GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS
1864
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 6, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
An old citizen of Dallas county says that a good article of worsted socks
can be purchased in abundance in that county at five dollars per pair and Texas
jeans at twenty dollars per yard. This
will, of course, be cheering news to many of our citizens, and especially to the
editor of the State Gazette, who expresses an anxiety to procure such articles.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
How to Spin Cotton Yarns Without Cards.—Gov. Shorter, of Alabama,
received the following communication on the above subject, from Hon. W. E.
Clarke, Senator in the Alabama Legislature.
The Montgomery Advertiser publishes it for the valuable information it
contains:
Capitol, Nov. 12, 1863.
His Excellency, John Gill Shorter—
Dear Sir:--A constituent of mine, Col. R. R. Pickering, of Marengo
county, is making excellent cotton yarns, for the manufacture of bagging and
heavy clothing for negroes, without the use of cards.
He gins the cotton slowly, so as to throw large flakes through the flue,
which are caught in a hamper basket placed under the flue, and taken to the
spinning wheel, without pressing the cotton.
Col. Pickering informs me that his best spinners average eight cuts per
day. Since he made this discovery
he has abandoned the use of cards, in making coarse yarns. I herewith send you a specimen of the yarn for exhibition.
Believing this a matter of much importance to our country, I have taken
the liberty of making this communication.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Castor Oil.—Mr. I. M. Camp has shown us a most beautiful article of
castor oil, of his own manufacture. It
could not be distinguished from the best imported article in appearance, and we
cannot entertain a doubt but that its quality is equally good.
Mr. Camp deserves the thanks of the public for his enterprise. He has spent much time and money in bringing this article to
its present perfection.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Col. J. R. Skiles, of Karnes Co., writes us that his lady, in obedience
to Gen. Magruder's call upon the ladies, has made fourteen haversacks from trunk
covers of Russia duck, an admirable article for such a purpose.
We understand the ladies of our city are also responding in this good
work.—S. A. Herald.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Shreveport, January 13th, 1864.
Dear News:-- . . . I have noticed several articles in your paper recently
upon the subject of iron and from the tone I judge that the writer is not aware
that there are already furnaces in operation in Texas that are turning out an
immense quantity of the finest pig iron in the world.
It is pronounced by Col. Clemson, the scientific gentleman at the head of
the Iron Department in the Trans Mississippi Department, to be superior to any
iron to be found in Europe or America. And
the quantity is unlimited. All the
iron used here for shot and shell and for other government purposes as well as
for private use—I mean castings is brought from these Texas mines.
At present we have only the pig iron, but soon the rolling mills and
hammers will be in operation and then we will have as much car iron and nails as
the country can use.
Every week long trains of wagons arrive loaded with pig iron to be worked
up in the government foundries here. In
addition we have an immense coal bed in the immediate vicinity of Shreveport, of
which thousands of bushels have been used by our steamboats and gas works. It burns well, as well as any, but I know not its exact
quality. I am aware that Col.
Clemson some months since was of the opinion that all the coal on this side of
the Mississippi river, was what is called lignite, which I believe is not equal
to other qualities of coal.
M. E.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Galveston Still Suffering.—We make the following extract from a letter
just received from Galveston. It is
from one of the most respectable citizens of the devoted island city:
"The want of wood causes a wide havoc with our buildings; over ten
houses have been torn down for firewood. Our
unfortunate town is fast going to destruction, whilst we have two or three
steamboats making but about one trip in eight or ten days with wood.
A heavy hand is laid on our property. The wharves are now being torn up for firewood.
Most of our wood boats were seized a few weeks ago, and some thirteen
went out to see in a norther, the balance were returned to their owners.
Oh, the folly, folly! of those men of theory!
Yet poor Galveston is to suffer to the bitter end for their
blunders."
Flake's Bulletin contains the following which conveys the impression that
making fuel of the houses in Galveston is by order of the commanding General:
"Quite a number of old houses have disappeared since the cold
weather came on. We understand that
Gen. Magruder, in consequence of the scarcity and impossibility of procuring
sufficient firewood, has issued an order for the impressment of the wharves and
the old vacant houses, to be used as fuel by the troops.
A number of houses have been torn down.
The wharves have thus far escaped destruction."
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Montague, Dec. 29, 1863.
Ed News.—The Indians came down to this country the other day and
stole several head of horses, keeping down Red River right along the big
road until they got into Cooke county. There
they killed six persons, one man, two women and three children, and stole all
the horses they could get. They
then kept down the river some distance, when they made straight for the
Gainsville settlements, going within four miles of Gainsville. The soldiers, about forty in number, came up with them, when
the Indians, numbering some 200, charged them, compelling them to retreat, with
the loss of two or three killed and one mortally wounded. When they got within four miles of Gainsville, having by this
time gathered up some two or three hundred head of horses, they then divided,
one party with the horses crossing Dead River, the other party, consisting of
about forty, turning to the right, and making for other parts, to try their hand
somewhere else at murdering and stealing horses. What we shall do I know not.
I hope those in authority will awake to a sense of our situation.
Respectfully,
J. H. Cox.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 7
The Marshall Republican, of the 2d instant, announces that that paper
will be suspended for a few weeks for the want of paper and the necessary
assistance, but that an Extra will be issued when important news is received.
We hope our able contemporary may soon be enabled to resume, but the
"paper question" is becoming every day one of more and more absorbing
interest to us.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 20, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
We copy the following from the Victoria Advocate:
On the recent raid of the Yankees to Lavaca, the following individuals
took the occasion to leave and retire to "Abraham's bosom:"
Dr. F. E. Hughes, Rev. Mr. McRae, pastor of a church in Lavaca, who
occasionally "held forth" in Victoria; Dr. (?) Rosencranz, and ____
McKee, a quondam merchant of Lavaca. We
have no sympathy for the traitors, and hold them up to the scorn of the true and
faithful. We congratulate our
sister town on being rid of these blots on her social surface.
