[HOUSTON]
TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH
1860-June 1862
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 1, c. 3
Gabel's Brewery,
Table Beer, Ale
and Brewer's Yeast.
Manufactured at the Houston Brewery, and for sale by the
subscriber. Beer and Ale in whole,
¾ and ¼ barrels, for larger family use, and the best Brewer's Yeast always on
hand.
feb 4 1y '60
Peter Gabel.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 1, c. 2
Crane's Patent
Burial Casket!
The undersigned has, and will continue to keep on hand all sizes, and will be ready at all hours to go with and seal them up perfectly air-tight. The Casket is the most chaste and elegant Burial Case in use. They are padded, lined inside with satin, and furnished with a
Fine French Plate Glass!
which extends the full length of the Casket, giving a full and perfect view of the quiet sleeper within.
They are Well
Adapted to
Tombs, Vaults,
&C.,
as well as the best ever offered to the public for
transportation.
We can be found on corner of Milam & Franklin Streets, north-east of
the Kelly House, in J. F. Cruger's building, sign of the Burial Casket.
All orders will be addressed to J. F.
Cruger, Houston.
M. A. Graves,
by L. C. Graves, Agent.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 1, c. 2
A Whitaker &
Co.,
Wool Factors,
and
Commission
Merchants,
And Dealers in
Hides, Pecans,
And All
Descriptions of
Texas Produce,
A. Whitaker,
}
R. Whitaker,
}
Houston,
Texas.C. Whitaker,
}
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 1, c. 3
Louis Pless,
Cotton, Wool and Hide Buyer,
and
General Commission
Merchant.
Houston, Texas.
Office and Warehouse in New Brick Building Commerce Street,
opposite T. M. Bagby's.
All orders promptly responded to when accompanied by cash
or produce.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 1, c. 5
J. H. Dance &
Bro.,
Patent Portable
Corn and Flouring
Mills!
Patented May 29th,
1860.
Manufactured in
Columbia, Brazoria Co., Texas
For all infringements, the maker or purchaser will be held responsible'
Prices & Capacity---Horse Power
18 Inch German Stone, capacity 5 bus. [? per] hour price
$120
20 "
" "
" 6
"
"
" $125
22 "
" "
" 7 "
"
" $135
24 "
" "
" 10 "
" "
$150
For Steam or Water Power.
30 Inch German Stone, capacity 20 to 30 bushels per hour,
width of band 12 inches, price $250
36 Inch German Stone, capacity 50 to 60 bushels per hour,
width of band 15 inches, price $300
For Grinding Wheat,
30 Inch French Burr, width of band 12 inch, price $325
36 "
" "
"
" 15
"
" $40
All orders sent to our address, or to our Agent in Houston and Galveston
will meet with prompt attention.
Terms Cash, or undoubted Acceptance, and all Mills Fully Warranted.
For further particulars send for a Circular
Agents,
Houston—Wm. Brady & Co.
J. H. Dance & Bro.,
Columbia, Brazoria Co.
These Mills will remain on exhibition at the offices of our Agents, where
persons desiring to see them are invited to call.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 2, c. 2
Judge Watrous
Again, and His
Impeachment.
We think that the people of Texas have much cause of complaint against
the Government of the United States for its delay in bringing to trial this
notorious judicial offender. For
more than ten years, the press, the Legislature, and the people of Texas, have
endeavored, in vain, to bring Judge Watrous to a trial at the bar of the Senate
of the United States for the crimes, the corruptions, of which he stands
charged. thus far he and his
confederates have baffled every effort to procure even a hearing of the
complaints of our Legislature and our people before the Senate.
Can it be said that our State has in this particular been treated with
decent consideration by Congress? Let
us suppose that the Legislature and the united voice of the people of New York,
for example, had preferred the same charges of corruption against a Federal
Judge of that State, who can believe that he would not have been brought to
trial long ago? The theory of our
Government is that the States have equal rights but we may ask is that the practice?
The character of the charges are such as would naturally make Congress
solicitous to have the matter finally determined.
It has been charged that Judge Watrous has been secretly engaged with
non-residents "in speculating in numerous tracts of land within his
judicial district, the titles to which he knew were in dispute, and where
litigation was inevitable."
Second: That he prostituted
his own Court to aid himself and his partners in this unprincipled speculation.
Third: "That he sat as
Judge in the trial of cases where he was personally interested in the questions
involved," and that he participated in the improper procurement of
testimony to advance his own and partners' interests, and that this was all done
to despoil many of our citizens of their homes.
Fourth: That Judge Watrous
has sought to establish the fraudulent land certificates, and so rob the State
of twenty-four million of acres of her public domain, when he knows that these
certificates were based conclusively upon fraud, forgery and perjury, and that
he prostituted his own Court for their establishment.
5th. That he has
been engaged in buying and selling these fraudulent land certificates whereby he
became liable, under our law, to the ignominious punishment of thirty-nine
lashes on the bare back. That by
false statements, he procured a Grand Jury of his own court to sign and publish
a report, to the effect that he was innocent of this charge; when there has
since been discovered what is deemed the most conclusive record evidence of his
guilt. It has been strongly
insinuated that Judge Watrous and a former officer or receiver of his court,
have divided up a large fund that was in litigation in his court and that the
United States District Attorney has, term after term, vainly endeavored to
procure from Judge Watrous an order to compel this defaulter to pay over the
fund or any part thereof. Many
confidently predict that Judge Watrous will never make the order. It remains to be seen whether he will try the motion made by
the District Attorney at this or at any future term.
It would seem to us that a Judge who was innocent of these damning
charges, would himself demand a trial. By
using their efforts to defeat one, do not he and his friends, (or those who are
charged with being his confederates,) go very far towards an acknowledgement of
this guilt? While such charges are
pending, who but John Charles Watrous would ascend the bench to try causes
between honest men? What other
people would have borne with him so long as have the patient and law abiding
people of Texas? But forbearance on
their part may cease to be a virtue; particularly when it is remembered that he
had the insolence to say in his answer before Congress, that our only cause of
complaint was, that he was a Judge too honest for the people of Texas.
What matter has ever been before Congress which was of more importance
than that of keeping pure the judicial ermine?
What has been more neglected? But
it is a consolation to know that Texas will shortly be delivered from this
judicial monster.
What with the treatment of our petitions for frontier defence; the
treatment of our petitions for the trial of Judge Watrous; the wrongs done us by
anti-slavery raiders; the total neglect of the coast defences of this State; the
abuse heaped upon us by northern agitators, is it any wonder that the people of
Texas are dissatisfied with their connection with the United States, and are
willing to untie under the old flag of independence again?
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 2, c.
1
Theatre.—La Senorita Maria.—The largest and most fashionable audience
of the season assembled at the Theatre to witness the so highly praised
performances of little Maria, the Spanish dancing prodigy.
From the notices of the Galveston and New Orleans press we were prepared
to expect something more than ordinarily good, but confess to have been
surprised to see a beautiful little fairy, lithe, elegant and accurate in every
step, self-possessed and fascinating, even as a child.
Of course, she was compelled to repeat every performance so enthusiastic
was the applause and so imperative the encores of the audience.—The number of
ladies in attendance must have been truly gratifying to the worthy manager, who
has labored so earnestly to make his theatre a place of fashionable resort.
To-night La Senorita Maria will appear in favorite Spanish dances, one La
Tarantula, in which she is said to excel, was the favorite and most attractive
of Lola Montez, when she starred the States a few years ago.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 2, c. 1
Frontier Aid.
In response to the call for aid to the Frontier, the committee have had
forwarded to Weatherford, via Navasota and Dallas, addressed to Messrs.
J. M. Lucky, A. J. Ball, and Robert Carson, who are the Committee of Supplies
selected at the mass meeting at Weatherford, 6th inst.:
14 revolvers, 10,000 caps; 1 doz. holsters and belts; 1 doz. powder
flasks; 575 lbs. lead; 10 kegs powder; 6 half kegs powder; 289 lbs bacon.
It is confidently expected that all who desire to aid their distressed
countrymen, women and children, will speedily do so by calling on some one of
the committee and handing in their mite.
C. S. Longcope,
Secretary and Treasurer of Committee,
City of Houston.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 2, c.
1
An enthusiastic meeting was held recently at Belleville. The secession spirit was strongly in the ascendant—so says
the Countryman.
The ladies of Marshall are soon to hold a fair, to raise money for
charitable purposes.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 2, c.
2
The Lone Star flag was raised, with appropriate ceremonies, at Crockett
on the 8th inst. Speeches
were made, and an ode, composed for the occasion by Jas. A. Beveridge, Esq.,
editor, pro tem., of the Printer, was set to music and performed by Prof.
Hicks and an excellent amateur band.
The East Texas Times devotes considerable more space to Amthor vs. Evans,
than they deserve. The sooner such
men are run out of Texas, or otherwise more summarily disposed of the better for
the State and its citizens.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 2, c.
3
A correspondent of the Huntsville Item has been seeing sights at the
parade of some secret organization. His
description of what he saw is graphically indistinct, and it is not altogether
certain that his glasses materially aided his wandering eyes as visuals.
We learn from the Gonzales Enquirer that mass meetings of influential
citizens have been held at Hopkinsville and Thompsonville, recently, and that
each unanimously passed resolutions scouting at the idea of submitting to Black
Republican domination.
Grand times were anticipated at the military meeting at Salado, Bell
county, on 15th inst. A
company was to go from Belton accompanied by fifteen young ladies, on horseback,
each bearing a flag with the name of a Southern State.
Of course, all went merry as a marriage bell.
A large and enthusiastic meeting of the Lone Star Club, of Fort Bend
county was held at Richmond recently. The
minute men of that county are organizing as mounted riflemen, and are rapidly
preparing to do good service in the cause of the South.
The Dallas Herald says that heavy rains have recently fallen in that
neighborhood. A large, enthusiastic
and very harmonious meeting of the citizens of Dallas county was held at the
Court House on the 1st inst. It
was unanimously resolved, that "the people of Dallas county will not submit
to an administration of the government by Abraham Lincoln, and we (the citizens
of Dallas county) call upon our State to declare its independence, and prepare
to defend the liberties of its people, and further, that Abraham Lincoln is a
fit President for a community of negroes or their equals, but can never preside
over freemen, the descendants of those who burst the bonds of British tyranny
and gave freedom to a world."
The Herald will please accept our thanks for its kind notice of our
traveling Agent, B. F. Davis, Esq., and of the Telegraph.
Our readers are already aware of the high estimation in which we hold the
Herald, and therefore we need not reiterate its merits. The Herald recommends the citizens of Dallas to arm, in order
to give Montgomery, the Kansas robber and ruffian, a proper reception should he
have the temerity to cross the borders of Texas.—Montgomery couldn't possibly
come to a better place to obtain his deserts—short shrift and a strong
rope—than Texas.
We learn from the Messenger that a splendid company of minute men,
numbering over fifty members of the right kind of men, has been organized at
Goliad.
Alex. M. Reaves, an estimable young man of Tyler, was shot dead while out
pigeon shooting, by the accidental discharge of his gun.
The Sentinel carries at its mast-head a five-pointed star, with the
words: "The Lone Star—she
will never submit to Black Republican rule."
The Tyler Reporter has hoisted a "Lone Star," with the words:
"May it never grow dim." The
Reporter says that two military companies, one cavalry and the other infantry,
are being organized at that place.
The meeting of the people of Milam county, opposed to submission to Black
Republicanism, held at Cameron on the 5th inst., was largely
attended, and was very decided in its expression of feeling.
The Kaufman Democrat has also hoisted the "Lone Star," with the
sentiment "May it never submit to Tyranny."
The Democrat men do themselves proud by the republication of over a
column of complimentary notices from their cotemporaries of the Texian Press.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 2, c. 7
Bastrop Military Institute.
Course of Study Collegiate, and unusually full.
Instruction thorough. Discipline
strict.
Eighth Semi-Annual term commences on 21st January.
Institute charge for Board add Tuition $115, to be paid or satisfactorily
arranged at the time of entering and never refunded except in case of casualty
or prolonged sickness.
Address at Bastrop, Texas.
R. T. P. Allen,
Superintendent.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 2, c. 7
Christmas Tree
Music!
And Supper.
The Ladies of the Episcopal Church, will give an entertainment at the
Academy, on Christmas Eve, to which all are invited.
Admission..............................................................$1
00
Children half price.
Doors open at 7 o'clock.
Tickets may be had at J. H. Evans, Darling & Merriman's, or at the
door.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 3, c. 1
Letter from up the Hudson.
From our special correspondent.
Riverside N.Y., November 24th, '60.
. . . There seems a general disposition on the part of the
ladies to economize—less than the usual extravagance in dress.
Bonnets are made mostly of silk and velvet together, quite large, and, as
in the early fall, projecting in front; cloaks are worn large—some with plaits
to the waist, and a small cape, some fitting the figure in front and loose
behind, others the reverse.
Nets for the hair are now confined to home wear, while wreaths or half
wreaths are worn with evening dresses. In
one of my letters, the fashionable color which I had described as "mauve"
was printed moir, and the error resulting from illegible writing is
mentioned, lest my authority in these important matters shall be doubted.
Lucy.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 3, c. 3
Pianos, Melodeons,
Sheet Music, Music
Books, &c
For Sale By
Miss K. Payne,
At her residence,
Milam Street,
Articles of best
quality and on reasonable terms.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 3, c. 3
Encourage Home
Manufacture
Houston Soap
Factory!
Near M. Flock's Brewery, are Manufacturing a superior
quality of No. 1 Soap and equal to any manufactured at the North, and sell at
the same prices:
No. 1 at.....................5 cts.
| No. 2 at..........................4 cts.
Delivered at any part of the city free of charge.
All Fancy Soaps made to order.
All orders left or addressed to McLelland & Co., Druggists, Hutchins
new building, will be promptly attended to.
Beaumont & Co.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 3, c. 6
Arab Cloaks & Jeddo Wrappers!
Also, a large stock of Velvet Cloaks, just received at the
Green Store, by
Wm. Clark.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 3, c. 5
To the Ladies!
New and
Fashionable Fall Goods.
Misses E. & S.
Behrman,
Invite the attention of their patrons generally, to their
beautiful and fashionable assortment of Bonnets, Ribbons, Flowers, Feathers,
Rushes, Laces, Head Dresses, Hoods, &c.
All orders from the country promptly attended to.
Store on Main Street, opposite the Old Capital, formerly occupied by Mrs.
Nelis.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 3, c. 8
Handsome Women.
To the Ladies.
Hunt's "Bloom of Roses," [illegible]ch
and delicate colour for the cheeks and lips, WILL NOT WASH OR RUB OFF, and when
once applied remains durable for years, mailed free in bottles for $1 00.
Hunt's "Court toilet Powder," imparts a dazzling whiteness to
the complexion, and is unlike anything else used for this purpose, mailed free
for 50 cts.
Hunt's "British Balm," removes tan, freckles, sunburn and all
eruptions of the skin, mailed free for 50 cts.
Hunt's "Imperial Pomade," for the hair, strengthens and
improves its growth, keeps it from falling off and warranted TO MAKE THE HAIR
CURL, mailed free for $1 00.
Hunt's "Pearl Beautifier," for the teeth and gums,
cleanses and
whitens the teeth, hardens the gums, purifies the breath effectually.
PRESERVES THE TEETH AND PREVENTS TOOTH-ACHE, mailed free for $1 00.
Hunt's "Bridal Wreath Perfume," a double extract of orange
blossoms and cologne, mailed free for $1 00.
This exquisite perfume was first
used by the Princess Royal of England,
on her marriage. Messrs. Hunt &
Co., presented the Princess with an elegant case of Perfumery, (in which all the
above articles were included,) in handsome cut glass with gold stoppers, valued
at $1500, particulars of which appeared in the public prints. All the above articles sent FREE by express for $5 00.
Cash can either accompany the order or be paid to the express agents on
delivery of goods. Hunt & Co., Perfumers to the Queen, Regent Street,
London, & 707 Sansom Street, Philadelphia.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 4, c. 2
Bastrop Military
Institute.
A College Charter
with University Powers.
The Governor is ex-officio Inspector of the Institute. The usual degrees conferred by a Joint Board, composed of
Trustees, a Board of Visitors on the part of the State, and the Visiting
Committee on the part of the Texas Annual Conference.
Course of study unusually full. Instruction
thorough. Discipline strict.
The Annual Session commence on the first Monday in September, and
continue forty weeks without intermission.
Vacation during July and August.
The charge for tuition and board, including lights, fuel and washing,
will be $95 per term of twenty weeks, for those pursuing the elementary English
branches only. For all others $115
per term. The charge for tuition,
alone, being $50 for the latter and $30 for the former.
The Institute charge for Board and Tuition must be paid, or
satisfactorily arranged at the time of entering.
For further information, address the Superintendent, Bastrop, Texas.
R. T. P. Allen,
Superintendent.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 4, c. 5
Encourage
Southern
Manufactures!
Eliot's
Texas
Family Medicines.
Prepared by W. E.
Eliot.
Houston, Texas.
Eliot's
Hygienic Panacia.
Anti-Bilious
Pills.
Fever & Ague
do.
Cough Mixture.
Diarrhea Do.
Healing Salve.
Pile Ointment.
Texas Vermifuge.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 4, c. 7
Musical
Instruments.
Pianos, Guitars,
Violins, Accordeon
Flutes, Fifes,
Drum
&c., at
also,
Sheet Music.
New and Popular
Music and
Instruction
on books at
Forsgard & Norton's.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 20, 1860, p. 4, c. 7
Rusk House,
By Mrs. C. Hulbud,
At the Old Stand,
Corner Franklin
and Travis Streets,
Houston, Texas.
[next issue on reel]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
Texas Penitentiary.
Huntsville, Oct. 23, 1861.
The Texas Penitentiary is now supplied with Cotton, and no more will be
taken at present.
The public are notified that all goods hereafter made are by order of the
Governor, subject to the requisition of the Quartermasters of the Confederate
States of America and must be so applied.
A fair price will be given here for WOOL, as we have determined to drive
the Woolen Machinery all the time.
M. C. Rogers,
F. Agent Texas Penitentiary.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
Barley.
600 Bushels of Heavy Seed Barley, a fine substitute for Rio
Coffee. In Store and for sale by
Henry Sampson.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c.
2
Save your okra seeds. Okra
is the best substitute for coffee that is known.
Besides this, the okra plant will kill out noxious weeds, even coco,
better than any other known means. The
okra plant makes a shade so dense, that nothing will grow in it.
Gardens that have been allowed to go to weeks have in this way been
cleared of them. Fields may be in
the same way. An acre of okra will
produce seed enough to furnish a plantation of fifty negroes with coffee in
every way equal to that imported from Rio.
The green pods taken from an acre of okra and dried, would furnish the
best thickening for soup in the winter, that could be made.
Okra is the most valuable plant that is raised.
Save your okra seeds.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c.
1
We acknowledge the receipt of nine pairs of wool socks from Mrs. F. E.
Tom, of Mill Creek, Washington county, for the army.
They are subject to the first call of those that need them.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c.
2
About the Palma Christi beans, our readers will excuse us if we urge
every one of them to gather up all they can, and put at least five acres of
their fields into a crop of Palma Christi this winter.
They will find their account in it.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c. 2
Hospital Fund.
We acknowledge the receipt of the following for the Hospital Fund:
W. P. Ketchum, proceeds of the Concert in
Houston...........................$289 50
Previously
acknowledged......................................................................347
50
Total.......................................................................................$637
00
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c.
3
Corpus
Christi, Texas, }
September, 21st, 1861.
}
My Dear Cushing-- . . . In our city the ladies are well up to their
work—nobly doing their part in that cause which calls into action every nerve,
sinew, ligament, tendon, bone and brain of the Confederate States of America.
Under the name and style of the "Ladies Aid Society," they are
raising funds in considerable amounts with which to purchase such things as
soldiers may need to protect them from the inclemency of the approaching season.
Besides, the needles fly in nearly every house, and one is almost lead to
believe that the city is little else than an immense sewing machine, working at
a time, a thousand needles. Last
week a concert was given by the ladies to a crowded house, and gave unbounded
satisfaction. Your correspondent
was presented with a complimentary ticket, a front seat reserved for him, and a
lady—a perfect beauty—appointed to wait upon him home.
Such, friend Cushing, is the high estimation in which they hold people
here who write for the papers.
This week we had an Ethiopian concert.
At an early hour Zeigler's Hall was overrun and ran over; the braves and
beauties were all out. Old and
young alike congregated to swell the throng and contribute to the Ladies Aid
Fund. The music was good, acting
good, jokes good and seasonable, singing first rate, and the satisfaction given
was general. So says the public, so
say I. At the conclusion, one of
the merchants, Mr. Ohler, was so well pleased with the entertainment that he
threw his hat upon the stage, saying, "that hat will be redeemed at my
counter to-morrow, where it is worth twenty-five dollars."
Saying which he went home to bed, minus his hat.
The receipts from these concerts amount well nigh to two hundred dollars.
. .
Your correspondent,
Rebel.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c.
5
The Concert.—At the suggestion of Mr. Jas. H. Perkins, one of our most
public-spirited citizens, and who furnished and lighted his magnificent Concert
Hall for the purpose, the amateur musicians of Houston gave a concert last
Tuesday night, for the benefit of the Hospital Fund.
The Concert was got up under the supervision of Mr. A. A. Aday, who was
assisted by the following singers: Mrs.
Goldthwaite, Mrs. E. F. Gray, Mrs. Chase, Mrs. Col. Waters, Mrs. Chew, Mrs. Adey,
Mrs. Skiff, Mrs. Castleton, Miss Hadley, and Messrs. Otis, Congreve, Paul
Bremond, Tenney, J. Whitaker, and Benchley.
We note the names from memory, and there may have been others.
The performances were in the highest style of the art, and entirely
satisfactory to the large audience assembled.
The array of talent was such as is rarely brought upon the stage, and the
people appreciate it.
The house was filled with the beauty and the fashion of the town.
Quite a number of ladies interested themselves during the day in the sale
of tickets, among the most successful of which were Miss Anderson, who sold $53
50; Miss Bell Hopson, $25; and Miss Rose Stevens, $26.
Never were the smiles of beautiful women devoted to a worthier purpose.
The result was a success for the purpose, the net proceeds having been
$289,50.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c.
5
Five companies of Texas volunteers belonging to Col. John Gregg's
regiment, passed through Vicksburg on the 23d, for Memphis, where they are
ordered to report to Gen. Johnston. They
were in command of Quartermaster Wm. M. Bradford.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c.
6
From the Nashville Gazette.
The Texas Rangers.
The gallant regiment of Texas Rangers, under Benjamin F. Terry, now
encamped at the Nashville Fair Grounds, is drawing largely upon the confidence
and admiration of our city, and the hundreds of anxious spectators who daily
call to witness the wonderful exploits. Each
grand performance excited new wonder.
The lasso, made of horse hair, which is of great strength, is thrown with
great exactness a distance of ten or twenty yards, the greater the speed of the
horse the greater is the distance it is thrown, and the more certainty in taking
the object sought. This will be an
object of terror to the running enemy, whether on foot or horse.
Another performance is the taking up of an object from the ground by the
rider, when the horse is at full speed. Another
is the springing from the saddle to the ground and into the saddle again, the
horse at full speed. Another is the
hanging on the side of the horse, hiding the vital parts of the rider from the
deadly weapons of the enemy. A
still more exciting performance is the breaking of wild horses to the
saddle—horses known to be so wild and unmanageable as to be unfit for
use—horses which Rarey, the great horse tamer, had failed to break, were
blindfolded, saddled and rode, both single and double, in an incredible short
space of time.
I was most agreeably surprised to find in this regiment many men of fine
intelligence, polished manners, excellent moral character and good fortune. This was not a matter of so great surprise, when we learned
that these were picked men, and picked, too, by a man no facile in the judgment
of human character as their commander.
This is, indeed, a model regiment, in reference to physical,
military and moral cultivation. We
hope soon to see them on the best horses of our State, flying with their lassos,
sabres and double-barrel shot guns after Lincoln's intruders upon Southern soil.
J. P. C.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c. 7
Sibley's Brigade.
Camp Leona, Oct. 23d, 1861.
Our regiment is now encamped at this place for the night. We broke up Camp Sibley this morning. After the line was formed, Col. Reily ordered the regiment to
form into close column of squad rows, and then, after a few impressive words,
read in a clear and distinct voice the prayer of Bishop Gregg, to be used during
the war. It was a solemn spectacle
to witness nearly 1000 men with their armor on their persons and banners
floating in the breeze, setting on their horses uncovered, and in reverential
silence, listening to every word of that beautiful prayer.
Not a word was heard in the whole camp, but the tones of the reader, and
every one seemed to feel the solemnity of the occasion.
We reached San Antonio at 1 o'clock, P.M. and were reviewed by Gen.
Sibley, who addressed the troops, and who responded with three enthusiastic
cheers for their gallant general.
Just as the command, forward, was about to be given, Capt. Rusk,
son of Gen. Rusk, and now commanding Company H., of Nacogdoches, came to the
front, carrying a large and beautiful silken flag, and presented it, in the name
of his company, in compliment to Col. Reily.
Gen. Sibley made a most beautiful response.
After which, our Colonel thanked them for the honor paid him as an
individual and as an officer. The
flag was then placed in the centre of the column, and the regiment defiled past
the line and took up its line of march westward. No better regiment ever marched from San Antonio.
