FORT SMITH NEW ERA
October 8, 1863
– December 31, 1864
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, October 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
Salutatory.
The want of a newspaper in this section of our country, advocating the
rights of the many against the encroachments of the few, having been long and
severely felt, a number of loyal citizens have determined to supply this
grievous deficiency. The New Era,
for a new era is indeed dawning upon the People, will be conducted upon the
"Unconditional Union" principle.
Traitors, and sympathizers with such, will be exposed, unflinchingly, and
their dark deeds of infamy put in proper light.
Fort Smith and vicinity, unfortunately, like too many places all over the
South, under rebel rule, has been most shamefully imposed upon by a set of
newspapers entirely devoted to the interests of that abominable set of men who,
under the cry of "Liberty and Constitution," aimed at nothing else
than the total enslavement and the subversion of the rights of the great mass of
the laboring white population. But
the tables are turned now, and the freedom of the Press and of Speech will no
longer be a dead letter. Emancipation
from the thraldom of the selfish, overbearing Aristocracy, so gloriously begun
since the re-establishment of the authority of the United States Government,
will be carried forward successfully, until every vestige of the baneful
influence that formerly weighed upon the People, will be utterly dissipated.
E. Pluribus Unum.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, October 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
The Federal Flag at Van Buren.
The first of this month was a happy day for the ladies and other citizens
of Van Buren. The ladies of that
place made and presented to the 1st Reg't Ark. Infantry, a large
Federal flag, which was elevated to the top of a fine and substantial flag-staff
occupying the front yard of the Court House.
The rebels once waved the treasonable ensign of the Confederacy from the
same towering shaft; but their first endeavor in this shameful boast of their
treason resulted in tearing their flag nearly in twain.
That disaster may be regarded as the omen of ill to the nefarious scheme
of destroying the Federal Nationality, for the purpose of rearing on its ruins
an aristocracy of the imperious few, who disregard the will and the
interests of the laboring many that constitute the bone and sinew of the
Arkansian population.
Appropriate speeches were delivered on the occasion by Col. J. M.
Johnson, of the 1st Ark. Inf., Col. W. F.
Cloud, of the 2d Kansas Cav., Col. Williams, of the 1st
"Iron-Clads," and Lieut. Col. E. J. Searle, of the 1st Ark.
Inf. These speeches were loudly
applauded, and were well calculated to encourage the patriotic aspirations of
the numerous assemblage of citizens and soldiers.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, October 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
The Brave Arkansians.
Parts of two companies (H and I) of the 1st Ark. Infantry,
numbering about 50 men, were attacked on their march from Dardanelle to Fort
Smith, by not less than 1000 Confederates—some say 1,500.
The surprisal was made at noon on the 27th Sept.
The Confederates seem to have had parts of several commands, but chiefly
that of Col. Shelby. The command of the Federals was held by Capt. W. C. Parker
and Lieuts. Rob't Morrison and J. L. Jones.
The surprise seems to have been mutual, neither party expecting the
other. The rebels, however, seeing
the smallness of the Federal force, and observing them to be charged with the
care of two Government wagons, made a disposition of their force (1000 cavalry
and two howitzers) for the purpose of capturing our men and the property in
charge. The enemy drew up on three
sides, and, firing, demanded the surrender of the Federals.
But the demand was quickly answered by a volley from our muskets that
sent consternation into the rebel lines.
After a courageous and desperate resistance of two hours, during which
our little band used both their guns and revolvers, surrender or swift retreat
became unavoidable. Twenty eight of
our soldiers and ten citizens who accompanied them, were taken prisoners, two
were killed and two wounded. The
two killed were B. F. Wilkins and ____ Hawkins.
Wilkins fell pierced with several bullets, bravely discharging his
six-shooter and killing one of his assailants; but he sternly refused to
surrender. Hawkins was in one of
the wagons, accompanied by his sister. He
continued to fire until, pierced by the deadly missile of the foe, he yielded up
his spirit in the presence of his sister, who had fled from her home for
protection within the Federal lines.
Of the twenty-eight prisoners, all were immediately paroled but five, who
were retained for some days in expectancy of death.
Four, however, have since been released, and are now in camp.
The other one, John Little, is reported to have been shot as a deserter
from the rebel army. In the affray, our men inflicted greater suffering than they
received, killing ten and wounding eight of the enemy.
Our men who were taken prisoners represent the rebels as badly scared.
They said they had never seen such determined and desperate fighting as
was done by that little squad of Feds. They
had evidently measured our men by themselves, and were disappointed on
witnessing the fiery energy with which loyal Arkansians fight.
That whole rebel troop seems to be made up of the commands of Shelby,
marmaduke, Cabell, Brooks and Hunter, and their destination is Missouri, for the
purpose of disengaging the troops there under the notorious villains, Quantrill,
Parker and Jackman. It is to be
hoped the Missouri Militia will minister a good time to the raiders, and give
them a plentiful dosing of Father Abraham's blue pills. They will need some such physic to relieve them of the heavy
spoils they are making of Union property on their route.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, November 14, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
Prospect of the Farmers—Bush-Whacking.
The town is full of refugees from the country, of whom a large number is
supported by the Government. This
is deplorable, not so much on account of the expense of feeding them, as from
the injury the community at large is receiving by the almost total suspension of
farming operations. The cause of
all this is bush-whacking. No
family known to entertain Union feelings, is safe out of the reach of U. S.
troops. The recent advance of the
rebels encouraged this abominable, fiendish set of men to extend their
operations nearer to town than ever. Since
the hasty flight of the rebels these fiends have also become less bold in the
immediate vicinity of this place. But
there is still so great a feeling of insecurity among the country people, that
they are very little disposed to go to work in good earnest and prepare for
another year's crop. Many families
also had their houses burnt, after having been robbed of everything, and have
come to town in most pitiable circumstances.
The inauguration of the guerilla warfare, is one of the deepest stains of
infamy to be charged to this hellish Confederacy; for, while it decides nothing
eventually, it inflicts infinitely more suffering, and especially on the
helpless, than an open and regular system of warfare. Good judges estimated the amount of grain raised this year in
Arkansas sufficient to bread the people for two years.
Owing to the presence of large forces in the State, and the great waste
and destruction caused by the rebels, we may consider ourselves fortunate if the
supply holds out till next harvest. But,
if we don't show now, we can have no harvest next year, when there will be ten
times more applications for rations than now, and the suffering among the people
must necessarily be great. The only
remedy is, to clean out the bush-whackers, and give them no mercy wherever and
whenever found; and then, and not till then, may we look for a revival of
prosperity.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, November 14, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
The immense supply train from Fort Scott, arrived yesterday in safety at
this post. It consisted of some 600
wagons, including the Government supply and Paymasters' trains, a large amount
of Indian goods, and the sutlers. It
was escorted by the 2s Kansas Colored Regiment, under Col. Crawford, and a
detachment of cavalry.
