[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH
1863

  First issue of year on reel::

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 30, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
           
Rutersville Female College.—A Tableaux and Concert was given by the young ladies of this Institution at the close of the Fall session, 23d inst.  It was held in the Baconion Hall of the Texas Military Institute.  One hundred and seventy-five dollars was received at the door.  The money is to be sent by Lieut. Col. Ferrill, to the Rev. Mr. Bunting, to be expended for the benefit of the Texas Rangers.  As the weather was unpropitious, at the request of the audience, the scenes will be reproduced on the 28th inst. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 30, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
                                               
                                                                                    Houston, Jan. 29th, 1863.
           
Mr. Cushing:--The whole amount received at the Supper and Party on last Friday evening, including money donations, was about $1,460, of which amount nearly $240 was absorbed in expenses.  The music, rent of room, and expenses of lighting and arranging the Hall amounted to $200.  We enclose the receipt of Mr. Longcope, to whom we have handed over the money to disburse for the objects contemplated.  We are under a great many obligations to the gentlemen and ladies who so kindly assisted us, both before and on the night of the party.
                                               
                                                                                    Very respectfully,
                                               
                                                                                                Mollie Wright,
                                               
                                                                                                Fannie Cruger. 

                                                                                                                                    Houston, January 27, 1863.
           
Received of Mrs. Molly Wright and Miss Fannie Cruger, committee, the sum of twelve hundred and twenty-five dollars, which is to be applied to the benefit of the wounded and sick soldiers in the Hospitals at Galveston and Houston.
                                               
                                                                                    Chas. S. Longcope, Receiver. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 30, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
                       
For Sale.
15        bales            4 ¼ broad sheeting,
8          "            4-4 bleached sheeting,
2          "            5-4 bleached sheeting,
10        "            cotton checks,
8          "            hickory stripes,
8          "            cottonade, (extra heavy)
6          "            gray blankets,
1          "            linen drill,
3          "            linen dress goods,
250 dozen cotton handkerchiefs,
5 cases prints,
5 bales mosquito netting,
100 packs pins,
100 sacks coffee,
70 Mexican saddles, &c., &c.
                       
                        T. H. McMahan & Gilbert.
January 23, 1863. 

Next issue:

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
                                               
                                                                                    San Antonio, Jan. 29, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph: . . . In the Telegraph of the 23d, we were surprised to see it stated the Sibley Brigade "has not been paid by the Government, nor has it received any comforts from the people."  Our society made the brigade 2000 pairs of drawers, 21 shirts, 51 pairs of pants, 23 blankets, 93 bed sacks, 143 pillow sacks and four flags, before their departure to New Mexico.  After the return of the brigade, $2000 worth of Material was purchased and made up in this place for their benefit.  Respectfully,
                                               
                                                                                    A. J. Maclin, Pres. S. A. S.
                                               
                                                                                    E. Sweet, Vice President.
                                               
                                                                                    M. A. Maverick, Treasurer. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
We are requested to say that the Ladies of Montgomery and its vicinity will give an entertainment, consisting of Music, Tableaux and a Supper, the nights of the 19th and 20th of February, for the benefit of our brave defenders in Gen. Hood's Brigade.  Price of admission, $2, children half price. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
The Washington Festival.—Our amateurs are setting to work with enthusiasm for the entertainment to take place at Perkins' Hall on the 23d inst., for the benefit of Hood's Brigade, and every effort will be made to render it the most complete and attractive affair of the season.  A new feature of the programme will be the introduction of acted charades or petite dramas, so framed as to suggest a word or words, to be guessed by the audience.  They are exceedingly funny in themselves and with the mirth created by the good or bad, and the good or bad guessing of the hearer, and the good or bad acting of our amateur will produce a scene of merry excitement fit to satisfy the most ardent lover of Momus.  Of the other attractions we shall speak as the arrangements progress. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 16, 1863, p. 1, c. 4

A Battle Flag for Col. Reily's Regiment.

            We are gratified to learn that a Battle Flag has been presented to this brave and veteran regiment.  They have fairly won this honor from the lovely and appreciative women of Texas.  These tried troops will never desert or disgrace their colors.
Col. James Reily, 1st Regiment,
                       
Sibley's Brigade, 4th Reg't, T. M. V.
           
Colonel—Hearing that your gallant Brigade has been ordered by the Commanding General to have your Galveston honors embroidered upon your standards, we could not resist the pleasure of preparing a flag, for the special occasion and presentment to your regiment.  Your weather-beaten banner that has so often floated upon Arizona breezes and beneath New Mexico skies, might with just propriety claim the inscription.  But Houston feels that it is her privilege to present to you, (you, who have so constantly and patriotically upheld her honor) and to your brave officers and men, this flag, commencing as you did the new year with two victories, whose deathless names shall soon entwine proudly and gracefully with those of the glorious days of the Republic of Texas.
           
Our prayer is, that this banner may go before you as the pillar of fire and the cloud did before the Israelites—leading you to fresh triumph over the foe, and leading you all safely at last to the Promised Land of a peaceful, united, independent, liberated Confederacy.  God bless and preserve you all.
                                               
                                                                                                Mrs. Jane M. Young,
                                               
                                                                                                Mrs. C. M. Allen,
                                               
                                                                                                Mrs. A. J. Burke.
           
Houston, February 7th, 1863.

--------

                                                                                                                        Headquarters, Sibley's Brigade,      }
                                               
                                                                                    Houston, Feb. 7th, 1863.   }
Mrs. Jane M. Young, Mrs. C. M. Allen and Mrs. A. J. Burke and Associates:
           
The battle-flag made by you for my regiment (1st Reg. Sibley's Brigade) has been received, and will be presented to my fellow soldiers, whom it is intended to honor.  I hail it as the token of the confidence which some of the loveliest women of Texas repose in the courage and patriotism of some of the bravest men of Texas.  Sustained by strong arms and fearless hearts, it marches to float in triumph, over a new theatre of danger and of glory.  Upon its crimson field, your fair hands have embroidered the battles on which these gallant troops have met and vanquished the abolition foe, and with the blessing of God, when peace is restored, and our national independence secured, we hope to return it to you, to inscribe on it the names of other victories equally as gallant as those already achieved by their heroism.  The officers and men you thus compliment are proud of your confidence, and on their behalf I promise you that the flag entrusted to their valor, will never be lowered in defeat, until the last one of its guard shall have fallen
                       
"With his feet to the foe
                       
And his face to the sky."
           
With sentiments of highest respect.
                                               
                                                                                    James Reily
Col. 4th R. T. M. V. and Commanding Sibley's brigade. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 16, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
There will be a Concert and a tableaux at Washington, Washington county, on the 2d and 3d of March, for the benefit of Hood's Brigade. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 16, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
Among the features of the times, is the impulse given to domestic industry and invention by the blockade.  We had the pleasure of examining a new invention last week, by Mr. Hogan—a peg making machine.  It is an ingenious affair and is well worthy inspection by the curious.  It is in daily operation at the end of the bridge near the Central Railroad depot. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 3

New Ulm.

            [illegible] an otherwise unimportant village may [illegible] throw light on subjects of conversation [illegible] me to talk of New Ulm—"Notorious New Ulm"—a place of very little notice, situated in Austin county, near the line of Colorado and Fayette counties; formerly a peaceable village, [illegible] of late acquired an ill-renowned name, on account of the so-called insurrectionary movement of the town and its vicinity.
           
We know that a rumor has spread throughout the [illegible] and probably throughout the Confederacy that the citizens of foreign birth (and this class forms at least one-half of the white population in Washington, Fayette, Colorado and Austin counties) were not true to the Southern cause.  To annihilate this accusation, we will only point to the muster-rolls of Waul's Legion, of Sibley's Brigade, of Elmore's, Allen's and other regiments on this and the other side of the Mississippi, where the sons of our so-called German neighbors, as volunteers, represent their fathers' names three and four fold.  When the conscription took place, there was scarcely a single man to be found; and we suppose that men of families who have no slaves to provide for a subsistence, had enough excuse to tend their little farms until their country called for them.  Go through these counties, and you will find none but old men, women and children at home, and the little fields, formerly so neatly cultivated, growing up in weeds.
           
New Ulm, or at least that part of the population which is gifted with a human heart, has reason to complain very much.  Some five or six citizens, all quiet, peaceable and industrious men, were arrested by a military force—it was said by order of a higher officer.  The soldiers were conducted by personal enemies of those men, and when they were made prisoners, torn away from their families at the midnight hour, they were beaten and dragged out of their houses.  Their women and children were most horribly abused, so as to leave the ladies, beaten black and blue and senseless, in a gorge of blood on the ground!  A. D., 1863!
           
These people were not mistreated by the soldiers, no.  The military men saw the outrages with disgust.  It was the personal enemies of these people, their immediate neighbors, who are, we are sorry to say, natives, not of Texas, (Tex. don't produce such stuff,) but of this continent.  The prisoners were conducted, or driven at the point of the bayonet, from one camp to another, from one dungeon to another, and finally, after a week's imprisonment, delivered up to the Provost Marshal of their respective counties, then given up to the sheriff, who told them:  "Gentlemen, there are no charges against you; you may go home."  Aint it pretty?
           
We ask, in the name of humanity, why can't those men have a trial?  If these men are guilty of treason, we say hang them all in a row!  But if they show that they have been willfully and maliciously slandered, which we believe is the case, then let the transgressors of the law and order have their just punishment.
           
It is no small matter to be denounced as a traitor, without even the chance of obtaining an inquest.  Men who have to leave to their children but little more than a name, it is a poor inheritance to be called a traitor's son.
           
We see among those implicated none but honest men, who have resided in Texas from 15 to 25 years, some men too who have taken up arms in defence of the country, long before the day of annexation, [illegible] of these men, thus maltreated, have their sons and relatives engaged in the cause of our country.  We say, for God's sake give them a trial, give them justice.
                                               
                                                                                                Bro. Dutch. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
Fresh Garden Seeds just received from Matamoros.
                                               
                                                James Burke.
           
February 28, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 28, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
           
Notice.—The thanks of the soldiers' wives and families of Brazoria county are hereby tendered to J. Betts, of Brazos county, for his liberal donation of fifteen hundred bushels of corn for their use, and we hope it may be to him "As bread cast upon the waters to return to him after many days," for to many, while their husbands are battling for their country, this act of generosity will be a blessing."
                                               
                                                                                                            Thos. Johnston,
                                               
                                                                        Chief Justice, on behalf of the wives, &c. 

Next issue:

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 1

To Our Customers.

            Before the war we bought paper at $3 per ream.  The same paper is now held at $50 per ream.  We then paid 40 cents per thousand composition.  We now pay $1.  We then had rapid mails to bring intelligence, at little or no cost.  We have had to establish expresses of our own now, at a heavy cost.  Our expenses last week for expressing and telegraphing alone were $250.  Every other expense of publishing has gone up proportionately, and we have the alternative before us of either failing in business, or raising our prices of subscription.  We have chosen the latter.  While, however, a corresponding advance in the price of our paper, to cost of production, would put it at $25 a year, we have determined to try to publish it at only double former rates, at which all new subscriptions from this date will be entered.
           
As our subscribers have paid in advance, we shall continue their papers at former rates until July 1st, at which time such as notify us to discontinue their papers will have the balance due them refunded; otherwise their names will be entered anew and credited with one half the time still due them on the books.  We know of no other way to arrange the matter, which will be as fair and honest to all concerned as this.
           
It is a matter of no little regret to us to be obliged to pursue this course.  We have felt a pride in keeping at old prices, hoping to be able to continue thro' the war at those rates.  But it is evident to us that this sort of pride goeth before destruction as well as any other.  We yield to hard necessity.
           
We had hoped, also, before doing this, to resume our publication on white paper, a considerable supply of which is on the way; but we must still ask indulgence of our readers for a while longer.  We shall do our best to give them good measure for their money.   If any are not satisfied, we will cheerfully part with them; indeed, part as friends, for we feel that we oblige our subscribers far more in publishing a paper like the Telegraph than they do us in buying it. 

            Three compositors wanted at this office immediately. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
Among the articles which have been donated to the Fair for the 2d Texas Regiment, we notice the following, all of which will be drawn by lottery, Tuesday evening, the 24th inst., at Perkins' Hall:  2 fine family sewing machines; 1 superior four octave melodeon; 1 Colton's atlas, in two volumes; 1 magnificent guitar; 1 large large box telescope, with 50 plates; 1 elegant white crape shawl; 2 acres of land adjoining the city of Houston; 1 splendid gold watch and chain; 1 worked table cover, the model ship "Harriet Lane," a fine oil painting, also a pincushion made and donated by a Federal sailor, the whole amounting in value to $3,500.  The plan upon which this lottery will be conducted will be novel and equitable, and we recommend it to the attention of our readers.  Remember Perkins' Hall, Tuesday evening, March 24th

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                                San Antonio, March 9th.
           
Editor Telegraph:--Dear Sir—Mrs. Captain R. King, of the Santa Gertrudes, has enclosed $200 to the "Ladies' Southern Aid Society," San Antonio, to be disposed of in the most beneficial manner.  As far as I can learn the troops in this State are well cared for by their friends at home.  I think Bryan's Hospital that ministers to the wants of our sick and wounded Texians far from home and friends, has the best right to it.
           
I also enclose $110 from Mr. Maverick's servants Betsy and Rosetta, for the same hospital.
           
Their patriotism needs special notice.  After contributing largely from their own earnings, they gave two suppers, which would have done credit to white people, and send the proceeds to aid our Southern soldiers, and to show their detestation of the Yankees.
           
Our servant boy Joe, sends $23 for the same purpose, and thinks if he had the time to go among his darkee friends, and the "gift of the gab" he thinks he has, he could raise perhaps enough to crush out the whole Yankee nation.
           
Respectfully,
                                               
                                                                                            A. J. Maclin,
                                               
                                                                                                President S. A. S. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
School Books—I have on hand a good supply of the following School Books:  READERS—Eclectic, (McGuffey's); National—(Parker and Watson's) No's 1 to 5 inclusive.  GRAMMARS—Bailey's and Clark's.  ARITHMETICS—Smith's, Davies' Intellectual.  ALGEBRAS—Davies'.  SURVEYING—Davies'.  BOOK KEEPING, Smith and Martin's.  BOTANIES, Darby's and Lincoln's.  Speech Books, Dictionaries, Definers, etc.
           
March 19                                                                                                                    James Burke. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 23, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
           
Editor Telegraph:--As I believe that there are many in the "Lone Star State" who like to hear from the brigade, I will occupy a short space in your columns with the account of what I saw in Richmond.
           
Among the first attractions in which Texas has an interest, stands most prominently the Texas Hospital, a very large building capable of accommodating 300 patients very comfortably, and 350 if put to the push.  Dr. Lindly has the entire supervision, assisted by Dr. Dandridge, both from Texas.  Dr. Hughes is likewise a sharer in the duties, though not as yet commissioned.  Dr. Allen of Washington county, has been with the institution since its establishment, but leaves for Texas in a few days.  All the offices of clerk, steward, matron, nurses, &c., are filled by Texians; Mr. and Mrs. Fenell, of Houston, holding the positions of steward and matron respectively, with great satisfaction to all concerned.  The sick are delighted with this successful hospital, and I am rejoiced to see how completely all works for the general good—fulfilling to the letter the description that I gave your readers, when to Richmond last, of what we ought to have.
           
In this age of hero-glorifying, much encomium may be expected from the author of this letter in relation to the surgeon in charge; but I know that such would be distasteful to him, and I will say simply that he is as accomplished in his profession as he is gentlemanly in his relations with the patients, and before being assigned to our hospital was surgeon in charge of the Kent Hospital, situated on Main street, which, under his administration, was considered as among the best arranged establishments in the city—it has since been closed.
           
I had occasion to notice that some letters lack the friendly interest which was felt in the different regiments for those of the other regiments comprising the brigade.  There was no jealousy; all had confidence in each other; and petty quarrels, frequently so common among troops, do not occur.  From the Brigadier General commanding down to the private, we feel that we are all friends, and that the 1st, 4th, and 5th Texas Regiments have one aim, one home, one destiny.  Desiring to see how this idea was carried out in the hospital, where all three regiments were thrown together, I was most gratified to learn from the inmates that every favor was dealt out with an impartial hand; that all shared alike in its privileges and its comforts; and I here, in a public way, beg the friends of this brigade to be thankful for the many immunities we do receive, and not let their gratitude be soured by any suspicion that one regiment has precedence before another. . . .
           
Among the latest intelligence we have that the Federal (abolition) officers, captured at Galveston, have the freedom of the city upon their parole—this is doubtless correct, for Gen. Magruder is competent to decide in such a case—but "that private hospitalities should be tendered to them," seems so atrocious that one fairly doubts his senses.  These men in blue coats had enlisted to bring back our country to abolition rule—had the first Manassas proved a success to them, our noble President and his Cabinet would have swung for their alleged treason.  These blue coats came to Texas to overrun the country, to free the negroes, to give them arms if they would use them, to confiscate all the property of those who would not take the oath of allegiance to Mr. Lincoln's despotism, talk of making the State of Texas a Territory—these men have received "the hospitalities of private citizens."  Where are the noble Rogers, Upton, Terry, Lubbock, Ben McColloch [sic], Albert S. Johnson [sic]?  It may be said they are not responsible, it is false, they are—they could resign their commissions, "and have no lot nor part in this matter."  We are told by Divine authority to forgive our enemies, an injunction I devoutly pray to acknowledge; but if we treat these murderers (for what else are they, if you bear in mind the history of the war) as courteously as the law directs, feed them and permit them the freedom of the town, are we not doing as much, nay more than they deserve?  Oh!  Houston, whose sons have spilt their blood so freely for your honor, let not your sisters, Fredericksburg and Nashville, have cause to blush for your want of sympathy in their distress.  I trust that my correspondent may be mistaken, and I am earnest in my hope that he is.  If he is correct, it must have been because but little thought had been paid to the terrible struggle in which we are engaged, the effects of which are everywhere visible in the mourning of the ladies, and the sorrow stricken homes.
                                               
                                                                                    Yours, very respectfully,
                                               
                                                                                                Arthur H. Edey. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 23, 1863, p. 2, c. 2

Free Trade and Constitutional Rights

            Free Trade has been a favorite theme of ours in past years.  It might have been a prominent theme in the last two years, in view of existing circumstances, but that we have been over-persuaded to be quiet "for the good of the country"; although feeling all the time it was very hard for the citizens to run the blockade of both Old Abe and of our own defenders for such necessaries as they were obliged to have from foreign countries. . . .
           
It may seem a little singular after what the government agents have said about speculators trading with the enemy, but we have reason to believe that contracts have been made in Richmond with agents of New York and Philadelphia houses for the exchange in Matamoros of cotton for government supplies!  This may be something that ought not to be said, and if the legislature was in session we should expect resolutions about it voted for by men who would the next moment vote to buy 50,000 pairs of cotton cards with State cotton, every one of which is made in Massachusetts, and the Southern demand for which is making the cotton card business a little the most thriving now done in that 'cute State.  The only difference between those made there now and formerly, is that the latest made have no manufacturer's mark. . . .
           
Reader, the paper before you was bought of a citizen of Texas who purchased it in Matamoros of a citizen of Mexico.  Where he got it we don't know, but we are morally certain that it came first from New York, from the fact that it is a style of paper made nowhere else.  What do you say?  Would read the brown paper during the war rather than use it?  But that was made in New York, too.  You wouldn't read any then?  Pardon us, but noses are too valuable to be cut off to spite not your own face but somebody's else.
           
It is so with a vast variety of supplies.  It is a curious fact, to say the least of it, that some of the gunpowder used in the battle of Galveston, to capture the 42d Massachusetts Regiment, was manufactured in Boston last year, about the time that regiment enlisted, and reached us in the course (we don't say due course) of trade!  It is likewise a curious possibility, that some of the shoes worn by our men were made by these Massachusetts men long after the war began.  It is a curious fact, that some of the gold brought back into the State by patriotic citizens in exchange for cotton, and which is too good to pay debts with, bears the Philadelphia mint mark.  Whether it is dated since secession, we don't know; it is not unlikely. . . .
           
The sovereignty of these States lies not in cotton nor corn, nor the President, nor the Legislature, nor in the creatures of these, the military, but in the people; and the charter they have given to the Government is the Constitution.  Whoever walks over or rides over, or in any way gets over, that commits an act, to say the least, of disregard to the sovereignty; if he injured the interests of the people he commits an act of hostility to the sovereignty; and if he does this maliciously it is treason.
           
We accord to our civil authorities all the patriotism any man can possess.  We believe they have been actuated only by the purest motives.  To the commanders of the army in Texas we attribute the same.  They are all noble and devoted lovers of their country.  But we suggest, in all respect and good feeling for them, whether it would not be better to try the experiment of allowing the Constitution and laws to measure the allegiance of citizenship, and especially whether it would not be better to let trade with neutrals be at least as open as our enemy is willing.  We believe it would.  We have always believed so.  We have not obeyed our own judgment in looking quietly upon interference, and having tried, to our own satisfaction, the ideas of those to whom we deferred, we beg respectfully to bring our own forward now, and leave them to the good sense of our readers, both sovereign and servant. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 23, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
We had the pleasure of a call, a day or two since, from Mrs. Lancaster, editress of the Washington Ranger.  Her husband, Mr. Lancaster, and her sons having gone into the service for the war.  She is left at home with one son, a mere boy, by whose help she is determined to keep her husband's paper afloat during the war.  Her energy is exceedingly commendable and should be sustained.  Besides she is foremost in getting up benefit concerts, fairs, etc., for the hospital funds for Texas soldiers, and in this way accomplishes a vast deal of good. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 23, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
Well done old Brazoria.  In answer to the call made upon the people of the State to raise a Hospital Fund for Hood's Brigade, Brazoria has proved herself the banner county, having by subscription and otherwise, sent to us for that purpose over SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.  The sick and wounded of that glorious body of men will not forget the liberality which Brazoria county has exhibited, and the generous character of her people will be duly appreciated by those who may be the beneficiaries of the fund now being raised. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 23, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
           
We call the attention to the following short address to the ladies of Texas.  How much our brave boys have suffered in Arkansas, how many have died, and what numbers are now languishing upon beds of sickness, need not be enumerated.  There are thousands who require the assistance which the ladies signing the address propose to give, and we know that this call will be responded to in the same liberal and generous spirit that has been shown hitherto by the women of Texas.  Let us see who will do most:

To the Patriotic Ladies of Texas.