It is composed of artillery lancers and gunmen—all mounted.
We are now here, and to-morrow shall move forward.
God protect us and bless those we leave behind.
We are gratified to learn that Rev. Mr. Jones, of the Episcopal Chu7rch,
at this place, has accepted the appointment of Chaplain, and joins us tomorrow.
Our men are brave and strong; our arms are good; but we depend on the
blessings of God.
San Antonio, Oct. 25th, 1861.
E. H. Cushing, Esq.—Dear Sir: Col.
Reily's regiment leaves to-morrow. You
missed quite a treat by not being here. Two
days since, the Colonel marched his regiment through town, halted them on the
Plaza, and read a prayer to them, which was a very solemn and impressive scene.
He was also presented with a flag by the Nacogdoches company, and made a
very able and patriotic speech in response.
Gen. Sibley also made a very elegant speech to the companies, and gave
them good advice. I think Col.
Reily has the star regiment of the Southern Confederacy.
He is proud of it, and the regiment is proud of him.
Night before last it rained incessant.
Gen. Sibley's Brigade is filling fast, and will be a fine one.
But little sickness.
Yours truly, in haste.
J. F. M.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 1, 1861, p. 2, c.
7
Virginia Point, Oct. 31
Friend Cushing.—Our command is in need of lint, bandage, cloths, etc.
We have a great many Houston men with us; will not the ladies of Houston
help us in this respect with any other article needed by sick in hospital?
Call the attention of your lady readers in the country to our
necessities. Will you take charge of them?
W. H. Gant, Surgeon,
6th Regt. T. V.
[next issue on film]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 30, 1861, p. 2, c. 2
The Obsequies of Col. Terry.
Saturday was the scene of the honors paid by the city of Houston and the
military to the remains of the late Col. Terry.
The display was of the most imposing character.
The remains arrived by the train from Beaumont at an early hour in the
morning and were taken charge of by the Houston Home Guard, who as a guard of
honor escorted them to Academy Hall. At
10 o'clock the people and military began to assemble, but so large was the
procession that it was not fully formed before half-past 11.
First came Holland Lodge, No. 1, of which the deceased was a member.
This was followed by
The body of the deceased, with twelve pall bearers.
Terry's horse led by his Body Servant.
Relatives of the deceased.
Colonel Moore's Regiment as Military Escort, preceded by the Regimental
Band.
Houston Home Guards.
Houston Turner Rifles, Lone Star Rifles, and detachments from Nelson's
Regiment, and Cook's Artillery, all under command of Lt. Col. Massie, preceded
by the Regimental Band of Nichols's Regiment.
Soldiers of the Texas Revolution, Judiciary and Bar
Corporation of the city of Houston.
Hon. R. C. Campbell, Eulogist.
Clergy.
Citizens on foot and in carriages.
Captain Mechling's Battery of Artillery.
Detachment from Col. DeBray's Battalion comprising
Riordan's company, and a portion of MacGreal's company.
Col. Parson's Regiment of Cavalry.
The procession was formed at Academy Hall and marched to solemn music,
and the Military with arms reversed up Caroline street to McKinny, down McKinny
to Main, and down Main to Franklin, when the civic bodies and citizens filed
into the street in front of Perkins' Hall, filling the entire street, whilst the
ladies occupied and filled the large Hall.
Here an eloquent prayer was offered by the Rev. Thos. Castleton, from the
balcony of the hall, followed by a eulogy, by the Hon. R. C. Campbell, which for
eloquence, pathos, and appropriateness we have never heard equalled.
The procession was then formed again, and marched up Travis street to
Lamar, and down Lamar to the Tap road depot, where the lamented dead was left in
charge of the Masonic Fraternity, by whom it was taken in a special train over
the Tap and Harrisburg road to the plantation, and buried with Masonic honors.
Such, in brief, are the outlines of the honors paid to the lamented
Terry. He died as he would have
wished to die, and he was buried with all the honors an admiring multitude of
friends could to pay. No one could
do too much. Every store and office
in town was closed, and no person was wanting in respect for the dead. the procession with the military, marching by sections,
occupied twelve squares and streets, and was, by far, the most imposing ever
seen in this state. Every soldier
in the ranks even seemed to vie with his neighbor in circumspection of bearing,
and in exhibiting the best of military appearance.
We are promised the eulogy for publication in our next issue.
Thousands who were in the city who could not hear it as well as all the
people elsewhere will read it with interest.
We are informed a more extended account of the deceased than we have been
able to give, as well as the obsequies of Saturday will be prepared ere long for
publication.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 30, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
From Sibley's Brigade.
Fort Davis, Head of the Limpia, }
500
miles West San Antonio, Dec. 6, '61. }
Gen. H. H. Sibley, Commanding the Confederate Army of New Mexico and
Arizona, arrived at this post yesterday evening, accompanied by the following
members of his Staff, viz: Tom P.
Ochiltree, Aid-de-Camp; Alex. M. Jackson, Adjt. Gen.; Surgeon Edward N. Covey,
and Volunteer Aids Col. Willis L. Robards and Capt. Jos. E. Dwyer.
The escort of Gen. Sibley and Staff is composed of special detachments
from Capt. Campbell's Company of the 2nd Regiment, and Capt. Adams'
Company of the 3rd, all under command of Lieut. Haly [?].
Gen. Sibley is hastening on to take command of his army (which is en
route also to New Mexico.) The mail which arrived here last evening from the
[illegible—Mesilla?], gives us later news from Col. Baylor's command, Lieut.
Hunter, one of his officers, was passenger on the stage.
He informs us that Col. Roberts of the U. S. Mounted Rifles, was in
command of Fort Craig. Baylor's
scouts had penetrated within ten miles of this post, and report that they are
entrenching themselves to resist the advance of Gen. Sibley's Army.
Rumors also abound to the effect that Col. Canby would reinforce Roberts,
in fact that he had ordered all the troops in from Forts Union, Defiance, Santa
Fe, and other posts for the purpose. Lieut.
Hunter also reports that a spy had arrived in our lines giving information to
the effect that a regiment was coming from Denver City to the assistance of
Craig. The whole Federal forces now
in New Mexico, are variously estimated at from three to five thousand men, half
of whom are old U. S. regulars and the remainder volunteers.
Capt. Adams of Ford's Mounted Rifles, in command of this Post, received
an express a few days ago from a reliable gentleman of Chihuahua, says
that Gen. Sumner of the U. S. Army, had landed at Guyamas [?] with seven
thousand men, and that his object was to form a junction with Canby and Roberts,
to meet the Sibley Brigade. This
gentleman also writes to Capt. Adams, that positive arrangements have
been entered into by the two Governments, United States and Mexico, giving the
former Government the privilege of marching troops through Mexican territory to
invade us of Texas.
Gen. Sibley will never allow old Bull Sumner to reach our soil,
with the bold Texans under his command he will make them think that we
"Come as the winds come
When forests are rended,
Come as the waves come
When navies are stranded."
What a glorious sight, a whole army of cavalry, and all
Texian cavalry. I can [illegible]
the old fool giving another such an order as the one issued by him lately in
California, did you see it? It is
typical of the man, here it is to the best of my recollection:
Special Order No. ___.
Headquarters, San Francisco, }
__ day, _______, 1861.
}
No United States soldiers will ever surrender to rebels.
E. V. Sumner, Brig. Gen'l.
I think his order will be a little changed.
I will wait for it, satisfied that the reality will be other than
anything I could imagine. We will
reach El Paso by the 16th. I
will write you from thence. You may
expect stirring news from our army.
Truly,
Amigo No. 2.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, December 30, 1861, p. 2, c. 4
General Order No. 3.
Headquarters, 1st Detachment
}
Moore's Regiment,
}
Camp Moore, Dec. 26, 1861.
}
The commanding officer announces the death of Col. B. F. Terry, a Texian.
He fell a few days since while gallantly leading a charge against the
enemies of our country. In an army like ours, where gallantry belongs to all, it is
unnecessary to speak of this element in the character of the deceased, although
possessed by him in an eminent degree.
In the death of this gallant officer our loss has been great, and is
deeply felt, and perhaps the more so that such a man should fall by the hands of
adversaries so contemptible as those against whom we are contending. Thrice honored by the memory of the gallant dead!
By order of
W. P. Rogers,
R. D. Haden,
Lt. Col. Commanding.
Lt. and Adjutant.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 13, 1862, p. 2, c.
5
Bastrop Military Institute.
The Tenth Session will commence on Monday, Jan. 20, 1862. Special attention given to the Military Department.
Institute charge, $115. No
extras.
December 27, 1861
R. T. P. Allen.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 13, 1862, p. 2, c.
3
[Correspondence for the Telegraph.]
Velasco, Dec. 26th, 1861.
Editor Telegraph: The
fortunes of war having brought me to this point, I have concluded to scribble
off a few lines for the perusal of your readers.
You are already aware that Col. Bates' Regiment is stationed in this
region. Col. Bates is a whole-souled
man, and enjoys the confidence of his command.
Lieut. Col. Brown is also very popular.
All the officers are beloved by their men, and when a regiment have
confidence in their field officers, they can do deeds of valor on the battle
field.
This is an important point. Here
is the garden of our State. Here
nature rewards the planter bounteously for his labor.
The men composing this regiment are nearly all native-born, and I would
say that better material for an army cannot be found.
They have furnished their own arms, and, as yet, have had no clothing
found them by the Government. . . The troops here are reduced to the necessity
of substituting corn for coffee. They
have no tea. I trust those
merchants who have such large stocks on hand will not forget the soldiers on
this coast. . . .
Yours for the war,
Sioux.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 13, 1862, p. 1, c. 4
Concert for Nelson's Regiment.
Anderson, Grimes County, }
January 7th, 1862.
}
Editor Telegraph: On
Wednesday night the ladies of Anderson and vicinity gave a concert for the
benefit of the poor sick soldiers of Nelson's regiment, now stationed, I
believe, at Virginia Point. The sum
of one hundred and four ($104) dollars was raised, and handed over to Dr. J
[illegible] Kerr, of the medical staff of said regiment, to be appropriated by
him as above. The concert was
really a grand affair, and decidedly the best entertainment ever enjoyed by the
citizens of Grimes, and we all hope the money may do the recipients of its
benefit a thousand times the good that was experienced in contributing to the
object of the concert, and that was no little.
I might add much more about youth, beauty, chivalry, music, &c., but
this tells it all, and your columns have no room for long communications.
The pleasures of the evening ended, with three cheers for the
Confederacy, and the ladies who gave the concert; a cheer for Mrs. Tufler [?]
and one for Mrs. Kerr, and one for the "bonnie blue flag that wears a
single star!"
Yours, J. H. W.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 13, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Spicy Interview
Between General Dix
and a Lady of
Baltimore.
A Mrs. W., Baltimore, about to pay a visit of a few days to the country
to some relatives, was driving through the city, in her own carriage, with her
trunk strapped behind. Suddenly the
vehicle was stopped by a policeman, who assured the lady she was under arrest
and would be obliged to repair immediately to the office of Provost Marshal.
Mrs. W., somewhat indignant at the request, refused to go, alleging as an
excuse, that such a public place was unfit for a lady to frequent; she said that
she would go to the commanding General, Dix, at Fort McHenry, but if the
policeman attempted to take her to the Provost Marshal, she would shoot him.
The miserable hireling, cowed from fear of an armed woman, said very
humbly, "As you please, madam; I will get into the carriage and go to the
fort with you."
"You are mistaken," replied Mrs. W., "this carriage is
mine, and if you attempt to get into it, I will immediately fire upon you."
The Lincoln policeman, again cowed, obeyed Mrs. W., who ordered him to
take his seat with her coachman, in whom she now confided as her protector.
Mrs. W. told him to drive to Fort McHenry.
Reaching the Bastille, she sent for Gen. Dix, who, always disconcerted
when visited by ladies, was peculiarly so on this occasion—seeing a lady with
baggage, as though she were a "state prisoner."
Advancing to Mrs. W., he said: "Madam,
I do not know how to address you."
Mrs. W.—It is time you did, sir, as I am arrested, I suppose, by your
authority.
Gen. Dix—Madam, you look wearied, walk into my office, (Ordering some
regulars to bring in the trunk and search it, he remarks to Mrs. W.)
this is a military necessity, madam.
I would these things were not, but the Government must be supported.
"United we stand," you know.
Madam, have you any sons in the Confederate army?
Mrs. W.—I have three, sir.
Gen. Dix.—Did you aid and encourage them to enlist in that service?
Mrs. W.—Gen. Dix, are you a married man?
Gen. Dix.—I am, madam.
Mrs. W.—Then ask your wife what she would have done under similar
circumstances.
Then was heard from one of the General's satellites, "The rebel
spirit of the Baltimore women! It
will never be extinguished!"
Gen. Dix.—Madam, you look faint and weary; let me order you some
refreshments.
Mrs. W.—What, eat here! I,
a Southern woman, break bread with the Yankees!
Never while they are the miserable foes they have proved themselves. Every
day I see more clearly the necessity of an eternal separation.
And where the dividing line is fixed, I want a wall built so high that a
Yankee can never scale it.
The trunk breakers having satisfied themselves that nothing objectionable
to the Administration could be found, reported the same to Gen. Dix, who,
consulting with the above satellite, (brilliant aid, no doubt,) determined to
have the person of Mrs. W. searched. The
gallant General remarked:
"Madam, it is a necessity now that your person be searched; you will
not object, I hope."
Mrs. W.—Oh, no sir!, if the person to perform that ignoble office is a
female.
General Dix.—Oh, yes, madam, a lady, quite your equal.
Mrs. W.—Sir, you are mistaken; not a lady, nor my equal. Were she either, she would not do the degrading work you
assign her.
Mrs. W. was taken to a private apartment, and the search was begun.
Finding the woman was delinquent, Mrs. W. threatened to report her if she
did not perform her duty more faithfully. "Pull
off my shoes," she continued, "look well into them; make a thorough
search, and see if you can find a combination of red and white, or anything
inimical to the Union savers; look well, or I will report you."
The woman finding nothing treasonable upon Mrs. W. returned with her to
the gallant General, telling him she would not search another lady for five
hundred dollars; that such a persevering character she had never encountered.
Gen. Dix, shocked, no doubt, at Mrs. W.'s agitated appearance, again
proposed refreshments: "Madam,"
he said, "do have a glass of wine."
Mrs. W.—Only on the condition, sir, that you will drink with me to the
health and success of General [illegible several lines] You thought to find the Confederate flag in my trunk or on
my person; indeed, you are not good at hide and seek. Your soldiers are too little interested in your
righteous cause to serve you faithfully. They
searched my house a fortnight since for the flag.
Both you and they have been foiled.
I sent the flag to Virginia ten days since, under a load of wood; it now
waves over the glorious Confederates at Manassas. Sir, it seems the Yankees' peculiar pleasure is to try and
frighten women and children. They
cannot win battles, so they revenge themselves in this ignoble manner.
And now, sir, I imagine you have done."
Gen. Dix—I regret, madam, that we should have met under these
unfortunate circumstances. I will
detain you no longer.
Mrs. W.—Sir, I demand one thing of you before I depart. I have been arrested on suspicion. I desire now an honorable discharge.
Gen. Dix—Oh, madam, that is unnecessary; it is a mere form and
therefore entirely useless.
Mrs. W.—I like forms, General Dix, particularly when connected with
official documents.
The General, seeing Mrs. W. determined, ordered the secretary to write
the discharge, and handing it to Mrs. W., said:
"Madam, I believe that is all."
Mrs. W.—No, sir; not all yet. I
wish your name added. I believe
that is essential to such a document.
The General, more reluctant to sign his name than to grant the discharge,
was finally brought to the point.
Mrs. W.—And now, Gen. Dix, do you know what I intend doing with this
discharge? I shall send it to my
sons at Manassas, and, if they have any of the spirit of their mother, they
will, one day, make you rue this encounter.
After Mrs. W. left, they say, the General vowed he would not see another
woman for three years, three months, three weeks, and three days, calling no
doubt to mind, Richard Coeur de Lion's famous truce with Saladin.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 13, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Texas Port Wine.
We some days since acknowledged the receipt of some wine from our
friends, Col. Holland, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Gouvea, all of it being Gouvea's
fine port. Since it has been
received, we have tasted it, and are prepared to pass judgment on it.
Our readers will remember that we occasionally spoke of this wine last
year as being by far the best we had ever seen of Texas manufacture, and as
comparing favorably with the best wines from the South of Europe.
That opinion we still hold, and we further say that we believe a year's
age will make this vintage of '61 wine better than was that of '60.
It is indeed a very superior wine in all respects.
The name of port is given to it because it approaches more nearly to rich
port wine in its character than to any other.
It is, however, still a wine of its own kind, and is destined to
establish a character for itself that will eventually give it a home in even
foreign markets. This wine is so
far superior to all the various Mustang wines we have ever seen, good as many of
them have been, that it must always class by itself.
We commend it to the lovers of good wine as well worthy their attention.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 13, 1862, p. 2, c.
2
We learn that Prof. W. E. Anderton, well known to the lovers of the drama
in this city, will, with the aid of the Confederate Minstrels, give a dramatic,
poetic and musical entertainment in this city, on Wednesday evening, for the
benefit of the Hospital Fund. For
particulars see programmes of the day. We
bespeak for Prof. Anderton a full house.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 13, 1862, p. 2, c.
2
We acknowledge the receipt of fifty dollars from Mrs. P. W. Gray for the
sick Texians in Nashville; also, twenty-five dollars from Mr. A. Krochmann,
Gonzales, for the same purpose.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 13, 1862, p. 2, c.
3
The Victoria Advocate publishes a donation of $457, from Port Lavaca and
Victoria county, to the Hospital Association at Nashville, Tenn.
We notice by the Marshall Republican that Ex-Gov. Clark has a Colonel's
commission, and will take command of a reserve infantry regiment at Tyler.
The Republican says that everybody in the county is busy spinning and
weaving. That is right, and while
it is so we shall all get along.
The Tyler Reporter has the following:
A large wild buck ran the main streets here this morning, and crossing
the square, killed itself in attempting to jump Col. J. C. Robertson's yard
palings. That gentleman proceeded
to make venison in "double quick."
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 13, 1862, p. 2, c.
3
Army Depot, Houston, Dec. 7th, 1861.
Proposals will be received at this Office for furnishing, monthly, six
thousand pounds of hard, brown Soap; two thousand five hundred pounds of Tallow
Candles, and three hundred and fifty gallons of Vinegar, for the use of the Army
in this District.
E. C. Wharton, Capt., C. S. A.
Asst. Quartermaster, and Asst. Commissary of Subsistence.
[next issue on reel]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 30, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Aid for the Texas Soldiers' Hospital!
W. E. Anderton has the honor to announce that he will give his Second Entertainment for the Cause early next week, when he will be [illegible] to offer to the public a purely
Chaste and Dramatic Performance,
by Professional ladies and gentlemen, who have kindly
volunteered their valuable services.
Full particulars will be given in future advertisements and the bill of
the day.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 30, 1862, p. 1, c. 6
For Sale.
Blue and Gray Military Clothes to be had at the Clothing
and Shirt Manufactory of Charles Posner, opposite the News on Market street.
Also, Sashes and Military Buttons.
[next issue on reel]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 14, 1862, p. 2, c.
1
We acknowledge the receipt, through Captain Pierpont, of $22 05, from the
ladies of St. Mary's, Refugio county, and $1 50 from R. S. Turner, in all $23
55, for the Hospital fund.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 14, 1862, p. 2, c.
1
Everybody should remember Anderton's benefit to-night.
Let him have a rousing house. His
bill is a fine one; one of those parlor entertainments that have always proved
so popular.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 14, 1862, p. 2, c.
2
The concert on Wednesday night, was a decided success.
The body of the large hall was almost completely filled.
The performance of the musicians was very fine, indeed it would have done
credit to professional artists any where. The
singing of the ladies was particularly admired.
It would be gratifying to us to speak of them by name, but we presume
their desires do not reach after notoriety.
It is enough for us to say, that in obedience to the call of patriotism,
they have displayed in public graces and accomplishments calculated to adorn any
position in life, and they are entitled to the gratitude of the soldiers as well
as the people for doing so. The
rapturous applause which was called out by the singing, and the frequent
repetition of songs, demanded by the audience, is a sufficient evidence that as
a musical entertainment, it was highly appreciated.
The ladies and gentlemen who participated were Mrs. Tracy, Miss Perkins,
Miss Branard, Mr. Shirmer, Mr. Otis, Mr. Benchley, Mr. Adey, and Mr. Stadtler. On behalf of the people we thank them for the pleasant
evening they gave us.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 14, 1862, p. 2, c.
2
A Yankee Caught.—Some days ago one of the Texas Rangers in Kentucky,
whilst out on a scouting expedition, rode suddenly and unexpectedly into the
presence of a Federal picket. Before
he had time to cock his trusty rifle, the picket brought his Minnie to bear on
him, and ordered him to surrender. The
Ranger felt that he was in a fix—he was fairly in for it, and could not do
anything more than to throw down his gun with the best grace possible.
Having done so, the picket stooped to get it, when, in an instant, the
Ranger's lasso was thrown around him, and he felt himself dragged along as fast
as a horse at full gallop could carry him.
The picket yelled, but it was of no use—the Ranger had him to his
heart's content; the Ranger returned, got his own and picket's gun, and
proceeded with his prisoner into camp. The
Yankee was badly hurt in the dragging, but it taught him a useful lesson.
When he gets loose, and meets a Ranger again, he will know something of
the "ropes."—Nashville Patriot.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 14, 1862, p. 2, c.
3
The Marshall Republican contains dreadful accounts of the mortality in
Gregg's regiment, now at Hopkinsville, Ky.
No less than 152 men of that regiment have died of disease since they
have been in the service. Surely
Texians ought not to be too eager to rush into service in countries whose
climate will kill them ten times as fast as the enemy.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 14, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Letter from High Private.
Camp Henry McCulloch, }
February 3, 1862.
}
Editor Telegraph.—Human nature is just about the same now that it
always was, and perhaps a little more so.
I wish the readers of the Telegraph would distinctly understand, that the
above is not a "text." I
abominate texts. A man who
"takes a text," and follows it up, is like a horse tied to a tree.
He may circulate round and round, but every time he strikes out on a
tangent, he is either brought up at standing, or floored.
A woman never takes a text, and that is the reason she can outtalk all
christendom. Get your wife to take
a text, and stick to it, when she is inclined to be quarelous, and you have her.
No, I choose at all times, and under all circumstances, to be as free and
unshackled as the air I breathe—out of camp.
Bonds were made for criminals and soldiers, not "high
privates." "Human
nature" is my subject, and mankind are my subjects; and curious
subjects they are, sometimes.
You have all heard of the captain of a vessel, who, when all his
passengers were "heaving," told his vessel to heave too, and how she
"hove, too." So it is
with mimic, imitating, obedient man. A
few individuals manufacture public opinion, establish fashions, and prescribe
rules for society, and the balance of mankind, in the same neighborhood, blindly
follow without regard to errors, absurdities, or whimsicalities, and ignore that
which comes from abroad, unless sanctioned by authority.
Let me illustrate. Several
distinguished foreigners, who, in times past, have been feasted and flattered by
us, to their hearts content, no sooner returned home, than they ridiculed our
habits and customs, because, forsooth, they differed from their own.
"The Americans," said the, "eat too fast; sleep too long,
especially in church; lounge with their feet on their tables; carry their hands
in their pockets; sip tea with a spoon; and expectorate incessantly."
In their estimation, these are grave charges, because such customs are
not a la Ingles. According
to our notions, such charges are simply foolish and ridiculous.
It is true we eat fast; but, that is because we eat to live, and do not
live to eat, a la Ingles. If
we drink too much, we drink and go, and do not sit and guzzle until the
gout fastens us to our seats. If we
sleep too long, we generally have an eye open to our own interest. Our sleeping in church is a habit for which we ought not to
be censured, for it is a law of nature, that when the sight is defective, the
hearing is made acute. Lounging
with our feet on the table implies that our understanding is inclined to be
elevated. If our hands are in our
pockets, we generally manage to find them when our generosity is appealed to.
Sipping tea with a spoon has a tendency to remind us of a famous teapot,
once located in the vicinity of Boston harbor; and as to our
"expectorating," why, when we get our Southern Confederacy in good
working order, we ex-pec-to-rate as one of the first nations on the Globe, a
la Americano!
But my limits and occupation will not permit me, at present, to
revolutionize mankind; for I must proceed to state that the amount of ammunition
now in camp and at Victoria, is as follows:
2000 lbs of powder, 7000 balls, 60,000 cartridges, 200 lbs buck shot,
20,000 percussion caps, and five tons of lead! besides &c., &c.
When these are brought into use, if they do not shatter a few "human
natures," it will not be the fault of our sharp shooters—alias Enfield
rifles, now on the way to supply the entire infantry in this regiment.
The members of the 6th regiment are not only uniform in their
ways of thinking, and acting, but in a very few days they will be so externally,
as the material for clothing has arrived, and our measures all taken....
High Private.
[out of order]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH EXTRA, March 4, 1862, p. 1,
c. 3
To the Ladies of Brenham.—Ladies, in the name of every soldier in Col.
Carter's Regiment, allow me to thank you for the good you have done us.
