BELLVILLE
[TEXAS] COUNTRYMAN
July 1860 – May 1865
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 28, 1860, p. 2, c. 1
Our First Issue.
We this day, issued the first number of our paper, with the above title.
We hope to make it a useful weekly visitor to the homes and firesides of
our readers. . . .
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 28, 1860, p. 2, c. 1
Excitement in Northern Texas.—By an extra from the office of the
Brenham Enquirer dated the 23d inst., we learn that [tear in paper] excitement
in Northern Texas [tear in paper] an insurrection movement among the negroes,
led on by white men. Enough has
been discovered to show that a deep laid plot was on the eve of being
consummated to free the negroes and destroy the whites.
The insurrection was to take place on the election day in August. The burning of the town of Dallas on the 8th
inst., and of Denton, Pilot Point, Belknap, Gainesville, Black Jack Grove, etc.,
has been traced to the agency of these emissaries.
With such warnings about us it is time to beware.
Let every citizen and every member of the households in our County be on
the look-out—be vigilant, be watchful. There
are many itinerating strangers among us. Some
pretending to follow one occupation and some another.
They may be spies and fiends intent on the destruction of our homes, our
property and our lives. No harm can
result from "Eternal vigilance."
P.S.—We learn since writing the above, that a meeting has been held at
Hempstead, to devise ways and means on these matters.
What will our people do?
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 28, 1860, p. 3, c. 7
$50!
If paid strictly in advance, pays for board and Tuition for five months, (if not paid till close of Session, seventy dollars at
Mound Prairie
Institute,
Mound Prairie, Anderson Co., Texas
Faculty.
Elder Jas. R. Malone, M. A., President; Professor of Latin, Greek,
Spanish, Pure Mathematics and Belles Letters.
Elder M. V. Smith, Prof. English Branches, Natural Science and mixed
Mathematics. Geo. W. Awalt, Tutor.
Female Department.
Miss M. A. E. Dickson, Principal and instructress of Literary and
Ornamental branches and French.
Musical Department is under the control of Prof. C. F. Cheesman, late of
Alabama.
Prof. Cheesman is an expert Musician and master of his profession.
In short he is second to none in his department in the State of Texas,
and the progress of the pupils give ample testimony of the fact.
Tuition for a Term
of Five Months.
First Class........................$10
Second ".............................15
Third "................................20
Extra Course.
Music, with use of Instrument....$25.00
Ornamental and Needle Work....15.00
Spanish.......................................20.00
French........................................20.00
Drawing and Painting, each.........10.00
Contingent fee, due on entrance.......50
Declamation and composition every two weeks.
Public review fourth Friday in every month.
Tuition due from day of entrance to the close of the session.
The President is prepared to take in forty boarders, in dormitories on
his own land, at the exceedingly low price of $50 for a term of five months, (if
not paid till the end of the term $70,) if paid strictly in advance.
Positively no deduction in any case except for protracted sickness.
All damage done to dormitories or furniture will be charged to the
occupants of dormitories. Present
session closes June 10th, and the next session opens 2d Monday in
August.
J. R. Malone,
Principal.
N.B.—All bills for board and tuition due, made payable at Plentitude,
Anderson County, Texas.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 4, 1860, p. 2, c. 6
The Abolition Plot in Texas.
We extract the following from a letter to the Houston Telegraph, from
Dallas, giving further particulars of the extensive Abolition plot discovered
there a few days ago:
The outhouses, granaries, oats and grain of Mr. Crill Miller, were
destroyed a few days after the destruction of Dallas.
This led to the arrest of some white men, whose innocence, however, was
proved beyond a doubt. Several
negroes belonging to Mr. Miller, were taken up and examined, and developments of
the most startling character elicited. A
plot to destroy the country was revealed, and every circumstance even to the
minutiae, detailed. Nearly or quite
a hundred negroes have been arrested, and upon a close examination, separate and
apart from each other, they deposed to the existence of a plot or conspiracy to
lay waste the country by fire and assassination—to impoverish the land by the
destruction of the provisions, arms and ammunition, and then when in a state of
helplessness, a general revolt of the negroes was to begin on the first Monday
in August, the day of election for the State officers.
This conspiracy is aided and abetted by abolition emissaries from the
North, and by those in our midst.
The details of the plot and its modus operandi, are these:
each county in Northern Texas has a supervisor in the person of a white
man, whose name is not given; each county is laid off into districts under the
sub-agents of this villain, who control the action of the negroes in the
districts, by whom the firing was to be done.
Many of our most prominent citizens were singled out for assassination
whenever they made their escape from their burning homes.
Negroes never before suspected, are implicated, and the insurrectionary
movement is widespread to an extent truly alarming.
In some places the plan was conceived in every form shocking to the mind,
and frightful in its results. Poisoning
was to be added, the old females to be slaughtered along with the men, and the
young and handsome women to be parceled out amongst these infamous scoundrels.
They had even gone so far as to designate their choice, and certain
ladies had already been selected as the victims of those misguided monsters.
Fortunately, the country has been saved from the accomplishment of these
horrors; but then, a fearful duty remains for us.
The negroes have been incited to these infernal proceedings by
abolitionists, and the emissaries of certain preachers who were expelled from
this county last year. Their agents
have been busy amongst us, and many of them have been in our midst. Some of them have been identified, but have fled from the
country; others still remain, to receive a fearful accountability from an
outraged and infuriated people. Nearly
a hundred negroes have testified that a large reinforcement of abolitionists are
expected on the first of August, and these to be aided by recruits from the
Indian tribes, while the Rangers are several hundred miles to the North of us.
It was desired to destroy Dallas, in order that the arms and ammunition
of the artillery company might share the same fate.
Our jail is filled with the villains, many of whom will be hung and that
very soon. A man was found hung at
our neighboring city of Fort Worth, two days ago, believed to be one of those
scoundrels who are engaged in this work. We
learn that he had stored away a number of rifles, and the day after he was hung
a load of six-shooters passed on to him, but were intercepted.
He was betrayed by one of the gang, and hence his plans were thwarted.
Many others will share his fate.
I have never witnessed such times. We
are most profoundly excited. We go
armed day and night, and know not what we shall be called upon to do.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 18, 1860, p. 1, c. 6
Coaxing Up an Expression.--A brace of lovers anxious to secure each
other's shadow ere the substantial faded, stepped into an ambrotype car one day
last week, to sit for their pictures. The
lady gave precedence to her swain, who, she said, "had got to be tuck fust
and real natural." He brushed
up his tow head of hair, gave a twist or two to his handkerchief, asked his girl
if his collar looked about X, and planted himself on the operator's chair, where
he assumed the physiognomical characteristics of a poor mortal in a dentist's
hands, and about to part with one of his eye teeth.
"Now, dew look purty!" begged the lady, casting on him one of
her most languishing glances.
The picture was taken, and when produced it reminded the girl, as she
expressed it, "jist how Josh looked when he got over the measles!" and
as this was not an era in her suitor's history particularly worthy of her
commemoration, she insisted that he should stand again.
He obeyed, and she followed him to the chair.
The poor fellow tried to follow the indefinite injunction.
"La," she said, "why, you look all puckered up!"
One direction followed another, but with as little success.
At last, growing impatient and becoming desperate, she resolved to try an
expedient which she considered infallible, and exclaimed:
"I don't keer if there is folks around!"