            The undersigned having been creditably informed that our Texas troops in Arkansas have suffered, and are now suffering from sickness and disease, incident to an unhealthy country, and that hundreds (we may say thousands) have died, mostly for want of necessaries and proper attention, respectfully recommend to the ladies of this State the great necessity of giving entertainments and taking up subscriptions for our suffering troops in Arkansas.  For the purpose of assisting in this object of mercy, a grand entertainment will be given at this place, on Friday and Saturday, the 24th and 25th of April;--also, subscriptions will be received by either of the undersigned.
           
It is to be hoped that our patriotic citizens who have been so liberal in donating to the hospitals of our Texas soldiers in Virginia and Tennessee, will be equally as liberal towards those in Arkansas, who have suffered more from sickness than any of our troops in the Confederacy.  At Arkansas Post, one of the most sickly places West of the Mississippi river, the deaths average from four to six per day, and the condition of the hospital was such, that many of our brave volunteers preferred to linger and die in their tents than be taken there.  We have more Texas soldiers in Arkansas than in any other State, and we regret to say less has been done for them, notwithstanding death has thinned their ranks by sickness and disease, more than among any of our troops in any other States.
           
Such being the facts, shall we turn a deaf ear to the cries of our suffering fathers, husbands, sons and brothers?  For ourselves, and in the name of our young, noble and chivalric State, we say—No Never!
           
Mrs. Eva Lancaster,                                                  Mrs. Mary Lockett,
           
"    Jas. Heard,                                                              "    B. F. Rucker,
           
"    Burkhead,                                                               "    Cartmell,
           
Miss Myra Johnson,                                                  Miss Bessie Spann,
                                               
                                                            Committee.
Washington, Texas, March 18, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 23, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
                                               
                                    Bastrop, Texas, March 14th, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph—Permit me, through your paper, in behalf of the Texian soldiers in Arkansas, to most heartily thank the ladies of Bastrop for the sum of $1,863.50, handed me by Mrs. H. Crochern, Mrs. E. J. Orgain and Mrs. C. K. Hall, proceeds of concert and tableaux given by the ladies of Bastrop on the 23d February for the benefit of the sick Texian soldiers in Arkansas; and to assure them that they will ever be remembered and blessed by hundreds of the sick and suffering Texians who will be made to shed tears of joy at the though of being thus kindly remembered by the loved ones at home; and their names will be the watchword of thousands of others who know that their comrades are thus kindly cared for.  This is but one of the many timely favors we have received at their hands.  Twice since my company entered the service, has it been furnished with uniform clothing, complete, by the patriotic ladies of old Bastrop, and there are many others that have been kindly cared for by them.  Most nobly are the women of Texas bearing their portion of the burthen of the war, and if we will only do our duty as well, we will yet be free.
                                                
                                                            Truly yours,               H. S. Morgan,
                                               
                                                                        Capt. Co. B, 18th Texas Cavalry. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 23, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Just received and for sale by the undersigned the following goods:  1000 pair Cotton Cards; 5000 yards genuine French Calico; 1000 yards genuine French bleached Domestic; 1000 Canton flannel; 2 bales Camblet Jeans; Black sewing silk and a great many other goods too numerous to mention.
                                               
                                                                                                S. Sterne. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 23, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Lost—On Saturday, March 21st, in Houston, a Morocco Memorandum Book, containing about $78, Confederate notes, with a furlough, signed Thos. Green, Colonel, commanding 5th Regiment, T. M. V., and other papers.  The book contained notes taken throughout the New Mexico campaign, and of value to me.  The finder, if an honest man, will be suitably rewarded; if not, return the book to my address, or to E. H. Cushing, Houston, and no questions will be asked.
                                               
                                                                                    C. D. Bigler, Navasota. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 23, 1863, p. 4
Note:  Map of Vickburg area 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 30, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
           
Just received and for sale, by the undersigned, a splendid assortment of English and French Dry Goods, viz:
           
30 bales English and French prints; 30 bales Imperials; 10 do cottonade; 8 do English cloth; 4 do handkerchiefs; 60 doz hoop skirts; 3 cases spools ball thread; 50 bales Indian bagging; a large quantity of rope; 100 doz cotton cards—No. 9 and 10.  Also,
           
500 reams printing paper; 80 sacks Mexican flour, superior quality; 20 sacks coffee; 7000 lbs. gun power [sic].
                                               
                                                                                            Louis Pless.
           
Houston, March 25th, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 30, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
It is thought by some that goods are lower in this city than they have been.  We cannot see it in making purchases.  Some lots of inferior unseasonable and damaged goods have been sold at a low figure, but damaged goods are not the market by any means.  There is a good supply of merchandize in Houston now, some of it being old Galveston stocks that have been boxed up ever since the war began till now, and other having been brought from Mexico.  Goods may be lower than they have been, but we will guarantee that whoever buys them will not do it because they are cheap, for the present at least.  And we can assure owners of goods at Matamoros that they can find no better market in Texas to consign them to than Houston.  There is plenty of demand for all that will come and at tremendous profits.  When flax thread is $18 per lb., imperials $1.75@$2.00 per yard, printing paper $50 per ream, linseed oil $20 per gallon, and alcohol $30, and everything else in proportion, there is nothing to be lost in bringing them to this market. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 30, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
The two acres of land given by Mrs. Runnells to the Fair of the 2d Texas, was drawn by master Theodore Dumble.  It brought $500 to the fund. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, March 30, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Cooks, Washerwomen and Nurses wanted, for which a liberal price will be paid at the General Hospital, Galveston.
                                               
                                                                                    W. E. Oakes, M. D., A. A. Surgeon.
march 30. 

Next issue:

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 15, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
           
Found.—A gold Texas Star, which the owner can have by proving property, paying charges.  Apply to S. Blum. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
A large auction sale of negroes took place at Col. Sydnor's auction store yesterday, consisting of sixty, mostly field negroes, men, women and children.  They were sold in lots or families, and brought $105,000, or about $1750 each.  From a casual glance at the catalogue, we should judge this would give an average of about $2250 for good field hands, which may be regarded as about their price.  The negroes were a good lot, though there were many children among them. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 17, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
           
Editor Telegraph—Enclosed find $2700, net proceeds of dinner, fair, concert and tableaux given by the ladies of LaGrange and Fayette county, for the benefit of the Arizona Hospital, for Col. Hardeman's command:
[list] 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
How to Make Lard Candles.—To every eight pounds of lard add one ounce of nitric acid; and the way of making is as follows:  Having carefully weighed your lard, place it over a slow fire, or at least merely melt it; then add the acid, and mould the same as tallow, and you have a clear beautiful candle.  In order to make them resemble sperm candles you have only to add a small portion of white beeswax.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
We have received from T. W. Chappell, Esq., the sum of two thousand four hundred and two dollars for the Terry Rangers, being the proceeds of a Fair given by the young ladies of Chappell Hill and vicinity, on the night of the 4th inst., and a donation of $25 from Mrs. Ann M. Affleck.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
Sale of Negroes.—Yesterday the sale of the negroes belonging to Gen. H. P. Bee, took place at the auction rooms of Col. J. S. Sydnor, and the prices ranged beyond those paid a week or two since.  The number sold yesterday was 31, and the amount of the sale was between eighty-five and eighty-six thousand dollars.  Women from 18 to 20 years of age, sold  for $4000 and $4500.  One woman with two small children sold for $5,700.  Ordinary negro men brought over $4000.  The lot was not an extraordinarily good one, though very fair, but the prices were unusually high. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
The ladies of Austin county—God bless them—raised, at a fair given at Hempstead, for the benefit of Waller's Battalion, upwards of ten thousand dollars.  Get up another, Ladies of Houston and Galveston, and see whether you can do any better.  There are plenty who need all you will send them.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Brooks', Coat's, Taylor's and Chadwicks' Thread by the case or dozen.
                                               
                                    W. Clark. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 1, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
                                               
                                                                                    Concrete, DeWitt County,         }
                                               
                                                                                            March 30th, 1863.            }
           
Editor Telegraph:--It is indeed encouraging to see with what zeal the ladies of our fair State do their part towards conquering a peace and establishing Southern independence.  It has been my good fortune to have attended several entertainments gotten up by ladies for the purpose of raising funds for our army hospitals.  The necessity for such funds, no patriot denies.  But to the point.  I had the pleasure, on the night of the 20th inst., of attending a Concert, tableaux vivante, supper, &c., gotten up by the ladies of Concrete and vicinity, which I am compelled to pronounce, (with all due deference to the ladies of other places,) a little ahead of anything of the kind I have yet witnessed.  The tableaux were quite original and arranged with a great deal of taste; the music was splendid, and calculated to please all.  The supper would have pleased the most fastidious epicure.  Before adjourning to the supper room, two young ladies, at the suggestion of a friend to the cause, passed through the audience and received contributions, which amounted to $300.  The proceeds of the entertainment were $711.  On the night following, the entertainment was repeated, free of charge, for the benefit of the darkies, who not only enjoyed themselves in such a manner as to put all Yankeedom to the blush, but contributed $27.95, making in all the sum of $1,038.95.  A few days afterwards, a patriotic citizen handed the committee the handsome sum of $1000.  I opine that the only objection that could have been raised, was the admittance fee ($2) was too small, as either the Concert or Supper were each independently worth more than the money.
                                               
                                                                                                Home Guard. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
We confess when we heard of the officers of the 42d Massachusetts being taken to the penitentiary the other day, we thought it wrong, and a violation of civilized warfare.  But on reading the above, and many like accounts we have received; on recurring to the fact that more than three hundred of the Confederates taken at Arkansas Post have since died through brutal treatment of their captors; that hundreds upon hundreds, nay thousands upon thousands of our citizens are now languishing in Northern prisons, the companions of felons; on remembering the fate of poor Zarvona, now hopelessly insane through the torture to which Federal cruelty has subjected him; on reflecting upon the fact that these officers came to our shores, the companions of runaway slaves, and to put into execution the most bloody and wicked decree that has cursed the name of humanity for ages; we say on recalling these things to mind, our sympathy rapidly [illegible] out.  We have nothing whatever to say about it.  The writer of the above and his companions would exchange quarters with them and profit by the exchange. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
The Almanac Extra says the Military Board have received a large lot of cotton cards which are to be furnished to county courts at $10 per pair on application, pro rata.  Chief Justices should lose no time in making the application.  The energy of the Military Board is the theme of much praise.  If they have committed errors and we know of none, it has not been for the want of trying to do all that men could do for the good of the State. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
The following notice of "The Officer's Race" is from the Shelbyville Banner of the 6th of April:
           
The great match race for $500—distance 800 yards—was run on Saturday last at 11 o'clock A.M., as per programme, near Unionville, between Major Botts' sorrel horse (entered by Gen. Wharton of the Texas Rangers,) and Col. Harrison's mare.  A beautiful stretch of elastic dirt road in good order along the margin of the pike was the ground selected.  The weather was charming.  The horses were in good condition and seemed instinctively aware that something was up and they had to come down to lively work.  The attendance was large and the vast gathering full of the keenest excitement.  Bets were freely offered and as freely taken.  The horse was decidedly the favorite, but the mare did not lack for bold backers.  Both animals started at the signal, and the dash was done in spirited and gallant style, the horse winning easily, however, and leading the mare to the judges' stand nearly, if not quite, thirty yards in advance.  Rather a big beat.  The shouts and yells of the multitude, the smiling and elongated faces of the backers of the respective entries, were curious to hear and behold.  Fully $25,000 changed hands on the race. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
Some ungallant scamp, in the Atlanta Intelligencer, gives his views as follows in regard to women, or rather the style of women he does and don't prefer:
           
Thin, spare made women, who look as though they lived on steel chips and saw filings, whose salient points and bony angles, exhibit unapproachable turrets and bastions, are seldom generous.  Selfishness and imperiousness characterize them.  They represent the nondescript animal termed malicious gossip, and rare birds of raven wings and cypress shadows, they are.  Births and funerals are luxuries to them.
           
But commend me to a fat woman.  Their broad-faced, dimple cheeked, double chinned, waddling, ponderosity style, their genial smiles and inimitable good humor gives constant promise of good cheer and the welcome disposition to laugh, and especially to feed you well.
           
The lean, thin woman, of moral surface, makes a good, cool, summer wife.
           
My choice is the golden mean, embonpoint, dimpled cheeks, auburn hair, luscious eyes, not a beauty; easy going, intelligent and one hundred and sixty pounds weight. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                                Galveston, May 4th, 1863.
. . . Col. Freemantle [sic] of the "Cold Stream Guards," is here on a visit.  The military authorities have shown him much politeness and attention.  He speaks very encouragingly of the prospects of the South.
                                               
                                                                                                            Amicus. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Be in Time to Get Good and Reliable Seeds, just saved.  Purple Top and Flat Dutch Turnip, mixed; Carolina Collards; Brown Mustard, etc.  Turnips in packages of about ½ gill each for $1, by mail free of postage; also, packages containing 6 times above amount for $5.  Other seeds are put up in proportion.  Said seeds are from fine productions and no mistake.  Address:
                                               
                                                                                                A. L. D. Moore, La Grange,
                                               
                                                                                                    Texas. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
In distributing the cotton cards lately bought by the State, the Military Board have fixed their prices at $10 per pair.  As they have enough to go very far towards supplying the demand, it is to be presumed that the price of cotton cards will speedily come down to that figure.  This operation alone will save the people hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
We paid over $2000 a day or two since for a lot of printing ink that before the war would have cost $125. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
Hon. Erastus Reed, of Boerne, advertises in our paper pure Merino bucks for sale.  He has sent us some samples of the wool of these sheep, and they are certainly as fine in quality as any that goes to market.  Three of the samples before us measure respectively 24, 24 and 26 waves to the inch.  Wool growers may judge of the quality from this.  He informs us that his sheep shear this year from 6 to 11 lbs to the fleece.  He also informs us that his entire flock is pure merino, and that his loss the past year has been but 2 per cent.  There can be no doubt that wool growing is by far the most profitable business ever pursued in this State. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
We are informed that Col. Pyron's regiment, which is now on the march to the field to meet the enemy, are in need of haversacks.  This article is very necessary to a soldier in the field, and it being such a cheap article, we think we have only to call the attention of our readers to their want of them.  Our citizens have been very liberal to all our soldiers, and this noble regiment has been always entirely overlooked, save by the ladies of Washington county.  Capt. Wm. Edwards, of the regiment, is detained on business in this city for a short time, and will forward the articles direct to the men of the regiment.  Who will be first to respond to the appeal?  Here is a chance for our patriotic ladies to do good, and gain honor by the outlay of a small capital. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
Waxahachie, Texas, April 30.—The Waxahachie powder mill blew up yesterday.  Mr. Rown, the proprietor, and Mr. Phillips one of the hands, were both killed, and Mr. Nance was badly bruised.  There were about 2000 lbs. of powder in the mill at the time. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
The following is the form of affidavit requisite for procuring goods from the Penitentiary under the law of the last Legislature:
THE STATE OF TEXAS,            } Before me the under-
COUNTY OF__________          } signed authority.
           
This day personally came Mrs. ______________, of the same county, who made oath that the goods sought to be bought of the Texas Penitentiary are for immediate use in her own family.  Consisting of _____ whites and _____ blacks, excluding male members in the army, and are not for barter, sale, exchange or speculation, and that she is the wife of a soldier in the Confederate States Army, and that this is her (first) or (second) application.
                       
                                                                                    _______________
           
I, __________ Chief Justice of ____________ certify that the above application was subscribed and sworn to before me, and that the facts set forth in the same are true.  (Being verified by the oath of one credible witness.)
                       
            In testimony of which, witness my hand and seal of the County
  
[Seal]            Court this _____ day _____ of  _____, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 11, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                                Galveston, May 8, 1863.
           
On Wednesday evening a military ball came off in Miss Cobbs' school room.  The attendance was large, considering the very short notice given.  As the entertainment was not exclusive in its character, officers and privates mixed promiscuously together in the most harmonious manner, and spent a pleasant evening.  There was a perfect galaxy of the fair sex present, enlivening the scene by their presence and beauty.  The price of admission was ten dollars, the proceeds to be appropriated to the Fund of the Galveston Hospital. . . .    
                                                                                                                                                Amicus. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
                                               
                                                                                La Grange, Texas, May 4th, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph:--Please inform me through the columns of your paper whether a person can travel from here to Richmond, Va., without very much risk of person or baggage, and if so, the best route to be taken.  Very respectfully yours,
                                               
                                                                                                Subscriber.
           
It depends on the person.  If a lady we should say no; if a good woodsman yes.  At present you go to Shreveport, and thence down Red River to some point which you will learn at Shreveport, when you will wait for something to turn up; when that happens, it may be in a day or two or a week, you will get across the Mississippi some way, and then ladies can travel well enough to Richmond and back again, though there is some risk of losing baggage any where, especially when you change cars.  The best way is to take no baggage, then if you will have to walk forty miles, you will have nothing but yourself to carry. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
We have received from three little girls—Misses Eva Hutchins, Belle Smith, an Cora Gentry—the sum of four dollars and fifteen cents, the net proceeds of a juvenile fair gotten up by them for the benefit of the soldiers.  We shall apply it where we think the donation will be most appreciated. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 4

The New Texas Primer.

            The importance of supplying our schools with books suited to the genius and institutions of our people has been long felt by the teachers of this State.  At this time, when from the change of our political relations, a change is required in almost all our sources of supply, it is deemed peculiarly the time to endeavor to replace the books of the North by those of home production, and adapted to home society.  It is with this view that the undersigned has undertaken to publish a series of school readers, &c., styled the New Texas Series, of which the New Texas Primer is the first.  This will be followed soon by the Primary Reader, and that by the successive books of the Series as rapidly as they can be passed through the press.  It will be the endeavor of the publisher, notwithstanding the heavy cost of materials for printing, to place the price of these books so low as to put them within the reach of all.  Should this effort meet with favor it may be extended through all the Departments of Primary Instruction usually embraced in the common schools of Texas.
           
The publication of the successive books will be duly announced.  The preparation of these books is in the hands of experienced practical teachers.
           
The first edition of 8000 copies of this Primer is for sale by James Burke and Francis D. Allen, booksellers, Houston, at wholesale and retail.
                                               
                                                                                                E. H. Cushing, Publisher.
           
Houston, May 13th, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
20 Dozen Cotton Cards., No. 10, for sale by                          Wm. Clark. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
The New Texas Primer—Price Thirty dollars per hundred.  Four dollars per dozen.  Forty cents single copy.  Sent by mail free of postage.
                                               
                                                                                                            Jas. Burke. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Piedmont Springs, six miles from Milligan, where daily coaches connect with the Central railroad, are open for the season.
                                               
                                                                                                            L. Cannon, Prof. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
Rev. Mr. Moeling has, since the battle of Galveston, devoted himself to getting up a painting of the principal scene in the battle—the capture of the Harriet Lane.  The artist has taken the moment when the Bayou City ran into the Lane, and our boarders rushed on board and captured the vessel.  The painting gives one a good idea of the position of affairs at this juncture of the battle.  Mr. Moeling has his picture on exhibition in the office lately occupied by Messrs. McKeen, upstairs in Wilson's building.  Admission, 50 cents. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
We acknowledge from Edmundson &  Culmell 185 yards mosquito netting, a donation for the hospital of Sibley's Brigade.  It was a timely gift, as the hospital of these troops is now in a region perhaps worse infested with mosquitos than any other in America. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
Fair at Anderson.—The ladies of Anderson and vicinity will give a splendid supper in connection with a fair at the Female Academy in the town of Anderson, on Friday 25th of June next, at 8 o'clock, P.M., for the benefit of the indigent families of soldiers in the army.  A liberal patronage is earnestly desired and expected. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
Fair in Fort Bend County.—We are requested to say that the ladies of Fort Bend county will hold a Fair for the soldiers' benefit, on the 2d day of June, near Mr. Emmett Jones' place.  Visitors from a distance will be hospitably entertained in the neighborhood. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
We have received from the Ladies' Aid Society of Huntsville the sum of three hundred and thirty dollars for Hood's Texas Brigade. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 5

Buckner's Hall.

            For a short season, commencing Friday evening, May 22d, 1863.  The Confederate Minstrels, late of Metropolitan Hall, Richmond, Va., will give two of their chaste parlor entertainments at the above place on Friday and Saturday evenings, May the 24th and 25th, introducing new songs, dances, burlesques, duetts, farces, &c.
           
The celebrated negro delineators and Richmond's favorites, whose performance in that city were witnessed by the Confederate cabinet and over 30,000 people.  For further particulars, see small bills. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 22, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
We are informed there is a party of deserters in the Big Thicket, who are living in the woods and marauding.  It is reported that they are also freebooting on the highway.  It behooves the military to find out if it is so, and have these runaways searched out. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 22, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Agency Lone Star Soap and Candle Factory.—The undersigned has constantly on hand at wholesale and retail, Fabj's Yellow and White Bar Soap, Shaving and Toilet ditto; also, Lard Oil, Tallow Oil and Hard Pressed Candles.
                                               
                                                                                                            John Collins, Agent. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 22, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
Mr. Cushing:--Please oblige the committee by publishing in your paper the following receipts from the barbecue given at Courtney, for the benefit of Green's Regiment, Sibley's Brigade.
                                               
                                                                                                            Mrs. Dunham,
                                               
                                                                                                            Mrs. Freon,
                                               
                                                                                                            Mrs. West,
                                               
                                                                                                            Mrs. Baldwin.
           
