all well known here and about Atlanta, and welcome guests wherever
we stop; and, as yet, none of our command has been injured.
Your affectionate son,
E. D. J.
Terry's Texas Rangers.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 8, 1865, p. 4, c. 7
Soldier's Home at Hempstead—Soldiers are directed to:
J. B. A. Ahrens,
Superintendent;
or D. M. Clowes, Secretary.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 15, 1865, p. 1, c. 3
Letter
from a Lady.
Austin, February 27th, 1865.
Mr. Editor:--You have often made the offer to publish evils if you were
informed of their existence. To
this remark you have strictly adhered, and much benefit has accrued therefrom.
We have all felt the value of a good paper and the influence it exerts,
and at this time we especially need editors who will not swerve from the paths
of duty to please the few, while the many suffer. It is difficult to comprehend the silence of newspapers
throughout the State, in reference to the conduct of men in high places.
To notice their publications, especially in this place, you would infer
that the employees were too decrepid [sic] to serve in the field in any
capacity, and that such, alone, would be employed.
It may be urged that a lady is out of her sphere in meddling with matters
of this nature. If so, it is the duty of men cognizant of the facts, to give
them circulation; but where men have ocular demonstrations of them, and yet
complacently permit their existence, they are as much to blame as the officials
who mislead the people by false advertisements for men they do not employ.
The Gazette, in this city, although an excellent paper, seems to have
taken no interest in these things, and instead of proclaiming the existence of
an hundred able-bodied young men in the civil and military offices of this city,
who shirk the service, (at the option of those who should spurn their
applications with contempt,) it encourages the evil by its silence.
You may judge for yourself whether our officers are patriotic.
I will refer to the offices, in proportion to their employees.
Comptroller's office employs eight clerks—only one of them
crippled—the others are strong, healthy young men, who have never been in hard
service. This surprises us, from
the fact that the head of the office is a brave old veteran, who has worn the
scars of many a hard fought battle, and the only State officer who has ever been
under fire. The Land Office has
seven clerks, only one of whom has been in battle.
The Military Board, including an adjunct office, has four; the State
Receiver's Office four; the Post Quartermaster's Office four; the Treasurer's
Office four; and none of all those have been in the service.
The Governor's Adjutant General's and Beef Offices, with a number of
other offices, all employ young and able-bodied young men.
Nor is Austin alone filled with young men who should be in the field.
If reports are true, San Antonio and Houston are equally gorged with
young men who will one day blush for their cowardice.
But you will ask for a remedy for these evils.
I can offer but one, and that is to publish the names of officers in the
State who employ young men, with the names of the clerks employed, and their
duties, since the war began. The
newspapers that follow this course will benefit the Confederacy more than an
army of Enrolling Officers, and win the esteem of every true soldier and
patriot. In a letter from a sister in South Carolina, I learn that the
offices of that State are filled with the decripid [sic] and infirm, and the
distinction, in every case, made for the soldier. Texas can boast of as brave and gallant men, but her
officials pay but little respect to the brave, decrepid [sic] warriors, who have
returned to their houses maimed for life. Give
these the places and preferments above all others. I have made Texas, for a while, my home, and I appreciate its
people as highly as it is possible for a woman to love the generous and brave.
Three of my brothers have fallen in the service, and my father is still
in the field; hence, I have a right to feel for the soldiers, who are fighting
for our liberties, and wish to see, in this our time of need, every young man in
the field, who has a spark of courage and honor.
In conclusion, I will suggest that every lady bring her influence to bear
in this matter, and if the men will not make known and try to correct the evils
in our land, let the ladies battle with the pen for our soldiers in the field,
and tell them the names of the young men who are forsaking them.
Should any young man get angry with me for my plain words, I beg his
pardon, but it is my duty to urge upon him his duty.
You can give my name if required.
Respectfully,
Lucy.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 15, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Address,
Spoken by James H. Carter, at the Winter
Examination of Waco University.
Ladies of the
South:
One of the brightest pages in the future history of this war, will be
that which records the devotion of the Ladies of the South.
While our Lee and Beauregard and Stonewall Jackson will stand side by
side with Leonadias, Fabius and Washington, our women will stand on the same
proud eminence with Deborah, Zenobia and the Spartan mothers.
The Ladies of the South have with bleeding, yet willing hearts, sent
forth their loved ones to meet the sharp bayonet and deadly whizzing bullet.
As the forest oak shakes down the green glories of Spring to battle with
the Winter storm, so have the beautiful daughters of the South laid aside the
decorations of ease and fashion to battle against the raging storm of
fanaticism.
They have toiled like slaves to support their families and supply
fathers, brothers and husbands in the field with a thousand needful comforts,
and all this with an uncomplaining fortitude that adds lustre to the name woman.
On every battle field scarcely has the smoke of battle died away 'till
woman's tender hands and angel voices are cheering the wounded and the dying.
In some instances they have even rushed into the midst of the battle to
carry our exhausted soldiers water, powder and lead.
Bell Bouldin, in Missouri, and Belle Boyd, in Virginia, have carried
messages for hundreds of miles in a country swarming with Yankee spies and
robbers.
They thus saved whole armies and won for themselves imperishable fame.
Our hospitals have almost entirely been manned by the ladies—but though
so much has been done and suffered, much remains to be done.
Liberty is like the precious jewel mentioned in the bible, for which a
man must give all that he hath, and for our freedom from abolition bondage, we
must sacrifice our ease, our time, our money and our blood.
The Ladies of the South must gird themselves for nobler deeds and
costlier sacrifices. They must
cheer the heavy and care-worn hearts of absent husbands.
Let them never unnerve them by real or imaginary complaints. If they weep and lament the absence of those who have ever
made Christmas days joyful, let them remember that if the Yankees conquer us,
they will have no fathers, no brothers, no husbands; but with agonized emotions
they must see them led away at the point of the bayonet to work on Yankee
railroads, or see them like John Morgan with shaven heads toiling in some
penitentiary. Then they will see
our beautiful towns and cities guarded by negroes and foreigners, and if they
complain be answered with darker insults. Rather
than submit to such outrages let the daughters of the South arm themselves and
call for some Kosiusko to lead them to bloody graves.
But the mighty sphere of woman's influence is the heart, the
hearth-stone. Let every woman,
then, say go and fight; do not stay and be sick and be a commissary.
Let no mother act as did Thetis, the mother of God-like Achilles.
When she consulted the oracle of Delphi as to the fate of her renowned
son, she received this response,
"Two fates may lead him to the realms of light.
If staying here around the walls of Troy he fight.
To his dear home no more will he return,
But lasting honor will adorn his urn;
But if he withdraw from martial strife,
Short is his fame, but long will be his life."
Thetis, trembling for her noble son, hid him among the daughters of
Lycomedes in a woman's dress.
There are two points of vital importance on which the ladies could exert
a powerful influence if they would only combine together.
While our beloved Texas soil is invaded and a horde of Northern
barbarians more brutal than the Goths or Vandals are desolating our homes, there
are to be found healthy, vigorous young men from 18 to 45, filling commissary
places and other agencies for buying cotton, wool, &c., for government.
These young men are to be seen floundering in all our towns and cities;
there are supposed to be 1500 of them in Texas.
They support magnificent horses and buggies, and are celebrated gallants
for the ladies.
Now if the ladies of San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Waco, Bonham and
Marshall, would meet and resolve, 1st, that none but the brave
deserve the fair; and 2d, the ladies of Texas will receive the attention of no
young man who is not in the line of battle, we would soon see old men and
wounded soldiers filling all these secure, fat places.
But while the young ladies shower their smiles on this ignoble race and
they fatten, what do they care for a nation in mourning?
This is a burning shame on our glorious struggle, and we invoke the fair
daughters of the South to aid in blotting it out.
Another point of even greater moment is the ruined condition of our
country.
Among the many reasons for the depreciation of Confederate money, the
scarcity and demand for silks, calicoes and other foreign goods, have been
powerful causes. The purchase and use of these articles brings Confederate
money in competition with gold, and allows the Yankee importers at Brownsville
to fix their own value on Confederate money; and between the Yankee importers at
Brownsville (who are, probably, the special emissaries of Lincoln and Seward,)
and the extortioners, who bring these goods among us, our currency is nearly
ruined. If money is the sinew of
war, our sinews are become very weak.
The ladies can effect wonders in this particular.
Let them resolve never again to disgrace our currency by giving $10 for
$1, in the purchase of Yankee trash. Let
them resolve to imitate that model woman so beautifully described by Solomon.
Let them rise while it is yet night and give meat to their household, and
a portion to their maidens. Let
them work wool and flax, let them lay their hand to the spindle and work
diligently with their own hands. Then
their household will not be afraid of the winter, for they will be clothed in
fine woolen. Then their husbands will be known when they sit in the gates,
and the whole country will rise up and call them blessed.
In times similar to these the tyrant Dyonysius sent a number of
magnificent dresses and brilliant diamonds to the daughters of Archidamus, but
their father said, "My daughters, I should feel that you were disgraced to
be thus splendidly attired when your country is in mourning."
Our noble President Davis expressed the sentiment of every patriot when
he said, "I feel like taking off my hat and bowing to every lady I see
dressed in homespun."
Let every daughter, then, resolve to hoard every dollar of Confederate
money, make and wear their own dresses and their winning charms, and the day is
not far distant when our country and currency will be redeemed.
Then our noble sons will return home and our daughters adorned with the
silks of France and the gems of the ocean, will stand in blushing beauty before
the hymenal [sic] alter [sic].
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
The other day we published a letter from a lady in Austin, giving the
number of able-bodied young men in the several offices in that city.
That letter we intended to commend to our readers at the time, but in our
press of work we overlooked it. We
would be glad to receive more such letters, and we take this occasion to beg the
ladies of our State to follow this example.
We say to them that their favors will be thankfully received, and
promptly published, and their names withheld, unless, like this patriotic lady,
they give us liberty to use their names on proper occasions.
We say to them all that the country now requires that their voice shall
be heard. Heretofore they have been
rendering incalculable service by their silent efforts in the relief of the sick
and wounded and in sending supplies to our armies.
We almost shudder to think what would have been our condition at this
time, but for the relief and encouragement given to our soldiers by the ladies
all over the Confederacy. But the
time has come when the country now needs all their vast influence to force into
the ranks the thousands upon thousands of shirkers of every character and
description, for the want of whose presence in our armies, our generals are
being compelled to retreat with their depleted forces before the enemy's
overwhelming numbers. It is for
this reason, and no other, that our country is left exposed to the ravages of
the invading Yankee armies. We well
know that we have an abundance of men of military age, to drive the enemy out of
our country. This is shown beyond
all question, by the census. But
they have either left the service or have avoided ever going into it; and our
country is full of such recruits. Just
look at the list given in Austin by our fair correspondent, in only a few
offices. But a similar state of
things exists here and all over the country.
We believe our conscript officer is trying to do his duty, but we fear
from what we learn, that he has been ever persuaded to grant some details of
able-bodied young men, for light duties. We
do not mention this for the purpose of finding fault, for our information may
not be altogether correct, but we mention it for the purpose of putting him on
his guard against the thousands of plausible pretences that are doubtless being
urged upon him. He should remember
that there is no man, especially if he has wealth and influence, who cannot
bring forward very strong reasons (in appearance at least) why he should not be
sent to the army.
But we know of no aid our conscript officers can get in the discharge of
their responsible duties, so effectual as that which the ladies can render them,
if they will only take the proper course. Let
them all agree to do as our fair correspondent has done in this instance. Let them give the number of shirkers in their own respective
neighborhoods, not only the able-bodied men filling State and Confederate
offices, civil and military, but also those who are shirking behind some detail,
with light, or merely nominal duties to perform, or some contract made for the
benefit of the contracting party.
The emergency of the occasion is imperative.
The country must be aroused to a deep sense of the impending danger.
At this moment we believe the enemy are making their last most
desperate effort. That is, it will
be their last, if we can rally all our forces and meet and defeat them the
present spring and summer campaign, as we have done heretofore.
We have only to convince the world that we never can be conquered,
and demonstrate to all that ravaging and laying waste our country is not even a
single step towards subjugating our people, and that by abandoning our seaports,
we are enabled to strengthen our armies. In
short, we have only now to concentrate our forces for the single purpose of
meeting and whipping the enemy, effectually in one more campaign.
We have often done this, but without the necessary forces to follow up
our victories so as to secure beneficial results.
Every effort must now be made to bring to bear against the enemy the
whole military strength of the country, which has never yet been done.
If we can do this now the war will speedily be at an end, but in order to
do it we need the aid of every man and woman in the country.
As Col. Carter stated the other night, there is a duty to perform in this
struggle by the old men—by even the feeble and infirm—as well as by the
ladies, who have already done so much for the cause.
It is the duty of those who cannot bear arms to assist in forcing into
the army all who are able. It is
especially the duty of the ladies to frown upon all young men who ought to be in
the army. They should give them no
countenance or encouragement at balls, or parties or theatres, or anywhere else.
Civilities and ceremonies should now give way to the stern and pressing
necessities of our country. We
firmly believe the ladies have it in their power to do more in filling up our
armies—if they will only exercise their great influence in this
direction—than all our laws, civil and military, can accomplish.
The country now invokes their aid in this renewed effort to save our
liberties.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
Independence, March --, 1865.
Ed. News:--My article on tobacco (hastily written to hand a friend just
leaving for Houston) omits points on which I have since been questioned, viz:
Time of seeding beds, transplanting, cheapest mode of sheltering, &c.
My answers will accord with the usage of Virginia and Carolina.
Begin with Spring vegetation, as for garden seed-beds.
Prepare and sow succession of beds, that you may have plants of suitable
age and size to meet the various seasons and your successive preparations for
planting, as do potatoe [sic] slips by a welcome repetition to each drawing.
Failing in earlier beds, I once raised a good yield of tobacco, planted
from beds sown on the 3d day of May. So
the time is much extended where frost sometimes occurs in September.
February, March and April beds supply May, June and July plantings.
Even the 1st of August (with good seasons and a proper, not
high, topping,) I have known not too late for a fair yield to be secured in
October. As with cabbage,--though
not too thick in beds,--tobacco plants often (for want of seasons) become
overgrown, and thus crowded, assume a splindling, long-jointed body, with few
leaves, long, narrow and large fibre, and of poor yield, which shape no future
cultivation can correct—as the plant, so the growth, is a law herbal.
Just the right sized and shaped plant will give the most leaf in
proportion to the stem and stalk. Long
and narrow beds on constant water (and if kept as standing beds),
underlaid with manure each fell, and lightly reburnt every Spring, are the best
reliance. If heavily brushed, you can thoroughly water (without
washing) and hasten sprouting and future growth, to be suspended if danger of
over-growth. In burning, the first
row should be propped up so that the large or out ends will alone touch the bed.
