RICHMOND [VA] WHIG
January - June, 1864
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The New Year.
"Old Sixty Three" is gone at last, and, this day, young
"Sixty Four" steps forward to run his course.—In bidding farewell to
the departed year, we cannot repress a mental retrospect of the direful events
which have reddened the pages of history since we last penned a New Year's
paragraph. Blood, precious blood,
has been shed profusely, and we may well be excused for indulging the oft-used
simile that the incessant raindrops yesterday were tears over the sorrows which
the passing year had brought on the helpless victims of this war. But we will not dwell upon the past. Hope bids us look to the future.
The
good book says, truly, that "no man knoweth what a day may bring
forth." We shall, therefore,
not attempt to predict what will take place during the next twelve months.
It is only certain that great changes are in store for us all.
If our lives were chequered last year, they will be more so this year. Some of these changes will commence this day.
Others will be developed ere the next moon.
The legislation of Congress will be productive of great benefit or
serious disadvantage. The war must
go on with increased success or renewed disaster on our side.
These simple propositions, which all must have thought of, abundantly
indicate that the events of the present year will be as momentous and as
important in their bearing upon the interests of our people as those of the
past, or, indeed, any preceding year. The
admonition is, "Let us prepare our hearts for these events."
This day is "propitious for moralizing," says Burns:
"And
what's this day's strong suggestion?
The
passing moment's all we rest on.
Rest
on—for what? what do we here?
Or why
regard the passing year?
Will
Time amus'd with proverb'd lore
Add to
our date one minute more?
A few
days may—a few years must
Repose
us in the silent dust.
Let us
the important now enjoy,"
And
secure bliss without alloy.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The Returned Prisoners.
While our citizens are cheering the sick and wounded in the hospitals
with their visits and gifts to-day, it would be a graceful act and one which no
doubt would be gratefully received, if a good dinner were provided for the five
hundred Confederates lately returned from their confine at Point Lookout and now
temporarily at Camp Lee.
All
contributions which may be sent this forenoon the hours of 9 and twelve o'clock
to lecture room of the Second Presbyterian Church, (Dr. Hoge's) will be conveyed
to Camp Lee, that the returned prisoners may share in the remembrance of our
citizens to-day.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Averill's
Losses.—The Lynchburg Virginian learns that the result of Jackson's operations
against Averill was the complete capture of the Yankee ambulance train, about
two hundred prisoners, their horses and equipments, a number of carbines and
revolvers, forty or fifty negroes, (whom the Yankees were taking off,) eight of
Averill's officers, including his Adjutant General, a Lieutenant Colonel,
Averill's horse, his servant, and a number of his maps of fifteen or twenty
counties, in which nearly every house was put down, and, in several instances,
the occupants of the houses given.—Jackson also captured a number of mules and
wagons. Jackson's loss was small.
The
above corresponds with the statement published in yesterday's Whig.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Federal
Prisoners [illegible] Texas.—A letter received in Boston, dated at Vicksburg,
says that the late officers of the Harriet Lane, have arrived there on their way
North; and all the officers, soldiers and sailors captured at Galveston in
January last, have been paroled, and are on the way to New Orleans.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
New Year's Day.—Another first of January has "turned up,"
but, unlike many of its predecessors, it brings us no accompanying apprehension
of a visit from numerous collectors—no dread of bills to pay.
On the contrary, a large number of people who have heretofore been
subject to these billious [sic] attacks, will, to-day, be getting their
coupons ready for presentation, or be fingering the accruing interest.
So much for the cash system.
But,
New Year's Day is productive of other pleasures than those proceeding from the
handling of money.—The day will be observed as a suitable occasion for
renewing acquaintance, or strengthening past friendship. The President has established the custom of receiving the
public at the Executive mansion, on New Year's Day, and will "gie a shake
o' his hand" this day to any "honest friend" who may present
himself. We have not so heard, but
presume that the Cabinet officers will also be at home, to-day, to such friends
as may call upon them. There will
also be many pleasant visits to private families, and in the various
interchanges of greeting that may take place, it is to be hoped that the
majority of people will enter upon the New Year with kindly feelings towards
their fellow beings. The theme is
rather inviting, but we must drop it—wishing, however, our numerous readers,
in town and country, a "Happy New Year."
One
word more (as the long winded speakers say), and that word for the unmarried
ladies who may chance to honor us by reading this paragraph: This is Leap Year!
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Price of Beef.—The era of "cheap beef," comparatively speaking,
seems to have passed. A while ago
the commission merchants were well nigh overwhelmed with consignments of fore
and hind quarters from the upper country, which they sold at the reasonable
price, relatively, of 75 to 85 cents per lb.
Now, the receipts are very light, and the rates have advanced to 90 cents
and $1. The retail prices in the
markets have advanced to a corresponding, or greater extent—choice cuts
selling from $1.50 to $1.62½. Even
Messrs. Lindsay & Son, who were selling but a short time ago at 75 cents per
lb, are now asking $1.25. The
butchers say they can't obtain cattle—that the restrictive regulations
prescribed by Gen. "Sam." Jones, and Gen. Imoboden have cut them off
from adequate supplies of "beasts," and it would appear that they are
not even allowed to send beyond our lines for cattle, or if allowed to do so and
are successful, that the cattle brought in are liable to impressment.
Well, we must take things as they come, and submit to the decree of fate.
People who can't afford to buy beef must do without.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
To-Day.—The
President's Reception at the Executive Mansion will take place, to-day, between
12 and 3 o'clock.
The
inauguration of Gov. William Smith, will take place at the Hall of the House of
Delegates, at 12 M.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The Stranger's
Guide
and
Official Directory,
Well printed and of convenient size for the pocket, showing the location
of the public buildings and offices of the Confederate, State and City
Governments, residences of the principal officers, etc.
For
sale at the Bookstores and at the WHIG OFFICE.
Price—50 cents.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Sulphate
of Cinchona.—This article is one of the proximate principles of Peruvian Bark,
similar in its properties to Sulphate of Quinine, and may be substituted for it.
The price is $20 per ounce. For
sale by
J. P. Duval.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Cochineal—
100 pounds Cochineal.
For sale by
J. P. Duval.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
Kerosene Oil,
Linseed
Oil, Peanut Oil,
Lard Oil, Spirits Turpentine, &c.
Just
received and for sale by
J. P. Duval, Druggist,
Cor. Main and 10th sts
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
A Few Facts.
The cry is for great armies. Everybody
is to be put in the ranks, except such as are detailed.
Very
good, if by so doing we can end the war next year and be done with it.
But let us look at a few facts.
An
army correspondent, writing from Longstreet's corps, says there are 3,000
barefoot men in that corps alone. From
Johnston's (late Bragg's) army, comes a piteous appeal for blankets and
clothing. Lee's army is also in
need of blankets, and not a week ago a paper, reputed to be the Government
organ, in this city, called upon the ladies to devote their energies to knitting
socks for Lee's soldiers. For some
weeks past, the Young Men's Christian Association has been furnishing cotton
yarn to be knit into socks for these same soldiers.—Woolen yarn was not to be
had. Day by day, the clothes made
for the soldiers exhibit less wool and more cotton.
What
is the prospect for clothing next year? The
blockade at Wilmington is now so rigidly enforced that supplies from abroad
cannot be counted upon. An
intercepted letter from Nassau, printed in the Yankee papers which come by the
last flag of truce, states that "nothing has entered Wilmington for a
month." We must then depend on
the home markets for clothing materials. What
do we find? Any one who buys beef
has discovered that the quarters and sides are rapidly diminishing in size.
Younger cattle are being slaughtered every year.
It is now thought we will have to fall back upon milch cows.
As cattle diminish, mutton must be substituted, and hence the sources
both of leather and wool may be expected to decrease every month.
Thus the prospect at home does not encourage the belief that we will be
able to clothe armies larger than those which are now shivering in nakedness.
An
army must be fed as well as clothed. The
facts just stated in regard to the supply of beef, apply with even more force to
the question of subsistence than to that of clothing.
Very little bacon is left, beef is going, and mutton will hardly feed
great armies, even if the supply were double what it is.
It is said that Gen. Lee, during his late visit to this city, exclaimed
that the citizens had no right to indulge themselves while the soldiers were
living on a quarter of a pound of meat per day.
The hue and cry against the starvation of Yankee prisoners has scarcely
subsided, and the excuse that three of our largest hospitals were forced to do
without meat for a day or two at a time has not been forgotten.
East Tennessee, on which we relied mainly for supplies, has fallen into
the hands of the enemy. The clamor
about impressments and the stoppage of supplies on their way to market, still
rings in the ears of the Government. The
standing crops in entire counties have been impressed at one fell swoop, under
the plea that in no other manner could a sufficient supply for the army be
certainly secured. Under this
system, and because of a real scarcity as well, flour of a low grade is selling
this day in the Confederate Capital at $120 a barrel.
It appears, therefore, that the prospect of feeding the army already in
the field, much less one twice or thrice its size, is not encouraging.
Without
labor there can be no production. Our
labor is that of the African slave, who requires the supervision of a white man
at all times, and never more than when an unusual quantity of work is demanded
of him. Women, lads, sexagenarians,
cannot make the negro do his duty fully and faithfully; a man in the prime and
vigor of life is needed. Already
the fears of insurrection, occasioned by the absence of the greater portion of
the arms-bearing white population, has produced a leniency and indulgence among
the farmers which has encouraged the natural laziness of the slave, and resulted
in a rapid and yearly increasing diminution of the crop. Take away all, or nearly all the vigorous whites and leave
the negro to the feeble control of women, children and old men, and the danger
is that famine will be superadded to insurrection. If the negroes, still remaining within our lines, were made
to work as hard as the white hirelings of the North and of Europe, they could
scarcely produce more than enough to supply the wants of the army, as it now
stands, at prices not ruinous to the credit of the Government.—Conscribe the
entire white population within the ages of 18 and 50, constitute a reserve corps
of the lads between 15 and 18, and the men between 50 and 60, abolish all
details for teamsters, orderlies, ambulance drivers, hospital assistants, and
fill the vacancy created with negroes and mulattoes (ample allowance being made
for places that could be filled by disabled soldiers) and it is easy to perceive
what the consequence will be upon agricultural production.
The
sum is not finished yet. Horses
must be fed as well as men, and an army without horses is a man without limbs.
With very great difficulty horses barely sufficient to serve the purposes
of the existing army are obtained. Last
Spring, large impressments of horses were made in this city and throughout
Virginia. It was a matter of doubt whether the hack, carriage, dray,
cart and indeed all the horses in the city not indispensably necessary to the
business of the government should not be seized. The question of horse feed was serious indeed.
With one hand the Confederate officials seized the horses of the citizens
and with the other seized forage of all sorts from the people in the country to
feed them with. Farmers ceased to send hay, fodder, oats and corn to town.
to send was to ensure impressment. During
the Winter, Stuart's cavalry had been scattered over all the State to procure
food and to recruit. The absence of
Hampton's Legion and the worn-down condition of the remainder of Stuart's horse,
enabled the enemy to penetrate with impunity within the defences of the capital.
And even now, when the harvests have been gathered but a few weeks, the
Quartermaster of the Army of Northern Virginia can tell a strange story of the
distance which their forage has to traverse before it reaches them.
Yet it is proposed to double the army and of course to increase the
trains proportionately.
Still
another addition to the sum must be made.—An army must have, besides wagons
and trains, muskets, cannon and ammunition.
Pemberton's enormous losses of the two former at Baker's Creek and
Vicksburg, added to Bragg's at Chattanooga and Lee's losses of muskets at
Gettysburg and in the retreat, must have left a bare sufficiency of both to
supply present needs and to make good the annual wear and tear.
With regard to ammunition, we know what Lee suffered at Gettysburg for
want of it. We know further that
whenever a battle begins, ordnance officers are sure to telegraph for more
ammunition. We have never had a
superabundance, and since the port of Charleston has been closed, Wilmington
almost hermetically sealed, and the nitre beds of Tennessee have been wrested
from us, it is not likely that we ever will have more than a full supply for the
army on its present footing. It may
be said that we have a whole winter before us in which to make guns, cannon and
powder ad libitum. So we had
last winter, with comparatively open ports through which to draw supplies from
abroad. Yet Lee fell short in
Pennsylvania, and Richmond was so bare that cartridges had to be taken from the
boxes of a portion of [column 3] the city troops to fill his own with.
Yet next Spring we are to have twice, perhaps thrice as many men in the
field as we had last Spring, with thrice as many muskets, thrice the number of
cannon, and thrice the need for ammunition!
Thus,
in the last analysis, we find we have an army poorly clad, scantily fed,
indifferently equipped, badly mounted, with insufficient trains, and with barely
enough ammunition. To remedy the
evil, we are going to double, and if possible, quadruple the number of men and
horses, take away every efficient master from the agricultural districts, and
leave the laborers on whom both men and horses depend for existence a prey to
natural idleness, and with every inducement to revolt.
If this be not judicial madness, the history of desperate measures
adopted by feeble and afrighted councils does not present an example.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Card Clothing.
We are manufacturing and furnishing to order, on short notice Filleting
Card Clothing, made of the very best imported wire.
Will sell cheap to factories having Government contracts.
Order by linial [sic] feet designating width.
Read, Keen & Co.,
Danville, Va.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Camel
Train.—A train of camels is running from the Humboldt salt mines to Virginia
City, packing salt for the Humboldt Salt Company. This is found to be a cheap mode of transportation.
Each camel is able to pack from eight hundred to one thousand pounds.
It costs nothing to keep them, as they will fat on sagebrush and
greasewood, and the deserts, which are so hard on horses and mules, are just
what camels thrive on.—San Francisco Mining Press.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 1, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond Theatre—"Flying Dutchman; or, The Phantom Ship; dance &c.; to commence with "The Blessed Baby;" in rehearsal "Nothing to Nurse; in preparation "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The City
The Presidential Reception.—From 12 until 3 o'clock yesterday, the
streets leading to the Executive Mansion were thronged with ladies and
gentlemen—officers and civilians—who were going to or returning from the
annual reception of the public by the President of the Confederate States. During the whole time, but, especially between 12 and 1
o'clock, the hall and parlors of the President's House were crowded to
overflowing with persons seeking an opportunity to pay their respects to our
Chief Magistrate and his estimable consort.
They were admitted as rapidly as practicable into the west parlor, and
severally introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Davis by Colonel Ives and Colonel Brown, of
the President's staff. After a
salutation and a shake of the hand, the visitors passed on, through the centre
parlor, and thence into the hall again. Many
of them took occasion to express their most cordial wishes for the welfare and
happiness of the President and his wife—all such expressions eliciting
reciprocal responses.—The reception was conducted in the approved Republican
style, and passed off in a manner satisfactory to all.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Matrimonial
Statistics.—We subjoin our annual comparative exhibit of the number of
marriage licenses issued from the Clerk's
office of the Hustings Court of this city.
The aggregate for the past year is below that of the preceding year—a
result which rather surprises us; but the marriageable ladies will console
themselves with the reflection that the present year is "Bissextile,"
when, according to custom, they will have the privilege of wooing the bashful
among the other sex into the meshes of matrimony.
The levy en masse of our population, however, which is proposed by
the radicals in Congress, may have a countervailing effect upon the matrimonial
prospects for the year '64. Some
writer on the subject has arrived at the conclusion that there are as many
"matches made" now as ever. He
thinks the war has had a very great effect upon matrimonial alliances.
But "when this cruel war is over," and our soldier boys return
home, if preachers get rewarded for all the ceremonies they will be called upon
to perform, they will get rich. While
cooking and washing in camp, the boys have found out and learned to appreciate
the value of women, and, while making their own fires, going to mill, feeding
stock, etc., the girls have found out and learned to appreciate the value of
men. But here are the figures for
our city:
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
January,
19
19
13
20
34
February,
13
22
18
28
20
March,
17
14
9
17
23
April,
11
15
17
31
22
May,
28
25
19
28
22
June,
10
17
16
14
22
July,
8
17
12
18
10
August,
18
11
6
29
15
September,
17
12
8
26
27
October,
8
23
19
24
27
November,
26
21
18
26
18
December,
24
25
18
29
19
___
___
___
___
___
199
221
173
291
259
Of the
whole number of males who obtained licenses last year, only 27 were born in
Richmond, whilst the number of females registered as natives of this city is 62.
A large number of alliances have been made with the daughters of Richmond
by soldiers temporarily sojourning here.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Yankee Atrocities—Ladies in Irons.
The Yankees under Gen. Wild made a raid into Camden and Pasquotank
counties, North Carolina, with white and negro troops.
He caused a Confederate soldier to be hanged near Elizabeth City under
the plea that he was a guerilla, notwithstanding the latter are commissioned and
recognized by Gov. Vance as a part of the State force of North Carolina.
One of his negro soldiers was captured by our men, and he took two ladies,
Mrs. Weeks and Mrs. Munden of Elizabeth
City, and held them as hostages for the safety of this African.—Capt. Elliott,
of the guerillas, was notified by Wild that the ladies would be treated as the
negro was treated, even to hanging. They
were kept in handcuffs until taken to Norfolk, where they are kept in prison,
under a negro guard. We state, on
the authority of a member of Congress from North Carolina, that when the ladies
were taken to Norfolk, the arms of one of them was bleeding from the tightness
of the cords with which they were bound. Is
there no means by which the cowardly monster can be captured, and no measure by
which the abolition demons may be made to regard the ordinary usages of
civilized warfare?
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
Killed by a Sentinel.—On Saturday morning about one o'clock, a sentinel
at the State Penitentiary—a member of the Public Guard, named Wm. A. Godsey—observed
a man approaching his beat under the east wall of the enclosure.
He hailed the man, who not only failed to give any answer, but continued
to advance.—Godsey then levelled his musket and fired, causing the almost
instant death of the intruder, who proved to be an ex-inmate of the
Penitentiary, named William E. Johnson. He
had been twice convicted and sent to the Penitentiary—the first time for grand
larceny, the second time for bigamy.
Whilst serving his last term, he was transferred to the shoe department
of the institution, and made such a favorable impression upon the ladies who
repaired thither to have their footsy tootsies measured, that a number of them
signed a petition to Governor Letcher for his pardon.
The pardon was granted, and on New Year's Day Johnson was released.
On Saturday he was killed. An
inquest was held over the body, and a verdict rendered declaring that the
shooting was justifiable.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Accommodation
for Ladies.—Under the supervision of Mr. R. H. Wynne, one of the excellent
officers of the House of Representatives, a portion of the gallery of the Hall
has been partioned [sic] and divided off, for the exclusive benefit of lady
visitors. Ladies can now visit the
Hall and witness the proceedings or "ogle the members" without the
inconvenience to which they have heretofore been subjected by the crowd of the
rougher sex that daily cram the gallery.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Bride of Lammermoor;" "Thumping Legacy; will soon
present "Lady of Lyons;" in preparation "The Corsican
Brothers;" in rehearsal "Nothing to Nurse"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Averill's
Raid—The Ladies of Salem.—A correspondent of the Lynchburg Republican,
writing from Salem, gives some incidents of the heroic manner in which the
ladies of Salem conducted themselves during the visit of Averill and his Yankees
to that place:
"The
ladies alone were left to witness the scene of destruction which followed, who
conducted themselves toward the enemy with a dignified and confident air as if
perfectly familiar with scenes of danger and peril.—Doubtless their conduct
had a great influence upon the minds of the enemy, and deterred them from
committing many atrocities which they probably would have committed had their
demeanor had been less haughty and contemptuous.
Some
of the ladies, when the drunken, squalid and miserable creatures would attempt
to enter their dwellings for purposes of plunder, would stand in their doors
with uplifted hatches [sic?] and defy them to enter. The dastardly cowards would shrink back appalled, uttering
the most horrid execrations upon the heroic Dixie girls, who foiled them in
their attempts to commit depredations on the property of peaceful and
unoffending citizens.—When they were not met in this way and could operate
with impunity, it is incredible that people making any pretention [sic] to
civilization could commit such atrocities as the Yankees were here guilty of.
Their conduct neither seemed to be governed by principles of justice or
humanity—far from it; nor, indeed, so much as by any of the usual inducements
to the commission of crime. It
would seem that malignity and maliciousness were deep rooted in their nature,
and in the splitting open of trunks, ladies' wardrobes, &c., and tearing
their wearing apparel before their faces and trampling them under foot, they
discovered a savage delight perhaps never before witnessed, even among
barbarians. I think this quite a
severe commentary on the boasted religion of the Yankees.
General
Averill, a very fine looking personage, and who had himself conceived quite a
high idea of his personal attractions, rode up and down the street again and
again, without end or object, more than to exhibit himself before the ladies.
Once
in passing he rode up on his elegant horse, in front of a portico in which were
several beautiful young ladies. The
General smiling, and at the same time displaying a row of beautiful white teeth,
asked the ladies if it was not the first time they had been visited by the
Yankees. One of the ladies replied
that it was indeed their first visit and she very much hoped it might be the
last. "Why, madam," said
the General, "are you not pleased with the fine appearance of my young
soldiers?" "Indeed,"
the lady replied, "I had not observed that there was anything prepossessing
about them." "Ah,"
exclaimed he, "and do you not consider that I am a fine looking
gentleman." "Not so much
so in my eyes as the meanest of the Dixie boys," responded she.
One another occasion late in the evening, he met with Miss G., who, he
learned, was acquainted with Gen. F. Lee. The
General asked her if she knew anything of the whereabouts of her friend, Gen.
Lee, at that time, and seemed anxious to know, stating that he would be glad to
send him a message. "Sir,"
said she, "you may have the pleasure of delivering your own message."