Receipts $1647.25; Proceeds of Tables, $1097.75.  $549.50 donated by the following named persons:  [list] 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 22, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                Galveston, May 11, 1863.
           
J. D. Oltorf, Esq., Marlin, Falls County—
           
Sir:--I hereby beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of $168, the proceeds of a tableaux given by Mrs. White and her pupils, for the benefit of company K, Cook's regiment of artillery. . . .
                                               
                                                                                    John Ward, 1st Lt., Co. K,
                                               
                                                                                    Cook's Regiment Heavy Artillery. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
Correction.—A few days since we noticed a fair to be held at Anderson.  It is to be a dinner instead of a fair, and will be given on the 5th of June next. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
We have received from Col. G. R. Jefferson of Seguin, the sum of two hundred and seventy two dollars, the proceeds of a concert given by the children of Sequin, for the benefit of the sick and wounded of Sibley's Brigade.
                                               
                                                                                                Seguin, May 2, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph:--Last evening I had the pleasure of attending a concert given by the pupils of Mrs. Pauline Nelson's high school, at this place, for the benefit of the sick and wounded of Sibley's Brigade.  The affair was quite a success, the young ladies, one and all, acquitting themselves admirably.  Many of the pieces elicited enthusiastic bursts of applause from the audience.  The May pole was a magnificent thing of the kind, gotten up by Miss Mattie Jefferson, to whose exertions much of the success of the evening is due.  The sum realized was two hundred and seventy-two dollars.  If anything could nerve the arms of our soldiers to strike heavier blows it is such efforts in their behalf as this by the children.
                                               
                                                                                                Bystander. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 5

Snuff and Cigar Depot.
[Market street, Galveston.]

            S. Heidenheimer begs to inform the public generally that he is prepared to furnish, in any quantity, a superior article of Scotch, Maccaboy, and other snuffs, in bottles, bladders, and boxes, at $5 per pound.
           
He has also an extensive assortment of fine cigars; and all orders accompanied with cash, will be promptly filled and forwarded. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 26, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
Copy:  Resources of our Southern Fields and Forests. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 26, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                                Wheelock, May 15th, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph—The Ladies of this place and vicinity gave a concert, tableaux and supper on last evening for the purpose of raising a hospital fund for the benefit of Carter's Regiment, now in Arkansas.  We have met with an opportunity of forwarding the proceeds to them by a gentleman going directly to the regiment, which will save us troubling you to have it sent.
           
The following is a list of subscribers with their several amounts.
                                               
                                                                                                Mrs. S. R. Smith, Pres.
                                               
                                                                                                Mrs. E. R. Bracken, Sec.
[list] Total amount $3,500.00 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 27, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
                                               
                                                                                                Alleyton, May 21, 1863.
           
Friend Cushing:--Were you ever in Alleyton, the terminus of the B. B. B. & C. R. Railroad?  Well if not just come up some leisure day and get the bearing of the place.  And as many of your readers, perhaps, will not have the opportunity of seeing and hearing for themselves, I will make a few notices for them to ponder over.

The Population

            Is very interesting, composed principally of Mexican teamsters, their carts, teams, dogs and wives, cotton buyers, cotton sellers, merchants, pedlars, speculators, foreigners and soldiers.  At this place may be found merchandise from Mexico on its way east, cotton, molasses, sugar, &c., on its way west.  Stages and hack lines from here to all parts of Texas, west and north and south, three times a week arriving the same.  This place in short, is the depot for all goods merchandise, &c.  Vast sums change hands here during the day; hundreds of wagons and carts arrive and depart weekly.
           
Col. Brown's battalion, or a part of them, are now camped here.  And we can safely say that a more orderly set of men and officers are not to be found in the south or anywhere else. . . .
   
                                                                                                                                                     Old Red. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 27, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
We acknowledge the receipt of $1000 from Mrs. Lula Sherrard from the Ladies Aid Society of Richmond, for Capt. Cook's company Texas Rangers. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 27, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Fort McKavett for Sale.—The well known military post Fort McKavett, is now offered for sale.  For description of this estate, its abundant springs and creeks, its magnificent lake, its irrigated garden, its many varieties of timber, its boundless range and its costly and substantial buildings, with a plan of the same, apply in male or in person to                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                        
J. D. Robinson,
           
Fredericksburg, Gillespie county, Texas. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
The Flag and Sea.—Col. Wilcox while here gave us a correct drawing of the new Confederate flag, and a description of the seal.  The flag is white, with a red union, having a St. Andrew's cross of blue, on each bar of which are three white stars, with a large one at the crossing.  To make a flag, say a yard and a quarter by three yards; take the usual size of the Beauregard battle flag, seven eights by one and one quarter of red.  On each side of this place a strip of blue, say 4 [?] inches wide, running from each corner, diagonally across.  This makes the cross, and on this put the stars.  Now make a white flag, three yards by one and one quarter leaving space to put in the Union, and you have it.
           
The seal is an equestrian figure of Washington enclosed in a wreath of cotton, corn, tobacco, rice and wheat, with the motto Deo Vindice, (God the vindicator.) the idea of the Cavalier and the Puritan are both discarded; the Puritan whose idea of liberty was the privilege of persecuting others, and the Cavalier whose violence and licentiousness were equally disgusting with the cant of the Puritan. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
We were pleased to learn that the Sabbath carousals of the negros [sic], their occupation of public hacks, and their unlicensed freedom, generally, in this city, was no little interrupted by the efficient police, under the orders of their chief last Sunday.  The "gemmen and ladies ob color" were politely invited around to the calaboose, in several instances. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
The theatre-going part of the community will be glad to learn that the "Southern Dramatic Society" of Houston are about securing the services of a talented leading actress for the summer season.  For their enterprise and talent this association deserves, as they are receiving, a liberal support.  Within a short time they will be able to produce something "novel, new and interesting."  The bill for this evening is Woman her love and trials, and songs by the original Confederate Minstrels. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 2

Col. Jack Wilcox.

            We were gratified yesterday by receiving a long visit from the talented representative in Congress of the San Antonio District, who gave us a great deal of valuable information, and buoyed us up with his testimony of the unwavering confidence in our cause, exhibited by the people all over the Confederacy.  After hearing his description of our hospitals, and being cheered with the information that the sick and wounded of our army were cared for as men should be, we felt a desire to repel the wholesale slanders, which are so frequently written in relation to the people at home.  Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been sent to the army by the liberality and patriotism of our men and women and instead of the sick soldier and dying volunteer being neglected and forgotten, we are told that their quarters are made comfortable, and their hospitals "kept like a parlor."  Who does it?  The women of our State have toiled in the good cause, and the men have given them glorious encouragement by their never failing liberality—Soldiers' wives and families too, are better cared for in Texas than in any other State, and we hope to hear of no more sweeping denunciations of those who are not on the field of battle.  Col. Wilcox gives a glowing description of Lee's army—no profanity, no bickering among officers, no backbiting or jealousy, but a harmony and unity wonderful to behold.  Each private bears himself as if were a hero, and they go to the battlefield certain of being victorious.  There is no such army in the world. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Kellum's Springs, nine and one half miles north of Anderson, are open for the season.
                                               
                                    C. K. Evans, Proprietor,
May 27th, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, May 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
For Sale in Confederate Money.—One half interest in a Foundry, situated in Hempstead.  This foundry is complete and has every requisite for carrying on the  Foundry business.
           
It has a splendid 18 horse power Engine.  Flue Boiler, 3 Iron Lathes, 1 Wood Lathe, 1 Iron Planer, 1 Bolt and Tap Cutter, Patterns, Tools, &c. &c.  There is attached a Grist Mill, which does a large quantity of grinding with the same power that runs the other machinery.
           
There is also coal enough to keep the foundry casting steady for two years.
           
The remaining partner is a good business man.
           
Apply to                                                                                                         W. O. G. Wilson, Hempstead. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
                                               
                        Gen. Hospital, Galveston, May 27, 1863.
           
Mr. E. H. Cushing:--I acknowledge the receipt of $153.25, the proceeds of a Fair given by the girls and boys at Harrisburg, for the benefit of this Hospital.  Received it through the hands of Mrs. McLemore, the Treasurer. . . .
                                               
                                                                                                W. E. Oakes,
                                               
                                                                                                Surgeon Gen. Hospital. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 2, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
                                               
                        Bovine Bend, Austin County, May 25, 1863
           
Editor Telegraph:--Enclosed please find three hundred and twenty-six dollars, the proceeds of a supper and tableaux, given by Mrs. Halsey and her pupils, on the evening of the 22nd of May, at the Halsey Academy, for the benefit of the sick soldiers of the General hospital at Galveston.
           
Mrs. Halsey and the young ladies of her school and vicinity, are entitled to much praise for the liberality and zeal manifested in behalf of our sick soldiers, battling for the honor and independence of the Confederacy. . .
                                               
                                                                                                            Wm. Guyler. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
We have received from the scholars of Mount Hope School, Gonzales county, fifteen pairs of socks, four pairs of gloves, and one neck comforter for the soldiers, to be appropriated where most needed. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 6, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                                Texana, June 1st, 1863.
           
Mr. Editor:--Please notice in your paper that a Concert and Tableaux will be given in Texana, by the ladies of Jackson county.  The proceeds of which to be given to Captain J. T. Brackenridge's Company, Duff's Regiment.  The people generally are solicited to be present, and contribute to the gratuity.  Respectfully,
                                               
                                                                                                James W. Allen. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
A Seamstress Wanted—With or without a sewing machine.  Apply at this office. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 9, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
The following we take from the Shreveport News.  A gentleman at our elbow, says he has seen samples of cloth made by this process, and they were very fine:
           
A New Idea—Cotton Cards.—We are informed that there is a farmer in Washington county, who spins his cotton filling without the aid of cards.—The process is simple.  He goes to the ginhouse or lint room, puts the light flakes of cotton ginned into a basket, not packed, carries it to the spinning wheel, and the thread is made with rapidity.  With a little practice, more thread can be made in a day than with the aid of cotton cards.  If kerseys are desired to be made put cow hair into the gin with the seed cotton, and it will be thrown into the lint room nicely mixed.  The same process as above, will give him the filling he desires.  Will our farmers practice upon the important idea thrown out!—Milledgeville Recorder.
           
The expense of trying the above idea will not be much and in these days, with cotton cards at present prices, it might prove of great convenience. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
Notice.—The Proprietors of the Hotels in Houston hereby give notice, that they had hoped to avoid any increase on the present rates of board; but owing to the constant increase in the price of all the leading articles of consumption, they are compelled to advance their rates.  From and after the 15th inst., the price of Board will be seven dollars per day.
                                               
                                                                                    M. F. Thompson, Rusk House,
                                               
                                                                                    H. Marple, Capitol Hotel.
                                                                                                                                   
J. A. Campbell, Fannin House
Houston, June 10th, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 12, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
Home Industry.—We were shown to-day a sample of powder, manufactured at the mills of the "Texas Powder Company;" also, some fine English powder, now for sale here, and of the two we would pronounce the homemade the best.
           
This establishment has cost about $60,000, and with an outlay of some $4,000 or $5,000 more, 15,000 of powder, can be turned out monthly.  The Confederate Government contracted with the company for 200,000 pounds, and a short time since the Frontier Regiment was furnished with 1,000 pounds.
           
As it is enough to know we are blessed with so useful and successful an establishment, we will refrain from giving its locality.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 15, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                    Anderson, Texas, June 7th, 1863.
Editor Houston Telegraph:
           
This leaves me in Grimes county, in which I have perambulated considerably since my recent exodus from your city.  [Illegible] now and better days—in times of peace.  Anderson, before the war, was a gay and business place—could boast of as many young ladies and gentlemen as any place of its size, and the stores and place generally had a business and lively aspect.  But its young and old men heard the shrill whistle of war, closed their shops, and are now, (those who have survived thus far) on the fields of battle, leaving the young and old ladies to take care of themselves, and we are glad to say that soldiers' families in this county are well attended to and provided for.
           
A magnificent Fair and Dinner came off here Friday for that object, the proceeds of and donations to which amounted to $3,175!  which is a good illustration of the generous spirits left at home, and demonstrates the fact that soldiers' families will be well attended to, especially when we take into consideration that a county tax has been levied exclusively for this object, and that the State has made an appropriation for this purpose.  No aid has been drawn from the State, though generously tendered, in the shape of cotton cards, ammunition, donations, etc.  Grimes is living independently, is doing well, and we only hope that other counties are doing their duty, in this particular, as well as Grimes.
           
We attended the Fair and Dinner, saw a good many soldiers' wives, and a good many who were nobody's wives—pretty young ladies.  We saw a good many we knew, but a great many more we did not know.  Folks have grown out of countenance since I lived here, and I found myself principally among strangers instead of acquaintances.  The Fair was good, but the Dinner we liked better.  The fair sex were the prettiest articles at the Fair, but such articles were not for sale, so we took what was to be had—dinner—which was good enough for a Prince.
           
A better prospect for good crops throughout this county never was known, but an almost immediate rain is dependent upon their salvation.  Corn can be had, plentifully, at $1@$1.25; bacon 50 cts; lard 75 cts@$1; flour none.
                                               
                                                                                                                        V. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
5650 French corsets, wholesale and retail at Darling & Merriman's.
           
Ladies Dress Goods.—Organdies and Jaconet Lawns, a large assortment, just received.  Wm. Clark.
           
Fresh Garden Seeds.—A large stock of assorted Garden Seeds, put up by John Vanderbilt, New York.
                                               
                                                                                            James Burke,
                                               
                                                                                                Houston, Texas. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 17, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
           
The Chattanooga Rebel says a lady correspondent writes from McMinnville of the gallant conduct of our friend, Lieutenant Saml. S. Ashe, of the Texas Rangers, (from Harris county) who was just getting well of a spell of the fever, when the Yankees visited that place.
           
"Learning that they were coming, he mounted his horse and rode out to see if the report was true.  He met the Yankees two miles from town, and fired on them.  Three other soldiers joined him, and the four kept the whole Yankee force in check for two hours until Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. McCann had time to make good their escape." 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
The Juvenile Concert.—An entertainment is to be given on Friday evening next, by the young misses and masters of Houston and Galveston, the proceeds of which are to be appropriated to the "Ladies' Rangers."  The programme is one that ought, apart from the real object of the concert, to draw a full house; and we are satisfied that it, together with the fact that this concert has been gotten up to assist in arming and equipping John R. Baylor's Rangers, will fill Perkins' Hall.  All the pieces to be sung are national, and we notice among the young lady performers, some who, notwithstanding their juvenility, have quite carried us away with the sweetness of their voices, and their just appreciation of music.  We hope there will be a full, overflowing demonstration, and by demonstration, we mean a LARGE ATTENDANCE.  The older feminines and masculines have not failed to draw crowded houses during the winter and spring.  do let us hop the young folks, who have stepped into the service in the heat of the day, will be properly appreciated and abundantly rewarded.  Let the concert be a decided success.  Other places have given liberally towards this object, let Houston out do them all. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 22, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
           
The following letter shows what sort of stuff some of our boys are made of.  Good for the little patriot.  His example is worthy of imitation by children of larger growth:
                       
                                                                        Iron Stone House, Two Miles Above Sutherland   }
                       
                                                                        Springs, Wilson County, Texas,                            }
                                               
                                                                                    June 9th, 1863.                }
           
General Baylor:  I am not quite thirteen years old, so I cannot join your company to "still hunt Yankees," though I have a very good young horse, suitable for the service, which I wish to present to you, or through you to some true Southern soldier in your command.  I feel very unwilling to part with my favorite, except to assist in driving the hated Yankees from our land.  Can I aid a mite in doing this, I will be repaid a thousand times for a horse, that has been my pride and pleasure a long while.  Please call the horse "Gus."  Send here to my father's place for him, when he is wanted.
                                               
                                                                                    Augustus Weyman Houston. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 24, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
           
Col. Sydnor will sell to-day, at his auction, an elegant silk bed-quilt, for the benefit of Baylor's Ladies' Rangers.  It was sent up by Mrs. Dermot, of Harrisburg, for this purpose. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 3

Adventures of a Young Lady in the Army.

For the Mississippian.]
           
Among the registered enemies of the United States government, who have been recently sent across the lines, from New Orleans, there is now, in this city, a lady whose adventures place her in the ranks of the Mollie Pitchers of the present revolution.
           
At the breaking out of the war, Mrs. Laura J. Williams, (the lady of whom we allude,) was a resident of Arkansas.  Like most of the women of the South, her whole soul was enlisted for the struggle for independence.  Her husband was a Northern man by birth and education, and a strong Union man.—After Arkansas seceded from the Union, he went to Connecticut, he said, to see his relations and settle upon some business.  Mrs. Williams suspected his purpose, and finally she received information that he had joined the Yankee army.  Possessing little of the characteristic weakness of the sex, either in body or mind, Mrs. W. vowed to offer her life upon the altar of her country.  Disgusting herself in a Confederate uniform, and adopting the name of "Henry Benford," she proceeded to Texas, where she raised and equipped an independent company, and went to Virginia with it as first Lieutenant.  She was in the battle of Leesburg and several skirmishes; but, finally her sex having been discovered by the surgeon of the regiment—the 5th Texas Volunteers, to which the company had been attached—she returned to her home in Arkansas.  After remaining there a short time she proceeded to Corinth, and was in the battle of Shiloh, where she displayed great coolness and courage.  She saw her father on the field, but, of course, he did not recognize her, and she did not make herself known to him.  In the second day's fighting she was wounded in the head and was ordered to the rear.  She wrote to her father, and then came off down to Grenada where she waited for some time, but never saw or heard from him.
           
She then visited New Orleans, was taken sick, and while sick, the city was captured.  On recovery, she retired to the coast, where she employed herself in carrying communications, assisting parties to run the blockade with drugs and clothes and uniforms.  She was informed on by a negro and arrested and brought before Gen. Butler.  she made her appearance before Gen. B. in a Southern homespun dress.  She refused to take the oath, told him she gloried in being a rebel—had fought side by side with Southern men for Southern rights, and if she ever lived to see "Dixie" she would do it again.  Butler denounced her as the most incorrigible she-rebel he had ever met with.  By order of the Beast, she was laced in confinement, where she remained three months.  Some time after her release, she was arrested again for carrying on "contraband correspondence," and kept in a dungeon fourteen days on bread and water, at the expiration of which time she was placed in the State prison as a dangerous enemy.  Her husband, it so happened, was a Lieutenant in the 13th Connecticut Regiment, and on duty as Provost Guard in the city.  He accidentally found her out and asked if she wanted to see him.  She sent him word she never wanted to see him so long as he wore the Yankee uniform.  But he forced himself upon her, tried to persuade her to take the oath, get a release, when he said he would resign and take her to his relation in Connecticut.  She indignantly spurned his proposition, and he left her to her fate.  When General Banks assumed command, he released a great many prisoners, but kept her in confinement until the 7th  of May last, when she was sent across the lines to Meadesville with the registered enemies.
           
An article was recently published in the New York World in relation to th epart Mrs. Williams has played in this war, but the above is, we are assured, a true account of her remarkable career.  We understand she has attached herself to the medical staff of a brigade now in this city, and will render all the assistance in her power to our wounded in the approaching struggle for possession of the great Valley of the Mississippi.
           
Jackson, Miss., June 6, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, June 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
Just Received.—1,500 yards Plaid Osnaburgs; 600 lbs. Linen Thread; 6000 yards Calico; 2000 gross Bone Buttons; 30 dozen gents L. B. Shirts; black and figured Lawns; opera and white Flannels; 260 packages Pins; 30 dozen gents Soft Hats; Organdies, Jackonets, Cross Barred Muslins, &c., &c., at
                                               
                                                                                                            Wm. Clark's. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 2, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
The ladies say that the hoop skirts made by Miss Lizzie Theron are the best in the market.  It will be seen that Miss T. has changed her name and place of business, by her advertisement in today's paper, which see. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 2, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
           
Copperas Mine.—Messrs. Clement, Alexander and Dodson, are working a copperas mine, five miles west of Larissa, in Cherokee county.  The deposit is said to be large.  We have a small jar, containing a specimen of the copperas they are turning out, and which is pronounced by competent judges to be a good article.  Persons interested will do well to call and look at it.  They are selling this copperas at two dollars per pound.—Marshall Republican. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 2, 1863, p. 2, c. 6
           
Mrs. Charles Gay (formerly Miss Lizzie Theron from Houston) has removed her Hoop Manufactory to Galveston.  Old skirt hoops bought or made.  Orders sent by the "Southwestern Express," or by any other convenience, promptly attended to.  Address direct; having no agent. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 3, 1863, p. 2, c. 6
           
The undersigned has on hand, Blue Irish Linens, Fine French Jaconets, Black Alpaca, Scotch Gingham, Flannels, Calicos, Alabama Kerseys, Cottonade, Ladies' and Gents' Hose, Under and Over-Shirts, Boots and Shoes, &c., &c.
           
The above goods will be sold at reduced prices by
                                               
                                                            J. S. Sandfelder,
                                               
                                                            at H. Fox' Shoe Store. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 4, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
                                               
                                                                                    Chappell Hill, J[illegible] 1, '63.
           
Editor Telegraph:--I send you herewith a list of the casualties in my regiment, in the affair at Millican's Bend.  Less than three hundred of my regiment were in the engagement, so it will be perceived that my loss was more than one-third of the command.
           