The proceeds of your Concert, amounting to one hundred and forty-two
dollars—and some splendid pairs of socks, was duly received by me, and with it
I have been able to add much to the comfort of our sick; every day your names
are blessed by some sick soldier—they will not only remember you now while
sick, but when in far distant from this, contending with the foe, they will
remember your kindness—and when they bow themselves down before the Great God
of heaven to ask blessings for dear families at home, you will not be forgotten.
Respectfully, T. S. Pettey,
Ast. Surgeon, Carter's Regiment,
March 3d, 1t
Hempstead, Texas.
[next issue on reel]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 26, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Records of the Federal Court Destroyed.—We learn that the entire
archives of the old Federal court, including records, documents, etc., were
stored in the building that was burned on Monday morning, and they were all
destroyed. These records were of
immense importance, and their loss will be seriously felt by many parties whose
interest to a vast extent were in litigation in that court.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 26, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
The Tyler Reporter has the following.
The Reporter remarks that there are a hundred men in Smith county as well
able to give as Mr. Swan:
Notice.—I propose to pay to the families of five soldiers who will go
to the war FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS—one hundred to each family—to be paid
quarterly, in money or its equivalent, on application; said means now being in
the hands of Geo. Yarbrough, S. H. Boren and J. G. Felton.
E. F. Swann.
Such liberality should be emulated everywhere.
The Reporter says that Smith county has ten companies in the service, and
four more forming. Smith county has
done nobly, but her misfortune will be found in having so many of her noble
volunteers in for twelve months only. For
all these the county will get no credit under the fifteen regiment call.
In apportioning for the draft no men count in the quota of the county but
those in for three years or the war.
The Tyler Reporter says that Col. M. T. Johnson, has now three full
regiments under his command.
The San Antonio News says that $35,000 has been subscribed there for the
support of the families of volunteers for the war.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 26, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
See card of Col. R. T. P. Allen. We
commend this accomplished officer to the new regiments now forming, and shall
consider any regiment fortunate that secures his leadership. He is a thorough soldier as well as a christian gentleman.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 26, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Houston, March 11th, 1862.
Mrs. Robert Brewster,
President of Houston Hospital Society:
Madame—The Israelite ladies of Houston have the pleasure to forward to
you the sum of $131, for the benefit of the sick soldiers in the hospital.
We are desirous, by prompt and united action, to afford all the relief in
our power to the sick and wounded of our army, and have resolved:
That, in view of the necessity which now exists of affording aid and
relief to the wounded and sick of our army, and of providing for the future, in
the course of the most savage war, made against us by a malignant foe, we have
concluded to adopt measures by which means may be raised to afford, at all
times, such succor and relief as may be required for the sick and wounded of the
army; and that a committee is hereby appointed, whose duty it shall be to
solicit subscriptions to a fund to be devoted to that object during the war; and
at the close of the war, whatever funds remain in their hands, be divided among
the widows and orphans of the soldiers from Texas, who may fall in battle or die
while engaged in the service of the country.
We shall forward to you from time to time, the amounts collected.
We remain, respectfully,
Mrs. S. Rosenfield,
}
"
S. Hohenthal, }
Committee.
"
J. Posner. }
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 26, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Bastrop, March 19, 1862.
Mr. Editor:--Having received many letters from various parts of Western
Texas, asking me to raise a regiment under the Governor's call for 15 regiments
of infantry for the war, I desire to say through your paper (for everybody reads
the Telegraph,) that I desire to raise such a regiment.
Companies preparing to serve under my command, will please communicate
with me personally or by letter, at Camp Lubbock, Near Austin.
Recruits will also be received singly or in squads, and assigned to
companies. We will be ready to
receive and provide for all that report themselves.
Twenty years constant experience in the drill, enables me to promise that
my regiment shall not fall behind the foremost in proficiency of drill, and
efficiency of preparation for the field. There
will probably be two regiments or more at this camp, and it is hardly necessary
for me to add that they, as at other camps, will have the right, by law, to
elect their field officers.
R. T. P. Allen
P.S.—The camp near Austin, is one of the five appointed by the Governor
for the rendezvous of the 15 regiments; I have charge of the camp, will
superintend the instruction there, and be in constant attendance for the purpose
of mustering into the confederate service those presenting themselves.
mar26-tw 2t-wlt.
R. T. P. A.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 4, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
The following dispatch from Mr. Eugene Staes, Captain of Company B,
Orleans Guards, to a friend in this city, had been handed us for publication.
From the True Delta.
Natchez, March 29.
The girls, one hundred and three rank and file, each in herself a Joan of
Arc, or Maid of Saragossa, have completed their military organization, and are
in for the war. They will leave
here by the steamer for New Orleans on Monday morning.
Give them a warm embrace. Hurra
for Mississippi!
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 4, 1862, p. 1, c. 4-5
Neabsco, Va., March 4th, 1862.
. . . We are still lying within sound of the enemy's drums,
and in sight of the noble looking old Potomac, and not far from Occoquan, where
the pickets and skirmishers of these Regiments are constantly kept, and almost
daily engaging some party, or company, or regiment of Federals, and invariably
killing some, repulsing and beating them back, no matter what the odds.
These skirmishers have performed many real gallant deeds until the Yanks
dread them, believing them to be invincible. They have written on Pohic Church
and other places on the skirmishing line, "Death to all Texians."
But they have succeeded in getting none of them yet—killing only one
gallant fellow in a fight, when eight were surprised in a house at night, by
eighty infantry, backed by a company of cavalry, and our boys went coolly to
fighting, instead of surrendering as they demanded; and after killing three on
the ground, and wounding many, repulsed them and put them to flight worse than a
cavyyard [sic] of Mustangs
stampeding. I have just heard, but
am not in possession of the particulars of another fight they had over there
yesterday, in which thirteen Yankees were killed.
I could describe the position of our army here more minutely, but am not
permitted to do so, nor is it policy that I should.
The signs now indicate the early commencement of an active spring
campaign. This, with other
regiments, stands prepared at a moment's notice to march to the battlefield.
Our disabled, sick, and heavy baggage have all been recently sent to the
rear, leaving none but active men and such baggage as we actually need and can
carry on our backs. My knapsack is
packed, my gun stands ready in the rack with the accoutrements, and by its side
hangs my lantern, and haversack full of hard biscuit, raw bacon, and dried beef,
where I can lay my hands upon them at all times, the darkest hours of night, and
so are we all prepared.
With high hopes of the united and untiring efforts of all, and the speedy
execution of whatever is well for the Southern Confederacy, now and hereafter, I
remain
your humble servant and friend,
Virginius.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Two more companies from Harris county were mustered into the service last
Tuesday, viz: Capt. Nathusius's,
all Germans, and Capt. Carter's. Capt.
Nathusius is an experienced Captain in the Prussian army, and for a long time
commanded that excellent company, the Turner Rifles, in this city. We congratulate his men on having so efficient an officer.
Capt. Proudfoot's company will, we learn, be mustered into the service
next Monday.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
The Amateur Company.—The Concert to be given by our amateurs under the
direction of Messrs. Otis and Stadtler, in aid of the fund for the relief of the
families of volunteers, promises to be the most successful and popular of the
season. Mr. James H. Per[illegible],
with his usual generosity, makes no charge for the use of his spacious hall; the
contingent expenses [illegible] therefore be but trifling, and the programme has
[illegible] selected with great care, to please both the [illegible] and the
popular taste, and cannot but fill the [illegible] overflowing.
Several distinguished Galveston amateurs have kindly consented to assist
our resident musicians, and we expect an entertainment of an intrinsic merit
never before equalled in this city.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Battle of Elkhorn.
Editorial correspondence of Tyler Reporter.
Van Buren, March 15th, 1862.
Dear Reporter: Within the
last ten days much of interest has transpired in this region, accounts of which
you have doubtless had before this. On
the morning of the 3d of March, Gen. Van Dorn ordered us on a force march to the
vicinity of Curtis' army, in Benton county.
Accordingly we moved, and on the 6th our cavalry encountered
3000 Federals near Bentonville, surprising them, capturing their foragers, and
engaging the main body and killing 30 or 40 of them, and losing four or five.
We were in hearing of Seigel's cannon, as he fired retreating; but did
not reach the scene until he was gone. Greer's
regiment did good service in the engagement.
On the 7th, after marching all night, we attacked the main
body of the enemy, in his rear and on his right, thus cutting off his retreat,
Price moving on him from the north, and McCulloch from the west.
At 8½ o'clock, Price opened his cannon, which was responded to, and at
10½ McCulloch commenced the attack, myself firing the first gun, which struck
well in the midst of a battery, which was promptly charged and captured by our
cavalry. Our infantry was ordered
forward on the left, and our battery planted in the centre.
We opened on a fine battery in our front, at a distance of 400 yards, and
for an hour I paid but little attention to the progress of the battle generally,
as the belching mouths of the enemy's big guns refused to be silent.
But at the end of that time, with my entire approbation, our antagonists
limbered to the rear and hurried away, leaving the field to us, together with 17
dead Federals—the captain among the number.
Our loss was four men wounded and three or four horses killed. It seems
strange that no more damage was done us in this deal, as the shot and shell fell
in showers around us; besides the enemy had two rifled guns, whose fire was so
accurate as to compel us several times to move our guns out of their range. During our engagement, McCulloch had led the infantry forward
to our left, and inch by inch had driven back the enemy around the slope of the
mountain near half a mile.
The General rode up to our battery after we ceased firing, with the glow
of victory in his face, and asked our success.
He paused but a moment, and rode away.
Soon I heard a tremendous roar of musketry to our left, of which I
learned that Gen. McCulloch had led the old 3d Louisiana and some other
regiments in person to a charge, which proved to be a very dangerous one. The enemy being driven back several hundred yards,
concentrated on that wing and resisted him with a three-fold force—also
opening a masked battery on him. The
infantry promptly drove back the superior numbers, and took the battery; but, in
the moment of victory, the noble patriot, McCulloch, fell!
Almost simultaneous with him fell the gallant Gen. McIntosh, Col. Hebert
commanding 2d Brigade, was, about the same time, cut off and captured; also Maj.
Tanerd, commanding 3d Louisiana. Our troops, not aware of the misfortunes of
their leaders, fell back and formed and awaited orders.
The battle ceased; our troops awaited orders; and about 3 o'clock, P.M.,
Gen. Pike ordered us to move by the road to Price's rear—which we accordingly
did, reaching him after dark. We
found that the work had gone bravely on with Price, Gen. Van Dorn commanding in
person. He had surmounted hill
after hill, until he had reached and driven the enemy from the commanding
summit, where is situated the Elkhorn tavern—had captured one fine battery,
and the enemy's commissary and quartermaster's stores, with extensive supplies. The day seemed ours without a doubt; all rested on their oars
during the night. A complete
capture of the enemy seemed to be the aim of our General.
Early in the morning, Gen. Van Dorn ordered up the best battery.
Ours was carried up by his aid. We
were posted on the South slope of the hill, in the centre, nearest the enemy.
Two other batteries and some infantry were posted near us.
At sunrise we opened on the enemy's batteries to our front, at a distance
of 600 yards. Our fire was answered
with great spirit, and soon the roar became ceaseless and sublime.
The battery to our left (6 pieces) fired a few round and fell back.
The one to our right fired slowly, while the enemy, with eight batteries,
poured a torrent of shot, shell and canister upon our little band.
Our boys manned the guns with coolness and great rapidity.
Soon many of them were wounded and finally Charlie Erwin, the brave boy,
fell nobly by his gun; our numbers being finally diminished to about one half
the proper number of cannoneers, I took my position at gun No. 2, as gunner.—Lieuts.
Boren and Davis also acted as gunners. We
stood their fire for an hour and a half, when the 12 pounders' ammunition
failed, which we reported, and were ordered to fall back.
Capt. Harts' battery took our place.
We moved back to replenish our ammunition chests.
In about 40 [illegible] the enemy moved up with infantry four deep, and
cavalry in rear, and broke our centre, when Gen. Van Dorn ordered the forces to
fall back to the left, which they did in perfect order, and were marched away to
the Southeast—save our battery, which, with 3 pieces of Price's artillery, one
regiment of infantry and one company of cavalry and some stragglers, failed to
get the order, and moved down the Springfield road. We were pursued by the Cavalry about one mile.
The infantry formed once and drove them back. Our
battery and Capt. Teel's [illegible] from the field, took a dim road over the
mountains to our right, while the other batteries moved up to Keetsville, and
turned to the right. WE marched
hard, all day almost without a road, and the evening shades found us fifteen
miles away in the White River mountains; and, by marching all night and the next
day, we succeeded in outflanking the enemy, and making our escape.
We continued our march over an almost impassable road, and on the 4th
day were met by Greer's regiment as an escort, the presence of which made us
feel quite agreeable. All the
artillery got out safely—besides, we brought away three fine pieces of the
enemy's. (The other captured guns
were spiked and the woodwork burned.) I
have not time to comment or give many details, which might be of interest. The battle, though protracted, was not the most destructive,
being fought principally with artillery. The
grandeur of the battle is indescribable, as we had 65 guns and the enemy a
greater number. The boys say Oak
Hills was a baby in comparison with it.
Our loss in the entire fight is estimated at not more than 200 killed,
while the enemy's is not less than three times that number.
None of our cavalry was engaged except in one charge.
Sims' regiment lost three or four men however. Greer's, Stone's and Young's, none, I believe.
The 3d Louisiana regiment suffered considerable loss.
All in all it was a most lucky engagement on our side, and although we
left the field, I think we have taught the Feds a lesson they won't forget soon. We brought away about 200 prisoners.
In haste,
James P. Douglas.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Correspondence of Telegraph, on
}
Board Steamer Gen'l Hodges, Red
River, La., }
March 27th, 1862
}
Editor Telegraph:--My last letter to you was dated in Texas, but time
with its changes has brought us this far on our journey to meet the foes of our
country. . . .The route we came on was as good as any I ever passed over; all
along the route, the people welcomed us, and cheered us on. In passing through Jasper City, Texas, we were warmly
serenaded by the young ladies of the place.
The two divisions parted at the crossing of the Sabine river. . . .
The country, after leaving Jasper, is of a poor quality of land.
But the land is covered with a good growth of valuable pine timber, and
it is to this the country is at all valuable; for some sixty miles further
towards Red River, the same thing may be said in regard to the land.
But as we approach Red River, the soil rapidly changes from a light sandy
soil, and assumes a rich mellow red soil, and judging from the appearance of
vegetation, I believe it to be first quality land.
After passing over a rolling hilly country, extending from the Sabine, we
come into the valley of Red River, here everything seems changed.
As far as the eye can reach, I behold rich plantations, and the negro
quarters on many of them give them the appearance of a city, indeed many of the
boys often enquired the name of many of the beehives of industry.
It was after we arrived in the valley, that we experienced genuine
Louisiana hospitality. At every
mansion we were greeted with boquets [sic], showered upon us by the hands of the
fair daughters of this State. The
day was excessively warm, and we were nearly choked by the dust, we found plenty
of cool water awaiting us at every house, and were cheered by the prettiest
ladies I ever met.
Louisiana is noted for the beauty of her daughters—Alabama and her,
will bear off the palm in this matter. But
I must say that Texas will come into the ring and compete with them.
Your own city could send as many representatives to this show, as any of
her sister states.
Well, we at last arrived at Alexandria.
The two divisions formed a junction early this morning, and marched into
town together. We found the city
alive with people from the country, who had come many miles to see us.
Alexandria is a very pretty little city, about the size of Houston.
The town extends along the river bank, and is tastily built.
It is the chief shipping point for a vast extent of country, and its
custom extends to many of the eastern counties of Texas.
I find the people a sociable and clever class, and we parted from them
with many regrets. There, too, the
war fever has carried off the majority of the young men; and I learn that the
parish of Rapides has already sent off twelve companies.
When we started from Texas, I was aware we would pass through the land of
friends; but I never expected such a succession of kindly greetings, or that the
hands of fair ladies would strew our pathway with the flowers of spring.
The flowers will fade; but the noble aspirations in the hearts of the
Texians who have been the recipients of them, will endure until the flag of a
rescued nation, from the galling thraldom of a covetous grasping and robbing
band of usurpers, shall wave in triumph through the length and breadth of our
Sunny South. . . .
Yours, for the war,
Sioux.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Hay needed for the Army.—Can spare about 30 bushels of well cleaned,
sound, fresh seed of Hungarian Grass. Yielded
last year a heavy crop of the very best hay.
Price, 3 bushels and sack, put on Railroad car at Brenham, $10, or $3 per
bushel, delivered here.
Thomas Affleck,
Near Brenham, Washington Co.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
The members of the "Ladies' Hospital Association," and all
others who are willing to become members, are particularly requested to meet at
the Ladies' Room on Monday next, (April 7th,) at four o'clock p.m.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 7, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Grand Parlor Entertainment.—We have seen the programme of the
entertainment to be given by the amateurs of Houston and Galveston, in aid of
the fund for the families of volunteers, and do not hesitate to say that it is
by far the most attractive of anything of the kind heretofore offered in
Houston. It consists of a rare
selection of songs and duetts, operatic, sentimental and comic, with a number of
trios, solos, &c., in costume. Were
it strictly fair to amateurs, we should much like to mention, as a sample of the
whole, the names of the well known Galveston gentlemen, who sing in costume
Burns' famous "Willie brew'd a peck o'naut"—some of our readers may
perchance guess. Messrs. Stadtler
& Otis have spared no pains in the perfection of the music, and aside from
any patriotic motives, deserve to have an overflowing house.
As to patriotism, our citizens have never yet been found wanting in the
support of a proper object, and at this time they will assuredly not fall behind
our interior towns, who seem to feel a sort of friendly rivalry in this
particular.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 7, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Battle of Valverde.—We take the following from the Victoria Advocate:
Lieut. Lion, of Hampton's company, writes as follows:
["]The battle at Fort Craig no doubt was the hardest fought battle
of the war. They fought seven hours
a hand to hand fight most all the time. They
killed all the horses in our battery, and came very near getting it. Our men had to haul it off by hand to save it, and did it
under a shower of grape and cannister. Our
men never gave an inch, but fought desperately.—Hampton's company was in the
charge when we took their battery, right before their guns. In the charge Hampton's squadron lost all their horses; they
were mowed down by the cannon loaded with grapeshot. Our company had but ten horses after the battle, and were
turned into infantry on the field. My
horses were both killed in the charge. Hampton's
company suffered more than any two companies in the loss of horses, but not a
man killed—six were wounded, but none dangerously.["]
Among all the battle speeches we have yet heard that of Col. Bill Scurry,
going into the desperate charge at Valverde, stands by itself. It was
"Come on, my boys! Come
on, my ragged Texians!"
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 7, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Hubbard's Battalion is fast filling up.
It embraces 8 companies, and will in a few days receive two more.
It was sworn in for 12 months, but it is believed will change its
organization to three years. Last Thursday Capt. Fitzgerald's Company, from Wood, arrived,
numbering 131 men, being six more than it can keep; on Friday Capt. B. F. Park's
Company, from Anderson county, arrived, mustering 90 men, both splendid
companies. This regiment is led by
one of the best men in the State, and will make its mark in the war.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 7, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
We have been shown an elegant sample of enamelled cloth, suitable for
knapsacks, made by a private in one of the regiments at Hempstead. He can, if material is furnished, turn out 500 yards a week.
He ought to be taken from the ranks and put to work at the business.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 7, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Our old friend Robert Voigt, of Industry, made his appearance in town on
Friday at the head of a fine, well armed company of 74 men from the neighborhood
of Industry, all Germans, and good fighting men.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 16, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
Mr. E. H. Cushing—Dear Sir: We
desire, through the medium of your valuable journal to tender our thanks to all
who have contributed to the Relief Fund.
To those amateur performers at the Parlor Opera, who so kindly
volunteered their talents and time, and the attention of Messrs. Campbell,
Darling, Ketchum, and where by a large addition was made to our fund, we
especially feel grateful; and to the large appreciative audience, who manifested
their satisfaction, our thanks are also tendered.
The mite contributed by each will go far to relieve the sufferings of
many families, and its tendency will not only be the relieving of suffering
humanity, but strengthen the arms of our brave volunteers, when aware that their
dear families at home are not uncared for by their fellow citizens.
The number of families provided for since the beginning is thirty-two,
daily increasing, we therefore would desire to call the attention of your
readers to this fact, and solicit a continuation of subscription.
Those parties in the country desirous of contributing can send in to Jas.
Bailey any surplus provisions they may have, who will receipt for the same.
By reference to the bill of expenses at the Opera, we notice that no
charge has been made by Mr. Perkins for the use of the Hall, or the expense of
lighting it up, &c., we tender our thanks to him for the liberality
displayed, also to the Mayor and Police, whereby perfect good order was
preserved without charge.
Mrs. P. Bremond,
}Committee.
Mrs. W. Van Alstyne,
}
Chas. S. Longcope, Treasurer.
Monthly Report of the Treasurer, Volunteer Relief Fund.
March 11, To amount on hand as per report of
date........................................$593 00
April 11, To amount received to
date................................................................245 60
$ 838 60
April 11, By amount expended to
date............................................................
269 00
Amount on hand this day
589 60
April 12, By amount received nett proceeds to Parlor
Opera............................ 615
60
Amount total on hand this
day............................................... $1105 20
Chas. S. Longcope, Treasurer.
Houston, April 12, 1862.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 16, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
Ed. Telegraph.—I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following
articles, contributed for the Hempstead Hospital, by the ladies of Danville and
Waverly, through Mrs. Major Green Wood, of Danville, Montgomery county: . . .
Mrs. C. A. Groce,
Principal Hempstead Hospital.
Hempstead, April 10th, 1862.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 16, 1862, p. 1, c. 4
The Lone Star of Texas.
Lone Star of Texas, triumphantly wave
O'er the just and the free—the noble and brave;
Exalted on high, may thy light shine afar,
Till all nations shall hail thee, bright luminous Star!
In vain would the tyrants forbid thee to shine;
In vain would they blot thee from memory's line;
For high in the breezes unsullied thou'lt rise
And majestically wave 'neath the bright Southern skies!
The eagle so proudly erected on high
Before thee in terror and dismay shall fly;
For where is the craven whose courage would fail
While the Lone Star of Texas still floats in the gale?
Then, on, gallant Texians, for liberty on!
Strike! strike!
boldly strike till the victory's won!
Then undimmed by the despot the Lone Star shall rise
And rank with the fairest 'neath the Southerly skies!
Seven
Leagues, Texas, April 78th, 1862.
L. A. C.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 16, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Hohenthal & Reichman, have now an elegant stock of imported goods
just from France via Mexico, which they are selling at wholesale only. The ladies shoes especially, are the finest ever brought to
this market.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 16, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
As this is the time for gardening, we suggest that an extra crop of
tomatoes be planted, with a view of preserving them in the summer in air tight
cans. No vegetable is so conducive
to health as this, and if enough can be preserved to furnish our armies with
rations two or three times a week, it will be a most excellent thing.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 16, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
We are indebted to Allen's Bookstore for copies of Harry Macarthy's
popular ballad, "The Volunteer" and the "Stars and Bars."
Macarthy is the author of the "Bonnie Blue Flag," a song more
sung in the Confederacy than any other known.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 16, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
The Tyler Reporter says:
["]On last Saturday, Capt. Awall's company, from Upshur county, for
Judge Roberts' command, reached this place.
Determining not to proceed on the Sabbath day, the company camped in the
suburbs of the town. On Sunday
morning, directly after the bell had rung for service at the Methodist church,
and the congregation of citizens had assembled, the measured tread of the
soldier was heard, and the company filed up the aisle until they occupied the
seats immediately in front of the pulpit, when the captain, upon invitation,
coolly and deliberately took the stand, and delivered a good, practical sermon.
The men of the company, during the service, behaved themselves with that
reverence and dignity which alone becomes the sanctuary.
After the exercises were over the company marched back to their
encampment, and with their preacher captain, are now gone to submit themselves
to their country's use.["]
There are a great many captains of companies in the service now who take
the pulpit regularly as Sabbath comes, and preach the Gospel to their followers.
The sword of the Lord and Gideon will do glorious things for our land.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 23, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Captain Timmons writes that the Confederate Guards' battle flag had eight
bullet holes through it, one passing through the staff.
This flag was made by Mrs. Fabj, of this city. The loss of the Confederate Guards is 4 killed and 21 wounded and missing. Many of the wounded were taken prisoners.
Nels Davis and Edward Wilson are all right, so are Os. and Mat Conklin.
Os says he and another 'feller' shot Gen. Sherman.
Capt. Timmons had his belt and several buttons shot off. He
was unhurt.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 23, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
We have seen some of the new Confederate money just received. It looks most like money of any received yet.
The 5s and 10s are really beautiful, and are printed on some of the
English bank note paper brought over on the Nashville.
The 5s have a light green background, with Mr. Meminger's likeness as a
centre piece. The 10s are printed
with a red back ground, handsomely designed, with Mr. Stephens' likeness in the
lower left hand corner. We presume
these bills will very soon be afloat in the community.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 25, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Valverde Plantation, Columbia,
}
April 21, 1862.
}
Ed. Telegraph.—You have done well, inculcating through your editorials
and published correspondence the planting of a large breadth of land in corn, so
that our people and armies may have cheap feed, which is the great element of
national strength. this course has
been generally pursued by our planters, and with anything of a favorable season
the corn crop of this vicinity will be very much greater than last year.