The General made no further response, but immediately wheeling his horse,
left.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Murder
of a Dwarf.—The little dwarf of Wythe county, William Walters, who was only
three feet and two inches high, and forty years old, was murdered in that county
a few days since by a man named Roberts. They
were returning from a Still house together, and Roberts ascertaining that his
victim had a considerable amount of money in his possession, murdered and robbed
him. The murderer has not been
arrested, though it is thought that he cannot long elude the grasp of the
officers, who are on his track.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Abundance
of Clothing.—Col. Dowd, Chief of the Clothing Department for North Carolina
troops, has published a card, in which he says:
"I
bet leave to state, for the benefit of the public, and the North Carolina Army,
that there has been, and is now, a sufficient quantity of clothing on hand to
supply them with the exception of shoes and blankets, which we have not been
able to obtain in such large quantities. As
to jackets, pants, shirts, draws, and socks, there has been no scarcity, and if
the soldiers have not been supplied it is the fault of the brigade and
regimental quartermasters."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
A Post
Office has been established for the special accommodation of the army under
General Johnston, to which all mail matter for any division of the army should
be addressed. The office is
intended to be moved with the army, and to remain in operation so long as the
present organization is maintained.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Negro
Hiring.—In Petersburg, on Saturday, field hands were hired for !00 to $275;
plough boys, for $75 to $110; house servants, from $60 to $90.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 5, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Amusements of the Capital.
Why shall we not be gay? Confederate
money is still abundant, and provisions, though costly, may be had in profusion
by a manly outlay of funds. Whosoever
will, let him eat and drink freely, for to-morrow we go into camp.
But the inner man being well provided for, and a surplus of notes
remaining on hand, there is a natural disposition to invest in something more
enlivening than food and fluids. The
mind must be refreshed. The demand
is urgent and the supply is copious and sympathetically prompt.
Behold the advertising columns of the daily papers and take the dainties
as they come.
First
we have a "Children's Grand Fancy Dress Ball," at Concert Hall, under
the auspices of "Professor J. St. Maur Bingham," of the
"Fashionable Dancing Academy," not to say College or University, at
which several very beautiful and new dances will be introduced—as for example,
the Diamond Quadrille, with Castanets; Waltz Fantastic, with Castanets; Prince
Imperial, or Ladies Quadrille, with Highland Fling.
Children's ball to commence at 8 o'clock and cease at 11 P.M., when the
Adults' Ball will begin. "Children,
scholars, $3 each; children, not scholars, $3.50 each; parents, $2.50 each;
ladies and gentlemen, $5 each." This
is dirt cheap. A family consisting
of father and mother, two small and two large children, can be accommodated with
a night's dancing for $22, only twice as much as Lee's soldiers get for a
month's service in the field. We
marvel at the generosity and imprudence of the Terpsichorean Academician who can
afford to furnish entertainments at such ruinous prices.
Next
we have a "Grand Concert for the Benefit of Madame Ruhl and Professor
Thilow." Price of tickets not
stated, but will not exceed $3, which, reduced to silver, is 15 cents—a mere
song for a night's worth of grand singing and fiddling.
Next comes the "Third week of the Iron Clad Nigger Opera Troupe and
Brass Band," a very elevated associations of "artistes," whose
sole object is to promote intellectual development by the stimulus of
"Confederate fodder" applied to the organ of wit, on the same
principle that the soldiers use fodder blades in place of yeast to make their
bread rise.—Read the incitement to mental activity—"First Night of the
Prize Week! Bring in your
conundrums for the prizes, to be awarded as follows: For the first best conundrum suited to the times $100; second
best $50, third best $25; to be read nightly." What a provocation is here to the cerebral expansion of our
population! Think of it, a smart
fellow may make a hundred dollars a day simply by setting his wit to work for
five minutes—think of it and pitch in, ye clerks of the Departments, who get
only $125 a month to support your families on.
After
the conundrums have been read and paid for, "Ravel's celebrated production,
entitled 'The Red Gnome,' will be presented, with all its original
transformations, &c.," especially the "&c."
We advise the public to "go early," because "many have
already secured seats to witness the excelsior entertainments offered by this
'Iron-clad Nigger Opera and Brass Band Troupe.'"
Those who do not go early will repent too late.
It will be a lasting sorrow to them.
At the close of a long and well spent life, they will look back from the
portals of the grave and reflect remorsefully that they might have witnessed
"the excelsior performances" of "the iron-clads," won a
prize of a hundred dollars, and contemplated "all the original
transformations, &c.," of "The Red Gnome," and did it not.
Next
in order comes the "New Richmond Theatre," under "the management
of Acting and Stage Manager, R. D. Ogden."
What illustrations names our entertainers have, J. S. Maur Bingham and R.
D'Orsey Ogden. At the theatre you
"pays your money (some three dollars)" and "has your choice"
of the Bride of Lammermoor, a Trumping Legacy, the Lady of Lyons, the Corsican
Brothers, and Nothing to Nurse,--a rare bill indeed of intellectual fare, of
which, if we were allowed to make our selection, we should take the Bride of
Lammermoor, the Thumping Legacy and the Lady of Lyons, leaving the
Corsican Brothers with Nothing to Nurse and nobody to nurse it for them,
which would make them very unhappy, we suspect.
The
list of amusements in yesterday morning's papers concludes with another
"Grand Ball, to be given at Magnolia Hall," on 10th street,
between Main and Cary, to which a "gentleman" and "two
ladies" will be admitted on paying the insignificant trifle of $5, or $1.66
2-3, or in coin, about seven and one-sixth cents each, as nearly as we can
estimate—which is an evident attempt to underbid St. Maur Bingham, D'Orsey
Ogden, Madame Ruhl, Professor Thilow and the Excelsior Iron Clads. This is most
iniquitous and unprofessional, and demands the stern reprobation of every
high-minded patriot and lover of excelsior entertainments.
If the
list of gaieties at the Confederate Capital comprised only these whipped
syllabub pastimes of dancing, singing, strutting on the stage and yahooing it as
a nigger with a corked face, the public, and more particularly, the European
part of it, would have a right to complain.
For these frothy amusements do not become a people engaged in the
deadliest of wars, with a sea of gore behind and around them and an endless
vista of blood ahead. So think the
Europeans. We can stop their mouths
easily and prove ourselves entirely worthy of their admiration, by simply
turning the sheet that records the giddy jollifications just cited.
Leaving
the advertising columns and referring to that of "Local Matters," we
find that Mr. Robert H. Styl, of Marion Hill, has been robbed thrice within two
weeks. First, all his poultry were
taken, then a fine fat beef was stolen, and finally all his corn was carried
off, and his barn and stable, with all their contents, burnt to the ground by an
incendiary. All this "within
two hundred yards of Battery No. 2." Next,
we learn that Maj. Doswell, of Hanover, has had two barns and every thing in
them burnt, involving a lost of $30,000. "The
fire was no doubt the work of an incendiary."—Next item, a convict, just
released from the penitentiary, shot dead.
Next, Geo. Baldwin and Peter Roach arrested for entering the house of
Hugh Regan, and abusing and threatening to violently assault him—Baldwin a
Marylander, and Roach an Irishman—Regan's offence, lending money to his
friends. Next item, is a breaking
into a C. S. warehouse, for the purpose of stealing Yankee clothing.
Next item, a daring outrage by a man in Confederate uniform, who enters a
store on Broad street, attempts to steal a pair of boots, is interrupted by the
merchant's wife, seizes her by the hair of the head, kicks her in the side and
makes good his escape. Next item, a
theft of $600 worth of Confederate beef. Next
item, an entry by force into Margaret Pavy's house, abusing and insulting her,
and assaulting and beating Jno. Burns. All
these crimes, one after another, in the local column of the Dispatch of January
4th.
In the
same paper of December 31, and in the same column, we find the first item to be
a daring burglary, robbery, assault and battery of a Mrs. Broderick.
Very daring it was, for three white men entered her second story by means
of a ladder, descended to the first floor, seized her in bed by the throat,
choked her until she was almost lifeless, and then cut out the money from the
bed on which she was lying. Next
item, ins the cold blooded murder of a negro man for the sake of $100 and his
watch. The man belonged to Mr.
Brown, of Sidney, was shot through the head while walking by his wagon and his
brains scattered over an adjoining fence. [column 4]
Next item is the braking open of Mr. Tinsley Pate's store and the robbery
of $1,500 worth of choice liquors—supposed to be the work of negroes.
Next item, a pocket-picking by two little white boys.
The pocket was a negro man's pocket, and the amount picked $23.
All these items come in succession one after another in the Dispatch.
Now,
these amusements partake of the grave dignity of the gladitorial scenes in the
old Roman amphitheatres, and cannot fail, while adding greatly to the enjoyment
of life in Richmond, to elevate the Confederate character abroad.
We do not charge that the heavy tragedy, which has become so common that
it excites no comment and no serious municipal effort to arrest it, is the
product of the screaming farces of the excelsior entertainments.
Nor do we call or hope for amendment.
We simply collate a few advertisements and local items, and jot them down
side by side as a contribution to the history of the times.
To the philosopher belongs the task of tracing effects to their
causes.—Juxtaposition in narration is not necessarily, logical sequence.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 5, 1864, p. 1, c. 4-5
From the Army of
Tennessee.
From Our Special Correspondent.
Near Rogersville, East Tenn., }
Longstreet's Corps, Dec. 11, 1863.}
. . . To one subject I would call your attention.
Thirty-five hundred men are to-day barefooted, without other means to
protect them from the inclemency of the season than the rags they may strip from
their backs. When you remember that the weather is so cold that water
freezes in ten minutes after nightfall—that the icicles which fringe the
mill-races are as thick as a man's body, and that the poor soldiers are driven
to the extremity of cutting up the reeking, bloody hides of slaughtered beef to
form a temporary pair of moccasins, which may last only ten or twelve hours of
marching at best, you can imagine somewhat of the sufferings to which our brave
troops are exposed. They are
useless to the service in their present condition, and unless Government or
people can afford relief promptly, few among them will ever again be in
condition to take their places in the ranks of our country's defenders.
F. G. de F.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 5, 1864, p. 1, c.
5
Headq'rs 2nd Mississippi Regiment,}
Orange C. H., Va., Dec. 26th, 1863.}
To the Editor of the Whig:
Sir--I desire to return thanks, through your paper, to the Ladies Free Union
Soldiers' Aid Society, of Albemarle county, Va., for fifty pairs of socks,
distributed by that society to the destitute soldiers of my regiment. May
the choicest blessings of heaven be the reward of the society and all its
members.
Respectfully,
J. M. Stone,
Col. 2nd Miss. Regiment.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
East
Tennessee.—"Ora," the army correspondent of the Mobile Tribune,
says:
The
loss of East Tennessee at this time
to us is incalculable. We are not
only deprived of the numerous flour mills of that country, which had previously
supplied the army, but also several large cotton manufactories, vast machine
shops and depots which we had organized at Knoxville, besides being entirely cut
off from the coal, iron and copper mines which had supplied the whole country.
The copper rolling mills at Cleveland, which were under the
superintendence of Colonel Peet, the Government agent, and which have lately
been burnt by the enemy, formerly turned out six thousand pounds of copper per
day. Over three millions of pounds
had been delivered to the Government. This
was the only copper rolling mill in the Confederacy, and which kept us supplied
in copper for caps and cannon. These
are among our losses resulting from our defeat at Chattanooga, which were put
down at only a few thousand men and 38 pieces of cannon.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The
Ice Crop.—The Petersburg Express says more ice has already been gathered in
that vicinity than was secured all last winter, and if no further freeze occurs,
it is believed enough has been secured to last, with proper economy, through the
summer.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The Recent
Expedition of the Enemy to
Elizabeth City, N. C.
The Raleigh State Journal gives the following account of the proceedings
of the negro brigade which recently visited Elizabeth City, under command of a
white negro named "Wilde:"
The
expedition was commanded by Brigadier General Wilde, and consisted of two
regiments of negroes, one of which was commanded by Ex Governor Todd, of Ohio.
They landed at Elizabeth City on Friday, 18th inst., and spent
some eight days before they returned, during which they destroyed ten buildings
in the counties of Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck, and outraged and plundered
the people in the most heartless manner. Whilst
in Elizabeth City, the officers were all quartered on the most respectable
families, indiscriminately (the commissioned officers being white, the
non-commissioned black,) and did not pay a dollar for anything they received.
In most cases they compelled the white ladies to cook and wash for them.
Reporting at Wilde's headquarters daily they were questioned to know if
they had been treated as "gentleman," [sic] and particularly if any of
the male members of the families they were quartered on talked secession
doctrine.
On the
streets the ladies of the place were jostled by the negro troops and had to
permit them to walk by their side and converse with them, on pain of arrest and
punishment for insulting "United States Troops!"
Any information laid by a negro against man or woman was received as
conclusive evidence and brought swift punishment upon the alleged offender.
The negro ran riot during the Yankee stay in the Albemarle country.
The
commands of Capt. J. T. Elliott, 66th N. C. troops, and of Capt.
Sandlin, came up with these villains twice and succeeded in killing some forty
to fifty of them and wounding many more.
They fled like wild deer on being fired upon and were shot as they
ran.—A bright mulatto was captured and mistaken for a white man and sent as a
prisoner to Richmond, by Capt. Elliott. On
learning this, Gen. Wilde seized three ladies, one a relative of Capt. Elliott,
and ironed them and took them off, notifying Capt. E. that if his negro
soldier was hanged he would hang the ladies.
Capt. E. replied that he would do his duty unawed by the General's
threat.
With
these helpless women a number of men were also captured. All of them were kept confined in the garret story of a house
in Elizabeth City—in one room—the women being made to cook for the men, and
this for several days.
One of
Col. J. R. Griffin's men, 62d Georgia cavalry, was captured, and on the bare
statement of a negro was hanged by Gen. Wilde as a guerrilla.
This murder was ordered and witnessed by Wilde.
On the Yankee retreat he was taken, with the other prisoners as far as
Hinton's cross roads, and there in the presence of the women and the negro
troops, he was hanged from a cross beam of an old house, where his remains were
found forty-four hours afterwards by his Colonel and buried with military
honors.
The
unfortunate man's name was Daniel Bright, Co. I, 62d Georgia cavalry.
Colonel
Griffin, after overcoming many obstacles, traveled sixty miles to come upon
these murderers and thieves, but hearing of his approach they fled.
We
have not space to narrate the many heartless cases of cruelty perpetrated by
these fiends. One or two cases will
suffice as examples. They entered
the house occupied by the wife of Captain Elliott's Quartermaster.
As the poor woman sat at the fire she saw them deliberately cut a hole in
the middle of the floor and build a fire therein to consume her house over her.
She asked them if they could do that.
They replied they could and would. "Then
burn," was the lady's patriotic response, "and I'll be the stronger
Confederate than ever." A
little before daylight the woman's husband returned, and found his wife and four
children huddled together in the corner of a fence in sight of the ashes of
their late home!
In one
other case they fired a residence without giving any notice to the sleeping
inhabitants, who were saved from death only by the timely waking up of a
faithful slave.
We
have strung these incidents together without regard to their legitimate
connection and from memory. Of
their general accuracy, our readers may have no doubt, for the facts were
received by us in person from Colonel Griffin and Captain Elliott. The part taken by these officers in the matter gave them full
opportunity for knowing all the facts. Captain
Elliott and Captain Sandlin hung upon the heels of the scoundrels for many
miles, and killed and wounded and captured as many of them as their own commands
consisted of. Col. Griffin, in
consequence of circumstances we [do] not feel at liberty to mention, did not
succeed in coming up with them, or there would have been a very different
result. The Colonel avows his
determination to have Yankee blood for that of poor Bright, and he will keep his
word.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
"Punishment
by Fire."—The New York Daily News under this head, editorializes on the
burning of houses on the Mississippi river to punish the people for the firing
on steamers by guerrillas, and closes by saying:
"Such
worse than vandal acts, neither deter the guerrillas, nor do they strengthen the
attachment to the Government. These
roving bands have no property on the river to lose; and every house fired by
Federal soldiers swells their ranks with bold and desperate men, filled with
revenge against those who have burned their homes and turned their wives and
little ones on the cold charity of the world, without a roof to cover them.
"If
this war is to continue—if brother is to still meet brother, and father meet
son in deadly strife, and in blood and carnage, with their attendant train of
horrors, in heaven's name let us be spared the recital of any more of this
Indian mode of warfare, against women and children, forced to leave their
burning dwellings and their path lighted by a midnight conflagration of their
own homes. Such warfare is beneath
that of a civilized nation—is fitter for fiends than for men.
The Mississippi, from Cairo down, is now almost a desert waste.
Fire and sword have done their work.
Those who took an active part in the rebellion left for the interior, and
it was only those who still had confidence in President Lincoln's first message,
and the declaration of Congress, in the passage by an almost unanimous vote of
the Crittenden resolution, that remained, and they have since realized that
Abolition promises are, as if written upon water—made but to be broken."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Business
in Nassau.—The Bahama Herald, of the 16th, says:
Business
in Nassau has been rather dull this week, few articles other than Cotton Cards,
Alcohol, Prints and Thread, being in general demand, and they only from the
large margin they offer to shippers. Receipts
and Exports have both been light, but altogether the markets have never been in
a healthier condition. For the
balance of the present "moon," we do not expect much movement in
trade.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Theatre.—We
hear that Manager Ogden has engaged Miss Eloise Bridges, said to be the most
handsome actress in the Confederate States, and that she will ere long appear at
the Theatre in a round of favorite characters. We also learn that "Miss Virginia Kemble" will
shortly emerge from her retirement to private life, and reappear upon the stage
in this city.
In
consequence of the very inclement weather on the night of the 31st
ult., the "benefit" for the sick and wounded soldiers in our
hospitals, was thinly attended. The
Manager has accordingly set apart another night for the benefit, of which due
notice will be given through the usual channels.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 6, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Summary: Appeal by Adjutant John W.
Daniel to citizens of Lynchburg, VA, for blankets and coats for Hays' Louisiana
Brigade.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 6, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Violet, or The Life of an Actress;" singing and dancing;
overture from "La Fille du Regiment;" farce of "Thumping
Legacy;" grand national overture; charming dance; soon to be presented
"Andy Blake" and "Two Buzzards;" in preparation "The
Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 7, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Educate
the Children.—If amid the excitement and tumult of war the education of
children is neglected, the whole nation will reap the bitter fruits of this
negligence for many years to come. The
boys that are now running wild about the streets, will in a few years have
control of the country, and will have the management of all affairs both in
Church and State. A very heavy
responsibility then rests upon parents and guardians of the present day if they
do not educate them in such a manner as to prepare them for the important places
they will have to fill in the future destiny of the country.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 7, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Balsamic
Odors.—Evergreens have "gone up."
The tiniest tree, that a man could straddle over in its native woods,
brings two or three shillings in the market.
The large trees, suitable for high-walled parlors and chambers, are held
at from ten to fifty dollars. Evergreen
"rope" is worth from six cents to a shilling a yard; and wreaths,
crosses, wheels, and other fancy fabrics, from three to four shillings a piece.
Holly and other beautiful wild berries of the season are costly in
proportion to their rarity. But the
prices frighten nobody; and the wholesale dealers in Christmas trees, who expose
their bright green stocks along the sidewalks in the neighborhood of Washington
Market, perfuming the air all about with sweet, balsamic odors, say that they
are doing a better business this year than ever before.
The
varieties of trees most in request are the Norway spruce, the Jersey balsam, the
firs, hemlocks, and pines. Looking
at them in the mass, a man unversed in woodcraft would see little difference in
their colors and general conformation. In
fact, however, each of the kinds has a peculiar pattern of twig and spiculated
leaf and tint of green and odor. The
greens are all dark, diffusing only in density of shade.
Dark green seems to be the favorite color of winter, as light green is of
summer. The loftiest, most
aristocratic of all the trees is the Norway spruce, specially adapted, by the
Gothic beauty of its structure, for the ornamentation of churches.
The balsams are next in request, and the pines and hemlocks are the
humblest and cheapest of the Christmas trees.
The
procuring of these trees for the evergreen market is a regular business, out of
which a large number of farmers make a handsome addition to the contents of the
cracked teapots and long stockings which are popularly supposed to hold their
gettings. The evergreen
"harvest" commences about the 1st of December, and lasts
till Christmas. It is gathered
mostly in the vast unfrequented woods of New York and New Jersey.
Some of the finest evergreens come from the Catskill Mountains, and there
is a large supply in the market from Maine.
It is remarked by dealers that the evergreens are not found wild and
thrifty to any great extent beyond the reach and influence of sea air.
It would be hardly correct to infer from this opinion that the salt air
has a fatal influence on evergreens, for they can be seen growing and
flourishing in gardens on every side and on the margin of the harbor.—N. Y.
Journal of Commerce.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 7, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
The Weather.—We didn't have an abundant persimmon crop for nothing.
It is certain that the yield last fall was the largest for many years,
and it is also certain that the weather so far this winter has been very severe,
with the prospect of a great deal more of the same sort.
The connection between these two facts is, in the estimation of numerous
weather-wise folks, as close as that between cause and effect.
These people will always tell you what sort of a winter we shall have
according to the product of the 'simmon tree.
After this preface we will put upon record that the first visitation of
snow, in this city, commenced yesterday forenoon.
The flakes came down at first as if we were about to have a regular
sleighing season, but in the afternoon the snow almost ceased to fall, and the
ground was scarcely more than covered. What
the night may bring forth we will know this morning.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 7, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond Theatre:
"Andy Blake;" overture; charming dance; "Two
Buzzards;" "Two Groceries;" will shortly present "Angel of
Death;" in preparation "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Unique
Epitaph to a Slave.—The following unique epitaph to a servant, was discovered
and transcribed during one of our rambles in the past.
The gentleman who erected it has filled many positions of responsibility
and distinction, is a kind master, good neighbor, warm friend, and, as will be
inferred, possesses many eccentricities. But
withal he is an enthusiastic Southerner. The
tomb was placed on a pile of brick two or three feet high, and composed of the
finest marble. It was located in a
beautiful pine grove adjoining the village of his residence.
This
is by no means a solitary illustration of the patriarchal character of the
"peculiar institution," and furnishes its own commentary upon the
hypocritical professions of the Yankees:
BENEATH THIS
MARBLE
are deposited the mortal remains
of my affectionate nurse
HESTER,
who died in April, 1857
in the 59th year of her age.
She was born in Virginia and was
a part of my Mother's
___________ portion,
and was brought to this place in 1812
where she lived until her decease.
She was deeply alive to my happiness
and prosperity,
and in every moment of her existence
would have sacrificed her life for mine.
I loved her tenderly and will always
remember her with gratitude.
She was tall and handsomely formed, of high
lofty notions of self-respect and honor,
and possessed of veracity, as unquestionable
as any being I ever knew.