Gen. Blunt accompanied the train. His
health is excellent, and he was cordially welcomed by all. He had a splendid reception at Van Buren on Thursday night.
His stay will be brief. Gen.
McNeil cordially concurs in his measures for administering affairs, and the best
understanding exists between them.
Accompanying the escort were Maj. T. J. Anderson, A. A. G., Capt. Tholen,
A. A. G., Lieut. Tappan, A. D. C., Majors Sleeper and Adams, Paymasters, Maj.
Calkins, 3d Wis. Cav., Maj. Hopkins, 2d Kansas, and a number of other officers
of the Army of the Frontier.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, November 14, 1863, p. 4, c. 2
Head Quarters District
Of the Frontier,
Fort Smith, Ark., Nov. 14th, 1863.
General Orders, }
No. 4.
}
I...Hereafter, no church edifice or other house of public worship, of any
religious denomination or sect, within the limits of this District, shall be
used for military purposes, or occupied as hospitals, except in cases of
absolute necessity; nor shall school houses, academies, colleges, or any kind of
institution for education, whether religious or secular, be intruded upon, or
their grounds, groves, lawns or gardens molested; nor shall camps be established
so near them as to create annoyance. The only exception to this rule will be when such grounds are
required for the purposes of defense against an impending attack.
II...A decent respect for the opinions of mankind—if no higher motive
actuates us—should render unnecessary to the officers and men in this
District, all mention of the desecration of places of burial and the wanton
defacing of tombs and grave stones, or the removal and destruction of those more
"mute memorials" that mark the residing place of the poor.
But acts of this kind have not escaped the attention of the Commanding
General. He sincerely hopes that
these evidences of vandalism are to be charged only to the troops of the enemy;
yet he warns all men of this command, that if convicted of such practices, they
will be dealt with both promptly and severely.
III...All churches in this District now occupied as barracks, hospitals,
or store-rooms will be delivered to the properly authorized trustees, upon being
claimed by them, after they shall have filed proof of future loyalty and good
disposition toward the Government of the United States, before the nearest
Provost Marshal, and given guarantees that neither open nor covert treason shall
be taught within their walls.
By command of Brig. Gen. John McNeil.
Jos. T. Tatum,
Act'g Ass't Adj't
Gen'l.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, November 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
Furious riding through the streets is still frequently indulged in, to
the great danger of life and limb of pedestrians, especially women and children.
Last Sunday two gentlemen, returning from church, had a very narrow
escape. A man, apparently
intoxicated and minus his hat, charged along the sidewalk at a tremendous rate,
his horse, for the rider could or would not control him, just clearing those
gentlemen by a few inches.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, November 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
There is a great scarcity of female help at present in this town, while
at the same time a large number of women, white and colored, draw supplies from
Government. It strikes us that many
of these could find comfortable and decent homes, and earn money besides, if
disposed to do so.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, November 28, 1863, p. 4, c. 2
Pictures! Pictures!
In those days came Clay & Brother, in the City of Fort
Smith, taking Pictures for Abraham's Soldiers, in the latest and most improved
style known to the art. Having
removed their establishment from Fort Scott to this place, they feel confident
that they can give entire satisfaction to all that may call on them for a
perfect Counterfeit of their countenances.
Rooms opposite Bostwick, Griffith & Pennywitt's Store, Garrison
Avenue.
Clay & Brother, Artists.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 5, 1863, p. 3, c. 3
It must be a happy thought to a lover to know that his blood and that of
his sweetheart's mingle in the same—mosquito.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 12, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
The booming of cannon awoke the denizens of this place from their
slumbers last Monday at daybreak. It
was, of course, in commemoration of the battle of Prairie Grove, fought on the 7th
of December 1862, with what result is a matter of history now.
The papers of this place, and elsewhere, came out a few days afterwards,
with a flaming proclamation of braggadocio Hindman's, announcing to the world of
having gained a "magnificent victory," forgetting to state, however,
that he ran off in the dead of night with muffled cannon wheels, for which
purpose he took his poor men's blankets, and making this latter mean transaction
an excuse for stealing all the carpets in Fort Smith.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 12, 1863, p. 3, c. 1
Review of Troops.
The review of the troops stationed near this town and Van Buren, and
intended to have been held on the anniversary of the battle of Prairie Grove,
but postponed on account of the unfavorable weather, came off on the 9th
inst. The day was most propitious,
the weather being more like May than December.
Race track prairie was the place of rendezvous, and about noon long
columns of Infantry were seen emerging from the woods, their burnished weapons
glittering gaily in the splendor of an unclouded, noonday sun.
These were followed by Artillery and horse.
The head of the column, consisting of the 18th Iowa, commanded
by Lieut. Col. Campbell, (col. Edwards being Commander of the Post,) took
position just below the fine mansion, once owned by that notorious rebel, Elias
Rector, formerly U. S. Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
The 1st Kansas colored Infantry, Col. Williams commanding,
next wheeled into line, followed by the 2nd Kansas colored Infantry,
Col. Crawford commanding, 2nd Kansas Battery, Capt. Smith, 6th
Kansas Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Campbell commanding, 13th Kansas
Infantry, Major Woodruff commanding, 3d Kansas Battery, (taken from the rebels,)
Lt. Dudley commanding, 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, Maj. John C. Schroeling commanding,
14th Kansas Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Moonlight commanding.
There were in all about 10,000 effective men on the ground, ready to meet
the foe and battle for their country. A
salute of 13 guns announced the arrival of Major Gen'l James G. Blunt and Brig.
Gen'l John McNeil with their staffs. The
inspection then took place, the Generals and staffs passing along the whole
front of the extensive line, and after passing up in the rear, posted themselves
opposite the center, in front, ready for review. The different regiments then filed past in "common
time," making a fine and most warlike appearance.
The mounted part of the command then passed review the second time in
"double quick," giving the uninitiated a faint idea of the shock
produced by a cavalry charge.
The whole affair passed off very satisfactorily to the participants, as
well as the spectators. It was
indeed, the finest treat that could be offered to a loyal man, to witness such a
display, after having seen nothing but "greybacks" for years.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 12, 1863, p. 3, c. 3
Cheap and Beautiful Ornaments.—A few years since a box of autumn
leaves, selected for the beauty and variety of their tints, was sent to the wife
of the American ambassador at London. She
wore them as ornaments, and they attracted much attention and admiration, our
brilliant forest autumnal leaves being unknown in England. Since then packages of these beautiful leaves have been sent
over every autumn to fashionable ladies in London.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 26, 1863, p. 3, c. 3
Fencing School.