But something more than planting is needed to raise corn. It must be attended to, cultivated and gathered.
To do this our servants must be kept in good health.
Nothing conduces more to this than sufficient and proper clothing, and
here is the point where the shoe pinches the planter in his efforts to make food
cheap and our nation strong. You
have told us that Gov. Moore of Louisiana has so arranged the penitentiary
manufactory of that State, that cloth is exchanged pro rata for cotton.
Can not the sale of cloth by our penitentiary be in some way so arranged?
As now practised planters can get the penitentiary cloth only through
speculators, who have time to travel over the country to buy up wool to exchange
for the products of the looms, if indeed they can obtain it by that means.
We are told that the army requires all the cloth the penitentiary can
make; but cannot a portion of it be devoted to the necessities of the producers
of the corn? Considered in a proper
light, they too contribute to our defence, and to the success of our righteous
cause. With corn at 25 cents a
bushel we can carry on the war for an almost interminable period; but two
dollars a bushel for the staff of life will conquer us in a very short time. I would respectfully submit these views to the early
consideration of Gov. Lubbock.
Yours,
J. S. Thrasher.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 25, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Grand Floral Festival.—The repeated and urgent calls made upon the
ladies having charge of the fund for the relief of the families of volunteers,
for more aid, and the really distressed condition of many of the applicants,
have determined them upon appealing again as well to the generosity as to the
love of amusement of our citizens. A
grand floral may day festival is in course of preparation which will probably be
the most complete and delightful affair of the season.
Our musical amateurs with those of Galveston will appear in full force
under the same able direction as at the last concert for this purpose, with an
entire change of programme, and many novelties in the comic vein of the other
features of the occasion we shall again speak as the preparations progress.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 25, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
The Ladies of Nashville.
All the correspondents of the Northern press, writing from Nashville,
credit the ladies of that city with demonstrating the most ultra Southern
sentiments. There seems to be no
misunderstanding their political proclivities.
Here is what the correspondent of the New York World thinks of them:
While I am on the subject of manners and deportment, I will occupy a
paragraph with the she-cessionists of this city.
They are our most rancorous and rantankerous opponents.
To be sure, they do not rush into the streets and fall upon our troops
with broomsticks and bodkins, but they do fall upon them in doors with a weapon
of which they have long been expert mistresses. Such an exhibition of acerbity, vengeance and venom I have
never seen exceeded. Countenances
that have heretofore belonged to the softer sex, seem now to have become the
property of very vixens. These
amiables gnash upon us with their teeth. They
breathe out threatenings and slaughter against us.
Their white satin cheeks are crimson with color.
Their eyes—blue, black, or grey—ordinarily captivating from their
languid luster, are transformed into balls of fire, and emit sparks that smarten
the spot they fall on. Mouths, usually slow, simpering and sweet of speech, now
chatter away with the most energetic animosity.
The older females share the spirit of the sulkier sex, and move like
hoopless specters about their dark and dismal residences.
I called upon one of them with a greeting and message from her sister in
Illinois, from whom she had been long blockaded. I presented them to her.
[Silence.] I observed that
it was a fine day. She said it was.
She did not ask me to be seated. She
did not send any word to her sister in Illinois.
I bid her good afternoon. She
did the same to me.
I shall make no further attempts at describing the condition of this
people. It exceeds description.
Suffice it to say that the citizens of Nashville are in what Lindley
Murray would call the indicative mood and blue perfect tense.
I must not fail to say, however, before leaving my lampoon of the ladies,
that all of them are not of this unnatural pattern.
No, no; the blessings of our wounded ones here upon female philanthropy
would rebuke the discrepancy. The
hospitals are abundant in the charity and attention of women.
Among them is the venerable Mrs. Jas. K. Polk.
On the same subject, the Dayton (O.) Journal publishes, by permission,
the following from a private letter from Lieut. R. W. Lowe, of the 19th,
United States army, dated Nashville, March 9th.
Lieut. Lowe says:
Everything is dead in Nashville, and the people are very bitter.
Most of the men have long since left, but the women are as mean and
impudent as possible. Whenever they pass a soldier on the street, they twist their
pretty faces into all imaginable shapes to express their intense disgust, and if
you get into conversation with them, they will wish you all manner of evil, and
abuse you without mercy. Even at
church, this morning, they turned up their noses disdainfully at my
shoulder-straps and brass buttons. One
young miss in the choir expressed herself by displaying a miniature secession
flag. It will take a long time to
win these people back, but I firmly believe that fraternal feelings will one day
be restored.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 25, 1862, p. 3 [?], c. 2-3
Letter from Maj. Runnels.
Camp of 2d Texas, Jackson Brigade,
Withers' Division, Army of the Mississippi,
Near Corinth, April 13th, 1862.
E. H. Cushing, Esq.—Dear Sir—I know the people of Texas, and
especially our whole-souled, patriotic women, wish their soldiers to be properly
cared for. The only thing to
prevent the accomplishment of their object is in not knowing how to expend the
means so liberally prepared for us. My
object in writing is to call your attention to our greatest necessities, and in
telling our condition, you will readily perceive what they are.
We are not in need of clothing nor provisions, to of medical and surgical
attendance. I believe our State has made an appropriation for the
establishment of Hospitals. Texas
has three regiments in the army of the Mississippi: 2d and 9th Infantry, and Terry's regiment; but she
has no Hospital in or near Corinth. Eight
days ago the great battle of Shiloh was fought, in which Texas lost many brave
and noble spirits. some of our
wounded have, as yet, not even had their wounds dressed. They are scattered all over the army, in the various
hospitals. God knows what attention
they have received. Many are in
camp not only wounded, but sick, without medicine or medical attendance, in
tents and on the wet ground, no place for a sick or wounded man.
It has been raining almost constantly since our arrival.
There are two surgeons attached to our regiment, but what can they do
without medicine? We returned to
camps Tuesday from the field of battle, nearly all worn out by fatigue, and on
Wednesday night our brigade (Jackson's) was ordered to Monterey, on picket
guard, and such of our men as was able to hobble went on duty, the head surgeon
with them. I should have gone, but
was on the sick report. I do not
complain for myself, but speak for the brave men who are suffering from wounds
received in defence of our common rights, and for whom my heart bleeds.
The wounded of Terry's regiment were sent to Vicksburg yesterday. I am not informed as to what has been done with the wounded
of the 9th Texas, but presume they are all in no better condition
than our own. When we arrived here
our regiment was comparative healthy, and was given up to be the finest in the
army. It numbered near 900.
Now, however, I don't think we can count on 400 for duty, and the whole
number does not much exceed 700.
Capt. Brooks was killed Sunday by skirmishers, before we had fired a gun.
Capt. Smith was wounded late in the afternoon.
Capt. Clarke L. Owens was wounded Monday morning, and Lieut. Feeny was
killed about the same time. Brooks
and Feeny both expected to be killed. They
made their wills the night before we left camp.
Singular presentiment, as both were brave men.
We lost another brave and gallant officer, Lieut. Dan. Gallagher.
We do not know whether he is dead or not.
I am of the opinion he is a prisoner.
Our brave Sergeant Major, Paul, was also killed on Monday morning.
These are all the officers killed or wounded.
You will have a list of the killed, wounded and missing furnished as soon
as it can be ascertained.
Yours truly,
Hal G. Runnels.
P.S.—I presume plenty of medicine can be had in Mexico. Let an agent be sent there to buy supplies for our army.
It cannot be had here. I
presume some of our army surgeons have supplied themselves from the Yankee camp,
as I examined several surgeons' tents, and found that some one had been ahead of
me at each place and left nothing but the common medicines.
I could find no quinine, chloroform, morphine, or anything valuable.
And from the confusion in which I found everything, I think the Yankees
had taken nothing, but our men had taken all the valuable drugs.
H. G. R.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 25, 1862, p. 4, c.
3-4
We take the following from the Savannah, (Tenn.) correspondent of the
Cincinnati Gazette:
. . . Accounts of Southern Tennessee Unionism have been highly
rose-colored, from those of the first exploring gunboats on down.
There are warm Union men here, and in far greater proportionate
numbers than at Nashville, but the great mass of the people, and all the leaders
are, as they have been, secessionists. Savannah
itself is Union; I do not think the same can be said of the county, and I am
confident (after careful examination and inquiry,) that it can at any rate be
said of none of the adjoining counties.
The better classes here, except perhaps in Savannah, are all
secessionists. Where you find one
intelligent, educated man on our side, you will find fifty against us.
I know no reason for blinking such facts, or for exciting delusive hopes,
by exaggerating the Union sentiment. Continued
successes, I make no doubt, will develop abundance of new-born loyalty.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 25, 1862, p. 4, c. 4
Dear Sir:--The subject of providing for the families of our soldiers, now
absent upon the battle field or now so patriotically responding to the call of
our country, is one of great importance and earnestly demanding the serious
attention of the county courts, whose peculiar duty it is to provide measures
suitable for the emergency. Individual
charity will go far towards providing for the wants of the needy, but the
objections to leaving the duty of providing for soldiers' families to individual
action are numerous and weighty. Unless
there is an organized system, unless it is made the duty of some one person,
many proper cases will be unknown or overlooked. Again: when
individual action alone is relied upon, the patriotic citizen will alone fear
the burden, while those who love their money more than their country, will
escape. If the support of soldiers'
families falls upon the neighbors, it will have the appearance of a mere act of
charity, while it should be felt as a duty and as a right.
The least we can do, who remain behind, is to provide for those who are
in actual service, and are thus unable to provide for themselves.
Permit me to suggest through you to the county courts, the following plan
upon reflection. You will be able
to suggest modifications of it, that will make it more efficient.
1st. The county
court should constitute a committee of public safety, and should meet at least
once in two weeks, to perfect and carry out measures required by the necessities
of the times.
2d. An amount of the county
taxes, due or accruing, sufficient for the purpose, should be appropriated for
the support of soldiers' families in service.
This appropriation should be expended under the immediate supervision of
the county court. If the county
taxes, due or accruing, are insufficient for this purpose, an additional tax
should be levied, but this should be avoided if possible.
3d. Each Justice of the
Peace, or which I think better, the commanding officer of each militia company,
should be requested to act as the distributer of this fund.
The militia officer would be the better selection from the fact that he
regularly meets all the citizens of his beat, and could easily learn the
situation of every soldier's family. Allow
him to relieve each and every soldier's family to the amount of, say, ten
dollars, but require him to report all cases to the county court, with a
statement of the circumstances of the family relieved, upon which report the
county court should fix the monthly allowance.
No family ought to expect to draw their entire support from the public
fund, but every able-bodied person, male and female, should by their own labor,
contribute as far as possible to their own support.
We need everything, and every person, male and female, should contribute
their portion. There should be a
spinning wheel in every family, and cloth should be spun and wove.
It is no time now to mince matters, or to talk gingerly about the
citizen's duty.
It should be the special duty of the almoner of the public funds to
provide cards, wheels, looms, wool and cotton for those who are unable to supply
themselves, and let the proceeds be sold to refund the amount thus advanced.
I am aware that this apparent interference in domestic matters may be
resented by some, but that is not to be regarded.
We have fallen upon evil days; we are engaged in a life and death
struggle, and our utmost energies will be taxed.
Men freely go to the battle field; they willingly contribute of their
means to carry on the war; our armies must be fed and clothed, and those who are
not fighting must work. If we fail,
it will not be for the want of men, or arms, or money, but for the want of those
things that are produced by our industry. I
say it is a reflection upon our patriotism, that woollen cloth cannot be had at
any price, where the raw material is so abundant.
Instead, then, of directing our energies to the building up of factories,
requiring an investment of $100,000, and machinery that cannot be had, let us
start into motion the thousand hands that are now idle.
It is the duty of the county court, as the local legislature of the
county, to call attention to this thing and set it to work where they have the
power.
4th. Relief
should not be distributed in money, but in articles of consumption.
Let the relief officer ascertain what provision each family wants and the
quantity for one month, and let an opportunity be given to the citizens of the
neighborhood to furnish the supplies at the market price.
Upon the report of the relief officer that a certain person has furnished
provisions to a certain amount, let the county court issue to him a transferable
certificate which shall be received for county taxes.
This will relieve the tax-payer, in enabling him to pay his taxes in
property that he can spare, will save the necessity of collecting and paying out
money, and will ensure the proper appropriation of the relief given.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 28, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
Spies.
Palestine, April 9th, 1862.
E. H. Cushing, Esq.—A few days since a very ex[illegible]trative
individual made his appearance in our place (Palestine) and immediately set
about the work of introducing himself as "Maj. R. S. Washington," late
of Virginia. He had letters of
introduction and a number of prominent persons residing in different States in
the Confederacy. Among the number,
he had one from a prominent gentleman of Memphis, at which place he represented
that he was en route for Arkansas, for the purpose of establishing a
military [illegible]. The Secretary
of State of Mississippi, the mayors of Baton Rouge and New Orleans gave him
letters which were autographed by Gov. Moore.
There he was aiming to join our service at the mouth of the Mississippi
River, in some intricate branch of the service.
He had other letters from gentlemen less prominently known.
In Texas, Judge Frazier of the Sixth District, Col. Jesse Walling [?] and
others commended him [illegible] upon the strength of some of his [illegible], ,
the writers of which they knew. He
applied for, and obtained some money of two of our citizens, as a distressed
[illegible]. He traveled on foot,
and had but a scant wardrobe. He
returned toward Rusk, under the pretext of buying a tract of land some eight
miles east of town, stating that he expected to marry in Louisiana soon and was
looking for a location. The evening
after he left town, a circular was received through the Post office, describing
the man minutely, and recommending his arrest as a "spy".
The circular was sent out from a town in Louisiana, at which he had
excited suspicion. He was pursued
that night and brought to town next morning.
A meeting of the citizens was called and after hearing his story
appointed a committee to investigate thoroughly.
Nothing satisfactory could be arrived at beyond this, "that he is
either a deranged or an exceedingly mad man, and a capital dissembler."
He has many indications of disordered mind.
Has traveled through South extensively, and has had access to good
associations, he has visited and is familiar with many of our most important
military defences, and in any event, whether demented, or mad, our citizens
thought him an improper man to be roaming through the country, and by resolution
of the meeting, he was confined in our county prison, and the facts reported to
Gen. Hebert.
He may be an unfortunate, innocent man; but in times like the present,
too much care cannot be used. The
conviction is becoming almost general in the minds of the citizens that he is
demented.
*
*
*
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 28, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Navasota, Texas,
}
April 23d, 1862
}
Mr. Editor: I see in your
paper, (Tri-Weekly) of the 21st inst., an enquiry for "broom
corn seed." I made broom corn
last year, have now four or five bushels of the seed, and enough of the stalks,
well cured, to make probably a hundred brooms, if I can find a man who will work
it up on shares.
Yours, respectfully,
Thos. E. Blackshear.
P.S.—I would exchange some corn seed for "seed rice."
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 28, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Aid for Families of the Volunteers.
Too much attention cannot be given to the suffering condition of the
families of many of the brave men who are now risking their lives in defence of
our glorious Confederacy. Calls are
being daily made upon the small fund heretofore collected for their relief, and
of such a nature as cannot be neglected, while the committee find themselves
daily less able to meet them. We
trust that the Floral Festival now in course of preparation, will meet with such
a support from our citizens, as will enable the ladies for a time, at least, to
relieve the wants of the most needy. The
price of admission for any one family bears a small proportion to the debt of
gratitude we owe our brave volunteers, and the entertainment itself will,
without this incentive, amply repay the outlay.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 9, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
In Camp Near Corinth,
}
April 18, 1862.
}
. . . Many of the battle flags belonging to some of the
regiments were shot into shreds, but they still continued to wave until the last
gun was fired. Our flag received
three bullets through it. . .
Yours for the war, Sioux.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 12, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
We learn that as the down train on the B. B. B. & C. road was coming
into Richmond on Friday last, going at full speed, the locomotive running
backwards, a cow got on the track, the locomotive run upon her, and was upset,
making a wreck of that and the mail and baggage cars.
The passenger car was not injured. No
one was killed. Two persons were
considerably injured. Mr. Bryant
McIntosh, news boy on the train had his foot mashed, and a Mr. Wade was injured
in the back, how seriously is not known. Others
were slightly injured.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 12, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Brother Cammer, of the Centerville Times, gives the editor of the
Telegraph credit for a good deal of energy, &c., and closes a very kind
notice by saying "He is making a fortune and deserves it." We wish brother Cammer would make this certain to us, and
until he does we will sell out at a considerable discount from a very moderate
fortune. When paper costs from $25
to $50 per bundle, and has to be paid for six months before you get it, and when
news costs sometimes as high as $50 per day, and when other expenses are in
proportion, our friend will see that it is something besides the money made in
the business that induces us to keep it up.
Regarding the trouble of getting paper, we will have somewhat more to say
when we become assured that a little lot of 250 reams, now on the way, is safe
this side of the Mississippi river. The
trouble of getting that paper will make quite an article.
We last heard of it going up the Tombigbee about the middle of April.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 12, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Caney P. O., Matagorda county, }
May 3d, 1862.
}
Mr. Cushing.—The ladies of Caney gave a Tableause [sic?] in Matagorda,
on the 29th ult., for the purpose of buying medicines and aiding the
sick and wounded Texans in Tennessee, (and having seen it stated in your paper
that medicines could not be bought there or in New Orleans,) and believing that
you know how to do everything, or can tell how it can be done in the best
manner, they have commissioned me to write and ask you how they can best
appropriate their $315, for the benefit of the sick and wounded Texans in
Tennessee. You will oblige me, as
well as the ladies, by telling them either through your paper, or in a private
letter to them, to my address, as you may think best.
And the sooner the poor fellows get the money or medicine, the better.
I am your friend,
J. L. Thorp,
for Mrs. E. A. Thorp.
P.S.—Please tell the people what has been done with the large
appropriation made by the last Legislature for hospital purposes.
Do, for God sake, stir up the authorities, for whenever there is a
battle, Texans will be slain, and it is a sin to let them suffer as they did at
Shiloh.
J. L. T.
We cannot tell what is best to be done in the above case, but would
suggest that the medicines most wanted, are morphine, quinine, chloroform and
opium. Bandages, lint, and splints
are also much wanted. l If these can be obtained and forwarded to Houston, we
presume some person going on can be found to take care of them, provided freight
is paid, which cannot be far short of 20 cents per pound. The route to be pursued is by stage, via Shreveport to
Monroe, La. And if that is cut off,
by stage to Little Rock, Ark. Either
of them [is] very expensive.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 12, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Hon. Medicus A. Long, of Smith County.—By to-day’s announcement, it will be
seen that the distinguished gentleman whose name heads this article, is a
candidate for Judge of the Supreme Court, at the election in August next.
Judge O. M. Roberts having resigned to enter the army his place becomes
vacant, and to fill this high office as he did, will require the most imminent
talent of the legal profession of Texas.
Col. Long enjoys the reputation of being one of the ablest lawyers in Eastern
Texas. He held high and honorable
positions in his native State of Tennessee, and was many years a member of her
Legislature, and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the Senate, and elector
at various times on the Democratic Presidential electoral ticket.
some four or five years since he removed to Texas and resumed the
practice of his profession. He enjoys the reputation with the Bench and Bar here, as
elsewhere, of being one of the most learned and profound jurists of the South.
His age, experience and ability, has we are informed, induced his friends
throughout the State, and especially in Eastern Texas, to warmly espouse his
claims. There are many others learned and distinguished in the law,
in this State, but from the representations of those who have a right to know,
we are assured that the election of Col. Long to the Supreme Judgeship would
reflect honor upon the Bench and the Bar of Texas.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 14, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
Meeting of the Ladies of Austin.
According
to previous notice, a large number of the ladies of Austin, assembled in the
Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 6, at 5 o'clock P.M. to give expression to
their feelings, occasioned by the late accounts of the fall of New Orleans, and
the heroism displayed by the patriotic women of that city.
Mrs. C. W. Gregg was called to the Chair. Mrs.
E. H. E. Barret appointed Vice President and Miss E. H. Gregg, requested to act
as Secretary.
On motion of Mrs. Barret, a committee of five consisting of Mrs. E. H. Riley,
Mrs. H. Dowell, Mrs. R. Harkness, Miss E. Rust and Miss E. H. Gregg, was
appointed to prepare matter for the action of the meeting.
After retiring, the committee returned and submitted the following report:
The committee appointed to express, in behalf of the ladies of the city of
Austin, their profound sympathy with their suffering sisters of New Orleans,
under the painful circumstances which now surround them, and the admiration
their heroic conduct has inspired, beg leave to report--
That the recent intelligence of the approach of a hostile fleet, and its
threatening presence before the Emporium of Louisiana, so long the ornament of
that gallant State and the pride of the South, while exciting emotions of
deepest sadness in the thought that a people, surpassed by no other in devotion
to Southern rights and Confederate Independence, should be subjected, even for a
time, to such a reverse has not the less filled our hearts with thankfulness,
and pride, at the spirit evinced by the women o that noble city who, in the face
of an imperious and brutal foe, entreated their military commander to suffer a
bombardment, rather than submit, and, when left defenseless by the withdrawal of
the troops, petitioned the municipal authorities, "to refuse to surrender
the city, or to haul down the flag, which is the emblem of the sovereignty of
Louisiana," though the peremptory demand was coupled with the alternative,
"a monstrous absurdity" of the removal of themselves and their
children within forty eight hours.
Such a spirit at such a time is worthy of any age or people, and will be held in
perpetual remembrance.
It was a reward, which the gallant defenders of the "wives, the daughters,
the mothers, and sisters" of New Orleans, deserved, and will impel them to
yet prouder deeds if that is possible, and more heroic efforts in the future.
It is an example, which the women of the Southern Confederacy will delight to
imitate, whenever and wherever it may be demanded. It has made our arms invincible, if they were not invincible
before.
It will hold up to deeper execration the men within our borders, whether native
or adopted sons, who are indifferent to our success or rejoice in our reverses,
who would consent to live again in Union with a people that have brought undying
infamy on the American name and justly subjected themselves to the scorn of
mankind, who ignominiously cower at the advance of such a foe, and basely refuse
to give themselves and their fortunes to the cause of their country, the defence
of its women and children, and the maintenance of every right which freemen hold
most dear.
Such are the feelings, which the conduct of our suffering and defenseless
sisters of New Orleans inspires in our breasts.
We rejoice in the opportunity of making them known to the world.
Therefore, be it--
Resolved, first, That we tender to those, who have set us such an example, our
warmest sympathies in this hour of their trial
Resolved, second, That their conduct is worthy of universal imitation by the
women of the South, until this unnatural war which has been forced on us and our
children, is brought to a close
Resolved, third, That, in the name of the sons of Texas, we promise their succor
and defence, by the side of the heroes of Louisiana, while the presence of the
enemy continued to pollute the Father of Waters, or to threaten any portion of
our land.
Resolved, fourth, That, in humble reliance on his blessing, we will make
unceasing prayer to the God of battles, for our imperiled sisters, until their
deliverance shall be affected, and the deliverance of our common country in the
return of the blessing of an honorable peace.
The report and resolutions were then unanimously adopted:
On motion of Mrs. Riley, the following resolutions were passed without a
dissenting voice.
Resolved, That we, the ladies of Austin, have heard with pride and exultation,
how nobly the daughters of Louisiana have sustained the reputation of the women
of the South for undaunted heroism, and devotion to their country.
Resolved, That we bid them God speed, in their noble work of self-sacrifice, and
we pledge ourselves to them, that we will sooner lie down in death, and join the
great army of martyrs, who have shed their precious blood in the cause of
liberty, than ever bow our necks to the yoke of our vindictive and relentless
foe.
On motion of Mrs. Herndon, it was resolved, that the proceedings of this meeting
be forwarded to the Mayor of New Orleans, with the request, that he will make
them known to the ladies of that city. And
also, that they be published in the State Gazette and Houston Telegraph.
A few gentlemen were in attendance, and after brief addresses at the request of
the ladies, by Governor Lubbock, Chief Justice Wheeler, and Bishop Gregg,
cordially approving the action taken, and encouraging the ladies in this and
every good work of tender sympathy and devotion to the count—
On
motion, the meeting adjourned.
Mrs.
C. W. Gregg, President.
Miss E. H. Gregg, Sec'y.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 14, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
A Hint to Manufacturers.—We are inclined to the opinion that our
Southern factories are laying the predicate for their total abandonment as soon
as the war closes. They have raised
the prices of their manufactures to such unconscionable rates, that they have
forfeited all claim to the patronage and support of our people. We would rather trade with a Yankee after peace is restored,
than with the men who take advantage of our necessities at this time, to
practice their extortion upon us. Those
who do it are on a par with our enemies who are attempting to subjugate and rob
us.
See to what figures our factories and merchants have raised the simple
article of osnaburgs—to 30 and 33 cents per yard.
They could formerly offer to make and sell it at 10 and 12 cents per
yard; but now when Northern competition is excluded, labor cheap and cotton low,
they charge three times their former rates. The same is true of all our home manufactured cotton fabrics.