She had no children, and bore her declining
health with extraordinary fortitude,
and in her last sickness desired to live
until I could return from my
Plantation in Red River in Louisiana
that she might once more see me.
I have erected this tomb to her memory
before God and the World
as a demonstration of my attachment.
Alas! my friend, farewell!!
-----,------,------------.
Senator from ---------- ----------
-------------. 29th
Nov., 1857.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Anniversary
of the Battle of New Orleans.—Today is the 49th anniversary of the
battle of New Orleans. The return
of the last three anniversaries of the day that we were wont to celebrate, finds
the Confederate States engaged in a bloody war, with a more cruel and ruthless
foe, for our liberties and the sanctity of all that we hold dear.
This is a fit occasion to recall to mind the fortitude and bravery of our
forefathers of the South engaged in that struggle, and to exhort all to imitate
their example. By the exercise of
that fortitude and perseverance which carried them triumphantly through a
protracted war of seven and then three years, the return of the 8th
of January, 1865, may find us a free, prosperous and happy people.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Theatre.—We
learn that Manager Ogden will shortly bring out, at the Theatre, a series of
splendid tableaux vivants. For
some time past the exhibition of tableaux has been a popular parlor
amusement in this city, and great pains have been taken by the fair participants
to render them successful and impressive. Mr.
Ogden, with the wardrobes, scenery, and other accessories at his command, will
doubtless excel the efforts of the ladies, but the personnel will not
bear comparison. It is intimated
that on the occasion of the first exhibition of the dramatic and historic tableaux
at the Theatre, the price of admission will be advanced by request, so as to
secure the attendance of ladies and gentlemen who would not otherwise be
present.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Prices
Current.—Prices have undergone so little change for a fortnight that we deem
it unnecessary to occupy space, in the crowded condition of our columns, with an
extended list of quotations. In
yesterday's paper we published the prices of bonds, as indicated by the results
of Messrs. Lancaster & Co.'s auction sale.
Another extensive sale will take place to-day at the office of Messrs.
Davenport & co. The provision
markets are firm, with a brisk demand for all articles of subsistence.
Butter goes off readily at $5 per lb. for prime; beef, 90 cents to $1;
bacon and lard, $3.25; venison, $1.77.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Marketing.—The
prices of provisions continue to advance. In
the markets, beef is retailing at $2 per lb., for choice cuts, and fresh pork
$3. Oysters, $16 to $20 per gallon.
Turkeys range from $18 to $35 apiece—the latter price being demanded
for a lot of live ones, Tuesday. The
display of vegetables is very meagre—frozen cabbage, turnips, Irish potatoes
and carrots constituting eight-tenths of the assortment.
Butter is now selling at $6 per lb., and eggs at $3 per dozen.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond Theatre:
"Charles II: The Merry
Monarch;" charming dance & c.; "Nothing to Nurse;" fancy
dance, &c.; "Andy Blake, or, Grandmother's Pet;" shortly
"Angel of Death;" in preparation "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Among
the attractions of Columbus, Miss., is the vineyard and nursery of W. C. Tucker,
Esq., situated about three quarters of a mile from the heart of the city.
The place itself is worth visiting, to say nothing of the superior
quality of his wine. A beautiful
artesian well supplies with fresh water a large pool in which can be seen almost
every species of fish; and "a shrubbery that Shenstone might admire"
surrounds a tasteful residence; the whole presenting an air of coolness and
beauty and comfort sufficient to call forth the praises of all; and when we add
to this is the wine manufactured from the native grape—wine equal to sparkling
champagne or the best Catawba.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond Theatre:
"The Golden Farmer;" "The Man and the Tiger;" double
dance; in preparation "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 11, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Death
of Maj. Vorhines.—The dwarf, Major J. J. Vorhines, who was exhibiting himself
in Richmond a few weeks ago, under the charge of "Miss Ella Sawyer,"
Manageress, died a few days ago in Lynchburg in a negro cabin and in great
destitution. He was about forty
years of age and only thirty inches high.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 11, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
Supplies for the City.—It is somewhat remarkable that whilst the agents
of Petersburg can procure droves of cattle and hogs, etc., for slaughter and
distribution among the needy families of that city, the same thing cannot, or,
at least, is not, accomplished by the agents of Richmond.
What has become of the benefaction inaugurated by the City Council a few
weeks ago? Has it ended in smoke?
A few hundred bushels of flour and corn meal and some rice have been
distributed; but if anything more has been done, we have not heard of it.
It may be that the agents appointed by our authorities have done the best
they could; but in view of the fact that in Petersburg beef and pork, bread and
soup, etc. are regularly distributed to the families of absent soldiers
and other needy persons, at cost prices, whilst nothing of the kind is done in
Richmond, under the auspices of the City Council, it does seem that some lack of
proper effort is wanting on the part of our authorities.
We hope that the delinquency will be explained at the next meeting of the
Council.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 11, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond Theatre:
"Robbers;" charming dance; "Bright of Eighty;" will
shortly again present "Angel of Death;" in preparation "The
Corsican Brothers;" in rehearsal "Poor Soldier"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
What a
Soldier's Aid Society Has Accomplished—In May, 1861, the ladies of Lynchburg
organized a society for the purpose of making clothing for the soldiers of that
city and assisting their families left dependent on their own exertions.
They not only clothed the soldiers from their own city but contributed to
six or seven companies from surrounding counties and several hundred soldiers
from the South. The Secretary of the Society has published a report in the
Lynchburg Virginian from which we make the following extract:
Whole
amount of work done from 1861 to 1st January, 1864:
1,010
overcoats, 1,801 coats and jackets, 2,156 pair pants, 2,023 pair drawers, 356
pair socks, 523 pair gaiters, 3,342 shirts, 126 vests, 150 towels; 50 window
curtains, 50 rolls bandage.
Made
for the Medical Purveyor and others, and taken by the Society for the purpose of
giving employment to the mothers, wives and daughters of absent soldiers:
6,846
bed sacks, 12,939 sheets, 11,692 pillow sacks and cases, 949 comforts, 458 bed
covers, 4,376 bags.
Many
hundred haversacks made, same of canteens covered, whole suits for companies
altered and trimmed, and much done that never was entered on the books.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
Supplies for the City.—Our remarks in Monday's paper, under this
caption, did not refer to the operations of the "Overseers of the
Poor," nor to the Young Men's Christian Association, but to the plan for
obtaining and distributing supplies of provisions at cost, adopted by the City
Council several months ago. We now
learn, for the first time, that the agents of the Council have purchased about
one hundred head of cattle, and three hundred hogs, all of which have been
salted down for distribution early in the Spring, when, it is presumed,
provisions will be more scarce than they are at present.
In the meantime, needy families, (not paupers,) are to "scuffle
along" the best way they can. We
give the agents credit for their providence and foresight, but, nevertheless,
adhere to the opinion that they should have made provision for the present as
well as the future. According to
our understanding of the scheme, they were charged with the duty of procuring
supplies of subsistence, and retailing the same, when obtained, to that
class of the community who were unable to pay the extravagant prices demanded by
middlemen, grocers and marketmen. If
the hundred head of cattle and three hundred head of hogs were all that the
agents could secure, their failure to accomplish more is excusable, but, if such
was not the case—if they could have purchased that number of cattle and hogs
each month, and did not do so, they have fallen short of the just expectations
of all interested in the agency.
We
favored and advocated, as a measure of public policy, the establishment,
by the City Council, of a supply store, at which all articles needed by
housekeepers should be constantly kept for sale to the families of absent
soldiers, widows and others in straitened circumstances, at a small advance upon
cost. We believed the plan would
have worked well, and been productive of good results if properly carried out,
but it did not meet with the approval of the Council, and, consequently, the
humble classes, whose comfort we desired to promote, have been left to the mercy
of the thousand speculators and hucksters, whose sole object, from morning till
night, is to extort money from the people by a constant increase of their
profits. We have done our duty, and
now dismiss the subject.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 13, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Directions
for Knitting Socks for the Army.—The following directions, which have been
furnished by a lady of much experience, may prove useful to those who will
engage in knitting woolen socks for the army.
The yarn should be bluish grey, No. 22, and the needles No. 14 to 15:
Set
twenty-seven stitches on each needle; knit the plain and two seam rows
alternately until the ribbing is three inches long; then knit plain seven inches
for the leg, remembering to seam one stitch at the end of one needle.
To form the heel, put twenty stitches on two of the needles, and
forty-one on the other—the seam stitch being in the middle.
Knit the first row plain, the next row seam, and so alternately until the
heel is three inches long, then narrow on the plain row each side of the seam
stitch for five plain rows, which will leave thirty one stitches.
To close the heel, knit the last seam row to the middle of the needle,
knit the seam stitch plain, then fold the two needles together, and with another
needle take off the seam stitch. Then
knit a stitch from both needles at once and bind the seam stitch over it.
Continue knitting in this manner until but one is left and the heel
closed. Take up as many stitches as there are rows around the heel;
knit one row plain; then widen every fifth stitch on the heel needles.
Narrow once on every round at each side of the foot until there are
twenty seven stitches on each needle; knit plain six inches; narrow at the
beginning and end of each needle on every third round till you have seventeen
stitches on each; then narrow every second till you have seven; then every round
until the foot is closed. One pound
of yarn, costing from seventy-five cents to one dollar, will furnish four pairs
of socks.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 13, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
The
Confederate Graves in New Orleans.—A young lady, writing from New Orleans,
gives the following description of the graves of Confederate soldiers there, as
they appeared on All Saint's Day. She
says:
The
Confederate graves were beautifully decorated—not one neglected.
They presented a glorious contrast to the graves of the Federals, some of
which were covered with weeds, that made it almost impossible to see the
head-boards. Where the Union ladies
were we should like to know. In the
centre of the Confederate burial ground (which is in cypress Grove) there is a
cross about seven feet high, covered with black velvet, and spangled with gold.
In
golden letters, inscribed on the front of this cross, are these words:
"To our Southern Brothers, by the Ladies of New Orleans."
On the other side, on the cross piece are three wreaths—the one on each
end being red, and the one in the centre white—which gives the red, white and
red of our flag—while the top of the cross is surmounted with a wreath of
olive. The name, regiment and place
of death is inscribed on each head board. There
was not a blade of grass an inch high to be seen about them.
Each head board is entwined with a wreath of evergreen, interspersed with
white flowers—fit emblems of the hearts of our dead heroes—while the graves
themselves were planted with red and white flowers.
Surely it will be a gratification to the relatives to know that, though
buried in a place held by the enemy, there are still some hearts earnest and
true, who will not forget the last resting place of those who sacrificed their
lives for the cause of liberty.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 13, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
A
Spirited Woman.—When the Yankees were at Rogersville, Tennessee, a short time
since, they arrested a shoemaker, who was well known as "old Harry,"
and confined him in the guard house. His
wife, as clever and industrious a woman as ever lived, has borne him ten likely
sons. The worthy couple have been
"pegging away" for many years to raise their children properly, and
hence they have accumulated but little of this world's goods.
Mrs. Harry called upon her husband at the guard room where he was
surrounded by the officer of the day and a guard.
She upon seeing her liege lord, asked him, "So you're in here, are
you?" Harry responded
affirmatively. "Well, you're
not going to take the oath, are you?" asked she, with flushed cheeks.
"No! I've no notion of
it," responded Harry, with clenched teeth, and a defiant air.
"I'd rather see your last end—see you rot first, than hear of you
taking that oath; I can take care of the boys," said Mrs. Harry.
The
officer of the day then ordered her away, telling her that her language was
insulting to him and his men. Stepping
back with erect form and noble mien, the heroic woman shook her hand in his
face, and told him that she was raising ten fine boys to hate and fight such
despicable wretches as he and his men were, to the bitter end.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 13, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Plenty
of Them.—Did the reader ever join, of a New Year's night, in the old-time
practice of consulting the sacred oracles for luck during the year?
The modus operandi is this: avert
your head, open the book at hap hazard, and put the tip of one of your digits
upon a page. The verse underneath
it reveals your fate or fortune. It
happened to the writer to be in a family circle, where several young ladies were
peering into the future by this method. The
finger of one of them rested upon the 20th verse of the 1st
chapter of Zachariah: "And the
Lord showed me four carpenters."—Macon Telegraph.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
McPherson's
Rule in Vicksburg—Banishment of Ladies. The
Meridian (Miss.) Clarion, says:
On New
Year's day the Yankees consented to allow Parson Fox, of Warren county to open
the Episcopal church and have service omitting the prayer for the President of
the United States. With this
understanding the Church was opened and a great number of the old citizens
repaired there at the usual hour, to attend divine service.
As Mr. Fox was about entering the pulpit some yankee officers admonished
him as he valued his life not to omit the prayer for Lincoln, and the old
gentleman, being at their mercy, in the course of the services prayed for the
President of the United States, whereupon Miss Kate Barnett got up, and walked
out of the church, followed by her sister Miss Ella Barnett.
They had hardly reached the door when Miss Lillie Martin followed their
example, and soon she was imitated by Mrs. T[illegible] and her sister Miss
Latham. this of course infuriated
the Yankees, and two hours afterwards the Provost marshal informed the ladies
that every one who left the church would be allowed forty-eight hours to leave
town, and if caught there after that time they would be remanded to the county
jail.—The ladies immediately prepared to leave and at the expiration of the
time allowed every one of them was out of the lines.
General McPherson caused printed placards to be posted all through the
city, warning the ladies of their banishment, and the time given them to get
away. We do not believe Butler's
rule was much worse than the above. Certainly
this piece of treachery excels anything we have recently seen put down to the
credit of the Yankees.
Miss
Kate and Miss Ella Barnett passed through this place on Monday night in company
with their mother, who is taking them to Enterprise to remain for the present.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
Theatre.—"The Angel of Death."—It is announced that this
spectacular play will shortly be reproduced at the Theatre.
A short time ago the play elicited elaborate criticism in two of our
weekly contemporaries, one of which declared that it is free from any
"immoral or anti-religious tendency,"—is "entirely
unexceptionable;" the other averring that it is "sacrilegious,"
"blasphemous" and "indecent."
Between such widely diverse judgments, emanating from respectable
sources, it would be exceedingly difficult for those who had never seen the play
to form any conclusive opinion of its character or tendencies.
We do
not propose to investigate the subject, or to undertake the decision of the
question presented. The play may
be neither "unexceptionable" nor "blasphemous" in the
estimation of many. If it is
immoral, however, we have occupied space enough to admonish scrupulous people of
the propriety of staying away from the Theatre when it is again presented, and
this remark brings us to the observations which we have to submit.
We
have long since despaired of that "elevation of the drama," of which
we have heard and read so much in our day.
The thing is impossible! The
stage (we speak generally, not specially,) is controlled by persons whose
primary object is to put money in their purses.—They, occasionally, make a
pretence of "elevating the drama," by presenting some standard play
which will afford intellectual entertainment to "judicious" playgoers,
but the moral lessons of such a performance are sure to be neutralized by a
meretricious dance, a vulgar farce, or double entendre.
The
public know all this; and it may be assumed, without offence, that at least
nine-tenths of every audience are not only not shocked by the airy pas
seul, nor disgusted at the farce, or equivoke, but enjoy and applaud them as
the "spice" of the entertainment.
The managers are shrewd enough to find out what class of plays and divertisements
will draw the largest houses and please the majority of their patrons, and they
will cater to that taste, let the press advocate ever so earnestly the
"elevation" and "purification" of the drama.
Generally speaking, people who frequent the Theatre are not as nicely
fastidious or "puritanical" if you please, in respect to what they may
hear or see upon the stage, as some of our critics think they are; and the
strictures of the press upon any questionable play, will rather increase than
diminish the attendance at the play house, where a dramatic entertainment of
this character is presented.
We
despair, as we have said, of any "elevation of the drama," and we will
not cease to do so until its exponents everywhere are better exemplars of
morality in their habits and associations; until bars and "third
tiers" are closed, or prevented from being used as the rendezvous for the
dissolute—until short skirt and nigger dancing, ribaldry, blasphemous
mock-piety, gross buffoonery, and other "piquant" and profane
attractions for the carnal-minded and illiterate, are excluded from the stage.
Then must we "wait until doom's day."
In the meantime, we will not waste breath nor space in declaiming against
the demoralizing tendencies of the drama.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Kentucky Tragedy;" Thursday night—"Nick of the
Woods; or, the Jibbenainosay;" "Taming the Shrew; or, the Day After
the Wedding;" in rehearsal "Poor Soldier;" will shortly present
"The Angel of Death"; in preparation "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 14, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Beeswax Wanted.—The market price will be paid for Beeswax at the Richmond
Arsenal, on 7th Street.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 14, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Rockbridge Correspondence.
Rockbridge, Va., Jan. 1, 1864.
To the Editor of the Whig:
We
have had some excitement in this portion of the Valley, attendant upon the raid
of Averill, which has passed off, and all is quiet again.
On
Christmas day the ladies had a tableau for the purpose of raising socks and
blankets for our suffering soldiers in the field under Gens. Jenkins' and
Jackson's commands, many of whom are exiles from their homes, and have no chance
to get these desirable articles from their friends.
The
hour for the tableau was preceded by an eloquent and appropriate address by Dr.
Harris, of Culpeper, in behalf of the object.
The Doctor, although an exile and great sufferer by the war, has devoted
his time and means in behalf of the glorious and patriotic object of sustaining
our army and our suffering country in this her hour of trial.
He alluded to the financial derangement, which he said, in a great
degree, arose from a derangement which had seized our people in the mania for
speculation, that exorbitant prices were not attributable to excessive issues of
Confederate money. He declared that
the dangers that environed us were outside of the army; that our army was the
best in the world; and that our mere skirmishes had thrown the great battles of
Napoleon in the shade. His appeal
to the crowd was beautiful and touching on the importance of making every
interest secondary to the cause of southern independence and the final triumph
of our cause. He exhorted patience,
fortitude and a hopeful spirit. In
an eloquent and forcible manner he impressed his audience with the true
condition of a subjugated people. All
in all, it was one of the most effective, eloquent, appropriate and persuasive
addresses to which we have ever listened, of near two hours' duration.
After
the conclusion of Dr. Harris' address, Judge Camden, of the Northwest, also an
exile, made a powerful appeal for our barefooted and suffering soldiers.
The
ladies raised between six and seven hundred dollars for the patriotic object.
Specator.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 14, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
From the Memphis
Bulletin.
Marrying Under Difficulties.
Not long since a Confederate soldier returned from the war to his home
near the State line dividing Kentucky and Tennessee.
The first business he attended to was that of marrying the girl he had
left behind when he first started out to seek the bubble reputation at the
cannon's mouth. A large party were
gotten up by the bride's family, and a man who was conceded to be a justice of
the peace, because he had held the office for twenty years before the cruel war
had commenced, performed the ceremony that united two loving hearts that had but
a single thought. After these rites
had been observed, there was a feast of hog and hominy, roast turkey, pumpkin
pies, &c., and several gallons of forty rod whiskey to be dis[illegible]sed.
In the course of human events the newly wedded pair were put to bed,
according to the custom still in vogue among the rural population.
They
had scarcely began to realize the "situation" before there was a great
rattling at their chamber door, and an imperative demand for them to arise.
Some prying people had just discovered that the magistrate was not a
regularly elected officer, and was not a justice at all.
Alarm took them all, and another justice was sent for who lived some
miles distant. Before midnight the
knot was tied again, and the anxious couple were suffered to retire for the
second time.
The
first contretemps was discussed freely by those who had not gone home, and the
various contingencies of the matter investigated thoroughly.
All at once it was found out that the last justice lived in Kaintuck,
while the ceremony had been performed just over the line in Tennessee.
There was a hurried rush up stairs, and another arousing of the bride and
groom. They came down stairs
somewhat dissatisfied with the turn matters had taken, and then the whole party
went down the road three-quarters of a mile till they got into the State where
the squire lived, and there the wedding rites were performed for the third time.
The bride's mother, not satisfied with all this comedy of errors, had,
some time before, despatched a swift messenger for a stated preacher, and when
they got back to the paternal mansion, to make all things safe, the knot was
tied for the fourth time by a man of God. By
this time the first glimpse of daylight was streaking the eastern sky.
Wearied
out by the experiences and anxieties of the night, they were at last suffered to
retire in peace.—Half an hour had not elapsed before there was another
confusion in the House. A
thundering knock at the chamber door of the young couple made the groom
thoroughly mad. He told whoever it
was that it was "too late," and swore he would not get up again for
all the mistakes in the world. He
would whip the first man that disturbed him again, he didn't care who it was.
A gruff demand to open the door if he did not wish to have it beaten
down, and the rattle of a musket, decided him once more to submit to the
imposition.
On
opening the portal, he was confronted by a Federal soldier, and the words,
"you are my prisoner, come along with me."
Vainly
did he plead to have the privilege of giving bail for his appearance, and all
his offers of bribes were as useless as the idle wind. The officer charged with his arrest was inexorable, and now
the chap is spending his share of the honeymoon at Columbia, in the guardhouse,
while the disconsolate maid, his bride, weeps for him at home.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Yankee
Opinion of the Condition of Arkansas.—The New York Tribune contains a
long letter from its Arkansas correspondent, reciting the incidents of a trip
through that State with a "secession friend."
Much of the letter, says the Mobile Register, is mere fancy work, but one
item deserves copying. The writer
says there was a time when he believed in the starving out process, but so far
as that idea applies to Arkansas, he has concluded to give it up.
"Its [sic] a pretty hard matter to starve a people who have an
immense number of cattle, a fair supply of hogs, an extraordinary yield of sweet
potatoes, and nearly corn enough to have kept the Egyptians during the seven
years' famine. The yield of corn
is, as the natives of the region express it, 'powerful!'"
The writer states that there are few arms bearing men left in Arkansas,
but that women and children are plentiful, and the latter are taught by their
mothers to believe that a piece of roast boy or girl never comes amiss to a
Yankee soldier. The word Yankee has
as horrible a significance to an Arkansas child as "Claverhouse" used
to have to the children of the Scottish Covenanters.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
"Creole."—The
term Creole has, it seems, different significations in different parts of our
Confederacy.—The Atlanta Intelligencer is pithy on Mr. Dargan, of
Alabama, for referring to the Creoles of Louisiana as a mixed race, in a bill
which he recently introduced into the House of Representatives.