The Yankees seem to have determined on a permanent establishment at
Indianola. We hear that they have gone to merchandising and have begun
publishing a newspaper; we expect to hear soon that they have opened
intelligence and insurance offices, with a few model artist exhibitions.
Since the raid of the Yankees to Lavaca, we have heard nothing further of
their doings. No one suffered from
their visit there, we believe, except Capt. Bradbury, whose property they used
pretty roughly. At Chocolate bridge
they acted in a villainous manner. They
entered the house of Mr. Norris, whose wife and children were at home, and
destroyed everything in the shape of food, maliciously cutting up the furniture,
bedding, &c. If two or three
hundred good men had been there, the rascals would have had other work to attend
to instead of a war on women and children.
The Advocate says the Yankees are publishing a paper at Indianola, on
half a cap sheet, using the materials used by Mr. Yancey, deceased.
It is called the "Horn Extra."
The following extracts are taken from that paper:
We are astonished at a queer fact in regard to our new location, i. e.,
the entire absence of the "unbleached" American.
A new feature in towns of this magnitude in "Dixie."
Have learned, however, that all the "colored population," and a
few gentlemen in "yaller," emigrated recently under the chilling
influence of the recent "Norther."
Gen. Fitz Henry Warren has issued stringent orders against straggling and
marauding by the soldiers of his command. Commissioned
officers will be held responsible for the conduct of their men.
A good order. It is not our
purpose to molest defenceless inhabitants.
Our business is with armed rebels. The
Generals Commanding will see to all the wants of the soldier, through the
regular military channel.
Our visit to this beautiful town was sudden, unexpected and
unceremonious, but none the less pleasant—in fact we like it amazingly for the
short acquaintance; have had some solemn thoughts of "settling down"
right here "when this cruel war is over."
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 20, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Shreveport, Jan. 16, 1864
Dear News:-- . . . A word on the subject of iron.
You are aware that there is an unlimited supply if iron ore in Texas. The vein extends across Red River from Louisiana, and runs in
a southwesterly direction to the Trinity, and may be through the whole width of
the State. Its quality is said, by
Col. Clemson, who is, practically, the best qualified man in America, in such
matters, to be unsurpassed in the world. Col.
Clemson was educated in France, and received special instructions upon the
subject of metals. He was
afterwards employed by the Spanish Government to develop the mineral resources
of Spain. He has large interests in
iron furnaces East of the Mississippi. In
a word, [illegible] in his manhood has been devoted to this subject.
Having traveled recently through the iron region of Texas, he is well
qualified to judge of the quantity and quality of the ore in your State.
He is satisfied that no risk will be incurred, in peace or war, in making
investments in iron works. The
superior quality of the ore, the interior region in which it is found, will
enable persons owning labor at all times to reap a handsome profit on their
investments. In Tennessee,
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, etc., iron works
open the widest field for a profitable investment of capital. I shall have something further to say on this subject at
another time.
M. E.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
How
Letters Should be Directed to Soldiers.
Ed. News:--Paper, ink, pens and envelopes are very scarce, especially
among soldiers, and it seems a pity that they should waste so much writing
material just for the want of a little information.
You would be astonished to see the amount of letters lying in some of our
offices, which, from the carelessness or ignorance of the writer, will never
reach their intended destination, but will be finally sent to the Dead Letter
Office. One reason of this is the
want of the proper endorsement. Letters
may be sent by soldiers without prepayment of postage, leaving the postage to be
collected upon the delivery of the letters, but letters so sent, says the law,
"shall be endorsed with the name, and shall be in account of the individual
sending the same, and shall contain a description of the party who sends the
same by the endorsement of his military title, if an officer, or of the company
and regiment to which he belongs, if a musician or private."
Again, many are under the impression that by having their envelopes
stamped "Paid" at one office they are good for postage at any other
office. Envelopes so stamped are good for postage only at the office
where the money was paid, and letters enclosed in such envelopes cannot be
mailed at a different office, unless the postage is paid again.
Again letters endorsed official business cannot be mailed without
prepayment of postage. No letters are sent free of postage except such as relate
exclusively to post office business, and these must be endorsed "Post
Office Business," over the signature of the post master sending the same.
In writing letters to soldiers great care should be taken to give not
only the number of the regiment, but also to state whether it is cavalry,
infantry, State Troops or Confederate; also the name of the Colonel commanding.
For instance, a letter directed to the "wd Texas Regt.," may be
forwarded by a postmaster to three different regiments before sending it to the
right one, and in this round the chances are that it will be lost.
There are four "2d Texas Regiments"—two are cavalry and two
are infantry—two are State Troops and two are in the Confederate service,
hence the necessity of particularizing in subscribing letters.
Much complaint is made in regard to the mails, but the real cause of
complaint is often with the writer of letters, at least in the opinion of
A Postmaster.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
The Mobile Register has an article upon the trade of that city, showing
that the enormous high prices are in a great measure attributable to the
unnecessarily large number of persons engaged in that trade, all of whom are
making money by it. The same
article has to pass through several hands leaving a large profit to each, before
the consumer is permitted to get it. First,
there is a class engaged in buying up the country produce and they make their
profit by selling to the wholesale merchant of the city, who will only sell by
the large quantity.—Between the wholesale merchant and the small retail dealer
there is a class of jobbers who will only sell flour by the barrel, lard by the
firkin, &c., and this class must also make a profit. But the poorer classes cannot purchase of any of these, never
having money enough to buy more than a few pounds of any article, and hence they
have to go to the small retailer who charges them his profit in addition to the
profit made by all the other classes of traders.