The Undersigned, at the request of a number of Officers and
others, has opened a Fencing School at the corner of Water and Walnut streets,
and will receive a few more persons desiring instruction.
The following branches will be taught:
Sword Exercise, Mounted Sabre Drill and Bayonet Exercise.
The course of instruction will be thorough.
Terms, either by the lesson or session, at a reasonable rate.
For further particulars inquire of
John Frost, Graduate of the
Naval Academy of Sweden
and late of the U. S. Army.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 12, 1863, p. 4, c. 1
Commanding General's Orders.
Head
Quarters, District of the Frontier,
Fort Smith, Ark., Dec. 21, 1863.
Circular.
The General Commanding this District desires to call the attention of the
citizens of Arkansas, living within the limits of this command, to the
permanency of the occupation of Western Arkansas by the United States military
forces; and to the vast advantages that must accrue to its citizens by a prompt
return to their farms, workshops and other legitimate avocations, of all who,
from any cause, have abandoned their homes since the commencement of
hostilities, and who may now desire to give assurance of their loyalty, and to
hereafter maintain the integrity of the Federal Union.
The occupation of this country by a large Federal force must necessarily
create an active demand and ready market for all farm produce; and even though
the army move farther south, the citizens of this section of the State cannot
fail to enjoy, to a great extent, the same prosperity that has heretofore
attended their labors in times of peace.
With a view to encourage the re-occupation of abandoned farms and
workshops, it is hereby announced, that upon the return of the owners thereof,
and proper assurance of loyalty being given, safeguards against military
intrusion or violence will be granted from these Head Quarters, and every
protection in their rights and property consistent with the interests of the
public service, is hereby guaranteed.
For the encouragement of those who have lost their stock, and from that
cause are unable to resume the cultivation of their farms, it is further
announced, that the Government has now on hand large numbers of public animals,
at present unfit for service, that, with proper attention and care, may be made
entirely serviceable by the coming Spring for all domestic purposes.
This stock must soon be sold at public auction, to the highest bidder,
and all may avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded for the resumption
of peaceful labor, domestic quiet, and financial prosperity.
By command of Brig. Gen'l John McNeil.
T. J. Anderson,
Ass't Adj't General.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, December 12, 1863, p. 4, c. 2
Provost Marshal's Orders.
Office District Provost Marshal,
Head Quarters, District of the
Frontier,
Fort Smith Ark., Dec. 22, 1863
General Orders,
}
No. 2,
}
I... All sales of cotton, between private parties, are prohibited.
All the cotton in the District of the Frontier is hereby seized for the
Government of the United States. The
cotton so hereby seized will be sold, or otherwise disposed of, as lawful
authority may direct. When so
disposed of, the Government will account to loyal owners.
All sales of the produce of the country to speculators and middle men are
prohibited. Wheat, corn, oats, hay,
flour, meat and stock will be sold only to Government, or to public contractors
for the use of the Government. But
contractors to furnish stock and meat for the Government may buy forage for the
same in sufficient necessary quantities until turned in, and sales of provisions
and other necessary articles for immediate consumption may be made to citizens
and others, in limited quantities.
II....Regimental, detachment, company, and other commanders, and all
commanders of forage and other details, will cause to be immediately turned in
to the Provost marshal property of every description, seized, captured or taken
up astray, or by any other irregular means, held in their respective commands,
and such commanding officers will be held responsible for all such property in
their respective commands until so turned in.
By command of Brig. Gen. John McNeill.
E. A. Calkins,
Maj. 3d Cav. Wis. Vol., and
Dist. Provost Marshal.
Office
District Provost Marshal,
Head
Quarters, District of the Frontier,
Fort
Smith, Ark., Dec. 23, 1863.
General Orders, }
No. 3.
}
Hereafter, no enlisted man will be allowed on the streets of this city
after Retreat, without a pass from his commanding officer, countersigned by the
commanding officer of his regiment, and approved by the Assistant Provost
Marshal. All enlisted men not
provided with passes, approved in the above mentioned manner, found on the
street after Retreat, will be arrested by the Patrol Guard and confined in the
guard house.
E. A. Calkins,
Maj. 3d Wis. Cav., Dist. Provost Marshal.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 2, 1864, p. 3, c. 1
We would call the attention of our readers to the large accession of
goods received this week at A. McDonald's store.
A good assortment of toys, though not exactly in time for Christmas, will
enable our friends to make their little ones' faces beam with joy and gladness.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 2, 1864, p. 4, c. 2
Praying No Crime.—An officer once complained to General Jackson that
some soldiers were making a great noise in their tent.—"What are they
doing?" asked the General. "They
are praying now, but have been singing," was the reply.
"And is that a crime?" the general demanded.
"The articles of war order punishment for any unusual noise,"
was the reply. "God forbid
that praying should be an unusual noise in any camp," said Jackson with
much feeling, and advised the officer to join them.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 2, 1864, p. 4, c. 2
Barber Wanted.
Wages Fifty Dollars per month, or half of proceeds.
Apply at Barber Shop, opposite the Garrison.
S. Silber.
Jan. 2, 1864.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 2, 1864, p. 4, c. 2
Lane's String Band
Are prepared to furnish a choice collection of New and
Popular Music, on all public occasions. Engagements
made through Mr. I. B. Dickerson, proprietor of the Cosmopolitan Saloon, or with
M. Lane, Principal,
18th Iowa Infantry.
Jan. 2, 1864.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
What was Eve made for? For
Adam's Express Company.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 9, 1864, p. 3, c. 1
What is the difference between a girl of seventeen and a woman of
seventy? The former is careless and
happy, and the other hairless and cappy.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 9, 1864, p. 4, c. 1
Head Quarters, District of the Frontier,
Fort Smith, Ark., Jan. 7, 1864.
General Orders, }
No. 2.
}
Vagrancy and idleness are a bane to any community where they exist.
Labor is the only legitimate means of support for honest men.
Hereafter every able bodied man in this District will be compelled to
enter the service of the United States, either in the ranks of the army, or in
the trains or workshops, or they must seek other lawful avocations, defined in
Orders heretofore issued. Subsistence
will not hereafter be furnished to any person able to work.
Gambling, pimping, prostitution and other grossly immoral pursuits, will
not be tolerated.
The District Provost Marshal is charged with the rigid execution of this
Order, and will banish from the District all vagrants and other notoriously
disreputable characters.
