[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 TELEG