Hence, the poorer people are, the more they have to pay under this system
of trade. Surely there ought to be
some remedy for this great evil. It
is certainly not right that three or four classes of persons should be engaged
in doing the business that might just as well be done by one class, and then
taxing all the profits upon the poor consumers, made up, in great part, of the
families of soldiers. The writer
gives the following as an illustration, which may possibly apply with equal
truth in this city:
A single instance will suffice as an illustration of the way in which the
"so called" wholesale business of Mobile is now conducted.
A housekeeper applies to a Commerce street merchant for a few pounds of
butter from a firkin. The merchant
is in his counting room, an assistant or two unemployed in the store, and scales
and weights on the counter, showing that some articles at least are there sold
by retail, but the merchant will not sell his butter except by the entire
firkin, though there is no doubt he could dispose of it in less than twenty-four
hours. It must stand until a
retailer applies, who taxes it with at least fifty cents a pound in passing it
over to the consumers.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
We learn that a small Restaurant or Store was broken into and robbed last
night by some two or three soldiers. The
proprietor immediately notified the city guard who promptly came to his
protection. The soldiers soon
returned a second time, and commenced firing on the guard with their pistols,
when the guard returned the fire, breaking one soldier's arm with a shot and
wounding another. The former was
sent to the Hospital and the latter taken into custody.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
We have received a circular of the Waco University, from which it appears
that that institution is in quite a flourishing condition.
171 students have been matriculated during the past session. In addition to the ordinary branches taught, Prof. J. T.
Strother teaches the science of war thoroughly.
The circular is signed by J. W. Speight, as President Board of Trustees.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Blacking from China Berries.—The Columbus Sun recommends its readers to
preserve the following receipt:
If you want good blacking, take a half bushel of China berries, and,
having them well picked from the stems, put into a kettle, and add three gallons
of water; boil down to one gallon, then strain the liquor through a sieve, from
the seed and skins, and add as much pine wood (the richer the better) soot as
will make a good black, and it is ready for use; a pint of good or a quart of
weak vinegar, (or stale small beer) first mixed with the soot will make it
better, and if you add the white of one egg to half a gallon of the liquor it
will be best, and equal to any Yankee blacking.
This blacking costs little besides trouble; and we have seen boots
cleaned with it inferior to none in gloss, and it will not soil a white
handkerchief.
Let is stand several days before you bottle it off.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The Goliad Messenger of the 13th inst. says:
Some days ago, about sixty Dutch renegades and Mexicans came to King's
Rancho. They committed some
depredations, and left, carrying with them, we are told, three of our citizens.
There were about seventy sacks of flour and a few bales of cotton at the
rancho, which they could not take away, but they told Mrs. King that they would
return in a few days, and would hold her responsible for the flour and cotton.
Capt. Robb's men went down the next day, and burnt the cotton, and took
the flour to their headquarters. Mrs.
King did not wait for the return of the ruffians, but went to San Patricio.
It is to be hoped that our small force west of the Nueces will soon be
reinforced, so as to enable them to clean up the thieves.
The Yankees have paid several visits to Corpus Christi.
They have some friends there. They
offer the loyal citizens rations at King Abe's expense.—Old Capt. Dix it is
said gave them a cordial reception to his house.
He will no doubt apply for rations as he told Col. Moore he was not
"patriotic enough to starve."
The road to Eagle Pass is open and travel is safe.
We learn that a considerable quantity of goods has already been taken to
that place. Our quondam citizens H.
Seeligson and R. Bolter are engaged in the trade.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
Sweet Home, Dec. 26, 1863.
Ed. News.—You will please announce to the traveling soldiery, that my
charges for man and horse shall henceforth be $1 per night, and everything else
in accordance. This will be more
proportionate to their small wages than the present extravagant charges
throughout the country.
My inn, Sweet Home, Lavaca county, is constantly well supplied, and
henceforth shall be the soldier's house.
W. West.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 3, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Gov. Moore, of Louisiana, in his recent message, makes the following
remarks upon the relations between that State and Texas:
Large numbers of our citizens have been forced to abandon their homes as
the enemy advanced, or to remain in his lines, subjected to his brutal tyranny.
They have preferred the former and more manly course, and have sought,
with their slaves, a refuge in the neighboring State of Texas.
Many have brought or sent back painful accounts of their reception.
Between two States geographically contiguous and closely united by ties
of common interest and reciprocal dependence, there should exist the most
enlarge comity. The citizens of
Texas and Louisiana have every inducement to cultivate mutual respect,
confidence and amity. The Texian
may boast of honorable service rendered in the defence of Louisiana, as the
Louisianian is justly proud of the conspicuous part he has performed in the
defence of Virginia, and of every State east of the Mississippi.
While each may vie with the other in recounting his deeds of valor, there
should not be wanting the exercise of another knightly quality—the duty of
hospitality.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 3, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Take Care.—On the trial of a woman in England for biting off a man's
nose, the foreman of the jury decided that if a man attempted to kiss a woman
against her will, she had a right to bite off his nose if she had a fancy for so
doing.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 3, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
The Savannah Republican mentions a novel way that has recently been
discovered to smuggle whisky. There
is a woman who sports gutta percha breasts, filled, not with lacteal juices, but
old Bourbon of the best quality and greatest age.
What a jolly old wet nurse she would make for the boys up at "the
front."