She enjoined the operator to stand at his camera; she then sat in her
feller's lap, placing her harms around his neck, managed to cast a shower of
flaxen ringlets as a screen between the operator and her proceedings, which,
however, were betrayed by a succession of amorous sounds, which revealed her
expedient. When this billing and
cooing had lasted for a few minutes, the cunning girl jumped from Josh's lap,
and cried to the astonished operator:
"Now you have got him! Put him through!"
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 18, 1860, p. 2, c. 4
Letter from
Dallas.
[Special Correspondence of the Telegraph.]
Dallas, July 25.
Ed. Telegraph.—Three negro men, the leaders in the insurrectionary
plot, were executed at this place last Tuesday evening.
One of them, Pat. Jennings, was the man who applied the torch to the town
of Dallas, and one of the most prominent of those who were engaged in the work.
Sam. Smith, another and a preacher, was a hardened old scoundrel, and the
third—old Cato—has always borne a bad character in this county.
They were taken out of jail, escorted to the place of execution by the
military, and, in the presence of a large concourse of people, expiated their
crimes as justice demanded. They
betrayed no discomposure in view of the awful fate before them. Pat positively refused to say anything, and died with as much
indifference as if he had been about his ordinary occupation.
With unparalleled nonchalance, he retained his chew of tobacco in his
mouth, and died with it there. They
hung about twenty minutes, Pat dying very hard, and the other two without a
struggle—the former by asphyxia and the two latter by dislocation of the
cervical vertebrae.
This is a fearful warning to the rest, who yet may share the same fate.
In Waxahachie, many important developments have been made, and a large
amount of poison found in the possession of negroes.
The whole affair will have the most important results.
The dangerous sentiments entertained by some people will be shown up in
their naked deformity, stripped of all adventitious coloring.
Men in high places will find a practical interpretation of their
political dogmas in the view taken of them by deluded negroes.
The plot to devastate northern Texas is dated from a certain time, and
based upon facts calculated to mislead a people no better informed than our
negro population. The danger of
suffering negroes to go out to celebrations, to hear political speeches and to
hold meetings of their own, is rendered apparent by the developments connected
with this matter. We have learned a
lesson, and will profit by it.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 18, 1860, p. 3, c. 1
We hear by Ed Tucker who is just from Houston, that it is reported there
that the towns of Tyler and McKinney have been burnt up.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 25, 1860, p. 2, c. 6
The Houston Telegraph says: We
are informed that an attempt was made a day or two since to set the town of
Owensville, Robertson county, on fire. The
incendiary has been arrested. The
report comes to us direct and appears authentic. The reported burning of Palestine, Tyler, McKinney and other
towns, as well as the reported attempts on half the towns in the interior are
not to be believed until they are confirmed.
Palestine, McKinney and Tyler were all safe at latest direct accounts,
which are later than any rumor could have brought the truth.
The report of the burning of Henderson is confirmed. Loss $211,500.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, September 1, 1860, p. 3, c. 1
How to put up shirt bosoms.—We have heard ladies expressing a desire to
know by what process the fine gloss observable on new linens, shirt bosoms,
&c., is produced, and in order to gratify them, we subjoin the following
recipe for making Gum Arabic Starch:
Take two ounces of fine white gum arabic powder—put it into a pitcher,
and pour on it a pint of more of boiling water (according to the degree of
strength you desire,) and then having covered it, let it set all night.
In the morning pour it carefully from the dregs into a clean bottle, cork
it, and keep it for use. A table
spoonful of gum water poured into a pint of starch made in the usual manner,
will give to lawns, (either white or printed) a look of newness, when nothing
else can restore them after washing. It
is also good (much diluted) for thin white muslin and bobinet.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, September 8, 1860, p. 1, c. 7
Hard Butter Without Ice.—To have delightfully hard butter in summer,
without ice, the plan recommended by that excellent and useful publication, the
Scientific American, is a good one. Put
a trivet, or any open flat thing with legs, in a saucer; put on this trivet the
plate of butter; fill the saucer with water; turn a common flower-pot over the
butter, so that its edge shall be within the saucer and under the water; plug
the flower-pot with a cork, then drench the flower-pot with water; set in a cool
place until morning, or if done at breakfast the butter will be very hard by
supper time. How many of our town
boarding-school girls, who have been learning philosophy, astronomy, syntax and
prosody, can write an explanation of this within a month.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, November 21, 1860, p. 3, c. 1
We noticed a good many ladies in attendance at the meeting on Saturday.
They seemed deeply interested in the events of the times.
The patriotism of our revolutionary mothers has again returned.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, November 28, 1860, p. 2, c. 2
The blue cockade has made its appearance on our streets, and is worn by
numbers of our citizens. It
consists of a neat blue rosette, pinned to the hat, having a silver five-pointed
star in the centre. It means that
the wearers pledge their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to
resistance to abolition encroachments, and that they can see no way of
successful resistance but in the withdrawel [sic] of their State from the
Union.—Tel.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, November 28, 1860, p. 2, c. 2
The flag that waved in the thick of the fight at San Jacinto, was
yesterday flung to the breeze from the tallest flag staff in the city, in token
of the love which many of our citizens feel for the "Lone Star," and
their wish to see it again take its place independently among the nations of the
earth.—Houston Telegraph.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, December 12, 1860, p. 2, c. 2-3
The Lone Star Flag
Messrs. Editors:--In your Almanac for 1861, is an article on the subject
of the "Flag of the Lone Star." The
following facts may be worthy of note.
Early in April 1836, Commodore Hawkins, the senior officer of the Navy of
Texas, made an official visit to Harrisburg, then the seat of government of the
infant Republic. He submitted to
the President a flag for the marine of Texas, which was adopted without
alteration.
This led to a discussion by the President and Cabinet, of the propriety
of adopting a suitable national banner. The
idea of the "Lone Star" was not new.
Where it originated was among the legends of the past.
The Vice-President, Zavala, submitted a device, representing the hill
country of Texas, at the staff, with the several principal streams of water
flowing from their fountains to the Gulf, a resemblance of which formed the
centre margin of the flag.
President Burnet objected to this as too complex; and suggested as more
simple, conspicuous and representative. "An
azure ground with a golden star central."
It was simple expressive and easily discriminated; and was formally
adopted by the government as the national standard of Texas.
The hurry and confusion of the times—the want of means of publication,
and the impossibility of procuring this Flag's fabrication, prevented its
practical introduction. But there
are not sufficient considerations why it should not be regarded as the
legitimate National Flag of Texas.
One Who Was Present.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, December 19, 1860, p. 2, c. 1
Gen. Portis addressed a considerable meeting at Millheim yesterday, on
the subject of the present crisis. The
Lone Star flag was flung to the breeze.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, December 26, 1860, p. 1, c. 2
The Lone Star Flag.
by H. L. Flash.
Up with the Lone Star banner!
Its hues are still as bright,
As when its glories braved the breeze
At San Jacinto's fight;
Its fluttering folds in triumph waved
O'er many a gory brow—
The freedom that was conquered then,
Will not be yielded now.
The honor of that Lone Star flag
That flouts the blue above,
Is held as dear by Texan hearts,
As that of her they love;
As not a stain shall dim its hues,
While yet a man remains
To save this flower-girdled land,
From the ignominious chains.