The next rows so overlaps (as shingling) that a treble or even heavier
covering is made, and thus the moisture and closeness of the bed is preserved,
and but little of its surface touched. A
leaf flat on the bed often destroys the tender sprout.
When the plants shade the bed, remove the brush, that drying air and full
sunshine may toughen the plants for the ordeal of transplanting. In a bad season, the process is called cloding, viz:
the bud with leaves bunched over it, bent northward, with a firm clod
laid on it for 3 or 4 days) is often pursued with success.
Watering and planting is also sometimes necessitated.
For sheltering, common sheds, log-cabins and out houses (if open) with
bearing poles (tiers) across in body or roof, placed 6 inches nearer together
than length of sticks, and never closer than three feet above each other. The tobacco on separate sticks (after being crowded and
yellowed on the scaffold) should not touch while curing or drying, a free
ingress and passage of air being desirable.
When the stem is fully cured, two or three sticks can be hung on one, and
when it is stripped and bundled, the same houses hold six times as much, and
thus but little room is required to secure it from the long damp of winter and
spring. The rail or pole pen suits
the unprepared tobacco grower best, built not on the ground but on a platform
elevated over 3 feet. Select a
level structure spot; place large sawn 30 feet blocks on end, ranging one
way—in distance—to suit length of rails or small poles; the other way 20 or
30 feet to suit length of the large, stiff, straight platform or foundation
logs, which are well flattened on each end, and placed steadily on the blocks,
and on these blocked up logs, extended continuously (the foundation being well
squared) beginning at one end, the first pen is raised as usual.
Each pen should be 14, 20, or 25 feet apart, to secure ample interspace
or gap, which covered over with roof continuous with that of pens, and with
tiers or bearing poles supported by 1st and 2d pens.—With the
building of each pen you gain much more room by the interspace.
The roof should have some slope and be weighted.
The elevation on blocks is so much gained in height of pen, the lowest
tobacco being best supported on the platform logs, and they making the best
scaffold on which to crowd and yellow the tobacco prior to hanging it thin in
the pen above for curing. Also the
tobacco is passed under these logs no doors (the main trouble) being needed.
These pens can be placed in the yard, under the watch of good old Tray,
and the whole structure if desired (the boards and rails if used, being
excepted) can make the winter's wood-pile.
It is proper I should correct a few material errors (typographical) in my
first article, for which my hurried illegible penning is wholly responsible.
I place them in parenthesis, or repeat the idea, if more convenient.
"Push" (not wash) off brands, ashes," &c.
"If hilled or bedded too dry, a heavy rain is required for a
season." "Top before it
begins to run (not new) up." "Split
stalk midway and it will dry and cure (not come) up much sooner."
"Put the plants thin (not then) on sticks, secure from rain direct
or drifting, and we see, that it is not too much crowded" (not corroded.)
I omit some trivial errors preceding these, not calculated to mislead in
practice, though obscuring thought and deranging expression, and also a
succeeding of similar character; and even so naughty as to inflict the reader
with the pseudo-blepsis, and have him dissolving sights instead of sighs
and cares away. Fancy's sketch was
thus marred, by my haste to finish with a smoke.
And alas! alas!
the wayward creature has seized my pen again.
And vows she'll have her fill before I rise,
Though heart sick grows from smoke deferred,
And tears overwhelm my eyes,
and thus indites:
Dear reader, if thou knowst the weed—
Not in Botanic lore I mean—
(Though nothing in the flowery mead,
Or Flora's realm, is gaudier seen.)
But hast thou seen it ground to dust,
In tortoise box, with Tonqua bean,
When circling mops are in it thrust,
Honored alike by maid and Queen?
Didst thou e'er take a wee-bit pinch
With grand-sire, grand-ma or old chum?
And feel drawn to them, inch by inch,
Until thou couldst no nigher come?
Hast thou e'er seen the social bowl
Upon the center-table placed?—
(Not that which quaff'd dethrones the soul
And makes man never more debased)—
I mean the glorious family pipe,
For six or eight at once to draw,
When friendship, love and joy, all ripe,
Puff care away, as 'twere a straw?
If thus the King, of weeds thou knowest,
Would'st stop the Czar to ask a quid;
Or, being Czar, would'st feel thou owest
The chew in need, as 'twere God's bid?
Dost feel that here all spirits meet?—
Parade, and pomp and pride are stuff—
As fellows, we'll each other greet;
The balance is not worth a puff!
If thus thou know'st, evoke Meerchaum;
We'll puff each other to the skies!
If not, learn not; the Siren's charm
Allures the simple, not the wise.
Fancy's freak indulged, and neurine equilibrium duly restored by the
luxurious specific, I greet my companion, J. F. W., of Gonzales.
The Brazile [sic] and Havana, (noted by you) stand pre-eminent with
smokers. Those mentioned by me,
viz: either of the three
prior—the white stem and Orinoko rank all other chewing.
A genuine article (Orinoko seed) can be procured at Burke's seed store,
Houston; of A. S. Wright, (Baker's & Ewing's) Brenham, and Wilson &
Camp's, in Navasota. I will propose
to the cognoscenti of the weed, (and hope J. F. W. will concur,) that, with the
close of next All Fool's Day—(for 'tis said we are wisest after folly)—that
we associate together as the "Circle of Charity," with the weed as a
badge; its accredited influence (as Heliotrope to sun) always tending towards
that Superlative Grace, without which all else is but sounding brass and
tinkling cymbal, what results might not obtain were we ever and closely to
pursue those mellowed, generous reflections of which the weed is more inspiring
than Ambrosia e'er could boast.
While puffing, who, with soul so dead,
That never to himself hath said—
(As smoke rose circling o'er his head)—
"Earth is Vanity's vapid bed!"
Whose heart doth not to God-ward tread?
Grand cause! on whom all worlds depend!
Guard us and love, forgive, befriend;
Its fragrance will betoken e'er
"Sweet incense" burnt by Priestly seer,
But now, sweet savours only, are
A votive heart with love and fear,
And, as the watching, thoughtful eye
Sees wide'ning volumes upward fly,
"Our Circle of (sweet) Charity"
Should ever thus expanding be.
And when, at last, in ashes, must
The puffing end—so earthly trust,
Alike, is doomed. All was
(at erst)
Of joy and love—an endless burst
In praise to God—till Evil first
To trespass Eden's threshold durst,
And brought life's woes—of all, the worst
That whence he sprang, frail man is cursed,
Returning ever—dust to dust.
J.A.D.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 7
(Duff's) 33d. Tex. Cav.
Bee's Brigade.
Camp Maxey, Feby. 25th, 1865.
Mr. Editor:--We arrived at this camp on the 21st inst.,
seventeen days from camp Gano, a distance of 85 miles, being an average of five
miles a day, during which time our orders were countermanded four different
times, giving us an opportunity of sounding the depth of all the mud holes in
and near the Red River bottom, finally bringing up at this the wettest and most
boggy blackjack flat in all of Texas.—Our camp is on the bank of Caddo Lake
half a mile from the Saline, and distant from Marshall and Jefferson about
twenty miles. What the object in
coming to this place is no one here knows, unless to await the movements of the
enemy and eat Pork and Potatoes. We
had Potatoes, large and fine, issued to us yesterday, (an unusual coincidence in
our soldier life,) but another reason, "Bringham" says, why we were
ordered here is to dismount us, if he is correct, great wisdom and foresight are
manifest in the selection of a camp for that particular business, for should any
of "the boys" bolt when the order "dismount" is given, their
horses will be certain to mire and consequently easily overtaken by the
Infantry. It is believed by those
who ought to know that no such order will be given, it will be a hard trial for
men who have been in the service over three years, furnishing their own horses
without compensation, to be put on foot at this particular time, one it is hoped
they will not have to undergo. It
has been raining constantly since our arrival here, should it continue a few
days longer it will be deficient for pedestrians to travel, in fact, the
"assembly" is dispersed with, for fear the men when collected together
on the soft ground, may "go under."
We have had no mail for the regiment since the 6th of January,
but are indebted to Mr. Loughery, of the "Marshall Republican" for a
number of papers given us as the command passed.
They were a great treat and have been eagerly sought after throughout the
regiment. The peace rumors seem to
have "played out," as was intimated in my last.
Judge Mills' letter has had the effect to bring out very general
expression on the subject of which he speaks, and there is scarcely a difference
of opinion among the people in this part of the country.
All agree that if emancipation should ever be necessary to secure our
independence, the sacrafice [sic] will cheerfully be made, but only in case such
necessity should exist of which few pretend to know.
The largest planters are ready for the sacrifice if required to get rid
of Yankee rule. But Lincoln
domination over the South—annihilation would be much preferable.
Yours,
Lance Corporal.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 7
Seeds in Season.—Cabbage, Lettuce, Brocoli [sic], Asparagus, Artichoke,
Cauliflower, Onions, Parsnip, Cantalope [sic], Nutmeg Melon, Citron Melon,
Muskmelon, Pumpkin, Kershaw [sic], Tomato, Squash, Cucumber, Parsley, Egg Plant,
Raddish [sic], Beans and Peas of every variety.
James Burke.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 15, 1863, p. 3, c. 7
Indian
Fight—Official Report.
Camp Colorado, Jan. 30, 1865.
Col. J. B. Barry:--In obedience to your orders I arrived at Fort
Chadbourne the last days of December, with fifty men from this battalion.
We were there joined by Lieutenants Brook, Carpenter and Giddings, with
sixty men from the Frontier Regiment; also by Capt. Covington, with seventeen
men, and Lieut. Mullins, of Brown county, with thirty militia.
We waited near Fort Chadbourne two days for Capt. Totten's command of
militia, of three hundred men. On
the 3d of January we set out, up the Colorado, to find the Indian trail; the
next day we arrived at the Indian camp on the Colorado. There was at that camp one hundred and fifteen wigwams, and a
short distance further up the river another large camp.
There being no grass on the Colorado, we concluded to follow on the trail
to grass and water. The Indians had left this camp some two weeks before.
Ten miles from the Colorado we passed another large Indian camp, and at
night came to another camp, on the North Concho.
Twenty miles further, on the Concho, we counted one hundred and fifty
wigwams—the Indians had left this camp about one week before our arrival.
We waited there two days, sending spies on ahead.
On the morning of the 7th our spies returned, having
discovered the Indians at their camps on a small creek running into the South
Concho, on the south side. Capt.
Totten's command had not been heard from. We
despaired of their joining us—supposing they had followed another large trail
reported above. We therefore
concluded to proceed and attack the camps at daylight the next morning, with the
force we had. We halted about 2
o'clock in the afternoon, some twelve miles from the camp.
Got dinner and put our arms in readiness.
During the evening, Lieut. _____ and others (spies) were sent ahead to
spy out their camps and report before night; and as we were about starting
towards the enemy's camps, Captains Gillentine and Barnes came up, informing us
that Capt. Totten, with his command, was not more than fifteen miles behind. It was believed that he could reach us in time to make the
attack on the camps at day-break, and he was sent for; but he was further behind
than was supposed, and did not arrive, to assist in making the attack, until 9
o'clock, A.M. The horses of Capt.
Totten's command being jaded, it was arranged that he should attack the camp
with his men dismounted; that the troops under my command should cut off the
Indian's [sic] horses and try to intercept all parties of Indians rushing from
them, or trying to scatter from the camps.
The Indians' camps were in a large thicket, accessible only by a few
narrow paths—well fortified by nature.
Capt. Totten rushed in bravely, with many of his command.
For an hour the fight was furious and bloody.
The men had possession of the camps, and the contest seemed about
decided, but the Indians, scattering through the brush, continued firing, with
but little chance of returning the shot; the men discouraged by seeing their
comrades shot down by a foe it was almost impossible to reach, gave way, and
retired a short distance down the creek. Afterwards
there was, occasionally, skirmishing between them and the Indians.
The confederate troops under my command, with Capt. Covington's and
Lieut. Morton's companies of militia, at the outset took possession of the
Indians' horses which were about the camps.
During the fight at the camps with Captain Totten's command, we had
constant skirmishing with the Indians, who were eager for their horses; parties
of them were continually attacking us; but the men resisted them bravely,
killing a number and driving the rest back into the thickets.
When the fighting had ceased the Indians pressed us most furiously and in
large numbers for their horses. We
fought them five hours, sometimes giving ground and again driving them back into
the thickets. They fought us with
the best of guns and ammunition (much superior to ours;) they tried to fight us
at long range. Our boys often
charged them bravely, and having the best horses, frequently cut them off and
killing them. The Indians succeeded
in getting a part of their horses at the close of the fight.
Some two hours before night the Indians had all retired into the thicket.
All the officers in the fight acquitted themselves honorably, and many of
the soldiers fought with courage. Armed
with shot guns and common rifles they often fought at great disadvantage.
Of the Confederate troops there was seven killed; Lieut. Giddings, a fine
and worthy officer, was mortally wounded, and ten others severely wounded. Twenty-three Indians are known to have been killed; their
loss must have been thirty.
In the militia fourteen men were killed, including Captains Barnes and
Culers. Capt. Gillentine, a most
brave and energetic Indian fighter, was mortally wounded; fifteen other men were
wounded, many of them severely. In
the fight the frontier has lost many whose places cannot be easily filled.
It is the general opinion that in the fight with the militia from sixty
to seventy-five Indians were killed. For
two nights after the battle our forces camped together three miles from the
battleground, where we had left our packs on the morning of the fight.
We intended to go back, bury the dead and renew the fight if the Indians
could be found, but the night after the fight there came fifteen inches of snow,
our provisions had given out, our horses were perishing, and there seemed no
alternative but to seek the settlements. Arriving
at the settlements at the mouth of the Concho, Capt. Totten went back with about
twenty-five men to look after the movements of the Indians. It is supposed there was four to six hundred warriors.
One of the Indians killed was a Potawotomie, having a pass from the
Potawotamie Agency in Kansas. There was a few white men with them. Their object, no doubt, was to depredate upon the
settlements.
I am your obedient servant,
Henry Forsett,
Captain Commanding Scouts.
P.S.—Our total loss, from what we can learn, is 21 killed and 26
wounded—5 of the wounded have since died.
Captain Totten has returned and reports that our men that were killed
were not scalped. He found only 17
of the dead, and of these one of them had his head cut off and stuck upon a
pole. He could not find any dead
Indians. The Indians left under
cover of the night and in great haste. The
lowest estimate I can make of the loss of the Indians, is 83.
They carried off their dead. We
got 16 scalps outside of the thicket.