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 3, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Change of Costume.—With calico at ten dollars a yard, some of the fair
sex appear to think that they can economize their means by dressing in male
attire. A few days since we chronicled the arrest, near Raymond, of
one of these genus crinoline—Here is another instance of the same
tendency:
A handsome young woman, apparently about 17 or 18 years of age, giving
her name as Mary Allen, and hailing from Norfolk, was arrested dressed in mans
apparel, in the vicinity of Welden, on Friday last, and sent on to Petersburg by
the commanding officer, of that department.
She arrived here in the 4 o'clock train Saturday morning in charge of a
guard, and was placed in confinement to await the disposition of Major General
Peckett [sic]. Aside from her
eccentric proclivity for masculine apparel, which in itself is cause sufficient
for her arrest, she is suspected of being a Yankee spy, and if such has not
already been done she will be subjected to an examination that will probably
prove her true character.
She was neatly and becomingly dressed, and though she bore herself a
little awkwardly, was not uncomely to look upon.
She wears her hair short, and had on a well fitting cap, a dark jacket
and pants, and boots in the latest fashion.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 3, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Another Woman Order.—The following order lately issued by Gen.
McPherson, has the order of Gen. Butler about it:
Headquarters 17th A. C., Provost marshal's Office.—Vicksburg
Miss., Dec. 27, 1863.—Circular: The
following named persons—Miss Kate Barnett, Miss Ella Barnett, Miss Laura
Latham, Miss Ellen Martin and Mrs. Moore, having acted disrespectfully towards
the president and government of the United States, and having insulted the
officers, soldiers and loyal citizens of the United States who had assembled at
the Episcopal Church in Vicksburg, on Christmas Day, for divine service, by
abruptly leaving said church at that point in the service where the officiating
minister prays for the welfare of the President of the United States, and all
others in authority, are hereby banished, and will leave the Federal lines
within forty eight hours, under penalty of imprisonment.
Hereafter all persons, male or female, who, by word, deed, or
implication, do insult or show disrespect to the president, government, or flag
of the United States, or to any officer or soldier of the United States, upon
matters of a national character, shall be fined, banished or imprisoned,
according to the grossness of the offence.
James Wilson, Lt. Col. and Pro. Mar. 17th A. C.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 3, 1864, p. 2, c. 7
State
Penitentiary.
We are indebted to Gen. Besser, late Financial Agent of the State
Penitentiary, for the report showing the condition of that institution.
It will be seen that Gen. Besser has paid nearly one million of dollars
into the State Treasury during the past two years.
Merchandise
Account.
Merchandise made
from December 1st, 1861, to December 18, ;1863, including amount
transferred by M. C. Rogers, late agent, to John S. Besser, Financial Agent,
Texas Penitentiary.
Goods.
Amount.
Sales
Bal on h'nd
Osnaburgs
2,259 38l4½
[?]
2,256,426¼
2,948¼
Cotton Jeans
409,047
408,182¾
864¼
Wh. Kerseys
242,022
241,780¾
190¼
White Plains.
78,103
77,912¼
190¾
Sheep Gray
49, 39½
47, 55¾
183¼
Total Goods
2,993,496
" Sales
2,989,057¾
" Balance
on hand
4,438¼
For which said balance I hold my successors receipt, less 30 ½ yards of
Osnaburgs stolen by a portion of the 2d Regiment Cavalry State Troops.
How disposed of
Cotton Goods
Woolen Goods.
Army purposes
1,419,364½
292,963½
Supplies
350,105½
2,026
Employees
8,214½
1,710½
Penitentiary uses
1,433½
10½
Factory uses
15,512¾
681½
Clothing uses
6,700½
1,819½
Citizens
..............
224
Lunatic Asylum
3,553
852
Old accounts
24,114
2,590¼
Citizens and soldiers' families to
238,847
21,570¾
Oct. 1, 1862
Soldiers' families since Oct. 1, 1862
599,763¼
........
________
________
Total
2,664,699
324,448¾
Cash
Account
Cash received and
disbursed by John S. Besser, Financial Agent, Texas Penitentiary, from December
1st, 1861, to December 8th, 1863:
Received from M. C. Rogers, late agent
36.80
"
App. for Transportation Convicts 3,549.90
"
Appr. for Contingent
Expenses
112.50
"
Gen. sources, sales &c. $1,550,603.06
________
Total
$1,554,603.06
Disbursed for
sundries on Expense ac't
584,318.06
"
amount paid my successor
1,822.30
"
"
deposited in Treasury 968,462.70
________
Total
$1,554,603.06
Of the above amount deposited in the State Treasury on account of
Penitentiary, $537,060.95 has been paid in since the 22d day of June last; the
balance, $431,401.75 having been deposited between the months of September,
1862, and June, 1863, the proceeds, previously, having been applied to the
extinguishing of the outstanding liabilities.
Balance Sheet.
Dr.
From Ledger balances
$3,090.28
"
Bills payable
17,295.52
"
Amount from State Treasury
3,662.40
"
Balance down
1,096,122.02
__________
Total
$1,120,170.22
Cr.
By Ledger balances
$25,500.99
"
Bills receivable
1,422.94
"
Amounts in suit
3,560.54
"
Merchandise, &c., for sale
5,275.32
"
Factory supplies on hand
106,039.36
"
Provisions on hand
4,830.00
"
Clothing on hand
2,601.07
"
Penitentiary supplies
655.00
"
Cash to successor
1,822.30
"
Cash deposited
968,462.70
________
Total
$1,120,170.22
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 3, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
San Antonio, January 26th, 1864.