By Command of Brig. Gen. John McNeil.
T. J. Anderson,
Ass't. Adj't General.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 16, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
The Tone of Bullets.
A soldier writing from one of the camps on the Potomac, thus alludes to
the peculiar music made by bullets passing through the air:
"It is a very good place to exercise the mind, with the enemy's
pickets setting close at hand. A
musical ear can study the different tones of bullets as they skim through the
air. I caught the pitch of a
large-sized minnie yesterday. It
was a swell from E flat to F, and, as it passed into the distance and lost its
velocity, receded to D, a very pretty change.
One of the most startling sounds is that of the Hotchkiss shell. It comes like a shriek of a demon, and the bravest old
soldiers feel like ducking when they hear it.
It is no more destructive than some other shells; but there is a great
deal in mere sound to work upon our fears.
The tremendous scream is caused by a ragged edge of lead which is left on
the shell.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 16, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
How Brave Men Suffer and Die.—In his report of the Chickamauga battles,
B. F. Taylor records the following solemn, yet creditable fact:--"If any
body thinks that when our men are stricken upon the field, they fill the air
with cries and groans, till it shivers with such evidence of agony, he greatly
errs. An arm is shattered, a leg
carried away, a bullet pierces the breast, and the soldier sinks down silently
upon the ground, or creeps away if he can, without a murmer [sic] or
complaint—falls as the sparrow falls, speechlessly; and like that sparrow, I
earnestly believe, falls not without the Father.
The dying horse gives out his fearful utterance of almost human
suffering, but the mangled rider is dumb. The
crash of musketry, the crack of rifles, the roar of guns, the shrieks of shells,
the rebel whoop, the Federal cheer, and the indescribable undertone of grinding,
rumbling, splintering sound, make up the voices of the
battle-field."—Phil. Presby.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January16, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
There was quite a row last Monday night, between the Provost Guard and
some refractory soldiers, who were out late against orders.
A considerable number of shots were exchanged, startling the inhabitants
and causing some timid ones to believe the Rebs had attacked this place.
No harm was done, besides making a few ventilating holes through hats,
etc.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Affairs in Northern Texas.
Refugees from Texas continue to arrive constantly.
The persecution of Union men there is waxing hotter every day, and the
loyal men are looking forward with the most anxious solicitude to the time when
rebel rule in Texas shall terminate by the victorious advance of the Federal
armies. Two men from beyond Red
River arrived here a few days ago, who had started with four others on the 26th
ult. They were pursued, tracked by
bloodhounds, saw one of their companions shot down before their eyes, and expect
that the other three either shared the same fate, or were taken prisoner, which
is equivalent to death, for Gen. Henry McCullough had issued an order not to
take any more Union men prisoner.
After baffling their pursuers by various maneuvers, crossing and
re-crossing several large streams by swimming, they at last made their escape,
turning their horses loose about one hundred miles from this place and traveling
the remainder of their hard journey on foot.
They report provision and forage very abundant.
The rebels had commenced pressing wheat from Union men.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Honor to Capt. M. D. Hart and Lieut. Hays.
We are gratified to learn that a subscription is in circulation, for
funds to re-inter the bodies of Capt. hart and his Lieut. Hays, who were basely
executed by the rebels at this Post nearly a year ago.
Those patriotic adventurers in the cause of their country, suffered death
by the hands of vile traitors then in authority at Fort Smith.
Hart and Hays were loyal Texans, whose devotion to the Federal Union
provoked the jealousy of the Secessionists.
Being on the march to Texas for recruits to the Federal Army, those brave
men were surrounded by a superior force and captured.
They were brought to Fort Smith and executed as spies, Jan. 22d, 1863, by
order of Col. Phil. Crump, the rebel officer then in command of the place.
It is proper and just that the Union citizens and soldiers here should
tender a suitable tribute to the memories of the martyred heroes.
Lieut. Pratt, of the 14th Kansas Cavalry, himself a Texan, has
the subscription paper and he is a man of the proper energy and industry to
"put it through."
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A Remarkable Occurrence.
Mr. Editor:
The following remarkable occurrence took place a few days ago in our
city:
A staunch Union man, an old resident of this county, who had to leave his
farm, 12 miles from here, when the rebels some time ago made it very unsafe for
him to remain at home, and who had been plundered about a year ago of all his
provisions, clothes, horses, etc., and has decrepit old parents and a
considerable family depending on him for support, was accosted in the streets by
a recruiting agent, and told that he had to become a soldier. The man replied that, situated as he was, he could not well
join the army, but he was answered in return that there was an order to put
every man in the service. He was
taken to a certain recruiting office near by, and there, with a protest on his
part, sworn into the service of the U. S.
Now, sir, as such proceedings are greatly to the injury of the public
good, and can never be approved of by our authorities, I would simply pronounce
it an act of high-handed outrage, fully in accordance with the despotic usages
in Austria or Russia, but altogether out of place in a free country.
I understand that, upon the circumstances in the case being a little
ventilated, the obligation, taken so involuntarily by the man, was cancelled,
and all further proceedings quashed. It
is well, however, for loyal men to know their rights, and "knowing, dare
maintain."
General Order No. 2, as published in your paper of last week, and which
was taken as a pretext for the above unjust proceedings, is an excellent one,
and I would like to see it carried out to its fullest extent, but not
made use of to impose upon people to whom it is very far from applying.
There are many characters among us of very doubtful loyalty and obscure
means of support, whom it would be well to look after and find some useful
employment for.
Fort Smith, Jan. 15, 1864.
Justicia.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The Liberated Africans.
A prejudice once established, is difficult of removal.
This phenomenon of passion is singularly illustrated in the present state
of mind among pro-slavery people. They
have been trained through a succession of six generations, to the feeling of
disdain for the negro, except only as an article of merchantable property; and
now that the negro is no longer a slave, the same prejudice persists in denying
to him the capabilities and rights of a liberated manhood.
The sentiment appears to be, that if the negro is a human being at all,
he is such only as a slave, and, therefore, that freedom is worse for him than
slavery.
It is curious to observe how the boasted affection of the owners for
their negroes has suddenly turned into loathing and disgust.
Formerly, the universal language of pro-slaveryists was, how tenderly
affectionate the whites are to their slaves!
Well, perhaps masters and mistresses did love their negroes, but was
their love different in kind from that they indulged for their horses, mules,
and pigs, or other property? It was
the love of property; but was it the love of human kind?
This same loving class now seem to be inspired with the most woful [sic]
predictions regarding the future conditions of the poor helpless freedmen.