I think it not improper to give a short account of the part my regiment took in the engagement as a matter of special interest to the friends of the slain and wounded.
           
The enemy were strongly posted in a trench on the top of a levee 10 feet high, there being a strong bois d'arc hedge, 50 feet in advance of the levee, impassable, except through a few narrow openings. This hedge was wanting from my centre towards the right, fortunately permitting us to charge with unbroken lines this part of the enemy's works.  We advanced rapidly in line of battle across the open field for half a mile, intersected by two of these hedges, and when at fifty yards distant from the enemy, received their fire, and immediately charged, without firing, with bayonets fixed, and at a run.  I precipitated my regiment thus upon the enemy, supposing they would not cross bayonets with us, but to this I was mistaken.  Our charge was as against a stone wall; the enemy stood firm; bayonets were crossed and muskets clubbed, and for about two minutes there was a close struggle, the lines face to face, and not six feet distant, when my men passed over the trench and penetrated to the center of the enemy's camp, when they were recalled and reformed under cover of the levee.  In this struggle on the levee my loss occurred, and nearly the entire force of the enemy in my part remaining in the trench killed, a large portion of them with the bayonet.  It is the united testimony of my officers and men that not a score of them escaped—they literally filled the trenches in some places to its top.
           
It was at this point the severest struggle of the day occurred, as will be shown by the casualties:  Fiz Hugh, on my left, whose loss in proportion was as great, losing most of his men in passing the hedge.
           
My regiment took chief part in two other charges on different parts of the works farther to the left, which I do not describe, as but feeble resistance was offered.
           
The action was commenced at daylight, and was over in twenty minutes, we continuing to hold the enemy's works until 9 or 10 o'clock without molestation, they having fled to the woods up the river or down to the water's edge, under cover of their gunboats.  I say, without molestation, although during the entire time the gunboats were throwing at us shot and shell, without any damage however.
           
After removing our wounded, we slowly and leisurely retired.
           
The enemy had not less than 4000 men present, while our brigade numbered about 1200 on the field, of whom about 900 were actually engaged.
           
The Yankees had manned the works with negroes chiefly, keeping their own precious carcasses out of harm's way.  In my own immediate part, not more than one in ten were white.
           
My officers and men fought as though each one felt the battle to be all his own, many of them receiving severe bayonet wounds in the contest on the levee.
           
In this engagement the loss of the B rigade was as follows in killed and wounded, viz."  Flournoy 7; Waterhouse, 19; Allen, 98; Fitzhugh, 64:—Total, 188.  Of the enemy's loss I cannot speak from personal observation, except to say that in my own immediate front there were certainly not less than 300 negroes and whites in the trench, and on the slope of the hill, and all dead.
           
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
   
                                                                                                                                 R. T. P. Allen, Col., 17th Tex. Inf.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 3

Letter about New Orleans

            We have been permitted to publish the following letter to a lady of this city from her sister, who, it will be perceived, had for a long time been a resident of New Orleans.  In a portion of it which we do not publish, the writer gives a lamentable description of how the Negroes treated their masters and mistresses, and with what audacity they accosted the white people after they had obtained their “free papers.”  When shall we have an opportunity to retaliate?  And if it ever comes, will we remember how our women and children have been made to suffer?
                                               
                                                                                                Mobile, May 30th, 1863.
           
My Dearest Sister:--I don’t know that you will be surprised at the date of this letter, as you have no doubt heard of Banks’ order, banishing all registered enemies from New Orleans, driving us all from our homes. But we suffered enough whilst there, to be glad (as we were) to leave their hated dominions.  Negroes reign in New Orleans, and we dare not insult them, or we are arrested and imprisoned.  Ladies—the first in the place—were thrown into horrid lock-ups, where thieves and robbers were, for singing “Bonnie Blue Flag,” and kept all night.  The private schools were searched, and the teachers fined, for the children’s having little flags in their books.  But I cannot tell you half, and you must wait till we meet, if we ever do, to tell you all.  I will give you a copy of my order, left at my house, or given to me at our door, one for Mrs. B. A. T., and another for my husband.  Here’s the copy:
                                               
                                                                        Office Provost Marshal, Parish of Orleans,}
                                               
                                                                                    New Orleans, May 9th, 1863.      }
           
Mrs. B. A. T_______:  In accordance with General Orders No. 35, Headquarters Department of the Gulf, you, being a registered enemy of the United States, are hereby notified that you must leave this Parish for the so-called Confederacy before the 15th inst.  Transportation will be furnished you to Madisonville, or some other point between that and Mississippi City, on any day between the 10th and 15th inst., inclusive.  You will be allowed to carry the following provisions, clothing, etc., viz.:  The equivalent of ten days’ rations in food; such wearing apparel as you have in actual use; and the necessary bed and bedding required for personal use.
           
By command of                                                                                         Brig. Gen. Bowen,
                                               
                                                            Provost Marshal General Department of the Gulf.
           
C. W. Killborn, Provost Marshal,
                       
New Orleans, La.
           
Well, we chartered a schooner for Pascagoula. Yankee officer came to our house the night before, and examined our baggage.  We gave him Champagne, and made him good-humored.  One of our party understood the method of getting around the Yanks, so he managed to bring all of our wardrobe.  I brought my two trunks, and Mr. T. his.  But, before I was packed, a detective was sent to the house, and questioned my house girl, who was a good rebel and a good creature.  He inquired if I was having any thing moved out of my house—any valuables or furniture.  She told him “No; the house was just as she found it”; and gave him some impudence.  You know we were not allowed to even give any of our own property away, nor sell, nor transfer it.  But “leave a woman to her wits.”  Without Mr. John’s knowledge, I moved some things.  Spies infested us, so that we could not take a bundle out of the house; but if you had lived as long under them as I have, you would know many ways to outwit a Yankee.
           
I left enough, goodness knows, for the thieves—all my handsome furniture.  I walked out of my house like a culprit driven out, and before I left, the same detestable Yank brought me another order, saying he was sent to secure the keys of the place, and take possession, and before I got to the schooner, a sentinel stood before my door.  So that was the last of sweet home, that used to be.  Before I get back, if ever, all my furniture will be gone.  All my books, every keepsake, and everything but my clothes, are left behind.  I have hid some valuables, but they may be taken, I can’t tell.  But, after that pang of giving up home, both John and I felt better, and when we got on our little schooner, with the faithful little band, we were quite happy—we left all sorrow behind.  Farewell to the hated despotism!  No more fear of being dragged to prison, and put in confinement, and insulted by Negroes, and worried out of your life.  Ho!  For the sweet, sweet land of Dixie!  I left my home without a tear.  We came off without a servant.  (I just this moment stopped to see Yankee prisoners, brought in from Raymond, and I can tell you, I clapped my hands for joy, as I know how they treated our poor boys who were prisoners.  They brought prisoners to new Orleans, and would not let their own mothers, sister, nor relations see them, nor relieve them, and made them drink stagnant water till they were sick.)  But to return to my subject.  We had a jolly time on the boat—all exiles. We drew out our lunch, and made our own coffee—did our own cooking.  Everything went off well till a rain came up, and, on a schooner, there is no place but the deck, so we were all soaking wet.  It rained all night, and here were our party with umbrellas hoisted all night.  We were four days on the Lake.  We passed Ft. Pike—had our boat boarded, and her papers examined, and then suffered to pass on.  Our hearts grew light after passing Yankee lines.  We were once more free.  After getting out of hearing from the Fort, we all hurrahed for the Confederacy, then for Davis, &c., &c., and then, with hearts full, we all sang the “Bonnie Blue Flag,” and none but those who have been held down as we had been, could enjoy the signing of that song.  Some of the ladies, who had different colored pillow cases for the purpose, went down and made a large flag, the first we had seen of any size, since the Yankees occupied our city, and such a shouting you never heard when that flag was unfurled on deck.
           
Well, when we got to Pascagoula, the grey uniforms made their appearance, and we shouted and sang again and again, and then a Confederate officer boarded us.  We greeted him warmly, as he did us.


           
I can tell you we were all just like we were tight.  The first little boat that went ashore I went on it, and sat under our flag, and such shouting as greeted us!  And we sang all the way the Bonnie Blue Flag.  Well, we stopped at the large hotel, which had been occupied by soldiers.  We took rooms, and continued to cook our own provisions, as there were none to be had there.  On the lake shore every thing is scarce; indeed nothing to be had but fish, oysters and corn meal, at seven dollars and a half per bushel.  Transportation was then sent from Mobile to bring us over, so our party commenced dividing, ad we have at last reached this place.  Here it is ten dollars a day for board, and everything high in proportion.  I suppose upwards of 5000 people have left New Orleans.  The hotels are all full, and private houses of course.  We have many friends indeed.  I imagine I am in New Orleans in olden times.

            *I furnished my own.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 5

To the Ladies of Texas.

            Our present national struggles call every intent power into action.  No depth is left unsearched, no light left unexplored, no means left unemployed, from which we promise ourselves the least benefit.
           
Only a few can estimate how much you further our cause by your kind and energetic exertions in behalf of our soldiers' well being and success.  Little may you think how much good your soldiers' Aid and Relief Societies accomplish.  Even admitting that, in some instances, the proceeds of your laudable exertions were misused, the mere knowledge of these exertions accomplish incalculable good.
           
Being intimately acquainted with the many wants of our soldiers, and being intimately apprised of your zealousness to relieve them, we are now endeavoring to organize a "Confederate States Soldiers' Tract Society."  The object of this society is to publish tracts and purchase Testaments and distribute the same among the boys.
           
This undertaking is heartily recommended by Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, and we would solicit your lively co-operation in the praise-worthy work.
           
The Bibles and Testaments which our friends took with them are nearly all lost or torn, and I think that it behooves us, as christian people to supply them anew.
           
The "Confederate States Soldiers' Tract Society" is composed of all those ladies and gentlemen who pecuniarily enhance its interests.  The funds that may be contributed by you will be received and receipted for in the papers by the editors of the Telegraph and News.  The Publishing Committee is composed of men of God, who will conscientiously appropriate such contributions for the described purpose.
           
The ladies of several communities have already promised to give a Fair or Concert for the benefit of this society.
           
Let us hear from you, for we need your assistance.
                                               
                                                                                                Respectfully,
                                               
                                                                                                J. B. A. Ahrens,
                                               
                                                                                                Chaplain C. S. A.
           
Houston, July 14th, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 6
           
We have just received by way of Matamoros, a large lot of guaranteed fresh garden seeds.  Country dealers and gardeners will please call at
                                               
                                                                                                J. & S. Rosenfield's.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 6
Texas Washing Bluing.—Always on hand at Otto's Taylor [sic] Shop. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 21, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
We had the satisfaction yesterday of meeting Capt. Cundiff, formerly editor of the Nacogdoches Chronicle.  He was so fortunate as to make his escape from Arkansas Post in the capture of that place, and made his way home, and at once undertook to raise a company for the Arizona Brigade.  H was so far successful as to be ready to join Terrell's regiment, in which he now is with a company of eight as good men as are in the service.  When we last heard from him before, he was a private in the ranks.  He is now Captain, and we hope ere long to have the pleasure of meeting him as Colonel, at least. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 24, 1863, p. 1, c. 2

Soldiers' Home at Brenham.

                                                                                                                                    Brenham, Texas, July 16, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph:--The County Court of Washington County, aided by contributions from the citizens of the county, and by funds raised by a "Misses' Fair," recently held in this place, have established here a Soldiers' Home, for the benefit of all sick and wounded soldiers, returning from or to their commands, and all other soldiers who may be in need of assistance, where they can have board, lodging, medical and surgical attention free of charge.  It is placed under care of a lady resident in the house, who will see to it that her table, beds, &c., shall be comfortable, and is under the superintendence and direction of an experienced and skillful physician.
           
Will not all the papers and conductors on railroads, give publicity to this, that such as need care and attention traveling this way may know where they will obtain it, rendered most cheerfully and heartily.
                                               
                                                                                                            J. B. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 24, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
           
Receipt for Ink.—Put a good handful of maple bark and pine tops to one pint and a half of water, let it simmer down to a third of the quantity.  Add one table spoonful of sugar, two of vinegar; and one teaspoonful of copperas.  Let it stand twelve hours, and then strain. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
                                               
                                                                        Field Hospital, Orange, Tex., July 16.
           
Editor Telegraph:--I desire through your columns to publicly tender to the citizens of Orange, the most grateful thanks of the sick and wounded soldiers of this Hospital, for the untiring kindness shown them during their illness.
           
The ladies of Orange, especially, will never be forgotten, as long as the heart of a single one of the two hundred soldiers, here received and treated, continues to beat.
           
Their kindness in visiting this hospital, their readiness to render any service that could well be rendered by ladies, and their untiring exertions to benefit us, will ever make Orange a green spot in our memory. 
           
Like ministering angels, with good deeds and cheering words, they came, and all through those long hours [illegible] basins of water and towels, [illegible] temples, cooling their [illegible] light fans creating a breeze [illegible] to cool their fevered brow, [illegible] pouring into their sinking [illegible] of assurance that they would soon be well.
           
Under these auspices, I have often seen the sunken eye brighten, and the hitherto ghastly face, of those who had been left by the fever so prostrated that they were too despondent to take hold of life, wreathe with smiles, while Hope stood forth pictured in bold relief—and those patients in a few days were well.
           
Those kind Samaritans came not for empty show, with disdainful looks and hands raised in holy horror at the sight of those "poor dreadful and dirty creatures," but they came at the suggestion of their own kind hearts, remembering that friends, howsoever wealthy, nice and polished at home, were, if sick abroad in many of our hospitals, in equally as deplorable a condition as these; and their silent prayer was, that as they did unto these patriots who were cast among them, so might those among whom their friends were cast, do unto their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers.
           
My own thanks to them I would most sincerely return.  I know not how I should ever have done justice to those sick men without their assistance.
           
May God bless them and theirs.
                                               
                                                                                                Wm. Madison, Surg. in Chg. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 28 1863, p. 2, c. 6
                                               
                                                                                    Headquarters Dept. Trans-Miss.,}
                                               
                                                                                    Shreveport, La., July 11th, 1863.}
General Order No. 28.
           
Mr. T. G. Clemson having arrived in this Department under instruction from Richmond, placing him in charge of the Nitre & Mining Bureau and Iron interests west of the Mississippi, all officers connected therewith in the Department of Trans Mississippi will forthwith report by letter to him at these Headquarters, their names and rank, where stationed, the authority under which they are acting and the nature of their duties.
           
By command of
                                               
                                                                                    Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith,
S. S. Anderson, Ass't. Adj't. Gen'l.
July 28. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 30, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
                                               
                                                                                    Dayton, Polk County, July 4th, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph:--The ladies of the quiet and unpretending precinct of Dayton, Polk county, got up a Barbecue on the 4th inst., for the purpose of raising a sum of money to be donated to the company of Capt. John S. Cleaveland, (which volunteered mostly from this county two years since,) as a testimony of our kind remembrance of that gallant little band, which, with their gallant leader, have, as a part of the immortal 5th Texas, shared all the privations, dangers and hardships of that noble old regiment in the Virginia campaign.  The meeting was addressed in an effective manner by Dr. P. W. Kittrell, in behalf of the objects of our meeting.  A sympathetic cord was touched in the hearts of all, old and young; even the small children rushed forward, anxious to contribute their little offerings, one little girl, five years old, giving $25.  All responded nobly, though few in number.  You will please publish the following as the result:
[list]

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 5, 1863, p. 2, c. 7

Rags!  Rags!  Rags!

            Five cents per pound will be paid for cotton or linen rags, delivered to the undersigned in Austin, or to Dr. Theo. Kosster in New Braunfels.
           
These rags are wanted to make paper with, and as this is a new enterprize in Texas, it is to be hoped every family will provide themselves with a rag bag.  Agents to collect rags will be appointed in each county, of which due notice will be given.
           
Texas papers generally are requested to copy, and those who make a charge, will publish three times and send bill to
                                               
                                                                                                D. Richardson.
           
Austin, March 31, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 7, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
We regret to say that there is no way now of sending letters across the Mississippi. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 10, 1863, p. 2, c. 6

Barbecue and Fair

            Will be given in the town of Navasota on [illegible] day, 18th inst.  Concert and Tableaux completed in the evening.
           
This has been gotten up by the ladies for a noble purpose, and we hope you will add a few appropriate words to this notice.
           
The funds will be used to establish a Soldier's Home at this place.
                                               
                                                                                                    J. M. Mitchell. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 15, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
                                               
                                                                                    Piedmont Springs,                   }
                                               
                                                                                    Grimes County, July 12, 1863.}
           
Editor Telegraph:--After perambulating over the country considerably, the present finds me at the above specified place, surrounded by every comfort and ease, beauty and grandeur, susceptible to such a place.  By beauty I mean the elite of the feminines who decorate the "grandeur" with which they are surrounded, a great many of whom are from Houston.  This is a pretty place, and a great many are here.  The building is capacious—can accommodate two hundred persons at once.  Mr. Cannon has been at an enormous expense, the building, premises, and all costing him about one hundred thousand dollars.  Capt. Turner has sent for DeBray's brass band, which is soon expected, which will have the effect of enlivening the already weary crowd, and infuse into them such soul stirring sensations that they will whirl round much faster in giddy dance.
           
Gen. Magruder has been quite sick, but is fast improving.  He is very comfortably situated, having his tents stretched near for his attendants, himself occupying an outbuilding as his headquarters.  He has a little printing office near, which prints his orders, etc., and we believe the General is put to but little if any more inconvenience than at Houston.
           
People up this direction—and we believe it is becoming general—are becoming incredulous, as much so as the news dispatches are notorious for lying.  Rumors are so prevalent and conflicting that scarcely anything can be believed.—Some are foolish enough to censure the Telegraph with being the propagator and disseminator of falsehoods.  We tell them they are, decidedly incorrect in their opinions, the news dispatches being published verbatim as they are received by Pony Express—nothing of the kind being manufactured to suit the times or the people.  They forget that we are principally at the mercy of the enemy for news on the other side of the Mississippi. . . .
           
We were present at the drafting of militia at Anderson, which was entered into cordially by all, and passed off quietly.  There were seventy-four subject to draft, and forty-one exempts.  But seventeen were drafted in each beat.  All go into camp on the 22d at Patterson Lake, and will report as cavalry men.  We hear a company of Home Guards are enrolling themselves in conformity with the appeal of General Magruder.—This is a meritorious and patriotic move, and should also be adopted by every other county in the State, so that when the vandals do appear, as is generally apprehended they will this fall—we will be found ready "to welcome them with bloody hands to hospitable graves." . .
.

                                                                                                                                            V.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
We have been shown a most magnificent stand of colors made for the 3d Texas Infantry, by Mrs. Phelps of New Orleans, now in Havana, and by her sent to be presented to the regiment here.  It consists of a regimental flag and a battle flag, all of heavy silk, with bullion stars, and heavy bullion cords and tassels.  We doubt of there is another so costly and elegant a stand of colors belonging to any regiment n the service.  We doubt not the regiment will be as proud of it, as it is beautiful, and rejoice to know that the exiles of New Orleans, now in Havana, are not unmindful of the soldiers battling for the recovery of their homes.  Mrs. Phelps was formerly of Brazoria county, in this State.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 20, 1863, p. 3. c. 5
           
We are requested to give notice that the Ladies at Piedmont Springs will give a Tableau and Concert on Friday evening next; 21st instant, for the benefit of the Ladies' Rangers, (Baylor's).  This will be a pleasant opportunity for those who desire a few days' recreation by a visit to the Springs. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 21, 1863, p. 2, c. 4

The Poor of Houston.

            Editor Telegraph:--From personal observation, I am prepared to say that there is no small amount of personal suffering among the poor of this city, and especially among families who have no representatives in the army, and therefore, have no claims upon the authorities providing for such.  Many are poor widows who have none to represent them in the army.  They are willing to work but can get nothing to do.  Shall such be left to suffer for the common necessaries of life in a city abounding with wealth?
                                               
                                                                                                            Howard. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 22, 1863, p. 2, c. 2

The Mutual Aid Association.

            The Houston Mutual Aid Association has been organized, and is now ready to go to work.  The amount of stock taken is already over $50,000.
           
On Wednesday evening the organization was perfected by the adoption of by-laws, and election of officers.  B. A. Shepherd was made President, M. Miller, Treasurer, and Messrs. M. A. Levy, T. M. Bagby, A. J. Burke, A. M. Gentry, and George Ball, Directors.
           
The Directors are required to buy all necessary and staple articles of consumption, and sell the same, first to needy families of soldiers—to such poor families as may be on the books of the county courts of Harris and Galveston counties, and to stockholders in proportion to the extent of their families.  No profit beyond cost and expenses is to be made on any of the goods.
           
The spirit with which this enterprise has been established, augurs well for its success.  It has now cash enough on hand to supply good stocks of staple articles, though a larger capital would enable the Association to supply all articles of necessity as well as those regarded as staples.  If there is enough now to furnish corn, flour, sugar, bacon and salt, double the amount will give us cheap cloth, cheap butter, cheap lard, and other secondary articles.
           
We now ask people in the interior, who are willing to supply this Association at a low rate, to make it known.  There is no speculation in it.  Its first object is to supply the wants of the wives and children of those who are fighting the country's battles.  If there was ever a reason why flour, and corn and meat should be sold cheap, this is one, and this Association is the place where it should be sold so.
           
We also suggest to people of the interior counties to form similar associations, and let there be through them a system of mutual exchanges.  They can be made of the greatest advantage to the people. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 22, 1863, p. 2, c. 6
           
Wanted—For the Hospital—all kinds of old linen and cotton domestic, for dressing wounds, blisters, &c.  Also, old vials.  Any one forwarding contributions of this kind, will confer a favor which will be thankfully appreciated.
                                               
                                                                                                W. P. Riddell, Post Surgeon.
                                               
                                                                                In charge of General Hospital, Houston. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 26, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                                For the Telegraph.