Ed. News:--Notwithstanding wars and rumors of war, San Antonio looks
about as cheerful as usual. Two
months ago when I was here I was struck with the fact that although the streets
were crowded with people there were few to the "manor born" to be seen
and those few mostly of a darker hue than the caucasian race.
Now amid the stirring throng people of every hue and race are to be seen,
and in every garb from the chimesette to the glittering stars. Ordnance stores are being moved rapidly to different parts of
the interior for safety and convenience, we have news that Duff's regiment has
had a brush with the blue-bellies and gave them a handsome drubbing taking a few
live ones prisoners. The
particulars are not given, but the most exciting topic at present is the order
of Gen. Smith stopping the transit of cotton west.
It has caused the elongation of many a laughing face, and forebodings of
dreadful consequence marks the conversation of all interested in the
accumulation of money. It is
believed however to be only temporary, as Judge Devine and Col. McKinney are to
start in a day or two as commissioners appointed by Lieut. Gen. Smith to settle
pending claims with the Mexican parties interested; that war and everything will
move on smoothly again until the edict of another order, say in some three
weeks. There were some rumors of
difficulties brewing at Eagle Pass yesterday and in consequence Capt. Giddings
moved from this place in that direction with a company raised by him under
authority to protect his cotton wagons. A
lucky dog ain't he? I presume it
will turn out as rumors generally do. But
should it be so, and the Yankees are actually at Eagle Pass from El Paso, as
reported there, look out for squalls. Cotton
must be protected in mule wagons en route for Mexico when belonging to wealthy
men.
Col. Ford, alias "old Rip" is here busy as a Bee organizing for
some purpose not known to affiant [sic?] But
rest assured that when old Rip takes the field something will be did.
There will be no charging up and back again without at least one exchange
of salutations, with the enemy. He
has not been well treated by the powers that be and has no paid penygirist, but
acts will speak for his venerable head yet before this war is over.
More from some where else.
Yours,
P. P.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 10, 1864, p. 1, c. 7
The benevolent associations of this city have achieved, and are still
achieving, a vast amount of good. The
Supply Association has been conducted with great ability from its start—at
first under Col. Schilecher, its president, and after his resignation, under Mr.
Waelder, who has finally sustained its reputation and usefulness.
Whilst corn meal is selling at $30 per bushel, and flour at $125 per
hundred pounds, this association is selling the former at $7 and the latter at
$44.
The Mutual Aid Association is supplying dry goods, groceries, shoes,
flour, etc., at rates almost equally below the ordinary market price.
The Government officers are entitled to the thanks of the community for
extending every facility in their power towards carrying out the objects of
these truly benevolent institutions, through whose means a vast amount of
suffering has been averted, and abundance of food and clothing placed within
reach of nearly all our citizens.—S. A. Herald.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
For the first time for more than twelve months, we have lately received a
few exchanges by mail from the other side of the Mississippi.
We tender our thanks to Postmaster General Reagan and his agents and
contractors, hoping it is the commencement of a decided improvement in the
service.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
We refer our readers to the announcement of the extensive cotton and
wollen [sic] factory which Mr. Lockett says he is about to establish, and will
have in operation by September next. Considering
the extraordinary difficulties attending an enterprise on so large a scale, at
such a time as this, many of our readers may naturally be a little incredulous
at the very brief time required for its completion.
But Mr. Lockett assures us there will be no mistake about it, and as he
has the appearance of a man of energy and business capacity, the public may find
his performance equal to his promise. One
thing is certain, the enterprise will be of incalculable benefit to the army, to
our State and to the people generally, and should meet with the most liberal
encouragement. We hear of some
other similar enterprises now in progress in our State and may have occasion to
speak of them.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
New Texas School Reader.—Under this title we have received from Mr.
Cushing of the Telegraph, a very neatly printed book of 184 pages, embracing a
large variety of interesting and valuable articles, chiefly relating to Texas,
and mostly of a biographical or historical character.
We have not had time to more than cursorily glance at the several
articles, but our impression is that it is admirably adapted to the use of our
schools, as designated by the publisher. It
can scarcely fail to deeply interest the youth of Texas; and the articles are
well selected to inspire a feeling of pride in our State, and honor and respect
for the memory of those who have borne a prominent part in the revolutions
through which we have past during the past thirty years.
We cannot doubt that Mr. Cushing will be well and liberally rewarded for
supplying our schools with a book so much needed.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The
Cotton and Wool Factory.
Houston, Feb. 4, 1864.
Editor News.—I have received numerous letters from various parties,
enquiring more particularly about the enterprise in which I am engaged, will you
permit me, sir, to answer them all through your paper for the information of the
public, as well as those making the enquiries.
On the 23d of Oct. last, I was ordered by Col. R. R. Lawther, to report
to Maj. Gen. Price, with a recommendation that I be assigned to duty in some
manufactory established in the State of Texas.
I was sent by Gen. Price to Lt. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, with Col. Lawther's
recommendation endorsed. I reported
to Gen. Smith and was ordered by him to inspect certain factories in Northern
Texas which I did, and reported by the 26th of November. I then drew up a plan and presented it to the clothing bureau
for establishing a factory which would supply the wants of the army and people
of the Department. This plan was
approved by the Clothing Bureau and by Gen. Smith and I am now engaged in
putting it in operation, having obtained from the State of Texas a charter for
this purpose. I have nearly the
minimum ($1,000,000) amount of stock taken.
The shares are $1,000 each, to be paid in Confederate money or cotton at
its market value.
The plan is not a speculation. It
originated in the army, and was devised by those who have been in active service
from the very first, and who expect to the very last, let it be long or short.
It has the entire support and hearty approval both of the military and
civil authorities of both the Confederate and State governments.