H.F.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 15, 1865, p. 4, c. 1
A letter dated Matamoros, February 25th, says:
"Goods are daily falling in this market.
I can buy the best brass-wire sieves at $4.50 per dozen; best Sprague and
Philip Allen prints, 20 cents; best twilled brown linen, very many and fine for
pants, 37 ½ cents per yard; cotton cards, $10 per dozen; Quinine, best French,
$3 per ounce; best glove kid ladies gaiters, $24 dozen. I have filled a bill at these prices.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 1, c. 7
The
Festival Near Shreveport.
Editor News—Before this reaches you doubtless you will receive full
particulars of the grand festival and barbecue near Shreveport on the 18th
of February, given by the citizens of Caddo parish in honor of Walker's old
division, now commanded by Gen. Forney. I
shall not attempt to give an account of the proceedings on that occasion, but by
your permission will relate an incident that occurred, which shows how strong a
hold Major General Walker has upon the affections of that division.
Colonel Hubbard, in a speech, in a passing remark happened to mention the
name of Gen. Walker. Immediately there arose a loud, long, deafening huzza for
Walker from the members of that division. For
some moments the speaker had to pause, not being able to make himself heard.
These troops are devotedly attached to their old commander.
I remarked to them, "Boys, I presume you would like to see Gen.
Walker passed along about this time."
"Yes," said they, "we would. We would be glad to see even his old white horse."
I could but think it a great pity that any condition in our affairs
should make it necessary to relieve any officer from the command of troops who
are so devotedly attached to him.
Spectator.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Austin, March 9, 1865.
Ed. News:--There is a report in circulation here, of sundry depredations
having been committed by Jayhawkers, on the citizens residing in San Gabriel and
Williamson counties.
Report says that several houses were robbed, and one man suspended by the
neck until he was nearly dead, to make him disclose the place he had concealed
his money. His wife, to save the
life of her husband, told them where the money was, which they secured, and then
left.
We understand that Col. Baird, commanding the post, has sent a company of
McCord's regiment up to arrest or run these robbers out of the country. . .
Homo.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
Mr. Tucker, of Company B, Terry Rangers, who for a long time was confined
in Rock Island prison, made his escape a short time since, and arrived in this
city Friday last. He left the
following Rangers in the prison, all in good health.
Stewart and Wallace, Co. A; Yerby, Webb, Bennett and Cannon, Co. B; D. L.
Russell, Co. C; R. T. Hall, Miller and Smith, Co. D; Wallace, Co. E; Molton, Co.
F; Childress, Walker and McAnderson, Co. G; Hershfield, Cox and Albertson, Co.
H; Hall and Bunting, Co. I; J. W. S. Emerson, Co. K.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
We have received a circular prospectus by the author of "A Campaign
from Santa Fe," &c., in which the same writer proposes publishing
"A History of the War in the Trans-Mississippi Department."
The writer will be assisted in his compilation by many others who have
participated in the campaigns of this Department, and contributions are
solicited from all who are in possession of information appropriate to such a
work.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
We have had the pleasure of meeting an old Galvestonian, Mr. J. P.
Gilles, of whom it may be said emphatically, that he has done his duty in this
war. He is now just from Richmond,
which place he left January 28th, and arrived here Saturday last.
This is his first return home since he left as a member of the Lone Star
Rifles, August 1st, 1861. During
this long period he has been in all the battles near Richmond, with but one
exception; has been wounded five times in four battles, one of his wounds taking
off his left arm. He is now
honorably retired from the service. The
Texas brigade to which he belongs, is now commanded by Col. Bass. Mr. Gilles has handed us the proceedings and resolutions
adopted by the Texas brigade just before he left.
We give them in this paper. Every
Texian must feel a commendable pride in reading these noble sentiments.
These are the men who have commanded the applause and admiration of our
greatest Generals by their heroic achievements on so many battle fields, and
made the name of a Texas soldier a terror to the enemy.
These are the men who have fought till they have lost three-fourths of
their original numbers, who have experienced all the hardships and privations of
war, and yet are just as determined and confident of the triumph of our
righteous cause, as when the war first commenced.
O, that we could have the same invincible spirit at home that comes to us
from the army.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 5
Adventures
of Messrs. Penny and Griffith.
We have been kindly furnished by Mr. Penny, at our request, the following
account of his adventures from the time of his leaving California until his
arrival in Texas:
I had for some time determined to start for the Confederate States, but
was deterred for want of means and remained in business at Sacramento until I
could accumulate a sufficient amount. The
Southerners in California are all in favor of the South, but the system of
espionage there is so complete that a man dare not express a secession sympathy. In the beginning of the war it was different, and secession
flags were not unfrequently displayed in the large cities. The Yankees, however, have organized their forces in the
State, and have things their own way. In
company with a young companion, W. H. Griffith, I quietly left Sacramento and
went to San Francisco just in time to take the Panama steamer.
Had our destination been known, we would have been stopped and perhaps
incarcerated. We left San Francisco
on the 23d of June, 1864, and arrived in New York on the 14th of
July. Off the coast of the
Carolinas we were chased by the Tallahassee.
She had gained on us very rapidly, and was but a few miles distant when
we went down to dinner, and "Griff" and I congratulated ourselves that
by the time our meal was concluded we would be in the hands of our friends.
To our disappointment, however, the Confederate cruiser changed her
course and bore down on a large ship then in sight, and darkness soon coming on,
our vessel escaped. From a report
of the Captain of the Tallahassee that we afterwards saw, he captured on that
day a ship and a brig. Had he
continued the chase the steamer we were on would have been captured, and with
her a million and a half of silver bullion on board.
I saw myself two express wagons loaded with solid silver bricks.
We remained in New York about eight days, and during that time I went
into the Northern part of the State to look for some relatives that I had been
told lived there, but found that all the male members of the family had gone
over into Canada to escape the 500,000 draft that had been ordered at that time.
We were informed that there were thousands of refugees in Canada, to
escape the draft, and wherever we went we found the people bitterly opposed to
its operation. In fact we were led
to believe that the Northern people are getting tired of the war.
In many places we saw women working in the field.
The men either were in the army or had run off to escape the draft, and
labor was getting scarce. In New
York one entire park was shingled over and converted into a vast recruiting
office, and the most enormous bounties were offered for recruits.
On one placard that I noticed, the Federal, State, and Municipal bounties
together exceeded one thousand dollars, and yet the work seemed to drag on very
slowly. I noticed but few
enlistments.
To a stranger New York looks lively and business-like, but citizens
informed me that her trade and business were immeasurably less than before the
war. Intending to work our way into
the Confederacy through Kentucky and cross into the Trans-Mississippi, where
Judge Terry's Regiment was, we went from New York to Cleveland, Ohio by
railroad. At Cleveland we stopped
to get supper, but had not more than taken our seats at the table of the
principal hotel, when two buck negroes deliberately seated themselves opposite.
This was too much for our Southern raising and we left the table in great
disgust and got a meal at a restaurant, but still saw negroes at the tables.
Cleveland is a perfect abolition hole and ought to be swept from the face
of the earth. We passed through
Cincinnati, took a steamboat a mile or two below Louisville, Kentucky, and went
to Bradenburg. From there we walked
12 miles to Gatesville and found ourselves surrounded by Yankee detectives.
These fellows are generally the scum of their race, and make it a point
to approach strangers in seductive guise and worm from them if possible their
history and designs. We had been
cautioned against them and were generally on the alert.
From thence we took the stage to Hardinsburg and found when we reached
there that we were not allowed to proceed further. Both that place and Gatesville had been lately attacked by
Guerrillas and they were then expecting another raid. We returned to Gatesville, took the stage back to Louisville
and from thence to Pittsburg Pa., by cars.
The Yanks were busily fortifying Pittsburg. Early was at that time coming up the valley and Pittsburg was
thought to be in great danger. We
then went by railroad to Greensburg Pa., and met numerous refugees fleeing from
the anticipated Confederate invasion. For
fear that it would be considered a suspicious circumstance, our going South
while everybody else was fleeing from thence; we left the cars and took the
stage to Somerset. Here we found a
great deal of excitement. A Yankee
officer was trying vainly to raise a volunteer company to resist the invasion.
He had a large quantity of new arms, and after having made a "spread
eagle" speech to the crowd, asked them to step forward and take up arms in
their country's defence; but not a man responded and he left in huge disgust.
Waiting for conveyance we staid in Somerset two days and then went to
Bedford. We found this a
considerable watering place and resorted to by many people from Maryland and
Pennsylvania.
While enjoying ourselves there for a few days and making the acquaintance
of some Southern sympathisers, we were arrested by a detective on the charge of
being spies, and committed to jail by a Justice of the Peace.
I made an affidavit, that I had not been in the Confederate Service since
the war, and was compelled to telegraph to California for testimony to
substantiate the affidavit. When
the reply came, we were immediately released, but had remained in jail eight
days. In the mean time the
Confederate forces had recrossed into Virginia.
The expense of telegraphing and lawyers fees exhausted our money, and I
pawned a gold watch and chain, that had cost me a hundred dollars in California,
for thirty dollars, and started for Hagerstown, Maryland via Harrisonburg and
Carlyle. At Hagerstown we had been
directed to a certain house, where lived three young ladies who had assisted a
great many Southerners across the Potomac.
We made ourselves known to them and explained our wishes. They immediately responded, and in the course of the next day
had organized a fishing excursion to the river some ten miles distant.
In a light wagon with two fishing poles sticking out behind, we started
in fine style. On reaching the
river, what was our consternation to find a line of yankee pickets.
We went back to Hagerstown, and after undergoing many adventures in our
attempts to cross, finally took the stage through Williamsburg, and forded the
river near that place. We were
asked by the Yankee guard for our passes, but the examination was carelessly
made, and while the other passengers were producing their papers, we passed on
over a bridge that spans a creek at the entrance of the town, and were asked no
questions. We left the stage at a
certain house this side of the Potomac, to which we were directed and made our
way by cow paths through the woods, into the Confederate lines.
We went to Winchester and attached ourselves temporarily to Gilmer's
battalion of Marylanders—were in the battle of Winchester and Fisher's
Hill—operated a short time with some partisan rangers and went on a raid with
Mosby into Maryland.
Being anxious however to reach Judge Terry's command, we reported
ourselves to Major Boyce, the Provost Marshal at Gordonsville and got a pass
from him to go to Richmond and report to the Chief of Police.
We arrived in Richmond early in January and made a written statement,
which was presented by Gen. Baylor, one of the Texas Representatives, to the
Secretary of war, and by him our case was referred to the Bureau of
conscription. There we were
informed that we could only get transportation by enlisting.
We did so and received transportation to Texas with orders to report to
Judge Terry. We remained in
Richmond some time. Found the
prices of every thing very high, but the people all in good spirits and
seemingly united. Flour for
instance was selling at $800 per barrel in new issue.
We sold our horses and pistols, the proceeds of one of our partisan
ranger forays, and started from Richmond on the 20th of January
crossed the Mississippi at Bruinsberg Landing—walked from Jackson,
Mississippi, to Alexandria, Louisiana, most of the time in mud and water, and
arrived in Houston on the 14th of March.
Our valises, containing our clothing, we left in storage in Louisville,
Kentucky, and paid the storekeeper one year's storage in advance.
Very questionable if we ever see them again.
We started from California with about $2000, and with what we had raised
by various means on the route, we arrived in Jackson, Mississippi, without a
dollar. From that point we trusted to luck, and sometimes fared
badly. In the stage from Alexandria
we were most kindly treated by a naval officer, who insisted on paying for our
meals whenever we would allow him. In
that portion of Virginia, which we have never attempted to defend, and which was
being constantly overrun by the enemy, the spirit of the people is unbroken.
A Confederate soldier is always welcomed, and seldom charged more than a
dollar in Confederate money for a meal. One
occasion I particularly recollect. We
staid all night at the house of an old man, who gave us supper and breakfast,
and fed three horses, and then apologized on account of the difficulty of
procuring supplies, for charging us three dollars in Confederate money. In fact, I noticed that this feeling was general in the whole
Cis-Mississippi Department. As soon
as we crossed the river, I noticed that soldiers were charged fifteen and twenty
dollars a meal, and that the tone of the people generally is nothing like so
good as it is on the other side of the river.
We leave Houston to-day for Hempstead, to report to Judge Terry, who, we
are told, is at that place, and so ends our trip."
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 3, c. 3
Charging
Soldiers
Fairfield, Freestone Co., Texas,
March 10, 1865.
Ed. News:--On or about the 18th of February, 1865, my son,
William P. Henderson, who is a soldier in the 7th Texas regiment of
infantry, (and has been ever since the 24th of September, 1861,) got
a furlough to leave his command for 90 [?] days; he crossed the Mississippi
River, and walked the most of the way to get home, when becoming wearied, he
thought he would get on the stage at Henderson, Texas, a distance of about 37
miles, for which he paid one hundred dollars to the mail contractor on the route
alluded to. The contractor demanded
of him the money, and he paid it in new issue.
I am responsible for the above.
James M. Henderson.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 3, c. 5
Camp Texas Brigade,
January 24, 1865.
At a meeting of the First, Fourth and Fifth Texas and Third Arkansas
regiments, composing the "Texas Brigade," of Field's division,
Longstreet's corps, Army of Northern Virginia.
On motion of Sergeant-Major J. H. Leete, First Texas regiment, Private B.
S. Fitzgerald, company I, Fifth Texas, was chosen chairman, and, on motion of
Private W. H. Burges, company D, Fourth Texas, Lieutenant Haywood Brahan,
company F, Fourth Texas, was appointed secretary.
Lieutenant Brahan, upon being called upon, explained the object of the
meeting in a few brief and appropriate remarks.
On motion of Private W. H. Burges, company D, Fourth Texas, a committee
of five from each regiment of the brigade was appointed to draft resolutions
expressive of the sense of the meeting.
The following is the committee, as appointed by the Chairman, viz:
Sergeant-Major S. H. Leete, Sergeant F. M. ___ company H, J. P. _____
company I, W. A. Shelton, company L; Private J. T. Clark, company E, First
Texas. Private W. H. Burges,
company D; D. A. Todd, company B; F. D. Williams,
company E; William Morris, company F; Sergeant W. M. Baines, company G, Fourth
Texas. Lieutenant B. T. Fuller, company A; Sergeant M. A. J. Evans,
company E; Sergeant T. F. Meese, company K; Private Thomas Hayme, company H;
Private H. C. Shea, company F, Fifth Texas regiment, Assistant Surgeon C. H. A.
Kienschildtz, Captain A. C. Jones, company G; Captain W. H. Harrison, company E;
Private J. H. Goldsby, company K; Private R. W. O'Conner, company F, Third
Arkansas.