To the Youth of Texas between Ten and Eighteen.

            Boys:--You occupy a most important position.  Did you ever reflect upon it?  Just top and think a minute.  From your ranks must be selected, a few years hence, those upon whose shoulders the government of the Confederacy must rest.  Are you trying to prepare yourselves for such responsibilities by storing your minds with useful knowledge?

            Don't, my young friend, waste your invaluable time in gazing at soldiers or reading war news.  Prepare yourself, by a diligent use of your time, to act well your part when you shall arrive at maturity.  That will be an important period in your country's history.
           
Think of these things.
                                               
                                                            Boys' Friend. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 26, 1863, p. 2, c. 1

Ladies' Fashions.

            We are indebted to a friend for the privilege of looking over the July numbers of Godey's Lady's Book, Peterson's Magazine and Le Bon Ton.  These magazines do not appear to be at all different from what they were three years ago.  You may read Godey from end to end, and not know there is any war in the country.  Hardly an allusion to it occurs.
           
Of course the ladies will want to know what the fashions are in vogue.  We will touch them very briefly.  Riding Habit close fitting, moderately long skirt, at most one under skirt, generally none, with pantaloons color of habit.  Hats vary from forty varieties of the low crowned rolling brim (Garribaldi [sic]) to as many varieties of high-crowned, steeple, stove pipe, etc., etc.  Bonnets do not, to our eye, vary in shape from those worn by the ladies here.  We presume the Yankees and French must have stolen the fashion.  It was adopted here because of its convenience in patching up of bonnets and making new ones of them.  Head Dress—The coiffure Alexandra is much in vogue—hair cut short in front, curled in a frizzled roll over the forehead and down the sides.  The rest of the hair parted down the center, and tied on each side behind the ear, and then arranged in as many curls as possible.  Single roses and leaves are dotted here and there in the curls in front.  It is very pretty.  Dresses.  White grenadine with fluted silk sea-green flounce on edge of skirt.  The Walewski has three bands of silk or ribbon sewed on in pointeau herring bone.  The lower band extends from edge of the skirt to the top of hem, the under part of the hem being cut out between the points.  the Senorita has three ruffles headed by thick ruchings of silk and caught up in festoons by black lace rosettes.  Hair Powder is revived, both white, violet, blue and green.  Southern ladies will, we trust, omit this last freak in following the fashions. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
                                               
                                                                                Piedmont Springs, August 24, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph—This place was enlivened on Friday night last, by an entertainment given by the ladies and gentlemen sojourning here, for the benefit of Baylor's Ladies' Rangers.  The entertainment consisted of tableaux, songs, selections and recitations, all of which passed off in a manner highly creditable to the parties engaged.
           
After the tableaux was completed, there was a raffle for a finely worked table cover, a gift from Mrs. Hunter, of Fort Bend county, to the Rangers.  Six hundred and fifty dollars were realized from the raffle, and four hundred dollars from the exhibition.
           
The ladies propose to give another entertainment of a similar character, on Friday night, September 4, when they hope to meet many of the citizens of Houston and this vicinity.  The proceeds will be contributed to the fund now being raised in the Confederacy, to erect a monument to the memory of General Jackson.
                                               
                                                                                            Visitor. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
                                               
                                                                                            For the Telegraph.

To the Girls of Texas between Ten and Sixteen.

            I have recently spoken a few words to the BOYS of Texas, will you now allow me to say something to you, my young friends?
           
If the government of our Southern Confederacy is soon to rest upon the shoulders of those who are now boys, you, my young misses, are to be their companions—to share their responsibilities.  Are you preparing yourselves, by storing your minds with useful knowledge for the important positions you are soon to occupy as the wives and mothers of our young Confederacy?  You are to act your part in the great drama of life at an important period in the history of your country, and now is the time to prepare yourselves for your future position.  If the boys will persist in wasting their time in gazing upon soldiers and military parades, don't you do so!  Attend diligently to your studies at school.  Read useful books.  Eschew novels and all light trash.  Endeavor to acquire solid and useful knowledge, and thus fit yourselves for positions of usefulness and honor.
           
Think of these things!
                                               
                                                                                                Girls' Friend. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, August 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 3

The Louisiana Jayhawkers.

                                                                                                                    Camp Stonewall Jackson, near Washington, La.       }
                                               
                                                                                                    August 17th, 1863.                  }
           
Editor Telegraph.—As you are aware, our army has long since "changed its base" and fallen back west of the Atchafalaya, and south of Red River.  A small "squad," who generally go along with Gen. Tom Green on his excursions around, stopped here awaiting orders, (principally from Banks) where we have been permitted for two or three weeks to enjoy rest for man and beast, the first for many days—but the outrageous acts of the conscripts, deserters and free negroes who inhabit the country west of this, came to the knowledge of the "powers that be" and our rest was broken.  There has long been quite a number of the aforesaid class, who have taken to the woods and bottoms and evaded the enrolling officers, and declared it to be their intention not to fight for either Federal or Confederate Governments, but at the time the Federal army occupied "these parts," I have been credibly informed that the leading members of this clan formed an alliance with the "rail splitters" minions, and after giving all information required, obtained permission to remain here and plunder good citizens and murder alike citizen and soldier.  They are said to be 300 or 400 strong, and commanded by one Carrier.  They are principally armed with double barreled shot guns.  They having recently killed some good citizens, and 4 or 5 C. S. soldiers, it was determined, if possible, to bring some at lest, of the offenders to justice.  Accordingly, on the night of the 8th inst., a detachment of Co. B, Lieut. Coleman commanding, and of Co. C, Capt. Clough commanding, all of the 5th T. M. V., were ordered to report to Capt. West, (I think of Gen. Taylor's Staff) at Washington.  At Opelousas we were joined by ten more belonging to Co. E, 4th T. M. V., and after dark, while on the march, by the Home Guard, 20 strong, making in all about 75 men.  We proceeded about 10 miles to the westward—to a neighborhood composed principally of these fellows (Jayhawkers) and situated along bayou Mallet.  We then divided into two or three parties and the performance commenced.  Each party had so many, and certain houses to surround and search.  The parties were to move cautiously and as noiselessly as possible until near the house.  Then rush up, dismount and surround the "castle," guard every door and window, while a "storming" party entered each house, demanded lights and searched every nook and corner.  Thus we hunt conscripts, visiting a man's home at the hour of midnight, and in some instances, we took them away.  The women in some cases appeared, much grieved, and cried and begged at an awful rate, when their husbands, fathers and brothers were being taken away, but as they all cried and talked in French (!) and as we could not "Parley Francais," their wails amounted to nothing at all.  We captured 10 or a dozen during the night.  Some of them were deserters from the army, while others were liable to conscription and accused of being connected with the clan known as Jayhawkers.  All of them were sent to Opelousas for imprisonment and trial.
           
On the morning of the 9th, and our command having had nothing to eat since noon of the 8th, divided into small parties and sent to the houses in the neighborhood for breakfast, and while this state of affairs was existing, a party of 40 or 50 mounted Jayhawkers surprised a party of about 25 of our command, who believed they were some of our own command returning, and consequently they were permitted to move up in rear and on both flanks within shot gun range and fire, before it was discovered who they were.  Being desirous of concentrating our different parties and as they were in the edge of the woods, rendering it impossible to learn their numbers, the order was given to fall back into the prairie.  Our boys formed and dashed through their lines, the Jayhawkers firing rapidly.  Roy Blondelle and Chas. Elkin, of Co. B, T. M. V., were wounded.  Roy has since died—also Pearson, of Co. C. had a mule shot under him.  The scoundrels never followed, having a great terror for the prairies and cavalry.  There was a speedy concentration of our little party from breakfast, and so we remained concentrated during the day.  For this impudence the remainder of the 5th T. M. V., Lt. Col. McPhail commanding, and 2d Louisiana Cavalry, Maj. Thompson commanding, were sent to our aid, with orders to scour the woods and country for miles around, and to shoot every man connected with the clan.  We remained for that purpose until the night of the 15th, we returned.  We scoured the woods and country for miles, forming in line of battle and marching abreast, across bodies of timber and the swamps—driving for them as if for deer, and on the evening of the 10th inst., while moving in this manner, we surprised them in their camp and fired into them.  Most of them fled, while two or three stood up, fired, and badly wounded James C. Francis of Co. G, 5th T. M. V., (since died,) and John Watson, a member of 5th Texas Infantry.
           
Three of them captured on the spot, and another in the same neighborhood, were shot per order the next day.  The family of one of them came to take leave of him a few minutes before he was led out to be shot, and it was truly an unpleasant scene.  Methinks I can hear that woman and her children's cries to this moment.  However, they had already killed two of the most gallant soldiers of our regiment, and were found in arms resisting the laws of their country and as such should have died.  Col. McPhail, on leaving, issued a proclamation promising pardon to all who may in future return to their due allegiance, but death to all who may be caught in these disloyal practices—whether plundering, or murdering, or caught in arms and skulking in the woods from justice. I have written this for the purpose of informing the citizens of Texas, who may intend traveling from Niblett's Bluff to the eastward, of the state of affairs existing in that portion of the State, and to ask them to remember that the late punishment inflicted on some of the conscripts renders it very unsafe for small parties to travel alone.
                                               
                                                                                    Respectfully,
                                               
                                                                                                W. R. H.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 4, 1863, p. 2, c. 1

Color Presentation.

            On Wednesday evening there was quite a display in our city, caused by the presentation of a beautiful stand of colors to the 3d Texas Regiment.  This regiment has been until recently stationed at Brownsville.  Some months since, the citizens of that place, desirous of giving the regiment a testimonial of their appreciation of the good behavior and gallantry of the regiment, determined to present them a flag.  Quite a number of the citizens claimed the privilege of contributing.  They made up a purse and sent it to Havana.  On inquiry it was found there was no means of having the flag made there.  Some patriotic ladies of New Orleans, who were then in exile, driven from their homes by Brute Butler, came forward and offered their services, claiming the privilege of making not only a regimental, but a battle flag also, and sending them to the soldiers.  The result was the beautiful flags we mentioned the other day, which were publicly presented to the regiment on Wednesday morning.
           
At 4 P.M., the regiment, dressed in complete uniform, marched up Main street from their camp across the bayou, to the Academy square, where they underwent inspection and review.  This over, they were marched into the Academy yard, and formed in front of the academy by their commander, Lt. Col. E. F. Gray.  Quite an array of officers, including the Commanding General and his Staff were upon the balcony of the Academy, also many ladies and citizens, while a large crowd were assembled outside to witness the ceremony.
           
The flags were brought forward and presented, with an appropriate address by Mr. Mott, of New Orleans, in the name of the fair ladies who sent them.  Mr. Mott gave a history of the flags as we have given it above, and, in the name of the ladies, called on the men to see that no stain of disgrace ever befel the work of their hands.
           
Capt. H. B. Andrews, in behalf of the Regiment, received the colors, and, while paying an eloquent tribute to the ladies who sent them, promised that they would be borne to victory or death.  The brief oration of Capt. A. was full of enthusiasm, and was received with loud applause.
           
The colors were then handed to Col. Gray, who committed them to the Color Guard, with an admonition to bear them in the battle's front, and relinquish them only with their lives.  The colors were received by the regiment with loud cheers.
           
Gen. Magruder was then called upon, and came forward, addressing the regiment in a patriotic and telling speech.  He warned them to beware of demagogues.  He told them what the war was for, and what they could only expect if conquered.  He appropriately alluded to the recent difficulties in the regiment, and to the orders that had been made separating them; and wound up by announcing a change of orders, and that they should march together a band of brothers to the northern frontier, where they would meet the enemy, and prove their devotion to their country in the battle field.  His remarks were received with hearty cheers; and at the close Col. Gray called for three cheers for Gen. Magruder, which were given with a will that showed no trace remaining of the ill feeling that had been heretofore thought to exist.
           
Gen. Luckett then added a few words to his old regiment, and the ceremony was closed.  Altogether it was a fine display and calculated to have the best effect both on soldiers and people.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 5, 1863, p. 1, c. 2

Letter from Natchez.

            The following private letter from Natchez, has been kindly furnished us for publication.  It gives a very lively idea of the condition of things in a captured city.
                                               
                                                                                Natchez, July 19th, 1863.
           
May has requested me to write you a few lines this evening, as we cannot tell whether we shall again be permitted to write you; even this we have to slip through the lines.  We are all prisoners; cannot go out of Natchez without a pass, and that pass given on certain conditions.  Natchez is now garrisoned by at least 6,000 or 7,000 Yankees, part of Grant's force.  They have turned loose the negroes here and have taken all the arms from the citizens.  Not one gun is left them.  If you do not give up the arms, they come and search your house, and have just issued an order compelling every person who possesses over a hogshead of sugar to give it up immediately.  They say that in a few days every one will have to take the oath, those who do not to leave the lines with fifty dollars.  This is all they are allowed, either the money itself or that amount of clothing.
           
Eight of the yankee pickets were killed last night, and that goes to show that some of our forces are near.  Report says it is Loring and Logan.  However the Yankees are beginning to look scared.  They have dug trenches across every street and blocked the streets up with wagons, cotton bales, hogsheads and barrels of dirt and sand, pieces of iron and whatever they can get.  No carriages can pass through the streets now.
           
The obstructions in some places are quite insurmountable, while in others they can be easily leaped by a horse, for I know I have had horses jump higher with me than some of the barrels are.  I could lead our men in so they would not have many of them to pass over, for some of the streets are not yet finished.
           
Since writing the above, more troops have been landed here.  Six thousand passed right by our door a few minutes ago.  We have the full benefit of them for they are passing continually.  The Yankees complain greatly of the manner the ladies treat them.  They say when they pass a lady she will not even look at them.  They pull down their veils, draw their dresses up and pass them with scorn.  They say they can stand it in the men and boys, but cannot bear it in the ladies.  They say they expected to visit and be sociable with the ladies, but not one is allowed to enter the ladies' houses for the purpose of visiting.  So now they have got to walking with and visiting the negro women.  The ladies will not notice them.  The officers seem to be perfect gentlemen, and are as polite and kind as can be, but I cannot say much for the privates.  It is they who are enticing the negroes off.  The officers say they are tired and wish the negroes would stay at home.  They had three shot yesterday, and some more are to be shot to-morrow for stealing.  The negro men they have taken they have penned up in a pen, and it is perfectly awful the fix they are in.  It is right below Henry Forbes' store, and they are not allowed to leave it for any thing.  The stench is horrible.  Some of the negroes are half naked, poorly fed, and some sick with scarlet fever.
           
One of Ma's negroes is gone, the others are making preparations to go.  I suppose they will all be gone to-morrow.  They stand up and tell you they are as free and as good as you.  Gen. Ransom says the negroes think they are free when they get with him, but says they are much mistaken—that he is going to put them on plantations and that they had better stay where they are.  He tells them this when they go to him, but the privates tell them to do otherwise, and induce them to leave their masters.
           
I went to church this morning.  It is the first time I have been outside the house since the Yankees came.  They had armed men, one on each side of the church gate.  I do not know what it was for.  There were a good many in church, but had no guns and behaved very well considering they were Yankees.  They took S. H. prisoner.  He had just come home on a furlough, and got here the very day the Yankees did, so they arrested him.  Another acquaintance of mine was home on a furlough, and he tried to get out of town, but finding he could not, concealed himself in his house and staid there two or three days waiting an opportunity to get out, but his negroes all left him and went with the Yankees, and one of the house servants gold the Yankees that he was concealed there, and they sent his own negro men (six or eight) and two Yankees to take him; so as they started up stairs, his brother came, and standing at the head of the steps with a pistol, told them to come on, but the first step they made he would fire, so they left the house, but they finally got this gentleman.  They got him last night, so he told me this morning, and now he will have to go to Vicksburg, there paroled.
           
The Yankees think they will have a fight here, and say they will fight right in the town.  Some one asked one of them if they would not give them time to get the women and children out, and he said no; that they had given them time to get out before they came down from Vicksburg.
           
The Yankees admit that Grant was badly whipped by Johnston at Jackson.  Some one asked where Grant was.  One of the Yanks spoke up and said, "Well, the papers all said he was on Big Black, but the last I heard of him he was going, double-quick, towards the river."
           
Eustace was talking to one of the officers the other day, and in the conversation questioned him about the family and finds Eus had a single sister; told him he must come round and see her, and Eustace replied, "My sister would not spit on you."  The officer said nothing, but looked at him awhile, then walked off. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 8, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
                                               
                                                                                                Gonzales, Aug. 18, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph:--Through your valuable paper we have been furnished many receipts particularly useful to the country at this time, and I would beg now, if you have it in your power, to give us a receipt for dying red, with any of the productions of the country.  Winter is rapidly approaching and of course we lady spinners and weavers want to make the best show we can of our domestic labors, and to that end it is necessary to know how to dye red, with something beside cochineal and madder—neither of which you know can be obtained, under the present condition of blockade and warfare.  If you have in your bundle of "information for the people," such a receipt, I beg you will give it to us.
                                               
                                                                                                An Enquirer.
           
Will somebody answer?—Ed. Tel.] 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 9, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
A Texas soldier writes us from Shreveport that the ladies there have provided a soldier's home for all passing soldiers.  He says he received kind attention, and better far than was furnished at the hotels, and he urges the ladies of Texas to follow the example of those of Shreveport.  It is an example well worthy to be followed. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 12, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
[prisoners from Sabine Pass]
           
We called to see the Federal prisoners yesterday.  They were almost to a man foreigners, except the officers.  The men made the usual professions of being tired of the war.  We don't doubt their fatigue has greatly increased within a day or two.  We hope if ever they get out of Texas they will be satisfied to keep out the balance of their lives. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 12, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
One hundred and ninety-one Federal prisoners arrived on the train last (Thursday) night from Beaumont, captured at Sabine Pass on the gunboats Clifton and Sachem. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
Somebody will, we presume, volunteer to embroider the word "Sabine" and the wreath for each of the men engaged in the battle of Sabine.  We believe it will be the proudest badge worn after this war is over.  Let the ladies get the badges ready. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 24, 1863, p. 1, c. 1
           
To Dye Red.—Take equal measures of the juice of polk [sic] berries and strong vinegar.  Dip your hanks in alumn [sic] water and boil in this mixture, in a brass kettle, until you have the desired shade. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 25, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
           
Confederate Shoe Factory.—Wanted immediately to work in the Government Shoe Factory.  Persons exempt from military duty, those not understanding the business can easily be taught it.  The demand for shoes for our army now in the field is great, and it is not desired to fill the shops with soldiers who are needed to fight.
           
Those wishing employment will call at the clothing department, Captain Mills, A. Q. M., opposite Postoffice.  Planters or others having negroes capable of making shoes will send them forward immediately to assist in filling our orders to shoe the soldiers now in the field.
                                               
                                                                                    C. L. McCarty, Lieut., C. S. P. A.
                                               
                                                                                    Superintending Shoe Department.
           
Approved, W. J. Mills, Captain, A. Q. M. C. S. A.
           
Houston, Texas, Sept. 23, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
Wanted for the Hospital Department.—500 pounds of Beeswax.  Address, stating prices,
                                               
                                                                                                Howard Smith,
                       
                                                                        Medical Purveyor Dep't Trans-Miss. Houston, Texas.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 29, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
           
We visited the government shoe shop yesterday and were much pleased with the admirable arrangements for the manufacture of shoes for the army.  Capt. Elsbury the superintendent is entitled to much credit for the success he has brought this establishment. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
We learn from a private letter from San Antonio, that the Texas Paper Manufacturing Company, which was incorporated by an act of the last Legislature, opened their subscription books in the town of New Braunfels, on last Saturday week, and that the whole of the stock was taken up, when the company proceeded to organize by electing Sam. Mather, Esq., (late of Williamson county) President, a dn Dr. Theo. Koester, Secretary.
           
The Company have already purchased a mil on the Comal Spring, and are making the necessary alterations to adapt it for proper machinery, an order for which has been sent on to Europe, and the manufactory will go into operation just as soon as it can be got out.  As we have every assurance now that this enterprise will be carried out, we hope every body will do what they can to aid it, by saving all their rags, for which a liberal price will be paid.
           
Any letters addressed to the Secretary at New Braunfels will receive prompt attention. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 30, 1863, p. 1, c. 4

Cotton Wool Cards for Socks.

                                                                                                            Office of Clothing Bureau, Mil. Dist. Texas,            }
                                               
                                                                                    Houston, Sept. 29, 1863.
           
Any person delivering twenty-five pairs of home made socks, strong and well made, to Captain W. J. Mills, A. Q. M., in charge of the clothing department at Houston, will receive one pair of cotton or wool cards, at their option.
                                               
                                                                                            E. C. Wharton,
                                               
                                                                                Major and Chief of Bureau. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, September 30, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
We had the pleasure of meeting Capt. Ashby, of the Rangers, yesterday.  He brought through about 700 letters from Bragg's army, most of which he mailed at this place.  Among his letters, we have to thank him for one from our special correspondent in the Rangers, R. F. B., whose letters are always so welcome to our readers.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 1, 1863, p. 1, c. 3

An  Appeal to the People of Texas.

            Men of Texas, awake!  arise!  The enemy is about to march into your country, bearing aloft the "blood red torch of Mars."  Rush to the defense of all that is near and dear to you on earth, or ignobly perish as slaves.  It is useless to say the enemy cannot enter into the mountain fastnesses, or spread over the broad prairies of Texas.  What is to prevent him unless you meet him at the threshold and drive him back?  The men of Texas have won a proud name on every battlefield, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande.  Come forward now, you that are on Texas soil, and keep it secured from the tread of the invader.
           