We make an extract:
Without
offering any comments on the bill, which this article is not intended to do, we
must nevertheless protest against the Creoles of Louisiana being placed in the
same list with those of Alabama and Florida, as it is not only galling to their
pride to be classed with colored people or the descendants of colored people,
but it is an actual outrage on these gallant Louisianians, of whom Gen. G. T.
Beauregard is a distinguished head.
A
Louisiana "Creole" is the direct descendant of French or Spanish
ancestors, and are all of a white or Caucasian race.
We will also add that, as a class, there are no more proud and haughty
people in this world than they; and this classing them with negroes cannot fail
to excite intense indignation among them.
We are
aware that in Alabama and Georgia, the term "Creole" is used to
signify a descendant of negroes; but we never imagined that a gentleman holding
Mr. Dargan's position would have been ignorant of the fact that not only are the
"Creoles" of Louisiana white people, but that they are subjects of
conscription, and have been conscribed in Louisiana.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
"From
the Frying Pan Into the Fire."—Those who contemplate becoming
"refugees" from the Confederacy would do well to reflect before making
that effort. A gentleman from
Norfolk says sundry individuals who fled from Petersburg to avoid service in the
army, and made their way through our lines to Norfolk, have gained nothing by
the change. In fact, they have
jumped from the "frying pan into the fire," for it is stated that
Butler has ordered every man who arrives under such circumstances, to be
arrested and placed in the camps of instruction at Newport News, preparatory to
entrance into the Yankee army.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 15, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
The
Charleston Sufferers.—The Yorkville (S. C.) Enquirer of January 6th,
says:
We
would call the attention of our people to the notice of Mr. Robson, in to-day's
paper, and hope it will meet with a prompt response. Surely, we can spare a little of what we have in support of
our old city in this her hour of trial. Mr.
Robson informs us that the distress there is great—some ten thousand women and
children being dependent on his exertions to supply them with food.
These women are not living in idleness, but are engaged in the Arsenal,
Ordnance and Quartermaster's Departments, and other avocations, all trying to do
what they can to aid our cause and, at the same time, earn a support for
themselves; but the high price and great scarcity of provisions puts it out of
their power to do so, and the object of Mr. Robson's mission is to try and help
them by procuring and sending to the city those supplies which would not
otherwise reach them. The city has
appointed a special committee, and no family is allowed to draw supplies before
showing that they are in need of them.
Mr.
Robson informs us that he has met with great kindness on his mission, and,
although he has full power to impress, he has not used it in a single instance,
believing that the people would more cordially respond to the call when left to
their own feelings of patriotism, and he is happy to say this has been the
case—nearly every one to whom he has appealed sparing something. Mr. Robson is buying the provisions he obtains at Government
rates, and he will cheerfully give any information on being applied to.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Our Indian Affairs.
The relations of the Confederate States to the loyal tribes of Indians
west of the Mississippi, require that the customary Annual Report of the
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, should receive more than a passing notice.
The
principal Indians who adhere to the Confederate Government are the Cherokees,
Choctaws, Chickasaws, Creeks, and Seminoles.
By the disloyalty of John Ross, the principal Chief, the Cherokees were
divided and one half went over to the enemy.
All the other half capable of bearing arms are in the Confederate
service, while their wives and children have been driven from their homes, and
are dependent on the General commanding the Indian Territories to keep them from
starvation. The Cherokees receive
no annual payments from the Confederacy, as the other tribes, and unlike them
are entitled to no annuities, but have their funds invested wholly in stocks of
certain States of the Confederacy. This
fund amounts to $749,500. By
treaty, this Government bound itself after 1861, to assume the obligation of
collecting and paying over as trustee, the interest due upon their funds.
These bonds and stocks are held by the United States, and it is
impossible for the Confederate States to collect the interest during the war,
and it cannot be paid by the States in the absence of a description of the
bonds, their numbers, &c. Under the circumstances, the Commissioner recommended an
appropriation to meet the necessities of this people at the earliest practicable
moment, and in accordance with it, a bill was introduced in the House of
Representatives of Congress, by the Delegate from the Cherokees, to appropriate
$100,000 for their benefit. The
house passed the bill and it will no doubt pass the Senate.
This amount is an advance by the Government and is to be replaced from
funds due them and which the Government has agreed to collect.
Almost
all the young and able bodied men of the Choctaws, Chickasaws, Creeks and
Seminoles are in the Confederate service; yet they have made a sufficiency of
provisions until the next crop. Instances
of disaffection to our cause are extremely rare among them.
Two regiments of the Creeks refused to continue with the army of the
Indian Territory when it fell back before the enemy in August last, but it was
solely from the desire to remain in the country and protect their families and
property. These regiments subsequently joined their command under
General Steele. The Choctaw Nation
passed a resolution in General Council, that any person, speaking sentiments to
weaken the confidence of the people in the ability of the Confederate Government
to sustain itself, or to induce others to withdraw their support from the
Confederacy, &c., shall be considered as deserving the death of a traitor.
About
one third of the "Reserve Indians" who abandoned their homes at the
time of an attack on the Agency by a band of marauding Indians, in 1862, have
come in, and settled in the country of the Chickasaws. Many of them are organized into military companies, and are
doing excellent service as scouts on the frontier.
The small tribes, excepting about six hundred of the Great Osages, are in
the Confederate service, and compose the "Osage Battalion."
Provision has been made by treaty for an annual appropriation of $10,000
to buy clothing for the Osages, and the Commissioner recommends an additional
appropriation by Congress to buy food, as their families are driven from their
homes and are wanderers in other lands.
Subjoined
to the report are tables showing the condition, when the war began, of the funds
held by the United States in trust for the Southern Indians, and the extent of
the liability assumed by the Confederate Government on account of the same in
the treaties of 1861. The amount
payable annually to Indians of the Southern Superintendency (called Arkansas and
Red River Superintendency) by the United States, is $104,186; amount payable for
a limited number of years, $33,420; amount payable during the pleasure of the
President, $10,090; arrearages of annual interest, annuities and payments over
due, $118,231.23; money in the United States Treasury not invested, and invested
in United States stocks, $545,044.56; money due by the United States
unliquidated, $22,300; stocks and bonds of States not of the Confederacy,
interest payable annually, and capital at the restoration of peace, assumed by
the Confederacy, $240,261.13; amount assumed by the Confederacy, payable on the
ratification of treaty, $288,227.25; amount assumed by the Confederacy, payable
at the close of the war, $785,305.69; amount of funds of Northern Indians
invested in stocks of States of the Confederacy, $1,348,000.
In
conclusion, the Commissioner says:
"In
view of all the circumstances which have surrounded the Indians, during the war,
especially the Choctaws, Chickasaws, Cherokees, Creeks, and Seminoles, the
attachment manifested by them for the Confederate Government has been
remarkable, and ought to be a source of the sincerest gratification and pride to
all our people. When, on the one
hand, it is recollected that nothing scarcely but reverses have heretofore
attended their efforts for the defence of their country; that a large portion of
it has been overrun, and their property carried off, or destroyed; that their
troops, (not, however, be it said, without earnest attempts on the part of the
Government to rectify these things,) have been indifferently armed and clothed,
and irregularly paid; while on the other hand, the emissaries of the Northern
Government, to induce them to abandon our cause, have been lavish of magnificent
promises to them; of gold and silver, without stint; provisions and clothing for
the indigent; and the protection of their rights in person and property
forever—I repeat, when all these facts are recollected, the continued fidelity
and loyalty of these Indians may well produce in the minds of our people
sentiments of surprise and admiration. And
not only have they maintained their loyalty in the presence of these trying
circumstances, but their confidence, as a general thing, in the justice and
integrity of this Government; in its good will and friendship for them; and in
the final triumph of the great principles for which it is contending, has ever
remained firm and unshaken."
Hon.
S. S. Scott, the Commissioner, spent the greater portion of the last six months
in the Indian country.—During his incumbency of that Bureau he has managed its
affairs with fidelity and sagacity, and it may be a noteworthy fact that he has
discharged the duties without the assistance of a clerk.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
North Carolina Cherokee Indians.—The Ashville (N. C.) News says:
It has
seemed to have escaped the attention of the public the very important services
rendered the cause of the South by the North Carolina Cherokee Indians,
organized and now commanded by Col. William H. Thomas, of Jackson county.
These troops have done much valuable service in the mountains of this
State and Tennessee, and we are pleased to observe by General Order that they
have attracted the attention of General Bragg in a marked manner.
The detachment of Captain G. H. Taylor, (himself a half breed) are all
Cherokee Indians. We believe that
since the commencement of hostilities, the war has not developed a single Indian
tory or traitor. And in connection
with this creditable fact we may state another.
Some two or three cases only of desertion have taken place among the
Indians, and they were cases in which a youngster just ran off to see his
sweetheart, or a husband to see his wife, and in both cases the offender
expected to be back before he was missed. On
the appearance of the truant at home, the chief immediately called his council
together to deal with the matter, considered to be a disgrace to the tribe. In one or more of these cases the deserter was arrested and
soundly thrashed, and in all of them they were tied securely and sent back to
their command in custody of a guard composed of elder members.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Lynchburg Virginian says, a substituted man in that city, of considerable means,
applied for work in a shop for making wooden bottomed shoes, and offered to work
for fifty cents a day.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 18, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Lady of Lyons;" charming dance; "Two Gregories;"
Tuesday—"Honey Moon;" Wednesday—"Macbeth;"
Thursday—""Evadne;" Friday—"Love's Sacrifice;" in
preparation "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 18, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
A New
Woolen Factory will be put in operation in Danville, in a few days.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
New Songs.
"Call
me not back to this Echoless Shore," in answer to Rock me to sleep.
By the author and composer of "When this Cruel War is Over.
Price $1.50.
"'Tis
the March of the Southern Men"—from a Scotch melody.
1.50
"No
one to Love." By W. B. Harvey.
1.50.
Trade
half off.
Geo. Dunn & Co.,
Publishers.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Hays' Louisiana Brigade.
To the Editor of the Whig:
The
committee appointed to solicit aid in behalf of this gallant brigade wish to
state through your columns that they have purchased and sent off, in charge of
Quartermaster Bridge, of the brigade, two hundred and fifty-six overcoats, about
two hundred and fifty pairs yarn socks, a few blankets, and a few shirts, and
have a despatch from Lynchburg stating that one hundred and seventy blankets,
ten overcoats and twenty-five pairs socks had been sent from that place.
As a sufficient sum has not been collected to pay for the articles sent
from this point, further subscriptions are solicited, which can be handed to Jno.
Freeland, Esq., Sam'l M. Price & Co., and Ellet, Bell & Fox.
One of the Committee.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Causes of Female Debility.
The hours in which the majority of American mothers and housekeepers are free
from care, and can go forth to breath the fresh air or join in social
amusements, as is so common in other nations, come few and far between.
To this add all the mischief done by impure air, improper food and
neglect of the skin, which they share equally with the other sex.
But worst of all, add to these disadvantages the pernicious custom of
dress, by which one half the body is subjected to extreme changes from heat to
cold, while the other portion is compressed by tight girding, heated by
accumulated garments, pressed downwards by whalebones, and by heavy skirts
resting over the most delicate organs. In
our rural towns, even, these pernicious customs of dress have been carried by
mantua-makers from the city, and still more by the miserable fashion plates in
our literature, that set forth the distortions of deformity and disease as
models of taste and fashion. In our
country towns, and among the industrial classes, it will be found that the
taxation of care and labor on the brain of woman is even worse and greater than
it is in the same class of our cities. The
wives of rich farmers are often ambitious to carry out plans of labor and wealth
with their husbands, while at the same time, their daughters must be sent to
boarding schools, and all the habits and tastes of city life must, in
consequence, be mingled with other cares. The
great majority of the American women have their brain and nervous system
exhausted by too much care and too much mental excitement in their daily duties;
while another class, who live to be waited on and amused, are as great sufferers
for want of some worthy object in life, or from excess in seeking amusement. Next, there never has been any previous generation of
children who have been so extensively deprived of pure, cool air in nursery,
school-room, and parlor as those now on the stage. The air tight stoves in bed-rooms, the cooking stoves in
kitchens, the close stoves in school-rooms, and the far greater care taken to
make windows and doors tight, have secured this result.
Then the furnaces that are so generally used, keep the atmosphere of a
house far warmer than it ever becomes with open fires.
For, when the body is warmed by radiated heat from a fire, the air never
becomes so heated as when all warmth is to be gained from the surrounding
atmosphere. And as the upper part of the room is always w3armest, both
stoves and furnaces keep the head warmer than the feet, and furnish to the lungs
only a heated atmosphere to breathe. In
former days, little girls took cold air baths all over their persons whenever
they went out. In these days they
are covered from all cool air, and they stand over registers and take hot air
baths when they feel a chill or have cold feet.
Besides this, the school rooms are made tighter and heated better than
they ever could be in former days. At
the same time they are crowded with occupants whose brains, while struggling
with bad air, are stimulated with intellectual drills and exciting motives to
exertion, such as never were known to a former generation.
Little girls are especially sufferers in all that appertains to health.
They must be housed most of the time in heated and impure air, and then
when allowed to go abroad, they must wear thin slippers, and must not romp and
run like the boys. And then, as
they come to the most trying and critical period of life, the stimulation of
brain increases, the exercise diminishes, and the monstrous fashions that bring
distortion and disease are assumed. In
England, the higher classes rarely send a daughter to a boarding-school, but
parents secure teachers to educate them at home, and take the greatest pains to
secure a healthy and perfect physical development.
But in this country, the greater portion of the wealthy classes send
their daughters, at the most critical age, to be close packed, in ill ventilated
chambers and school rooms, by night and by day, while all physical training is
neglected, and the brain and nerves are stimulated by intellectual activity.
Twenty years ago, a distinguished medical man gave it as his opinion that
a majority of school girls had more or less of the curvature of the spine. A still more terrific deformity than this is now added as the
result of our miserable neglect and abuse of the young.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 19, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Honey Moon;" charming dance; "The Poor Soldier!";
Wednesday—"Macbeth;" Thursday—"Evadne;"
Friday—"Love's Sacrifice;" in preparation—"The Corsican
Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 20, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
Restaurant Nomenclature.—It is almost a pity that we hav'nt [sic] a
full list, for record, of the appellations of the numerous bar-rooms in this
city. It would be curious, if not
profitable, to scan them hereafter, and consider their derivation and
significance. For instance, we have
"A Good Idea"—a very taking, though not an original name.
Of restaurants named in honor (?) of distinguished military men, there is
no end. But the best idea out yet
in this line is the naming of a bar room on Main street after a locality
rendered memorable by various cavalry operations.
That name is "Brandy Station"—the appropriateness of which
none will dispute, except that a customer will more likely to find whisky than
brandy at the said station. There
are many brandy stations along the railroad of life.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ingomar!"; dance &c.; "Alpine Maid;" tomorrow
"Macbeth"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 21, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Large
Amount of Clothing.—From the 1st of October to the 31st
of December, the State of North Carolina delivered to the Confederate
government:--Jackets, 32,482; Pants, 11,556; Shirts, 39,060; Drawers, 19,212;
Blankets, 17,946; Hats, 1,346; Shoes, 13,184; Socks, (pairs) 22,169; Haversacks,
2,500; Leather, (lbs.) 2,102.
For
this the Confederacy paid $1,203,144.30.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 21, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
New Music.—We take pleasure in bringing to the notice of musical
amateurs a new song from J. W. Randolph, of this city, entitled, "'Twas
Naught, but 'twas a Dream." Musical
critics have pronounced it to be a composition of more than ordinary MERIT.
From
the same publisher, we have received, "We May Be Happy Yet"—the
popular new song of "Virginia, the Home of the Free," and "The
Last Rose of Summer"—the last two on one sheet.
From
Mr. A. G. Taylor, Danville, we have received three new pieces of music, to which
we invite the attention of the musical public, viz: "Old Dominion Polka," by Prof. Victor Daeirenger,
of the Baptist Female College, Farmville; "The Star of the South"—a
waltz; and "The Daisy Polka"—all by the same composer.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 21, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Boots
and Shoes.—For the "benefit of posterity," as well as for the
information of the people of the present day, we put upon record the following
schedule of prices for making and repairing boots and shoes charged at an
establishment in this city which is generally overrun with orders:
"For
making boots, $225; for footing boots, $140; for ordinary cavalry boots, $250;
for gaiters, $110; for high lace shoes, $100; for Oxford ties, $90; for half
soling and heeling boots, $20; ditto shoes, $18; for new gores to gaiters, $10;
for half-soling boots or shoes, $12; for heeling do., $8.
If calf skins are furnished, the charge will be for making boots, $120;
shoes, $60. Where it will not be
possible to fill an order in the course of four weeks from the time it is taken,
no price will be set but the price will be fixed at the time of delivery."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A lady
in the interior sends us the following in rejoinder to the want "for women
with babies to travel:"
WANTED—Five
thousand men, (principally the brass buttoned gentry and speculation civilians)
to travel on all Southern railroads—to occupy the ladies' car—spit over the
floor and render it unfit for the occupancy of ladies.
For further particulars, apply to the wives of true soldiers, who find
traveling necessary to transact the business with which their husbands, absence
necessarily encumbers them.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
An
Underground Mail from Vicksburg was recently detected at Big Black river and
destroyed. Since then, it is said,
a woman has been stationed by the Yankees at the river to examine those adroit
smugglers—Confederate women.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Ladies of New Orleans.—A Confederate officer lately escaped from New Orleans,
says of the ladies:--"Their spirit is yet unsubdued, and it is their glory
that they—the only foe that Butler ever dared encounter—defeated the Beast,
and that he and his minions have never recovered from the wounds of a stinging
contempt which the women of New Orleans inflicted on them, and under which they
still writhe. The Yankees and their
few adherents are exiled from good society.
No one of them has ever gained admittance into a decent family, except
when he went officially to insult a lady or steal something."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 22, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Funeral Notice.
Expired on the morning of January 21, 1864, of wounds received at the
hands of a philosopher, HABEAS CORPUS, a well known and highly respected
resident of the Confederacy. The
deceased was a native of England, resided for some time in the United States,
but being driven thence by the enemies of public liberty, came to reside in the
Confederate States, where he believed every arrangement had been made to prolong
his life indefinitely if not forever. He
was about several hundred years old when he died.
His loss is irreparable. His
funeral will take place from the office of the Richmond Enquirer, on Monday
next, at 4 P. M. The learned and
Reverend Geo. Fitzhugh will deliver the obituary discourse.
Pall Bearers, Messrs. Phelan, Brown, Gartrell and Barksdale.
Driver of the Hearse, Mr. Nathaniel Tyler.
The friends of the defunct and the public generally are respectfully
solicited to be present. Green
weepers, eight feet long, and black cotton gloves, dyed in the wool and imported
expressly from Baltimore, will be furnished gratis at the War Department.
A mounted guard of 1600 choice Plugs will be in attendance to preserve
order. The editors and employees of
the Whig, Examiner, Mercury, Confederacy, and Appeal, are warned not to molest
the mourners, or in any way interfere with the proceedings.
Insert
once and send bill to Mr. Memminger.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 23, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"All That Glitters is Not Gold;" dance, &c.;
ballad—"Mother, Dear;" "Swiss Swains;"
Monday—"Stranger"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Heroism
of Charleston.—The Columbia South Carolinian pays the following just tribute
to the heroism of Charleston, under the continued bombardment of the enemy:
It is
wonderful to witness the calmness with which all the intercourse of daily life
goes on under the almost ceaseless bombardment to which the place is now
subjected. The streets bustle with
trade, the side-walks are lined with undisturbed pedestrians, children play upon
the very outskirts of the fire, sometimes beneath it, and cheerful faces may be
seen on every side. There is
something affecting, also, in the courage of the women.
Most of them heed the shells as little as the sternest veteran.
On one occasion, a gentleman passing a house, while the enemy were
shelling the town, saw in the plazza [sic] a lady in mourning, engaged in the
feminine occupation of sewing. A
shell whizzed the next moment over the building, and the gentleman paused to
witness the demeanor of the fair seamstress.
She simply, without rising, followed the flight of the missile with her
eyes, heard it explode not a hundred yards distant, and then quietly resumed her
work. Such is the spirit of the
women of Charleston.
Brave
old city! May its streets never be
profaned by a hostile tread! If all
that courage can achieve, or fortitude endure, can preserve it from the fire, we
may rest assured of its safety.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
A Fair
Imposter.—A certain young woman living in the East end of the city, has
rendered herself liable to a criminal prosecution by calling upon ladies, at
their residences, in different parts of the city, making herself exceedingly
familiar on short acquaintance, and representing that she was collecting a fund
for the benefit of "a poor woman with several small children."
By her free and easy manner, and seeming candor, she induced the ladies
upon whom she called, to make contributions to the pretended charitable object,
and, from first to last, she must have collected several hundred dollars.—With
this amount she will probably be satisfied; if not, she may expect an
introduction to His Honor, the Mayor. We
advise the ladies to be upon their guard against similar impositions.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
A New
Remedy.—The Surgeon General, at this city, as well as the surgeon in charge of
the South Carolina Hospital at Petersburg, have written to Mr. Wm. Summer, S.
C., for a supply of the roots of the plant some times known as Side Saddle
flag, which has been much lauded in English medical journals for the cure of
small pox. It counteracts the
violence of the disease and completely prevents pitting. The object of the Surgeon General is to test its efficacy for
the benefit of the soldiers. some
years since it was found growing abundantly in South Carolina.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Barbers and Bar-keepers.
The barbers of this city are now charging a dollar for shaving, two
dollars for trimming the beard and four dollars for trimming the hair and the
beard. We do not blame the barbers
for charging these seemingly enormous prices.
Flour is selling for $240 a barrel, and barbers must live as well as
other people. Living without eating
is an economical but brief pastime.—Eating without paying for what is eaten,
is an impossibility in these days. The
barbers, therefore, must charge high prices or they must starve.
But
the time has come to dispense with barbers and to save the money now wasted in
employing them.—Barbers can be more useful elsewhere than in their shops.
Gentlemen must shave themselves and trim their own beards.
When their hair needs cutting, the home folks must cut it.
It will be roughly done, perhaps, but will answer well enough in war
times.