The committee then retired to consider the preparation of resolutions.
During the recess, the meeting was agreeably and pleasantly entertained
by eloquent and patriotic speeches from Lieutenant-Colonel C. M. Winkler and
Private T. D. Williams, Fourth Texas. At
the close of Private William's remarks, the committee, through its chairman,
Sergeant-Major J. H. Leete, reported the following preamble and resolutions,
which, on motion of Lieutenant-Colonel C. M. Winkler, were unanimously adopted
by the meeting:
"Whereas, we have seen, with feelings of sadness, the clouds of
gloom and despondency that have recently gathered in the sky of our young
nation, but which are now, happily, being dispelled by returning confidence, we,
the army, who are the people, and the people, who are the country, deem it not
inappropriate, but fit and proper, that we should, in a meeting composed of the
"Texas Brigade," comprising the First, Fourth, Fifth Texas and Third
Ark. Regiments, make known to our fellow-soldiers, to our country, to the enemy,
and to world, our purpose and determination to maintain, at all hazards and to
the last extremity, the rights and liberties which a merciful God has been
pleased to bestow upon us, and ever to contend for a perpetual separation from
the hated and despised foe, who have murdered our grey-haired men, insulted our
women and children, and turned out thousands of helpless families to starve,
after robbing them and burning their houses, leaving them destitute of all
except their honor. Therefore be it
1. "Resolved, That before the commencement of this
great struggle for our rights and liberties, we considered well the causes and
consequences for which we were about to take up arms; that our cause was just,
and that no sacrifice was so great that it could not be made in defence of such
a cause; that we have gone boldly forward now for nearly four years, and our
determination has not abated, but increased, having had a clearer view of the
character of the brutal foe with whom we contend, and gained from experience in
close contact with them. Certainly
no one can be so blind and stupid as not to agree with us, that the warning was
of inspiration, and that was the auspicious time to strike for our rights; and
that we are fully determined to go forward as we have done, and, if need be, to
renew our pledge of devotion to our country; and that we will rid ourselves of
the tyranny the enemy would thrust upon us, or die in the attempt.
2. "Resolved, That whilst we are battling in a cause
the most sacred, for Liberty and Independence, against a people so base,
treacherous and despised, that language fails us to properly portray our
detestation of them, we cannot be indifferent lookers-on at those in our country
who would divide and distract the counsels of the nation, and tear down the
present able and patriotic Administration, and, at the same time, give aid and
comfort to the enemy. To
politicians and demagogues, newspaper editors, men in and out of positions,
croakers and those who are firing in the rear, and those who pull down
while we build up, we warn you that there is a point beyond which you cannot go
with impunity; that nothing will deter us from the prosecution of our purpose,
whether it be our open enemy in the front, or the hidden and less respectable
enemy in our midst; for the latter of whom we take this opportunity to express
our most hearty scorn and contempt.
3. "Resoled, That, after calmly considering the
present situation of affairs in the Confederate States, we can see little cause,
if any, for losing confidence in our final success; but, on the contrary, much
on which to congratulate ourselves. In
the beginning of the war—four years ago—we were a peaceful, unwarlike
people, following quietly our ordinary avocations, totally unused and uneducated
to warfare. Our men were to be
organized, the material and appliances with which we have so often routed the
enemy had to be made from the crude state; and now let the world say, if we have
not accomplished much. That there
is much yet to be done we admit, and declare ourselves prepared to undertake it.
Let us look back to Manassas, the first and second, Gaines' Farm,
Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Wilderness, and hundreds of other fields,
where Confederates have shown a heroism almost unequaled in all past ages; and
let us take new courage, if any have grown weary.
We may also admit that the enemy have large armies, but it is the Babel
of modern times, in which is represented the African, shoulder to shoulder with
his brother—the Yankee—who sells himself for a bounty and deserts, and sells
himself again; the man with the brogue so rich; the avaricious Hessian; and the
dungeons of Europe are largely represented.
If is not possible that such a heterogeneous mass can be united in one
common object. Whilst we, on the
contrary, are a unit in our resolution of purpose to be free and independent of
those who would kill eight millions of whites, or enslave them, in order to give
a pretended freedom to half that number of African negroes.
Let us go bravely on. Peace
must come sooner or later, and with it our independence. Our final triumph is certain and inevitable, and our
subjugation an impossibility.
5. "Resolved, That in President Davis—the wise,
patriotic and good Chief Magistrate—we repose the most perfect respect and
confidence, tendering him our warmest sympathies and co-operation in his onerous
duties and responsibilities resting upon him.
6. "Resolved, That for Gen. Robert E. Lee—the
great soldier, father and friend of the army—we have the love and veneration
that dutiful children should owe their father; that we will always follow
wherever he may direct, and assure him, at all times, of our hearty support and
co-operation.
7. "Resolved, That we invite all organizations in
the armies of the Confederate States to come forward and show to the world, by
an expression of their sentiments, their unalterable purpose and determination
to conquer an honorable peace.
8. "Resolved, That the Secretary furnish a copy of
these resolutions, and the proceedings of this meeting, to each of the
newspapers published in Richmond, Virginia; and that the newspapers in Texas and
Arkansas, and all others friendly to the cause, be requested to copy;
also that a copy be sent to President Davis, General R. E. Lee, the Texas and
Arkansas Senators and Representatives in Congress, and to the Governors of
Texas and Arkansas."
Private W. H. Burges, Fourth Texas, and Captain A. C. Jones, Third
Arkansas, being called upon, addressed the meeting in an appropriate eloquent
and patriotic style. Their speeches
were received with great applause and enthusiasm.
On motion of Lieutenant Colonel Winkler, Fourth Texas regiment, the
meeting adjourned.
B. S. Fitzgerald, Chairman.
Haywood Brahan, Secretary.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 3, c. 7
From
the Texas Rangers—Casualties.
Field and Staff—Lieut. Col. Gustave Cook, twice in leg, slight; Capt.
W. R. Jarmon, in leg, slight; Color Guard, S. C. McBroom, Corporal, in breast,
slight.
Co. A—Thos. Owens, in leg, severe; Thos. Prewitt, in hand, slight; D.
Moser, Fielder and Jones, slightly wounded.
Co. B—Serg'ts E. A. Herndon, in arm, severe; J. P. Burkhart, in leg,
slight; Privates J. P. Harris, in arm, severe; J. W. Wiggins, in arm, severe; A.
Haynes, slightly wounded.
Co. C—Isham Davis.
Co. D—J. S. Wegin, P. R. Kennedy, D. D. Nunn, killed; P. J.
Waskins, in arm, severe; and J. P. McArthur, in shoulder, slight.
Co. E—First Lieut. W. R.
Friend, in shoulder, severe; Private T. S. Ritchie, mortally wounded; Serg't J.
T. Hays, slightly wounded.
Co. F—Private T. Bennett,
in head, slight.
Co. G—Private Thos. Barry, in chest, severe.
Co. H—Serg't Addie Moore, killed; Privates John Fowler, in leg, severe;
John Ryan, in head, severe; J. H. Brown, in shoulder twice, slight; A. J. Adams,
in arm, severe; John Fisher, in leg, slight.
Co. K—First Lieut. J. W.
Haskell, killed; Private David Muckle, killed; Private A. W. Proctor, slightly
wounded.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 3, c. 7
The Texas Brigade.—From the Richmond Whig of the 12th
January, we clip the following splendid tribute to "Hood's Texas
Brigade." We say Hood's,
because best known by that name, and because there is another Texas Brigade east
of the Mississippi, which has become almost as celebrated, if not quite.
We refer to Granburry's [sic] Brigade of Pat Cleburne's Division.—San
Antonio Herald.
An Example.—The Texas Brigade are as noble and generous as they are
gallant and brave.
With a spirit of self-denial which does them all honor, they unanimously
voted their splendid New Year's dinner to the distressed families of their
brother soldiers in Richmond.
This gallant band of heroes have been four hears absent from their far
off prairie homes. They entered the
service of Virginia with over three thousand five hundred muskets; they now
number only four hundred. Upon
their tattered and war-worn colors are inscribed the names of "West Point,
Seen Pines, Gaines' Mills, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Knoxville, the Wilderness,
Spotsylvania C. H., Chaffin's Farm and Darbytown."
It was at one of the great battles last spring, when at one moment of the
day it seemed lost, that General Lee spurred his horse forward to the head of
the Texas Brigade. "Men,"
he said, "your General calls upon you to decide the fate of the day; he
will lead you to the charge;" but a shout went forth from those noble men
for the great chieftain to retire. "Tell
us," said they, "where you would have us go, and what you would have
us do, and we will go and do it if we all die; but your life is of too much
importance to your country to be risked here.
We will not move an inch unless you retire."
With tears in his eyes brought forth by the manifestation of love and
affection from his trusty troops, General Lee retired.
The brigade, with a yell, did make the charge, through one, two and even
three lines of battle; they left over half of their number killed and wounded on
the field, but the day and their plighted word to their beloved
Commander-in-Chief was saved.
The name of every man belonging to this "legion of honor"
should be historic. Its commanders,
Wigfall, Hood, Robertson, Gregg and Bass, with those of its thousands of gallant
privates, are names which are and will be forever synonymous with bravery and
daring the wide world over. They
have willingly and fearlessly dared the dangers of every field in Virginia; they
have offered an hundred times to shed their last drop of life's blood in her
defence; they now surrender their crust to the widows and orphans of their noble
Virginia comrades. God bless them.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 22, 1865, p. 4, c. 1
Mr. Warren Adams returned from Richmond, Va., on Wednesday.
We are indebted to him for files of Southern papers, which, though not
late, are such as we have not before seen, and from them we shall be able to
give our readers many interesting extracts.
He brought back some letters, but not as many as usual, on account of the
general derangement of the mails. These
letters have been mailed to their proper destinations.
He left Brandon on the 2d inst., and crossed the Mississippi on the 5th,
but was delayed at the Neches, where he had to leave his horse and hire a boat.
He was also delayed by impassable streams on the other side, but
encountered no other trouble. He
met with no Yankees anywhere. . . .
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 29, 1865, p. 2, c. 4
The following article is from the Freeman's Champion.
A reform is needed and our municipal or military authorities cannot set
about it too soon.
The Negroes of Houston.—Every traveller who has passed through this
city, cannot fail to have noticed the demoralized manners of our darkies.
We see them in nearly all the groceries, and are disgusted with the airs
the scoundrels put on. White ladies
are forced to turn to one side of the pavements to allow the "gemmem ob
color" to pass, or they would be crowded into the gutters.
They are allowed to have their balls and parties weekly, and the public
protect them at these licentious gatherings.—Reader, have you ever noticed the
manner in which the black population dress!
Have you ever noticed the profusion of jewelry and silk dresses the
wenches wear? Have you noticed the
gold watches and chains the bucks adorn themselves with, then compare their
appearance to the worthy white mechanic, or his family?
You hear daily of robberies and thefts being perpetrated in this city,
some of you lay all this upon our brave soldiery, and many a brave and gallant
command has been defamed and charged with rascalities perpetrated by these black
scoundrels. Some men allow their
darkies to hire their own time, and the scamp is as free as though he were in
Boston, and he contaminates and puts devilry into the heads of steady and
faithful servants. Nearly all the
free negroes captured on the Harriet Lane, Sachem, Clifton, Granite City and
Wave, have been allowed to mix in with our faithful servants, and to demoralize
them by telling them of the greatness and glory of "massa Lincoln."
We see the same free skunks acting as body servants to many of our
officials in this department. Why is this? What
right have officials to take this privilege?
But some will say, "you have no right, sir, to question our military
men about these matters," and try to silence us on the ground that we dare
not find fault with officials. But
here they find themselves mistaken. We
claim to be free men. We have stood
shoulder to shoulder in the ranks with our brave comrades and assisted in
beating back the haughty invader, and now are we to come down and kiss the big
toe of officials, and fear to speak the truth?
No, never, our aim is for our country's good. Her cause is our cause, her people our people, her soldiers
our brothers, and we shall never hesitate to lash without any mercy in spite of
the consequences, any and every infringement upon the rights of the people.
We demand that some reform be made concerning the darkies of Houston.
Every good citizen demands this, and we know our worthy Mayor will take
some steps to reform this crying evil.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 29, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
A New Paper.—We were unexpectedly greeted yesterday morning with a new
paper, called "The Freeman's Champion," and edited by
"Sioux." Everybody knows
Sioux, or ought to, for he has been writing excellent articles for the Telegraph
for the last two or three years, and, previously, correspondent for the News,
while in the army. No man has seen
more of the country, for he has been constantly going, and there are few things
worthy of note that escape his observation.
When he sees a wrong perpetrated, or a public duty neglected, h e is not
afraid to speak of it.
He declares himself the soldier's friend, and we hope and believe he will
be able to render the soldier essential service, as, in fact, he has done on
many occasions through the columns of other papers.
We predict that the "Freeman's Champion," under his management,
will be a valuable journal. The
first number contains many good articles, which we have not time now to notice,
but intend to do so. Sioux is
opposed to a military man for Governor. In
this, we think, the soldiers will not agree with him.
We would also prefer a civilian, if equally well qualified, because we do
not want to take a valuable man from the army when such men are now so much
needed. We hope Sioux will bring
out the right man for the time.
Sioux says he will publish as often as his means will permit.
That is a very prudent promise in these times, but we hope he will meet
with support sufficient to enable him to issue at least once a week.
He has a good article on the negroes of Houston, and we hope it will be
read by all our slaveholders.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 29, 1865, p. 3, c. 6
An
Inquiry made of Mr. John Tucker.
Fayette Co., Texas, March 23, 1865.
Ed. News:--Having seen a statement in the Tri-Weekly Telegraph, of the 20th
inst., of the arrival of Mr. John Tucker, of the Terry Rangers, who had made his
escape from Rock Island, etc.; and having heard that G. J. Slack, of Fayette
county, Co. A, 5th T.M.V., is there; and as he has been missing for
the last fourteen or fifteen months, without any reliable information of his
whereabouts, I think perhaps that Mr. Tucker can give us some information.
Will you request him, through your Tri-Weekly paper, to give the names of
all the Texians who are in Rock Island prison, and, more particularly, if he
knows anything of the said George J. Slack?
By request of the wife and friends of Geo. J. Slack.
Yours,
C.J.E.G.
P.S. We cannot learn Mr. Tucker's Post-office; if we could, we
would have written directly to him for the desired information of Geo. J. Slack,
and would not have troubled you with this request.