The hour has come, meet the enemy, you must, it is for you to decide now, men of Texas!  whether you will meet him as man to man on the battle field, or whether you will skulk before him like a dog from your own doorstep.
           
Women of Texas! 'tis the faint voice of a weary woman from the fairest portion of Louisiana, that warns you.  I have seen the hour when I was glad to take my little children, in the dead hour of night, and steel out of the back door of my own home, and creep like a hounded negro, through the swamps to a place of safety.  If your husbands and your brothers do not defend you at the frontier, women of Texas!  your homes will be desolated also.
           
Expect no mercy at the hands of the enemy.  The history of this war has shown that they have none.  In rare instances one may meet a man in the Yankee army who is not lost to every sense of decency or honor, but an experience of many months did not show me one, no not one, from Butler down to the lowest man in the ranks.
           
Planters of Texas!  give of your means a portion, to secure the remainder.  If the enemy come upon your plantations, they will take your mules, your wagons, and your negroes, to haul off your corn, your wheat, and your cotton.  Give freely now, while the day of salvation is at hand, or Texas will be like Louisiana a desolate country.
                                               
                                                                                                            A Refugee. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
The amateur concert for the Davis Guards will take place early next week, should the weather not continue unfavorable.  Our amateurs recognizing at once the peculiar claims of this brave little band upon not only the city, but our beleaguered State, are determined with one accord, to make this the most attractive and finished entertainment possible.  No compliment was ever better deserved or more bravely won. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
See advertisement of Capt. E. C. Wharton, who proposes to furnish cotton or wool cards at 25 pairs of socks per pair. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
Now is the time for all to "pitch in" and sow plants, and cultivate every and all kinds of vegetables.  We have just been favored with the first general, thorough and plentiful rain of the season.  It has come rather late, but yet there are many vegetables which may yet be produced.—Turnips may be sown.  Every effort should be made to produce an abundant crop of this popular and useful esculent.  One planter is cultivating fifty acres, with a view of having a plentiful supply for his family and servants, and a large surplus to give away to soldiers' families and the poor of our vicinity.  Cabbage should be sown plentifully; also onions, radishes, lettuce, collards, cress, cauliflower, celery, &c.  Let not soldiers' families depend altogether upon what is being gratuitously done for them, but let them all go to work to produce for the future. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 2, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
           
I have always thanked God, says an old philosopher, that I was not born a woman, deeming her the bestower, rather than the enjoyer of happiness—the flower-crowned sacrifice offered up to the human lord of creation.
           
Learning is not offensive in a woman if she duly preserves a gentle and thorough feminine disposition.  Some one has very significantly said that it does not matter how blue the stockings are if only the petticoat is long enough to cover them. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 2, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
           
Candle Wick—The highest market price paid for candle wick and fine spun cotton.
   
                                                                                                                                             Frank Farj, Houston, Texas. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 3, 1863, p. 1, c. 1
                                               
                                                                                    Shreveport, September 29th, 1863.
           
I have written nothing for the last two days for the simple reason that there has nothing come to the headquarters worth communicating.  To give you every new phase which madam rumor chooses to dress up the different versions of her sensation offspring, would, I am sure, neither be edifying to your many readers, nor gratifying to yourself.  Depend upon it, you shall have everything that turns up here of a reliable character, as soon as the express can take it to you.
           
The only good news that I have, is that the heavens have at last been propitious, and the clouds for the last twelve hours have been pouring down upon us the fruitful showers.
           
Shreveport is a considerable place.  On account of the names of its streets—Texas, Milam, Travis, etc.—and the crowds of Texians who throng its streets, it is difficult for a Texian to realize that he is not on Texian soil.  And then her whole-souled women, and lovely girls—what shall we say of them?  We know not where to begin.  The former are true types of our revolutionary mothers, and the latter are the worthy daughters of such mothers.  I would state that the ladies here gave a concert the other night for the benefit of the "Soldier's Home," and took in over $1500.  It was an elegant [illegible], so modest, so unpretending, yet so graceful and chaste. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 3, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
           
Editor Telegraph—Seeing no one has yet responded to the call made in your paper to the merchants of Houston for aid to the soldiers' families, I, though among the smallest and poorest of the tribe, have concluded to make a tender of my mite.  I will give on application, to any needy soldiers' families, school books to the amount of one hundred dollars; garden seeds to the amount of one hundred dollars.
                                               
                                                                                                James Burke.
           
Houston, October 1, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 3, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
                                               
                                    Bonham, September 28, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph-- . . . The Hospital in charge of Dr. J. R. McKee, Surgeon of the Post, is in fine and excellent condition, and the sick are becoming convalescent almost daily.  Only one death has taken place since establishing the hospital in Bonham.  I must not be unmindful of the untiring energy of H. Nathan, the Hospital Steward and General Superintendent.  He is ever ready to administer to the wants of the poor sick soldier and the cleanliness displayed would do justice to a much larger city than Bonham.  The number of soldiers now in hospital are 24, and 11 out of that number are fit for duty.. . .
           
More anon,
                                               
                                                                                    Grey Rover. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 6, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
           
Wearing Rings.—When a lady is not engaged, she wears the ring on her first finger—if engaged, on her second—if married, on her third—and if she intends to remain unmarried she wears the ring on her fourth finger. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
Editor Telegraph:--A soldier's wife wishes to know what Capt. Wharton will take for the socks after they are knit, and what he thinks the cards will be worth after carding wool enough for twenty-five pair of socks.  The ladies of the south, very few of them, know how to spin or knit, and by the time a soldier's wife cooks, washes, irons and patches for five or six children, how many pairs of socks could she make this winter?  Her husband is serving his country at eleven dollars per month, and she must decline taking the order.  Socks in our little town sell for five dollars per pair.  She thinks if this war, the most inhuman of all wars, lasts much longer, and our currency is not restored to its original basis, we will all have to exclaim, Father of mercy!  deliver us from our friends.
                                               
                                                                                                            Respectfully,
                                               
                                                                                                            Soldier's Mother.
October 1st, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 7, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
The Quid Nunc says there is a company of over one hundred deserters encamped near the line of Houston and Trinity counties, at a place called Nogallis Prairie.  A squad of citizens had gone down at last accounts under flag of truce to endeavor to persuade them to return to duty. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 10, 1863, p. 2, c. 1

Socks for Soldiers.

                                                                                                                        Near Chappell Hill, Oct. 7, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph—I see in a late number of your paper, the offer of a pair of cards by E. C. Wharton, to any person delivering twenty-five pairs of home made socks, strong and well made, to Capt. W. J. Mills, at Houston.  Does Maj. Wharton know the cost of those socks to a poor woman, (the rich don't make socks to sell here,) she must have a wheel and cards to prepare the yarn, she must also have seven pounds of cotton, and work twenty-five days, and unless well skilled in carding, the cards will be injured, then she must knit fifty days to make the socks.  This is no fancy sketch, I refer to any woman that can make a good pair of socks.  The price of boarding here, is forty dollars per month, consequently after working three months, she will find herself in debt for cotton and board one hundred and twenty-five dollars, and have a pair of cards that can be purchased in Brownsville, by the box, at one dollar and fifty cents per pair, in specie.  If she takes the government price for socks, she can earn one day's boarding with five days work.  I know knitting is called holiday work, but let a woman earn a pair of Maj. Wharton's cards in three months, and she will find it harder than sewing.  The government cannot purchase socks at their price, and I ask every woman to have a few pair of socks ready for the call that must soon be made for the soldiers.
                                               
                                                                                                            B.
           
It is but justice to Maj. Wharton to say that his offer is the best, under the regulations, that he is permitted mo make.  The cotton cards cost his bureau $25 per pair.  The board of prices has fixed the price of socks at $1 per pair.
           
But the soldiers must be supplied, and while knitting cannot be a remunerating business, the women of the South, those who can afford to and are willing to do so, must do the work partly as a gratuity.  For those who cannot afford it, but are still willing to knit, let public subscriptions be taken up and the socks purchased at a fair and remunerating price.  They can then be exchanged if desired with Capt. Wharton for cotton cards, which may be given to those unable to purchase them.
           
We must not stop now to count any cost that aids the soldiers in the field. We must hesitate at no labor, no trouble, no outlay to secure them in all the comforts they can have while in their laborious and dangerous line of duty.  Good socks, though a small thing, are second to nothing in importance for the preservation of health.  These are at this moment 100,000 pairs wanted in this department.  There are in Texas no less than 100,000 white women between 10 and 60 years of age.  If every one furnishes one pair of socks, the soldiers will be supplied.  If all furnish two pair they will be abundantly supply.  If all the negro women who can knit, were, in addition, to furnish their quota, we never should hear again a complaint on this score.  Now who will set to work to see that every neighborhood furnishes its quota?  Those who cannot knit can pay those who can and cannot afford to give.
           
The people of the Confederacy, men, women, children and slaves should all regard themselves as belonging to the army.  The soldiers fight the battles of the country.  Let the great army of the reserve, now not less than five millions strong, see to it that the army in the field is supplied with all it needs and our cause is bound to go most triumphantly forward.  We want not only a long pull and a strong pull but a pull ALL together by the whole people of the Confederacy.  Socks are but one item.  Other wants will present themselves when this is supplied. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 10, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
The musical entertainment given by our citizens under the direction of Captain Charles Otis on Tuesday evening last, for the benefit of the noble Davis Guards, who have done so much thus far to save our fair State from invasion, proved a perfect success.  The Hall was crowded, and seldom have we seen so many pretty ladies in a crowd.  The performance was good, and where all done so well, we dislike to draw distinctions.  But those of our readers who were present will acknowledge the entertainment a great improvement on any heretofore given.  Captain Otis, and Mr. Benchley, the popular conductor of the Central Railroad, have often ere this taken much pains in getting up these charitable objects, and many a sick soldier abroad have thanked them for their noble efforts in the good cause.  We learn that a large amount of money was raised, and the gallant fellows will rejoice to hear that the fair daughters of our city always appreciate brave men. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 10, 1863, p. 1, c. 1
           
The best prairie matches we have seen are made by Samuel Dean of this city.  They are equal to Greek fire in their combustion, and not to be affected by damp weather.  He also makes ordinary matches by the quantity. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 14, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
                                               
                                                                                    Alexandria, October 8th, 1863.
           
Four hundred and seventy-four Yankee prisoners left here this morning on foot for Shreveport.  The nights are now very cool, and the prisoners have no blankets.  Of course they will be obliged to shiver it out until they reach their place of destination.  As the road is a long one, especially if they are obliged to go to Hempstead, Texas, they will have plenty of time to ask themselves what they are here for, and no doubt they will frequently wish they had stayed at home, where they belong. . . .
           
One of the Yankee prisoners who left here yesterday for Shreveport, slid out of the ranks unnoticed and swam the river.  Last night a planter missed two negroes, and this morning put two dogs on their trail.  In half an hour they treed something, which proved to be the runaway Yankee!  He is now in safe quarters. . . .
                                               
                                                                                                            H. P. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 15, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
                                               
                                                                                                From the Huntsville Item.
. . . We are stationed at Fort Hebert, our battalion under command of Maj. Barnes, who is winning golden opinions from the men and officers, all around.—Gen. Sayles commands the post; though, when we left, the 17th battalion was the chief force on the ground, making its duties exceedingly heavy.  We hope reinforcements will get in, in a day or two, as there is a good deal of sickness, which must be increased without some relief.  There is great need of bacon—the present rations comprising only beef, meal, flour, salt, sugar, molasses, peas, and vinegar.  Of course there is no danger of starving on such diet, but it will make "sick" come, unless bacon and potatoes are thrown in for a change. . . There are something over 400 Yankee prisoners at the Post, and it seems to us the best thing Gen. Magruder could do would be to parole them till exchanged; they would then have to feed themselves, and we don't think they are overkeen for service at present, nor likely to risk death by breaking their parole.  This however is the General's business, not ours; we merely make the suggestion. . . . 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 3

To the Women of Texas.

            I come, my country-women, with no siren song or fairy tale to beguile your hours of idleness, with no strains of eloquence to excite your admiration, or arouse for awhile delusive dreams of glory; but I come to speak of the stern realities of war which are upon us, and the relation we sustain to its progress and ultimate results.  Wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, the destiny of a nation is upon you, and the closing scene of the momentous drama through which we are passing will reflect the impress your conduct and sentiments are making upon it.  History may not bear testimony to most individual deeds of moral heroism, but every sacrifice made for patriotism, every sentiment that tends to foster a noble devotion to our cause, every rebuke given to the ignominious slave of self and mammon, will add a stone to that temple of liberty which will eventually rear its beautiful form above the storms which a ruthless and unscrupulous foe is waging against us.
           
That we will conquer, that we will finally overcome our enemies is inevitable.  Liberty is written on every hearthstone, the booming of our guns, as they send forth the missiles of death through the ranks of our enemy, thunder liberty; the morning and evening breeze as it fans the brow of the wearied warrior and desolate widow, whispers liberty; but slothfulness and inactivity on your part may add years to the struggle in which we are engaged to obtain it.  Would that every woman throughout the Confederacy would feel that with her rested the final result of this unholy strife; then would the gay, the thoughtless, the maid and the matron direct all the energies of their ardent nature to secure that blessing without which all others are valueless, priceless liberty.  Let the votaries of pleasure and fashion come away from the dance and the banquet; let the wives and daughters of inglorious ease forget for a time the elegances of the toilet, and the enervating luxuries of pampered pride, and come with their wealth, come with what ever is dear in life or sacred association, and lay it on the altar of their country, and feel that the offering is trifling if the great end for which so many brave men have perished can thereby be secured.  This may seem a hard thing to do, but better this than the yoke of the despot.  If by indifference and inactivity the enemy should finally triumph, and the dark, dark night of oppression should settle upon us, then with remorse will we mourn our folly; but it will be too late to repent; when the chains of the tyrant are about us, regrets will be useless, and resistance vain.
           
Let all arouse themselves.  Let those who have been folding their hands in fancied security that all would be well without their co-operation, shake off their slothfulness, and each and every one, by self-sacrificing devotion to our cause, evince to the world that we are unconquerable, and, come what may, we will be free.  If adversity should every where attend our arms, let us teach our fathers, husbands, brothers and lovers, to disdain to purchase safely by submission, but undismayed to hold on their glorious way until the last foe is disarmed, or the last arm is palsied that can be raised to strike for freedom.  Let our soldiers feel, from a noble generosity to them and their loved ones at home, that they have our sympathy and our prayers; let their families feel the comforting influence of our liberality; divide with them our last measure of meal.  We are bestowing no charity when we do so, but discharging a sacred obligation to those who on distant fields are protecting our all from desolation.  When we are measuring the products of our looms, to make comfortable those around our fireside, we must not forget the far-off sentinel who is keeping his watch through the dreary hours of a cheerless night, guarding our honor, defending our liberty and our altars.  There is another duty we owe our country and posterity.  Some among us—to their eternal disgrace be it said—are seeking by various pretexts to shun the responsibilities of the war, and avoid the perils of the soldiers' life.  Against all such, let woman cry, Shame, shame!  and tell her recreant husband and lover, she had rather die the widow, or unwedded betrothed, of a brave man, than live to share the obloquy of a traitor or a coward.  Some retired physicians have recently resumed their profession, and are attending with religious care to the planting or other interests, and refusing, as I have known in some instances, to visit the sick families of soldiers in the service.  some, whose physical appearance would authorize the opinion that they could disarm a giant foe, have suddenly become long-faced, dejected invalids, from the remembrance of some infirmity from which they have years ago recovered.  Our conscripting officers and examining physicians are partly to blame for permitting this, but there is a remedy for the evil in most cases.  Men are seldom so lost to every sense of honor as to disregard the frowns of patriotic indignation, or the dishonoring epithet of tory or traitor, but let every woman teach such that their conduct is equivalent to treachery and rebellion, and that they are their country's curse, their children's shame, outcasts of virtue, peace and fame.
           
Last, but paramount to all others at this crisis, is the obligations we are under to aid in sustaining our currency and save ourselves the infamy of repudiation.  The depreciation of Confederate money arose from no original confidence in the government to make it good, but it has sprung from that unbridled spirit of speculation which rides triumphant in the face of every rebuke that outraged justice can cast upon it.  All that could be said and written to execrate the foul degraded monster has been said and written.  The only thing that can be done is for the strong arm of the lawmaking power to take hold of it and lay burthens on each transgressor more grievous than Egyptian bondage, which would be a righteous retribution for their dishonoring course.  Those who for anything save the necessities of life pay the fabulous prices now demanded are in one sense as treacherous to our government as the speculator.  Let every woman who has the opportunity supply by her own skill and industry the essentials of her wardrobe, and wear with Spartan pride the fabrics created by her own hands.  Let her urge the planters to sell the products of their farms only for remunerative prices to individuals or associations who need them, but not to the speculator at any price.  I know this war is bringing upon us a grievous tax, but our resources are inexhaustible, and for the consideration of an honorable peace every man and woman ought cheerfully to bear the burden of taxation rather than leave for their children the disgraceful inheritance of repudiation.  The financial department of our government has probably not been managed with the greatest ability, but now is not the time to make complaints.  Doubtless the assembled wisdom of our Congress this coming session will place our money on a basis that cannot be shaken by domestic treason or reckless speculation.  In the meantime let us urge upon our fathers, husbands and brothers to sustain our government in every extremity with their last dollar, and teach them to feel individually that their honor is as much pledged to redeem our currency as if their names were affixed to every note and bond that has been issued.
           
The day may not be far distant when the sun of peace may arise and spread its glorious beams athwart the thick clouds and darkness that is about us, but whether it be near or remote, let every one resolve that where freedom and God may lead they will follow, and if perish they must, they will perish rather than crouch to the despot's sword, or leave to history the story that we lived and died the slaves of a merciless conqueror.
                                               
                                                                                                Ceceola. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
                                               
                                                                        Headquarters Bates' Regiment,            }
                                               
                                                                        Velasco, Texas, Oct. 13, 1863.           }
           
Editor Telegraph:--Deprived as we in the army are of the associations and pursuits of civil life, we have organized in our regiment a Library Association, and are seeking to meet one of the wants of our condition by obtaining a supply of good books.
           
Our plan is to establish a circulating library, and as we are cut off from the usual sources of supply, we appeal to our friends for contributions of books.
           
The people have freely given money to the soldiers to procure their physical comfort, but the want which we seek to meet, has regard to higher and more important interests.  Thousands of the youth of our country are now forming their characters amid the licentious and corrupting tendencies of camp-life.  It is our desire to counteract these influences by the aid of good books, which, by giving employment to minds which must be active, shall not only restrain from the vice and dissipation so fearfully prevalent, but aid in acquiring the mental training and knowledge necessary to act their parts as good citizens when the independence of our country shall call them from the army to take their position in society.
           
The worthiness of our object is so apparent, and its claims to the sympathy and aid of the public so numerous and weighty, that we feel a simple presentation of the case is the only appeal we need to make.
           
Any good books will be thankfully received.  One or two from each family within reach would soon give us the number desired.  Persons living in the same neighborhood might unite and make up a package and forward.  From Houston, Liberty, Brenham, Chappell Hill, Millican, Alleyton, and other points, there is a direct communication by railroad and steamboat to this place.  The books can thus be sent speedily, and with but little if any cost.
           
Friends of the soldiers!  while patriotically contributing to the bodily wants of your fellow citizens in the field, don't forget the higher claims which our Association in their behalf prefers.  Think of the noble end in view, and invest at lest one good book in the enterprise.
           
All books should be sent to Velasco, to
                                               
                                                                                    Capt. W. S. Herndon, Librarian.
           
Oscar M. Addison, Secretary of Library Association, Bates' Regiment. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 19, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
           
The undersigned take pleasure to inform the friends and public generally, that they have now opened a Hebrew-English-German School, near A. J. Raphael's dwelling house.—The strictest attention will be paid to the moral and religious training of the scholars.  Hours of instruction from 8 ½ to 3 o'clock daily.
                                               
                                                                                    Z. Emmish, Superintendent.
                                               
                                                                                    G. Duvernoy, Assistant Teacher. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 19, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
                                               
                                    Tyler, Texas, Oct. 7th, 1863.
           
The following articles will be purchased at the C. S. Laboratory, Tyler, Texas, and liberal prices given:
Capsicum                                 (Red Pepper)                                    Pods.
Cornus Florida                         (Dogwood)                             Bark.
Euphorbia Ipecacuauha            (Ipecahuanha Spurge)              Herb.
Eupatonium Perfolliafim            (Boneset)                                "
Popaver                                   (Poppy)                                  Heads.
Podophyllum Peltatum              (May Apple)                           Root.
Polygaba Senaga                      (Senaka Snake Root)              "
Pinnus Virginiaus                       (Wild Cherry)                         Bark.
Quercus Alba                           (White Oak)                            "
Rubus Villosus                          (Blackberry)                           Root.
Rubus Trivialis                          (Dewberry)                             "
Salix Alba                                 (White Willow)                       Bark.
Cephalanthus Occidentalis        (Button Willow)                       Bark of the Root.
Salvia                                       (Sage)                                     Leaves.
Elmus                                       (Elm Slippery)                         Bark.
Palma Christi                            (Castor Oil)                             Beans.
Luiapis                                     (Mustard)                                Seed.
Rosa                                        (Rose)                                     Leaves.
           
Honey, Wax, Tallow, Lard and Clean Bottles.
           