That banner with the single Star,
Is Freedom's favored sign;
Beneath its unpolluted folds,
Her purest glories shine;
And in the whirlwind and the storm,
Amid the crash and jar,
Her brightest hope still rests upon
That solitary Star.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, December 26, 1860, p. 3, c. 1
On Monday night the boys had a great time, shooting and firing off
crackers. On Tuesday many of our
business men found their signs gone, and different ones in their places. This is bad business, boys.
We wish you would not do so. The
editor, however returns his thanks to them for their regard in letting his
things alone. The boys have
always treated us well.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, January 16, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
[From the Galveston News.]
Our Flag.
By W. M. Johnson.
Hurra!—For our flag, with its golden star,
Which has fluttered so oft o'er the tide of war,
Is again afloat on the breeze of morn,
And another hope to the world is born.
Hurra!—for again o'er oils unrolled,
Thy field of blue with its star of gold—
Flag of the free!
The "men in buckskin" again are out,
They rally around thee with cheer and shout.
Hurra!—they have grasped the rifle and blade,
They gather again to their country's aid
As they stood before on the Rio Grande,
Beneath thy shadow once more they stand—
Flag of the free!
Hurra!—fling it forth to the breeze once more,
As it danced o'er our hosts in the days of yore,
When at San Jacinto the blood ran red,
When Mexico's bravest had turned and fled;
Old hearts beat high, and old eyes grow bright
As they view thee glitter in glorious light—
Flag of the free!
Hurra for the flag of the Lone Star State!
May victory still on thy pathway wait,
Striking terror to cowards—the guide of the brave;
And when he shall fall 'neath the battle cloud,
Be the patriot soldier's coffin and shroud—
Flag of the free!
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, January 16, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
A Good Hit Back.—Word was sent by Mr. H.--- a defeated candidate, to a
married lady, who was supposed to have changed the expected vote of her husband
on election day to the opposite party, to the following effect: "Go and tell Mrs.—that I will send her by first
opportunity, a pair of pantaloons, for her political services. "Go and tell Mr. H----" was the reply, "to
send them along at once. Don't
forget to tell him that I want a new pair—not a pair that his wife has worn
out."
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, January 16, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
A Society of Ladies has been formed in Ellis County, this State, who are
pledged to wear only goods of Southern manufacture.
It is called the "Home Spun Society."
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, January 16, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
The Hempstead Pottery is one of the greatest institutions of Austin
County. Mr. Knox is doing a great
public benefit by manufacturing the wares he does in this county. We would advise our merchants to replenish direct from the
pottery. The manner of making jugs
and such vessels, is very curious, yet simple.
Those who have never seen it done, have now an opportunity of satisfying
their curiosity. We have specimens
of the ware in our office. The
glazing on this ware is superior to any we have seen.
We hope all our citizens will encourage the enterprise.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, January 23, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
The Lone Star flag is floating at New Braunfels, and the Germans of Comal
county are represented as zealously in favor of Secession.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, January 23, 1861, p. 2, c. 4-5
We cut the following from the Goliad Messenger, of the 12th
inst.:
There is a cannon in Goliad, which was taken from the fortress at Old
Town a few years ago, and as it was spiked, it has been permitted to take the
weather as a useless piece of rubbish.
Our enthusiastic townsman, A. C. Jones, conceived the idea one day this
week of having it drilled out and refitted for use.
He has been successful, and the ancient "baby-waker" has been
made to open its mouth to the consternation of the babies generally, and no
little amusement of the boys.
This cannon is a twelve-pounder
and as the figures upon it say, was cast in 1700.
It is a French instrument, and is said to have been brought to Texas by
La Salle.
Nine balls were drawn out of it besides gravels and sand. Could it speak, it would, doubtless, depict many a bloody
scene, and tell many a tale of woe.
It may yet be employed for other purposes, than waking the babies and
frightening the children.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, January 23, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
The Texas Ranger has again changed hands:
Mr. Ragsdale retiring and Messrs. Lancaster and Drake assuming the
editorial chairs. The Ranger is and
always has been a good country paper.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, February 20, 1861, p. 4, c. 1
Golden Pie.—Take one lemon; grate the peel, and squeeze the pulp and
juice in a bowl—be sure to remove every seed—to which add one teacup of new
milk, one tablespoonful of powdered starch, and the yolks of three eggs, well
beaten; pour this mixture into a nice paste crust, and bake slowly.
Beat the whites of three eggs to a stiff froth, and when the pie is just
done pour it over the top evenly, and return to the oven, just to stiffen, not
brown.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, April 10, 1861, p. 1, c. 2.
[Summary: poem "Helen,
Knitting"]
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, May 1, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
On Saturday next, John Atkinson will present to the [Atkinson]
"Guards," the flag of the Confederate States.
All the members not "gone to the wars" should be present.
The flag has eight stars, one being for "Ole Virginny."
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, May 15, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Flag Presentation.
On Saturday last the "Atkinson Guards" were presented with a
flag, by their venerable founder John Atkinson.
He prefaced the presentation with a few remarks the substance of which
was about as follows:
Gentlemen: In times like the
present, every true patriot should, and I expect does have the good of his
country uppermost in his mind. Genuine
patriotism comes up from the heart and makes men feel and act in cases like it
is now. If the news is to be
believed, war is now upon us, and we should all stand up like men and show
ourselves prepared, and equal to any occasion that may arise.
While we may all hope and pray for peace, yet our country demands that we
should all be prepared for war, and if war, the hardest kind of war, and if we
are successful we shall then secure peace that will be lasting.
I present you the flag of the Confederate States of America, (applause) hoping you
will delight to honor it, and having the courage of your forefathers, I know you
will. Under that flag we must fight,
under that flag we must be successful.
Take it, and if necessary, bear it upon the battle field in behalf of
your country and your dearest rights. Take
the flag, and if in the hottest of the fight, any one should be tired and lag,
when he looks up and sees one of those bright stars or the triple bars, may the
sight encourage him to noble deeds for his country.
I am an old man, and of course ordinarily can not be expected to go to
the field with you and take an active part in the trials, triumphs and perils of
the struggle. But should the times
demand it, Old man Atkinson as I am, I will be with you and will do my best to
show our enemies that even the gray haired and dim-sighted, in the service of
their country can do right good shooting. The
flag is yours.
Mr. A. Chesley received the flag in behalf of the company, making in
reply to the generous donor, a neat speech thanking him, and promising that in
the conflict of battle, that flag should animate them, and at all times,
remembering from whom the gift was received, the name of
"John Atkinson" upon the banner, as well as the "Stars and
Bars" should ever encourage them in the right, and in upholding the
principles of the Constitution and the lasting Independence of the Confederate
States of America.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, May 22, 1861, p. 3, c. 5
The Goliad Messenger says all persons there, old and young—even
including the ladies—are practicing the use of fire arms—therefore Abraham
is a gone sucker.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, May 22, 1861, p. 3, c. 2
Bandages for the Army.—The following directions may be found useful:
The bandages should be of unbleached muslin, of at least seven feet in
length, and if possible without seams; they should be from two to three inches
in width, not only to be in the smallest compass, and therefore occupy the least
space, but because when thus tightly rolled, they are less in the surgeon's way,
and very much facilitate his labors; they do not then unroll unless it is
desirable. The lint should be made
of linen cloth, scraped or ravelled [sic], but the ravelled [sic] is very much
preferable, as it can be more easily removed from the wounds.