What necessity is there for this except what exists in the avaricious,
selfish propensities of our people? Under
what obligations can we be to patronize and support such men longer than we are
forced from necessity to do so? We
would rather buy of those who are now open and avowed enemies, than to build up
the fortunes of such unpatriotic vampires.—Eufala (Ala.) Spirit of the South.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 14, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
The account of the meeting of the ladies of Austin, in to-day's paper,
will be read with pride by the sons of Texas everywhere.
We only wish it might now fall under the eye of those noble women of New
Orleans, for whom it was designed. It
will, however, be preserved for them.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 14, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
We acknowledge the receipt of $120 85, from the ladies of Caney,
Matagorda County, for a hospital fund, which we have laid out in medicines for
Wharton's regiment, and placed them in charge of Serg't Ed Morris of that
regiment, who will take them through.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 14, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
We presume everybody in town, who knows anything whatever of the current
events of the day, knows that Mrs. Van Alstyne, Mrs. Bremond, and Capt. Longcope,
are engaged in collecting money and administering to the wants of the families
of soldiers in this city. Their
receipts and expenditures to the amount of thousands of dollars have been
published from time to time, and if any of the families of soldiers have not
been relieved, it has been because the cases have not been called to their
attention. We cannot therefore
conceive what can have been the motive of a writer in the News of yesterday, in
intimating that no attention had hitherto been given to the families of soldiers
in Houston. The writer must be
either very blind or very inconsiderate, perhaps a good deal of both.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 14, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns, that there is to
be another grand Concert for benevolent purposes next Friday evening, at
Perkins' Hall. We are assured that
this concert will be even better than the previous affairs of the kind. Among the new features will be a splendid orchestra, made up
of the fine band belonging to Cook's regiment.
Also, a comic piece, in which all the performers (20) will figure, called
the "Shaking Quaker's Opera," in costume.
This most laughable production has never before been presented to a Texas
audience and we feel sure will prove a great attraction.
The object of this concert is to provide for the families of volunteers
in Galveston, and we need not ask everybody and his family to get tickets,
whether they go or not. Let this
concert realize at least one thousand dollars for this worthy object.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 14, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Hospital Supplies.—There being a great want of hospital stores for the
Texas regiments, we take from the supply table of Regulations a list of those
most needed, and request the people to forward any of these articles they may
have to spare to us for the use of the hospitals.
We will, when it is possible, forward them to any desired regiment, but
prefer that they should be left with us without restriction, that we may give
them where most needed.
Chloroform, sulphate of morphine, sulphate of quinine, opium, arrowroot,
farina, nutmegs, tea, bandages, binder's boards (18x4 in. book
covers will answer), lint muslin, oiled silk, sponge, surgeon's silk,
green silk, red flannel, dressed sheep skins.
The following is the table of bandages, viz:
2 doz.
1 inch wide, 1
yard long,
4 "
2 " "
3 "
"
4 "
2 ½ " "
3 "
"
2 "
3 "
"
4 " "
1 "
3 ½ " "
5 " "
1 "
4 "
"
6 " "
This constitutes a regular supply for a regiment for three months.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 16, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Saltpetre.—We have given our readers several times, the process of
making saltpetre from under floor earths. We
have stated that a large amount of nitre exists under almost any old house,
especially in limy soils. The
amount that could be obtained thus is almost marvelous.
There is enough nitre in the under-floor earths of Houston to make at a
very moderate calculation no less than 75 tons of gunpowder.
Think of that! Gunpowder at
$2 50 per pound is a little the most profitable article that could be
manufactured at the present time. who will get the soil for a foot or two deep
from under the next old rookery that is pulled down in Houston and try the
experiment? We refer to an article
in today's paper giving an account of an experiment in this thing.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 16, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
How the Women Make Powder.—We copy a portion of a letter addressed to
Lieut. McClung, at Knoxville, by a lady in Sullivan county, East Tennessee:
["]I saw some weeks ago in the Register an article on the making of
saltpetre, and that the earth under the old houses contained more or less nitre.
I also learned that the Government was in great need of saltpetre, in
order to make powder for our brave boys now in the field.
Well, sir, I felt, though I am a woman, that it was my duty to do what I
could for my country; so, having an old house with dry dirt under it, I
determined to make a trial. I threw
out the ashes in my ash hopper, and had two others built.
I then had the dirt under the house dug up and put into the hoppers. I then run water through one of the hoppers, and then passed
the water through the other two. After
which I added ley to the water until the curdling ceased.
I then boiled it until it was thick when the post was set off the fire.
In a few hours the saltpetre had formed into beautiful crystals.
I poured water three times through each hopper, and the boiled it down.
The result is just one hundred pounds of beautiful saltpetre, according
to my husband's weighing. It was
very little trouble to me.
Now, sir, I see you are the agent of the Government.
I want to hand it over to you to be made into powder and sent to our army
to be used in defending our country.["]
The Knoxville Register adds that a citizen of Jefferson county, Tenn.,
made from the dust beneath a single old house two hundred and eight pounds of
saltpetre which, with the nitre and sulphur added, was converted into two
hundred and fifty pounds of powder.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 16, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
From the Picayune.
We are sorry to hear of the appearance in our streets, of late, of a
nuisance, the absence of which, in our public thoroughfares, under a judicious
police regulation, has proverbially made this city an exception to all others.
We mean street walking by abandoned women.
This evil, so fraught with disorder and disgrace to a city, and from
which we have hitherto been happily freed, should be put down in the beginning,
and should not be permitted to gain the permanency and prevalence of a usage.
The ordinances which prohibit, and the sense of decency which
discountenances it, should be executed to their fullest extent to prevent its
obtaining a foothold among us. It
is the parent of many evils, and should be guarded against with efficient and
stringent measures of prohibition.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 16, 1862, p. 3, c. 3
Spirit of the Baltimore Ladies.—The Baltimore News Sheet, of a recent
date, says:
Yesterday morning, as policeman Brown was passing along Bond street, when
in front of dwelling No. 122, he observed a young lady, a Miss Cecilia Robinson,
waving a small secession flag from the window.
This is a contraband article, and the policeman entered the house and
took possession of the flag. As he
left the premises the young lady assured him that she would proceed immediately
to make another.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
The Concert.—WE are requested by Mr. Sorley to say, that in consequence
of the time required to convert into good currency, a portion of the notes
received at the door, it will be some time before he can announce in full the
amount realized. Meantime he states
the amount at about seven hundred dollars.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Capt. Good, Ordnance officer of this port, desires us to say that the
services of the ladies are now desired in making up cartridges. He will be prepared for them at some convenient room
to-morrow morning. What they are
desired to do, is to cut the paper and tie it to the balls.
The cartridges will be filled at another room, so ladies need not fear
danger from powder.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
The splendid band of Robert's Regiment, were out serenading last Thursday
night, and honored the editor hereof with several beautiful pieces of music, for
which we were greatly obliged. It
is but justice to this band to say that it is the finest we have yet heard.
It is manifestly made up of talented performers, and under the leadership
of one of the best musicians in the Confederacy.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
About three months since, we secured the services of Judge S. S. Munger,
of Lagrange, to go to Richmond and get a lot of paper we had there and bring it
to Houston. He has just got back,
having been obliged to leave the paper in Jackson, Miss.
His adventures by flood and field have been of the most interesting
character. He has gained traveling
experience enough for a life time. He
has promised us an account of his trip, which we will guarantee everybody will
read.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
The Concert.—The promise given by us, on behalf of the public, in our
notice of the Floral Festival, of the 2nd inst., was literally
fulfilled last Friday night, Perkins' spacious Concert Hall being filled to its
utmost capacity; the large crowd being drawn together no less by the talent of
the amateur performers than by the meritorious object of the entertainment.
Of the performance itself, though we have attended the concerts of many
of the most celebrated singers, we can truly say we have never enjoyed one more
than this. There was a freedom from
stage by-play and stage effect which gave to it a freshness highly pleasing; and
that it had this effect on the audience was fully attested by the frequent and
spontaneous bursts of applause. While
both ladies and gentlemen acquitted themselves well, we cannot forbear giving
expression to the universal sentiment of the house by awarding a deserved meed
of praise to Miss Van Alstyne and Madame Buttlar [sic?], both of whom
contributed greatly to the success of the evening.
Miss Van Alstyne's "Comin' thro' the Rye," and "Casta
Diva," by Madame Buttlar, were enthusiastically applauded and encored.
Though of a different character, the comic songs of Miss Perkins were
equally effective. The quartette by
Mrs. Goldthwaite, Mrs. Gray, and Messrs. Sorley and Moore, was an exquisite
piece of music and was admirably rendered.
On the whole, the performers, one and all, have good cause to
congratulate themselves; for while they enjoy the consciousness of a good deed
performed, the large audience "we them a debt of gratitude for an evening
of unalloyed pleasure."
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
Making Salt.—The manufacture of salt from sea-water by solar
evaporation is one of the most simple processes in the whole range of the arts. Some eighteen years ago the writer hereof spent some time at
Yarmouth Port on Cape Code. This
place was then, and may be yet, somewhat noted for the production of salt.
We will give the process.
First, a frame work is built, some five or six feet high, on which the
salt pans rest. Let us suppose the
salt pans are to be 20 feet square, and a foot deep.
Then this frame work should be sixty feet wide, and for every 10 of these
evaporating pans 100 long. The
middle section of the frame work of 20 feet should be covered with a roof, under
which the pans may be placed in foul weather. The pans are made of wood, and rest on little wheels that fit
in a groove in rails so placed that they may easily be shoved out or in as the
weather demands. The rails should
be so fitted that the pans on one side should be about eighteen inches lower
than those of the other, so that when they are run under shelter, the same roof
may cover both.
Now let a wooden pump, communicating with the sea water, be so placed
that by means of troughs, water pumped up will be conducted to the whole series
of pans. This pump may be worked by
a wind-mill of moderate size and power. Having
these things all prepared, the salt works are ready for operation and need no
attention, except to put them under shelter when necessary, to keep them filled
with water until the evaporation leaves a thick deposit of salt, and to take the
salt away when it is made.
Planters living near the coast can, with no expense at all, supply
themselves with salt simply by taking a gang of hands to the beech [sic], and
digging a vat in the earth, a little back from high water, with a canal fixed so
as to be closed by a gate, communicating with the tide.
Let the vat be filled with sea water and allowed to evaporate, refilling
as fast as the water is evaporated, and in a few weeks of the dry season, a
large quantity of beautiful salt may be produced. This is precisely the process on a small scale, which nature
pursues in the Lagunas Madre and del Sal, where millions of bushels of salt are
annually made and wasted. Will not
the people of Texas have the providence to make salt enough during the dry
weather of the approaching summer months, to salt away and save the meat now
growing and being got ready for the slaughter pens next winter?
Let every man look out for himself.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Office Texas Brigade,
}
Richmond, April 30th, 1862.
}
Editor Telegraph—Capt. Sterrett leaves for home to-morrow, and as the
mail facilities between camp and Texas are suspended, I thought that I would be
best serving the Regiment by giving a synopsis of affairs here to your readers
in Texas.
The Brigade (1st, 4th and 5th Regiment)
is within two miles of Yorktown. Health
generally good. Those that are sick
come here.
. . . Before the Brigade was stationed at that point the enemy was very
bold; walking on top of the intrenchments, and occasionally drilling in front of
them, because they felt secure, the regiments of Georgia and North Carolina
having only the common musket; but now that the Enfield rifle has been brought
to bear they stand aside. They were
fond of climbing trees and shooting down into our pits, but that has been
stopped by the Texians. There are
some 80 scouts from the Brigade, who hover about the enemy and annoy him as much
as possible, one of these, a Mr. Templeman of the Polk County Rifles, the same
who so distinguished himself in the fight on the Occoquan, one of the brave
eight, disguised himself as a citizen and actually visited and conversed with
Gen. McClellan, this I have from one of the boys just down from camps. This same
man has killed some ten or fifteen of the enemy including a Major. . . .
Your
very respectfully,
Arthur H. Edey,
Agt. 5th Regt. Texas Volunteers
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Mrs. Blount has been requested to have 800 haversacks made for Col.
Flournoy's regiment, and she asks the patriotic ladies of Houston to help. Only a few [illegible] to do it.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Geiselman's Tannery.
We took occasion on Monday, in company with a friend, to visit the
extensive tannery now being put into operation just below town, by Mr. Geiselman.
We were surprised at the extent of the works and the amount of business
he will be able to do.
The establishment is on the banks of the bayou, close by the old French
farm. In front of the premises, Mr.
Geiselman has constructed a wharf of the most substantial character, from which
he expects to ship his leather. It
will appear manifest from this that he is not going into the business on any
small scale.
The buildings already completed, consist of a storehouse for hides,
another for bark, and a large building for the tannery.
Within this latter building there are 29 tan vats now ready and in
operation, two large liquor vats, a fulling mill with 7 heavy hammers, to soften
the hides, a large boiler for extracting the tannin from the roots and weeds at
present used, a currying room and a finishing room.
The machinery is put in motion by a twelve horse power engine.
Mr. Geiselman at present uses weeds and laurel roots, of which he has a
large pile. There are a variety of
weeds, such as cammomile [sic] and the like growing on our prairie, which
furnish tannin in considerable strength. But
his main dependence will be oak bark, of which he already has a large amount on
hand, and an inexhaustible supply in the forests of Texas.
Mr. G. expects to employ about 30 hands in his tannery. He will turn out 300 sides of leather per week, and will be
able to supply the Houston market with harness, sole and upper leathers of all
varieties.—When he gets the tannery fairly in operation, he will add a glue
factory to it, as a part of the business.
We cannot too highly commend the enterprise of Mr. Geiselman in
establishing this business as he has. While
others have been talking of what might, could, would and should be done, he has
quietly gone to work and set up a business that whether in peace or war, will
prove immensely profitable to himself, and advantageous to the State.
Success to him.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
There were about twenty ladies at the cartridge room over John Kenndy's
[sic] store yesterday. Capt. Good
says he can make room for 50 more and that their services are wanted now.
We beg the ladies to be on hand to-day.
Don't let him say again that he has room for more than come.
He wants several million cartridges.
Let the ladies see that he has them.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Pure Water for the Soldier.—Take a common barrel or old hogshead, put
straw or grass at the bottom. Then
put on a layer of sand 4 or 6 inches thick—then a layer of charcoal; and layer
by layer to one or two feet thick. (Bore
holes in the bottom of the barrel.)
Pour water upon it and use as it runs out below.
This will purify and disinfect any bayou water, and make it as healthy as
cistern water. There is no need of
our soldiers being made sick by bad water.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
"Behold My Battle Flag."—When all the brigades and divisions
were placed in battle array at Shiloh, with their battle flags, with the
exception of Gen. Ruggles, he rode up to the General, on whose staff he was, and
asked the reason why he had none. Just
at that moment a rainbow appeared in the heavens, and the General, pointing to
it with his sword, exclaimed: "Behold
my battle flag!" This
circumstance, so impressive and beautiful, might suggest an appropriate emblem
for the flag which the Congressional
committee are discussing. What say
you to the rainbow arched banner, gentlemen?
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
Larrissa, May 3d, 1862.
Editor Telegraph:
I have just returned from camp [sic] Burnett, Houston county, to remain
at home a day or two. We were
ordered by our Lt. Col., Mr. Crawford, of Newton county, to take up the line of
march next Monday. When I left the
camp, Burnett had not returned from Richmond, but was daily expected. The boys are anxious to get in the ring.
Our regiment is composed, in the main, of fine material. l It is made up
principally of men taken from the middle classes, who are not troubled, on the
one hand, by an apprehension that the enemy will come in their absence and steal
away their super-abundance, nor on the other, by a corroding anxiety that their
families, whom they leave behind, will become the subjects of neglect and want.
. . .
Our corn had been bit down twice, but since the rains it grows green
again, and promises an abundant yield. Our
wheat does not look promising, but it may greatly improve.
Rye, oats and barley look well. I
will say nothing of cotton, for we have planted but little.
The farmers exhibit quite a laudable energy in cultivating the soil.
The music of the piano has yielded to the harmony of the spinning wheel.
Linsey-woolsey and home made cottonades have usurped the place of foreign
fabrics. And what is worthy of all
praise, our patriotic women cheerfully submit to do without the Rio, and
substitute the rye. . . .
J. B. R.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 3, c. 2-3
A Compliment to Southern Women.
A vile and abandoned abolition sheet, published at St. Louis, called the
Democrat, abuses those heroic women of the South who sympathize with our
struggle in the following blackguard style.
We can conceive of no greater compliment to them, coming from the source
it does:
"She Devils."—Secretary Seward, on his return from a recent
visit to Winchester, was asked how the inhabitants of that place behaved
themselves. He replied in substance
that the men acted very rationally, but the women were "she devils."
This apt response tells the story of secession women everywhere.
Their conduct in Nashville, Tennessee, has been the theme of every letter
written from there, and the remark of every visitor.
Baltimore has furnished many instances of the outrages upon propriety
committed by the secesh females of that city, and the same thing may be said of
Louisville, Wheeling, Washington, and every other place where Southern
sympathies have divided the female portion of the population.
We seriously question, however, whether any of these places can surpass
St. Louis in the violence of the rebel women.
We have lately heard so many instances of this violence, that we feel
tempted to publish them, names and all.
There is no better proof of the magnanimity which has marked the course
of the United States Government, in the prosecution of this war, than the
immunity granted to the secession women of the border States, to flout treason
at pleasure, in the eyes of a loyal community.
Here in St. Louis, the privileges of the sex have been most shamefully
abused. The visits to the vicinity
of McDowell college, attended by the waving of miniature secession flags and
handkerchiefs to the rebel prisoners, called forth a stringent order from Gen.
Halleck, which put a stop to such practice.
The outburst of secession indignation on the part of the women extends,
however, farther back than Gen. Halleck's advent.
The scenes upon the doorsteps of Pine, Olive, Walnut and other streets,
when Gen. Lyon, with the troops from the arsenal, was marching to Camp Jackson,
are familiar to our citizens. They
have been the subject of denunciation since they happened, and at this time the
secessionists of the sterner sex would gladly obliterate their memory if they
could. Women standing on curb
stones, sidewalks and dwelling steps on that day, hooted, spat, grinned, jeered,
and indulged in obscene remarks which, at other times, they would have deemed
unworthy of the lowest outcasts in town. The
gallant Germans were especially obnoxious to them.
From that day to this the same class of females has spared no pains and
omitted no opportunity to insult the Union men of the city, or to outrage the
loyal feelings of the officers and soldiers of the Union army who have sojourned
here on their way to the seat of war. Of
late the frequent arrivals of sick and wounded rebels, in company with Union
soldiers, have brought out the malignity of their souls in its worst phase.
It is well known that the sick and wounded rebels have been placed in our
best hospitals, and treated with the same kindness and attention bestowed on our
own unfortunate men. The doctors
and nurses have treated all alike, and the thousand and one comforts sent here
from various ladies' Union and soldiers' aid societies in the East have been
used indiscriminately for the comfort of all—friend and foe receiving their
quota alike. This kindness has had
a marked effect on many of the wounded and sick prisoners.
But this does not suit the secession "she devils," and they
have been trying for months to get passes into the hospitals, to remove the
impression of this kindness, and to cheer up their rebel friends with promises
that the Southern Confederacy will yet succeed in obtaining its independence.
By Gen. Halleck's order, no contributions are received by the sanitary
commission for the purpose of being devoted exclusively to the use of secession
prisoners; the things received must be used for the comfort of all. The order was a severe check to the first attempts of female
secesh, and since then their heads have been racked to devise some new expedient
to outwit Gen. Halleck. Every
imaginable pretence is resorted to for the sake of visiting the prisoners in the
hospitals, and supplying their particular wants, and no others.
The result is, that many scenes take place at the hospital doors, which
are most disgraceful to the applicants for admission.
On Monday last, when wounded Union soldiers were being carried into the
Fifth street hospital, a fashionably dressed female appeared at the steps of
that institution with a small basket containing delicacies, and solicited
permission to see some of the rebel wounded.
Permission was refused on the ground that any delicacies intended for the
sick or wounded must be turned over to the stewards and nurses, to be served
equally to all the patients. She
violently remonstrated, and with a toss of her head, remarked in the presence of
a dozen individuals, and in the hearing of some of our wounded then lying in the
halls waiting the preparation of wards, that she was willing to do all that she
could for the Confederates; "but as for the Union soldiers, she would like
to see the last one of them rot and die."
Need more be said to show up these "she devils" in their proper
light? Is there any one of them
high or low, who would life a little finger to prevent the sufferings of a
single Union soldier? Would the
hearts which inspire such speeches as we have heard and have been reported to us
about Union soldiers and the war against rebellion, melt to pity upon any
touching or affecting occasion of human suffering, if the sufferer were a
defender of the flag of his country? A
day of reckoning will surely come for these misguided women!
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 19, 1862, p. 3, c. 3
Camp McCulloch, }
May 9th, 1862,
}
Mr. Editor.—Below is a contribution, raised by the members of company
D, 6th Texas Infantry. This
company is from Matagorda, and many members of it left behind them, their
families entirely dependent on the charity of others, and this charity is too
often (I regret to say) so niggardly and grudgingly doled out, as to be
inadequate to supply the necessities of life to the objects of it.
I have noticed that while our rich men will give generously and freely to
societies which are raising money for our soldiers in Virginia, Tennessee and
Missouri, they refuse to look around them and observe the want and misery at
home. While they give like princes
to men in other States, who seldom, if ever receive these donations, they refuse
often to give anything to their suffering neighbours. They cannot, or will not, appreciate and believe the old
maxim, that "charity begins at home."
This contribution was raised for the families of such of our soldiers as
had no means to leave behind for their support.
You will much oblige us by publishing it.
[list of names with amounts, total $302.50]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 23, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Col. Griffin desires us to express his thanks to the ladies for a large
trunk full of lint and bandages, which was sent to his regiment on Tuesday.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 23, 1862, p. 3, c. 5
The members of the "Ladies Aid Association" are requested to
meet Monday, the 26th, at 4 o'clock, P.M. at the residence of Mr. W.
W. Stiles.
Mrs. Stiles, Secretary.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 23, 1862, p. 4, c. 1
Tom Anchorite's First.
Niblett's Bluff, La., May 20.
Ed. Telegraph: Even when a
body is comfortably posited amid the conveniences of civil life, is it an easy
matter to scribble intelligibly or interestingly?
Much less so is it in a military life and camp, in which I am now placed.
Mr. Editor, have you ever served as a soldier at any time, and especially
in this war? I presume you have
not; and supposing you to be an ignoramus (about such things) I will proceed to
elucidate enlighten and instruct you—not that I can teach you much of the
drill of either of the three arms of the service, but of some facts and scenes
incident to military life, and especially of the detachment of the
"Benjamin battery," Capt. F. Gayoso DeLemos, which left your good (?)
city on the 16th inst.
I design writing you serially; and as this is my first dash into military
life, and have thus far only advanced toward the enemy—and, it may be, our
graves—83 miles from Houston, we have in our section 57 men, each one
of whom is a character worthy of note. I
dare the assertion that, when you see the chirographic likenesses I will give
you, that your readers will admit that the "advance guard" of the
"Benjamin Battery" is made up of racy, solid and good stuff.
Your correspondent is not included.
He occupies the position only of adventitious doctor, (thereto prepared
by an experience from necessity) and chief nurse, to which he has been fitted by
many a night's tramping the floor, baby in arms, the while humming some such
lullaby, as
"By baby buntin',
Daddy's gone a huntin';
When he comes home,
He'll give you some
B'ar what he killed
When he's huntin'."
And now, after a passage of forty years on the sea of life, in which he
has "boxed" the compass toward every point in search of some fair
haven of rest where spirit and heart might repose, he has turned his eyes to the
ceaseless, billowy and surging warfare, and will hence try to find, upon the
wild and dashing crests of frantic waves, that quiet he has so long sought amid
the in civility of (un) civilized life.
Too much of this—and now to a consecutive and orderly variation of
facts as they occurred since our departure from Houston.
On the night of the 16th we congregated, or quartered, at the
boarding house of one Riordan of your city.
We numbered seventeen Galvestonians whose names are A. J. Allen, Thos.
Ashton, Philip Barton, Denis Bany, J. W. Bradford, S. O. Briggs, T. J.
Carpenter, M. Doughterty, Patrick Fitzgerald, J. Loftus, M. McGrath, Patrick
Nolan, M. H. Pickrell, Thos. Quinne, Wm. Taaffe, W. H. Wilson and Dorsey
Young—all were loth to leave the social attractions of city life for
the roughness of the camp, and you may suppose none of us slept much that night;
song, anecdote and spiritual refreshments enchained us till two or three o'clock
in the morning, and at four thereafter, while the clear sky was yet gemmed and
twinkling with millions of stars, we started for the New Orleans railroad depot.
The bustle and excitement enlivened the scene and no room was found for
the expression of sadness. At 5 ½
A.M., we were off, and at about 3 P.M. arrived safely at Beaumont without—I
speak it sincerely—any accident whatever.
But why Beaumont is so called is an enigma to me, if any regard was had,
in naming the place, to the meaning of the word.
Beaumont, if I am not wrong, means pretty or beautiful mount, but
so far from there being any mount it is really but a small borrowing of earth
out of the surrounding swamp, and as to being pretty!—well, let it pass.
Your readers, I venture, have more than once been informed of the locale
of this place, but there are some incidents connected with our few hours tarry
there that may be interesting, and I will here close this introduction to our
journey to the wars and the incidents thereof.