They seem filled to bursting with tears of commiseration for the luckless
race that has been snatched so suddenly from the blissful condition of slavery
and turned over to the dreadful fate of freedom!
What do to the freed Africans? Why,
do to them as you would have them do to you.
This is the treatment which One wiser than Solomon prescribes. But how
apply this rule? Apply it in the
case of the liberated Africans the same as you apply it in the case of other
people. If the African desires
work, and you can give it, employ him, and when his work is done pay him a fair
and just valuation. If he is in
suffering, minister to him as you would to any other sufferer in the same
necessity. If you employ white
laborers to better advantage, you are under no obligation to prefer the black.
If he needs instruction, withhold not.
Let him have all the education he has leisure and capacity to acquire,
precisely as any one else.
You are not bound to make him your social companion, any more than you
are bound to make social companions of others whom you choose to decline.
But you say, send the negroes out of the country!
The only practicable way to do this is to let them remain here long
enough to earn the means for their transportation. Four millions of people accustomed to the labors of the
field, are of greater value to the country by their presence than by their
absence. Common sense, therefore,
whispers, let them stay until lifted hence by the earnings of their own
industry; that will be soon enough.
Ft. Smith, Jan. 15, 1864.
Thrifton.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January16, 1864, p. 4, c. 1
Modern Economy of Time.
The Scientific American thus shows how time has been economized by
the application of machinery:
Cotton—One man can spin more cotton yarn now than four hundred men
could have done in the same time in 1809, when Arkwright, the best cotton
spinner, took out his first patent.
Flour.—One man can make as much flour in a day now as a hundred and
fifty could a century ago.
Lace—One woman can now make as much lace in a day as a hundred women
could a hundred years ago.
Sugar—It now requires as many days to refine sugar as it did months
thirty years ago.
Looking-glasses—It once required 6 months to put quicksilver on a
glass; now it needs only forty minutes.
Engines—The engine of a first rate ironclad frigate will perform as
much work in a day as forty-two thousand horses.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
An intelligent reliable contraband by the name of Jacob Hill, made his
appearance in town a few days since, direct from Bonham, Texas, where he was
confined and ironed for some time. They
were compelled to recognize him as a soldier to some extent, as he belonged to
the 1st Kan. Colored Volunteers.
He was captured near Schullyville, last fall, while on a scout.
He gives a very intelligent account of his confinement; first at Fort
Washita, and then at Bonham, in Texas, and of the loyal citizens and rebel
forces, &c. and of his final escape and journey of near 300 miles to this
place by a very circuitous route. He
did not see a person this side of Red river.
The first three days and nights, he was on foot, but the last three, he
transferred himself to the "mounted service." He
will do to travel, as he is about as sharp as they generally make them; though
he is now unable to be out on account of being frosted, and from exposure.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Ordered to be Paid.
The Secretary of War has ordered that Ordinance Sergeants Franklin Rounds
and C. P. Swift, U.S.A., shall be paid off the same as other prisoners of war.
These veterans of nearly thirty years service in the regular army of the
United States, were ordered by their respective commanding officers to remain at
their posts, when the latter were abandoned in the spring of 1861.
Sergeant Rounds was stationed at Fort Arbuckle, and Sergeant Swift at
this place. They remained prisoners
of war, until the re-occupation of this country by the Federal army.
Sergeant Rounds, was in the battle of San Jacinto, and nearly every
important engagement in the Mexican war.—Sergeant Swift, born in the army, to
which also his father belonged, commenced his military career in the old Florida
war. They have seen more service
than ordinarily falls to the lot of man, and we think that it would be no more
than an act of justice, to raise them to the rank of commissioned officers in
the regular army. We congratulate them on the comfortable pile of
"greenbacks," which they will soon receive from Uncle Samuel's
Disbursing Agent.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
U. S. General Hospital, Fort Smith.
The General Hospital at this Post consists of six buildings, viz: The St. Charles Hotel, Sutton Mansion, Rector Mansion,
Prison, Small Pox, and Colored Wards, containing 240 patients.
The Hospital is under charge of Dr. J. E. Bennett, A. A. Surgeon, U.S.A.,
and three assistants, viz: Drs. J.
S. C. Rowland, J. L. Prentiss, A. A. Surgeons, U.S.A., and A. D. Tenney,
Assistant Surgeon, 1st Colored Kansas Volunteers.
The prevailing diseases are Pneumonia and Small Pox.
There are also in Hospital some 40 cases of vaccination with syphilitic
virus. This unfortunate and
detestable disease has spread among soldiers and citizens to the extent of
between five and six hundred cases, presenting all the symptoms of true syphilis.
During the month of December, 263 patients were admitted, 17 died, 3
deserted, and 77 were returned to duty. Whole
number treated, 309; of these 64 were cases of Pneumonia, 34 Small Pox,
and 39 spurious vaccination. Two
thighs were amputated, 1 tumour removed from posterior part of thigh, weighing 7
ounces, and 1 removal of left testis for sarcoma.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, January 30, 1864, p. 3, c. 1
Proceedings of the U. L. A.
At a meeting of the Arkansas Council, No. 1, U. L. A., held Jan. 28th,
1864, the following report was received from the Committee on the Good of the
Order, in relation to a communication from Lieut. Col. Calkins, District Provost
Marshal, in reply to resolutions of this Council, referred to him through Head
Quarters, District of the Frontier:
Fort Smith, Ark., Jan. 28, 1864.
Col. Wm. R. Judson,
Comd'g District of the Frontier:
Sir—We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt through your Head
Qrs., of the reply of Lieut. Col. E. A. Calkins, Dist. Provost Marshal, to
certain resolutions passed by this Council on the 14th and 21st
insts., and, without any preliminary introduction, briefly reply to a few points
alluded to in said reply:
We will first state, in regard to the case of Mr. Lange having fifty or
sixty stand of arms in his possession, "loaded, capped, and ready for
use," that his statement to you as to how he became "possessed of them
being satisfactory," we can explain and prove why he had them ready for
use.
There was a conspiracy formed by certain parties in this place to rob the
said Lange of a large sum of money, which coming to his knowledge, he prepared
to defend himself by putting them in suitable condition for immediate use, by
which means the robbers were deterred at that time, also on the second and third
attempts; but on the fourth they were partially successful, as stated in said
communication.
We are pleased to see the official from whom your communication emanates,
manifest such great zeal in punishing robbers, and if he were disposed to extend
the field of his operations, we think he could find a very rich one in which all
the power of his official station could be displayed, and we would at the same
time be pleased to co-operate with him, if the effort were properly directed.