Everybody
must serve the cause in some way. Barbers
are not serving it now. How and
where they may be of most service, is a question to be settled by the wisdom of
the country. The majority of them
are mulattoes, and allowance should and will be made for the weakness of their
constitutions. If they cannot be of
use as teamsters or workers upon fortifications or even as field hands, there
are plenty of mechanical and other pursuits in which they may engage and render
more or less service to the cause. Employed
as they now are, they do not help forward the army, the navy, or the
commissariat. Their strength and intelligence are a dead waste, so far as
the cause is concerned.
Colored
bar-keepers are in the same category with the barbers.
They are not only of no use to the army or the people, but are doing
injury to both. They must be put to
work and kept at it. That work must be connected in some way with the great
business of the war, which should engage from the moment the energies of every
living being, white or black, bond or free, in the [column 3] Confederacy.
All of us must lend a helping hand, and why should bar keepers be left at
liberty to coin money by poisoning both soldiers and citizens?
Let it
not be said that these two classes are insignificant in numbers.
Any one who will take the trouble to walk the length and breadth of the
principal streets of this city and peer into each and every one of the barber
shops, bar-rooms, oyster-cellars, beer-saloons, restaurants, etc., will find an
average of four or five of these people in each establishment.
In Richmond alone, there must be at least a thousand men belonging to
these two classes, including waiters, oyster openers and the like, all of whom
are capable of assisting the cause instead of injuring it.
What then must be their numbers throughout the Confederacy? Ten, fifteen, or perhaps twenty thousand.
Shall these thews and sinews, so competent for useful work, be left to
the trifling business of clipping hair and mixing drinks?
Shall this army remain idle? Shall
white men do everything for the cause, and barbers, bar-keepers, waiters and
these kind, do nothing? The
questions are worthy of early investigation.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Romance of a Poor Young Man;" beautiful ballad;
characteristic dance; tomorrow—"Lucretia Borgia"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Atrocities of the
Enemy in North
Alabama
A Colonel, and for the last campaign, a Brigade commander, furnishes the
following facts which stamp with eternal infamy, the atrocious conduct of the
enemy in North Alabama.
About
twenty-five Yankees, headed by one Ben Harris, a tory from Madison county,
crossed the Tennessee River into Beech Island, and captured Benjamin Raden, an
old man, his son, his nephew James Raden and his son, and another man whose name
is forgotten—all private citizens—and shot them, killing four dead, and
threw them into the river, three of whose bodies were afterwards found.
The fifth caught hold of some bushes, when Harris ordered them to cut his
head off with their sabres, which they attempted, but could not reach him, he
then ordered them to knock his brains out with a fence rail, and failing in
this, they fired two guns, and he dropped his head in the water as if dead, and
the fiends supposing him dead, departed. The
same crowd went to the house of Madison Ritchie, the conscripting officer and
took him out of his bed and drove him in front of them some two or three miles
to Paint Rach [sic?] River, and made him wade in about midway and shot him,
putting seven balls through his body. These
were all unoffending citizens. Benjamin
Raden was an old man, sixty-three years old.
They
hung an overseer—who had formerly taken the oath to Lincoln—his sole offence
consisting in assisting his employer to get his stock across the river.
They put a notice on the tree—that it would be death for any one to
take his body down.
They
went to P. Rallins, formerly a Captain in Col. Hale's Regiment, who had resigned
in consequence of ill-health, and robbed him of several thousand
dollars—giving him ten minutes to cross the Tennessee River and threatening to
hang him and leave him hanging till the buzzards should pick his eyes out, if he
ever returned. They have issued an
order for all to take the oath, or leave their lines.
Such
are a few of the many atrocities these Yankee fiends—the representatives of
"the best Government the world ever saw," are inflicting on the people
of North Alabama.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Mrs.
Peter Weir, of Sumter county, Ala., has just made a third donation of 100
blankets, shirts, socks and pants to Gen. Morgan's command.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Lucretia Borgia, the Italian Wife;" grand double dance;
"Milly, The Maid with the Milking Pail;" tomorrow "Evadne"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 28, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Evadne;" fancy dance; "Bonnie Fish Wife;
tomorrow—"Camille"; in preparation "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Reenlistments—Douglas'
Texas Battery held a meeting on the 18th, and resolved to re-enlist
for the war.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Lincoln's
Cares.—No man in this agony, says Mrs. Stone, in the Boston Watchman,
has suffered more and deeper, albeit with a dry, weary, patient, pain, that
seemed to some like insensibility. "Whichever
way it ends," he said to the writer; "I have the impression that I
shan't last long after it is over." After
the dreadful repulse of Fredericksburg, he said "If there is a man out of
hell that suffers more than I do, I pity him."
In those dark days his heavy eyes and worn and weary air told how our
reverses wore upon him, and yet there was a never failing fund of patience at
the bottom that sometimes rose to the surface in some droll, quaint saying or
story, that forced a laugh even from himself."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Camille; or the Fate of a Coquette;" fancy dance,
Mississippi Fling; tomorrow—"Lady of the Lake;" in preparation
"The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Letter from Three Good Little Boys.
Out in the Old Field,}
January 26, 1864. }
Dear
Pa: We take our Pen in Hand to
write You a letter. We have Got
something to say to You. It is Bad
News, and we are sorry to say it. But
it is the Fact. And we Hope You
won't get Very Madd with us for telling It, for It is the Real Truth, and we
don't mean to Hert your Feelings by telling it.
Because, if we could help telling It, we would'nt Tell It.
Dear Pa, the Truth is this. Us
Boys that You sent into the Field to Fight the Yankees are getting Mighty
Hungry, and the Reason of it All is that we don't get Enough to Eat.
Now
You Know that Boys that don't get a Plenty to Eat can't Fight.
They can Fight some. But
they can't Fight Good. Because It
takes Strength to Fight, and No Man is Strong that Don't get Enough to Eat.
We All are willing not to Eat as Much as You All at Home, and we All
Don't Never get as Good Vittles as You All do, but we Enjoy what we do Get more
than You All do, just Because we are so Pleg-taked Hungry All the Time, but we
have Got to Fight, and Fiting is Hard Work, and them that have to Fite are
obliged to Eat. If they don't, they
Can't Fite Hard.
We
know that You Love us as Much as any Pa ever loved any Boys.
And we know it Herts You to hear that we are Suffering.
We would knot say Anything about it, but we have kept it Back until We
Can't keep it Back any longer. If
we Did, we would soon get so Poor and Lean that the Yankees would Run Over us
like a Big Fat Horse running over Timmid little Giarls, and Dog on 'em they
Shan't Do it if we can Help it, which we can if you will give us Enough to Eat.
Because if the Yankees run Over Us, what will Be come of You and the
Balance of the Fokes at Hoam? This
is a Important Question, don't You think so, Pa?
Dear
pa, Please dont get Fretted with us for telling you the Reason we dont get
Enough to Eat. You have got a Great
Deal more Wisdom than we all Have, but then You have not Got a Bad Pane in Your
stummack because it is Empty, and Consequently Your Mind aint turned to the
Subject. All the time like Ours is.
You have got so Many things to attend to that You can't be Expected to
Think on this Subject as Often as we do, this is the Reason we make Bold to tell
you something which perhaps you Don't Know, and we Beg you to pardon and Forgive
us for Writing you a letter about it. Indeed,
indeed we don't mean any Harm by it, or to Go out of our Place by Doing it.
Dear
Pa, the Cause why we don't get Enough to Eat is that old man, Mr. Northup.
They say He Aint Got good sense. We
dont say it, but Everybody says it. You
told him to Feed us Well and we Aint Well Fed, that is certain.
He is to blame for it. Now
if you was to get Another Man and tell him to Feed us Well, may be He would Do
it. If he did not Do it, then
nobody can blame You for keeping a Man in office that has not Got Good sense.
We feel sorry for that Old Man and wish he had his Right Mind and Enough
sense to do the Bisness you told him to do.
But we cant wait any longer, the Pane in our Stummack is so Bad and we
are getting so Weak in our Joynts.
We
know that the Fellows in old Mr. Nothup's office says the People is to Blame.
But that is the way all fellows do that Neglect their Bisness. They try
to throw the Blame on somebody Else, Because if they did not throw the Blame on
somebody Else, they would have to be Punished for their Faults, and at the same
time to confess that their Punishment was Just.
But this Goes Against the Grain, especially of the Fellows that Does
Wrong. Either old Mr Northup and
his fellows aint got the sense to Manage their business or else they have
neglected it. Any way, they Ought
to Quit and make room for a New Sett. If
they dont, us Boys will Starve, the Yankees will whip us, and then You all Home
Fokes will Ketch the Verry Devil.
Hoping,
dearest pa, that you will Atend to this Right Away, we sign our names, with all
love and Duty.
Your affectionate sons
To
Bob Lee
Mr Jeff Javis Esq.
Gus Bewrygard
Richmond,
Joe Jonsing.
Virginia.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Abandonment
of the Teche Country.—The New Orleans correspondent of the New York World,
writing on the 16th, says:
"The
region known as Attakapas, lying beyond Berwick's bay, has at last been
abandoned by the Federal forces—a few outposts only, as a rear guard, being
near Franklin, which are to be withdrawn as soon as fortifications are thrown up
at Brashear City, this side of Berwick's bay, which is to remain the western
limit for the winter of Federal possession in Southwestern Louisiana.
Alas! for the unhappy Union
men who welcomed the stars and stripes when the Federal army first entered the
highly cultivated, luxuriously adorned, rich and lovely valley of the Teche, to
leave it now desolate and ruined. Numbers
of these men are here now, refugees in truth.
The speculator has snatched up their cups [crops?] at ruinously low
prices; the army has helped itself to everything on their plantations; their
mules are in government service, the negroes have eaten up their provisions and
refuse to work for them any longer, even for pay; their fences have been burnt;
the freezing weather has killed their future prospects for sugar; the lands are
growing up in briars and bushes; their carriages and furniture, their jewelry
and clothing have gone away to serve as mementoes of the war; and they have
nothing left them but their principles, which, not being radical enough to admit
them to the Union associations in this city, leave them out in the cold, avoided
by the secessionists, and hated by those place holders whose loyalty, which
dates from Federal ascendancy, has never cost anything, but has, on the
contrary, made them wealthy. Whatever
it may have been elsewhere, here in Louisiana and along the Mississippi the
original Union sentiment sprung from the planters, from the slaveholding
interest.—Whenever the Federal army in its advance has met with a welcome, it
has been from this class of men; with what recompense let the fate of the
Bakers, the Palfreys, and others like them demonstrate.
Union men and secessionists seem alike destined to banishment.
It is enough that men are attached to the soil; it is the transient alone
who are now to be citizens."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
From
Eastern North Carolina—The Raleigh Confederate has received a copy of the
Yankee Provost Marshal's notice, at Washington, N. C. It will be seen what tyranny and oppression the citizens of
that section are subject to:
Provost Marshal's Office, }
Washington, Jan. 18th, 1864.}
The
attention of the Provost Marshal has been called to the fact, that many persons
are resident within the lines at Washington and under the protection of the
United States forces, who have not taken and subscribed to the Oath and Parole
required by General Order No. 49, Department of Virginia and North Carolina.
The
terms of this order require that NO PERSON can have any protection, favor,
passport or privilege, or have any money paid them, who does not take and
subscribe to the Oath and Parole. Notice
is therefore given TO ALL PERSONS of the years of discretion, MALE AND FEMALE
that one week's time from this date will be allowed for the purpose of taking
the Oath and Parole.
T. J. Hoskinson,
Capt. and Provost Marshal.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Porcelain
and Earthenware.—The Legislature has passed an act incorporating the company
for the manufacture of porcelain and earthenware in Augusta county.
We have now in our possession, says the Staunton Spectator, a specimen of
the kaolin, the material from which this ware is to be manufactured.
We understand that persons acquainted with the character of this
material, and who have practical knowledge of the manufacture of it into fine
ware, say that the kaolin obtained in this county is of the very best quality.
In a few months this company expects to have everything in readiness to
commence the manufacture of cups and saucers, bowls and pitchers, and all kinds
of articles of ware used in housekeeping.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, January 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Wreck Ashore; or The Dead Alive;" dance; "The
Artful Dodger;" Monday—"The Stranger;" in preparation "The
Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Stranger; or, Misanthropy and Repentance;" fancy dance;
"Bonnie Fish Wife"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 3, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Evadne; or, The Hall of the Statues;" dance, &c.;
"Caller Herrings;" in preparation "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 3, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
New Song, now ready and may be had at all Book and Music Stores,
By C.
C. Mera.
"No Surrender."
With
two illustrations—A Battle Scene and View of Fort Sumter. Price $1 50.
Usual
allowance to the trade.
Geo. Dunn & Co.,
Publishers.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
New Songs, now Ready, $1.50 each.
At all Book and Music Stores.
"No Surrender," with two illustrations—a battle scene and
view of Fort Sumter—by C. C. Mera, Richmond, Va., of whom dealers and others
may obtain copies.
"Why?
No One to Love!" by S. C.
Foster, in answer to "No One to Love"
George Dunn & Co., Publishers,
Richmond, Va.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Valentines.—A
Series of Valentines, 20 in number, Caricature and Sentimental, are now ready,
and orders from dealers with cash can be instantly filled.
Retail, 50 cents each. Trade
one-half off when 100 copies (5 sets) are ordered.
Mailing $1 per 100. Each
sheet can be mailed open, on the sender affixing a one cent stamp.
George Dunn & Co.,
Publishers, Richmond, Va.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Good News from North Carolina.
The following official despatch from Major General Pickett was received
at the War Department yesterday:
Kinston, Feb. 3d, 1864.
To General S. Cooper:
I made
a reconnoissance within a mile and a half of Newbern with Hoke's Brigade, and a
part of Corse's and Clingman's and some artillery, met the enemy in force at
Batchelor's Creek, killed and wounded about one hundred in all, captured
thirteen officers and two hundred and eighty prisoners, fourteen negroes, two
rifled pieces and caissons, three hundred stand of small arms, four ambulances,
three wagons, fifty-five animals, a quantity of clothing, camp and garrison
equipage, and two flags.
Commander
Wood, C. S. N., captured and destroyed the U. S. gunboat Underwriter.
Our
loss 35 killed and wounded.
G. E. Pickett,
Maj. Gen. Commanding.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The
steamer Advance brought, on her recent trip, 10,000 pairs of shoes, 12,000
blankets and 8,000 pairs of cards.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
Picture of Fredericksburg.—Mr. Lee Mallory, the artist, has completed a
large size picture of Fredericksburg, which is not only true to nature, but
reflects credit on his pencil. At
the point of view from which the original sketch was taken, its correctness will
be observed by all familiar with the environs of that historic little city. The picture is well worth seeing, and may be found at the
confederate Reading Room.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Wife; or, A Tale of Mantua;" dance, &c.; "Married
Rake"; tomorrow—"Angel of Death;" in preparation—"The
Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 5, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Recent Publications.
The Age.
The
first number of this long expected journal appeared yesterday.
It presents a neat and attractive appearance, and contains the following
articles, many of them extracted from English periodicals: . . .
Maryland's Hope. By W. Jefferson
Buchanan.
This
pamphlet has been on our table for several days, and ought to have been noticed
before. . .
Confederate States Medical and Surgical Journal.
The
February number is before us. . .
The Magnolia Weekly.
For
the week ending January 30. . . .
Southern Illustrated News.
Number
for January 30th, 1864. . .
Messrs.
Ayres & Wade have also furnished us with the advance sheets of the plates to
a work on bandages, shortly to be published; the advance sheets of Eleanor's
Victory, which will appear in book form as soon as its publication in the
"News" is concluded; and an illustrated "Manual of Military
Surgery," prepared for the use of the Confederate States army by order of
the Surgeon General—a compact, well printed, handy and serviceable little
work. The works on Surgery and
Bandages, just alluded to, taken in connection with the Surgical Journal, would
seem to indicate that Ayres & Wade have made medical science a specialty;
certainly they are taking a prominent stand in this department of Southern
literature, to which they are destined, we trust, to render valuable service in
addition to what they have already accomplished.
The
February number of The Southern Literary Messenger will appear to-day or
to-morrow. West & Johnston
promise the fifth and last part of Les Miserables next week.
"Jean Valjean" will be looked for with anxiety by the thousands
who have read the previous parts of Hugo's remarkable work.
The
above list shows no diminution of literary activity in the South.
Spite of the war—spite of the scarcity and enormous price of
paper—the mind of the South works its way up to the surface and demands to be
heard and heeded. In good time it
will have free play, and manifest itself to the world as a new power.
In its struggling stages, Southern literature needs to be fostered, and
this has been our earnest endeavor. We
shall continue to give all reasonable encouragement until the war is over. When Southern literature is strong enough to stand alone, we
purpose to handle its faults with gloves off.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A
Horse Infirmary.—The Government has established a horse infirmary for broken
down stock in the army. It is
located in Laurens County, Georgia, twelve miles from Oconee Station, on the
Central Railroad.—Three thousand acres of land are employed for the purpose;
the stables are adapted to peculiar diseases; fifty negroes and eight white men
are employed and two professional veterinary surgeons. Thirty cases of glanders, heretofore supposed to have been
fatal, have been cured in these hospitals, and of the whole number of broken
down horses which would have died in the field, eighty-five per cent have been
saved.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Angel of Death;" in preparation "The Corsican
Brothers" "Wanted—Immediately,
twelve young ladies for the Ballet.—Apply by letter or at the stage door to R.
D. Ogden."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
The City.
The Cost of Subsistence.—We subjoin a list of the retail prices of
provisions, etc., in the First market on Saturday:
Fresh
Meats.—Beef, $2.50a2.75 per lb.; veal, $2.50a3; mutton and lamb, $3; pork, $4;
beef shins, $1.50 per lbs; tripe, $2; liver, $1.50; pork sausage, $4.
Salted
Meats.—Corned beef, $2; bacon, $3.50, scarce; pork, $4.50 per lb.
Smoked
Meats.—Beef, $3 per lb, very scarce; tongues, $2.50a3 per lb; Bologna sausage,
$2.50.
Fresh
Fish.—Rock, $2.50 per lb; alewives, $-- per bunch; oysters $16 per gallon.
Supply of fish very small.
Salt
Fish.—Mackerel, $3 each; codfish, $2.50 per lb; pickled salmon, $5 per lb.
Poultry.—Turkeys,
$20a30 cash, or $2.25a2.50 per lb; do. ducks, $10a14 per pair; pullets, $10a15
per pair.
Game.—Venison,
$2 per lb; hares, $4 each; teal, $5.
Vegetables.—Sweet
potatoes, $4 per half peck; Irish, $2a2.25 do; white turnips, $1 do; rutabaga
do, $1.50 do; flat Dutch cabbage, 50 cents a$1.50 each, according to size; Savoy
do, 20a25 each; carrots, parsnips and salsify, 50 cents per bunch; celery, 75
cents to $1 per bunch; leeks, eight for $1; onions, $2 per qt; red pepper, $1.50
per bunch; turnip salad and Dutch kale, $1 per peck; parsley, 10 cents per
bunch.
Miscellaneous—Butter,
$6a7 per lb; lard, $5; eggs, $3a3.50 per dozen; milk, $1 per quart; hominy,
$2.50 per quart; boiled do., $1.50 per quart; souse, $2 per lb; dried apples, $2
per quart; green apples, inferior, $2 per quart; beans and peas, $1a1.50 per
quart; sassafras, $1 per quart; shuck mats, $4 each; charcoal, $2 per barrel.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Virginia Cavalier"; dance, &c.; "My Son
Diana"; in preparation "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
St.
Valentine's Day.—The recurrence of "Love's Anniversary" will be
brought to mind, this year, by the issue, from Messrs. Geo. Dunn & Co.'s
lithographic establishment, of a series of sentimental, comic, and satirical
"Valentines." The designs
are generally very clever, and the execution far superior to that of the colored
catch-penny affairs heretofore circulated in the South.
Although public attention should be diverted from levity whilst the
alarms of war are heard at our very doors, we believe that on the 14th
February, a large number of "Valentines" will pass through the post
office.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 9, 1864, p. 1. c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Alpine Maid"; singing and dancing; "Ingomar, the
Barbarian;" charming dance; "Sketches in India;" in preparation
"The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Noble
Little Girl.—Miss Rebecca Cox, of Amite county, Mississippi, a little girl
about thirteen years of age, has sent to our soldiers within the past two years,
over two hundred yards of jeans, several home-made blankets, and many pairs of
socks, mostly the work of her own fair hands.
She has set a most noble example and deserves much praise.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Parties.—One
of the least hopeful "signs of the times" is the prevailing mania for
parties and frivolity in this city. There
has never been a gayer winter in Richmond.
Balls and parties every night! One
night last week there were seven parties, at each of which, o doubt,
there was a display of extravagance rarely seen in the halcyon days of peace.
go on, good people. It is
better to be merry than sad. The
wolf is far away from your doors, and it signifieth nothing to you that
thousands of our heroic soldiers are shoeless and comfortless; or that a
multitude of the mothers, wives and children of the gallant defenders of our
country's rights are sorely pinched by hunger and want—aye, starving, or dying
from broken hearts. The most
hopeful patriot among us must abate his hope somewhat when he reflects that this
sinful levity will surely provoke the wrath and displeasure of the God of
nations.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 10, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Quarrel
Among the Rangers.—A correspondent of the Augusta Chronicle, writing from
Greenville, S. C., says:
"Last
week, near Asheville, North Carolina, a cavalry company of Texas Rangers, while
passing through the country, quarrelled with each other and divided.
One party went on ahead and laid in ambush while the others came up, then
fired upon them, and killed and wounded six or seven of their number.
The Mayor of Asheville despatched this news to the commandant of the post
at this place. The officers of this
company should be attended to by the proper authorities, and taught their duty
with severity."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 10, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Tell
That to the Marines.—Two officers the other day were looking at the guns about
to be shipped on a certain craft, and discussing her efficiency, &c.,
including her power of butting. "Do
you know," asked one, "what she will weigh when she gets her guns and
everything else on board?" "I
have not the remotest idea," replied the other. "Humph! a
pretty fellow you for a Lieutenant" growled the other; "her anchor,
you greenhorn."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 10, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Angel of Death"; Grand Olio; Thursday—"Bianca, the
Italian Wife;" Friday—"The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 11, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Affectionate
and Admonitory Epistle from a Hoosier to His Son.—A correspondent with
Longstreet's corps sends the Savannah News the following Yankee letter, picked
up at the "Bean's Station" fight.