Meantime we are arranging things in order, and you shall have all, both
grave and light, in due course, premising in the meantime something to interest
and laugh over, and mayhap, something to instruct.
So, pro tempo, good bye,
Tom Anchorite.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
For the Telegraph.
Lebanon, Grimes county, Texas,
}
May 14, 1862.
}
Ed. Telegraph: I must, in a
laconic manner, make known my present communication.
I respectfully recommend that our entire State immediately organize
manufacturing companies—three or four counties, or more, to constitute a
manufacturing district. None of us
have any money (beyond the tax demand). We
can, however, subscribe cotton. Every
county should forthwith have their respective county meetings, and appoint
delegates to confer with other counties through their delegates, and about three
or four counties associate together and subscribe cotton—the cotton to be
weighed and judged of its value and a scrip issued to each subscriber to the
amount of each subscription, whether it be one bale or five hundred bales of
cotton. We can, with forty or fifty
thousand dollars, build the requisite houses, furnish machinery, and make our
own cloth or shoes, as the citizens may decide.
After the organization of the company, the factories could confer with
each other and decide which of the said factories would make woollen goods, or
cotton, or shoes, or hats.
I have mentioned it to several citizens, whom I have seen recently, from
various parts of the State. Some
say that they are in debt, and wish their cotton to pay their debts. Is the cotton saleable?
Cannot the stock in any of the companies be sold after the war?
and the money appropriated to any other use, to pay debts or buy
property, it will prove to be the best property in the country.
Manufacture our cotton, wool, cow hides, bones and cow-hoofs, and the
surplus of manufactured articles at a future day we can ship to foreign ports,
and the raw material not requisite for the factories we can have judged, valued
and priced, and sell it for less to no man or set of men, from whatever source
they may come; and if we do not receive our price, we can manufacture the whole
crop and export the same. Yours,
&c.,
Domestic.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Plantersville, Grimes Co., May 20.
Ed. Telegraph: Allow me,
through the Telegraph, to return thanks to the ladies of our village and
vicinity, for many useful articles placed in my hands for the benefit of the
sick and suffering soldiers of the Confederate Army in or from Texas.
Among the articles are blankets and bandages, pillows and quilts, soap,
towels and lint, mattresses, &c., &c., donated by [list].
Having made room for the ladies please allow me space to acknowledge (75)
seventy five bales of cotton, placed in my hands for the same noble purpose by
the ladies and gentlemen named below: [list]
I desire further to state that said cotton, and probably as much more,
(to be subscribed) is for sale. Who
will aid a good cause by a liberal bid for it?
The cotton will be at least an average lot, as some have promised, and I
hope all will furnish their best.
And now, Mr. Editor, you will add to our obligations by suggesting how
the articles enumerated and the proceeds of the cotton may be so directed as
best to accomplish the benevolent designs of the donors.
Truly yours,
Thos. W. Blake.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Relief for the Poor.
The following responses have been received from the country to the call
for relief for the poor of Galveston. We
hope to hear of many more within the week.
Now if ever is the time for the people to show their patriotism, and to
give not for charity, but as a sacred obligation to those who have left their
homes as a bulwark against the invading foe:
Rose Hill P. O., May 26, 1862.
T. W. House, Mayor, &c.—
Sir: If acceptable, I will
donate and deliver to your order at Cypress City Depot, for the use of such
persons in your city as may need it, one hundred bushels, say 5,000 pounds of
prime corn meal, provided you furnish me sack to put it in.
I will deliver the above either all at one time or in two, three, or four
different lots.
Respectfully, C. F.
Duer.
Rose Hill P. O., May 25, 1862.
Geo. W. Frazer, Provost Marshal, or
T. W. House, Mayor of Houston,
Dear Sir: I am requested by
E. Weygaud and Otto Hegar, to say to you that each of them will take a family
from Galveston, say wife and two or three children into their homes and support
them. They live one on this side
and the other on the north side of Spring Creek, not far above George Roberts.
They will furnish transportation from Hockley to their respective
residences for these families.
Respectfully,
C. F. Duer.
Farmingdale, Grimes county, }
May 27, 1862.
}
Hon. T. W. House,
Dear Sir.—To-morrow you may look out for a car load of corn for the
relief of the poor and needy families in your midst, from Galveston. l If they
do not need so much corn, sell and buy provisions.
We could send you possibly some fresh beef.
Drop me a note how and when to send.
We will hold a meeting to-day to consider how we can aid, &c.
Your friend in a common cause,
J. K. Holland.
P.S.—You will please order a car to be sent to Courtney for provision
for the poor of Galveston now in Houston. All
cannot get in their corn to-morrow and want a car kept here to meet those who
send.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1862, p. 3, c. 2
From the Central Presbyterian, Richmond, Va., we take the following:
What We May Expect
While it would not be strictly just to say that none of our enemies pay
respect to private rights, and property, we do say that innumerable instances
come to our knowledge, showing a depravity, and outrages so horrid that a Sepoy
of India might be satisfied with them.
The following is from Rev. Dr. ______, one of the most highly esteemed
Presbyterian ministers in N. Carolina, in a letter to one of our brethren in
Richmond.
"Their pilfering and depredations in old Newbern are most outrageous
and distressing. A few
houses—some 10 or 12—were guarded on special application of the
owners to Burnside. As to the
rest—whether the families were at home or not, they were broken open and
plundered of everything the wretches could carry off.
For two days and more, after the capture, 500 drunken soldiers might be
seen in the streets at a time, quarrelling and fighting over the spoil.
One fellow might be seen walking along with a half dozen silk dresses (of
ladies) on his arms; another with an elegant rocking chair on his head; a third
with an elegant mantle clock, &c., &c. They broke open cellars for liquor, and pantries and
wardrobes and bureaus and trunks, whether the owners were present or not, and
carried off whatever they wanted. But
why do I mention these things? They
have done so everywhere they go, and will do so in Richmond, if they ever take
it. The worst thing the did in
Newbern, after they had made a clean sweep of the private houses, was to go [to]
the graveyard and break open the vaults and steal the silver plate from the
coffins. A list of these
abominations was published in the Raleigh Register last week, in which it was
stated that Judge Gaston's vault had been forcibly entered and rifled of every
thing of the sort. And all this,
after Burnside had issued his orders to respect private property, and threatened
severe punishment to those who did not.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1862, p. 4, c. 2
Ed. Telegraph:--Please publish the following as the result of the Concert
recently given in aid of the families of volunteers, in Galveston.
Gross
receipts..........................................................................$708
00
Expense of Brass
Band............................................................
30 00
The other expenses, printing, lighting hall, pianist, piano, &c.,
amounting to one hundred and one dollars, fifty cents, were very kindly paid by
Messrs. Lippman & Kopperl. Respectfully,
James Sorley.
I have since received several private contributions which will be duly
acknowledged.
J. S.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1862, p. 4, c. 4
What the Yankees say of the People of Nashville.
The following extract from the Nashville correspondent of the Cincinnati
Gazette is certainly candid, and shows what little comfort the Yankees have
found among the people of Nashville. The
writer, doubtless tells the truth of the matter.
He says:
I see the papers contain statements from parties who, at a distance of a
hundred or two miles, affect to write Nashville news, that a strong Union
re-action has set in here, and that the Union men of Nashville are already
proved to be largely in the ascendancy, that the people hail our coming as a
deliverance from the hated oppression of the Richmond despotism, and so on for
quantity. This is a trick of the
trade well known to old professionals, who can report a meeting quite as well
without attending it as by being there. They
think they know just how it will be received, and, knowing so much where's the
use of going to see and hear what you already know?
Such has it been in this case.
The North may as well make up its mind to be disappointed. We have all alike been expecting a grand Union uprising the
moment the National armies entered the capital of this most loyal of the seceded
States. But we have forgotten one
important fact. There are no avowed
Union men in Nashville. Of course
there may be scattering individuals, just as there may be Mormons in Cincinnati,
but it is utterly untrue that there is any open Union strength here.
In the country the feelings are exuberant.
Coming up the Cumberland everybody was delighted to see the old flag
floating. But you enter Nashville,
and the people looking as if every man had a funeral in his family.
Talk to them, and you find them polite enough, partly because it is their
nature, and partly because with our armies encamped around the town, it is a
necessity, but they will openly avow their secession, and express the hope that
our army may be speedily driven back. The
original secessionists (forming a large element of the population) hold fast
their integrity. They acknowledge the magnitude of their reverses, but fall
back on their fundamental proposition, "The south can never be
subjugated."
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 30, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
The Jackson Mississippi papers felicitate themselves on having secured a
large lot of paper intended for the Houston Telegraph.
The impossibility of getting the paper over the Mississippi river, forced
us to sell it in Jackson. We are
glad, since we could not get the paper ourself, that it has fallen into so good
and patriotic hands. We went to a
good deal of trouble about that paper, and have had our labor for our pains.
The amount left there was 250 reams.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 30, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
We acknowledge the receipt of a bucket of elegant honey from a lady
friend in the country, sent as a token of approval of the part we have taken in
reference to shinplasters.
Ripe watermelons appeared in Market yesterday evening. Roasting ears are beginning to appear; also tomatos [sic],
etc., etc.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 30, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
Donations to the Galveston Poor.
Houston, Texas, May 28th, 1862.
Mr. T. W. House, Mayor of Houston:
Sir:--We place in your hands five hundred dollars, out of the fund
subscribed by the officers and clerks in the employ of the State Department
"for the relief of the families of soldiers in the service of the
Confederate States," to be disbursed for the benefit of those unfortunate
but patriotic people who may be compelled by the fate of war to leave the city
of Galveston, abandoning their homes rather than come under the rule of such
miserable, corrupt, and vandal Generals as are assigned by the Lincoln Dynasty
to command Southern Cities.
F. R. L
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 30, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Acknowledgements.
Mr. T. W. House: Please accept $5 for the relief of the poor from a widow
who has cause to thank God for the benevolence of strangers.
F. D. Allen, book store, $50.
Austin, May 27, 1862.
Dear Sir—The "Government Officers Fund Association" instruct
[sic] me to remit to you one thousand dollars "for the benefit of such of
the poor as may remove from Galveston Island."
This sum is entrusted to you, confidently believing it will be faithfully
applied to the object indicated. Please
acknowledge receipt, and oblige,
Your obedient servant,
C. H. Randolph,
Treasurer G.O.F.A.
The above is from the same fund from which the Governor and Secretary of
State took the responsibility of donating $500 the other day.
It of course supercedes that donation.
It is a liberal gift indeed.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 30, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Marshal's Office,
}
Harris County, May 29, 1862. }
It having been reported that soldiers in the County of Harris have been
depredating upon and wantonly destroying the property of citizens.
It is ordered for the suppression of such acts of violence and outrage,
that any soldier so offending, if found guilty, be severely dealt with.
Geo. W. Frazer,
Provost marshal.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 30, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
The Members of the Ladies' Aid Association, are earnestly requested to
meet at the residence of Mr. W. W. Stiles, Monday 2d, 5 o'clock, P.M. for the
purpose of reorganizing and renewing with increased zeal their efforts for the
comfort of Texas soldiers. The
Galveston ladies are particularly and cordially invited to attend and unite with
them in the common cause of our dearly loved Confederacy.
Mrs. A. M. Stiles,
Secretary.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 30, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
To the Needy from Galveston.
All needy families from Galveston, wanting food, shelter, transportation,
or money, for their immediate necessities, will apply at the Council Chamber,
city of Houston, to
H. F. Fisher,
Ch'n Com. of Council,
or to T. W. House, Mayor.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1862, p. 1, c. 4
Summary: Letter
from Ft. Filmore giving account of Battle of Glorietta Pass
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
The amount of burglary and thieving of late in this community calls
loudly for something to be done. Thousands
of dollars have been stolen. Dozens
of houses have been entered. The
thieves are exceedingly adroit, and show that they are practised hands. May we not ask the civil and military authorities to use
especial vigilance in rooting them out? They
evidently do not belong here nor have they been here long.
More of this kind of thing has been done in the last month, than in two
years before.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
We had the pleasure the other day of meeting with Stanley Warner, Esq.,
formerly of the Tyler Reporter. He
was in Gregg's 7th Texas Regiment, which was taken prisoners at
Donelson. He was taken to Chicago
with the balance of the regiment, but made his escape and got off safely; made
his way through the lines, and came home. He
is here to report for duty, to the Headquarters of the Department of Texas.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Editor Telegraph: I have had
many young men who are going to the war to ask me what a man was most likely to
want in camp. I universally
informed them that they are apt to want more than they can carry.
For the information of the above mentioned I thought I would give you a
list of such articles as are required in camp; that is, the wardrobe, bedding,
&c.
In Summer.
1 heavy Blanket; 1 piece oil cloth, 6 feet by 3; 3 worsted shirts; 1 pr.
uniform pants; 1 pr. fatigue do; 2 pr. drawers, cotton or linen; 2 good cotton
or silk handkerchiefs and as many half hose as you can get in your knapsack
after putting in all other articles mentioned in list. 1 piece hand soap; a small quantity of writing paper, a few
envelopes, and pencil; 1 hairbrush and comb; 1 fine tooth comb, known in camp as
a skirmisher; 1 tooth brush and a paper of large size pins.
If you belong to infantry take your canteen, but be very careful to leave
at home your load of pistols and heavy knives, as you are likely to injure
yourself and comrades more than the enemy.
Soldier.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
An Affecting Scene.—A late Richmond letter contains the following:
A few evenings ago, at sunset, a small party of soldiers bore the body of
a beloved comrade to the posse commune of Hollywood.
They expected to find the chaplain on the grounds, but he had finished
his interments for the day and gone home. With
heavy hearts, they relinquished the consolation of religious services at the
grave, expressing, in sad terms, the bitterness of their disappointment. A lady of Richmond, whom a pious office had carried to the
cemetery, overheard them, and coming forward, she volunteered to recite from
memory the solemn and beautiful burial services of the Episcopal church.
The offer was gratefully accepted. A
more affecting scene had rarely been witnessed than that little body of mourners
presented, as beneath the grand old oaks yet leafless, in the waning purple
twilight, the gentle sister repeated, in feeble, but clear and musical tones the
noble ritual of the common prayer. The
rough sons of the camp wept as children.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
The C. S. General Hospital
Recently removed from Galveston to Hempstead, is in great
need of supplies, such as Chickens, Butter, Eggs, Vegetables, &c.
We would be thankful to our friends for contributions, and persons having
such articles for sale can dispose of them at the hospital.
The Surgeons.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
Offers of Aid.
Bastrop, May 28, 1862.
Geo. W. Frazer, Esq.:
Provost Marshal Harris Co., Houston:
Sir—The planters in this vicinity have requested me to inform you that
they will gladly receive and take care of a large number of the people who have
left Galveston. They have plenty of
corn and meat, and will soon have vegetables in abundance. Mr. L. [?] E. Higgins will send two large wagons to Alleyton
in five days, each capable of hauling 6000 pounds, to bring up such families as
may be there and are willing to come up. Mr.
A. W. Hill says from eight to ten large wagons will leave his prairie in ten
days for the same place and purpose. The citizens of this portion of Texas are willing and ready
to lend a helping hand to their suffering fellow citizens; and you may rest
assured, Sir, that everything will be done to make them as comfortable as
circumstances will admit.
You will please advise me as soon as you can, how many will likely avail
themselves of this offer, so that sufficient transportation may be provided for
all who come.
Our county is remarkably healthy at present, and our crops of corn, etc.,
very promising.
Mr. Jno. B. Lubbock leaves in the stage to-night, and he will see and
give you any other information you may need.
I remain, respectfully,
Wm. G. Denny, P. M.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1862, p. 3, c. 2
From the Philadelphia Inquirer, 18th.
Notwithstanding the advance of the army of the United States, the heresy
of secession still holds sway in the National Capital and in Georgetown and
Alexandria. Of course the circles
of the rebels are select, but the most perfect system exists of communicating
with each other a mutual support of their treason.
As an instance of the credulous weakness of these people, who
persistently refuse to believe the official reports of our brave Generals, but
cling to the exploded falsehoods of Beauregard and Davis, we append a copy of a
written hand bill posted on a score of street corners in Alexandria during the
last night, and of course pulled down by loyal hands this morning:
Grand Confederate Victory at Corinth—The Yankee Devils once more
Defeated—Gen. Prentiss and Brigade Captured—Noble Beauregard, God bless him,
still uninjured.
Cheer up friends of the noble cause, and return thanks to
Almighty God for our victory over the base hordes of Yankee invaders, and never,
never despair.
A Secesh Girl.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1862, p. 4, c. 2
Navasota, May 12.
Ed. Telegraph—Giddings' company of horse from Brenham, passed here this
morning—a remarkably fine body of men, cool and resolute, and perfectly
disciplined.
They were followed by a small party of horse, about 25 or 30, whose
conduct was a painful contrast to the gentlemanly conduct of their predecessors,
and therefore the citizens of this place have requested me to send you an
account of their doings.
They said they were soldiers, chiefly from Burleson county, and
that they belonged to Capt. Shannon's company, Carter's Brigade, and were going
to Crockett. They got partially
excited by brandy peaches, and came into the gallery of Mrs. Lofton's hotel,
dancing and yelling like so many madmen, incapable of self-control or common
decency, lifting up the ladies' lap dogs and dashing them against the ground.
It was in vain I informed them there were ladies in the parlor, they
appeared callous to all sense of shame or honor, and said they never expected to
be in that town again anyhow. They
asked for dinner, and ten or twelve put their horses in Mrs. Lofton's stable,
where they had them well fed. Not
being willing to admit such a coarse and indecent crowd to the table with ladies
or respectable people, I kept the dinner back.
Three of them, getting tired waiting, went to Mrs. Gosell's restaurant
and there demanded dinner, but their violent conduct so alarmed her that she
refused to put dinner on the table. They
said they had money to pay, but she told them she did not want their money.
Gentlemen present told them the lady had a husband, a soldier, fighting
for the country in Sibley's Brigade, and they ought not to treat her in that
manner, at which they went off, but returned again, and the same scene was
repeated.
Observing dinner was being put on Mr. Nolan's table, 15 or 16 rushed in
there, and after eating and drinking, broke a child's buggy and left, refusing
to pay.
Those who had their horses in Mrs. Loften's stable took them out, drawing
a knife on the black ostler and striking him with it, and then riding off
without paying.
Two had their horses shod by Mr. Swain, and rode off; he followed them
for his pay, but they told him to charge the Southern Confederacy. Several went into Mr. Marshall the Baker's shop, took two
pocket knives, worth a dollar and a half each, and refused to pay, telling him
also to charge the S. C., and scaring his wife to run out.
A number went into Lee & Taliaferro's store, and one of them stole a
five dollar and a half hat; another finding there was brandy by the bottle
insisted upon having a bottle. He
was informed it was to be retailed for sick soldiers, but he insisted for it so
much that Dr. Smith let him have a bottle on condition of his paying for it, but
as soon as he got it in his hand, he rode off without paying.
They otherwise behaved outrageously towards Dr. Smith, and threatened to
eat him up.
They insulted ladies in the street by the most gross and vulgar language,
which so excited some of our citizens that blood would have been shed had they
not put out soon.
Now it seems to us that these men could not be soldiers, but a gang of
robbers and thieves, professing to be soldiers, so that under that name, they
may rob and steal, commit outrages on defenceless families.
They appeared to have no officer among them nor any one possessing any
authority, and we therefore desire publicity to be given to this, so that the
matter may be investigated, and the law take its course.
If they are soldiers, it must be evident that such soldiers can only
disgrace the cause they profess to fight for.
There are plenty of men to defend the country who are a terror to the
enemy and not to their friends—if it were not so, it would be better to submit
to any tyranny, rather than be at the mercy of an unprincipled mob.
There was method in their madness, and drunkenness appeared only a mere
pretext for their conduct. They
bragged they had money—if they had had none, and behaved like men, the
citizens would have willingly fed them, and always have done so in such cases.
Such men are the greatest friends of Lincoln, and the fit tools of
tyrants.
R. B. H.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 4, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
North Alabama.—The Montgomery Advertiser states that gentlemen from
North Alabama represent the Yankees at Huntsville and vicinity, committing all
sorts of outrages on the people. The
soldiers have been guilty of the most brutal treatment to the negro women in the
presence of their mistresses, and if their masters interfered they were shot
down. They are running of [sic] all
the negroes they can, and have scoured the whole country, seizing mules, horses,
wagons, provisions and cotton, deterring the citizens by threats from burning
their crops. The people were of
course generally loyal, but a few disaffected persons who were before under
suspicion, from Marion, Fayette, Winston, Walker and Lawrence counties, had gone
through the farce of holding a convention to declare their allegiance to
Lincoln.—These persons do not count all told a thousand persons.
The Yankees at Huntsville.—The following is the oath of allegiance
which the invaders are administering to the citizens of Huntsville.
The penalty for violating it, as will be seen is death.
Our people can see from this what sort of despotism they will have to
submit to from the Union saving despot who now menaces us.
The oath is a literal copy from a pass which a gentleman had to procure
to leave Huntsville:
Federal Oath of Allegiance.
I solemnly swear that I will true allegiance bear to the United States of
America; and that I will not, in any way, give or transmit to the so-called
Confederate Government, or its officers, any information I may get of the
movements of the United States troops.
For the violation or abuse of this oath the penalty will be death.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 4, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Editor Telegraph.—At a meeting of the citizens of Wharton county, held
at the Courthouse in Wharton, on
Saturday the 30th day of May, 1862, Gov. A. C. Horton was called to
the chair and James A. Whitten appointed Secretary.
Upon motion the Chairman then appointed the following gentlemen a
Committee to draft resolutions, to-wit: Jackson
Rust, R. E. Davis, J. F. Robert, B. F. Lee, W. J. Clayton, W. J. Phillips and E.
George, and upon motion the Chairman was added.
The Committee retired and reported the following:
Whereas, There are many families made homeless by the recent evacuation
of Galveston, therefore,
Be it Resolved, That the citizens of Wharton feel it incumbent upon them
to render all such, all the assistance in their power, and to carry into effect
the above resolution, the following named gentlemen be appointed a special and
standing Committee, W. J. Phillips, A. C. Horton, B. F. Lee, R. E. Davis, E.
George, W. J. Clayton, J. F. Roberts, [rest of column torn off]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
We have received from Mrs. Col. Waters a fine lot of excellent lint.
We are gratified to learn that friend Warner, of Tyler, has been promoted
to a 1st Lieutenantcy, and assigned to duty for the present at Tyler.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
Acknowledgments.
Houston, June 3d, 1862.
T. W. House, Esq., Mayor of Houston:
Sir—I herewith hand you one hundred dollars placed in my hands by
Messrs. Lavenberg & Bro., for the benefit of families forced to leave
Galveston.
Very respectfully,
F. R. Lubbock.
Houston, June 3d, 1862.
T. W. House, Esq., Mayor of the City of Houston:
Sir—I am instructed by the patriotic ladies of Austin, to pay over to
you one hundred and ninety-six dollars for the benefit of the families leaving
Galveston.
Very respectfully,
F. R. Lubbock.
Volunteer Relief Fund—Treasury Department
April 12—To balance on
hand..........................................................$1105 20
June 2—To cash received, from various sources, to
date................... 782
90
$1888 10
June 2—By am't expended to
date...................................................
653 50
Balance on hand this
day......................................................$1234 60
Chas. S. Longcope, Treasurer.
Houston, June 2, 1862.
In connection with the above report, the Treasurer acting with the
committee, Mrs. P. Bremond and Mrs. W. A. Vanalstyne, takes the occasion to
report that this fund is dedicated exclusively for the maintenance of the
families of those who have gone into the service of their country, and that all
applications from that source, will receive prompt attention at the hands of the
above named committee; and, further, that meal will be given out, in addition to
the monthly allowance of money.
The committee tender their thanks to Col. J. D. Waters and Col. Kyle for
their liberal donation of meal.
In behalf of Committee
C. S. Longcope, Treasurer.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
$5 Reward.
Lost, in Houston, on the 31st ult., a Masonic
Breast-Pin, oval shape, gold frame and back, a white stone and raised arch, star
in the centre, seven small stars in circle, with the letters H. T. W. S. S. T.
K. S. and M. K. S. engraved on the back in German Text.
The above reward will be freely paid to the finder on leaving said pin
with the editor.
Martin K. Snell.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 4, 1862, p. 4, c. 5
Letter from High Private.
In Transitu, May 30, 1862.
[Note: he has been visiting in
Houston]
. . . A few years ago I sojourned in this town several days. Then there were but few two-story buildings in the city, and
some of these, even, had the second story in the rear of the first.
Now, what do I see?—I actually saw in Main street yesterday, buildings
so high that I had to look three times before I could see the top of them!
My hair stood on end as I gazed upwards and calculated the height of
man's aspirations.
I have discovered a remarkable coincidence in this city. To be brief,--the higher the buildings grow, the higher the
prices of goods climb! If I were a
christian in good standing, I would pray that the scenes of Babel might be
enacted over again; and that all those who attempt to build high
buildings might have their "tongues" confused and their ambition
cuppled, if so by doing prices would diminish and justice become reinstated.
The fashions have also attracted my attention.
I saw a bonnet pass along the street, about five feet from the sidewalk,
which looked at one end like a bomb-shell and at the other like a coal-scuttle.
The horses did not seem frightened, and I relaxed my vision.