He states, after the lengthy detail of the case of Mr. Lange, "I
trust that the members of the council see, that had they possessed this
information, they would have had less astonishment and indignation to
express."
We will simply state that we know all the facts in regard to the subjects
of the resolutions adopted by us.
We will pass over his innuendoes and insinuations, about "those who
have so recently renewed their allegiance to the Government, and charge of
petulance closely allied with personal spite," &c. and proceed to
propound a few questions, which if answered satisfactorily, may go far to
diminish our "astonishment and indignation."
Sir, is it not enough to excite our "astonishment and
indignation," to see Union families turned out of houses and rebels put in
by his orders? the head of one of
which is known to have been an original and most bitter rebel, and has now a son
in the rebel army.
Is it not enough, to see a poor Union man, who had but a few bushels of
corn to feed a team, on which he depended for the support of his family, have it
taken from him, while there are rich and notorious rebels near by, with barns
filled to overflowing, living in luxury and ease, unmolested?
Is it not enough, to witness a loyal citizen paying into the hands of one
of the District Provost Marshal's employees, two hundred dollars, to get back
the money, he (the Provost Marshal,) acknowledged to have in his possession?
Why keep the money? What
evidence can it be in convicting those who stole it?
Are the papers he alluded to not sufficient?
Is it not enough to excite our "astonishment and indignation,"
to know that several thousand dollars worth of contraband cotton has passed
through this place by the sanction of the military authorities, which should
have been confiscated for the use of the Government?
And in regard to that rebel women case:
does he not know that the husband of one of those creatures, whom he
terms "ladies," fled from this place on the approach of our troops, to
the rebel lines, where he still remains in their service? Does he not know that the husband of another is a member of
Fitzwilliams' band of cut-throats and outlaws?—That the brother of another
remained here several weeks after the occupation of this place by our forces,
and after getting all the necessary information, took a rebel mail and left for
their lines? And that another
brother is a captain in the rebel army? All
of them are doing their utmost to add to the number of martyrs in the cause of
Liberty and the Union—to stain their hands deeper, if possible, in the blood
of our brothers and friends, and by whose hands and influence "our ranks
have become so seriously thinned," in the words of his reply, and whose
families are allowed to remain within our lines, in comfort and ease, thus
allowing the male portion as good an opportunity as they could desire to
continue the "thinning" process at will, and in such manner as they
may choose.
Let him look around. Can he
not see their victims there in our midst, the families of murdered Union men,
and others who have been robbed of all their effects, eking out a miserable
existence in hovels and tents, suffering from the cold, half famished and
unnoticed, while families of those who are responsible for all this, are favored
and flattered, and their smiles courted in return?
Allow us to say, that we feel it our duty to call his attention to this
subject, as an act of justice to those widows and fatherless children; and as an
act of justice due to the memory of the noble dead, who have fallen in so many
hard contested battlefields, as well as those who have fallen in the brush, or
were hanged to a tree like felons, for advocating the claims of our glorious
Government and Constitutional Liberty!
As regards our showing our loyalty by entering the Federal Army, we will
inform him, that we have given up to the service of our country, many of our
sons, brothers and friends, and that, should ever any of the traducers of the U.
L. A. have reformed sufficiently to become members thereof, they perhaps would
find among us a few who have fought their way also "from the Missouri to
the Arkansas," and are likewise very anxious "to establish our flag
south of the Arkansas." But
Sir, these slandered of Union men, have a well known object in view in thus
ignoring the Union sentiment of the people.
Union men have a right to demand justice, and every consideration that
can be extended to them, by those upon whom they would fain look as friends.
They cannot see the propriety of "conciliating," nor have they
generally speaking, the means of doing so, for or against our Government.
It is extremely inconvenient for a certain class of people to find
so strong a radical Union sentiment here, which will not submit to be trampled
in the dust, and be silent when the best interests of the Government and people
are attacked.
Upon motion, the above report of the Committee, was unanimously adopted
by the Council. It was further
resolved to forward a copy thereof to the Commanding Officer of the District and
also to the fort Smith New Era, for publication.
Done in open council, this 28th day of Jan., 1864.
Arkansas Council, No. 1, U.L.A.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Last Saturday the citizens of Fort Smith commenced organizing themselves
into Independent Home Guard Companies. The
first company formed filled up rapidly to about ninety members, and elected E.
Murphy, an old U. S. soldier, Captain, V. V. Milor 1st Lieut., and R.
D. Lender 2d Lieut.
The organization of the second company did not progress quite as briskly
and seemed to be scarcely one-third the strength of the former. There are men enough here, however, to make up three or four
full companies.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 6, 1864, p. 2,
c. 3
There have been several meetings of traitors held in rebel houses in this
city of late, at which under cover of night, males and females have met, and
exulted over their prospects of re-capturing this city—sending off letters to
the rebel army, and entertaining spies. The
testimony against some of them is clear and unquestionable, and they will be
made to feel the consequences ere long. Let
them be arrested irrespective of their sex!—Knoxville Whig.
Precisely our fix here in Fort Smith.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 6, 1864, p. 3, c. 1
Affairs in Texas.
Two scouts, Messrs. Collins and Stanton, who had been sent into Texas
from this place, last December, returned a few days ago, after many hair-breadth
escapes from the grasp of their envenomed foes.
They report a terrible state of affairs in northern Texas, caused by the
implacable fury of the rebels, who begin to perceive that the rebellion is
doomed and their destruction is at hand. They
intend that our army shall find on their entrance into Texas, nothing but a mass
of ruin and destruction, and are determined to exterminate every soul friendly
to the Union.
May God preserve in this extremity the noble band who still remain true
to their country; and may he frustrate the hellish designs of their oppressors.
Below we publish extracts from a Proclamation of Gen. Henry E. McCulloch,
who commands in northern Texas. The
document speaks for itself. It
needs no comment.
"Many of our citizens may be misled by the belief that if the
federal army overrun the country they will not be interrupted, if they
stay at home and do not participate in the defence of the State.
If I may be permitted to judge their conduct in this State by that in
Arkansas and Louisiana, where they have been so fortunate as to occupy a portion
of the country, I assure you that your negroes will be taken from you—the men
put into the army to fight against us—the able-bodied women and men, not too
old to labor, will be put on your farms, to work under Yankee overseers;
while the old men, women and children, who are not able to fight or work will be
spurned, neglected and allowed to sicken and die for the want of food,
upon the very farms where they once lived with plenty.
Horses, mules, wagons, carriages, &c., will be taken, and other
property destroyed, and your houses burned—helpless women and children, turned
loose in the world, penniless, and only one suit of clothes!