The heart of the fond "parient" must have bled with anguish
when he heard that Thomas had "chawed another man's tobacker:"
September the 17th, 1863.
I now
take my pen in hand to drop you a few lines to let you know that we are all in
tollerable good health hopeing these few lines may find you enjoying the same.
Larrey received a letter from you to day Stating that you wasent very
Well at present. We was about fixing some things to send and We heard you had
marching orders and we dident send them—William martin was here and your
mother gave him to shirts and one pair of socks and fifty cents in money to take
to you in stamps. Isaac Zink
brought home your miniture and shoes Wesent peter over to Isaacs to get the
shoes and miniture I suppose you have chawed up george zinks tobacco borrowed
some of the money and isaac zink kep the shoes you sent to me to get pay for the
tobacker and money you borrowed I thought you was raised or tried to be raised
to chew your own tobacco inplace of Chawing other folks if you chewed georges to
bacco without his leave i want to noit and if you dident Chaw it iwant to noit
if you cant trouble me at one place it looks like your bound to at some
other when iwas hunting my horses In place of your staying at home and helping
to ten to things as ileft you to do you put off to indianapolis and Joined the
army and now you can send home for money and boots and things and it is no
easier getting things and sending there than if you had staid at home the boots
yousent for is being made if isee william martin before he goes i will try and send
them by him and if idont the first Chance ile send them I want georges to bacco that bub tursey took out iwant that
to be the last tobaco of any bodies that ever ihear of your eating
I think I would try and quit Chawing tobacker rite now before I Chewed
somebody elses tobacker and it cost another pair of Shoes for Godssake.
Nothing
more at present answer this letter
immediately.
This
to Thomas J. Zink
Hiram Zink
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 12, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Lady of the Lake; or, The Knight of Snowdon;" dance;
"State Secrets"; Saturday—"The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 12, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
[From the Texas
Telegraph.]
The Soldier's Prayer.
By Sam Houston, Jr.
Almighty God! and wilt thou list,
To
this a suppliant soldier's prayer?
And wilt thou guide a wandering boy,
Far
from a mother's constant care?
And may I ask, Almighty God!
That
thou would'st shield me from all harm,
And when the battle rages thick,
Then
wilt thou nerve this young right arm.
I ask not for earth's golden store,
To me
'twould be but sordid dust—
I have a country to defend,
A
sacred, high and only trust.
And if, oh, God! it be my lot,
To lie
amid the noble slain,
While this life's blood is ebbing fast,
and
this poor body racked with pain,
And when my moments here are few,
Before
my soul from earth is riven,
A soldier's grave is all I ask—
And
then, oh, God! a home in heaven.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 12, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Southerners in New
York—Their Numbers,
Resources and Quality.
[From the New York Commercial.]
It is estimated that there are about 25,000 Southern people sojourning in this city and its environs, Brooklyn, Hoboken and Jersey City. They are mostly refugees, and may be divided into three classes, namely—the secessionists, the no siders and the Unionists. They stay at the hotels, they lodge in private boarding houses, and they rent our finest mansions; yet they keep so quiet, affiliating only with a choice coterie of friends and sympathisers, that but few of us are aware of their presence. In fact, their advent among us has had an effect to make rents high and houses scarce. Among them are some of the highest families of the South, whose names history loves to repeat, and men who, a few years ago, were fabulously wealthy. Numbers of them own valuable real estate in this city, or are interested to a considerable extent in various insurance companies, banks, etc. On the other hand, hundreds of them are absolutely dependent on their Northern relatives for their daily bread. These cases are generally widows, with their little ones, whose fathers have been killed in the war, the widow robbed of the little estate her husband had left her, and who has returned to the home of her youth, which she left years ago, happy and proud, as the bride of a planter's son.
The Secessionists.
Of this class are the rich, those whose every interest is at stake when the "peculiar institution" is in jeopardy. A great many of these are of Northern birth—They cherish the doctrine of secession with religious zeal, and are bigoted beyond all reason. Many of them have sons in the Confederate service, with whom they have frequent intercourse. They also receive the Southern papers regularly. Most of this class came North because they could live cheaper and better there, during the war, than they could if they stayed at the South, while some come with the double purpose of escaping the Southern conscription and to save their Northern property from confiscation. They are blind worshippers of Jeff. Davis. when worse come to the worse, and nothing can save the South from defeat, they will fly to Europe, where they imagine they will be received like princes. They effect to care nothing about slavery, whether it exists or not, the question now being, whether or not the North shall rule the south. This class is in the minority of our southern visitors.
The Unionists
This class is in the majority. It consists chiefly of Southerners, includes some of the most respectable and old families of the South, especially of Virginia and the border States. Some of them came on here before the war, thinking that they could pass the time pleasantly and quietly until the difficulties were settled, which, coinciding with Mr. Seward, they looked upon as an affair of a few months. They then hoped to return to their homes, but finding that such was not the case, they concluded to stay here, eke out a living as best they could, some in business and some in Government employ. The gentlemen were unaccustomed to the heavy business which fell to their share, if they found anything to do, and many were unable to get work. The only resource left was that the ladies should do fancy work for the stores; or, (and these cases are few, as they had no friends to give as security for the rent,) open a private boarding-house. The sufferings of this class have been terrible. A large family which had lived in a palace at the South, passed the whole winter, last year, in one small garret room, in a tenement house. Many of these ladies have, so we understand, obtained work from the New York depository, by which they have managed to support a family.
The No Siders.
This class consists chiefly of the border State people, Southerners who
own no property, and Northern wives of deceased planters, who have as great
interests at the North as in the South. Others
have arrived since the war began, having had a taste of the perils of frontier
life. This class is by far the best
off. They think they will not be
materially affected as individuals, no matter which side is victorious.
If the South, they trust they can make it all right again with their old
comrades. If the North, why they
are all right already. Bo they watch the conflict with apathy, and so they lead a
life that has little in it to redeem it from the absolute contempt of the loyal,
or of those who have decided convictions.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
From
Charleston.—Statement of a Refugee.—"A highly respectable lady"
who left Charleston on the 11th January, has furnished the
Philadelphia Inquirer with a description of an "interior view of the cradle
of secession." The Inquirer
says:--
"According
to her statement the bombardment by the Union forces has had a most telling
effect, having desolated the most opulent and thickly settled portion of the
city. From the Battery (which,
before the Rebellion broke out, was the most fashionable promenade and place of
resort for the Charlestonians) up to Wentworth street, about the middle portion
of the city, the shells propelled from General Gillmore's powerful guns have
burst in every direction, penetrating nearly all the houses, demolishing some of
them entirely, and compelling the inhabitants to flee to more distant quarters
for protection. Many of the elegant
residences along the Battery have been laid in ruins, others have their roofs
and walls shattered and split in all conceivable manners, and the earth around
about them has been ripped up, together with the pavements and sidewalks.
The majority of the stores and houses on East Bay, King street, Meeting
street, Church street, Cummings street, and all the parallel avenues, have been
more or less injured by the terrible Union shells and the naughty Greek fire
which General Gillmore, with such a remarkable disregard of politeness and
respect of the feelings of the chivalrous sons of the South, persist in throwing
into the cradle of Secession. Scarcely
a public building within the area described above is without some mark, scratch
or rent.
All
the hotels, except the Pavilion, have been so much injured or so much exposed to
the destructive fire of our boys that they have been entirely shut up, and no
board is to be had for love or money in the whole city of Charleston, except at
two boarding-houses and at the single hotel mentioned above.
The charge at the boarding houses is at the rate of six dollars per day
for their bed and board, which at the same time is of the most primitive
description, as will be most readily conceived.
The Mills House, the Charleston Hotel and the Calder House, in church
street (formerly the Planters' Hotel) have all been very badly damaged by the
shelling.
The
Normal school-house, in St. Philip street, had its roof shattered during one of
the recent shellings, and the walls are rent and torn in several places.
The school has in consequence been removed to a private residence at the
corner of Pitt and Calhoun streets, which was some years ago the boundary of the
city limits.
A Rebel Observatory.
"Our informant stated that the fire of the Union guns seemed to be directed mostly to the central point of the city, and particular aim appeared to be taken at the steeple of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, which is also located on one of the corners formed by the junction of Meeting and Broad streets. This church is a fine old English architectural structure, and its spire rises several feet higher than any other object within the city limits, commanding a fine view of Charleston harbor and the country for miles around. It is supplied with the best magnifying glasses, and is used as a lookout or observatory by the rebels. The Union troops seemed to be well aware of this fact, as their fire was levelled at the steeple as a grand target. Shells were constantly dropping to the right, left, front and rear, all around it; but up to the 11th instant, it has passed through the shower of deadly missiles without being ever touched or grazed. Objects on every side of it had been struck, and it was a subject of wonder among the inhabitants how the church had escaped so long. Very few people ventured into the vicinity of the church, except during the intervals between the firing, and then very seldom indeed.
Defences of the City.
"She saw forty batteries around the city, and slaves were constantly employed in erecting new ones. Reinforcements were arriving daily in large numbers, and the rebels, she says, seemed sanguine of ultimately driving off our forces.
A Very Merry Christmas.
"General Gillmore opened a terrific bombardment on Charleston on the 24th of last Dec., no doubt with a view of affording the Charlestonians an opportunity for enjoying a merry Christmas. According to our informant it was the most dreadful shelling that the city has yet endured. It commenced about midnight, and lasted until noon on Christmas day. The shells showered down upon the city in every direction, and burst with such intense noise and force that the houses were shaken to their very foundations. The windows were shattered into atoms, and the doors and shutters unhinged. Greek fire was at the same time hurled into the streets, and, striking several houses, almost instantly set them in a blaze. The large one-story building in Church street, near Broad street, occupied as a cotton press, was set on fire, and completely burned, together with a large store of cotton contained within it. A number of firemen were injured during this conflagration by the falling of one of the walls of the building.
Horrible Effect of the Bombardment.
"During the bombardment on Christmas an old gentleman and lady,
brother and sister, were seated by the fireplace, in their house on Market
street, when one of the shells burst through the wall and struck them both in
their chairs, fracturing the old man's leg and arm, and injuring the lady so
severely that she died next morning.
"The
people of Charleston were thrown into a perfect panic by the terrific
bombardment, and there was a second stampede for the interior of the State, to
get out of the reach of the shells. The
women, who generally throughout the siege displayed an uncommon amount of pluck
ran through the streets shrieking in terrified tones, and seeking protection in
cellars and other similar places. It
was a great relief to them when Christmas noon arrived, and with it brought a
cessation of the much dreaded firing.
"Since
the commencement of the bombardment firemen have patrolled the streets day and
night, in readiness to put out fires occasioned by the Union shelling.
The operations of the Union troops are conducted with great regularity
and precision. The shelling takes
place three times every day, at ten o'clock in the morning, four o'clock in the
afternoon, and at midnight, lasting each time about two hours.
How They Take the Bombardment.
"Although the inhabitants of Charleston have been obliged to abandon
the largest portion of the city almost entirely, owing to the dreadful firing of
our guns, still, as a general rule, they appear to take the matter with a good
deal of philosophy and sang froid. Familiarity
with danger has doubtless detracted considerably from its terror; but yet there
are times, our informant states, when the people are shaken up somewhat by the
thundering discharges and explosions from the Union batteries.
When the bombardment first began, the terror of all classes, without
exception, was terrific. It was
about noon, on a day in November. The
city was in its usual quiet condition, and the inhabitants were not in the least
apprehensive of what was about to happen.
"Suddenly
the shelling commenced, and some of the projectiles burst in the sky right over
the city. One of them smashed
through the roof of a house in King street, tore up the doors, shattered the
walls and finished up its destructive career by striking a poor negro woman
sitting in one of the rooms, killing her instantly.
The inhabitants, men, women and children, rushed out of their houses in
the utmost dismay, and an indescribable scene of confusion and alarm ensued. The
famous Bull Run "skedaddle" appears to have been nothing in comparison
to the flight of the chivalry from Charleston to the interior and neighboring
towns and villages. The houses were
emptied of their valuables, animate and inanimate, and conveyed away as
expeditiously as horse flesh could accomplish.
Since that first grand scare the Charlestonians have learned wisdom and
the art of dodging, a species of gymnastics in which they have become quite
proficient by long practice."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 13, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Independence.
We still talk of this, says the Sumpter Watchman, as something yet
to be won. Have we not already
measurably grasped the prize? Some
few years ago, almost everything we saw—everything we wore, and much which we
consumed, was manufactured and imported from the North.
Now, homespun fabrics clothe our people, and almost everything we
require for use is made at home. Let
the blockade continue, and we ask no help from the outside barbarians.
Our country is rich in resources, and blest beyond almost every other
land. All we have ever required as
a people to make us independent, has been the stern and inexorable pressure of
necessity—and that pressure is now upon us.—We feel its growing influence
and recognize its beneficent results every day.
And ere long, ever all the vast extent of this sunny land, the songs of
the husbandman will commingle on every hand with the music of the wheel, the
loom and the anvil. We never expected to become a manufacturing people; but the
same law which made Robinson Crusoe, on the lonely Isle, combine all trades in
himself, will work wonders with us. It
is doing this every day.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Corsican Brothers"; grand ballet entertainment; a
favorite farce.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
Prices of Merchandise—Apples are ravenously sought after at $75 to 100
per bbl. The orchards of Virginia
would surely afford fruit enough to satisfy the demand of soldiers and others,
were it not for the fact that so much of the product is used in making
"apple jack" and peach brandy. The
retail price of nice apples is $2 each. Send
in your Apples, farmers, and get the big prices, while you can. Dried Fruit is also in great demand at $38a40 per
bushel—some asking more.—Onions, $35 per bushel.
(Tell it not in Wethersfield.)—Good gracious, farmers, who don't you
raise "inguns" by the ton? Potatoes
are selling at $8 to $15 per bus. We hope that the next crop will be very large.
Let us have abundance of potatoes—both Irish and Sweet.—Turnips are
going at $6a7 per bushel—supplies diminishing.
Peanuts, or "Goobers" are scarcely ever seen.
The retail price is $64 per bushel.
"Did anybody ever?" as the ladies say.
Peas and Beans are in good supply, but prices are well maintained. We quote Peas at $30a35 per bushel; Beans, $35 to 38.
Flour
is arriving more freely. Persons
other than commission merchants, are receiving it in lots of five to ten
barrels, whether on speculation, or for their own use, we cannot tell.
Certain, it is, there is more Flour coming in, but sellers are stiff, and
are generally asking $235 per bushel for Superfine—equal to $10 in
gold!—"We are a great people."
Corn meal is $25 per bus., and hard to get at that price.
No wheat coming in.—Corn $22 per bushel.
Seed Oats very scarce.
Sugar—ah!
what's the price of Sugar? Well,
we suppose that $100 will buy about 15 lbs. of Brown, or 10 lbs. of Crushed.
Molasses is $30 per gallon. A
short time ago we were told that the land was overflowing with Sorghum, but the
yield has either dried up, or the farmers have selfishly determined that their
city cousins shall have no more of it. Soap
has advanced about 25 per cent since 1st February.
Candles are held at $5a6 per lb. Let
the poor thank God that the days are growing longer.
Salt
is "cheap." We are glad
that something is.—The auction price is 23 a 25 cts. per lb.
Black Pepper $9 per lb. Vinegar
$5 per gallon.
Leather
"has advanced." Dealers
say stocks are very light, and quote Sale at $8 to 9; Upper $9 a 10.
Fortunately the season is approaching when people can afford to go
barefooted. Will leather then come
down? No!
The
lowest price at which Beef by the quarter can now be had is $2.25.
We saw a dray load of Mutton yesterday, for which the receiver was asking
$2.50.—Bacon is $4.50 a 5 per lb. Butter
$6 per lb.—firm.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Theatre.—The
prices of admission to the Theatre have been advanced.
Tickets to the dress circle now cost $5; to the parquette, $3; and to the
second tier, $1.50. Private boxes, holding six persons, $35.
These boxes are seldom without occupants.
In some theatres a private box is reserved for the Press.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Narrow
Escape—Unique Plan of Two Young Ladies.—the army correspondent of the Canton
(Miss.) Citizen gives the following narrative of the manner in which a
Confederate soldier in Mississippi recently escaped the clutches of the Yankees:
While
dwelling upon the subject of ladies and the purifying influence of ladies'
society, I will take occasion to mention, for the benefit of the fastidious, an
adventure of two nice and accomplished young ladies, together with a young
gentleman well versed in gallantry. Not
long since mon cher M., of this brigade, while in the vicinity of Federal
encampments, took occasion to put up for the night at the house of an old
acquaintance, where he had often called to enjoy a pleasant repast with the
young ladies. During the night, the
Federals, learning his whereabouts, approached the house, creating a bluster
everywhere save in our young hero's apartment.
He soundly slept, and continued to sleep, as if on "downy beds of
roses," until the young ladies, panic-stricken on his account, rushed en
dishabille into his room and awoke him from his slumbers.
But
the Federals had advanced too far for him to make his escape in the front, and
there was no window or door in the rear. How
then was his escape to be effected? Reader,
the young ladies instituted a plan unprecedented in the history of military
operations.—When the old lady discovered he could not escape by running, she
rushed in, crying, "girls! we must do something—the Federals are already
in the passage." No sooner
said than done. The young ladies
leaped in bed with our young hero, one on each side, completely concealing his
head, and thereby causing the search of the Federals to be fruitless.
They looked into every nook, and under every bed in the house, not
excepting the one occupied by the hero, but the young Confederate scout was
nowhere to be found. How much
better than to have suffered him murdered or imprisoned for years in a felon's
cell.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Soldier's Daughter;" charming dance; "My Son,
Diana;" day performance of "The Corsican Brothers"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Tax on
Dancing.—We suggest to the Committee on Finance, in the City Council, the
imposition of a license tax upon all public balls and fandangoes hereafter given
in this city. All other
"amusements" are taxed, and why not "balls" and "soirees
dansante!"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 19, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Huntress of the Mississippi! or, A Hundred and Fifty Years
Ago;" song "A Jug of Punch;" "Irish Jig and Fight;"
charming dance; "Marriage in the Dark"; day performance of "The
Corsican Brothers"; in rehearsal "Ticket of Leave Man"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—day--"The Corsican Brothers;" evening—"Virginia
Cavalier;" dance, &c.; "Mr. and Mrs. White;"
Monday—"Macbeth;" Tuesday—"Ticket of Leave Man"
The
Management, in pursuance of that spirit of enterprise and determination to
[illegible] no effort to contribute to the public entertainment, which it trusts
will constitute a distinguished feature of its policy, has, by extraordinary
exertion, been enabled to offer to its patrons the first representation in the
Confederacy of the powerful production which has created so much excitement in
the literary and dramatic world of European and Northern cities, known as the
"Ticket of Leave Man."
This
powerful drama, from the pen of Tom Taylor, whose title to pre-eminence as the
great master of dramatic composition of our age in all the features of
successful state representation is universally conceded, has achieved success in
both England and the United States which establishes his claim to be considered
a conspicuous feature in the present epoch of dramatic authorship.
The sad story of the "Ticket of Leave Man"—of misguided
innocence, as often the victim of the wiles and snares of the vicious—of
honest once betrayed and ever afterwards vainly struggling to efface the stigma
of infamy—is not confined to any age or country, but finds daily
exemplification wherever the inexperience of youth is exposed to the seductions
of practiced crime. The
"Ticket of Leave Man" is an eloquent commentary upon the harshness of
that social decree which condemns to perpetual exile for the commission of the
"first false step," and an impressive admonition to youth of the
importance of virtuous associations.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Meat.
Cut off, as we are, from Tennessee and Kentucky, the question of meat
supplies for our armies, from the area within our control, is one of grave
consideration. According to census
reports, there is no just ground for the impression, long prevalent with us,
that the South was dependent upon the North for a large portion of the meat we
consumed. We actually reared and
slaughtered more animals in proportion to population than the North, and it is
simply owing to the fact of our almost wasteful use of meat, in which they
economised, that we became annual purchasers of this article to so great an
extent. Thrown upon our own
resources, diverting our agriculture from the production of our great commercial
staples to that of breadstuffs, and, along with it, to raising animals, hogs
especially, since the war began, in sections undisturbed by the march of armies,
or not affected by epidemics among our stock, the supplies of meat are far more
bountiful than ever known before. It
but remains for our patriotic planters to respond to the call of Government for
this article, which, under the modifications of the schedule and impressment
prices, as well as improvement of currency by the recent enactments of Congress,
allowing more just as well as valuable compensation, we feel fully assured they
will at once and cheerfully do. . . . The fact is, ourselves and our laborers
eat too much meat. No people in the
world are such meat eaters as we are, especially our laboring people.
Instead of three pounds of meat a week, our negroes, with a moderate
increase of their bread allowance, can subsist, and thrive, and do as much work
with scarcely any meat at all. Meat
eating is purely a luxury and a habit. We
know of planters in this State, and have heard of many instances in other
States, whose negroes, fed on a quarter of a pound of meat, and some none at
all, a week, who observe no ill effect upon the condition (except a little
grumbling at first,) either in health or capacity for work, with their negroes.
Bread is the staff of life. In
it are contained all the elements for the sustenance of life and a vigorous
condition of health. Added to it
the variety of vegetables which can be so easily produced, and meat can almost
wholly be dispensed with by our well-clad and moderately exercised negroes, who
have comfortable houses and are guarded from exposure of weather.
Such is not the case with our soldiers, whose hardships, exposures and
privations, and especially almost entire denial of vegetables, render
concentrated nourishment an absolute necessity.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
From East Tennessee.
We are pleased to learn from an officer from General Longstreet's
command, that his army are generally well clothed and shod, and are in excellent
health and fine spirits. Gen. Longstreet, for some time past, has had possession of the section
of East Tennessee from which the enemy principally derived their supplies, and
it is believed, could possess Knoxville at any time but for the small-pox which
has been raging there.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
A
Brave Young Rebel.—The Abingdon Virginian says a little boy twelve years old
in Lee county, son of Peter Phipps, who was so brutally treated by Major Beers,
recently captured by General Jones, was caught by the Yankees and three times
hung because he would not cheer for Lincoln.
