[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION
November 16, 1860 – April 5, 1861 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, masthead
W. H. Rhea, Editor.  The Constitution, the Union, and the Enforcement of the Laws.  $2 per annum, in advance
Vol. 1, Number 2 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 1, c. 1
The Constitutional Union, Published Every Week, at Des Arc, Arkansas, and Edited by Weston H. Rhea; office on corner of Buena Vista and Lyon Streets, over John Jackson & Co. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 2, c. 6

New Store!
Entirely New Stock!!
We have just opened our new stock of
Fall and Winter Goods,
which consists, in part, of
Kerseys                                                Woolseys,
Home-Made Jeans,
Kentucky Jeans,                           Satinets,
Linseys,
And                                                      Georgia Plaids.
            Also, a fine assortment of Poplins, De Berages [sic], Merinoes, Scotch Plaid Alpacas, etc., etc., etc.
Also, a Complete Stock of
Clothing!!
A better assortment cannot be found.  Also, the
largest stock of
Boots and Shoes!
In the market.  We kindly solicit all who wish to
purchase to give us a call, and examine
our goods and prices.

                                                                                                                Taylor & Co.,
                                                                                                                            Des Arc, Arkansas. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 3, c. 1
Discovery of Gold.
            While we are going to press, the report is prevalent about the town of the discovery of GOLD by the workmen engaged at the Artesian Well.  The excitement occasioned by this rumor is easier imagined than described.  Several small pieces have been dug out which are pronounced by those posted in such matters the genuine stuff.  Should it prove to be, the vein is a rich one. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 3, c. 3
            A Phenomenon.—The Palestine (Texas) Advocate, of the 24th of October, has the following statement:
            About six miles from Jacksonville, on the road leading to this place, we came across truly a phenomenon, a few days since, as we were returning home.  A large ditch was scooped out of the side of a red mountain, by a huge volume of water; rocks weighing several tons were torn from their base and thrown a distance of twenty or thirty feet; saplings were torn up by the root, everything gave way to the immense force of the water.  The trench commenced near the top of the mountain on the north side, and there was no accumulation of water above the head of the ravine, the grass and leaves were untouched, everything goes to prove that it fell in a column at one place.
            Some idea may be formed of the volume of water, when we say that it left traces down the side of the mountain by which we determined that it was about thirty feet wide and ten feet deep; descending at an angle of about eighty degrees it swept everything before it.  The main trench washed out was about ten feet deep.  Upon inquiry in the neighborhood we learned from a Mr. George that it occurred on the night of the 30th September, and he described the night as one of terrific grandeur; the flashes of lightning followed each other so closely that it was nearly as light as day, and the thunder never ceased to roar for several hours; he was therefore unable to tell us anything in reference to this phenomenon, except that the next morning it was found as we have attempted to describe it. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 3, c. 4
            Knights of the Golden Circle.—Gen. Bickley, who signs himself "President American Legion," writes as follows to The Galveston News of the causes of his delay to cross the Mexican Rubicon:
            "The recent failure of Gen. Walker in his expedition to Honduras, and the silence of our Government in reference to the intervention of the British, has caused many to fear that our take would be more difficult than had been previously supposed.  The difficulty of transporting large quantities of material and troops across the country, and the approaching Presidential contest, have all shown how necessary to success is the element of time.  Arms that ought to have been at our rendezvous have not arrived, and agents have to be sent in search of them.  Corn must be shipped from the Ohio river, and the force in this State simultaneously assembled.  All this is the work of time.  To throw ourselves in a body of 400 or 500 men only across the river would insure disaster.  This will not do—if I cross it must be with every element of success in my hands, viz:  men, arms, and materials.  We shall cross at the earliest possible moment." 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 3, c. 3
            Senator Toombs and the Ladies.—The Columbus (Ga.) Times, of the 30th ult., says:  "Senator Toombs was in the streets of Columbus, on Saturday, the "blue cockade" given him by the fair ladies of Montgomery.  God bless them!  We are for them and a union with them, where love, harmony, and good feeling exists, but are opposed to any other sort of Union."  The night that the Senator spoke in Montgomery many ladies wore the badge of secession. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 4, c. 1
            The following is a specimen of sharp shooting between a coquette and her lover:
                        "You men are angels when you woo the maid,
                        But devils when the marriage vow is paid."