Breeches, too large for one man and not large enough for two,
also rustled by, and I culminated to a point at a distance where fashion
reigned not supreme.
On the whole, I am pleased with this city, because it has a military air.
The fences, generally, form a "hollow square," and the
buildings are properly "aligned."
"Guide post" be praised! Excuse
me, civilians, and nonde-conscripts.
While meditating on the steps of the Fannin Hotel, I observed at a
diagonal corner, a man and woman dressed in white.
One held a spade and the other was scattering flowers. I walked over and saluted them.
They heeded not my recognition, and seeing them surrounded by
tomb-stones, I concluded they were ghosts, and left. But I will have something to say of the city in the future,
consequently will add nothing further at present.
High Private.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 4, 1862, p. 4, c. 5
Office Provost Marshal,
}
Galveston, June 1, 1862. }
Editor Telegraph—I am in receipt of information from Mr. Elisha Ryan
and Peter Vogel, of Richmond, Texas, notifying me that they will provide six or
eight families from Galveston with houses free of rent, and support them.
Such offers as this should be noticed, and therefore take the liberty to
inform you.
Yours truly,
J. C. Massie, Major and
Provost Marshal, Galveston District.
Official.
E. Keyser, Recorder.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
Camp Pleasant, Niblett's Bluff, La.,
}
May 30th, 1862.
}
Editor Telegraph: . . .
The "doctor," in addition to his capacity of nurse, has been,
also, self styled mother of this squad. Mothers
are proud of their children; praises now, and now rebuke.
This mother is something of this sort; but her children, unlike
children of the same parents, are of different nativity, but here the difference
ceases, essentially. For instance,
seven are American, one English and nine Irish.
Their age varying from 47 down to 19.
It would annoy my chirographic tact to describe each one
physiognomatically and physically, and I shall, hence, confine myself to
narration of facts, leaving these to develop to the reader the "manner of
the man."
At about 4 o'clock on the 17th, we left Beaumont—shades of
Parnassus what a misnomer!—and soon were gliding down the Neches. The starry canopy held no cloud, and all nature seemed in
that deep repose which mortals sometimes experience "among the wee sma'
hours." The placid river
flowed without a murmur or ripple, reflecting the clear, calm star-eyes of
Heaven; and as I gazed and pondered unutterable thoughts, I could not help
thinking that the serene beauty above might well be likened to a mother looking
down in tenderness on her children—and again, when our mission came to mind
that we were bound to the battle field, to be arrayed in hostile attitude
against unnatural brothers, the scene of agony on Mount Calvary came on me and I
seemed to hear the pitying accents, "Forgive them, Father!
they know not what they do."
Soon the young day came smiling amid dew-drops and golden glory, and in
every direction were heard the glad and liquid notes of birds, the occasional
splash of some sporting fish as it leaped out of its climate and fell back
again, and the entire croak-gamut of frogdom.
The scenery along the river is pleasing—the land though low, bearing to
the river margin a vernal foliage that seemed to bow to the starry heavens,
re-shining in its depths and kissed the soft waters as they passed with a cooing
murmur. Thus passed with a good
deal of pleasure to me, 35 miles of our journey, when we entered Sabine Lake, a
miniature ocean. Through this for
six miles we steamed; then entered the river of the same name, and here again I
revelled in an enjoyment born of the scene, which can never become old or common to me.
The Sabine presents the same low banks as the Neches and the same
exuberant foliage thickly fringing both sides—frequent bayous, lagoons or arms
of the river are seen, and to the eye present a scene to the lover of nature, of
great loveliness. Here a dense
gushing and wide spread green in seen—there the expanding prairie dotted with
human homes, lowing cattle and growing corn.
I have not seen this far, a single stalk of cotton on the soil, but corn
seems plentiful on the route at least, vigorous, and as if determined on
maturity, as the Southern people are in the prosecution of their freedom.
You have no doubt seen Picayune dog Butler's Order No. 28, I think
in which he makes the scorn of our Southern women of his brutal soldiery, when
they meet them on the streets of New Orleans, equal to the acts of women of
the town plying their avocation; and perhaps, have also seen Governor
Moore's noble and stirring appeal to Louisianians to awake to the work before
them, and expel the foul coward and his crew from the land.
Curses on the head that could or can conceive of has conceived such an
order—curses on Picayune, foul ulcer, Butler who has done it—I am greatly at
fault if the Louisianians, or the people of the Southern Confederacy, if they do
not conceive schemes, plot plots, and enact deeds that will utterly purge our
beloved land from such a slimy reptile—oh, damn him, (and I say it with
nothing of a vulgar spirit,) all stout hearts and good men.
Let our wives and daughters, and all our noble Southern women, use their
influence by tongue, and eye and smile, to arouse our men, if they are not
already fired for vengeance, to instant action, quick, prompt, deadly action on
such a foul and cowardly foe. Ladies!
women of our country! do you
see the extent of disgrace and loathsome insults issuing like corruption from
this beastly order? Men!
do you need to be appealed to and have explained, all the damnation and
demoniac ravages this order invites? Can
you not see wrapped in this order only waiting opportunity to evolve and act, a
demon whose foulness and power of harm to individual and social well being and
happiness, history has heretofore failed to describe?
Out! out!
from home and field—up with gun and rifle or club, and hunt the demons
out of the land. Thus only, will we
protect the sanctity of our homes and preserve the chastity of our glorious
women.
But here let us for the time close.
We have now reached this bluff in our narrative.
The present letter has little of interest to the general reader I am
aware, but my next will relate something of a piquant and lively character.
Tell "High Private" that I have preferred charges against him
for not finishing his sermon of or about Jonah.
So, pro tempo, hopefully,
Tom Anchorite.
*** T. A.'s No. 2 was crowded out, and so lost to our readers.—Ed.
Tel.]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
We acknowledge the receipt of a fine lot of lint from Mrs. Sabin, for the
army.
Our office has become the distributing post office for a considerable
part of the State. We have sent off
this week about a hundred letters to the Texas troops in Mississippi and
Virginia.
The report of contributions for the aid of soldiers' families, appears in
to-day's paper. We are desired to
say that if any one knows any families unsupplied for whom this fund is
intended, they will confer a favor by making the case known to the committee.
The ladies engaged making cartridges, send us word that they have room in
the spacious quarters they are occupying for at least 50 more, and that the help
of that number is needed. Ladies,
these cartridges are intended to slay the enemy that would despoil your homes.
Will you not come forward and make enough to supply the army in Texas
now? We know you need but to know
that your help is wanted to insure its being given.
We are informed by the Mayor that the people of the interior have nobly
responded to the appeal for aid to the fugitive citizens of Galveston, and that
he can now send quite a number of families to comfortable homes during the war,
if they will apply to him. A good
many have been sent out already, and yet there is room for more.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
"The Ruling Passion Strong in Death."—The following
interesting colloquy took place between a Colonel of a regiment and a conscript
of the Israelitish persuasion recently, not a thousand miles off:
Conscript—I reports myself as one conscript; de enrolling officer
swears me in, and sends me to you for duty.
Colonel—Well, sir, I will place you on duty.
Conscript—I suppose, Colonel, I shall be allowed to select de service I
tink de best for me, and which I likes the best.
Colonel—Yes; which do you prefer, cavalry, infantry, or artillery?
Conscript—Yaw, yaw; I tank you. I
wants de sutlership, and I hopes you order me to de suttle to your
regiment.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
There were 98 men enrolled in the North-eastern portion of the county,
and there are now not half people enough left there to gather the crop. Something should be done.
The Mayor requests us to say that he will send out families to the
country as fast as they will make their desire known to go.
At this time, all have been provided for that have come forward.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Acknowledgments.
Danville,
Montgomery County, Texas. }
May 31, 1862. }
T. W. House, Esq., Houston:--
Dear Sir:--I am requested by the "Soldiers' Aid Society, (composed
of ladies of this place) to correspond with you, to ascertain when and where
the following donated articles for needy families of Galveston that have removed
to Houston, or that may be elsewhere, should be sent:
112 bushels corn; 5 do. potatoes; 2 do. peas; 195 lbs. Bacon.
Very Respectfully yours,
Mrs. T. L. Hughes, Secretary.
T. W. House, Mayor:--Dear sir—I am willing to take a family from
Galveston and feed them. Say some
six, to twelve in family, and will move them from Navasota two and a quarter
miles, to my house.
May 28th, 1862.
I. M. Camp.
Anderson, June 2d, 1862.
Mr. T. W. House, Houston:
Dear Sir: A citizen of this
place will furnish to a needy family who is without a home, a house containing
two or three rooms and also the necessaries of life, say corn bread, beef, and
bacon, a cow or two to milk, vegetables as long as we have them, &c., free
of charge, until the first of January next.
Address.
Yours, &c.
K. H.
Mr. T. W. House—Dear Sir:
I write to let you know that I have house room for as many as two or
three families that are destitute and driven from Galveston.
I have also plenty of corn, and can furnish as many with bread.
I live some six miles west from the town of Montgomery.
There is plenty of corn in our county, and I think the people are
disposed to do all they can for families, who have to leave their homes.
Jacob Shannon.
Montgomery, May 31st, 1862.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1862, p. 3, c. 1-3
Summary: Letter
from Sibley's Brigade, El Paso County, May 12.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1862, p. 3, c. 4
Summary: List
of Contributions to the Relief Fund for Families of Volunteers, commencing March
10th, and ending June 2d, 1862.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1862, p. 4, c. 2-5
Letter from Judge Munger.
Dear Cushing:--According to promise, I give you a short narrative of my
trip to Virginia, and some of the pleasures incident to the same.
Without preface or further introduction, I left Houston about the 5th
of March, taking passage on the Houston & New Orleans Rail Road, to Beaumont
to which place I took my horse along with which to make the trop across the
country.
The trip to Beaumont hardly need be described to your readers. Every body knows this is the roughest and most
unpleasant Railroad in the world; it being not at all uncommon for the axles to
be plowing through the water, if not occasionally slightly pressing the mud.
From Beaumont I was four and a half day sin making the trip to
Alexandria, a distance of one hundred and ninety-two miles.
From Alexandria, I took boat to New Orleans, where I was detained two
days, the first being Sunday, before I could procure my passport.
From this city I travelled by way of Jackson and Meridian, Miss., and
Mobile Ala., thence on what is generally known as the Southern route to
Richmond. At Meridian, I missed the
connection with the down train and had to remain some 10 or 12 hours for the
next that should come. Incessant
rains falling about this time, the road from Meridian to Mobile, and also the
one from Mobile to Montgomery, were so washed as to become almost impassable and
before I reached Mobile we were stopped by the running off of a freight train,
that had filled the road with its wreck for one hundred yards, at a point about
13 miles above the city. Being thus unpleasantly situated, without any early prospect
of relief; no chance to move forward, no place to go to in the rear, and being
considerably pinched with hunger, I concluded to try the trip on foot.
So cutting a huge stick and swinging my valise over my shoulders, I set
out on a double quick, which imperceptibly slackened off into very slow time
before I reached the city. After
getting breakfast and taking some rest, I was prepared to pursue my journey up
the Alabama river to Montgomery which I accomplished on the steamer Selma.
This trip was neither speedy, comfortable nor pleasant; after three days
of suffering and human endurance I arrived there with our crowd of about 300
passengers. Here I had vainly hoped
that the comforts of travel would increase and that I would enjoy the remainder
of my trip, but in this I was doomed to disappointment, the further I travelled
the more the crowd increased. At
Atlanta I supposed the road through East Tennessee would relieve us, but not so;
it seemed that there were two passengers that came in to where one went out;
recruiting officers, recruits, and the returning furloughed soldiers poured in
upon us so fast that upon arriving in North Carolina and Virginia when the
militia were called out the press was beyond endurance.
The seats, aisles, platforms, baggage cars, aye, and the tops of cars
were covered with the passengers and troops, and thousands were left at the
depots vainly begging for a chance to come.
Add to this the inconvenience, the trouble, and sometimes the
impossibility of getting even a scanty meal at a most exorbitant price, and you
may form some idea of the numerous troubles incident to travel at this time.
All along the route the ladies showed their devotion to our country and
cause, which was abundantly manifested by the waving of handkerchiefs and flags,
the throwing of bouquets and, lastly, their sweet smiles, that lent a radiance
to their faces that made many of them seem bewitchingly beautiful. I cannot but record an instance of womanly heroism and
patriotic devotion that would have done credit to a Roman matron.
As a train of soldiers was passing a residence in the eastern part of
South Carolina, an elderly lady who was engaged in her garden at the time, on
hearing the approach of the train, turned towards it, and on witnessing the many
soldiers, she commenced waving her handkerchief with considerable energy, and
her heart must have thrilled with emotion, as the large tears burst forth from
her eyes and trickled down her furrowed cheeks.
Ah! can I be mistaken in the
meaning of this? Do I read the
expression of this countenance correctly? Yes!
my sons have gone to the battle field, one of them has been sacrificed on
the altar of his country, the last one has also; God speed you, go fight her
battles and be free!
While among the soldiers there are many who are refined and accomplished
gentlemen, there are also very many who are very rough and uncultivated in
manners, and many that are not so at home, seemed to throw off all restraint and
appear so.
To give you one of the many instances that came under my own observation:
As the cars stopped at a certain depot, in the lower edge of Virginia,
some of the young ladies assembled there had been throwing boquets [sic] to the
young soldiers, and which the latter thankfully received, when about the
following conversation ensued, (of course in an undertone, so that the ladies
could not hear them): Jewhillicans, aint she pretty!
I say Tom, which one of them gals is the prettiest?
Why the one with the yaller bonnet.
Which one do you think? Well,
that gal with the blue dress is the prettiest thing I ever saw.
Of course the girls hung their heads and blushed.
As the cars began to move, one of them exclaimed, I say, I want to marry
in this country, and I want you to wait for me till the war is over.
But we have arrived at Richmond at last, the Hotel is reached, and we are
about the 85th to register our name.
As soon as I could possibly get within speaking distance of the landlord,
I ventured to interrogate him as to the chances for a room.
He seemed to glance at me rather critically, and seeing neither gilt
buttons, epaulettes, nor any other mark of military distinction, he rather
coolly replied, that if I could get a bed with a friend, I would be fortunate.
At this reply nothing daunted, I gave him to understand that I was a
gentleman from Texas, on important business, and that I might be there for some
time and I wanted a good room, at the same time I gave him to understand that I
was a rheumatic, such as the "melich" have now, that don't want to
fight, and that I could not walk up two flights of stairs. How well I succeeded in putting on airs I do not know, but I
succeeded admirably in procuring a room. The
next day I was entirely relieved of my rheumatism and was fully prepared to
attend to business which I dispatched rather summarily, and prepared for my
homeward trip.
Your paper having been dispatched Southward some two weeks and everything
being now ready, I set out for home thinking that travel in that direction would
be more agreeable. At Raleigh, N.
C., I came up with your paper and found it stowed away in the railroad depot
about 20 feet deep in Government stores, and was informed by the agent that the
next day he should have sent it off into the city for storage.
I tried in vain to get him to ship it, but was informed that the
Government had monopolised the road and it was impossible to ship private
freight over it. After three days
of delay I succeeded in getting it shipped to Charlotte, N. C., by the Southern
Express Company, composed of Yankees almost entirely, more dyed in the wool than
the man that invented the wooden nutmegs. They
cheated me out of about seven dollars in the face of my contract.
I managed after this to get along without the kind assistance of this
company. All of the South Carolina
and Georgia railroad officials, with a single exception, treated me very
courteously and rendered me every assistance in their power.
I, however, communicated with them very freely, told them a great deal
about Texas and Texians. That our's
was truly the land of milk and honey and mustang wine.
The last of which they seemed to delight to dwell upon, and I promised to
send on several roots and cuttings of that very prolific grape, to [torn off few
words].
The conductor of the West Point and Montgomery train also placed me under
lasting obligations to him in taking my car by express with the passenger train
to Montgomery.
Leaving Charlotte I anticipated stopping one day at Columbia, S. C., but
on learning that the scarlet fever was raging there I went on to Augusta, Ga.,
where I remained three days for my freight to come forward. Here I asked no questions about sickness but just before
leaving I learned that scarlet fever, measles and mumps, were all in the city
and the two last in the hotel with me. I
caught neither however, but am only surprised that I did not catch the itch or
some other loathsome disease as I do not think I had the pleasure of rumpling
more than three pairs of clean sheets in so many months of travel.
At Augusta I had the misfortune of losing my overcoat, of course some
gentleman took it by mistake.
On arriving at Montgomery I found the Alabama train quite full, and the
Mobile railroad out of order; this forced me to river transportation which after
the usual delays I was prepared to take. At
Mobile I again met with difficulties almost insurmountable.
The military authorities that day took possession of the Mobile and Ohio
railroad and cut off my transportation in that direction.
After many little vexations and much delay I took the steamer Dixie (a
fast name but an awful slow boat) up the Tombigbee river to Columbus.
I congratulated myself upon a forward move in any direction, but this was
the most tedious trip I ever had; ordinarily the run is made in 48 hours. I was about six days five nights on the trip—slow running
was not all the trouble, the river was very high, and in the darkness of the
night we took to the corn fields, then broken wheels and every other misfortune
that would cause delay. Long before
I accomplished this trip the Yankees had possession of New Orleans, and old
Butler, the hypocrite, was privately ensconced away in some of the closets of
the St. Charles Hotel. All the harm
I wish him is that the women of Texas had a lariet [sic] about his neck—I
would risk the balance.
From Columbus I procured transportation down the railroad to Meridian,
but here I venture to assert are the most contrary set of railroad officers that
ever disgraced office or car. The
Mobile and Ohio road being here connected by the Southern railroad, the agents
of each fearing that they would do something that should be done by the other
you could get nothing done by either. As
a last excuse for not taking my car by first train, they said the sun had so
expanded the iron rail that the switch would not work, consequently they could
not get my car on the train; at this information and without solicitation I
procured sledge chisels and crow-bars with two or three hands to help, and soon
put the switch in proper working order. When
I informed them that I had repaired the switch the mule had got so big in
them that they would not take it then, though they had no excuse.
I will relate one instance of the low dogged meanness of these officials:
Capt. Charlton of one of the Tennessee regiments, and brother of Hon. A.
B. Charlton, of Texas, lost his right arm at Shiloh and was on his way to visit
a brother in the lower part of Mississippi, having been delayed here all day and
the train leaving at 12 o'clock at night, he requested that he might go aboard
of the train with his litter before night, and thus get rest and avoid the rush
and confusion of the night, and the danger of receiving fresh injury.
This request being politely made by a wounded soldier, was sternly
refused by the pompous agent and conductor both.
I left this little sink of perdition at 12 o'clock at night, glad in my
heart once more to be on the move in the direction of home, intending to await
at Jackson the pleasure of the railroad agent in sending forward my car.
I was getting along finely when about daylight, thump! thump!!
thump!!! across the ties told me in language unmistakable that we were
off the track again, going as we were at the time at the rate of 25 or 30 miles
an hour, being on an embankment 12 to 15 feet, and some 300 passengers on board,
what could we expect but death and destruction.
Strange as it may seem, no one was seriously hurt, though every car
behind the locomotive was thrown from the track.
I then took another of my railroad walks, going four miles to breakfast,
which I got for two bits. True, it
was only a good two-bit breakfast, but I had been in the habit of paying four or
six bits for them, and change the name of the meal to dinner, and then you have
at times to pay one dollar for it. I
arrived at Jackson that night, and the next day the paper came to hand; but
having previously been to Vicksburg, and finding the railroad on the western
side of the river inundated, New Orleans in the hands of the enemy, the enemy's
gunboats on the river, and our steamboats having all gone out of the trade,
hunting the most shallow water that would hold them, no transportation being
left, I was very unwillingly forced to leave the paper, after the weeks of
labor, trouble and accumulation of expenses on the same, all having been done
that could be to get your paper through, and failing in that, nothing was left
for me to do but to make home by the best route I could find.
I crossed the Mississippi at Vicksburg in a skiff, going 30 miles down
the river and 25 up Roundaway Bayou, which took me to Tallula Station, on the
railroad, 19 miles of railroad still before me ere I reached the cars, three
miles of it inundated by the overflow of the Mississippi river, and neither boat
nor car in which to make the trip. As
much as I disliked it, I was forced again to try my qualities as a pedestrian.
I accomplished this distance between 9 o'clock and sundown, two others
accompanying me. The three miles
thro' the water was very tedious; half the distance the water was up to our
boot-tops, and we had to feel with sticks for the cross-ties, through the muddy
water, upon which to step to keep from plunging in over our heads.
This accomplished our feet were so tender that you may well imagine their
condition when we arrived at Delhi. Suffice
it to say, we were in no walking condition next day.
But I fear I am becoming tedious. I arrived safely by the cars next day
at Monroe, hired a horse and buggy to take me to Alexandria, 107 miles. Thirty-five dollars cost and expenses, bad roads, bad water,
poor accommodations, gunboats to cut me off at Alexandria. My darkey driver, on hearing it, says "Good Lor', massa,
you ain't gwine to carry me whar dem things is, is you?"
Arrive at Alexandria—no gunboats, go my pony, start for home, find
stranger, swap horses, a piney-woods company raised on alluvial soil only half
an inch deep, used to turning a cow-pea over three or four times to sprout, fine
company, arrive at Beaumont, meet Capt. Turley the expressman, give him my
papers, arrive at Houston, feel at home, walk into Telegraph office very early,
find Cushing very busy getting out the news in an extra, hardly time to say,
where is my paper? but he did, and
echo seemed to answer, where? Of
all these, and many other things, I could write, but I must close.
Yours, &c.,
M.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 9, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Camp near Little Rock, }
May 23, 1862.
Editor Telegraph: Col.
Moore's Regiment, the 17th Texas Cavalry, arrived here on the 20th.
Little Rock, I find, is built after the fashion of other towns in the
South-west, and at this time presents a very dilapidated appearance. Business, other than that done in the military line, is
entirely suspended. The inhabitants
of the place got scared at our near approach and prevailed upon Gen. Roan, who
commands the Department of Arkansas, to declare martial law, very much to the
regret of the troops. Per
consequence, the "places where gentlemen most do congregate" are all
closed, and it is only by a display of the most extraordinary talent that
the non-commissioned and privates can obtain any—the least
taste—of anything like spiritous or vinous liquors.
However, sich is life. . . .
I must not forget to make honorable mention of the kind treatment we
received on our march. To the
ladies of Shreveport, La., especially Capt. Nobles' company, is under lasting
obligations. In an incredible short
space of time they made tents for our entire company.
Those of our sick who were left there will never forget the attention
shown them. Among those who are
most deserving of notice, is Col. Watson and his excellent family.
What they did was done in an unpretending christian spirit, and worthy of
the highest emulation. If we could
always be among such a people, so generous, and kind, and true, the hardships of
a soldier's life would sit but lightly upon him.
I will write you again when something new or interesting transpires.
Until then adois [sic].
C.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 9, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Major General B. F. Picayune Yankee Butler,
}
Commanding
Dep't of the Gulf,
}
St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, La.
}
date, June 7th, 1862.
}
Dear General: A long time
has elapsed since I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you. I attribute your silence to the fact, that of late your time
has been much occupied in carrying out your master's instructions, in New
Orleans.
How little did you dream, in 1853, at the time you were horse-whipped in
the streets of Lowell, Mass., for insulting some respectable ladies in that
city, that in 1862 you would do the same thing again, from a throne in the heart
of New Orleans!—You promised at the time you were flogged to reform, my dear
Pic.; and why did you not keep your promise? . . .
Dear Pic.:--The ladies of Texas are extremely solicitous respecting your
welfare, and quite anxious that you will, at your earliest convenience, honor
them with a visit. If you will come
over and see us, I pledge you my honor that you shall not be horsewhipped. . . .
Yours, contemptibly,
High Private, C. S. A.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 9, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
We took occasion the other day to call and see the carriage building shop
of J. P. Judson, and were agreeably surprised with the character of work he is
turning out. He is engaged for the
present building ambulances for the Government.
Those already about completed are of a character superior to any work of
the kind we ever saw. They are
large, well made, and far more comfortable to travel in than a coach.
They speak well as to beauty and thoroughness of make for the
enterprising builder.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 9, 1862, p. 4, c. 5
At a meeting composed of the members of Company F, Young's Regiment, held
at Post Hebert, Camp Young, June 4th, 1862, the following resolutions
were offered and unanimously adopted:
1st. That the
sincere thanks of the company are due and are hereby tendered to the ladies of
Cameron and vicinity for the proceeds of the tableaux given by them on the
evening of the 24th of May.
2d, That we hope not to prove unworthy recipients of their donation, and
that we pledge ourselves to do our duty as soldiers and never to lay down our
arms until their liberties and our own are secured.
Rufus Stinnett, Ch'rm.
James Jeffries,
Sec'y.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Incindiarism.
The burning of the extensive foundry and machine shops of Alexander
McGowan, Wednesday night last, possesses features of grave import, and such as
call for the utmost vigilance and energy on the part of our authorities, both
military and civil. Mr. McGowan is
a man universally esteemed and beloved—a man of whom it may be truly said, he
has not an enemy in the community. On
asking him if he had cause to suspect any one, he informed us that he had not
had an unpleasant or "hard" word with any one for years.