The linen should be cut into pieces about three inches square and then
ravelled [sic]. These directions
are of extreme importance. Very much labor of the French ladies during the Crimean war
was useless, because misapplied.
Bandages for ribs, ten yards long, three or four inches wide.
For hand or finger, eight yards long, one inch wide.
For arm, eight yards long, two inches wide.
For leg, eight yards long, two and a half inches wide.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, May 22, 1861, p. 3, c. 2
Important to Foot Soldiers.—The following is the best plan to clothe
the feet and keep them comfortable:
1. Blistering, burning,
soreness and tenderness of the soles of the feet may almost invariably be
prevented, even when marching for days together and over a heated road, by
soaping the sole of the stocking—that is, covering it with a thin coating of
the cheapest brown soap. This, at
the same time, keeps the skin of the sole cool, hardens it, and prevents
inflammation. Coarse cotton socks are the best for walking.
2. Don't wear woolen socks
when marching, not even thin ones, no matter in what climate.
3. The boot or shoe should
have a thick sole; it is not sufficient that they should be simply "double
soled." The soles should be at
least half an inch thick; if three-fourths of an inch or an inch all the better;
they are more expensive, but if well made will last a long time, and even in the
warmest weather will be found easy to walk in, feet easily becoming accustomed
to their weight.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, May 22, 1861, p. 3, c. 3
Advice to Volunteers.—A writer, who signs himself "An Old
Soldier," gives the following advice to young soldiers:
1. Remember that in a
campaign more men die from sickness than the bullet.
2. Line your blanket with
one thickness of brown drilling. This
adds but four ounces in weight, and doubles the warmth.
3. Buy a small India rubber
blanket, to lay on the ground or to throw over your shoulders when on guard duty
during a rain storm. Most of the
eastern troops are provided with these. Straw
to lie on is not always to be had.
4. The best military hat in
use is the light colored soft felt; the crown being sufficiently high to allow
space for air over the brain. You
can fasten it up as a continental in fair weather, or turn it down when it is
wet or very sunny.
5. Let your beard grow so as
to protect the throat and lung.
6. Keep your entire person
clean; this prevents fevers and bowel complaints in warm climates.
Wash your body each day if possible.
7. A sudden check of
perspiration by chilly or night air often causes fever and death.
When thus exposed do not forget your blanket.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 5, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
The Boys Moving.
R. A. Williams of Fayetteville communicates to the True Issue, the fact of the male students of the academy at Fayetteville having formed a military company, and the presentation of a flag by the female students of the school to these "Academy Guards." Capt. John P. Bell is a son of Hon. A. J. Bell of this county. The addresses delivered on the occasion are neat, modest and patriotic. The readers of the Countryman will no doubt be gratified to read these addresses, especially the response of our young friend, Capt. Bell, and to learn that he has been honored with the first station in the company.
Address
of
Miss Mary B. Breeding.
"Academy Guards:"
Suffer me, in behalf of, and in the name of the young ladies of this
school, to present to your youthful band this stand of colors wrought with our
own hands.
It is true that you are young, and some of you not sufficiently matured
to take the tented field, yet your chivalry shows that when older, you will
respond, like true Texas boys, to your country's call.
Our fathers are "passing away," and some have gone to
"that bourn from whence no traveler returns."
They, amid peril, hunger, thirst and withal with no place upon which to
lay their weary heads, fought for, and gained the independence of Texas.
And the name of a "Texas Ranger" strikes terror into the heart
of a Mexican or an Indian to this day. Then
let us not bury chivalry with our fathers, but let their sons, Phoenix like,
rise from their ashes and crush out all their country's foes. Leonidas, with his Spartan band, could not defend the fatal
pass, but they could die for their country, and so can Texas boys.
A Texas mother, wife or sister, had rather know that the son, husband or
brother, lay beneath the cold sod pierced by many bullets, than to know that his
cheek blanched or that he turned back to the foe and let his colors trail
in the dust.
Then take these colors, maintain the blood-bought honor of your fathers,
or never return to us.
Response
of
Capt. Jno. P. Bell.
Miss:
In accepting this beautiful stand of colors at your hands, I feel and
know, that I express the voice of the whole company, when I say that we are
profoundly grateful and highly flattered, both for the colors and the good and
wholesome advice you give us. But
be assured that the stout hearts that stand before you will not suffer these
colors to trail in the dust while one
strong arm remains to defend them; and we crave of you, like the Spartan woman
of old, to disgrace the man who lives to tell the tale of our defeat.
His negro-worshiping majesty, at Washington city, is endeaving [sic] to
coerce the South into submission; and Texas, the empire State, appears to have
peculiar charms for his sable worshipping highness.
But he must recollect that it took ancient Greece ten years to take Troy,
and Texas will fight ten times ten years, or suffer the last man to fall rather
than submit to negro worship, fanaticism, free-love, woman's rights, and all the
other isms, rights, &c., claimed by the North.
We do not boast of our valor, but simply say to his highness, come and take us. At
one time we were divided upon political issues, but when aggression comes, the
whole South is a unit, and when it is conquered, there will be but few Yankees
left. With woman's smiles and
counsels, brave hearts and strong arms are invincible!
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 5, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
The editor of the Fairfield Pioneer
is endeavoring to make up a company of cadets—boys over ten and under eighteen
years of age. A good idea.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 5, 1861, p. 4, c. 2
Water muffins.—Sift one quart of flour; add one teaspoonful of salt;
make a batter with tepid water, putting first into the flour two teaspoonful of
cream tartar; when just ready to bake, add one teaspoonful of car soda [sic?],
dissolved. Bake on a griddle, in
rings.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
We are under the necessity of issuing but a half sheet this week.
It is well to recollect that paper is very scarce, and that unless the
blockade is raised before long, many newspapers will have to suspend for want of
the article, as we understand there is none or very little for sale in Houston
or Galveston. The Countryman
will be as tenacious of life as any of them.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 12, 1861, p. 2. c. 1
The last link is broken. Our
mails are now carried by the Confederate States.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 4
Hurrah for the Ladies.—in Mississippi, and some other of the
Confederate States, and even in some parts of Texas, the ladies are banding
together for the purpose of drilling and practising [sic] the use of firearms,
resolving, if necessary, to send the men off to fight, while they stay at home
to protect their firesides from the incursions of hostile Indians or
Abolitionists. At one or two places
in Mississippi they have perfected themselves in the drill and manual of arms of
the soldier, and declare their intention also to attend to the crops, while the
males are away. This is PURE
patriotism, and their action cannot be too highly lauded.
We do not imagine the fair sex of our section behind any in their love of
country, and should like to see such a movement set on foot.
Who will put the ball in motion? Instances
were common in our early history of the daring deeds performed by women, the
heroic mothers of liberty. Though
there may be no necessity the experiment can do no harm.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 6
The times are so hard, that many families have taken to drinking coffee
but once a day. It is a good time
to retrench and reform, when you can't help it.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 6
What are we going to do for seed potatoes, if the blockade continues?
Would it not be well to look after some of our own growing?
The same may be said of garden seeds generally.