The articles are to be dried.  Of the Bark, the inner portion is that required.
                                               
                                                W. R. Johnson,"
                                                                                                Surg. P. A. C. S. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 19, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
Wanted by the Hospital Department, for making Litters for the wounded.  Heavy hoop iron, from 1-16 to 1-8 inch thick, from 1 ¼ to 3 inches wide.  Address,
                       
                                                                                                Surgeon Howard Smith, C. S. H.
                                               
                                                                        Med. Purveyor, Dep. Trans. Miss. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
The Editor of the State Gazette lately made a trip from Austin to Alleyton.  From his graphic description of the trip we copy the following:
Our trip down was as agreeable as such trips usually are, with a stage full ofpassengers.  The roads were in tolerable order, and the teams in fine condition, but the rate of speed at which they travel, makes it very tedious and fatiguing.  The stage leaves here at 11 A.M., reaches LaGrange about daylight, and Alleyton about 3 P.M. the next day, the distance being about 100 miles.  There is no stopping place for dinner between LaGrange and Alleyton, and the showing at the latter place is a very poor one.  On our arrival there we were told we would have to wait till supper time, at which there was considerable of a scramble for a seat, as the house was crammed with passengers going to and fro, and the accommodations looked anything but cheering.  But for an old German, who very kindly invited us to partake of some home-made wine, and also handed us some good smoking tobacco, we should have fared very badly, as we could find nothing in the town that could be had for love or money.  
Being the principal thoroughfare from Houston to the West, the place was crammed with wagons and other vehicles, and the roads leading from there were literally blocked up with teams.  Sitting at the door of the hotel, it was quite interesting to watch the numerous arrivals and departures, and the busy scenes going on all around us.  Ox-teams, driven by hardy looking, muscular men, that ought to be in the army, and in some instances by boys apparently not more than twelve years of age, with now and then a straw negro, all cursing the poor brutes that are staggering under their loads; Mexican carts in charge of swarthy greasers, clad in buckskin, with their gaudy colored blankets, shouting in their mongrel Spanish, to their half starved oxen; Government ambulances dashing past, filled with soldiers; Artillery men riding back and forward, with their strings of horses to water, and stages crowded with passengers arriving and departing, together with the Railroad cars, which came in every evening, made up such a Babel as have never witnessed before in Texas.  Everybody seems to be in a hurry and all appear anxious to get away as soon as possible, as it would cost a man a small fortune to live there a week.  There could not have been less than 200 persons, who took supper at the hotel the evening we were there, and such a motley crowd we never remember having sat down with before.  Officers in gay uniforms; clerks in broadcloth, bedizened with jewelry; planters in homespun, wagoners in their dirty shirt sleeves, and deserters with balls and chains around their legs, might all be seen at the same table, contesting for the possession of such edibles as were placed before them.  
It was a sight worthy the study of a painter, and we thought if Hogarth had been there, he might have added one more relic that would have embellished his illustrious memory.  After supper, we found the landlord standing at the door, something like a check-taker at a theatre.  As we were going to leave again the same evening, we paid our bill, $3 for supper—soldiers, we were told, were only charged $2.  We found this charge only in keeping with others.  The distance is but three miles from Columbus, and a hack, running to and fro, charges $4 each way.  The Houston papers are sold at 50 cents a copy, and a negro won't look at your trunk or carpet-bag for less than a dollar.  In fact, we, in this region, are in a blissful state of ignorance about the outside world, in the way of charges, and a man only needs to take a short trip from home, east or west, to be satisfied on this point. . . . 
           
We came up with a stage full of sick soldiers, and we noticed at Lagrange no charge was made for their meals, the ladies of that county having made provision for all who might be traveling through here.  We hope this will become general throughout the country, as we often meet with poor fellows, who have been battling for their country since the war commenced, wending their way homewards, broken down in constitution, and without a dollar in their pockets.  Who would have the heart to refuse a shelter to these brave defenders of our homes, or take their last dollar for their night's board and lodging? . . .  
   
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 21, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                    Alexandria, October 16, 1863.
. . . The exodus from Louisiana to Texas is now immense.  All are leaving who can get away.  Many planters are going with their negroes and leaving their families behind to the tender mercies of the enemy.  Others are removing everything they can transport.  All the great thoroughfares leading to the Lone Star State are thronged, hundreds passing any given point daily.  How they are to subsist when they get there is a question they are not prepared to answer, but flatter themselves that any change of locality will be for the better.  If the portion of the State lying this side of the river is overrun by the enemy, the majority of the inhabitants will fly to Texas. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 22, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
           
We (Sioux) visited Hempstead a few days ago, and found the town in the same condition of all our cities during war times.  Nine-tenths of the male population are in the army, but there are lots of pretty girls to be seen everywhere.  We here met with parson J. Lancaster, editor of the Texas Ranger, wearing the rank of Captain of the C. S. A.  He is enrolling officer for Washington county, and has the reputation of being a first rate hand in drumming up recruits.  We congratulate our contemporary on his appointment.
           
We visited Camp Groce, where the Federal prisoners of war are kept.  The camp is under command of Lt. Col. John Sales, of Washington county, and everything looks neat and clean about the premises.  We found but little sickness among the prisoners, and all look well and hearty.  Some of the Yankee officers informed us that they were getting fat on corn dodgers.  Commander Crocker and those captured at Sabine Pass are separated from those captured in former engagements.  We trust that as soon as the present intentions are known that would justify us in an exchange of prisoners, that it will be made, for we have some very valuable officers in the hands of the enemy, and the cost of keeping and guarding these men will be dispensed with. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 22, 1863, p. 1, c. 3

Potato Flies Used for Blistering Ointment.

                                                                                                                                                Richmond, Sept. 19, 1863.
To the Editor of the Sentinel:
           
Dear Sir:--On a professional visit, a few days since, to the house of a friend in Chesterfield, he complained that his potatoes were much scourged by an insect fly, which he said existed in such numbers as seriously to damage his crop in the present dry season.  suspecting at once that they were the true blistering fly, "Cantharis vesicatoria" of our country, which are fond of feeding on potato vines, I desired him to catch some for me.  He soon returned from the potato field with two or three dozen enclosed in a paper, which I brought home, had them toasted dry and powdered, and then mixed with cerate in the same proportions as are used in making the ordinary blistering ointment of the shops.  On the next day I used this blistering ointment on a young man, a patient, with gratifying effect.  It drew very fine blisters, exactly analogous in every respect with those produced by the ordinary Spanish fly plaster, and in every way just as useful to the patient.  He said it drew quicker and was rather more burning, doubtless owing to the freshness of the flies.  Blistering ointment will often fail when old.  As now is the time to catch these flies, it is wise for every housekeeper to gather a quart or two for the use of his own family, to save himself the present exorbitant cost of blistering ointment.  If caught in sufficient quantities, they would be of great service to our military hospitals, and would save a heavy charge to the medical department of the army.  Besides, the value would be quite remunerating, and children may be useful in catching them.  They are about the size of a common lightning bug, and somewhat like them; having larger bodies, with a narrower waist, and alternate stripes of yellow and green down their backs.  This fly, in the books, is called, "Cantharis vittata."  It is the true blistering fly, indigenous to our country.
           
When caught and put into open muslin bags they may be killed by steaming them over boiling vinegar, and then dried in the sun and kept for use.
           
When made into ointment, the powdered flies may be mixed with about two or three parts their weight of a cerate made of equal parts of rosin, yellow wax, and lard.  It will keep a long time.
                                               
                                                                                    Respectfully yours,
                                               
                                                                                                W. A. Patterson, M. D. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 22, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
The further arrivals of State Troops make a most soldierly and gallant appearance.  The battalion recently arrived from Tyler and Waco are unsurpassed in their physical appearance as well as their equipments by any that we have yet seen. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 22, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
           
The Item says that Austin College, at Huntsville, is quite flourishing, having now over one hundred pupils. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 5

Wanted.

            All ladies in Houston and surrounding counties who have cloth on hand, which they can spare, are requested to donate it to the ladies of Crockett for the purpose of making petticoats for the Minute Men of this county, who have "backed out" of the service.  We think the petticoat more suitable for them in these times.  And by thus clothing them, we can save our county the shame and reproach which will be cast upon it, and ourselves the mortification of meeting minute men who make great war speeches, but who, on the approach of danger, hoist the white feather and retire from the field.  Those clothed with the petticoat, as all are aware, are allowed full license of the tongue, but are not held responsible for what they may say or do.
           
Owing to the scarcity of cloth in the county, we will require the merchants to furnish themselves.
                                               
                                                                                    Grand-ma Mattock. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, October 31, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
We publish to-day from the Houston Telegraph some important disclosures as to the existence of domestic traitors among us, brought to light by Gen. Magruder.  Three of these traitors, Dr. Peebles, a wealthy planter on the Brazos, D. B. Baldwin, a prominent lawyer of Houston, and a German, by the name of Zinke, formerly from Victoria, where he published a newspaper, have been some days here, on their way to banishment in Mexico—Gen. Magruder having ordered that they should be put across the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass.  We take occasion to earnestly protest against these and all other traitors being left on our defenceless border to plot their treason against us.  Let them either be hung, (as they deserve,) or be put at work on our fortifications on the coast, under close guard.—S. A. Herald. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 2, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
The State Military Board have just received for distribution 30,000 pairs of cotton cards, of European manufacture.  They were purchased and imported by, we believe Ball, Hutchings, & Co., at present of this city, and are sold by the State Board to the counties at $10 per pair, in currency.  The Chief Justice of each county will be notified of the share coming to his county, on which, by sending the money to Austin, he will secure the cards.  The Board certainly deserve great credit for this work.  The saving they will make to the people will be largely over a million of dollars, to say nothing of facilities for making clothing, etc.  All letters ordering these cards should be addressed to P. DeCordova, Esq., Secretary of the Military Board. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 2, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
                                               
                                                                                    Nacogdoches, Texas, Oct. 22, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph—A difference of opinion exists amongst officers who should be well informed with regard to one point in military tactics—it is this:  Suppose the company marching by the right flank, and the instructor wishing it to march to the front without halting, what is the proper command?  Some drill officers give the command "By the left flank—march!" and proceed to march their companies to the front, whilst others halt their company; bring it to a front, and then command:  Forward—March!
           
Please submit this question to your best informed authorities, and give us the result of their decision in your next.
                                               
                                                                                    Second Sergeant,
                                               
                                                                                    10th Battalion, Texas State Troops.
           
[The military genius of the editor goes more to the planning of campaigns and movements of large armies, than to the minutia of squad drill.  At a rough hazzard however, he would say that the drill officer who is obliged to halt his men to change them from a flank to a front movement, should himself halt till he learns his business.  For further particulars, see Hardee.  We would send our copy, but it has been loaned out these two years.—Ed. Telegraph.] 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 3, 1863, p. 1, c. 1
                                               
                                                                                    Sabine Pass, Nov. 1st, 1863.
           
Ed. Telegraph--. . . Urged upon some of the ladies of Houston the propriety of making and presenting the Davis Guards with a flag of the new pattern, to be hoisted over Fort Griffin, as they have nothing but a Lone Star flag, which is good enough for anybody to fight under, but not quite so appropriate as a Confederate flag.  During the late battle they were forced to borrow a small flag from Capt. Daly or fight without one. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 3, 1863, p. 1, c. 1
Card of Thanks.—The undersigned takes this method of returning thanks on the part of himself and company, to the ladies of Richmond and vicinity, and also of Alleyton, for their great kindness in making up a large lot of clothing, in a very short space of time.  And to the citizens of Alleyton, through Col. Webb, and of Fort Bend county, through Dr. Leigh, for placing at his disposal the means of purchasing it.  I am also indebted to E. H. Cushing, Esq., of the Telegraph, for giving much publicity to my business in the State, collecting clothing for Flournoy's Regiment.
                                               
                                                                                                M. Quin,
                                               
                                                                        Capt. Co. H, 16th, T. V. I. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 3, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
                       
                        From the Tyler Reporter, Oct. 22d.
           
Fire.—On last Wednesday night, about twelve o'clock, a fire broke out in the "Old Federal Court House" in this place, which entirely destroyed that building.  It was occupied above at the time by some soldiers as a bed room, and below, we understand, by some negroes and through the carelessness of the latter the fire is supposed to have originated.  The stable attached to the "Holman House" was also destroyed, but the stock and property in it were saved.  The "Holman House" itself was in much danger, and would certainly have been burned but for the extraordinary stillness of the night and the efforts of citizens and soldiers present at the time.  The soldiers in the court house were compelled to jump from the second windows, the fire having reached the stairway before they awoke.  Most all of them were more or less injured by the fall, but no lives were lost.  Nearly all their baggage, clothing, &c., was burned. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 5, 1863, p. 1, c. 1
           
Soldiers' Circulating Library.—We appeal to the citizens of Houston and surrounding country, for contributions of books, of a religious and moral character, for the soldiers stationed in and around Galveston.  Friends!  while the soldiers have left their homes, and formed a barrier between you and the enemy, we desire that the weary hours of camp may be employed in reading a good book.  We have established a circulating library; and, as books are not to be purchased, we must rely upon the generous donations of friends at home.  Let each family in this part of the State contribute the books they can spare, insert their names in them, and thus show their appreciation of our brave soldiers.  German literature is also desired.  We need pocket Bibles and Testaments.  Many of the soldiers are without them and cannot get them.  Pastors of churches, please solicit contributions from the pulpit.  An immediate response is desired.  Send books Care Mr. James Burke Houston, or to myself, Galveston.
                                               
                                                                        L. H. Baldwin, Post Chaplain, Galveston. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 5, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
                                               
                                                                        Hempstead, Austin county, Oct. 24th, 1863.
           
At a meeting of the citizens held in this place to-day, Hon. E. Waller, Sen., was called to the Chair, and N. W. Bush, member elect to the Legislature for this County, was elected Secretary.  The Chairman explained the object of the meeting in a few appropriate remarks, and extracts from the speech made by Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder, at Camp Lubbock, published in the Telegraph, were read.  Rev. James W. Shipman was then called for and responded in an eloquent and patriotic speech; and, on motion, a committee, consisting N. W. Bush, J. W. Shipman, T. W. Groce, F. J. Cooke and Reuben Loggins, was appointed to embody in writing the sentiments of the meeting, and on motion, the Chairman was added to the Committee, who, after a short recess, reported as follows:
           
Resolved, That Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder, in his action with regard to the arrest of traitors among us, has met the wants and wishes of the people of Texas, and was fully and unequivocally endorsed by this meeting.
           
Resolved, That we have reason to be thankful to the Great Disposer of human events, that his Military Department has at its head a man who feared no responsibility when the interests of the country are jeapardised [sic], and who, coming among us with a bright escutchen [sic], has added, and is adding, to an already illustrious name by his action in the responsibilities and emergencies that surrounded him.
           
Resolved, That Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder has elicited the confidence and admiration of the people of Texas by his acts in the council, as well as in the field, and that in assuming military authority where civil law was powerless to arrest the evil, he has demonstrated his capacity to act in emergencies as well as in the usual duties of a military leader, and has thereby enlarged the confidence we already reposed in him.
           
Resolved, That we will organize ourselves into a company and report to him for duty at once, under his last call for exempts, dated October 17th; and that we will give every aid and information in our power towards the further arrest of traitors among us; and to this we pledge all we hold dear on earth.
           
The resolutions were unanimously adopted by a crowded house.  The main object of the meeting being thus disposed of, a citizen rose and asked leave to offer the following resolution, which was granted:
           
Resolved, That the Provost Marshal and Enrolling Officer of this county, in the discharge of delicate and responsible duties, have been faithful, vigilant and true; and that while they have performed their duties to the Government, they have comported themselves with comity, consideration and regard towards the people.
           
This resolution was unanimously adopted; and, on motion, the Houston Telegraph, Galveston News and Bellville Countryman were requested to publish these resolutions.
           
Whereupon the meeting adjourned sine die.
                                               
                                    E. Waller, Sen., Chairman.
           
N. W. Bush, Secretary.           

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 5, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
We have had the pleasure of meeting Capt. G. W. Chilton, just up from the Rio Grande with 4,000 and odd Enfield rifles, all of which have safely arrived at this place.  they are a timely addition to our means of defence. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 7, 1863, p. 1, c. 5

Message of  Governor Lubbock.

. . . In March last, Maj. Gen. Magruder requested of me the use of the Penitentiary as a place of confinement for the prisoners of war in this District.  I acceded to his request, conditioned that such use would not impair the material interests of the Institution.  I wrote to this effect to the Superintendent, and authorized him to receive the prisoners, if he was satisfied the material interests of the Institution would not suffer.  The prisoners were received sometime in the latter end of April or beginning of May.  Subsequently doubts arose in my mind as to the propriety of the step, solely, however, upon the ground of risk to the Establishment, and not as to the propriety of its use as a place of confinement for prisoners, the enemy having frequently incarcerated our soldiers in such places.  I thereupon addressed Brigadier General Scurry, requesting their withdrawal, which was done.  In the month of October I received two communications from Maj. Gen. Magruder; again, urgently requesting its use for the safe keeping of Federal prisoners of war taken at Sabine Pass; many very important reasons were adduced by him in support of the measure, but none sufficient in my judgment, to overcome my previous objections, and which I yet entertain, viz:  the risk of destruction to the sole manufactory of cloth west of the Mississippi river, of incalculable importance, therefore, to the armies of the Trans-Mississippi Department.  I declined his request.  I respectfully ask the Legislature to take into consideration the propriety of using the penitentiary for such purpose. . . . 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 9, 1863, p. 2, c. 4

Philips' Regiment.

            Capt. A. W. Noble, of Philips' Regiment, has arrived in Houston, with a detail of six men, to procure clothing for that regiment. . . . Capt. Noble will remain in Houston, while the above-named men will proceed to the counties where the regiment was made up, and endeavor to procure the clothing required.
           
This regiment has been in constant service now for many months, and for the last two months it has been on outpost duty, hovering about the advancing foe, and without a change of clothing all the time.  As may be supposed, the brave boys are in rags.
           
Very many of the regiment are from Arizona and California.  They have no friends here to depend on for clothing.  The generosity of the people must supply the want.  Already, we believe, has Maj. Durant asked for this aid.  We trust his call and that of Capt. Noble will be met as Texians alone know how to meet the calls of this kind.
           
What is wanted is underclothing, socks, blankets, coats, etc.  All donations sent to this office for the purpose will be acknowledged in the Telegraph, and we hope to be able to acknowledge a fully supply in a few days.  those having friends in the regiment will forward packages to Capt. Noble at this place, at once, in order that they may go to the needy boys on the first wagon that leaves. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 7, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
           
Milk is now sold at $1 per quart in Houston.  A friend and neighbor of ours sells the milk of two cows daily at 75 cents per quart.  He has six fine negroes hired out, the cost of whom originally was over $7,000 in gold.  His two cows cost him $50.  These cows now net him more than the six negroes!  The negroes bringing him in $255 per month, and the cows about $280.  Make your own comments. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 10, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
           
The officers of Ector's brigade gave a "pic-nic" near Meridian, on Friday last, which was one of the pleasantest little affairs we have recently attended.  The day was very propitious, the various meteorological premonitions of falling weather having been dispelled early in the morning, leaving a clear and lovely sky, with here and there a pure white cloud, slumbering "like Eden isles on the upper deep."—A large arbor had been constructed at the place selected for the day's festivities, where seats for the ladies and others had been arranged, and in front of which, ample preparations were made for the devotees of Terpsichore.  The attendance of fair ladies and brave men was good, and everything passed off quietly, pleasantly and agreeably to all.   About noon, the votaries of the dance commenced their favorite exercise to the discourse of good and enlivening music, and concluded until dinner was announced, when all repaired to a table loaded with good things, to which ample justice was done by all.  The dance was revived after dinner, and kept up till the shades of evening stole in on the happy party.  When the company dispersed, each one was pleased with the day's proceedings.—Mississippian, Oct. 20th

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 10, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
           
The Texas cavalry, (Rangers), at Rome, Ga., played a mad prank the other day.  They disguised themselves as Yankees, made a dash upon the Georgia militia and captured their battery. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 10, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
                                               
                                                                        Walker County, Texas, Oct. 27, 1863.
           
Ed. Telegraph—Notwithstanding the great hue and cry that has prevailed in relation to the "condition of soldiers' families," I do candidly believe that the majority of them in this portion of the State, at all events, are bountifully supplied with all the necessaries, and to a great extent, with all the luxuries of life at present obtainable in the markets of the country.  Several families of soldiers, in this county, within the writer's ken, live better, are better clad, and live in greater idleness than when their "heads" were at home.
           
Yet there are some overlooked "exceptions to these rules."  Now and then a family is seen living principally on bread, clad in rags, and poorly housed.  In this latter category is the family, I am informed of one Moses, in the North-Eastern part of our county.  The number of their beat the writer don't remember, but be it where it may, they should be looked to, and their wants immediately relieved.  Moses, I am told, has been two years in the army, and if he is as meek as his great Israelitish namesake his passions would, no doubt, be somewhat ruffled at learning the destitute condition of his wife and children.
           
Respectfully,
                                               
                                                                                                            Friend to the Poor. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 10, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
The [Henderson TX] Times mentions ladies dressed in homespun.  That's good.  We should be glad to see enough of it in market to enable ladies to discard all foreign made flummery.  An honest woman dressed in good honest homespun would indeed be a prize. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 12, 1863, p. 1, c. 1
                                               
                                                                                    General Hospital, P. A. C. S.,     }
                                               
                                                                                    Houston, Texas, Nov. 12, 1863. }
           
Persons applying for medicines, on prescriptions of an army surgeon, must supply vials.  I desire to purchase old vials, old linen and cotton rags—which are greatly needed in the Hospital.
                                               
                                                                                    W. P. Riddell,
                                               
                                                                                    Post Surgeon in charge of Hospital. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 12, 1863, p. 1, c. ?
                                               
                                                                                    Headquarters, Dist. of Texas, New}
                                               
                                                                                    Mexico and Arizona,                     }
                                               
                                                                                    Houston, Nov. 8, 1863.                }
General Orders No. 94.
           