And, though a man here, and family there, may be spared for a short time,
in order to make others believe they will be permitted to remain at home in
security, the war is intended to free the slave race—subjugate and enslave
the white race!—divest us of every species of property, and divide our
lands with those who are the most active and brutal in bringing us into bondage.
*
*
*
It is now in our power to choose between liberty, under a free
government of our own creation; or servitude, under Yankee taskmasters
in conquered provinces, held by an armed soldiery.
Is there a Texian who will hesitate at the choice?
Will not every man in the land who can possibly stand a short campaign,
come at once to the aid of our army?
*
*
*
Yes! let us show that we are a united people, and
determined to be free! that we will purchase liberty for ourselves and our
children, or fall martyrs in our country's cause.
And while we resolve to be free ourselves, that every man must do
his duty, in this trying hour; that we cannot, nor will not permit our
people to be divided! he who lives
among us must be of us, and with us; that the test of loyalty will be
the service of the man by his presence in the field, or voluntary and strong aid
in fitting out for the field, and supporting the families of those who can and
will go. And if the enemy should
drive us back and overrun a portion of our loved country, that no man—NO, NOT
ONE—will be left behind our army, in possession of property and home./ as we
are confident that a true man will not stay to fall into the hands of our
invaders, and a doubtful one SHALL NOT!
This is the time for us to be united as one man, or make the line of
separation final. The time
has come when we must take the ground that he who is not for us, is against
us! and when men do not, by their works, show that they are true to
the Confederate States, place them at once among our enemies, and TREAT
THEM AS SUCH.
While my feelings revolt at the necessity for such a course, my
judgment points to it as the only safe one for us, as we cannot expect to
war successfully with our public enemies, while domestic and covert ones are
doing all they can against us in our midst."
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 6, 1864, p. 3, c. 2
For the New Era.
Mr. Editor:
As a gay and fascinating young Officer was riding down Garrison Avenue
the other day, he discovered a wagon, the occupant of which, a young lady from
the country, was diligently engaged in selling apples to a crowd assembled
around her. Riding up, he politely
inquired the price.
"Four bits a dozen, sir," was the reply.
"Pshaw," exclaimed he, "you ought to be sent to the guard
house for asking such exorbitant prices."
Selecting three or four of the finest apples, the lady presented them to
our hero with the remark:
"Thank you, for your kind wishes; please accept these as a
return."
Taken rather aback, he apologized for his seeming rudeness, and asked if
there was anything he could do, to assure her of his good intentions.
"Yes," said she, "please ride along beside the wagon, and
keep these soldiers from stealing my apples."
The idea of standing guard over an apple wagon, was not at all congenial
to our hero's feelings, if we may be allowed to judge from the time his horse
made into the Garrison.
Officer.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 6, 1864, p. 3, c. 2
The Richmond Dance of Death.—Five balls advertised, and flour one
hundred and twenty-five dollars per barrel!
Who prates of famine and want? Who
is suffering for the necessaries of life? Does
not all go "merry as a marriage bell?" If
the skeleton comes in, put a ball ticket at five dollars into its bony fingers,
a masquerade ball costume upon its back of bony links, and send the grim guest
into the ball-room to the sound of cotillion music.—Richmond Examiner.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 20, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Circular.
Office Local Special Treasury Agent,
Fort Smith, Ark., Feb. 11, 1864.
All persons occupying abandoned property, or having the same in their
possession, in the cities of Fort Smith and Van Buren, will report, before the
16th instant, to this office, furnishing in writing a complete
description, and the length of time they have been in possession of the same.
All property belonging to rebels, sold or transferred since July, 1862,
is "Abandoned Property," and now under the exclusive control of
Government. Persons occupying, or
in possession of such property, must report as above.
All rents on abandoned property, heretofore paid to the Provost Marshal,
must hereafter be paid to the undersigned.
Officers and soldiers having captured or abandoned property in their
possession, will invoice the same, with duplicate receipts thereof, to the
undersigned, as prescribed in General Orders, No. 88, War Department, dated
April 3d, 1863.
J. B. Stockton,
Local Special Treasury Agent.
_______
If a bomb shell had descended and burst in our midst, it could scarcely
have startled with greater surprise more Union men and their families, than the
appearance of the above circular. We
say Union men, because upon inquiring it will be found it is Union men
principally whose interests are involved, and whose homes are threatened to be
made desolate by the execution of this order.
We are among those once singular ones in this community, who
believe our government to be founded upon the principles of eternal justice and
equity, and that it is not the purpose of those who are called to guide our ship
of State, to act with injustice or cruelty towards any, especially its loyal
citizens. And therefore, we believe
upon a full and fair presentation of all the facts and particular circumstances
with which we, as a people, have been surrounded, before the proper authorities,
that this law or order will be greatly modified.
We will proceed to state briefly, some of the reasons why we so
confidently entertain these views.
First—By an arbitrary power that could not, under rebel rule throughout
the south, be resisted, Union men, or those acting for them, were compelled to
do business with and receive in all money transactions, Confederate money.
No means of investment being open to them, but to pay it over for real
estate, to those very men from whom they were compelled to receive it.
To keep this worthless trash, or destroy it would but render aid and
comfort to the rebellion, and complete their own ruin.
Purchases of real estate in this portion o the South, were made by Union
men in total ignorance of such a law or proclamation, forbidding the sale
or transfer of property by rebels, and Union men here did not make such
purchases in defiance of, or contempt of the Federal authority.
All correct information from the north was wholly
suppressed or perverted, and the very existence of such a law or proclamation
was known here but a very short time since, long after these
purchases were made.
Again—the purchase of real estate from rebels, under the then existing
circumstances, is strong presumptive evidence of the loyalty of such purchasers.
Having no expectation of or desire for the ultimate success of the
rebellion, and as a consequence no confidence in Confederate currency, they were
anxious to get rid of it. In almost
every solitary instance, rebels were the sellers and Union men the purchasers.
In the name of humanity and all that is sacred in common justice and fair
dealing among men, we would ask what was the poor Union man to do with this
money? Surely not hoard it up as
something precious, as many rebels here done to their sorrow! Surely, the Union man with all the hardships and persecutions
to which he was subjected in the South, should have, especially under the
peculiar circumstances referred to, greater indulgence than in localities where
offences were committed with a knowledge of and defiance of the
Federal authority. We cannot
believe, upon a fair representation of all the facts, that a Union man will be
refused the poor boon of retaining the shelter and home provided by him, as the
result of long years of toil; that now, as he once more gazes upon the beloved
emblem of his country's glory, the object of his warmest affections, every star
and stripe in that glorious, long absent banner, proclaim, it cannot be!