If we can learn to provide these things at home, the blockade will be
truly a blessing to Texas, ultimately.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 19, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
The editor of the Brenham Enquirer
learned in Galveston, that paper was expected to arrive from England, in
November next, as orders for that article had been forwarded.
The Enquirer will be issued on
a half sheet until Christmas.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 19, 1861, p. 2, c. 2
Texas Girls in Kentucky.—We are permitted to copy the following
petition dated the 15th ult., sent by six young Texas ladies, at
school in Kentucky, to their parents in Texas.
We omit names.
Whereas, we, the undersigned, being true Southern girls, are most
grievously dissatisfied with our condition in this, a Union, and we believe an
Abolition State; and moreover, she has refused to join our beloved Southern
Confederacy; but does prefer to be ruled over by the Black-hearted Abraham
Lincoln, and doth denounce the noble Jeff. Davis as a black-hearted traitor; and
as our feelings are cruelly wounded by the frequent uncivil remarks of our
teachers and schoolmates; and as we do most earnestly desire to get into our own
Confederacy, and under our own flag—we do most earnestly entreat our parents,
relations or friends, to come, send, or write for us to come home forthwith.
Galveston News.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 19, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Seasonable Hints about Personal Comfort.
A thin shawl may be made warm by folding a newspaper inside of it.
The paper is impervious to the wind and cold air from outside, and
prevents the rapid escape of the warm air beneath it.
Every one knows that the heat of the body is carried off much more
rapidly in a high wind than in a calm. The
wind blows away the heat envolved [sic] from the body, but in a perfectly still
calm this heat remains, and constitutes an atmospheric envelope so nearly of the
same temperature with the body itself that the latter is not so quickly robbed
of the natural heat.
A piece of silk oil cloth, stitched in the folds of a shawl, is more
flexible than the paper, and will last a whole winter.
It has the advantage of securing inward warmth without the additional
weight of a thicker garment.
When you set out on a winter journey, if you are liable to suffer from
cold toes, which many people do in spite of "rubbers," fold a piece of
newspaper over your stockings, which you can readily do, if your boots and shoes
are not irrationally tight. This is
better than 'rubbers,' which are, in fact, very cold comforters in extreme,
while they make the feet sweat in moderate weather.
The main use of India rubber overshoes is to keep out water, and for that
they are second only to a stout, waterproof, first-rate calf-skin boot.
There is not a more villainously unwholesome article of wear made than
the hightopped rubber boot. It makes the foot tender, especially in children, gives an
ugly gait, and when left off in any weather, the wearer is liable to catch cold.
Saint Crispin is the best friend of the human foot, when his leather and
stitches are honest.
The constitutional vivacity and temper of a person has much to do with
his endurance of cold, for his vivacity is a sort of nervous fire that lessons
the sensibility to outward impressions. An
indifferent milk and water person, without energy and force, is at the mercy of
every cold blast that sweeps the corner. He,
and especially she, has no defence [sic] but to wear a dozen shawls during the
day, and sleep under a bale of blankets at night.
One without any mental purpose, (unfortunately there are such,) though in
vigorous health, is much more liable to catch cold than a spirited delicate body
bent on some positive pursuit.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 26, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
To Clean Glass.—Common newspaper is one of the best articles.
The chemical operation of some ingredient of the printing ink gives a
beautiful polish. Slightly moisten
a piece of paper; roll it up and rub the glass; then take a dry, soft piece and
repeat the process. No lint will
remain, as in the case of using cloth.
Bites and Stings.—Apply instantly, with a soft rag, most freely,
spirits of hartshorn. The venom of
stings being an acid the alkali nullifies them.
Fresh wood ashes, moistened with water, and made into a poultice,
frequently renewed, is an excellent substitute—or soda or salaratus—all
being alkalies.
To Take Out Thorns or Splinters.—Make a plaster of turpentine and
tallow, spread on a piece of leather and apply it to the wound.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 26, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
We have been waiting for some time for the ladies to present the Countryman with that Confederate flag, to fling to the breeze on
public occasions. As they seem to
be slow about it, we shall have to make one ourselves, though we are not a very
good hand with a needle, and have no patent sewing machine.
Our "devil" expects to make a speech on the occasion of raising
the flag over the Countryman building.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 26, 1861, p. 2, c. 6
An india rubber factory is about to be established in Charleston.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 26, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
A globule of belladonna,
taken every morning, by each and every member of a family—adults, children,
servants and all inmates—will prevent the spread of scarlet fever in every
household that may adopt it, as certainly as vaccination will prevent small pox.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 26, 1861, p. 4, c. 1
New Use for Hoops.—A correspondent of the Cincinnatti [sic] Enquirer
writes the following:
Woman, Pistols and Strategy!—Abolition Republicans are frightened at
the shadow of a ghost, as was Lieutenant Jones at Harper's Ferry and Commodore
Pendergrast at Norfolk, the proof of which is now historic record. Let such men know that a fierce and bloody encounter awaits
them, when I tell you that over two hundred of the finest Colt's revolvers I
ever saw have been purchased in Cincinnati, at various times and places within
the last two weeks, (no thanks to the Eggleston vigilance mob) and conveyed out
of the city under the hoops [of] one of the fairest and most distinguished of
Kentucky's daughters, and sent by trusty agents to her friends in the interior
of the State. Oh, crinoline, thou
art a jewel!
A Kentucky Subscriber.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 3, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
Boys Out at Night.—The practice of allowing boys to spend their
evenings on the streets is one of the most ruinous, dangerous and mischievous
things possible. Nothing so
speedily and surely makes their course downward.
They acquire under cover of the night, an unhealthy state of the mind,
vulgar and profane language, obscene practices, criminal sentiments, and a
lawless and riotous bearing. Indeed,
it is in the streets after nightfall that the boys generally acquire the
education of the bad and the capacity for becoming rowdy, dissolute, criminal
men. Parents, do you believe it?
Will you keep your children at home at night, and see that their home is
made pleasant and profitable?—Genessee Republican.
It is seldom that more truth is compressed into so small a space.
The thousands of boys, belonging to worthy, respectable families, who are
permitted, night after night, to select their own company and places of resort,
are on the certain road to ruin. Confiding
parents, who believe their sons are safe—that they will associate with the
vicious—will one of these days have their hearts crushed, as thousands have
before, by learning that their sons, whom they regarded as proof against any
evil, have been, from very early years, on the road to ruin.
Keep your boys home at night, unless you accompany them
yourself.—Rochester Democrat.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 3, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
Company drill.—At a recent large gathering of volunteers in a Southern
State, where field operations were performed as if in sight of an enemy, the
general officer in command made a short speech to the men, which is very apropos just now.
"All that you have heard in the way of shooting, all your zeal and
patriotism, will be of no avail in the day of battle without a thorough
knowledge of company drill. Where
the men in each company are steady and well drilled, the whole army will be
steady and well drilled likewise. To
have a battalion or brigade act like a machine is to be effected only by company
drill."
And he might have added that to have a well drilled company, each man
must first go through a thorough course of drilling in the "school of a
soldier," or of equal drill. Simple
as it may seem, unless each man knows how to 'keep step'—'to dress to the
right' or 'to the left'—to face properly—to 'keep proper distance in
ranks'—to step the same length of step, whether in common, quick or double
quick time, etc., the company cannot as a company manoeuvre correctly. Two or three deficient members spoil the appearance of an
otherwise good company, and embarrass its movements. To endeavor to drill a company, as such, ere its members have
learned individually what they must know to be a good soldier, is like teaching
a boy geometry before he knows what arithmetic. is.—News.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 3, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
The Texas Ranger comes to us
again as a full sheet as fresh and blooming as ever.