Its first and great object is to supply the soldiers with clothes and
blankets.—Second, the benefit of the people at large, and pay those who
invest, a good per cent. on their investment, both now and after the war.
He who gives his time and money, will be doing his country as good
services as he that carries the musket, but we do not intend to take men from
the field, but as far as possible employ negro labor and old men.
A few energetic, active business men are absolutely necessary.
No more will be taken. It is
a private company acting under a special charter.—The State gives 320 acres of
land for every $1,000 expended in buildings and machinery, provided it is in
operation by March, 1865. I expect
it to be in full operation by September next.
The company is partially organized; a portion of the stock has already
been paid in. The directors of the
company will be elected on Tuesday, the 17th inst., at Navasota. Those wishing to take stock can do so by applying to me, or
Henry Sampson, Esq., at Houston, and paying 10 per cent. down, or giving their
legal obligation to deliver the required amount of cotton, on demand of the
Directors, or by attending the meeting of stockholders and paying the 10 per
cent. required.
Thos. F. Lockett.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Haw's Brigade, near Fort DeRussey,
January 23, 1864.
Ed. News.—It has been said of man, in relation to his aspiration in the
literary world, that—
Thou who cannot write and thou who can,
All scrawl and scratch, and scribble to a man.
But I cannot think it applicable to this army, from the fact that our
journals seldom contain communications emanating from Walker's Division; and
that your readers may know that we are good soldiers, mostly also of a General
bearing the name of "Walker," I write these lines.
We have been in the service near two years, and it has been so active
since 8th August, 1862, that I find since said time we have marched twenty-four
hundred miles, devoured more poverty stricken beef, suffered more
from disease, and waded through more mud than any other army of the same numbers
(in the same time,) in the service. Indeed,
we are so "tough" and "casehardened" that nothing
save the enemy's balls can have any effect on our constitutions.
Some parlor General may give his lip an inimical curl and ask, "how
many battles have you fought, sir?" True
we have had no general engagement, but our boys have went wherever ordered, and
fought like all brave Texans ever do, both at Millican and Opelousas. At the latter place, the bravery and daring of our troops won
the eclat of our foe. We pass on
and give a sketch of our "blockading campaign."
On the 12th November, we crossed the Atchafalaya at Simsport;
a pontoon bridge, under the superintendence of Gen. Walker was thrown across on
the 13th, and the whole command moved to Black River, near the
Mississippi River; by the 16th we had cut ten embrasures in the
Mississippi levy and planted our cannon (masked) in sight of the enemy's fleet
at the confluence of the Red with said river.
The enemy had not discovered us, and all was ready for "the
dance" with the first transport that should come up or down.
Orders were to fire only in day time.
On the night of the 17th, a transport, fraught with troops,
came steaming past, and to the delight of all, cast anchor opposite our centre
battery. At day dawn "every
man was to his post," the steamer fired up, weighed anchor, was just in the
act of leaving, when our little batteries, peal upon peal, belched forth their
destructive missiles into the crowded decks of the transport.
At the first shot a Yankee cried out, "see, the devils are firing
into us," then nothing save the wild shrieks of the frightened, wounded and
dying foe, amid the roar or artillery and crash of timber could be
heard.—Riddled by our shot, her steam power was lost, and the "Mother of
Waters" floated the shattered boat beyond our reach.
The iron "Choctaw," highly incenses at our audacity, opened a
heavy fire, but our loss was but one man killed.
After succoring the transport, the Choctaw returned to her station.
On the 21st [?], our batteries fired into another transport,
burnt off her pilot-house, and she drifted against the willows of the opposite
bank below our batteries. The
gunboat gave the woods a terrific shelling, after having gone to the assistance
of the disabled transport. Our
casualties were one man killed of Col. Hubbard's Regt.
On the 1st December, the whole command moved down the river,
and struck camp on the 5th six miles from Morganza, on the Fordoche.
We repaired the graves of our brave comrades who fell here about two
months before. Our batteries here
blockaded the river again, and we learned from a citizen that forty men had
jumped off the second transport fired into when she drifted against the willows,
deserted their army, and reported to Logan, saying "they would fight no
such daring soldiers as those who fired into them."
On the 9th our batteries fired into, and it is believed, sunk
a transport. After blockading the
river for near a month, and doing much damage to the enemy, both with
sharpshooters, who lined the bank, and our light artillery, the Atchafalaya
rising rapidly, on the 10th December we were compelled for safety to
recross the stream at Morgan's ferry. Haw's
and Randall's Brigade are at this time near Fort DeRussey, Scurry's near
Simsport, and none of them idle, as we expect to give the enemy a warm reception
if he comes here again. Our troops
are satisfied with their officers and especially of this brigade, with their
brigade commander. Lincoln's
proclamation is looked upon here as "nonsense", and though no
end can be seen as yet to this war, with a firm hand we will continue to
"shake the pillar of despotism till it topples, though we perish amid the
ruin."
Jaques Trenck.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
The Louisiana Democrat of the 3d inst., says there is not a particle of
beef in Alexandria, that none can be had in that State and that the Texians will
not sell them any. The editor
complains that potatoes are five dollars per bushel and corn meal eight dollars. We would inform the editor that in this market potatoes are
$15 per bushel and corn meal $10.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
The Telegraph line from Shreveport to this city, is now, we learn, nearly
completed, and will be in operation in a few days.