The question then very naturally arises, what motive could have induced
the incendiary—what object had he to accomplish? There could have been no malice—no real or fancied wrong to
avenge—no cause to inflict such an injury upon an unoffending man.
The motive must certainly have been a powerful one to lead any one to the
commission of such a crime.
Some eighteen months ago, Texas, in various sections, was visited by
extensive conflagrations, the peculiar circumstances connected with which left
no doubt upon any one's mind that they were the work of abolition emissaries.
What reason have we to think otherwise relative to the incendiarism of
Wednesday night? On the contrary, we have good cause to form such an opinion.
It became known a day or two previous that Mr. McGowan was about closing
two important contracts with the authorities—one to construct the machinery
for a powder mill, and the other for casting cannon.
While there is no cause apparent for the burning of the establishment, so
far as Mr. McGowan is individually concerned, we have here a sufficient motive
and object, if aimed at the Government. Add
to this that the question of accident is utterly excluded by the circumstances
of the conflagration, and no doubt is left upon our mind that it was but a part
of a preconcerted plan—the work of treachery in our midst, whether of one or
more.
This work shows but two [sic] plainly how much harm a few traitors can do
when not sufficiently watched. It
shows too, together with the numerous robberies committed of late, that the city
is infested with a set of miscreants who only watch the opportunity to prosecute
their nefarious work. Let us be on
our guard against them. The
exercise of due vigilance will not only rid us of them, but perhaps lead to the
arrest of some. Too much care
cannot be exercised.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
The correspondent of the News who signs himself an "Israelitish
volunteer," is too sensitive by half.
The article to which he alludes should have appeared as a communication,
which it was, and not an editorial. It
was published as a piece of pleasantry, applying to the individual referred to,
and without the remotest design of reflecting upon a class of people among whom
the editor hereof numbers many warm friends, and which class he would be the
last in the world to cast reflections upon, or do injustice to.
The reflections of the correspondent upon the editor are as gratuitous as
they are unjust.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Piedmont Springs.—Leander Cannon advertises this watering place as
again open for the season. This
fine house has ample accommodations for three hundred guests, and is indeed a
splendid place to pass the summer at. He
has plenty to eat and drink, ample provisions for recreation, and is in every
way prepared to do justice to his patrons.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
We acknowledge, from a friend in Georgetown, sixteen dollars for the poor
of Galveston, the proceeds of a concert given there by Geo. Newton.
The money is in the hands of the Mayor of the city.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
The following is a list of the present retail prices of some of the
leading articles of merchandise in this market.
Our readers abroad, with this criterion before them, can judge of the
present state of the market generally:
Flour, per sack
$10 00
Starch
$ 50
Corn Meal
1 00
Tea, Black /lb.
5 00
Bacon
20
Tea, Green /lb.
6 00
Salt /lb
06
Coffee /lb.
60
Sugar, Brown, Texas
10
Rice /lb.
30
Sugar, Brown,
New Orleans 12½
Butter /lb
20
Sugar, Crushed
50
Eggs
25
Molasses, /bbl
20 00
Nails, /keg
40 00
Some kinds of clothing and dry goods bring almost fabulous prices.
The "Local will give the prices of any article for sale in market,
when required by correspondents.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
The arrival and departure of the cars on the different railroads running
from this city, may be stated thus: On
the Central Road they leave at 12:15 P.M. every day, except Sunday, and arrive
at 1:30 P.M. On the New Orleans
Road they leave at 5 A.M., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and arrive at 9:45 P.M.
same day, to 9:46 ½ P.M. next day. On
the Galveston Road they leave every day at 3:30 P.M. and arrive at 11:30 A.M.
On the Houston Tap and Brazoria Road they leave Monday, Wednesday and
Friday at 7 A.M., and arrive at 5 P.M. same day.
On the B. B., B. & C. R. R.
they leave Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10 A.M. and arrive at 5 P.M.,
Monday Wednesday and Friday. The
trains are punctual in leaving, but the time of their arrival varies
occasionally; especially when the cars "get off the track," and there
are not passengers enough to put them on again.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
Disastrous Fire.
About 2 o'clock last Wednesday night the extensive Foundry of Alexander
McGowan, Esq., was discovered to be on fire.
The alarm was first given by the watchman at the depot, near by.
In a few moments the whole building was enveloped in flames.
The fire companies were soon on the ground, but their exertions were of
no avail, except in protecting surrounding property.
The safe and its contents were saved, but all else was destroyed.
Even the books were lost, they being in a desk.
We question whether the destruction of any other building in this city
would prove so disastrous to the community at large as the loss of this one.
It was filled with costly machinery, such as planers, lathes, and
valuable tools. The patterns lost
had been accumulating for the last fifteen years, and cost no less than $25,000.
Their loss will be seriously [illegible] for they belonged to the
machinery which is scattered all over the country.
The entire loss is not less than $40,000.
No insurance. The fire
originated in the second story, in the pattern room, and was, no doubt, the work
of an incendiary. The enterprising
proprietor is already cleaning away the rubbish preparatory to the erection of
another building. No obstacle will
be thrown in his way, for he is universally esteemed, and he has the sympathies
of the entire community in his great loss, and its best wishes for his future
success.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 3, c. 4
Relief for Galvestonians.
Round Mountain, Blanco Co., Texas,}
June 4th, 1862.
T. W. House, Mayor of Houston—
Sir: The great pressure of
population now in Houston and its vicinity, consequent on the evacuation of
Galveston, as set forth in the newspapers received per yesterday's mail
at this post office, induces me (having an immediate opportunity of sending by
private hands, in advance of the weekly mail to Austin) without neighborly
consultation, to offer for your consideration the following facts:
There were in 1860, as per statistical report, in this and the adjoining
counties of Burnett, Comal, Gillespie, Hays and Llano, about 170,000, increased
now to say 250,000 head of neat cattle.
And, were a suitable man appointed to visit these counties for the
purpose of obtaining subscriptions of cattle, hundreds if not thousands would be
offered to feed the redundant population of your city and its environs.
Should the above be thought to merit attention, I will take leave to
suggest that, if such agent be sent, hands should be sent with, or after him,
for driving down the beeves, as so many men have entered the military service
from this State, that hands are scarce, and $3 per day is now being paid for
cradlers to cut our present crop of small grain, the saving of which is of the
last importance at this moment.
It will give me pleasure in carrying out your plans, to assist you or the
agent in any manner within my power—that all those persons who have so
cheerfully given up "all they possess," rather than place
themselves under "Picayune Butler" and his myrmidons, may want
for nothing, so long as our range is filled with cattle, and the granaries
of the farming portion of our State overflowing with the cereals.
Respectfully, your obd't
serv't,
J. T. Cleveland.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 4, c. 1
To the Officers of the C. S. Army, and the Citizens of
North-Eastern Texas.
It is reported and believed that the enemy is at or near Little Rock,
Arkansas, in force; that he has already invaded our sister State, and if not
checked will invade this portion of our own State.
It is our duty to Texas, Arkansas, and the balance of the Confederate
States to prepare to meet him and drive him back.
There are several regiments, battalions and companies of troops in this
section that have no arms or ammunition, and the condition of the Mississippi
river is such that they cannot be brought from beyond it, even if the government
could supply them in time to meet the present emergency; hence they must be
obtained, if possible, in Texas; and I advise the officers who are in command of
the forces, to apply to the citizens immediately, and obtain all the arms and
ammunition that can be spared from the necessary defence of the families against
negro insurrections, give certified accounts for them at a fair price, to be
paid by the Confederate States, as soon as funds can be obtained for that
purpose.
I earnestly urge every man in the country, who has a gun or any
ammunition that can be spared from the defence of his family, to turn it over
immediately to these officers for the use of the troops, and in order to
facilitate the matter, would suggest that the Chief Justices, County
Commissioner, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace and Constables, take active
measures to collect the arms and ammunition in their respective counties and
beats, at the county seats, where they can be more conveniently obtained by the
officers, who are to receipt for them for the use of the troops of the
Confederate States.
It seems to me that there is an emergency upon us that requires this
course, and that prompt and efficient action is necessary for the good of the
country, and that every officer who has command of troops not supplied with arms
and ammunition, and the civil officers of the State, and all the citizens of the
country will engage at once in this important business, and that we will soon
see the troops armed, equipped and ready to meet the enemy.
H. E. McCulloch,
Brigadier General C. S. P. A.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 13, 1862, p. 4, c. 3
Camp Pleasant,
}
Niblett's Bluff, La., June 6th.
}
Ed. Telegraph—You see that I name our temporary rendezvous
"pleasant," but I have omitted to say why.
Sensible people always have a good reason for what they say or do, and am
not I one?
But first, let us perpetrate a little of the descriptive.
"This here place" is called a bluff, and when it is
remembered that the country along the course of the Neches and Sabine from
Beaumont here, with one or two exceptions, is a dead—that is, a very
low—level, scarcely two feet above the surface of the water, we are less
inclined to quarrel with he, she or it that called it bluff. So let it be a bluff, whose summit heaves about twelve or
fifteen feet above the tide. Two
venerable cypresses stand on the edge of the water at the landing, affording
excellent "fenders" to the steamer.
Near the top of the bluff, east of these, (the river here runs North to
South) an umbrageous mulberry extends a grateful shade against the heating sun,
and among its branches the tree-frog, green as its leaves, screeches the
live-long night. A little further
East, and opposite this mulberry, stands the first drinking saloon—a squatty
log building, with a loose board shelter in front—being the first house
affording "goodies" met with on leaving the steamer. Games of diversion are usual in it, and sometimes are kept up
through the night in unison with the frog, I presume.
The "Doctor" was an invited guest at a concert here, a few
nights after his arrival, and served the wants of the band till seven-eyed Orion
was blinking in the west; then finding a kindred disposition to set, concluded
to wash his face and eyes in the amber Sabine—his knee joints were a little
weak from long standing over his patients, but still he thought there was
strength in the old head yet—at the root of one of the cypresses he stooped to
his ablution; a little dip beyond the center of gravity suddenly aroused the
"strength" aforesaid, and with a "Hold up, hold up, not yet, old
fel!" he regained his balance, then made a second effort to reach the water
and did. (What an attraction
there is in water.) The Doctor's
"gravity" was overcome; hands and head first, body and heels
following, he described a complete somersault of the parabolic genus, and with a
splash that must have aroused the nodding buffalo and cat-fish, which abound in
this river, (our boys have eaten so many of the former that they go about
sucking, sucking even the bottles occasionally till they sometimes occupy the
position of the buffalo when feeding) he made one grand struggle for the shore,
and was crawling out safely just in time to afford a good laugh to several who
had followed him. Racy old Doggy
opened first, "You're our Doctor, shure, and our nurse, but its mesilf
that's thinkin' you're a wet nurse, now, anyhow—a scandolaus
fact"—"Pshaw," said the Doctor,
blowing out the water.—Then old mother Mac.—"Come, come along wid me
and git on some dhry clothes, so you must."
"I won't," said the Doctor, "I'm going to wash my
face."—"But you shall, you'll catch your death of could, so you
will!" "Oh, won't you let
me be?" said the Doctor, "don't you know I'll take more cold in
changing clothes than by drying these on me—this is philosophy?"
But mother Mac. prevailed, by kind intercession, and soon the Doctor was
dried and gliding with Somnus through the shadiness of dreamland—that is to
say, the Doctor was asleep, and while he is sleeping we will pause to stitch our
thoughts for another garment of fact, and mix our colors and fix our brushes for
another picture. So, pro tempo,
Tom. Anchorite.
HOUSTON TELEGRAPH EXTRA, June 17, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
[After news of a victory below Richmond in which McClellan
was mortally wounded]
The news was welcomed in Houston by the joyful ringing of bells, and
universal congratulations of the citizens.
A Confederate salute is to be fired this (Thursday) noon.
Joy and gladness pervade the city, even exceeding that of the memorable
occasion when the intelligence of the battle of Manassas was received.
Seldom is as much good news contained in so small a space as this we
publish to-day.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 18, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
. . . A bolt of domestic containing 39½ yards was sold in town
yesterday by a "regular dealer" for $19 75, or fifty cents per yard.
The same was invoiced to the dealer at 7½ cents!
The man who bought it was compelled to have it for his family.
Is this right? Is there no
relief from such a tariff? Shall
the necessaries of life command such prices.
Two things are very scarce in town at present, viz:
Quinine and street drunkards. There
are in the country, however, some excellent substitutes for quinine, but none
for the other commodity. Since the
grogshops closed, a change has come over the face of this community, which is
hard on "locals." No stabbing—no shooting—no midnight brawls in the
streets—no murders—no wife beating—no tumults of any sort. All goes quietly and uniformly on. Peace officers are getting gouty for the want of exercise,
and Justices can now rusticate and "let their whiskers grow," for of
late "no body is hurt"—in this latitude.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 18, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Candles and Soap.
The subscriber will pay in cash 18 cents per lb. for Clear Rendered Good
Tallow, 10 cents per lb for rancid Cornfed Lard, and 40 cents per barrel for
hard wood ashes, delivered at the Factory.
Parties in the country can ship to the care of their merchants here, and
if they prefer it, receive pay in adamantine candles, hard bar Soap or good Lamp
Oil all guaranteed.
Fbank [sic?]Rabj;
Lone Star Soap and Candle Factory.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 18, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
We understand the fund for the relief of destitute families of soldiers
in Houston & Harris co., is nearly exhausted.
This fund must be kept up. Donations
must be made on a more liberal scale. Let
the moneyed men come forward and give of their abundance.
Let the gifts be no longer in tens and twenties, but in hundreds and
thousands. We are sure that the
want needs but to be known to be met.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 20, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
Vegetables and Arithmetic.—We visited the market the other morning, and
gratified our curiosity by enquiring the price of everything we saw.
While so doing we came to the conclusion that gardening is the most
profitable business now carried on in the Southern Confederacy.
At the rate vegetables are now selling in market, three acres of land
well cultivated, would enrich an entire family in as many years.
Let us illustrate: Green
corn has been selling at 75 cents per dozen.
It now brings 50 cents. One
acre well cultivated will produce 100 bushels.
There are 100 ears in a bushel, or 10,000 to the acre.
at 4½ cents each the amount is $450.
Two crops can be raised, which at present prices, would bring $900.
Again. In one acre there are
43,560 square feet. In each square foot, if planted six inches apart, six onions
can be raised. This would amount to
261,360 onions, which at 2 ½ cents each—the present price in market—would
amount to $6,533! One cabbage, at
least, can be raised to a square foot. Cabbages
are now sold at 10 cents each, 43,560 would amount to $4,356, at that price.
Tomatoes are selling at three cents each.
We have not the figures to spare or we would estimate what an acre of
these would bring. Truly, gardening
must be a profitable business. Those
who are struggling to keep body and soul together, and yet are compelled to pay
the present market prices for vegetables, will do well to reflect on the above,
and as soon as the times will admit, secure gardens of their own.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 20, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
We are requested by the officers of the companies commanded by Capts.
Lewter and Mayes, to return their thanks to the ladies of Tyler for their
liberal donations of hospital stores.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 23, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
We know not whether there is a city ordinance for the protection of shade
trees. If not, there certainly
should be; and if there is, it should be enforced to the letter.
What would this town be without the trees with which it is happily
filled? Yet we see many outside of
enclosures that are much marred, because individuals have been permitted to use
them for "horse posts!" This
should not be tolerated, for every tree is worth its weight in gold to the
inhabitants of this city. Nothing
that adds to our comfort can be over estimated, if individually considered.
That sort of enterprise which leads a citizen to benefit the community,
should be protected by those in power. The
city authorities, at the expense of the corporation, should place a shield
around every tree that springs from our side-walks.
Let us protect the trunks, and nature will protect our heads from
sunshine.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 23, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
General Beauregard has caused to be published an order calling attention
to an act of heroism on the part of private John Mather Sloan, of the 9th
Texas regiment, only 13 years old, regularly mustered into service, who lost his
leg at the battle of Farmington, on the 9th inst.
This gallant young hero, when wounded by a grapeshot, said the only thing
he regretted was that he would not be able to stand up again to get another shot
at the enemy! He is to have conferred upon him the badge of the cross of
honor for distinguished gallantry.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 23, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Editor Telegraph: We desire,
through your columns, to make public acknowledgement, and return the sincere and
grateful thanks of the officers and soldiers of Col. Speight's regiment for a
most benevolent, generous and useful donation to the regiment, made by the
following ladies of Galveston: Mrs.
N. D. Labadie, Mrs. John B. Jones and Mrs. Henry Rosenberg, and which has just
been received by the hands of our friend, Mr. Ballinger..
We cannot pay a better tribute to the donors of this thoughtful and
kindly charity than to publish their note, which accompanied the large trunk
filled with most necessary and invaluable articles for the hospital of our
regiment:
"To the Surgeon of Col. Speight's Regiment:
You will find in this trunk, six dollars worth of laudanum, 275 bandages,
rags of all kinds, three or four kinds of lint, cholera medicine, black tea,
loaf sugar, mutton tallow, spices of all kinds, red pepper, oil of peppermint,
ammonia, sweet oil, scorched flour, matches, volatile liniment, Radway's ready
relief, sweet spirits of nitre, white sewing silk, beeswax, castile soap, combs,
napkins for bathing the heads of the sick, solidified milk, (a very good
substitute for boiled milk) adhesive plaster and candles.
We regret having no more medicines.
It is the best we can do. As
there is room in the trunk, a few books are put in, to amuse or instruct some of
our brave men in their leisure moments. May
our kind Heavenly Father ever watch over, guide and protect you all, is the
prayer of the friends who have packed this trunk."
Many afflictions will be alleviated; and, it may be, lives saved by these
timely comforts and remedies, and grateful hearts of brave men, now under
marching orders against the enemy, will often thankfully remember these kind and
patriotic ladies.
D. A. Wallace, Surgeon.
J. T. Mullins, Ass't. Surgeon, Speight's regiment.
God bless the patriotic women of our country.
May they derive comfort in this, our day of trial, from an approving
conscience and the smiles of a beneficent and merciful God.
We will remember them on our long and toilsome march; we will remember
them on the battle-field; and, though we fall, we will remember them, and, if
permitted the power of speech, in their loved names will cheer on our brave men
to deeds of mere noble daring—to victory or death.
We thank them for their kind words, we thank them for their donations,
but we thank them more than all for their fervent prayers to Almighty God on our
behalf. Thus fortified, we go forth
to battle.
James E. Harrison, Lt. Col.
Speight's Regiment.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 27, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
In view of the high prices now charged for the necessaries of life, we
would suggest that "boots" makes a strike for higher wages, until the
price of blacking is reduced, and that we dot no more i's nor cross our t's
until the raising of blockade shall lower the price of ink.
In the construction of buildings "Spalding's glue" should be
used exclusively, so long as nails are selling at $50 per keg.
"Radway's Ready Relief" should also be countenanced by the city
authorities, if it will "relieve" us from prices now imposed on us.
Matches—not those made in heaven—have also become very scarce and
dear. To obviate this misfortune,
all parents should encourage matches in all cases when
practicable,
"Let tigers match with hinds,
And wolves with sheep."
Dryden."
Several cisterns in town are entirely empty and many others nearly so.
Wood is selling in the streets at six dollars per cord, and starch is
worth one dollar per pound. Consequently
laundresses are charging $1 50 per dozen for washing.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 27, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
An abundance of vegetables can now be found in market—if you get there
soon enough to find them. With a
handful of shinplasters you can supply yourself with ripe cucumbers, green
melons and antelopes [sic], mellow squashes and tomatoes, &c., &c.
This remark, however, is not applicable to all "sass" in
market. We know of a stall where
you can buy without being stalled.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 27, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
We hear the word "skeedaddle" sometimes used.
It is a Federal term, and is said to be more significant than
"stampede." It signifies
to "run from fear of Confederate bayonets, strewing the pathway with guns,
haversacks, clothing," &c.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 27, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Wanted!
To know why true hearted Southern people will trade with merchants whose loyalty is questionable? And visit said merchants' wives, who give tea parties when Fort Donelson falls, and dinner parties when Nashville is surrounded?
Wanted,
To know why those miserable parched-peas of humanity, old black republican maids, who bestow their starved grins on these wretched, union-loving-flop-eared, owlish-looking beaux, are still retained as teachers in professedly Southern families? Teaching the "young idea how to shoot!" Query.—In what direction will the aforesaid "young idea" shoot? Query second.—Would it not be better for aforesaid dames to teach aforesaid owlish beaux to "shoot," instead of lurking round of nights to see if any bad news comes?
Wanted,
A broom to clear this State of the stray "flees" that have
hopped here from Yankee land.
Any person seeing above named "flees," may know them by this
mark: They are like popcorn in a
skillet. When secession gets too
hot for them in one community or church, they hop into another; but they've
settled pretty nearly now in one place, and it is awfully
"flee"-bitten. Query.—Now
that Lincolndom has gotten to be such a hoggish-doggish place?
Wouldn't they be more in their h-element, if they would hop back
again?
Any person furnishing the required broom will be liberally rewarded.
Wanted,
To know the exact estimate of character to be placed upon the lady ? ?
? ? who saw nothing in old Butler's infamously foul Order No. 28? Also the precise calibre of mind of said lady? ? ? ?
Query.—Is there any calibre to said lady's ? ? ? ? mind?
Any person imparting the information sought for will oblige an inquiring
mind fully aroused by a strange combination of glaring inconsistencies.
Pauline Pry.
Less than a thousand miles from Austin, June 18th.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 27, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Waco University—The Crisis.
Camp Speight, near Millican,
}
June 12, 1862.
}
Editor Telegraph: Allow me a
small space in your widely circulated Telegraph to state that Waco University is
not suspended, as reported. There
are now between 90 and 100 students in daily attendance. 123 students have been matriculated during this session.
The science of military tactics is taught daily in our University, and I
have never seen a finer drilled company than the "University Guards."
It is delightful to every patriot to see them on parade in full uniform,
with martial music, performing so skillfully the varied evolutions.
The rumor referred to may have originated from the fact that I have told
all our students over 18 years old, that the crisis demanded us all to shoulder
our muskets and win graves of glory or homes of freedom.
I am here as a member of Col. Speight's regiment, and all our students
over eighteen are now in the army; and you, I hope, will hear "a voice from
Waco University" that will mean something more than "gas."
All of our Professors, who are capable of performing military service,
are now in the army, and we expect to fight on till the last Gothic invader is
driven from our shores. In the mean
time, Prof. R. B. Burleson, who is the most experienced teacher in our faculty,
aided by competent assistants, will carry on the Institution especially for such
as are not old enough to go to battle. . . .
Rufus C. Burleson.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 27, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
The report of the Committee charged with the support of the families of
volunteers, appears in to-day's paper. It
will be seen that the amount of about $800 per month has been secured to support
70 families. This allows to each
family less than $12 per month. Is
this enough? We doubt it, and
respectfully suggest to a large number of persons whose names are on the list,
and who can do it without feeling it, to double their subscriptions.
Let the families of our soldiers be well provided for.
It is our simple duty.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 27, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Ice! Ice!! Ice!!!
For Sale, at ten cents per pound, at Vincent & Wens' warehouse.
Ice-house open every morning, from 7 to 9 ½ o'clock.
C. C. Speers.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 27, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Volunteer Relief Fund.
The undersigned Committee have the pleasure to report the following sums
collected, in aid of the fund (see list below) and tender their thanks to the
liberal donors.
There are now some seventy families on our list, and to those who object
to the plan of relief, and desire to support one or more families themselves, by
application to either of the Committee, the necessary information will be
afforded them.
We have understood that the County Court will provide for all those
families of volunteers, (who are needy) residing in the county outside the
corporate limits, and all such will make their application to the Commissioners
of said Court.
Capt. E. C. Wharton, A. Q. M., has a large number of tents cut out and
will cheerfully give them out to be made by any of the wives or daughters of the
volunteers.
To Col. J. D. Waters, we are indebted for a weekly supply of meal from
his plantation.
The following is a list of donations made since the report of Treasurer,
June 5th.
Mrs. P. Bremond.
Mrs. W. A. Vanalstyne.
[list]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 30, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
Old bachelors and laundresses will please make a note of the fact that E.
L. Bremond is selling the best kind of starch at fifty cents per pound.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 30, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
We republish the following which appeared in our issue of the 27th
inst., for the purpose of adding a few words.
["] Let me suggest my plans to City Officers and House
agents: If a certain class of
females are allowed earth and breathing room, let them be placed out of town,
instead of being allowed to rent houses on respectable streets, to the annoyance
of honorable families—they often unprotected women—who are asked impertinent
questions by strangers, and sometimes by persons they know, in mistaking the
house they wish to visit. Are these
things to continue? Shall young
children be made familiar with vice by living in a poisonous atmosphere?
House agents, these things have been truthfully represented to you.
You know the trouble. Stop
renting without good references given of respectability, or may an offended God
curse you, as you deserve.
Lucia.["]
The above was written by one of the most respectable ladies in this town, and it is well worth heeding. Without claiming to be unusually pure or immaculate, we do claim to be decent, and try to be consistent. So far as such houses as those referred to above are concerned, they are nuisances, and should be so regarded; and like all other nuisances they should be placed out of reach of all decent people. In other words, there is a place for everything and every thing should be in its place. No such houses should be tolerated within the city limits. Any thing of a demoralizing character should have its prescribed limits, and the official guardians of the city are the persons we have chosen to look after such matters.