            The lover, not to be outdone, replied as follows:
                        "The change, dear girl, is easily forgiven,
                        We find we are in hell instead of heaven." 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 4, c. 4
            To Dye Slate Color.—Boil green chestnut bark one hour; take out the bark, and add four ounces green vitriol for one pound woolen yarn or cloth; stir frequently one hour; dry before washing. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 4, c. 7
            "Minute Men" in South Carolina.—As an offset to the "Wide Awakes" of the North, "Minute Men" are organizing in all the principal districts of South Carolina.  The Charleston Mercury says:
            "Their object is to form an armed body of men, and to join in with our fellow-citizens, now forming in this our sister States as 'Minute Men,' whose duty is to army, equip and drill, and be ready for any emergency that may arise in the present perilous position of Southern States.  In Kershaw, Abbeville, and Richland districts the organization is already complete and powerful, embracing the flower of the youth, and led on by the most influential citizens.  The badge adopted is a blue rosette—two and a half inches in diameter, with a military button in the centre, to be worn upon the side of the hat." 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 16, 1860, p. 4, c. 5
            A letter from Paris states that the color now adopted by the belles of France is red.  The writer says:  "We see black mouquetaire hats bordered with red and decorated with a red feather; the fed flannel under-skirt is displayed by the dress being tucked up a la Pompadour in festoons; the red stockings set off to advantage the prettily turned ankle and the Parisian black bootine.  This costume has become the vogue from having been adopted by the Empress in her rovings on the sea side at Biarritz.  The brilliant color is peculiarly adopted for displaying to advantage the beautifully fair complexion and hair of Her Majesty. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 23, 1860, p. 1, c. 7
            The women of the town of Canton, Ohio, vexed at the drunkenness which has prevailed there, made a descent last week upon a rum shop and spilled all the liquor upon the ground.  They walked across the street and notified the keeper of another groggery that he had ten days wherein to relinquish the business under penalty of similar treatment. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 23, 1860, p. 2, c. 2

The Gold Discovery.

            In our last issue it was announced that several specimens of gold had been taken from the bore of the Artesian well, which is being dug in this place.  It was thought by many of our citizens, at the time, to be a hoax upon the credulous, but further and more particular search has brought a very rich and profitable vein of gold to discovery—at least such seems to be the opinion of all who have examined the pieces of ore which have been washed out.  The attention of Mr. Jules Anderson, a well-known citizen and a gentleman who has had several years' experience in mining through California, was attracted to the kind of sand which was thrown out of the well last Friday, after the workmen had reached the depth of seventy feet with the auger.  He gathered some of it into a pan, and at the bottom of which, after the washing process, he found nearly a teaspoonful of shining, dusty particles, which proved to be the pure precious metal, under chemical test.  Saturday afternoon following, Mr. J. H. Quisenbury washed out several particles which averaged two or three grains each in weight.  The excitement consequently became great and contagious, and almost every species of pans was brought into use, to wash out the glittering treasure.  Several others were successful in finding more or less of the ore, and pieces of it were sent to the jewelers of Memphis, by the steamer Admiral.  the auger threw up a large quantity of the metal on Monday last, which was washed from the sand by a half dozen or more people.  Mr. Russ Evans found three lumps, the largest of which is valued at a dollar and eighty cents; Mr. Warren, blacksmith, found a nugget worth two dollars, and Mr. Anderson himself has washed out many beautiful and valuable specimens.
            It is the opinion of Mr. Anderson, Mr. Quisenberry, and several others who have been in the mines of California, that this is one of the richest veins ever discovered.  The sand in which the gold was found at this place has been pronounced to be identical with that of California, both in character and color.
            The gold fever is on the rage here now, and we have been informed that a company of our most reliable citizens has been formed for the purpose of sinking a shaft on the bank of White river, somewhere in the vicinity of Des Arc. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 23, 1860, p. 3, c. 1
Leap-Year Party.
            The young ladies of Des Arc, availing themselves of the peculiar privileges of their sex in Leap Year, surprised the rougher portion of our race with invitations to one of the most pleasant parties known in the history of this town, which came off at the residence of one of our well-known and most estimable citizens on Wednesday night. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 23, 1860, p. 3, c. 1
State Fair.