Each time, when relieved from the rope, he shouted at the top of his
voice, "Hurrah for Jeff. Davis."
The Yankees finally let him go, as an incorrigible rebel.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
An
Embalmer in Trouble.—The arrest of Dr. Wm. J. Maclure, Embalmer and
Disinfector General, who, under the pretence of going down to Essex to disinter
a body, was trying to convey to the North persons owing military services to the
Confederate States, has already been mentioned.
the case was examined on Saturday by Commissioner A. H. Sands, and the
accused sent on to the Confederate Court. It
appeared from the evidence that Maclure being suspected of being engaged in
running off parties to the North, Jno. C. Weatherford, a special detective, was
sent to him and instructed to represent himself as a soldier anxious to desert
and get into the enemy's lines. Maclure
agreed to take him beyond the Potomac for 1,000, which Weatherford paid to one
Capt. Kirby, a partner of Maclure's. All
the arrangements having been made, Maclure started from Richmond with
Weatherford and another passenger named Harris, a Richmond Jew, carrying along
an empty coffin too [sic] look professional, and having papers for two men,
represented to be his assistants in exhuming bodies.
Detectives Reese and Craddock arrested the party at the head of the
Mechanicsville pike and brought them back to the city.
On the way back, Maclure endeavored to bribe the detectives to let him
escape. From present appearances
the greatest crime that Maclure can be convicted of is an attempt to bribe a
government detective.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Inciting
Insurrection and Rebellion.—A Hintz or Hines and Moses Frickland, who for the
past two weeks have been lying in Castle Thunder, charged with attempting to
incite rebellion and insurrection, were brought before the Mayor on Saturday.
The evidence against them was that a detective had heard Hintz tell a
soldier that there had been an organization of old women to mob Jeff. Davis,
that had failed, but that the soldiers were the proper persons to mob him; that
the Yankee prisoners were well armed, and would soon break loose, and if the
soldiers would join them this war would be ended at once.
While Hintz was talking to the soldier, Frickland came in, and, seeming
to agree with Hintz, said "yes."
A notice to attend the order of Druids was also found on Hintz.
The Mayor discharged the accused, saying he was bound to conclude that
when the military authorities sent him prisoners they had tried and discharged
them.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The
Case of Mrs. Patteson Allan.--The examination of Mrs. Patteson Allan, charged
with attempting to communicate with the public enemy by letter, and thereby
giving aid and comfort to the same, was on Friday concluded before Confederate
Commissioner Watson, who, refusing bail, sent her on to the Confederate Court to
be tried for high treason. On
Saturday, Counsel of the accused, Messrs. Geo. W. Randolph, and James Lyons,
made an application for bail before Judge Hallyburton, which having been heard,
the Judge admitted her to bail in the sum of $100,000 to appear before the
Confederate Court on the 16th of March, and answer for the offences
with which she stands charged.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 22, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Macbeth;" charming dance; "A Match in the Dark;"
Tuesday—"Ticket of Leave Man"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Refugees from Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Among
the arrivals from Norfolk and Portsmouth by the last flag of truce steamer to
City Point were thirty-three ladies and as many children, a majority of whom
were from the latter place. A small
portion were allowed to bring more than one hundred pounds of baggage.
Some were bound to Richmond, and others to Petersburg, and few were in
possession of any money. These refugees represent affairs in Norfolk and Portsmouth to
be most intolerable. There is a
deputy negro Provost Marshal, who carries things with the highest sort of hand,
arresting "white folks," and ordering groups of those who were once
their masters to disperse when supposed to be talking "treason"
against their Yankee-Ethiopian masters! Negroes
chuck ladies on the streets under the chin and ask the favor of a salute, and
all this by the representatives of the "best Government the world ever
saw."
Owing
to the ice in James river, the refugees were compelled to by way of Petersburg,
where they arrived Saturday evening.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Prices
in Georgia.—At a meeting of citizens of Cherokee county, Georgia, held on the
first Tuesday in February, the following prices for provisions were agreed upon,
to continue until the first of April:
For
wheat, $12 per bushel.
For
flour, 40 cents per lb.
For
corn, $6 per bushel.
For
bacon, $2.25 per lb.
For
pork, $1.50 per lb.
For
fodder, $6 per 100 lbs.
For
oats, $4 per bushel.
For
mutton, $1 per lb., nett.
For
beef, 40 cents per lb., gross.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A
Yankee Amazon.—Ninety Yankee prisoners, part of them wounded, reached Dalton
from Alabama on the 15th inst. One
of the prisoners, (says the Huntsville Confederate,) is a woman, disguised in
masculine habilliments, and moving on crutches.
She belongs to the 19th Illinois, noted for its barbarities,
and claims to have been wounded at Florence, Ala., but her companions, who call
her Frank, say that a dog bit her in the calf of the leg.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Supplies
for Longstreet's Army.—Colonel Foster, State Quartermaster General of Georgia,
has forwarded to Longstreet's army, in East Tennessee, three thousand full
suits, consisting of jackets, pants, shirts, drawers, shoes, blankets, and a few
hats, to be distributed among the Georgia troops.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The
Louisville Journal of the 23d ult., says: "Insanity
is alarmingly prevalent in the army, induced by exposure.
Twenty-five insane soldiers were sent to Cincinnati a few days
since."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The
Grog Shops.—The Grand Jury of Judge Lyons' Court, on yesterday, made the
following report to the Court:
The
Grand Jury, in the discharge of their duties in the investigation of the causes
which lead to the increase of crime and demoralization in this city, are
constrained to believe that the most fruitful source of the evils complained of
is the large number of licensed and unlicensed drinking houses and groggeries
with which this city is infested. it
will require but little labor to ascertain that many, if not most, of the crimes
may be traced to these places, which, whether respectable or not, serve to
demoralize and ruin soldiers and others.—In view of this fact, we feel it our
duty, as good citizens, to call the attention of the Court to this evil, with
the request that copies of this paper be forwarded to the Governor of the State
and the Mayor of the city, that they may take whatever action will, in their
judgment, abate the evil.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Distribution
of Supplies.—We learn that the purveying agents of the City Council will, in a
few days, commence the sale, at low prices, to needy families, of a considerable
quantity of meal and flour, which they have providently reserved for the present
season of scarcity and high prices. Families availing themselves of this distribution must first
obtain a certificate from the visitor for the district in which they reside.
We hope that the agents will give precedence to the families of soldiers,
in making their distribution, and also provide against a monopoly on the part of
the "foreign element," by adopting some plan of alternation by
which a fair chance will be given to all applicants.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The
22d of February.—The second anniversary of the inauguration of the Confederate
Government under the Permanent Constitution, was observed, yesterday, by the
suspension of business in all the public offices.—There was no military parade
or firing of salutes—that mode of celebrating the day being postponed until
the return of peace. The
Confederate flag was displayed from the various public buildings.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Juvenile
Thieves.—Four little boys, the oldest about ten years of age, and the youngest
not more than six, were brought before the Mayor yesterday, for stealing a
number of panes of glass from Daniel Hunt.
The boys confessed having taken the glass from the windows of a vacant
house of Mr. Hunt and sold them. The
Mayor discharged the boys, saying that the Council refusing to establish a
workhouse, had left him without the power of punishing juvenile offenders.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Marton, The Pride of the Market;" dance; "Simpson
& Co.; Thursday—"Ticket of Leave Man"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The City.
Destructive Fire.—At one o'clock yesterday morning, the large building
on the north side of Cary street, below 17th street, occupied by
David Baker, Jr., as broom and coffee factories, was destroyed by fire. The building fronted on Cary street, and ran back to what is
known as Baker's Alley. The front
was used as a broom factory, and fitted up with proper machinery, whilst the
rear was used as a manufactory of what is known as Confederate Coffee, a mixture
of peas and corn parched and ground up together.
The coffee factory was quite an extensive establishment, and was
furnished with a great deal of very expensive machinery, which, at this time,
cannot be replaced.
The
whole establishment, front and rear, was destroyed, and as if to render the
destruction certainly complete, the boiler of a large steam engine, used in the
coffee factory, blew up whilst the fire was at its height, knocking a hole
through one of the walls large enough for a wagon to drive through, and
scattering the iron work of the engine far and wide. Half of the boiler, weighing at least a thousand pounds, was
thrown into Baker's Alley some thirty feet; another piece of iron weighing over
one hundred pounds was thrown into a vacant lot across the alley; and still
another piece was driven through one of the two story wood houses, known as
Hughes' Row, upwards of a hundred feet from where the engine originally lay, the
iron tearing the weather boarding like a cannon ball.—Baker's alley was
crowded with people at the time of the explosion, and though fragments of the
engine and a cart load of brick bats were thrown into their midst only one
person was injured. He was struck
on the jaw by a flying brick and knocked down, but his injury was not serious.
The
fire is believed to have originated accidentally either about the toasting
apparatus in the coffee factory, or about the engine.
The
building was owned by Franklin Stearns, and was partially insured in the Mutual
Insurance office.
The
coffee and broom factories, and their appurtenances, were the sole property of
Mr. Baker and were entirely uninsured. Mr.
Baker estimates his loss in machinery and stock at between forty and fifty
thousand dollars.
Since
writing the above, we learn that the casualties from the explosion of the engine
boiler were both numerous and of a more serious character than was at first
supposed. The man mentioned above
as having been knocked down by a brick, was carried to a hospital by watchman
Wasserman, and last night was reported dead. He was a marine, belonging to one of the gunboats lying in the
Dock. Besides this man, a number of
other persons, who were in Baker's Alley at the time of the explosion, were more
or less severely hurt. An Irishman
had the back of his head badly cut. Two
others had their arms injured, and upwards of half a dozen went off limping.
The report of the explosion was louder than that of a cannon.
The concussion, which was tremendous, shook the houses on Church Hill as
far up as St. Johns' Church.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
The
New Alms House.—The pertinacity with which the Confederate authorities hold on
to the City Alms House, in the face of the repeated declarations of the Mayor
that the building is needed by the city government, is somewhat surprising.
If there was a scarcity of hospital accommodation in and near the city,
the retention of the "Alms House" would be excusable, but, as
everybody knows, the hospitals at Chimborazo, Camp Winder, Howard's Grove, etc.,
afford ample room for all the sick and wounded soldiers brought to this military
department. l If they should be overrun, there are plenty of vacated factories
which can be reoccupied as hospitals. We
believe that if the Mayor would bring the subject formally to the notice of the
City Council, that body would take such steps, by conference with the Surgeon
General or otherwise, as would secure to the city the repossession of the
building.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Circulating
Library.—Some years ago, the reading public of Richmond had access to a fine
library belonging to the "Richmond Library Association."
Members of the Association were allowed to borrow the books for a limited
time. On the breaking out of the
war, or soon after, the library rooms were turned over to the Confederate
authorities, and the books boxed up and put we know not where.
What their present condition is, it would be interesting to know.
Would it not be well to reorganize the Association and put the books
again within reach of the public. We
trust some one will move in the matter.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
More
Yankees for the Coal Mines.—Another gang of Yankee deserters, fifty-eight in
number, are to be sent, this morning, to work in the coal mines at Wilmington.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
By Kent, Paine & Co., Auctioneers.
Cargo Sale at Auction.
On Wednesday, Marcy 2, commencing at 10 o'clock, we will sell at our warehouse, by catalogue, the entire cargo of the steamer Alice, with large consignments per steamers Don Hansa, Rothesay Castle, Ranger, Antonica, &c., comprising upwards of
Two Thousand Packages,
being one of the largest and best selected assortments of
desirable goods ever offered at auction in the confederate States, the whole to
be sold on account of the importers, and to be closed without reserve,
consisting of the following goods, now in store and expected to arrive previous
to the sale, viz: . . .
22
cases 7-8 fancy prints
8
cases 9-8 extra madder prints
6
cases 9-8 Hoyle's extra purple prints
11
cases 7-8 black and white prints . . .
3
cases blue and W. B. patent threads
2
cases scine [sic?] and gilling threads
3
cases fancy ginghams
1 case
printed Irish linens
8
bales jeans bagging
1 case
white long cloth shirts
8
cases heavy regetta [sic?] shirts
2
bales extra brown cotton shirts
35
cozen super flannel shirts
1 case
nursery diapers
4
cases huckaback toweling . . .
2
cases gum suspenders
3
black English crapes
1 case
black taffetta silks
2
cases colored taffetta silks, plain and striped . . .
1 case
assorted cotton tapes
1 case
worsted skirt braid
5
cases parasols and umbrellas
1 case
black velvet ribbons
1 case
rich trimming ribbons
2
cases rich printed organdies . . .
200
black berage dresses
Black,
blue and green veil tissues
Rich,
plain and trimmed Thibet shawls
Linen
collars
Crape
falls . . .
9
cases London pins
8
cases agate and pearl buttons
3
cases lasting, bone and gilt buttons
12
cases Clark's black and white spool cotton
50
dozen bonnet frames
50
dozen ladies' French corsets. . .
Silk
nets and bobbinets . . .
10
boxes extract logwood
4
cases fine London soaps . . .
3
cases quinine . . .
100
dozen shears and scissors
180
dozen files, assorted
50
dozen butcher and shoe knives
20
gross shoemakers' awls
300 M
best drilled eye needles
1600
pair cotton cards . . .
10
cases black and drab felt hats
15
cases glazed military caps
100
dozen black cloth caps
13
cases ladies' kid and grain boots
6
cases ladies' kid and lasting gaiters
1 case
Fortier's Paris calf gaiters
9
cases ladies' balmoral boots
9
cases men's heavy brogans
200
gross flat and round shoe laces
20
gross boot webbing and bindings
161
cases "Aubert & Fils" champagne . . .
10
casks copperas
20
barrels refined borax
10
barrels linseed oil
1
hogshead Durham mustard
10
bags cloves
30
boxes ground coffee
20
bags Rio coffee
Kent, Paine, & Co., Auctioneers.
Feb. 24—26,29, mh.1.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The
Wrong Pew.—Early yesterday morning, a fine male child, apparently about ten
days old, was found in the front porch of St. Joseph's (female) Orphan
Asylum, where, apparently, it had been left during the preceding night.
Sister Clare, the Principal of the establishment, sent for officer Moore
and delivered the child to him, who had it conveyed to the
City Almshouse. The Sister
said she would have kept the child and had it taken care of but for the fact
that if she did so she would soon be overwhelmed with similar presents.
She was afraid of setting a dangerous precedent.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
St.
Paul's Church Night School.—A night school for children whose parents are not
able to educate them, has been opened by some of the ladies and gentlemen of St.
Paul's Church, under the superintendence of Maj. Pegram. The school, which is held in the lecture room under St.
Paul's Church, is open every Tuesday and Friday nights.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ticket of Leave Man"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Sent
North by Flag of Truce.—The following persons were sent from Castle Thunder to
City Point by a flag of truce boat yesterday evening: S. T. Bulkley, correspondent of the New York Herald; D.
Hackendorn, citizen; F. Mustaugh, sutler's clerk; E. P. Mathews, John Watson,
Patrick C. Croghan, citizens; and Mary Jane Johnson, the young woman discovered
in soldier's clothes, among the Yankee prisoners on Belle Isle. . .
Sent
North by Flag of Truce.—The following persons were sent from Castle Thunder to
City Point by a flag of truce boat yesterday evening: S. T. Bulkley, correspondent of the New York Herald; D.
Hackendorn, citizen; F. Mustaugh, sutler's clerk; E. P. Mathews, John Watson,
Patrick C. Croghan, citizens; and Mary Jane Johnson, the young woman discovered
in soldier's clothes, among the Yankee prisoners on Belle Isle. . .
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Theatre—Ticket-of-Leave
Man.—For the first time in the Confederacy, the Ticket-of-Leave Man was
presented at the Theatre, Thursday night. The
cast was good and the several parts generally well sustained.—The audience was
large, and the piece was well received and went off with fine effect.
Miss Bridges having recovered from her disposition sustained the role
of "Mary Edwards" with usual credit.
Whatever
may be said of the morality of the drama, the Ticket-of-Leave Man points a fine
moral and imparts an impressive and instructive lesson.
It was repeated last night and the Management may reproduce it at
intervals with a certainty of success for some time to come.
Play-goers would do well to embrace the next opportunity to witness it.
We
notice by the late United States papers that the Ticket-of-Leave Man has had an
unprecedented run in New York City, Mr. and Mrs. Florence in the leading
characters.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Another
Instance of Butler's Tyranny.—The Petersburg Register says:
"A
Miss Ellen Roan, step daughter of Capt. McCarrick, of the Confederate Navy,
residing with her mother in Norfolk, where they once had considerable property,
but which is now listed for confiscation, hearing that her step father was in
Wilmington, on his way to Europe, made her escape from the enemy's lines to bid
him farewell. On returning from
Wilmington, she resided for some weeks in Petersburg, and, after two ineffectual
attempts, succeeded in returning to Norfolk a few weeks ago.
Three days after her arrival at home, she was summoned before the
"Beast," and went attended by Father O'Keeffe, to whose church she
belongs. Butler questioned her as
to where she was, and what she saw, while in the Confederate States.
She respectfully declined answering his questions.
Upon which, he angrily threatened that he "would soon conquer her
stubbornness." Father O'Keeffe
here interfered, and informed Butler that it "was not stubbornness, but a
regard for her promise to observe secrecy on such matters, without giving which
she could not pass through the Confederate lines."
He was insultingly told to mind his own business, and the drunken tyrant
swore "that before she passed from his hands, she should be transparent
enough to see through her and enable him to learn all she knew."
She was sent a prisoner to the custom house, and ordered to be fed on
bread and water.
Two or
three days afterwards, her mother, on applying to see her, was informed she was
transferred to Fortress Monroe. Thither
the distracted mother went, and on her arrival there, all the information the
brutal officials would give, was that her daughter had left the Fortress.
A private soldier, with more humanity, moved by the mother's grief,
privately informed her that Miss Ellen had been sent to Fort McHenry, at
Baltimore.—Mrs. McCarrick, after her fruitless journey to Fortress Monroe,
with much difficulty obtained permission from the "Beast" to send a
change of clothing, but he would not allow any communication, verbal or
written."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ticket-of-Leave Man"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The City.
Distribution of Supplies.—The committee for the procurement and
distribution of provisions at cost prices to the poor of the city, will
distribute this morning for the upper half of the city, at their store-house,
(Dunlop, Moncure & Co.'s), corner of 11th and Cary streets.
Next Monday they will distribute from the same place for the lower half
of the city. The committee have on
hand for distribution, corn meal, flour, beef and pork. The first meat distributed will be fresh beef.
We publish the following notice to visitors (of the poor) and persons
applying for supplies:
The
visitors for each district will write out the name and number of white persons
in the family.
The
quantity that each white person in a family will be entitled to receive is—1/2
lb. of Flour, or ½ lb. of Meal, and ¼ lb. of Meat per day for fifteen days.
In all
cases the applicant to provide the means to take away supplies furnished.
All
supplies must be paid for upon delivery.
Visitors
will keep a list of persons to whom certificates are given.
Persons
applying to visitors for certificates are expected to act in good faith,
and not to apply for or receive supplies but once in fifteen days, and to state
correctly the number of white persons in family.
The
discovery of an effort to violate rules established for the benefit of ALL, will
prevent the delivery of supplies to the offending person or family.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A
Case.—On Saturday morning a man brought to the Second Market and exposed for
sale ten chickens, the necks of which had evidently been wrung.
This be it known is always regarded in the market as a suspicious
circumstance. About seven o'clock
on the same morning, Mr. Smith, who lives near the western end of Marshall
street, came to the market and informed officer Griffin that his hen roost had
been robbed on the previous night of six shanghai hens, one rooster and six
pullets. Mr. Griffin then went to
the man alluded to, and on examination found that his ten chickens answered
exactly the description given by Mr. Smith of his, that is they were six
Shanghai hens, a rooster and three pullets; but the man immediately produced two
witnesses who stated that the suspected fowls came from Mr. Talley's, on the
Plant Road, who on Thursday night had caught two soldiers in the act of robbing
his hen-roost; that the soldiers had wrung the necks of thirteen of his
chickens; that Mr. Talley had eaten one of the chickens, given one to Mr.
Merryman, another to Mr. Ford, and sent the remaining ten to market.
These facts being well attested, the officer was forced to conclude that
the chickens were not Mr. Smith's though appearances had at first strongly
indicated such a conclusion.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Concert
for a Charitable Object.—On Friday
night next, a concert will be given at the Second Baptist Church, corner of 6th
and Main streets, by amateur musicians among our ladies and gentlemen, assisted
by several distinguished professors, for the benefit of the most needy among the
refugees now in the city. When many
of our own citizens, whose business has been undisturbed, who remain in the
enjoyment of the advantages of permanent homes, can scarcely contrive to live,
the extreme need of the poorer class of refugees who have been driven from their
homes and means of livelihood by the Yankee horde, can better be imagined than
described. Five dollars cannot be
better bestowed than in the relief of these unfortunate but devotedly patriotic
people, leaving out of the question the fact that the entertainment will be
fully worth the money.—Tickets for this concert can be procured at the
respective bookstores of Messrs. Woodhouse and Bidgood.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Fire
at the Confederate Bakery.—Yesterday evening one of the buildings of the
Confederate Bakery (formerly Dill's) took fire, from a kiln being used at the
time in drying hard bread, and, with the exception of the ground floor, was
completely destroyed. The whole
upper part of the building was filled with hard bread undergoing the drying
process, and was a total loss. From
the nature of the process going on, the building being thoroughly dried and
heated, the flames spread with terrible rapidity.
In five minutes after the first smoke issued from the roof, the whole
interior of the house was wrapped in flames.
The Fire Brigade were very soon on the ground and did splendid service.
They arrested the fire before it reached the lower floor, in which there
was a quantity of valuable machinery used in the manufacture of hard bread.
To the individual exertions of Mr. John A. Glazebrook, a member of the
Hook and Ladder Company, the engine house, containing the valuable engine that
drives all the machinery of the bakery, owes its preservation. Before the engines could get to work the roof of this house
took fire, and Mr. Glazebrook, although subjected to a most intense and almost
insupportable heat from the blazing building, mounted the roof and knocked off
the burning shingles with an axe, and, with buckets of water which were handed
him, prevented the reignition until the engines got fairly into play.