C.J.E.G.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 29, 1865, p. 4, c. 1
The frontier correspondent of the State Gazette says:
"He says the Indians are worse at this time in the counties of Jack,
Palo Pinto, and Erath, than they have ever been before, and that settlers are
moving lower down all the time, leaving their settlements and stock behind
them."
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, March 29, 1865, p. 4, c. 1
The Confederate Journal of Tyler, edited by Col. G. W. Chilton, published
the explanatory letter of Major C. S. West respecting his letter to Mr. Raymond,
and says: "It is a manly and truthful statement to the facts
connected with the letter referred to, which entirely exonerates Maj. West from
the imputation of entertaining any wish to dissever Texas from the destiny of
her sister States of the Confederacy. Maj.
West is a native of South Carolina, and an original and zealous advocate of the
doctrine of State rights. We have
known him long and intimately, and feel sure that he entertains no sentiment
which is not prompted by the highest and purest spirit of patriotism."
The Journal publishes the proceedings of a meeting in Tyler, at which
resolutions were adopted unanimously to the effect that all the tythe-corn of
Smith and adjoining counties had been consumed, and that unless the Federal
prison-camp be removed, suffering must ensue before this year's crop can be
gathered. The meeting, therefore
resoled to request Gen. E. K. Smith to have said camp removed to a point where
provisions are more abundant, and it was suggested that a suitable place may be
found between the Trinity and Brazos rivers, some 75 miles from Tyler.
Speaking of the nomination of Gen. McCulloch for Governor, the Tyler
Journal says: We do not believe that General McCulloch would be willing to
engage in the scramble, which is likely to ensue, for the office.
Indeed we should regret to see him leave his present field of usefulness
for any other."
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 5, 1865, p. 1, c. 7
[From
the Mobile News.]
Gen. Cleburne.
A member of the staff of the lamented Maj. Gen. Cleburne, writing from
Columbia, Tenn., to a friend, gives the following account of his burial:
"I had his remains brought to this place, and buried at Ashwood, six
miles distant, the private grave-yard of the Polk family.
I met with great kindness from the people here in the performance of my
sad duty. His coffin was strewn
with flowers by the ladies, and the following beautiful lines written by Miss
H., were sealed upon it:
"Fare thee well, departed chieftain!
Erin's land sends forth a wail;
And oh! my country sad laments thee,
Passed too soon through death's dark vale.
"Blow ye breezes soft on him,
Fan his brow with gentle breath,
Disturb ye not his peaceful slumber,
Cleburne sleeps the sleep of death!
"Rest thee, Cleburne, tears of sadness
Flow from hearts thou'st nobly won,
Memory ne'er will cease to cherish
Deeds of glory thou hast done."
Columbia, Tenn.,
Dec. 2, 1864.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 5, 1865, p. 2, c. 7
Mr. John B. Tucker informs the Telegraph that the prisoners at Rock
Island are very badly treated, their rations being of the most miserable
character and scanty at that. He
says they are fed on rats and dogs. Their
clothing is nearly as bad.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 5, 1865, p. 2, c. 7
Great
Disaster at San Antonio.
Mr. George, of the firm of George & Davidson, arrived on Saturday
night, direct from San Antonio. He
gives us the following brief account of a great inundation of that city on
Sunday night, the 26th ult.:
Up to about sunset of the 26th it had been raining very
moderately, and the ground had become thoroughly saturated, but at that hour, or
near dark, the rain began to pour down in torrents, and at 9 o'clock the river
had risen till a large part of the city was overflown, and the houses situated
near the river and in the lower parts of the city were nearly covered.
Some twenty-five dwellings and stores were swept away or destroyed; and,
when Mr. George left, it was ascertained that some ten or twelve lives had been
lost.
Mr. George is not able to give us the names of those who perished in the
flood. He says the scene presented was most distressing.
The darkness was only relieved by the glare of torch lights that were
used by the inhabitants, to save themselves and families from the flood that was
rapidly filling their dwellings. Ropes
were thrown to many who were unable to save themselves without assistance.
As Mr. George left the day after this dreadful disaster, the losses of
lives and property had not then been fully ascertained.
Col. Giddings was one of the principle sufferers.
His dwelling house was nearly destroyed together with the furniture and a
large amount of goods. Most of the
buildings were made of adobies [sic], and the effect of the water was to
dissolve the clay till the walls fell in. A
large amount of government property was lost, particularly in the commissary
store house.
Nearly all the cellars in the city were filled with water.
The water was three feet higher than in the great overflow last spring.
Such an overflow as this has never been known before, or heard of by the
oldest inhabitants.
The mail was left at Columbus. When
it reaches here we may obtain further particulars.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 5, 1865, p. 4, c. 1
We have been so long accustomed to more than ordinary activity on the
streets, that when we look around now, we cannot help observe the contrast.
Business of all classes appears to be dull, money is stringent, and
buyers are few, almost to the entire exclusion of the retail business.
This is very natural, for communication with our city is almost an
impossibility, especially is it the case with the Louisiana trade.
Not only must they be getting short of supplies, but our merchants feel
the effects of that branch of business. We
hope soon to be able to announce a renewal of activity and thrift on our
streets. Indeed we heartily wish
it, for such a woe-be-gone class of individuals as our merchants appear to be,
could hardly be found in any other city this side of Richmond.
It is barely possible that some of our merchants may be tempted to join
the army in order to find something to do.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 5, 1865, p. 4, c. 1
We learn from late advices that affairs on the South-western frontier are
very unsettled. A spirit of
lawlessness is prevailing which, if not speedily checked, will, it is feared,
break out in an open rupture. The
civil law is almost a dead letter, for the want of power to enforce it, the
military force not being disposed to aid the civil authorities in enforcing the
laws. Gangs of men passing through
the country are in the habit of helping themselves to what they please without
let or hindrance.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 5, 1865, p. 4, c. 4
We are pleased to learn that J. W. S. Emerson, for several years
preceding the war a resident of this city, who became a member of Terry's Texas
Rangers at the organization of the regiment and was with them constantly until
his capture by the enemy on 29th of October, 1863, and from the 26th
of December, 1863, until the 3d of December, 1864, was confined at Rock Island
prison, made his escape from there, on the night of the last named date, and is
now safe outside the limits of the United States, and will return home by the
first favorable opportunity. Five
others, who attempted to escape the succeeding night, were recaptured and placed
in irons.
The following names are all he can recollect of those still detained in
prison. He thinks there were
altogether in prison of the 8th Texas cavalry about 24 of the 11th
Texas about 30 and several from the 4th and 5th Texas:
From Terry's Texas Rangers—Jo. Walker, Co.
G; P. S. Molton, Co. F; J. H. Wallace, J. F. Steward, Co. A; Joseph W.
Yerby, Chas. S. Bennett, ____
Cannon, Wm. R. Webb, Co. B; Daniel L. Russell, Co. C; R. T. Hill, _____ Smith,
Co. D; R. M. Wallace, Co. E; Polk, Childress, McAndrews, Co. G; Arthur
Huschfield, Albertson; W. W. Cox,
Co. H; J. F. Hall, Bunting, Co. I.
From 14th Texas Cavalry.—Bynum, Raulin, Evans, Sanford,
Smith, Lattimon, Burke, Beckam.
From 4th Texas.—M. H. Allis,
of Gonzales.
From 5th Texas.—Campbell and Tweed.
From 24th Texas.—Ben. F. King.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 5, 1865, p. 4, c. 5
Brownsville, March 24, 1865.
Mr. Editor:--Not long ago a speech was published calling upon the ladies
to hold meetings and pass resolutions not to receive the attentions of a certain
class of men. Since, I have noticed
(but not read through) one or two communications from ladies.
Lately, a man rarely makes a speech without extolling the patriotism of
the ladies and referring to "the noble sacrifices they have made during our
struggle for liberty." Do men
suppose sensible women will accept such a mass of flattery?
Allow me to tell you that the female croakers are as numerous as the male
croakers. If some ladies possessed
the power, President Davis' nose would have been wrung long ago!
Three classes of ladies deserve as much censure as any of the shirkers.
The first class may be found among the "soldiers' wives."
A few of this respectable denomination deem the magical appellation,
"soldier's wives," an exemption from all earthly accountabilities; nor
would it be surprising to hear of their using the expression as an entrance word
into the "Better Land."
The second class counterfeit a show of patriotism.
Their names head contribution lists.
They get up entertainments, visit hospitals, in a word, engage in every
condescending, charitable undertaking gotten up for the benefit of the poor
soldiers. The prompting motives are
various. Some are prompted by a
desire of introducing themselves and daughters to the magnates of the land; some
by a desire to get their husbands an appointment.
The third class have no greater ideas of patriotism than a pig!
No matter who rules nor who fights, if their wants are gratified and they
are allowed uninterrupted indolence.—Such need no comment.
Many women have sacrifices, being urged by necessity or avarice.
True also, there are many who are actuated by proper motives.
Women of the South, don't be deceived into believing that you have done
your whole duty. You have not.
But few of us have manifested that self-sacrificing nobleness and
patriotism so bombastically accredited to us.
I call upon you to examine your hearts.
See how many good deeds you have done without personal aim.
Young ladies, think of the [hole in paper] you have lavished on your
dresses to dazzler the eyes of a few brainless officers!
When you condescended to appear on a public stage, did you sacrifice your
dignity for the sake of the bleeding private, or to gain the adulation of a few
flattering golden calves? Kind
matrons, did you give the poor soldier a good dinner, and, in the mean time,
play the agreeable through motives of patriotism, or that your husband might get
a good horse trade from him. Avaricious
dame, did you give the private a few eggs and a pint of buttermilk, because you
loved him, or through patriotic motives, or to keep him from robbing your hen
roost. Alas! much of this show is like the painted sepulchre.
Patriotism is not a virtue that will expire in song and smoke.
Get up no bombastic meetings, make no grandiloquent resolutions.
When you do, you exceed the bounds of woman. Be truly christian women, relieving the destitute without
ostentation, and you will serve y our country, without departing from your
proper sphere.
Everalline.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 12, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
We are requested by the Post Mistress at Sweet Home, Lavaca county, to
say that a Concert and Tableaux vivant will be given at the Methodist Church in
that place, on the 11th inst., for the benefit of the soldiers.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 12, 1865, p. 2, c. 6
Morals
in Memphis—Official Recognition
and Regulation of Prostitution.
City Medical Inspection Department,
Mayor's Office, Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 30, '64.
[Private
Circular.]
All wonten of the town, in the city of Memphis and vicinity, whether
living in boarding houses, singly, or as kept mistresses, are notified that they
must hereafter be registered and make out weekly certificates.
Women who can show that they are living privately with a responsible
citizen of good character will be exempted from the weekly medical inspections
by calling weekly between 4 and 5 o'clock P.M., at the Mayor's office, and
paying the regular hospital fee. No
woman residing in a boarding house will be registered as a kept woman.
All other than such kept women, whether practicing prostitution regularly
or occasionally, be ordered to call on the city medical inspector at the private
office, second story over the confectionary store on the corner of Main and
Union streets, entrance through the store, or at No. 21 Union street, on any
afternoon between 4 and 5 o'clock, before the 10th of October, and
receive a medical certificate, for which two dollars and ninety cents will be
charged.
Or, women can receive the medical certificate at their homes by
requesting the medical inspector to visit them, and paying one dollar for the
visit. A note directed to lock box
201, Post office, giving the street and number, will be attended to.
On receiving the medical certificate, a ticket and registry must be
called for personally at the Mayor's office, for which ten dollars will be
charged.
The money received goes to the support of the private female wards in the
new city hospital on the corner of Exchange street and Front Row, into which
registered women are admitted at any time for any disease upon showing their
weekly certificate, are afforded all the privacy and comfort of a home, and
nursed by an experienced matron and female nurses, free from any cost or charge
whatever.
Street walking, soliciting, stopping or talking with men on the streets;
buggy or horseback riding for pleasure through the city in daylight; wearing a
showy, flash or immodest dress in public; any language or conduct which attracts
attention; visiting the public squares, the New Memphis Theater, or other resort
of ladies, are prohibited and forbidden.
Good conduct will insure relief from detective or police visits, exposure
or loss, and a violation of the orders will inevitably incur punishment.
Any woman of the town, public or private, found in the city or vicinity
after the 10th day of October, 1864, without her certificate of
registry and medical or exemption certificate, will be arrested by the police
and punished.
This circular is intended for the information of the women only, and must
not be shown or given to men.
By order of the Mayor,
John B. Gray, Register.
City Medical Insp. Department.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 12, 1865, p. 3, c. 2
A Noble Virginia Mother.—A correspondent of the South Carolinian sends
the following to that paper:
Messrs. Editors:--During my imprisonment at Point Lookout, I obtained the
annexed letter, written by a mother (a lady of Virginia) to her son—a
fellow-prisoner—a few days prior to his capture.
It has never been my good fortune to peruse a more patriotic and
inspiring effusion from the pen of any one.
While evincing every solicitude of the mother's heart, still it urges a
steadfast pursuit of duty; and portrays that Christian spirit that actuated the
Spartan mother, who exclaimed: "Come
with it, or on it, from the field." It
is as follows:
My Boy:--Your country is invaded by the ruthless foe.
His step is near your door. The
home of your birth is threatened. All
that you hold most dear is endangered. Go
and lend your help to drive him from your once happy land.
A mother's prayer will ascend on high daily and nightly, that God will
shield you from the hand of the enemy, and give you his all-sustaining grace to
brave, with Christian fortitude, the hardships you may be called on to endure.
Be firm—be strong—trust in the Lord, and He will bring you off more
than conqueror. My son, do not
swerve from duty, but, at the same time, be not rash.
Take care of yourself as far as lieth in your power, and, if you should
fall, I will bear all, if you can but exclaim in the last conflict:
"I am not afraid to die."
Go in peace, my dear one, I feel that God will be with you. My last words are, do not forget to pray.
Be not ashamed of Christ, and He will not be ashamed of you when He
maketh up His jewels.
Life is short at best. Soon,
very soon, if we prove faithful, we shall meet where the cruel foe cannot mar
our happiness and sever our union. God
bless you!
Your Mother.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 12, 1865, p. 3, c. 7
The
Great Flood.
San Antonio, March 31, 1865.
Dear News:--Believing that your readers will be interested in hearing of
the great disaster that has befallen many of the citizens of our city, I embrace
the opportunity of sending you a hasty pencil sketch.
At about 4 P.M., last Sunday, dark threatening clouds were seen gathering
in the Northwest; frequent and vivid flashes of lightning, with now and then
rumbling peals of heavy thunder were also heard in the same quarter.
In the course of an hour these sombre looking clouds swept around more to
the North, where they hung dark and ominous.