We are issuing full sheets to subscribers, and half sheets to exchanges.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 10, 186, p. 2, c. 3
Flags.
We notice in the New Orleans Delta,
a good article on the subject of flags. Complaint
has been made on account of spending so much money for these emblems, when it
might be much more usefully appropriated. Flags
are quite useless in the hour of battle, and are rarely borne on such occasions
in modern warfare. The French and
the English dispense with them on the battle field.
A flag on such an occasion requires the services of one man to bear it,
and makes one less to do the fighting, and that one usually the best fighting
man of the regiment or company. The
flag bearer becomes a target for the enemy, more prominent than any other. The soldiers in the service of their country need, and will
continue to need all the money that can be spared, to buy shoes, blankets,
clothes and food. The Delta
says the money expended in New Orleans in flags and flag presentations, since
the war commenced, would have been sufficient to buy extra pairs of shoes for
the whole force of the State of Louisiana.
If the color is to be regarded as the rallying sign, when it is cut down,
(as often happens in battle,) hesitation, alarm and disorder arise among even
brave men.
The Delta recalls the incidents
of the Palmetto Flag at Churubusco, as follows:
The regimental colors on this occasion were entrusted to a gallant
soldier named Canty, who was killed early in the action.
Col. Butler then seized the colors, and bearing them at the head of the
column, was shot through the head; then Lieut. Col. Dickenson, seized them, and
taking the place of the Colonel, received a mortal wound, when he handed the
colors to Major Gladden. This
officer, as brave and heroic a man as ever led a column, is also a soldier of
great practical sense and judgment, and very little of a sentimentalist.
Major Gladden having the command of the regiment thrown upon him in the
very crisis of the battle, had no time to give to a broken flag staff, and with
admirable good sense, detached the flag from the staff, ordered one of the men,
a stalwart soldier, to wrap it around his body; not so, however, as to prevent
his using his arms. The man to whom
the flag had been thus committed, rushed ahead, and inspired by the high trust
reposed in him, performed prodigies of valor, whilst the Major, relieved of the
labor and responsibility which had already deprived the regiment of its two
highest officers, was enabled to give his whole attention to the order of his
regiment, and to direct the charging column so as to ensure a glorious victory.
In this connection, it might be well to remark that the most of the flags
we have seen are made too large to be carried on parade.
A small flag, not larger than two feet by four, with a light flag staff,
is heavy enough for parade, and does not weary the person who carries it; and
for company drill and parade looks much better than some of the larger ones we
have seen.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 10, 1861, p. 2, c. 4
The Fourth.
We passed the 4th very pleasantly at the barbecue near Mrs.
Bracey's. Through some mistake in
the editor, printer or devil, it was stated that it would be held in 'Possum
Bend, by which we were doing great injustice to the habitants of a different and
wealthy portion of Austin county, who do rejoice in the cognomen aforesaid.
All hands apologize for the error, and hope they may have the honor, on a
future occasion, of meeting the people of 'Possum
Bend at a gathering in that portion of the county.
But we wanted to say something about the barbecue.
Well, it was one of the most agreeable we have attended in a long time.
Beef, mutton, and pig, and a lot of fine things to gratify the appetite,
were spread with a rich profusion, equaled only by the liberality of the
settlement. After the ladies, the
military, the boys and the citizens had got their "fill," the crowd
repaired to a well constructed and comfortable arbor, when the exercises
commenced, by reading the Declaration of Independence, a thing that was well
performed by A. Chesley, Esq.
Loud calls being made for Z. Hunt, Esq., that gentleman came forward and
made one of the best extemporaneous addresses we have heard in a long time.
It was completely utilitarian in all its parts, principally having
reference to the war in which the nation is now engaged, and the best means of
being prepared for the struggle. Patriotism,
a deep, heart-felt devotion to the interests and success of the Confederate
States, was prominent throughout the address, and the frequent rapturous
applause of the assembly, evinced the fact that the sentiments of the speaker
met a hearty response in the hearts of all.
This was the speech of the day.
After that came Col. Paine, H. H. Boone, W. O. Campbell, Watts Cameron,
of Cass county, A. Chesley and others, all of whom did well, abundantly well, in
their respective brief remarks. Judge
N. I. Chappell acted as Marshal of the Day, doing the thing up in a manner such
as the Judge, and he only, can do it. Taking
it all in all, by and large, great and small, big and little, we think everybody
dispersed satisfied with the enjoyments of the day.
At night there was a party and a dance in the neighborhood.
We can't dance, so we did not attend.
We are informed, however, that they got along just as well without us,
and that everything passed off as harmoniously as though we had been there, and
we have no doubt of it.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 10, 1861, p. 2, c. 5-6
Miss Augusta Evans, author of "Beulah" has been at the Southern
camp at Norfolk, cheering the men in their honorable cause.
Dies for the new coin of the Confederate States have been received at
Dahlonega. No more United States
coin will be struck off.
A churn factory has been established at Charleston, South
Carolina.—butter is worth from 50 to 75 cents per pound in New Orleans.
Flour has fallen a dollar and a half, and beef is cheaper in New Orleans
than it has been for ten years.
Capt. John Travis is drilling a class of ladies in pistol shooting, in
Vicksburg, Miss., with much success.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 10, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
A flag presented to the Galveston Zouaves recently, was consecrated in
the Catholic church of that city, by the Rev. Mr. Chambadeau. The News says the ceremony was simple but impressive.
"The Rev. Father recited a few prayers in latin, sprinkled the flag
with holy water, and delivered a brief and excellent address, first to the
company in French, and then to the assembly in English.
His remarks were conceived in a spirit of piety and patriotism.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 10, 1861, p. 4, c. 2
Making Vinegar.—To eight gallons of clear rain water add three quarts
of molasses; put into a good cask; shake well a few times, then add two or three
spoonfuls of good yeast cakes. If
in summer, place the cask in the sun; if in winter, near the chimney, where it
may warm. In ten or fifteen days
add to this liquid a sheet of brown paper, town in strips, dipped in molasses,
and good vinegar will be produced. The
paper will, in this way, form what is called the "mother," or life of
vinegar.—Genessee Farmer.
Parsley.—Parsley may be preserved through the whole season, and in
every climate, by the following process: pull
or cut your parsley when full grown, hang it up to dry, and when wanted for use,
rub a little of it betwixt the palms of the hand, put it in the pot, and it will
immediately resume its smell, flavor and color, although it may have been kept
for years.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 17, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
We attended the barbecue near Travis on Saturday last, and were much
pleased with the manner in which things generally were conducted. There were four uniformed military companies there, who were
formed into a battalion and went through considerable of the drill under Col.
Paine. A flag with a neat address
by Miss Pier on the part of the ladies, was presented to the Buffalo Blues.
Dr. Francis gracefully received it making a patriotic speech in reply.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 17, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Good.—The ladies of Columbus have formed an association to raise funds
to equip a company for the war, but if the funds so raised are not appropriated
to the use of the troops of
Colorado county, then the same shall be forwarded to Gov. Clark, to be used at
his discretion.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 17, 1861, p. 2, c. 2
We copy the following from the Galveston Civilian.