            The Little Rock State Gazette, of the 17th inst., thus speaks of the State Fair which came off in that city week before last:  Among the most deserving of the premiums was that awarded to Henry Byrd, Esq., of Union county, for the best article of native wine.  The display of stock was fine.  We think col. Rust's horse one of the finest we have ever seen; yet the judges were not able to decide as between him and Mr. Vaughan's fine horse—one evidence that "doctors disagree."  The fine saddle horse, John Bell, owned by Col. B. B. Allen, of Prairie county, was universally admired—no premium was more worthily bestowed than his.  The closing of the Fair with a tournament was looked forward to with great interest.  Though we have a slight conception of the hostile squadrons in deadly conflict, we had never witnessed a home-made tournament.  In our imagination we had pictured a contest between grim knights in armor, with visors down and lances poised, ready to disarm or unhorse an opponent.  Instead, we saw a ring about two inches in diameter, hung some eight feet from the ground, and a lot of gay equestrians trying to pick it off with the point of a wooden lance—the one taking the ring oftenest in five trials to be the victor.  Though the Fair was a success, we confess to disappointment at the tournament.  It reminded us more of Longstreet's description of a "gander pulling" than anything we have ever seen—though, from the description, we are of opinion that there is infinitely more fun in a "pulling."  Suppose at the next meeting of these Knights of the Wooden Lance, a gander be swung for them—his head wil be as fit a trophy as an iron ring. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 23, 1860, p. 3, c. 7
            A Flying Machine Patented.—A flying machine has just been patented in London, consisting of a very light steam engine, which is to operate a huge pair of wings.  Oil is to be used for fuel instead of wood or coal, that greater heat may be obtained with the same weight. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 23, 1860, p. 4, c. 5
            Death of the First Banjoist of the Country.—The original banjoist, "Old Joe Sweeney," died at the late residence of his father, in Appomattox county Virginia, on Saturday evening, the 27th ult., about the age of forty-five years.  He had traveled extensively in Europe and almost entirely over the United States, and enjoyed probably a greater reputation than any other man as a banjoist, having been the first white man to introduce the banjo to the public. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 30, 1860, p. 4, c. 1
            Fanny Fern's "Awe" of a Husband.  A lady having remarked that awe is the most delicious feeling a wife can hold toward her husband, Fanny Fern thus comments:
            "Awe of a man whose whiskers you have trimmed, whose hair you have cut, whose cravat you have tied, whose shirt you have put into wash, whose boots you have kicked into the closet, whose dressing-gown you have worn while coming your hair, who has been down in the kitchen with you at eleven o'clock at night to hunt for a chicken bone, who has hooked your dresses, unlaced your boots, and tied your bonnet; who has stood before your looking-glass with thumb and finger on proboscis, scratching his chin; whom you have seen asleep with his mouth wide open; ridiculous! 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, December 7, 1860, p. 1, c. 7
            The Clayton (Alabama) Banner says that on Sunday last, the Rev. Alexander McLennon, of the Methodist persuasion, preached in the Methodist church of that town with the tri-color rosette conspicuous on his vest. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, January 4, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
Militia Muster.
            In accordance with our announcement, the members of Company E, of the Arkansas Militia, paraded on Saturday, the 22d ult.  The day was pleasant, and the Company turned out in force.  We are glad to see that our people are beginning to realize the importance of a well-drilled militia.  The turn-out on that occasion was highly creditable to all concerned, showing that our citizens want nothing but proper drill to render them the best soldiers in the world.  Some of them are the same men who carried the Stars and Stripes from the banks of the Rio Grande to the City of Mexico in triumph, and are of the stock who made their rifles tell with such deadly effect at New Orleans.  Born, as you might say, with rifle in hand, and trained to the use of arms, the Arkansian is a soldier from birth.  Where can one find better horsemen than in our midst?  Where can one find a people better prepared to bear up under a lengthy march?  To the officers of this company, much credit is due for the soldierly way in which they performed their duties.  The second battalion muster of this township will come off on the 2d of April, instead of the 1st of March as we previously announced.  Hurrah for the Arkansas Militia. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, January 11, 1861, p. 3, c. 4
            Lynching and Murder in Texas.—The Nacodoches [sic] chronicle has an account of a horrible affair in Hardin county, Texas.  There were two familys [sic] by the names of Mooney and Wilburn, respectively, in Nacogdoches county, between which there was a most bitter feud.  A short time since the Mooneys moved to Concord, Hardin county.  A few days ago Wilburn, with his three sons, heavily armed, went down to Concord.  Finding Mooney in a store, they shot him, wounding him badly.