About this time, say 5 o'clock P.M., clouds of a similar character had
gathered in huge masses and overspread the North-eastern Heavens, and seemed to
be rolling to the front in grand battle array towards their fellow clouds parted
in the North. The darkness came on
with rapid pace, I remarked to friends present that a heavy storm was brewing.
The wind had been blowing gently in short gusts from the South—now it
almost died away—a solemn stillness reigned; it was that ominous silence which
so often precedes the gathering storm. Suddenly
the wind sprang up from the North, like a foe in ambush.
The atmosphere which but a moment before was almost sultry, all at once
became chilled. The wind whistled
and howled through the tree tops. The
two sets of clouds had rolled and mingled together like the giant parts of two
mighty armies in the death grapple. A
few vivid flashes of lightning; a few heavy peals of crashing thunder; soon
large scattering drops of rain accompanied with hailstones and powerful gusts of
wind, indicated that the war of elements had commenced in alarming earnest.
The rain poured down in mad blinding sheets of water, mingled with hail
and strong Northern blasts.
"The lightning's red glare, painted hell on the sky!"
while the roar of Heaven's artillery kept time to the terrible storm.
Such a flood of rain and hail, as poured down upon the quiet inhabitants
of the San Antonio valley, on that holy Sabbath evening and night; has not been
witnessed since the year 1820.
It was a perfect deluge of [fold in paper], when the clouds began to
break away. Long before this hour, however, hundreds of our citizens had
been turned out of doors, and several had been drowned. Large fine houses had been washed down by the rapid rise and
overflow of the river; they had been swept away as if constructed of corn-cobs.
White men and women had climbed trees to save their lives.
Women, with little children in their arms, had struggled through seas of
water, to find dry land and a shelter from the storm—shrieks and screams
pierced the air—the elements raged overhead, while a seeming ocean of angry
waters went rushing over the earth.—I have never seen just such a sight
before, and hope I may never have to behold it again.
The next morning revealed the desolation made by the flood.
House after house had been washed down, and their fragments and contents,
scattered along the banks of the river for miles.—Valuable furniture reduced
to a perfect wreck—bedding, bedclothes, and clothing in promiscuous
profusion—trees torn up by the roots and washed away.
Bridges and fences had disappeared in the twinkling of an eye—beautiful
yards and gardens had been shorn of their shrubbery, and vegetables receiving in
return nothing but thick deposits of black mud.
Persons who had comfortable happy homes only the evening before, now
beheld a mass of ruins.
The water was twenty-six inches higher than the great rise of last June.
It is ascertained that not less than twenty dwellings have been washed
away, besides a large number of other out buildings.
The damage to property of all descriptions, can hardly be calculated; it
is certainly very great. The storm
was one that will long be remembered in the Alamo City.
The quantity of rain which fell at the head of the river, and upon the
Alamo, is supposed to be even greater than that which fell in the city.
Three bodies have already been recovered—more are yet reported missing.
Mr. Joseph Anderson's mill, six miles below the city, was completely
destroyed. The San Antonio powder
works were seriously damaged. Truly
yours,
Alamo.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 12, 1865, p. 4, c. 1
We call attention to Dr. Gilbert's Prospectus for a new weekly paper in
this city. Dr. G. has been
extensively and favorably known to the public by his valuable contributions to
the Telegraph, over the signature of "H. P." or "High
Private." Our readers will at
once infer from the Prospectus, that the "Texas Weekly Record" will
not be a mere transcript of the general news, but will be a "peculiar"
and original paper and as such will serve to give an agreeable variety to the
very limited journalism of the State. "H.
P." has our best wishes for the success of his new enterprise.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 1, c. 2
March 29, 1865.
W. Richardson:--Sir:--Permit an old friend of your valuable paper to drop
you a few lines to let you know how things are being done in Northwestern Texas.
. . .
My husband and brothers have been in the service nearly ever since the
war began, and I have had as hard a hard a time as most soldier's wives, and yet
I do not complain, I set this down as my rule at the start, to do all in my
power for our glorious country, and the needy soldiers that I have fed and
furnished in clothing and blankets gratis, can best tell if I have deviated from
my rule. I told my husband when he
volunteered, that the last goods we purchased in a store averaged, calico 15
cents per yard; domestic 8 cents; shoes $1.25, &c, and that I never intended
to buy any more goods until we gained our independence, or until I could buy
them at the same prices in Confederate money.
With the help of my son, 12 years old, my daughter and myself, we plow
and make my own support for a family of seven, and this year I hope to have
something to spare to the government in the way of bread for our army; and if
every one would follow the same rule that I do, there would not be near so many
on the indigent list, and would not be cursed with deserters in our midst.
If my husband, dear as he is to me, was so lost to the honor that fills
the breast of every true Southerner, as to desert his post, I would disown him,
and sue for a divorce and petition the Legislature to change the names of my
children so that they would not have to bear the name of a deserter.
Secession.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 1, c. 7
Proposed
Prayer Meetings.
Galveston, April 10, 1865.
At a meeting of the Army Church of this Garrison, it was moved and
adopted that we set apart the hour between 10 and 11 o'clock of each and every
Saturday morning, as a time of a general prayer meeting, the object of which is
to solemnly invoke the blessings of Almighty God upon the cause in which we are
now engaged as a people, and that we request our soldiers and citizens
throughout the country to unite their petitions with ours, humbly and reverently
addressed to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, that He may continue to smile
upon us in our righteous endeavors to secure our independence and peace.
That we respectfully ask a publication of this resolution in the Army
Messenger, and all of our Houston papers.
H. M. Glass,
April 14, 1865.
Acting Post Chaplain, Galveston.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
Gonzales County, March 5, 1865.
Ed. News:--It is rather a difficult matter to give directions for
extemporizing machinery for the manufacture of tobacco, and describe the
process, and at the same time, make oneself fully understood.
Ocular demonstration alone will subserve this end.
Preparations for manufacturing tobacco in good style, would be attended
with too much trouble and expense at this time, and hence my reasons for making
at home, all the necessary preparations for "putting it up" in a
second rate manner.
1st. The
"prize" or compressing power may be made by cutting a large mortise
through a medium size tree, 10 or 12 inches in length and about 6 in diameter;
then take 15 or 20 feet of a small tree, and cut a tenon on the butt end that
will fit loosely in this mortise; this will serve for your "prize."
2d. Have a strong box made, and well braced by clasps on all its
sides, one of which must be left without being nailed on, and underneath your
lever, near the tree, make a firm platform for the box to sit on.
3d. Have your tobacco in "good case;" stem it, and make
into rolls two inches in thickness, and equal in length to the width of the box.
This rolling process I can't describe, so as to be fully comprehended.
Most men will have no difficulty about it, I presume.
Next, expose your rolls to the sun until they are dry enough to compress
without crumbling; then put them into the box, each layer as close as possible,
and across one another, until the box is filled, then put in the head of the
box, and let the weight of the lever upon it, by means of blocks under the
lever, and suspend weight to the end of the lever, until the rolls are reduced
to one-fifth of their original thickness. Then
take out the tobacco, and grease each plug with a flannel cloth saturated with
sweet oil. In manufacturer's
parlance, this is called "pressing," and if a very thin, smooth piece
of plank were placed between each layer, they would add much to the smoothness
of the "plugs." Now, nail
the remaining side of the box, put in the tobacco as before, (I am presuming
enough has been already "pressed" to fill your box) leaving out the
thin planks, if used, and again put on your weight until the plugs are about
one-sixth or seventh of their original thickness. Nail in the head and the work is done.
I should have remarked that tobacco may be sweetened when desired, by
dissolving sugar or liquorice, and sprinkling well the leaf before it is
"stemmed." The liquorice
must be dissolved over a slow fire. Much
sweetening blackens tobacco, and causes a tendency to mould.
If these directions are closely followed, and your tobacco prove
deficient, you may attribute the defects to the inferiority of the article used,
as no "fine" tobacco can be raised in a country where but little dew
falls during the season for ripening. Heavy
dews give weight and richness to tobacco, and the flavor is produced by
successful firing or curing.
J. F. W.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
We invite our lady readers to peruse the article from one of their own
sex, under the caption, "What more can the women do?"—We think the
suggestions deserve their attention. It
is for them to decide whether Southern ladies shall abandon their homes, in
order to relieve and carry consolation to the sick and wounded soldiers of our
country, now suffering in hospitals. Aside
from that peculiar adaptation of the female mind to perceive and provide for the
wants of the sick, and which renders them the best of nurses, the very presence
of a female by the side of the suffering soldier, never fails to have a soothing
and encouraging effect upon the mind, and every well informed physician knows
how readily the mind acts upon the physical system. At this moment there are thousands of Confederate soldiers
lingering in hospitals who would give all they possess on earth to have their
wants kindly enquired after, and supplied by some female attendant by their bed
side. Can any one doubt that many
thousands of our poor soldiers have suffered and gone to their long homes for
the want of such nursing? Home,
with all its endearing associations, is constantly in the thoughts of the poor
wounded soldier, while suffering far remote from his friends and relatives; and
to many the painful reflection, that they have no kind friend to care for them,
is even more agonizing than their physical sufferings.
Nature has constituted woman to supply this want, to an extent far beyond
the power of any physician, or any male attendant.
The question is: Does the
emergency of our country require that the women of the South should now offer
their invaluable services for the relief our sick and suffering soldiers?
It is for our patriotic ladies to determine and answer this question.
We believe no measure has been or can be devised, so well calculated to
inspire renewed enthusiasm in our army, as the one proposed, showing our
soldiers that the women of the South are willing to make such sacrifices for
their welfare.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 3, c. 2
Nick of the Woods.—This exciting drama has been played during the week
at the Houston Theatre with marked success and was received with enthusiastic
approbation by audiences composed of the very elite of the city.
The play was admirably put on the stage and notwithstanding the contre-temps
which invariable attends the first production of a piece of complicated
action—was rendered in a manner highly creditable to all concerned.
We understand that the management intend to follow up the scenes by the
production of such other novelties as are suitable to the strength of the
company and the taste of the public, of which we believe that "The Corsican
Brothers" and the "Last day of Pompeii" will shortly be
announced. The "Nick of the
Woods" will be repeated to night and we hope to see another crowded house.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 3, c. 2
We have received from the San Antonio Herald Office, two of the first
books of the series of Elementary School Books being published by the
"Herald Publishing Company." One
of these is a reprint of Noah Webster's Spelling Book, and its perusal reminds
us of our earliest school days, when Webster's Spelling Book was in the hands of
every school child. We doubt
whether there has been much improvement made on it since.
This re-print is neatly executed. "The
Texas Primer" is intended for the youngest children, and is interspersed
with appropriate cuts. We believe
the publishers make no professions of originality, but they appear to show good
judgment in the adaptation of their selections to Southern Schools.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 3, c. 4
Squire
Smoothly's 28th Letter.
His observations on the Great Freshet, and his
ideas in regard to the Subsistence and Police of
the country—Mrs. Kincaid has been a heroine
in the Storm, and now favors us with an
original poem.
Brushy Fork of Sandies, April 6th, 1865.
Ed. News:--Compliments and greeting being understood, I take pen in hand
to write you these.
The high waters has stopped the mails and one a power of damage, and such
another freshet haint been in these parts, since I first settled, now thirty
years gone. It hath pleased the Lord to visit us with a mighty flood,
fences has been washed away, and whole fields kivered knee deep in sand, and
some places, houses gone and gardens destroyed, and fowls and small stock
drownded, and things wrecked—ridiculous.
But these are trifles when we think of poor lone weemin and thar
childring swept suddent to thar death, and one mother and her two little ones
fills one grave, and they was lost over on the ten mile Colette, but I have no
heart to write about it, and you will see all in the newspapers.
The ways of Providence are mysterious, but what sayeth the Book—See
Job. "For he looketh to the
ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven, to make the weight of the
winds, and he weigheth the waters by measure, when He made a decree for the
rain, and a way for the lightning of thunder."
"And unto man he said, behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to depart from evil is understanding."
And such visitations is necessary, or they wouldn't be sent, for we know
"He doth not willingly afflict the children of men." And my prayer for all is that we may duly consider to
continue in the fear of the Lord, and depart from all evil—Amen.
In regard to public affairs, it may be fittin that by the means of your
newspaper, our rulers be informed of the condition of things in this section, of
haply a remedy may be found for much evil.
Now the trouble is the whole men force of the country is gone, and the
Reserve Core taken the last, except old men and cripples, and sickly and the
like, and seems hundreds of soldiers has broke loose from their commands, and is
now rampagin around, a helpin of themselves to what they want and the weemin
afeard to refuse them, and no eend to robbin and horse stealin; and when men
oncet gives in to desert thar duty, no tellin whar to stop.
And, again, the takin of the Reserve Core has left many destitute and no
protection, and now the storm has destroyed the corn and fences gone, hits hard
on the families. The weemen could
make a shift a pitchin of a crap with broke animals, but when it comes to maulin
of rails, and ropein and breakin of horses and cattle on the parary, the weemin
are clean beat, and old men and childring no better.
Now, it seems to all, that thars already more men in our Texas army than
is doin of any good, and the officers cant control them they got, much less feed
and provide for them like men ought to get it, and no force left in the country
to arrest evil doers and put down onmannerly conduct.
Some contends that the big river planters will make enough to feed all;
and free to admit their liberality has been beyond praise, but, friends and
brethering, see what you do—hits mighty hard on them that has been raised to
make thar own living, beholden to none, to be dependent on strangers for their
bread, and oncet you broke down the self-respect and independence of the people,
see to it, or mayhap you got a population of paupers on your hands for time to
come.
Let our statesmen and generals consider this matter, and ef thars a
remedy, let it be applied in time. What
sayeth the proverb, "A prudent man forseeth the evil and hideth himself,
but the simple pass on and are punished."
And ef my idees are wrong, and hits necessary to the good cause to send
all into camps, at the least people will be better reconciled, and bar all in
faith and patience, being satisfied the rulers were informed, and knowin of the
facts, was actin for the best.
Business on the farm being very urgent at this time, and all to do and
small force to do it, I am onable to discuss other pints, but now the subject is
broke, I hope others that has leisure may be induced to give thar idees.
Mrs. Kincaid her and Jasper acted well in the storm, and the bay mare she
swims powerfull, and onder Providence thars some owes thar lives to Sarey
Kincaid and that animal, but she forbids me and wont let me say no more, and she
has wrote poetry about it; and I dont consate myself a judge of such, but can
onderstand it every word, which is a great adantage in the readin of poetry.
So I will close these few lines with a copy of the poetry, which all
hopes to see it in your newspaper. With
best regards, yours to command,
Jasper Smoothly.