It is very appropriate at this time:
The Christian Advocate appears on a half sheet, though without
proportionate diminution of interesting reading matter.
The scarcity of paper and of paying subscribers begins to tell on the
newspaper business, and we fear that many papers will not stop the curtailing
process at a half sheet. The
Richmond Reporter gives its present issue the name of the Half Loaf, though we
doubt not the ample crops of Fort Bend county will keep the publishers fully
supplied with the staff of life. No
people appreciate newspapers more highly than the citizens of Texas; and we
trust that they will not neglect to sustain the press in the present crisis.
Good names on a list of subscribers will not do this.
It requires money, or something that will sustain life.
Country publishers can use much of the produce of the farm and workshop
in lieu of money; and subscribers should make it a point to contribute such aid
as is in their power, without waiting for that common bore, the dun, alike
unpleasant to those who give and those who receive it.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
[From the Raleigh Standard.
Lines
Addresses to the first Regiment of
North Carolina Volunteers.
by Leola.
We miss you from the cottage-door,
We miss you from the lordly hall,
And bitter tears at parting shed,
Our loved ones yet in silence fall.
We miss you at the morning prayer,
We miss you at the noon-day meal,
And yearning hearts to you go forth
When twilight shades around us steal.
The fond young bride all tearfully
Turns from the cottage-door away,
Where still she goes, alas! in vain—
To meet her love at close of day.
And o'er her helpless little flock
Does many a wife in silence bend!
With heart too full for words she pleads
That God would peace and safety send.
The widow's heart in broken prayers,
Follows alike through night and day,
The prop of her declining years—
Her absent boy, far, far away!
The blushing maiden fondly dwells
Upon the parting moment, sad,
And prays that Heaven, in camp and field,
Would bless and shield her soldier lad.
Ah yes, we miss you, yet no heart
In all the thousand homes you've left,
It matters not how deeply tried,
It matters not how much bereft,
Would bring a son or brother home—
Husband or lover would recall;
No! rather on the battle field
In duty's path we'd have you fall!
On, on, brave hearts, your cause is just
And right—and justice must prevail;
As soon might straws attempt to stay
The torrent wild—the sweeping gale—
As hirelings of the North drive back
Men with such hands and hearts as yours
Go meet the invaders at their camp—
Let not their feet defile our shores!
Woe to the craven who shall fail
Our country in the hour of need;
Who turns a deafened ear away
And will not to her rescue speed,
Not to the swift the race is due—
The victory given to the strong—
The "God of battles" is our trust,
We and our cause to him belong;
There is no word for you like "fail,"
They never, never can subdue
Your gallant band if you to God,
Your country and yourselves are true!
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 24, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Sisters—Arouse!
A number of the ladies of Bellville and vicinity, actuated by that
nobility of purpose which characterized their mothers in like circumstances, and
which is now moving to action the sisterhood of all parts of our young
confederacy, earnestly desire the loyal and patriotic of their sex to meet them
at 4 o'clock on Friday afternoon next, the 26th inst., for the
purpose of organizing a "LADIES' AID SOCIETY."
Gentlemen have kindly volunteered to put the Court House in order for the
meeting, and I conjure all of the sex, who have a desire to contribute their
mite of aid in our struggle for freedom, to be in attendance on Friday evening
next. We can organize and appoint
suitable persons to receive donations, either in money or the raw material, to
be converted by us into clothing, knapsacks or tents for our volunteers, and
even the younger girls can do some good by picking lint for the use of the
wounded.
There are numbers of young men in our midst ready to volunteer, but too
needy to purchase an outfit. This
shall be our accepted task, as it is our
bounden duty. Let those who
have means contribute, and let us all work.
Nature's God has wisely, no doubt, denied our sex the privilege of
bearing arms and mixing in the turmoil of battle strife, then let our nimble
fingers and ready purses atone for the deficiency, by promptly furnishing our
brave men with the necessary appliances in our power for camp life.
It is for us that they brave the dangers and horrors of the battle
field—it is for us they accept the toils and hardships of the soldier's
life—it is for us they go forth to meet the ruthless assassins of the
North—and it is for us to contribute, by every means in our power, to the
accomplishment of the independence of our infant confederacy.
Let no false modesty, no flimsy excuse of "can't spare time,"
deter us from action, but ALL come forward, and enter heart and hand into the
needful work. I trust there will be
a good attendance of our patriot women at the Court House, on Friday next.
Respectfully submitted,
RACHEL.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 24, 1861, p. 3, c. 3
The Texas Baptist comes to us with the valedictory of J. A. Kimball as
editor. The Baptist is to be
suspended for want of support.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 31, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
The ladies met on Friday at the Court House and organized a "Sewing
Society," by electing Mrs. R. Chambers, President; Mrs. W. I. Cocke, Sec'y;
Mrs. J. P. Osterhout, Treasurer. The
Society meets again this evening.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 31, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
The citizens of Port Lavaca, says the Victoria Advocate, have established
a foundry for casting cannon, and also procured machinery for the manufacture of
small arms. An old nine pounder,
long located in Victoria, has been sent down there to be rifled.
The Reagan Guards and Texas Guards, from Anderson county, Texas, arrived
in New Orleans on the 8th.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 31, 1861, p. 2, c. 4
Mill Creek Neighborhood
July 29, 1861.
. . . According to previous notice, the ladies met at our church on Saturday
last, and associated themselves together for the purpose of assisting the
soldiers in their efforts to gain the independence of the South.
The society is christened the Mill Creek Soldiers' Aid Society.
The meeting was organized by electing Mrs. A. Daughtry, President; Mrs.
Bouldin, Vice President; Miss Elizabeth Manly, Secretary; Miss Mary Jane
Bethany, Assistant Secretary, and Miss Sarah Sullivan, Treasurer.
After which they adjourned to meet again on the first Monday in August.
So you see, Mr. Editor, the ladies of the Forks of Mill Creek have taken
a step in the right direction, which they always do when necessary. Will not the ladies in all the other neighborhoods do
likewise?
Mr. Countryman, it would do you good to see with what patriotic zeal the
ladies have taken hold of this all important matter, but it would also have done
you good to have been there, and partaken of the fine collation spread by the
ladies, for all who would come and eat. It
is unnecessary for me to say more about it, for you well recollect the dinner
that was given in this neighborhood a little over a year ago.
This dinner was superior to that, from the fact that only the ladies had
anything to do with it.
The action of the ladies has made the gentlemen a little more patriotic;
therefore, you need not be surprised to hear of the majority of our company
volunteering to drive back Lincoln's myrmidons, if they should dare contaminate
Texas soil by the touch of their unhallowed feet.
Madam Rumor says the ladies of this neighborhood are going to form a
company for the protection of such young men as will not volunteer to assist
their country in gaining its independence.
One of the Mill Creek Guards.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, July 31, 1861, p. 2, c. 6
Banner Presentation at Pittsville.
We have been requested by a committee at Pittsville, which is near the
line of Austin and Fort Bend counties, to insert the following address,
delivered recently by Miss M. J. Hedgpeth, to the Pittsville Home Guards.