The heaven-tuned voice of Liberty as it is wafted upon the wings of the
wind, from the green-capped mountains of New Hampshire to the mouth of the St.
Lawrence, and to the shores of the Pacific, thundering its mighty eloquence into
the ears of the hardy sons of toil, along the verdant banks of this far-rolling
Mississippi, and reverberating its sound among the heights of Vicksburg and
Hudson, alike proclaim, it cannot be!
In conclusion, therefore, we would express the confident hope and
expectation, that in a question so grave, so vitally important, involving the
dearest interests and happiness of so large a class of our loyal citizens and
their families, no precipitate action will be had, but that a thorough and
patient inquiry into the surrounding circumstances will be made, befitting a
question involving such interests.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Circular.
Registrar's Office, Little Rock, Ark.,
February 8, 1864.
By virtue of General Orders No. 2, dated at Headquarters, Department of
Arkansas, February 2, 1864, the General in charge directs, that Commanders of
Posts to whom the President's Proclamation of December 8, 1863, the books for
registering Loyal citizens and other blanks appertaining to the subject, are
sent, will use all due diligence in seeing that every citizen in their
respective districts is properly informed upon all points of interest connected
with said Proclamation, and that the oath be taken, and their names subscribed
without delay.
All citizens are expected to subscribe their full name to the oath, and
those who will not, are to be considered enemies, and will be treated as such.
No person will be permitted to vote at the coming election, except he
shall have taken and subscribed to the oath as provided in the President's
Proclamation.
Until further orders, Commanders of Posts will forward to this office, on
the last day of each week, a report of the total number of subscribers, at date,
in their respective districts, and any other information of interest they may be
possessed of, relating to this subject.
By order of Brig. Gen'l Nathan Kimball.
E. D. Mason,
Ass't Adjutant General.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 20, 1864, p. 3, c. 1
The Farming Interest.
Unless something is speedily done to induce our farmers to go to work and
cultivate their land, the people in our part of the State will be exposed to
great sufferings the coming season. The
state of affairs in the country is truly deplorable.
We learn from an officer lately returned from a trip to Roseville, that
hardly one house out of three has any inmates, and of such, not one out of three
has any male inhabitants. He saw
but two little patches of wheat, where formerly thousands of acres promised a
plentiful harvest. Even in our own
immediate vicinity, but very, very few farms are being worked.
The reason of all this is very obvious.
Many of the finest farms belonging to rebels have been abandoned by their
owners, and instead of being allowed to be taken possession of immediately by
Union men, of whom there was a great number here, refugees from other parts of
the State since the occupation of this place by Federal troops, they were
allowed to go to ruin and waste, and the fences to be burnt.
Innumerable wagon loads of rails, were brought to this city last fall and
winter; and it is only of late that these highly injurious proceedings have been
stopped—and it was not rebel farms alone, that suffered in this manner; but to
a considerable extent, those of Union men also.
But the main reason why farmers do not follow their usual occupation, is
the great dread they have of bushwhackers, and bands of lawless persons
infesting the country; and this fear is only too well founded.
It cannot be denied that there is scarcely a farm within a large circuit
of this place, that has not been robbed more or less, and the general
supposition is, that when our army moves southward at the opening of the next
campaign, bushwhackers—those fiends in human shape, will become more daring
than ever. They ought to be taught
a wholesome lesson, and none be taken prisoner.
They cannot be considered as enemies, entitled to the usages of civilized
warfare; but as enemies of mankind and outlaws, and should receive a
corresponding treatment.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 20, 1864, p. 3, c. 2
Interesting from Texas.
Last Tuesday, thirteen refugees from Texas arrived within our lines.
The party left Bonham, numbering 32 in all, on the 3d inst. an had got
safely to within twenty miles of Sugar Loaf Mountain, south of here.
Being so near our lines, they apprehended no danger and were traveling
leisurely, being scattered for a distance of about 400 yards along the
road.—All at once they found themselves completely surrounded by an
overwhelming force of Choctaws. At
the first fire, one of their number was killed.
The Texans then charged and the enemy fled; but as soon as they desisted
from attacking, the treacherous Indians closed in again upon them from all
sides. After repeated fruitless
charges the little band of patriots perceived they would be cut up one by one,
unless they got out of reach of their enemies.
Collecting their remaining strength therefore, they broke through the
deadly circle around them and made for Sugar Loaf Mountain, on the top of which
they halted a few moments to form again. Their
pursuers being close at hand, they pushed rapidly on, not however, till they had
heard the death shrieks of one of their wounded, who had there fallen into the
hands of his merciless foes.—The superior mettle of their horses at last
brought them out of reach of their enemies.
During the first charges upon the rebels, and the running fight that
ensued, the severely wounded were cruelly butchered by the Indians, who
disregarded all appeals for mercy. Eight
were taken unhurt, but there can scarcely be a doubt as to their ultimate
doom.—May the day of retribution speedily come!
The leader of the refugees, Dr. Penwell, was taken prisoner 45 miles
below Waldron, by some guerrillas. Only
thirteen out of their whole number arrived safely within our lines.
They represent the state of affairs in Texas as gloomy in the extreme.
Three-fourths or more of the people are praying day and night, in the
words of our informant, for the advance of the Union army into Texas.
The only bulwarks against the total extermination of Union men and the
destruction of their property, is the Union army of Gen. Boren, who, with about
1,200 or 1,600 men, have taken a strong position in the Journegan thicket, and
has sent word to Gen. Henry McCulloch, that if he attempted to execute his
threat expressed in his proclamation, he would retaliate by massacreing
every secessionist and apply the torch to their property.
Quantrile's [sic] men do as they please, killing whom they see fit and
taking what they like. The lately
pulled off all the toe nails of an old man with bullet moulds, to make him give
up his money. Not succeeding by
this species of infernality, they threatened to kill him, but the old man
remained firm. At last they
executed their threat by blowing his brains out, but did not get the money.
Another act of fiendishness of theirs is, when they see a good-looking
young woman at any house, they demand her in marriage.
If the father should refuse, he is killed and the lady taken by force.
But enough; the horrible deeds perpetrated by this band of devils is past
description, and Eternal Justice alone can meet out to them their full due.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 27, 1864, p. 3, c. 2
Coming Back.—Captain John Ross, of Crawford county, with from six to
eight men, came into Van Buren a few days ago, and surrendered himself and his
men to our military authorities there. The Captain evidently had enough of
rebellion.
FORT SMITH NEW ERA, February 27, 1864, p. 3, c. 1
&nbs