The
Reserve Corps.
By S. Jane Kincaid.
On Sunday night, of
March the last,
There came a storm, thank God it's past,
The lightnings flashed, the thunders roared,
The driving rains, a deluge poured,
And women weep, and babes deplore
Our absent men, the Reserve Corps—
Oh! come again, our well tried men,
Our trusty friends, the Reserve Corps.
'Twas sorry sight
on Monday morn,
Where lately peeped the tender corn,
A desert waste of drifted sand,
And cattle drowned defile the land,
The fences gone, the teams dead poor,
Who'll now keep hunger from the door?
Oh! come again, our well tried men,
Our trusty friends, the Reserve Corps.
We scarce had time
the wreck to view,
When gathering clouds our fears renew—
The Tuesday night again it poured,
The lighnings flashed, the thunders warred,
And midnight horrors chilled our blood,
As piercing rose o'er roaring flood,
O'er thunders loud and crashing wood
The helpless shriek of fell despair,
High shrill and wild upon the air,
As drowning mother sought to save
Her infant from a watery grave,
As swift the flood to death it bore,
No arms to save, no Reserve Corps—
Oh, come again, our well tried men,
Our trusty friends, the Reserve Corps.
On Brush Fork, and
far out West,
No woman now lies down to rest,
But fears harass of storm and flood,
Or straggler armed, dark men of blood,
Who take at will our little store
No man at home to keep the door,
All absent now, the Reserve Corps,
Oh, come again, our well tried men,
Our trusty men, the Reserve Corps.
You ladies soft,
who sit at ease,
Your only task yourselves to please,
Just think of those on Brushy Fork,
Whom day but calls to care and work,
Pray drive the youngsters to the field,
And leave the wife her trust and shield—
'Gainst skulking idlers close your door,
And fathers to their babes restore,
And send us back our Reserve Corps,
Oh, let's have again our well tried men,
Our trusty friends, the Reserve Corps.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 3, c. 5
What
More can the Women Do?
Ed. News:--In this, our day of need, when our country calls for
aid—even the aid of our slaves—cannot the women of the South do something?
Must we be content with knitting a few socks and attending to our
domestic duties, clothing those of our own household—surely commendable
employment—but have not good women before and since the days of Solomon done
the same? Our country must, and by
the help of God, shall be free from Yankee domination!
She is now bleeding at every pore. Can
we not aid in binding up her wounds? Yes, women though we be, weak and timid as the women of the
South proverbially are, when there is real danger and real need, we can show
ourselves both strong and brave. You
may ask what more can our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters do for our
armies than they have done? Have
they not given parties, concerts, tableaux and suppers, and sent clothing and
money to our soldiers and hospitals? Have
then not held up the finger of scorn at the shirkers from duty, and the
"healthy, young men in offices which might be filled by the aged and
infirm?
My countrywomen, had we not better first cast the beam out of our own
eyes, that we may see clearly to pull the mote out of our brother's eyes?
Are there no Florence Nightingales in the South?
I shudder to think of the thousands of soldiers who have died since this
war commenced for want of woman's gentle care.
Let our Surgeons be assisted by the noble women and the faithful slaves
of the South, and how many thousands of able men who are now lounging around our
hospitals might be sent into the field. "Ordered
to the hospital" falls now on the ears of our poor, suffering soldiers like
the knell of death. How different
would be their feelings if assured of finding there gentle hands and soft words,
reminding them of home, of peace, purity and Heaven!
It is true, woman's duties bind her to her home—mothers should not
leave their children—many deplore their inability to do something for their
country; many are free, ready and willing, if they only had the way pointed out.
Women are timid and too often require a guide in an untrodden path of
duty. One more united and vigorous
effort and we will be free—go where duty calls—think not what you shall eat
or what you shall wear. "The
laborer is worthy of his hire." You
will not be forgotten by those who pray for the sick, wounded and imprisoned
soldiers. Would that I were gifted
with melting, burning words, I would not rest until I had infused into the heart
of every man, woman and child in our Confederacy a spirit of hatred and eternal
resistance to Yankee cupidity and tyranny.
Yes, I repeat, we will be free, but we are required first to give up our
idols, and to acknowledge the just chastisement of a jealous God.
M.
Austin, Texas, April 10th, 1865.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 3, c. 7
Galveston, April 15, 1865.
Ed. News:--We have had neither a blockade runner, flag of truce boat, or
an underground dispatch, for some four days—so that there is nothing (not
contraband) in the way of news for the "News." . . . Outside of naval
and military circles, Galveston is still comparatively dull.
The market is fully supplied with goods, but money is not abundant, and
people only buy such things as they need. We
have numerous schools—a dozen at least—and there are many pupils.
The churches are kept open regularly and are largely attended.
The health of both soldiers and citizens is good.
Although our dwellings no longer receive their former annual adornment of
paint, nature has been bountiful in her supply of chrystal [sic] water, and the
trees, shrubs and flowering plants have put on an array to which that of Solomon
in all his glory was nothing. As
gentle Spring soon obliterates the ravages of winter, so peace must shortly
efface those of war, in Texas, at least, where the recuperative energies of the
people, like those of nature, are more powerful than those of older countries.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 4, c. 5
Editor of News:--Last Thursday some eight or ten wagons, from Cypress
settlement, Harris county, on their way home from Houston, were attacked, near
Cypress Depot, by some soldiers of Gould's and Hardeman's command.
Many of these men were on their way up the country to take their horses
home, others were deserters going the same way.
The first wagon they attacked was that of an aged widow lady, Mrs. Hirsh,
a mother of seven children; they presented a knife and pistol to her breast and
demanded her money—"Spare my life," she cried, "and I will give
you all," and she handed to them all she had.
The next wagon was that of Mrs. Rhats, an aged widow lady.
After being treated in the same manner, and after she handed them her
money, the scoundrels searched even her clothes for some more.
Then a few old men were treated in the same way, and lastly, Mr. Zahn, of
the 2d Texas regiment—himself a poor soldier—he, alas, fared no better!
The robbers belonged to Red River county, and our people would do well to
be on their guard against such men, and never go to market without guns or
six-shooters.
It is hard to tell what will come next.
Our German settlers have at all times been liberal and friendly to
soldiers. Of late these midnight
prowlers and deserters have abused them very much, sometimes from four to seven
men stopping at one house, and all without pay, where the farmer had to buy his
corn. Our people desire to know
whether they are obliged to feed in this manner any deserter who comes along, without
papers. If our farmers keep on
feeding them, they have an easy road to travel, and we hope Gen. Magruder will
do something for us in this line.
P.A.M.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 4, c. 5
Savannah and Its Surroundings.—Savannah is surrounded on all sides by
the most beautiful scenery. A
Cincinnati Commercial correspondent, describing it, asserts that the word
Savannah dials the whole face of the surrounding country, and the city itself
reminds one of the scenery and grandeur and romance of Italy.
The correspondent writes of the city:
In the piping days of peace—and in those days there were
statistics—its population numbered thirty thousand souls; but to day not more
than two-thirds of that number could be mustered in or out.
No city in the rebellion has contributed more lavishly to the support of
a wicked war; and, as the fruits thereof, is more humiliated, or humble, or sad. On the street, at church, or in the drawing-room, nearly
every lady you meet is dressed in black—love's sackcloth and ashes for the
lost! The penitence of a thief, who
has been caught stealing sheep, and sentenced to the penitentiary for his shame,
is even more respectable than the long faces and sorrowful mien worn by the male
inhabitants, "the noble chivalry of the South!"
And the little children (Heaven bless 'em!) do honor to their royal blood
by singing the beautiful Southern stanza:
"Jeff Davis rides a very fine horse,
And Lincoln rides a mule;
Jeff Davis is a gentleman,
And Lincoln is a fool!"
The city plot is as remarkable as the effect of it is enchanting.
The streets run parallel throughout the length and breadth of the city,
and on every street there is a perfect square, with its little park, enclosed
with iron railings. When the trees
put on their robes of spring, and the flowers open to the light of its sun,
these parks become fragrant bowers, full of singing birds and of floral
offerings. There are thirty of
these parks or squares in the city.
South Broad street in Savannah is the most beautiful, with its four rows
of sycamores and live oaks and magnolias, and its lawn of green in the center. Bull street is the most fashionable, as it is the one which
leads to Forsyth Place; and the monuments, and the many churches are on that
street—a fact that the young ladies do not forget when they promenade.
Jones street is the most aristocratic, as far as private residences and
elegant surroundings are concerned, and no doubt it represents as much wealth as
any other. Bay street is the avenue
of business in the city, and where the cotton merchants had their well finished
counting rooms and warehouses. It
runs parallel with the river, and commands splendid views in South Carolina.
The whole city is imported; the manufacture of mechanics and merchants
from the North and the old world. It
has a town clock, an organized fire department, and is not without gas light.
The public buildings, the warehouses, the depots, and many of the private
residences, will compare with those of New York or Washington.
Though there are other beauties distinguishing the city above all others
of the South, among those that have a peculiar charm are the cemeteries.
All have equal claims, but we have room for description of only two.
West of the city, and the receptacle of its dead, is the Laurel Grove
Cemetery. It is a holy place; beautiful in its wealth of living trees
and blooming flowers, and there are many honored graves within its pale.
Among them is the tomb of Re. Dr. Neuville, a celebrated Episcopal
minister of Christ Church; Hon. John M. Berrien, a member of Jackson's Cabinet
and a United States Senator from Georgia; Judge Robert M. Charleton, at one time
Judge of the Supreme Court, and a member of the Senate at Washington, and many
other men illustrious in their day. And
there is a handsome monument erected over the remains of Gen. Francis S. Barrow,
of Savannah, who was killed at the first battle of Manassas, and brought home
for burial. A brave man, no doubt
he was, and chivalric he may have been; but now that he fills a traitor's grave,
it ought to be so marked, if marked at all.
About four miles from Savannah, on the Vernon river, lying east of the
city, Bonaventure Cemetery, the most weird place I ever visited.
It includes ten acres of land; is overgrown with live oak, the limbs of
which are hung with Spanish moss; and the drooping evergreens, murmuring river,
and grand, gloomy and peculiar surroundings combine to make Bonaventure the most
irretrievably dismal spot in the world. It
was formerly owned by the Tatnall family, relatives of Commodore Tatnall, of the
rebel navy, and is now the property of Mr. W. M. Witberger, of Savannah.
In Montgomery Square, and where the lamented nobleman fell, there is a
beautiful monument erected to the memory of County Pulaski, of the revolution.
The stone is the purest Italian marble, and the inscriptions thereon are
appropriate and classical.
In Johnson Square there is a monument erected to the memory of Gen.
Nathaniel Green. Both of these
monuments are enclosed with iron railing, and their corner stones were laid by
Lafayette on the 21st day of March, 1825, while he was on a visit to
the city. Ornamental and
instructive as they are, no rude hand should deface the monument or do aught to
mar the consecrated rest of the illustrious dead.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 3, c. 6
Gonzales Co., Texas, March 25, 1865.
Ed. News:--Having given you directions for raising tobacco plants, it may
not be unprofitable, at this time, to go a step farther, and give you directions
for cultivating and curing the staple.
If you wish to raise an article of mild quality, not too coarse and
strong for home use, select, if practical, a tolerably thin soil, (new land
greatly to be preferred,) and after having thoroughly broken it up, lay it off
into rows four feet apart, and have your tobacco hills made upon these furrows
at a distance of three and a half feet. The
hills should be about one-half the size of potato hills, free from clods, leaves
&c. Bear in mind that sandy
land will not suit for tobacco; I need not stop to give reasons.
Any time during the latter part of April or the month of May, when your
hills are damp enough, and the larger leaves of your plants have attained a
diameter of two inches, you may transplant, taking care not to press the earth
too hard around the plants, thereby causing it (the earth) to "bake."
Cover the plants with a small quantity of moss, leaves or grass, which
will insure them to live. No
further cultivation is necessary, until your plants are fifteen or eighteen
inches in height and contain from fourteen to sixteen leaves, at which time you
will skim off the surface of the hills and pull off from two to four of the
leaves of all plants containing the number above mentioned, and pluck out the
bud, leaving not more than eight or ten leaves.
This is called "topping," which should be continued until every
plant is topped, save those retained for producing seed.
Keep your tobacco clear of weeds and grass with the hoe, and when the
large green tobacco worms make their appearance, have them destroyed every three
or four days. When your plants get well
ripe, which may be known by the deep yellow, spotted and brittle appearance
they assume, have them cut. This is
done by splitting the stalk six or eight inches down, and then by cutting off
near the ground. Let the tobacco
lie where it is cut until it is well wilted, when it must be collected and hung
upon sticks five or six feet in length; these sticks are then hung close
together upon a scaffold just high enough to allow the tips of the tobacco
leaves to touch the grass or weeds on the ground.
Here the tobacco should hang until it attains a deep yellow color.
This usually requires from four to seven days for ripe tobacco, longer
for green.
Presuming that not enough tobacco will be raised by any one to justify
curing it after the manner most approved in Virginia or North Carolina, I shall
not trouble you with any account of that process; but suppose our Texas tobacco
will be cured by the sun, and if so, it should be exposed to the sun by degrees,
allowing the points of the leaves to dry first; this should be done slowly and
gradually by separating it on the scaffold; it will require not less than two
weeks to cure it well. There is
danger of drying out all the essential properties of the weed, thus leaving it
like much we see little better than chaff.
When your tobacco is cured, leaf and stem, hang it carefully under a
shelter, and there let it remain until it gets into case, at which time have the
leaves stripped from the stalk, and then, it will be better to take the stem out
of the leaf, as this prevents the latent sap, from leaving the stem and falling
back into the leaf, thus greatly injuring it.
Your tobacco is now in using or manufacturing condition, but as I fear
this article is already tedious, I must defer saying any thing on that process,
and close.
I.F.W.
P.S. I omitted to mention the pulling off of all
"sukers" before they get over two or three inches long.
I.F.W.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 4, c. 7
A report was brought here by the Western or Alleyton train, night before
last, to the effect that Mr. John L. Williams has been robbed of some $52,000
belonging to the State and $2000 of his own money.
Mr. Williams has been acting as Agent for the State in the [illegible]
position of State Cotton, and was on his way from Brownsville to Austin.
He traveled in company with Major Dickinson and Captain Ransom as far as
Beeville, and from Beeville to Goliad he had only one gentleman to accompany
him. One report states that at
Goliad he employed a guard to go with him to Clinton, but that he discharged the
guard when within three or four miles of Clinton, thinking them no longer
necessary. All the accounts concur
in stating that he was within a mile or two of Clinton when he was attacked by
fourteen armed men.