Gentlemen of the Pittsville Home Guards!—In behalf of the ladies of the
neighborhood I stand here to present to you a banner, the emblem of your
country's nationality. It is in no
peaceful times that we make you the recipients of such an emblem, nor is it a
mere display, an empty pageant, but the stern reality of an impending conflict,
in which our dearest rights as freemen are involved, renders the occasion to us
all, replete with the deepest interest and throws around it all the solemnity of
feeling and of thought. We are,
gentlemen, on the threshold of a new epoch which has been ushered in with storm
and tempest. Already has the
lightning flashed and the thunders of battle reverberated on the Southern breeze
which hitherto was vocal only with the melody of peace.
We see too plainly, in the dim distance, the coercive arm of power raised
threateningly against us, not to believe that the future, which is but a step in
advance, is fraught with responsibilities to startle and arouse.
Then it behooves you to gird yourselves well for the contest, and meet
them like men, intelligently and resolutely.
The ladies in this vicinage are deeply sensible of the emergency at hand,
and have delegated me to give expression to the interest felt, by the
presentation of this banner. It is
not the stars and stripes under which Southern hearts have so often braved death
for honor. No, we stand today beneath the folds of a flag symbolical of
a new covenant, one that lately has received a baptism with the spirit of
perfect freedom, and one which, from the depths of our hearts, we believe
consecrated by the great Jehovah to success.
In placing this glorious emblem at the head of your column, we
[illegible] for a moment, consider duty's debt discharged.
We are fully sensible that there are hardships to be endured, dangers to
be undergone, difficulties to be surmounted; but believe us, when we declare,
that the emotions of patriotism which now swell your manly bosoms, find in our
hearts emotions in perfect unison, which will give us strength to endure
hardships, and firmness to surmount difficulties in this cause of truth and
justice, and though we may not give evidence of the existence of such
patriotism, by wielding in our weak hands the rough implements of war, yet we
will be bounded only by a sphere in which it is our part to move, in our
contributions to yours and your country's welfare. Ours is the task to fit you out for the distant expedition,
to cheer your departure with words of hope and promises to pray hourly for your
safety, to weep tears of sorrow for those who fall, to wait tenderly around the
bed of suffering, and to crown with love and laurels the manly brows of those
who return to us as victors. These
duties, I solemnly pledge you, in behalf of the ladies I represent, shall be
performed.
Receive now, gentlemen of the Guard, this banner which we have prepared
for you, from a sense of patriotic duty; carry it where the interest of our
beloved country calls, be the ordeal through which it must pass one of fire and
blood, but oh, remember when the God of battles shall have crowned your efforts
with victory, it is the prayer of those who gave it, that its folds may wave
above the heads of those who act responsive to the calls of mercy.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 7, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
Dippers.—A correspondent of a Georgia paper says:
"We are to have no more Yankee dippers; let me suggest that we all
commence the raising of gourds." Water
drinks as sweetly out of a good sweet gourd, as from any thing, if not sweeter;
but the Yankees shall not deprive us long of cocoa-nut shells, out of which we
can make dippers, if we want them.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 7, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
The Stars and Bars are now floating over our office. For this present we are indebted to Mrs. Jane Railey, of this
place. The flag is a neat one, of
medium size, and has a star for each Confederate State.
We had thought of publishing a speech that might
have been delivered by "our devil" on the occasion of raising the
flag, but as flag presentations are becoming so common, we forego giving this
choice production to the public, and just leave them to infer what our devil
should, or ought to have said on the occasion.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 21, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Our War Size.—Until the prospect of getting more paper shall become
better, the Countryman will be published at its present size. We are enabled by this plan to put in more matter than on a
half-sheet, and have less margin.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 21, 1861, p. 2, c. 3-4
Letter from Dallas County.
[Correspondence of the Countryman.]
Lancaster, Aug. 3, 1861.
Being in the habit of writing for you occasionally, I shall now endeavor
to give you the news of our county, as far as I am posted.
War, war, war, is the daily conversation of every lady and gentleman that
I meet. Horrible it is to think of
the great trouble that exists in our land, but it has come, and no one can tell
where or when it will end. I don't
think that there is any county in the State where patriotism abounds more than
in Dallas. Every little boy of
Lancaster may be seen in the streets with stripes on. They have a company organized, and drill regularly.
Villy Guy, son of Capt. Guy, is their captain.
He is about 14 years of age, and knows as much about military tactics as
most of our older captains. . . .
On receiving the glorious news of our success in Missouri and Virginia,
which has been confirmed several times, and is certainly true, the ladies of the
town assembled at the Masonic Hall, (not letting the other sex know what was
going on,) and fired the cannons, having elected one gentleman to assist them,
accompanied by the beating of drums and loud shouts of every one, even to the
little girls who had joined us—some hurrahing for Jeff. Davis and the Southern
Confederacy, and some one thing and some another. Every heart seemed to leap with joy whenever victory was
spoken of. Every clerk, blacksmith,
in fact most of the males about the place were not long in joining us.
We marched in procession through the streets, back to the hall, where
Capt. Guy made a speech suitable to the occasion.
He was cheered by all sorts of shrieks from the females, from six years
old to thirty and upward, after which all retired quietly to their peaceful
dwellings. . . .
Nannie Snead.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 28, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
"T. A.," in the Houston Telegraph, says that a strong tea, made
from corn shucks, has been used successfully as an anti-periodic, for the arrest
of chills. It requires several big
drinks, at intervals of an hour. Also,
a tea of ripened seedpods of the common cockle-burr, he says, has also been used
for the same purpose, when quinine failed to break the chills.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 28, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
The Corpus Christi Ranchero extra, of the 10th inst., says a
large number of wagons from Bastrop arrived there for salt, and were loaded
without delay. The supply is
inexhaustible, and Corpus is bound to enjoy an immense trade.
The Ranchero says Clark is largely ahead in that district for Governor.
The publication of the Ranchero is suspended for want of paper.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, August 28, 1861, p. 3, c. 3
We, last Wednesday, visited the Foundry, and witnessed the process of
making cannon. We saw one fine
6-pounder run—it was perfect in all its parts, and of beautiful shape.
A large number of balls, six and twelve pound were also run.
There is no telling what a people can do until they try—with material
and machinery picked up around town, our enterprising citizens have shown that
they can manufacture their own defensive projectiles.—Lavaca Gulf Key.
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, September 11, 1861, p. 1, c. 5
Tobacco for Disease of the Throat.—The Boston Medical and Surgical
Journal makes the following observations in a review of Sir Benjamin Brodie's
letter in the London Times, on the "Use and Abuse of
Tobacco:"
"There is a local effect of tobacco, when smoked, which we have not
as yet seen mentioned, and which, in a therapeutical aspect, may be of
considerable importance; we refer to its action in preventing that peculiar
condition of the throat which, if neglected, is liable to terminate in
follicular inflammation, or what is more properly known as clergyman's sore
throat. It has been said that few,
if any, instances of this affection can be found to exist in those in the habit
of smoking, and we know of one or two instances where it yielded at once to the
potent influence of tobacco. It
most probably acts by allaying commencing irritation, which, if allowed to
increase, would end in inflammation; and, perhaps, counteracting any spasmodic
condition, of the surrounding muscles— very natural source of trouble in this
distressing disease."
BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, September 11,1861, p.
2, c. 1
&nb