The Tyler Reporter says a project is on foot to have that place also put
in communication with the line by another line to connect at Henderson.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Eagle Pass Prices.—Cotton 19 to 21; bleached domestic 25 to 30; brown
domestic 30 to 33; cottonade 45 to 65; hickory stripes 35 to 40; denims 40 to
45; calico, American, 25; calico, Foreign 37; coffee 47 to 50; powder $1.12;
nails, keg $16 to $20; shoes, brogans $24 per dozen.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A friend on the other side of the Trinity who has been engaged in
merchandise for about half a century, and who, by the way, has established a
pretty fair reputation as a man of integrity in his dealings, and has not even
been behind his neighbors in liberal contributions in support of this war,
writes us that he thinks rather hard the merchants as a class should be so much
abused, while the planters are held up as models of patriotism.
He seems willing that the merchants should bear their fair share of the
denunciations upon speculators generally, but he does not think any one class
has a right to monopolize all the patriotism in the country to the exclusion of
the merchants. He believes that all
are more or less "tarred with the same stick," all in eager
pursuit of the almighty dollar. He
says: I lately remonstrated with
some of my country friends for asking $15 for a yard of jeans, and $2 for a
pound of tallow. They replied,
"it is to keep up with you merchants for asking so much for your
goods," and yet many of them have not perhaps bought $10 worth of dry goods
since Old Abe declared war against us. I
reminds me of what I was told by a man who had just come from Houston.
He said he stopped at one of your hotels, and when about leaving, he was
completely electrified by the enormous proportions of his bill, and expostulated
with the landlord on its magnitude. He replied, "my dear sir, butter, eggs and chickens cost
so exorbitantly now a days that I really cannot make my charge any less."
To which my informant replied: "Why
my dear sir, I have now been at your house four days, and have not seen on your
table the shadow of either of the articles you have named."
This, of course, ended the coloquy; but it shows plainly that the only
reason for such high prices is to make money, and almost any excuse will be
resorted to. The truth is merchants
are a small class in the community and can be abused with impunity.
They have now very little that the planters want, and the latter are fast
learning to do without that little, while the merchants and all others are
almost wholly dependent on the planters."
There is some truth in this.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
[From
Affleck's Almanac.]
Gardening in Texas for February.
Kitchen Garden.—Natchez, Central Texas, &c.—Continue to sow, to
plant and to tend, as in January. Plant
a few Melons, Squashes or Cymblins, Cucumbers, Snap-beans, Okra, &c.,
protecting the young plants when needful. They
may possibly be cut down; but to have early vegetables, we must plant early, and
risk the result, using what precautions we may.
Plant out all sorts of Aromatic and Pot-herbs, Carrots, Parsnips and
turnips intended to produce seed—they should have been hung up in some dry
place in December. Another sowing
or two of Spinage may be made in soil rich enough to force it, as it will
quickly run to seed. More Peas
should be sown for succession; the same varieties named last month, as also any
of the taller sorts. Sow, also,
early Corn, Radishes, Lettuce, early and summer Cabbage, and the main crops of
Beets, Carrots, Parsnips and Salsify. Continue
to set out early Cabbage plants, in ground richly manured, and water the young
plants with liquid manure; which may be collected from the house in a cask, sunk
in the ground in some convenient spot, taking care not to apply it if strong
without diluting with water. The
Cabbage tribe requires strong food, and makes good return for a little extra
care. The finer varieties of
Broccoli will now be in perfection. As
they continue to head, should severe frost or cold rains set in, bend a leaf or
two over the flower to protect it.
New Orleans, Houston, &c.—Continue planting early dwarf Beans, Corn
and Peas. Sow more Radishes,
Spinage, Beets, Carrots, Parsnips and Salsify.
Plant now in the open ground, Squashes, Pumpkins, Cucumbers and Melons;
though the last of the month is generally early enough for the main crop. So of the Lima or Butter and Seewee Beans.
Make several plantings of Okra, to insure against a failure.
Transplant Lettuce, Cabbages and Cauliflowers into rich ground.
If the Onions are intended to form bulbs, be careful to break off the
seed stalk as it appears. Hoe earth
up and stick Peas in that are large enough.
Do not longer delay manuring, and digging or plowing all of the ground
intended for garden vegetables, that is yet unprepared.
Irish Potatoes may yet be planted, selected a cool spot and moist but
well-drained ground. Hoe and tend
all crops that need it.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
From San Antonio. The
editorial correspondence of the Austin Gazette, dated San Antonio, Feb. 6th,
says there was great excitement and preparations there to meet the expected
invasion of the Yankees. . .
The following extract shows the large business doing by the Mutual Aid
Association of San Antonio, and the thousands upon thousands of dollars saved to
the people. Board in San Antonio
$30 per day, and horse feed $45 per day! Well,
the Houston hotels are thrown into the shade for once:
"There is little or no business gong on here, except what is done by
the Mutual Aid Association. They
received a lot of goods which they offered for sale on Monday last, and in three
days, their sales amounted to $150,000. They
sell for Confederate money to shareholders only, or on their orders, and their
prices are about one half those charged in the other stores, where nearly
everything is valued in specie. Board
is only $30 per day and horse keep $45, yet we hear no complaints.
Everybody seems to have plenty of money, and the only grumbling is among
the store keepers, boarding house keepers, &c., who are losing money all the
time. Those who stay there, and
those who have had better bring along their own provisions and forage, and camp
out during this fine weather."
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
The chaplains in Ewell's and Hill's corps, army of Northern Virginia, are
enumerated as follows: Methodists,
28; Presbyterians, 15; Baptists, 10; Episcopalians, 7.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 24, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Home Industry.—No people were ever impelled by such powerful motives
to resort to every branch of domestic industry, as are the people of the
Confederate States at this time, for in fact we do not believe any people were
ever before similarly situated. On
the one hand we are cut off from obtaining supplies by trade with foreign
nations, and on the other the enemy have finally determined to the extent of
their ability, to prevent the productions of supplies from our soil, or to
destroy them if produced. Nothing
short of our absolute destruction is now determined upon.