One account states that when these men demanded his money, he shot the
one nearest him when he was fired on and wounded in the leg.
He was then bound with a rope and made to tell where his money was, which
they immediately got and left.
The substance of this report is confirmed by different passengers.
Mr. Mann came on the same train, being direct from San Antonio, and he
met Mr. Nugent going from Goliad to San Antonio.
Mr. Nugent informed him that while in Goliad he saw a letter from Mr.
Williams, writing from Clinton, and stating the above facts.
Mr. Nugent and Mr. Wm. Mann are both two well known to leave any doubt of
the robbery. Other passengers state
that they saw some armed men in pursuit of the robbers, who represented the same
particulars. Mr. Mann informs us
that he heard the same facts from different persons on the road.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 19, 1865, p. 4, c. 6
[From
the Army Argus and Crisis, Mobile]
To the Women of Alabama and Mississippi.
We write under a deep sense of responsibility.
The fate of our country is suspended on the events of a few short months. By virtue of prompt, earnest, faithful effort, we may be
redeemed from a fate worse than death, and our country may be blessed with peace
and free Government. If we sleep,
or if we meanly and ignobly refuse to listen to the calls of our struggling,
bleeding land, we may plunge into a yawning abyss of degradation, ruin and
misery, and fall like the darkened star to rise no more.
In this fearful issue, no class of human beings have so much at stake as
the women of the South. There are
truths—there are threatened evils which we are not permitted to describe, but
which all good and well informed ladies can imagine for themselves.
It may be asked, what of all this? And
what can the women do for the country? We
answer, before God, we believe they can do more than all the men—more than all
the armies of the South can do, if these armies are left wholly without your
aid. Come, honored daughters of
this land, come and let us reason together for one moment.
You ask, do we want your jewelry and plate to redeem the currency?
No, no! We can pay our debts
once we are free, and our commerce is restored.
What we want is infinitely more precious than jewelry.
What we want is not the redemption of the currency, but the redemption of
our homes, our fair fields, our altars and temples!
In different ages of the world heroic and patriotic women have sacrificed
at the shrine of their country's safety and honor.
The mothers of ancient Israel, of Sparta and of Rome, have left an
important record of what true womanhood can do for their own land in the hour of
its peril.
Come, then, women of these great Commonwealths, rise to the grandeur and
dignity of this time of peril, and leave on the pages of our history a proud and
glorious record of the spirit and deeds of Southern women.
Know then, that more than one-third of the whole number of soldiers whose
names are on the rolls are not in the army with their brethren, ready to defend
you and to beat back the foe; but they are absent without leave, loafing,
skulking, or hiding from duty! Know
further, that this state of things would be simply impossible, if public opinion
at home did not tolerate this shameless desertion of duty.
Never would these straggling soldiers remain a single week at home, in
the criminal desertion of their flag, if the women of the country would take the
matter in hand.
For this purpose it is only necessary for you to exert the power with
which Providence has invested you. The
way to exert this power is plain. Let
the principal and elderly ladies of each community assemble, and give some
suitable and becoming form to an earnest appeal to every absent soldier, and to
each skulker from duty, to repair at once to the army.
Call upon these truant men to go forth to your defence.
And then resole, and make the resolution public, that you will not
recognize, or receive into your social circles, any man who is improperly absent
from his command, or who evades the proper service of his country.
Let this be done generally, and 40,000 soldiers will be added to our
ranks! Let that number increase our
forces, and we are redeemed! Your
country will be free! The war will
end.
Let some one city or town set the example.
The let city answer to country, and town to hamlet.
Oh, will you not do this much? It
may save your children from manacles, your old men from slaughter, your homes
from desolation, your daughters from violence, your country from ruin! Will you not do only this much?
If not, "your house may be left to you desolate!"
Will Columbus, Miss., or Montgomery, or Selma, or Aberdeen, or
Tuscaloosa, or Mobile, or Jackson, or Demopolis, have the spirit to set the
example?
No human being can object to this being done.
No woman, who is worthy of being called a woman, can reasonably object to
prescribing a rule in her social intercourse, dictated by a sense of justice and
public virtue. No man, of whatever
name, or age, or position, can object to such action on the part of Southern ladies.
Will they—Oh will they only aid their endangered country in this simple
mode?
If they do not, history may record that their influence was thus invoked,
and they refused to exert it!
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 1, c. 2
No Joke.—The reader might suppose the following was a revival of an old
joke, but we assure him its publication is perfectly serious:
Confederate States of America, P. O. Department, Richmond, Jan. 31st.,
1865.—Arrangements have been made to secure the carrying of a mail by express,
to and fro, across the Mississippi river, once a week, with greater rapidity
than heretofore; and notice is hereby given to the public, so as to enable those
interested to avail themselves of this means of communication.
Letters and sealed packages sent from the east to the west side of the
Mississippi should be marked on the margin, "By Express Mail, via Meridian
or Brandon, Mississippi." Those
coming from the west to the east of the Mississippi, should be marked, "By
Express Mail, via Shreveport or Alexandria, Louisiana," and the postage
should be prepaid at the rate of 40 cents for the single letter of half an ounce
or less. Arrangements have also
been made to secure the transmission of newspapers, pamphlets, etc., each way
across the Mississippi, when sent in the usual way through the mail.
John H. Reagan, P. M. Gen.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 1, c. 4
Atlanta.—But few buildings have as yet been erected in Atlanta.
There is no material of which to construct residences, except that in the
winter quarters of the Yankee troops, and these are being torn down as fast as
possible and used for building purposes. The
roads leading to the city are filled with people returning to their old homes,
and it is thought there will not be accommodations enough for one fourth of the
persons going back. There are a
good many provision stores in the place. But
few dry goods have as yet been offered for sale.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 1, c. 7
Country Girls.—The local editor of the Augusta (Ga.) Register, who has
been for some time past, rusticating in the agricultural regions of Georgia,
writes about "country girls" as follows:
"These country girls, my 'Devil' are a different material from what
your bewitched eye meet on Broad street every day.
They may not sport as gaudy feathers, and their dresses may not drag
through quite as much mud; but for cooking a dinner, climbing a fence, or acting
the jockey, your city girls can't touch them.
And then, my dear 'Old Nick,' their dresses are something to talk about.
Look at one we see here. Did
you ever see a more comely poplin than she wears?
Now examine it more closely, and you will find it home manufacture—spun
and woe by the hands of the fair wearer. Yes,
they are the architects of their own dresses, and, my word for it, they are
fitted to help any worthy man to become the architect of his fortune."
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 1, c. 7
On Tuesday morning last a Mexican train was robbed, near the Sabinal, by
about twenty-five men. They went to
the camp about dawn and represented themselves to be Confederate States
soldiers, in search of a deserter. After
a pretended examination, the teamsters were disarmed and were told that they
were under arrest. The train was
then robbed of silver, variously estimated at from $25,000 to $30,000, belonging
to W. A. Bennett, A. S. Kottwitz, D. W. Hearn, and others of this city.
The robbers were all well mounted on fine American horses, and the wagon
master thought they were all Americans, except one, whom he recognized to be a
Mexican.—San Antonio News.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
All we can say of the dispatches we give our readers to-day, is that they
are so bad that there is little danger that even the Yankees can send us
anything worse. It seems quite difficult to question the truth of all the
material facts, and all that is now left for us to do is to prove to the enemy,
that a nation of eight millions of freemen are capable of prosecuting a war of
self-defense indefinitely for generations to come and are determined to do so,
sooner than accept terms that would disgrace a nation of slaves.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
The appeal made by Mrs. Mohl to the ladies of the Confederacy, cannot
fail to produce a good effect. We
believe the ladies of our country only desire to know in what way they can best
serve the great cause of Southern independence, in order to insure their prompt
action. We do not recollect of a single instance in which the ladies
have been called upon for aid, where they have not promptly responded.
Indeed their patriotism in our present great struggle, is far more
disinterested and prompt to act than that of our own sex.
They are more governed by feeling and instinct, and their instinct, as a
general rule, is far more to be depended on in great and trying emergencies,
than the cold and calculating reason of men.
It will be seen that Mrs. Mohl endorses her patriotic appeal to others,
by her own example, and we cannot doubt the response will commensurate with her
most sanguine hopes.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
A private letter, dated West Liberty, the 18th instant, gives
the information that the house of Mr. B. F. Waring, of that place, was robbed
and set on fire last Sunday, while Mr. Waring and his family were at Church,
distant not over half a mile. Mr.
Waring lost everything he had in the world, except the clothing he and his
family had on. The lock of h is desk and every other lock was broken, and
money, clothing, bedding, &c., all taken.
It appears that the fire was extinguished before the house was entirely
burned, so that the work of the robbers was plain to be seen, but who the
perpetrators of this robbery are, is not known. Other robberies, we learn, have taken place in the vicinity,
by jayhawkers and deserters. There
seems to be safety nowhere. The
entire destitution of Mr. Waring and his family demand prompt relief to prevent
serious suffering. The letter
states that the articles needed are scarcely to be had in the neighborhood, such
as beds and bedding, a cooking stove, with the fixtures, a few knives and forks
and plates, and such other articles as are required to prevent suffering.
We would suggest to our citizens who have any such articles to spare,
that they could hardly perform a more humane act than by offering them to the
sufferers. We will take charge of
any such articles, and pledge ourselves to see them properly delivered to the
suffering family. We make this
suggestion without the knowledge of, or any request on the part of the
sufferers. The frequent accounts we
now have of such outrages being perpetrated in all parts of the country, seem to
call for some united action on the part of our citizens for mutual protection.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 7
The Ball in Motion.—In response to the President's call for aid, in his
measure of March 13th, the ladies are coming forward with their plate
and jewels. We beg to acknowledge
among the first fruits gathered: From
Mrs. Sessums—1 silver card case, 1 silver cup, 1 silver ladle, 2 gold chains,
and 2 cuff pins. From Mrs.
Mohl.—1 gold watch and gold chain, 1 jet cross and god chain, and 1 gold ring.
All articles received will be receipted for and turned over to the C. S.
Depository here.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 3, c. 1
The following dispatches were received yesterday by the Telegraph.
There is no doubt of the fact that both Lincoln and Seward have been
assassinated. . . .
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 3, c. 6
Galveston, April 21, 1865.
Ed. News:-- . . . General Hawes left Galveston on Wednesday's train, to
provide, as we learn, for the removal of his family to another locality.
He leaves many friends, but many of the soldiers and their families
rejoice at his departure.—His interference with the civil authorities, and
forcible arrest and expulsion of a number of soldiers' wives from the city, last
summer, for clamoring to be allowed to purchase quarter rations of flour from
the Commissary, which the General himself was buying by the hundred pounds, at
$35, while the market price was $200, have left a bitter feeling with some who
would otherwise have been his friends.—His unostentatious bearing, regular and
domestic habits, and close attention to business, however, entitle him to much
credit, at a time when these things have become rare in official circles. . . .
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, April 26, 1865, p. 4, c. 6
Galveston, April 18th, 1865.
Editor News—I am once more among the flowering gardens of the Island
City. To witness the gradual
destruction of Galveston fills the mind of an old citizen with sad and gloomy
forebodings. Two or three years
more of war, and but little of Galveston will remain, save its name and former
pleasant memories. I was here in
January last, and during the interval, it is astonishing how rapidly houses and
fences have melted away before the necessities of the troops.
There can be no excuse for such destruction.
Had the officers done their duty and kept the troops well supplied with
wood, the demolition of houses and fences would have been unnecessary.
I have heard it said of Colonel Smith that he is determined to put an end
to all marauding on the island, and that the officers shall do their duty.
If he does so, the citizens of Galveston, at home and abroad, have great
cause to congratulate themselves that Colonel Smith has been placed in command
of its defenses. I find that the
fortifications have been considerably strengthened since I was here.
There are now on the island—well, ever so many troops.
Enough for all purposes, as Mr. Yankee may find to his cost, if he
attempts to come here. In other
respects than the one I have mentioned, there are no changes.
I noticed that a free negro, brought in her inadvertently on one of the
blockade runners, has been hired out under the law for six months.
After the expiration of that time, he will be given half the proceeds of
the hire, deducting first all expenses, and be allowed to leave the country.
I have also noticed that the negroes captured in different engagements
with the enemy, are allowed to roam at will in this place and Houston.
They mingle freely with our slaves and poison their minds with Utopian
dreams of freedom—thereby rendering them discontented, lazy and impertinent.
In fact from the great license allowed negroes in Houston, that place is
becoming a nuisance. I have seen
squads of negroes saunter along the sidewalks and rudely jostle white
passengers, uttering loud and blasphemous language.
This has become such a nuisance at one particular spot on the sidewalk of
the restaurant near the Old Capitol, that ladies have been compelled to abandon
that side of the street. In fact I
have heard ladies assert that they were always afraid to walk on the street
alone for fear of encountering impertinence from negroes.
In Mobile, Savannah, Charleston and other Southern cities a negro would
never dare stand on a sidewalk while a white person was passing, but would
respectfully step aside and take off his hat.
Street municipal regulations required this of them.
The result was they were kept in a proper condition of subjection.
The case is very different in Houston, and there can be no doubt from the
license afforded them, two-thirds of the robberies committed there are by
negroes. If the municipal
authorities of Houston cannot or will not keep the negroes in proper subjection,
they must resign their positions, and let men take their places who are not
afraid to do their duty. Of
Galveston I say nothing. The place
is a fortified camp and municipal authority is a natural nullity. . . .
M.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, May 3, 1865, p. 1, c. 4
Ed. Texas Republican:--An effective army must be well fed, clothed and
paid. This proposition is so well established, that it needs no
argument to demonstrate. The
Government has already fed and equipped our armies, and can continue to do so to
a final and successful termination of the war.
The friends and relatives of the soldiers in the field, have heretofore
clad them in the Trans-Mississippi Department.
They can and will continue to do so, as our social and political
existence depends on a continuation of these efforts. The pay of the army in this Department is then the sine
qua non, without which its future usefulness and efficiency seems to be
greatly impaired. . . W. R. D. Ward.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, May 3, 1865, p. 1, c. 1
Col. H. B. Andrews stepped into our office yesterday, on his return from
another trip into the country, where he has been several times in the discharge
of the duty devolved upon him of procuring supplies for the poor of Galveston.
He informs us that he has found our planters very liberal, knowing, as
they do, the utter destitution of the poor of Galveston, and the fact that the
war has rendered all the property in the city nearly valueless.
Col. A. has procured about 5000 bushels of corn, and a proportional
supply of bacon and other country products.
He has also obtained quite a liberal supply of fabrics from the
Penitentiary.