            Mooney then fled to his house.  The Wilburns followed him, and found him lying on the floor, weltering in his blood, his head supported by his little daughter.  Here they again shot him several times, and beat his lifeless body with their pistols and clubs, and the poor wife pleading for mercy at the assassin's hands, was stricken down and most shamefully abused.  The citizens, being by this time aroused, surrounded the Wilburns, and after a conflict in which parties on both sides were wounded, they took them prisoners and placed them under a strong guard for the night.  In the morning the four were found hanging each on a separate tree, some distance from town. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, February 1, 1861, p. 4, c. 5
            Twenty patriots of the Revolution have died within the last year.  Eighty-two are now all that remain. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, February 1, 1861, p. 4, c. 5
            A Sharp Paris Dodge.—A dealer in dry goods in Paris has engaged the services of several well dressed ladies, who promenade near his store, and when they see any lady looking into the window, two of them approach and exclaim, "Oh, isn't it sweet!" or "How cheap!  Let us go in and buy it!" 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, February 1, 1861, p. 4, c. 5
            A Steam Carriage Sensation.—Lord Caithness, a Scottish nobleman, has been creating a sensation in London with his new steam carriage.  He is said to have driven through the most crowded parts without frightening the horses, and threaded the vehicles, thickly strewn as they are in the city, with ease and elegance. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, February 1, 1861, p. 4, c. 5
            A Union Widow.—A blooming young widow, living in one of the Southern States, which is strongly in favor of secession, sends word, through a lady friend, to a spry widower, but who is not in very robust health at present, that "she is for the Union."  To which he replied:  "And so am I, but due regard must be had to the constitution." 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, February 1, 1861, p. 4, c. 4
            Bailey, the South Carolina clerk, who depredated on the Treasury to the amount of $870,000, wore the blue cockade in the public offices.  He should now wear striped tow breeches in the District Penitentiary—with a blue cockade on the seat of them if he likes it.                                                                     [Louisville Journal. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, February 8, 1861, p. 2, c. 4
            Secession at Yale.—The Yale College boys raised a Palmetto flag on the alumni tower of that institution, on Sunday, and barricaded all approaches to the top of the building.  This was done in retaliation of the supposed insult offered by persons who employed negroes to wear the secession cockade before the Southern students. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, February 8, 1861, p. 3, c. 5
            A Methodist and Quaker having stopped at a public house, agreed to sleep in the same bed.  The Methodist kneeled down, prayed fervently and confessed a multitude of sins.  After he arose, the Quaker observed; "Really, friend, if thee are as bad as thou sayest thou art, I think I dare not sleep with thee." 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, February 22, 1861, p. 4, c. 4
            The Rattlesnake Banner.—The Savannah (Georgia) Republican says:
            The rattlesnake banner, which some of our enthusiastic Southern-rights friends have raised and kept bound to the monument in Johnson Square for some weeks past and which its architects christened the "Colonial Flag of Georgia," is, excepting the motto overhead, the identical flag of the Union, as it was first reared in the city of Philadelphia!  We have only been surprised that they have allowed it to remain so long.
            Take down the Snake, boys, and run up "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation!" 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, March 29, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
            A wag seeing a lady at a party with a very low-necked dress and bare arms, expressed his admiration by saying she out-stripped the whole party. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, April 5, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
            A black flag of mourning, for the delay of Virginia in "going out," was found suspended across the Main street of Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Friday morning.  It bore a suitable inscription. 

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, April 5, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
Cavalry Company.
            This corps, at their last meeting, adopted as their name, The Des Arc Rangers.  On last Saturday they paraded through our streets, for the first time, in their uniforms, presenting quite a soldier-like appearance.  The uniform adopted by the Rangers is a red flannel shirt, with a deep blue breast and back, blue cuffs and black velvet collar, with three rows of brass buttons in front; black pants, with red stripes up the sides; United States cavalry fatigue cap, with ostrich plume, with colt's Navy repeaters and United States dragoon sabers.