If we now and then obtain a few supplies by a successful blockade runner,
we have to pay such ruinous prices that few are able to make the purchases, and
the few factories and hand looms in the country charge about the same prices for
their products, so that nearly all families in moderate circumstances are
compelled to supply their own wants by their own industry.
This is now apparently the only alternative left us to save ourselves
from the destroying power of the enemy. We
should be as completely subjugated as completely enslaved to the Yankee racy by
allowing ourselves to be deprived of necessary food and clothing, as by the
defeat and annihilation of our armies. Our
liberties are, therefore, just as much dependent on the industry and rigid
economy of those who remain at home, as on the victories of our armies in the
field. . .
The Richmond, Va., Sentinel says:
"Much more than heretofore should housekeepers and farmers make
their arrangements for meeting all their wants by home industry and enterprise.
"It will not do to rely on importation.
Already the blockade has closed all our Atlantic ports except Wilmington;
and twenty grim steamers lie as watchers off the mouth of the Cape Fear, like so
many grimalkins at a mouse-hole. We
shall have no reason to be disappointed or surprised if the port of Wilmington
should be closed ere many months. Nor
must we rely on our factories. Look
how the prices of their products have already ascended, until they have become
unpurchasable by the multitude. This
is all according to "the laws of trade" we are told, and therefore to
be approved and applauded; but a protection must be found, and it is to be found
in home production. Besides, the
number of these mills has been reduced by fire, and the machinery of those that
remain will not last forever.
"A hundred reasons combine to urge upon every family to look to its
own resources. The hand card and
the hand loom and the spinning wheel, whose music is sweeter far than that of
the piano, should be found everywhere. All
who can should grow their patches of flax and cotton.
All should have sheep, if but a few.
Our forests furnish dyes as various and as bright as the tints that make
their foliage so glorious at "the turn of the leaf."
With these materials, there is no reason why our ladies should not be
clad in beautiful apparel, the product of their own industry and taste; while
they may clothe their husbands and sons fine enough for kings.
There is not a farmer's wife who may not easily provide clothing for all
her servants, and make some to sell besides.
"And how much more independent and happy should we all be if thus
providing for ourselves. A fig for
blockaders, we might well exclaim; nor would we be any longer exposed to the
extortioner's grip. And those
eventualities of the future to which we have alluded would bring no terror to
us. Earnestly, therefore, do we advise every one to use every
means and make every arrangement in his power to provide for the clothing of his
family from his own resources, and thus make himself independent of
manufacturers and blockade runners."
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, February 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
To the Ministers, Members and friends of the Church, within the bounds
of the Texas Conference.
Dear Brethren:--At the last session of the Texas Conference, a mission to
the Confederate States army in the Trans-Miss. Department was established, Five
Missionaries were appointed and their support provided for.
As superintendent of the Mission, I have authority to employ other
Missionaries, and to raise the means for their support.
It is my earnest desire on the part of the Texas Conference, and in
cooperation with other Conferences and other churches, to throw something like
an adequate ministerial force into all the Confederate armies in the
Trans-Mississippi Department. This
is demanded by the pressing religious wants of the army, by the scarcity of
Chaplains, by the readiness of the soldiers to receive the word of life, and by
the encouraging work now in progress in some of our armies.
At Galveston, at Virginia Point, on Caney and elsewhere, the Lord is
reviving this work under the preaching of his word.
Large, attentive, serious congregations; wrestling penitents and joyous
converts indicate that God is blessing us in the army.
"The harvest is great, but the laborers are few." We need more preachers, good preachers—earnest and devoted
men of God, who are willing to work, to submit to privations, and "endure
hardness as good soldiers of Christ," cheered by the triumphs of a more
successful ministry than they have known heretofore. Cannot the presiding Elders furnish some suitable men, whose
place can be supplied? Are there
not preachers whose souls are moved toward this work? Are there not local preachers willing either to preach to the
soldiers, or to take the lace of those who can go? Will not the members and friends of the church give liberally
of their means to this good cause?
I have employed four missionaries in addition to those appointed at
Conference, and wish to employ several others, and must, in some way, raise the
means for their support. Our
business being that of preaching to the soldiers, we must rely, mainly, on those
engaged in the home work to do this. Presiding
Elders, preachers in circuits or stations, local preachers, members and friends
of the church—to you this appeal is made; and it is made under a deep sense of
the need of help in this great missionary work.
I know something of Texian liberality and feel sure that this call will
not be in vain. Let those who may
choose to go as missionaries, report at once; and let collections and
subscriptions be immediately taken, as I desire to supply and systematize our
mission to the armies in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and the Indian Nation, as
full and quickly as possible.
Another object of the donations now earnestly solicited, is that we may
be able to supply the necessities of the destitute soldiers wherever we go.
We anticipate a large amount of usefulness in this field of benevolent
enterprise; and we invite the patriotic and christian people of Texas to sustain
us in it.
Capt. Sandford Gibbs, of Huntsville, is the Secretary of the mission, who
will keep in a permanent from [sic—form] an accurate record of receipts and
endorsements. Those who raise means
for our army mission are requested to report accurately the amounts of donations
and reliable subscriptions, the names of parties making them, the time when
made, and the circuit or station to whose credit they are to be set down.
Any layman or friend of the cause, wishing to donate any amount to this
cause, can hand the amount or his name for it at a given time, to any traveling
preacher, who will report it in the name of the donor to Capt. Gibbs.
Our preachers whose fields of labor lie contaguous [sic] to any portion
of our army are ear