I.  The limited stock of clothing, camp and garrison equipage on hand at any one time requires that only the absolute necessities of the troops be supplied.  To accomplish this, immediately on the reception of this order, the companies will be inspected critically by their commanders, superintended by the Regimental, Battalion, or Post Commander, as the case may require, and both officers shall forward at once, to Capt. E. C. Wharton, A. Q. M., Chief of Bureau of Clothing and Equippage, Houston, a statement, certified on honor, showing at inspection:
           
1st.  The number of men actually present.
           
2d.  The quantity and character of Clothing in possession of the men, under the headings of "Hats or Caps," "Coats or Jackets," "Trowsers, Shirts, Drawers, Socks, Shoes, Blankets, Great or Overcoats."
           
3d.  The quantity and character of Camp and Garrison Equippage in charge of the Company or its Commander.
           
4th.  The quantity and character of Clothing and Equippage absolutely requisite to enable the men to take the field.
           
Any inaccurate statement will subject the Inspecting Officers to prompt punishment.
           
At the same time, Sub-District, Post, Regimental or Battalion Quartermasters will furnish Capt. E. C. Wharton, A. Q. M., with a certified Return of Clothing and Equippage in their charge, showing whether for issue or for transportation; and the Returns will be made to Capt. Wharton, monthly.
           
The troops enlisted for the war will be the first supplied by Captain Wharton, and the Clothing and Equippage Quartermasters under his control, as Chief of the Clothing and Equippage Bureau.  Of these troops, those ordered for active service will have the preference.
           
Sales of clothing to officers will be confined strictly to absolute necessities for their own personal use, and must not interfere with the paramount duty of clothing the troops.
           
The funds received by Post, Regimental and Battalion Quartermasters, for sales of clothing to officers, will be turned over by them to Captain Wharton, A. Q. M., Houston; Capt. McKinney, A. Q. M., Tyler, or to Capt. Prescott, A. Q. M., San Antonio.
           
II.  General Orders No. 193, Nov. 2d, 1863, from these Headquarters, are so far modified as to allow Commanding officers, in case of absolute necessity, to permit their Quartermasters, and Commissaries of Subsistence to leave their posts or commands on public business.
           
III.  Officers are hereby positively prohibited from detaining a messenger beyond the schedule time, of the Pony Express, on any route in this District.  This order is positive, and a strict compliance will be required.
           
By command of
                                               
                                                                                                Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder.
E. P. Turner, A. A. G. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 12, 1863, p. 2, c. 1

Iron.

            Cut off from all extraneous resources, it is important that the Trans-Mississippi Department should become self-sustaining.  To effect that result it is necessary that the mineral wealth of Texas should be developed, for we cannot gain our independence or defend it after it is conquered without Iron, which is an article of prime necessity, and the basis of all civilization. . . At the last session of Congress the Iron Service so called, was created, with an appropriation to secure the production of pig metal.  An agent of that service was sent to this State.  He has made a thorough exploration of the "iron belt," and knows its capabilities. He is now, we understand, in Austin, or on his way thither, and we trust the Legislature will take such action as may secure for the benefit of the people, as well as the Government, the erection of iron works in all parts of the iron region.
           
It would be far better if these works should be carried on by private enterprise, encouraged by legislation.  Such is the case with those east of the Mississippi.  The necessities of the people will shortly call loudly for these works.  We are now short of pots, kettles and all the implements of domestic use or husbandry.  Unless we endeavor to supply ourselves in this way, we shall always be dependent on those who are or may be our enemies.  We commend the subject to the attention of the people and the Legislature. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 12, 1863, p. 2, c. 4

Fourth Texas Infantry at Chattanooga.

                                                                                                                                                    Shreveport, La., Nov. 4, 1863.
           
Mr. Editor—I enclose you an extract from a private letter of my brother, John C. West, company E, private in 4th regiment Texas Infantry, Hood's old brigade.  It may be of interest to the friends of that regiment.  It is dated October 14th, 1863 in line of battle near Chattanooga.
                                               
                                                                                                        J. C. S. West.

Extract.

            I overtook the old brigade on the morning of the 18th September at the Burnt Bridge just at the dawn of day, and found all astir and making ready to move.  I had no time to rest, but marched off immediately, passing Ringgold at about eight or nine o'clock in the morning.  Here we first heard of Yanks ahead, and putting out flankers, moved forward cautiously and slowly.  At about 12 o'clock, while passing through quite a narrow defile, we heard considerably firing in front; we were here ordered to load and await orders.  While here I saw citizens, men, women and children, hurrying to the rear.  I saw one poor creature overloaded with coverlids, tin pans, cups, &c., with a child on each side and two or three bawling behind.  She fell down three times, but still scrambled on for life, while the sputtering fire of the muskets in the surrounding hills was sounding in her ears.  As I saw her agony I could but recall the words of Holy Writ:  "Woe until those who are with child, and who give suck in these days." . . .
                                               
                                                                                                        J. C. West. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 14, 1863, p. 1, c. 1

A Card.

            The undersigned would announce to the Christian public, that they have already printed and put into circulation over 150,000 pages of tracts for our soldiers of the Trans-Mississippi Department, a full supply of which can now be had at James Burke's book store at $10 per hundred tracts, of four pages each.
           
All Chaplains are invited to send their orders, and the tracts will be supplied "gratis" to them.
           
Whoever purchases 1000 tracts at $100, and whoever will send us $100 donation, will each thereby enable us to print 1000 tracts in addition to our present supply.  We most earnestly entreat the friends of this enterprise to send us funds without delay.
                                               
                                                                                                A. J. Burke, Treasurer,
                                               
                                                                                                Jas. Burke, Depository.
           
Rev. Mr. Ahrens is our Agent to collect funds and distribute the tracts.
                                               
                                                                                                J. R. Hutchinson,
                                               
                                                                                                J. E. Carnes,
                                               
                                                                                                T. Castleton,
                                               
                                                                                                A. Brown.
Houston, Nov. 13, 1863. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 14, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
                                               
                                                                                                Bonham, Nov. 4th, 1863.
           
Editor Telegraph:-- . . . The developments of treasonable correspondence, as made by Gen. Magruder, did not surprise me at all when I heard the names of some of the parties.  So far as I know them, they have long been mean, corrupt men.  Why their names were not given publicly to hissing and scorn, I do not know.  But it does seem, that if the country, and especially those who read little and are most liable to be led astray, were made to see that the leaders in all such treason were notoriously bad men on general principles, it would prevent others being misled by them.
           
For instance, one of the correspondents referred to, who lived in Houston and was arrested—was long known in Little rock as a tricky, swindling lawyer, with no talent but for petty frauds.  Some years ago, and not long after his removal to Indianola, Texas, he overreached a simple-hearted brother of his, who had charge of the Hospital, and induced him to rob a dead man, who had died there under his charge, of a cash draft on a Baltimore Quartermaster, for nine hundred dollars.  The attempt to collect it led to a complete detection.  The duped brother soon after died of a broken heart, while the scoundrel who had induced the heinous crime and was to reap a part of the fruit, went unwhipt of justice.  Scorned in the village, he soon after removed to Houston.
           
What has been his course since, I do not know; but with this knowledge of his antecedents, with the additional fact that he was originally a New Yorker, and always regarded by many as an abolitionist, it was not surprising to my mind that he was detected plotting the ruin of the country of his adoption.  The facts referred to as having occurred at Indianola, can be vouched for by Hon. J. Beaumont, then and now Chief Justice of the county, and Wm. P. Mitby, then  County Clerk, and now of Hallettsville.  Instead of being a convict in the Penitentiary atoning for his crime, he was allowed to go at large; and now, when caught in the blackest crime known to the public law of all governments, instead of being hung, he is (as we learn) being sent out of the country, where he may revenge himself more effectively with such black-hearted knaves as Hamilton, Haynes, Davis, Stansel and others, whose sole incentive to treason is the hope of plundering wealth from the people who scout and loathe them as the basest of the base.  This man's name is DAVID J. BALDWIN.  The proof against him was the dying declaration of his brother.  Then why conceal his name and these facts, and allow him to go North, to be lionized as a martyr, when, if his true character were known, he would be despised by thousands even in that corrupt land.
           
Another case.  One Thomas Fulgum and others have been arrested in Coryell county, having in their possession an abundance of Indian arrows, mockasins [sic] and other Indian disguises, by the aid of which they had been playing Indian on the frontier, stealing, shooting stock, &c.  They were in communication with men who had deserted and concealed themselves in the woods.  One Augustus Fore was associated with the same gang of deserters, though probably not one himself.  Now look at their character.  Fulgrum is an old offender. . . .         
   
                                                                                                                                         B.

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 14, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
The members of the Second Texas Regiment, recently exchanged, are rapidly concentrating at Camp Lubbock near this city.  They have been furnished with new and improved Enfield rifles.  Our readers will remember their old regimental flag was lost at Vicksburg, after they had nobly carried, and defended it on many a hard fought battle field, they are now without a stand of colors, and we would suggest that our citizens again present them with them.  We will guarantee they will defend it wherever they are ordered.  Let some one set the ball in motion, and any amount of money necessary for this object can be raised in a short time. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 14, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
Much has been said by our Texas soldier in Louisiana against the Cagins [sic] of that State.  It is probable that many of our readers may be ignorant of the character of these Cagins.  From a citizen of that State we learn they are an extremely ignorant class of population, inhabiting the rural districts, who have descended from the criminals transported by the French in the last century to this region.  They are viscous by nature, and little better by education, looked upon with distrust by the people, and the antipathies between them and our troops are hardly less than that between them and the whites of that State.  They are said in fact to be about on a level with the negro in intelligence, and two degrees below him in viciousness.  Just previous to the war, the Governor of Louisiana made a raid upon them for some sort of scoundrelism or other, and scattered them far and wide, some even having found a refuge in the pine forests and cypress swamps on the Sabine.  These Cagins,  on the breaking out of the present war regarded it as in some way connected with that raid, and they look upon the United States troops as coming to revenge them of the injuries they suffered from the Louisiana State authorities.  These Cagins being free, are all subjects to conscription, and the result of attemptying to conscript them has been to fill that country with outlaws, whose jayhawking is a terror to the people. When put in the ranks they are worse than useless, pursuing that dogged and stubborn disposition characteristic of all criminals under civilized restraint.  Many have been shot for desertion, and our opinion is the army would be better for driving every man of them into the enemy's lines. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 14, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
           
Sewing machine needles for Singer's, Weed's, Bramen's, J X L, and Economist.  Orders from the country promptly attended to.  Apply to
                                               
                                                J. C. Wilson, Sword Factory. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 16, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
[Article on Cajuns]
           
The above article, written on the statements given us by gentlemen of the highest character from Louisiana, was published in our last.  It coincides altogther with the accounts we had before received from our own troops in that State.  From an examination of Guyarris History of Louisiana, we are inclined to think the statements are too sweeping.  The term "Cagin" is a corruption of "Acadian," and from the Acadian exiles many of the best as well as of the worst of the population of Louisiana have sprung.  It is unfortunate that they should all be included under one name, and we are given to understand they are not, the term "Cagin" being applied only to those semi-civilized outcasts who have made all the trouble in that State. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 16, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
We notice the rather tough sentence by a recent court-martial here on a soldier for stealing, viz:  To wear a "barrel shirt," one hour each day for ten consecutive days, the barrel to be marked front and rear "Thief" in large letters.  The parade ground to be up and down Market street from the Market House to Tremont street, to be attended by a proper guard, with a drum and fife, to the tune of "Yankee doodle." 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 17, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
           
Editor Telegraph—Among the many modes by which our citizens have sought to alleviate the condition of their defenders, there is one which I have heard never publicly suggested, but which seems to me of paramount importance.  This is the institution in the city of a Soldier's Home—a place where the soldier in transit can procure a night's lodging and breakfast, without expending a whole month's pay, as is now nearly the case.  Every soldier passing through the city by railroad, is compelled to spend the night and part of the next day here.  That he should do so without cost, seems to me so apparent that I shall make no further comment.  We have in the city at the moment an army of amateur musical talent never before known in the State.  To say nothing of our own citizens, there are many most accomplished musicians who, driven from their homes by the fortunes of war, have sought a refuge among us.  Could they be induced to join our resident talent in a concert, an entertainment of surpassing excellence would be the result.  I therefore beg to propose through your columns, that an effort be made to concentrate the entire talent of the city in a concert, the proceeds of which may form the nucleus of a fund for the Soldier's Home.  I am aware that several of our most favorite stagers are in affliction, but trust there will be no indelicacy in urging them to forget for the time their private griefs, and join heart and hand in the holy purpose of providing for the weary soldier a piece of repose.—Should the project be successful, contributions would rapidly flow in, while by the judicious disbursement of even a small sum, immediate good might be accomplished.  Forgive me if I trespass upon your space, but this is a subject on which I feel deeply, and which I think of too much importance to be lightly passed over.
           
Very truly, yours,
                                               
                                                            Chas. O. Otis. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
Having occasion to buy a pair of shoes a day or two since, we stepped in, by force of habit, to the place where Massey used to keep his boot shop, and found a very obliging shopkeeper who fitted us out for $50 with a fine pair of stout calf skins, better than we saw sold a month ago for $60.  This is one place at least where the fall of Brownsville has not changed prices.  The shopman is an Israelite too.  Those farmers who have doubled the price of their pork are respectfully invited to compare their conduct with his. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
A friend writes us that our ragged and barefooted boys came out of the battle of Bayou Borbeux well clothed and shod, loaded down with oil cloths, blankets and India rubbers. Glad to hear of it. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 16, 1863, supplement, p. 1, c. 1
                                               
                                                                        Headquarters, 20th T. D. C.,   }
                                               
                                                                        Boggy Depot, C. N., Oct. 15, 1863. }
           
Mr. Editor—Below you will find a list of names of lady refugees that have just come through the enemy's lines from Missouri, passing this place yesterday morning en route for Texas; the majority of whom are married ladies, and their husbands are all in the service of their country, some of them with Maj. Gen. Price, and some with Col. Quantrell:
           
Mrs. Sarah Ann Noland and child, husband in Gen. Price's army; Mrs. Mattie J. Yagee, wife of Capt. Yagee, with Col. Quantrell; Mrs. Nannie Muir and two children, husband with gen. Price, Mrs. Mary Walton and two children, one of which died the day before they reached this post, and was buried here by the rebels; her husband is also with Gen. Price; Mrs. Rebecca Flannery with seven children; Mrs. Laura Flannery and child, husband in Col. Quantrell's command; Mrs. Henrietta Muir, husband murdered by the Yankees on the 18th of January last; Mrs. Ida Irvin and child, husband with Col. Quantrell; Mrs. Jane Flannery, husband with Colonel Quantrell's command; Mrs. Sarah Wells and six children, husband in Gen. Price's army; Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, a widow lady, and whose only son is with Col. Quantrell; and Miss Maggie Johnson, her daughter.  And last, but not least, Miss Mattie Baker, who has no relatives living.
           
The ladies have all made their way from within the lines of the Yankees, driving their own teams without any male person to assist them in making the long and tedious trip.
           
Before leaving their houses in Missouri, they provided themselves with good horses, to haul their wagons, which contained what little of their effects the Yankees permitted them, in their great mercy to bring along with them.  But before they had proceeded far on their journey, Lincoln's hireling soldiery robbed them of the last horse they had, leaving their wagons standing in the road, in a country where they were entirely unknown, and not a friend near, in whom they could apply for aid.  They were not only deprived of their property, but were insulted by almost every indignity that a band of lawless men and unbridled soldiery could offer.  After several days canvassing on foot, the ladies succeeded at the most enormous rates in securing a sufficient number of oxen to move forward toward their destination.
           
On they came, trudging their lonely way, caring for, and watching their teams at night, and gathering and hitching them up in the morning.  Insult heaped upon insult were offered them as they passed along; and they were repeatedly informed by the Yankees that the Confederates would not show them any respect whatever, that Quantrell and his men were all considered as a band of robbers and outlaws by the rebels themselves.
           
It was enough to make any patriot's heart burn with rage and indignation, to set and hear them recite their wrongs and sufferings for the past two years, which are almost numberless, and unprecedented in the annals of history.  Many of them have not seen their husbands for over two years and don't know whether they are living or have been numbered with the pale nations of the dead.  Often have these ladies prepared the hasty meal for the guerrilla and carried it to him while he was hid in the bushes awaiting to avenge the wrongs done him by the vilest foe that ever invaded the homes of a gallant people.
           
Notwithstanding the sufferings and trials through which these ladies have passed, their patriotism is ardent and even more determined than before.  They declare that they never wish to see their husbands and brothers leave the field until the last armed foe has been vanquished, and that if it come to the worst that THEY would shoulder the musket and breast the storm of battle, and fall a sacrifice upon the altar of their country's freedom.
           
They expressed a decidedly favorable opinion of the rebels they met here, stating that the generous conduct of the soldiers was greatly in contrast with that of the insolent wretches who are bowing at the feet of Father Abraham; and that they felt once more that they were with their brothers, and that they could breathe free again.
           
Both citizens and soldiers at this place vied with each other in giving them every assistance in their power to alleviate as much as possible their distress, and to show them every courtesy due them from a gallant and brave people, battling for freedom's cause.
           
In addition to the many trials they encountered on their journey, none seemed more heart-rendering than that of the death of Mrs. Mary Walton's child, before mentioned.  It was a beautiful angel-like cherub.  Well do I remember its calm and placid countenance, as I saw it while it was being transferred from the rude coffin, made by the ladies themselves while passing through the Indian country, to the more finished and neat one prepared for it by the rebels.  How sad and solemn the reflection that while its remains were being conveyed to its last resting place, witnessed by its mother, the father was far away, battling for his liberty, unconscious of the fate of his jewel.  The burial was attended and executed by the soldiers of the 20th Texas, who all joined the mother in weeping for her child, obeying the holy injunction which says "Weep with those that weep."  Not a dry cheek was there.
           
The patriotism, forbearance and long suffering of these ladies should be a lesson to the ladies of Texas who, as yet, have felt none of the hardships and privations of this war, especially those who are continually writing to their husbands and brothers in the army, making out their cases as dark as possible, thereby discouraging their friends, and inducing them to desert their country's flag.
           
Ladies of Texas, my word for it, if you will write to your relatives and friends in the army, that you are ready and willing to do and suffer everything that is necessary for the sake of liberty, and for them to remain at their posts until they can come home honorably, desertions in our army will soon be a thing of the past.  Let no Texas mother dishonor herself by offering any inducement to husband or son to leave their comrades in the face of the enemy, and go home without the consent of his commander.  With a just cause and a God of Justice with us, we have but to discharge our duty, and success is beyond the possibility of a doubt.
           
What an example for all young ladies is found in the patriotic course of Miss Maggie Johnson and Miss Mattie Baker, both beautiful lovely and graceful.  Yours truly,
                                                                                               
                                                            J. W. Johnson. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 23, 1863, p. 2, c. 1

The Blockade Trade.

            Our foreign trade has now become reduced to the precarious tenure of running the blockade.  The trade must necessarily be quite small, and is alike for the interest of the Government and the people to make the most possible of it in the way of supplying the necessities of life.  To this end, if it were possible, the traffic should be limited to such food and clothing, as well as munitions of war, as the army and people need most. . . Still it will be far from supplying as many of the wants of the country as the Rio Grande trade did, and it becomes our people to make the most ample provisions for themselves without the hope of foreign goods.  Let homespun be the clothing of the people.  Let the ladies appear in domestic checks, and the men in domestic jeans.  It may be expensive at first, but in time we shall all be better clothed, and far wealthier in our independence than when dependent on Yankeeland and England for our clothing.
           
At the best the blockade trade will not supply one-tenth of the wants that are inclined to depend upon it.  We hope it will be made as useful to the country as possible, and that for the rest of the country may use every expedient possible to dispense with the goods it brings. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 23, 1863, p. 2. c. 3
           
Lt. Col. James W. Barnes, who has had charge of the Yankee prisoners of war at Camp Groce, has won golden opinions from our authorities, as well as from his prisoners.  He is a humane and vigilant officer, and has a noble body of men under his command.  We hope to see this worthy officer obtain his commission as Brig. Gen. in a short time. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
           
The Yankee prisoners captured at Sabine Pass on the gunboats Clifton and Sachem were paroled on Saturday last, and will be transported to Shreveport en route for New Orleans.  The officers will be sent to Shreveport and there will await their exchange.  Capt. Harrison and the surviving officers of the Harriet Lane have been exchanged, and left on the stage Saturday morning for New Orleans. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 1

The Iron Opportunity.

            We should be glad to hear of capital being embarked in iron works in the State.  There is a belt of iron ore covering not less than two or three thousand square miles of territory in this State, of great richness, and capable of supplying the Confederacy with iron.  the iron is also of a quality unsurpassed by any in Europe or America.  The supply is inexhaustible.  It is within easy reach of navigation now, and the belt has no less than three live railroads pointing towards it.  The capital is in the country; all that is wanted is the disposition.
           
Such works being established now, would secure a start before the end of the war which would make them permanent mines of wealth to the owners.  There is, and always will be, plenty of demand for iron in Texas.  It is a shame that the pots and kettles and iron rods that are used in Anderson, Cherokee, Smith, Upshur, Rusk, etc., should all be imported from the North and England, when the very ground of these counties is filled with pots and kettles and iron rods in the crude state.  All that is wanted is a little enterprise rightly-directed.  Have our people got it?  Let us at least hope so, and urge them to display it.
           
We have heard of the golden opportunity.  This is the iron opportunity of incalculable value to whoever improves it. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
           
Just before the war a cotton factory was almost established in Houston, on a capital of $40,000.  By some means it fell through.  Its failure was a great misfortune to the State, and quite a misfortune to the stockholders.  Such a factory now would be worth untold wealth to its owners and to the people. 

[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 25, 1863, p. 1, c. 4

Frontier News.