The
grand spectacle of the conflagration was witnessed by at least five thousand
persons, who were attracted to the spot by the dense column o black smoke which
could be seen from all parts of the city.
Fifty
thousand dollars will scarcely cover the loss by this fire.
The building belonged to Mr. Adolph Dill; the bread, some four hundred
barrels, was the property of the Confederate States.
The
building was brick, with a slate roof. Had
it been of wood the probabilities are that it would have fired all the other
buildings of the bakery. As it is,
the work of the establishment will meet with no very serious interruption.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, February 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ticket-of-Leave Man"; tomorrow "The Trials of
Tompkins;" in preparation "Lady Audley's Secret"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Fire at the Confederate Bakery.—The loss by the burning of one of the buildings
at the Confederate Bakery, on Sunday evening, will amount to upwards of $60,000,
and falls exclusively upon the Confederate States, the buildings having been
purchased from Mr. Adolph Dill. There
were seven hundred barrels of hard bread in the house at the time of the fire,
all of which was either consumed, or so charred and smoked as to be of no value.
The fire is believed to have originated by the ignition of a pile of
kindling wood which was near one of the furnaces.
It was discovered immediately by Mr. Peter Tinsley, who was on the lot,
but owing to the combustible nature of the contents of the building, all
attempts to extinguish the flames proved futile.
John F. Glazebrook, and not John A., is the name of the member of the
hook and ladder company whose exertions saved the engine house.
The portions of the bakery uninjured by the fire were in full operation
yesterday.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Macbeth;" "The Trials of Tompkins;" tomorrow
"The Ticket-of-Leave Man"; in production "Lady Audley's
Secret"
WANTED—Young Ladies for the Ballet.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 1, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Jean
Valjean.—This is the fifth and last part of Victor Hugo's wonderful book Les
Miserables, and has just been published by West and Johnston.
It is the sustained conclusion of one of the most powerful works that
ever emanated from the human mind. The
story closes not precisely as the reader would wish, but happily, triumphantly.
We will not forestall the reader's pleasure by giving him any clue to the
termination of the plot. Every
novel reader must have figured this out for himself long ago.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 1, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
The Express Company.
The recent action of the Southern Express Company, in engaging to forward
packages of food and clothing free of charge to the soldiers, is worthy of all
praise.—Heretofore countless boxes have been lost. We will not say by the negligence of the officers of the
freight trains, but by the impossibility of attending to them.—Hereafter boxes
may be sent with some surety of reaching their destination, for they will be
placed in charge of a special messenger. The
boxes should be small, for it is quite out of the question to encumber the
Company with hogsheads, barrels and things of that sort—"Never press a
willing horse."
The
Express cannot be dispensed with. It
is an established institution. If
the Southern Express Company were overthrown to-day, a new one would have to be
established to-morrow. The wonder
is that any one should seek to destroy a thing so useful, nay, indispensable.
The Government could not more get along without it than the people.
A concern that carries any thing, from a paper of pins to a negro or a
lady, and guarantees safety, ought to be and always will be encouraged.
The secret of the success of Express Companies lies on the surface and is
no secret at all. They supply a
great popular want. Their success
should not be grudged. They earn
their money fairly and by labor which the railroad companies are unwilling to
perform, but which somebody must perform. If
there is anything wrong about the Express Company, remedy it.
Destruction is no remedy.
The
Southern Express Company has been the subject of much jealousy and suspicion.
They have always coveted investigation, and each successive probing has
served only to establish the reputation of the Company for fair-dealing, energy
and willingness to oblige. A very
determined attempt to break down the Company was made at the close of the last
session of Congress, and resulted, as all previous attempts have done, in the
complete triumph of the Company. We
trust that it will now be let alone, at least until it becomes a public nuisance
instead of a public benefaction. When
it gets to be a nuisance, we will join heartily in abating it.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
For
the Trans-Mississippi.—Mr. A. S. Rose, to whom we are indebted for Texas
papers, will start today en route for the Trans-Mississippi
Department.—His periodical trips are very useful to the Government, as well as
the people, and we wish him success.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ticket-of-Leave Man;" in preparation "Carte de
Visite;" soon "Lady Audley's Secret"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 3, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Provost
Marshal of Richmond.—Major Elias Griswold was on Tuesday relieved from duty as
Provost Marshal of Richmond. He is
to be sent to Americus, Georgia, to take charge of the prison at that place.
A position was being circulated for signatures yesterday requesting the
Secretary of War to retain Major Griswold in the Provost Marshalship here.
Who signed the petition, or what was its fate, we did not learn.
Major H. H. Carrington has been appointed to succeed major Griswold, and
is now Provost Marshal of Richmond.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 3, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Macbeth! King of
Scotland;" singing and dancing; "The Trial of Tompkins"; shortly
"Lady Audley's Secret"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Letter
from the Women of the South to the Soldiers of the Confederate States.—The
following address is from one hundred and two ladies of Columbus, Ga., in
accordance with whose request we publish it.
Soldiers:
The President, Congress, the Public Press and your Generals have told you
their high estimate of your noble devotion in RE-ENLISTING for the war.
We also, as your mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and friends, claim
the right to thank you. It is the
GRANDEST ACT OF THE REVOLUTION, and secures immortality to all concerned in it.
It awakens anew the enthusiasm with which we began this struggle for
Liberty, and removes all doubt of its eventual success.
Such men, in such a cause, cannot be overcome.
In the dreariness of camp life, you may sometimes have imagined
yourselves forgotten or little cared for. Counting
up your privations and dangers, you may have doubted their full appreciation,
and fancied that those who stay at home and risk nothing, while
you suffer and bleed, are more esteemed than yourselves.
We beseech you harbor no such thought.
You are constantly present to our minds.
The women of the South bestow all their respect and affections
on the heroes who defend them against a barbarous and cruel foe.
In the resolution to aid you, they are as firm and determined as you in
yours, not to lay down their arms 'till independence be won.
When that sacred vow shall have been accomplished your reception by us
will more than attest our sincerity. It
shall also be shown while the contest goes on, by our efforts to increase your
comforts in the field and to lighten the burden of the dear ones left at home. For your stricken country's sake and ours, be true to
yourselves and our glorious cause. Never
turn your backs on the flag, nor desert the ranks of honor or the post of
danger. Men guilty of such infamy
sell your blood and our honor and give up the Confederacy to its
wicked invaders. In after years,
from generation to generation, the black title of tory and deserter will cling
to them, disgracing their children's children. But no stigma like this will stain you and yours.
Brave, patriotic and self-sacrificing in time of war, you will be honored
in peace as the saviours of your country, and the pride and glory of your
countrywomen. We beg you to keep
near your hearts these memorials of affection and respect, and to remember them,
especially in battle, and we invoke for you always the protection of a kind and
merciful Providence.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
A
Question in Engineering.—A young man recently presented himself for
examination as assistant engineer in the navy.
Among other questions, the following was asked of him: "Suppose you had built an engine yourself, performed
every part of the work without assistance, and knew that it was in complete
order, but when put into a vessel the pump would not draw water, what would you
do?" The young man promptly
replied, "I should go to the side of the vessel and ascertain if there was
any water in the river." Guess
they let him pass.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
"O,
dear me!" exclaimed Henrietta, throwing herself in the rocking chair,
"I'll never go to the post-office again, to be looked out of countenance by
all those men on the corner. It's
so provoking! What can I do, Sarah
Jane, to stop those awful men staring me so in the face?"
"Do as I do," replied Sarah Jane, with a sly look—"show
your ankle."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Remember
the Poor.—We appeal to the people of the country, whose barns or storehouses
contain a surplus of the necessaries of life, to contribute a portion of their
abundance to the suffering poor of this city, many of whom, we verily believe,
have, for some time past, been on the verge of starvation, in consequence of the
scarcity of provisions and the withholding of supplies from markets.
Let all who feel disposed to respond to this appeal send their donations
to Mr. Wm. P. Munford, of the Young Men's Christian Association, by whom they
will be distributed. Food, not
money, is wanted, and should be promptly forthcoming.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
A
Bathing House.—Although lumber is scarce and dear, we believe that if some
enterprising person would erect a bathing house—floating or stationary—at
some point on this side of the river, convenient to the city, he would find that
it would "pay" during the summer months.
Many persons are debarred from the luxury of river bathing, from various
considerations of danger and exposure which would be avoided if they could have
the benefit of the shelter and smooth floor of a bathing house through which the
river water flowed freely. Such
facilities for bathing are common in the European cities.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
New
Music.—We have received from the publishers, Messrs. George Dunn & Co., a
copy of "God Save the Southern Land"—words and music adopted from an
English ballad, by Chaplain Cameron, C. S. A.
this publication is issued in Messrs. Dunn & Co.'s best style, and is
to be sold for the benefit of soldiers and needy families. Copies can be had at
the various bookstores, at Messrs. Chiles & Chenery's, Mitchell &
Tyler's, and at the store opposite St. James' Church. Let every young lady who is a performer on the piano obtain a
copy of this ballad.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Macbeth;" singing and dancing; Monday—Lady Audley's
Secret;" in preparation—"Carte de Visite"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 5, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Inscription
on a Yankee Flag.—A few days since, Sergeant Cullum and Corporal Schwartz, of
the 2d S. C. Artillery, went within the enemy's picket lines between Morris' and
James' Islands, and in the face of the foe brought off a standard planted in the
marsh to taunt and insult our brave and gallant men.
The
following are the inscriptions on the flag:
Boat Picket, Morris' Island, }
February 20, 1864.
}
By the
eternal the Union must be preserved. what
do you mean you grayback scoundrels? Our country one and inseparable -----
-----. Bill of fare at the Union
Saloon: Fresh beef, fresh bread,
coffee, tea, and the delicacies of the Northern market, at the sign of the Flag
of the Free. Our terms are
allegiance to the Government that you have enjoyed and betrayed.
How are you Jonnie Red? Where
is B. Hay? Give us a visit boys; as friends we forswear to greet you, as
enemy's to meet you.
The
secessionist, the copperheads, may they both meet on the other side of Jordan.
No. "2."
Charleston, the sodom of the 19th century; flee from her as
from the wrath to come. Return ye
misguided children, and you will be welcomed to Abraham's bosom.
A Palville friend requests Captain Chichester to return to his
allegiances and save his family from eternal disgrace.
The Ironsides, Abraham's friend and the traitors foe.
The stars and stripes respected by the whole world, but her own
rebellious sons; return to her folds. Abraham
Lincoln, an honest man, in an honest cause. Jefferson
Davis, the would be autocrat and founder of slaveocracy. Take your choice, Jefferson the first, or Abraham the first,
and the freeman's choice.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Lady Audley's Secret;" dance; "Trial of Tompkins; in
rehearsal—"Midea" [sic]; in preparation—"Carte de
Visite"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Concert
For the Benefit of Refugees
Will take place, at the Second Baptist Church, corner of Main and 6th streets, on THIS EVENING, the 8th inst. Performance to commence at 8 o'clock.
Programme.
Part First.
Solo—"Alpen Horne,"
Proch
Solo—"Balad"
Duett—"Una Notti d'amore,"
Aediti
Solo—"Il due Foscari,"
Verdi
Solo—Clarionet
Baermann
Duett—"Holy Mother guide his footsteps,"
Wallace
Part Second.
Duett—"Norma"
Bellini
Solo—Piano—"Moese in Egito"
Rossini
Solo—"Sky Lark,"
Benedict
Duett—Clarionet and Voice.
Chorus—"Miserere, Trovatore"
Verdi
Tickets
$5 each, can be procured at the Bookstores and at the door.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Our Returned Prisoners.
The people of Richmond are very undemonstrative.
They do not follow the Yankee fashion of cutting antics, ringing
joy-bells and blowing steam whistles over every little event.
They take things coolly. Victory
and defeat find them alike silent. The
most distinguished Generals arrive here, and their arrival causes hardly a
sensation. Sometimes a serenade is
given, and that is all. Column
after column of the brave men who have defended the city for three long years
march through our streets, and there is not a hurrah.
The troops cheer, but the people do not respond to their cheering.
This
is not apathy, or indifference to the feelings of our defenders.
We appreciate their services, and time and again have evinced that
appreciation by liberal contributions of money and clothing whenever there was
special suffering among the troops. If
we do not cheer them and throw up our caps as they pass through the streets, it
is because we did enough cheering in the beginning of the war, and have learned
not to "holler before we are out of the woods."
When peace comes, and our veterans come here on their way home, we will
give them a royal reception and rend the heavens with our huzzas.
But we
agree with the Sentinel that an exception ought to be made in favor of
returned prisoners. We ought to
show them that we are heartily glad to see them back again.
We ought to give them a warm welcome, and make them feel that they tread
another soil and breathe another atmosphere.
When the prisoners taken at Leesburg were sent down to Newport News, the
writer accompanied them. The Yankee
boat which came to receive them had on board a splendid band, and, as soon as
the boats were in contact, the prisoners were received with loud cheering, and
the band struck up the well-known Yankee air, "Home Again."
Then came "Sounds from Home," "Hail Columbia,"
"Yankee Doodle," and finally "Dixie," in compliment to the
"rebel" officers in charge of the prisoners.
A number of ladies came up from Fortress Monroe and greeted the captives
with waving handkerchiefs and other manifestations of pleasure.
Can we
not do as much for our returned prisoners?
The Armory Band might go down to City Point and march at the head of the
prisoners as they pass through the city. A
few rousing cheers would warm the hearts of the poor fellows, and when they get
to Camp Lee they ought to find the best cheer the land affords, not forgetting a
bountiful supply of genuine coffee, well made and served hot.
Averse
as we all are to mere fuss and idle noises, we can still do this much without
overstepping the bounds of decorum and good order. It is a sorry comfort to our boys to be gazed at in silence.
It looks too much like giving them the cold shoulder.
A few rousing cheers would not only warm them, but warm ourselves.
And we need warming up. There
is sense as well as virtue in hearty greetings and joyous popular
demonstrations. The Yankees have
kept alive the war spirit by dint of continual hurrahing. We need not imitate their tomfooleries, but we may be a
little less sober and silent than we have been.
A loud shout is a certain cure for despondency, and a succession of
hearty cheers when the next installment of prisoners arrive, will put us all in
a good humor, say nothing of the fine effect it will have on the prisoners
themselves.
If the
Yankees are not lying, and it will be a marvel if they are not, we may expect
six or eight hundred more of our noble fellows some time this week, and we must
give them a joyful welcome. Let us
have music, a general turn out of the citizens, windows and porches full of
smiling ladies, and a thundering "three times three" from one end of
Main street to the other. It will
bring back the old times and the old feeling.
It will do us all a deal of good—revive enthusiasm and kindle
confidence. So satisfied are we of
the benefit of a lively public demonstration that we should be glad to see the
people greet any and every considerable body of soldiers passing through the
town with a few genuine Confederate yells.
A little indulgence of this sort, from time to time, will be very
refreshing to the animal spirits. We
have played dummy so long that we have become cold and stupid.
The next good chance we get, let us all open on the "boys" like
a pack of hounds. It will brighten
us up, set the blood a going, and cure the melancholy which a stagnant
circulation always produces. We
need shaking up, and have put it off too long already.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
A Work
House.—Every day's experience goes to demonstrate the need there is of a work
house for the punishment and correction of juvenile thieves of this city.
Yesterday, there were brought before the Mayor two children, scarcely
large enough to be put into pantaloons, who were not only charged with entering
a house in the daytime and stealing a pistol and some other things, but
confessed the fact, and told where they had sold the stolen articles.
The names of the children were respectively Eddy Clayton and George Kuhn.
They had stolen the things from Mr. William Thomas, who lives in the
Northern suburbs. The Mayor sent
the accused to a county Magistrate, the larceny having been committed beyond the
corporate limits.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Medea;" dance, &c.; "Sergeant's Wedding";
soon "Ticket of Leave;" Saturday—"The Ticket of Leave
Man"; tomorrow—"Lady Audley's Secret"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 12, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
The Campaign of the Husbandmen.
As the Southern Confederacy well says, not a whit more interesting
is the prospective spring campaign of the military strategists, so much
canvassed of late, than the spring campaign of the Planters throughout these
Confederate States. As much depends
the final success of our cause upon the arms who wield the plough, as those who
point the bayonet. Spades are
trumps. As the spring advances, the
tillers of the soil should be busy with their preparations for securing the new
crops. The armies of the
confederacy must be sustained in the field.
The duty of that support devolves upon the husbandman at his plough, and
the housewife at her loom and spinning wheel.
Every plough driven through the fertile soil of the South helps to drive
back the ruthless destroying invaders of it; every shuttle and wheel in motion
helps sustain a defender of the Confederacy.
"He who makes two blades of grass grow where but one grew before, is
a benefactor to this race."—Keep the ploughs moving.
Muster your little forces, men and boys, for a vigorous campaign in the
field. Never mind "the
front." Our armies will take
care of that. Look well to your own
department. See that you make an
eloquent "official report" to the coming harvest, of groaning
granaries—the result of an active summer's work. If we succeed in thwarting the enemy's designs this summer,
we "have him on the hop" for the balance of time.
If we fail, it is the farmers, of all other classes, who will suffer
most. If we are successful, it will
be in the main through the exertions of our planters, and they should look well
to it that not a moment's valuable time is wasted, and not an inch of soil that
is not made available.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 12, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
A
Female Contractor.—A Boston paper gives an account of an "enterprising
woman" of Massachusetts, who, it says, deriving its information from the
same source, "has been one of the largest contractors in the State for
furnishing supplies to the army." Indeed, it would appear that "the total mount of all her
contracts since the commencement of the war aggregate nearly two millions."
Now, this "enterprising woman" is going into the saw-mill
business "down South," having had hundreds of contrabands employed
already in cutting timber for her here. Many
persons would naturally be astonished to conceive how a woman, however
enterprising, could carry on business with the government so extensively; and it
is plain that it would be impossible, except for some powerful political
influence near the seat of government. An
inquiry on this point, addressed to one of our Massachusetts senators, for
certain reasons, would probably elicit no satisfactory reply from him.—We
remember a somewhat singularly worded remark made in one of his speeches, last
session, which struck us much at the time, to the effect that no man
could say he had got contracts through him.
Whether this was true or not then, or is true or not now, he did not
exclude women; this "enterprising woman," in fact, being well
understood to owe her successful negotiations with the department to his
intervention. Perhaps he got such
large contracts for his female friend that he could do little in this way for
applicants of the other sex. There
are curious rumors on this subject; but it would not be consistent with
senatorial dignity to have them made public more particularly.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Another Arrival of Confederate Prisoners.
A flag of truce boat arrived at City Point, Saturday, with six hundred
and fifty-five Confederate prisoners, including fifty-five officers. Among the latter is Gen. William H. F. Lee, who has been held
as a hostage by the Yankees for Captains Flynn and Sawyer.
A boat will go down to City Point to-day to bring them up to the city.
The
boat also brought two ladies, and onwards of twenty tons of articles for the
Yankee prisoners.
We
learn that quite a large number of the most prominent ladies in the city intend
to be at Rocketts when the boat arrives, in order to give our noble fellows a
joyous welcome home. We trust the
authorities will furnish a military escort and a band, and that there will be a
general turn out of citizens of both sexes and all ages. For once in our lives let us give the boys some hearty
evidence at our gladness at their release from so much suffering, our admiration
for their fidelity to the cause, and our appreciation of the services they are
destined yet to render in behalf of the liberties of our country.
Let none refuse to cheer them as they pass.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Gross
Imposition on Soldiers.—It is a well known fact that the gallant defenders of
the Confederacy, especially those in hospitals, spend at least half their pay in
"goober" peas, and it is with a blush for the human race that we learn
that they are daily the victims of the grossest and most pitiless swindle in
this favorite esculent. We have it
from unquestionable authority, that most of the goober venders use tin measures
with false bottoms, which decrease their capacity at least a gill in every pint,
say twenty five per cent. This is
shameful, and if not looked into and corrected by the State and city
authorities, should early engage the attention of the next Congress.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Detectives.—It
is said that some of the keepers of the hotels in this city who would otherwise
have to go into military service in the field, have been detailed as
"special detectives." We
will soon have detectives enough: Detectives
at every railroad train, detectives at the packet boat, detectives on the
flag of truce boat, detectives at the hotels, detectives------everywhere!
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Paroled.
Mrs. N. L. Knox, of Mobile, arrested ten days ago and committed to Castle
Thunder as a spy, has been paroled, and is now at the Spottswood
House.—Whether this lady was arrested for good cause or upon mere suspicion,
has not transpired. This is another
of the innumerable secrets in which our Government
so much delights.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Medea;" fancy dance; "Mr. and Mrs. White;" soon
"Ticket of Leave;" in preparation "Skeleton Witness;"
Tuesday—"The Ticket of Leave Man"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Robbers; or, The Forest of Bohemia;" fancy dance;
"Carte de Visite;" soon "Lady Audley's Secret" and "The
Ticket of Leave Man;" in preparation "Skeleton Witness"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
City Markets.—For the past ten days, or two weeks, the market houses in this
city have been almost as bear [sic] of meats, vegetables, eggs, fish, &c.,
as they were during the days of martial law, when Gen. Winder undertook to
"regulate prices." The
cause of the present scarcity is the change going on in the currency.—The
country people will not sell anything to be paid for in the present currency,
because they think that they can do better by holding on until the new
currency is put into circulation (1st April,) and then they will
bring their produce to market and receive in exchange for it new notes not
subject to a tax of 33 1/3 per cent. They
do not believe that the increased quantity of country produce brought to market
after 1st April will reduce prices 33 1/3 per cent., and so render it
immaterial whether they sell now for currency subject to a tax, or accept lower
rates in a currency not subject to a tax.
Our opinion is that the difference will be no greater than that between
"tweedledum" and "tweedledee." But, the point we wish to bring to the attention of our
country readers is this: The five
dollar notes and "Confederate shinplasters" will be "just as "good"
after the 1st of April as they are now.
The former will not be subject to a tax until the 1st of July,
and the latter are only subject to a tax of five per cent. when hoarded.
All of these denominations will be freely exchangeable in trade, at
par, for the new currency. Why,
then, should the farmer or the market gardener not bring his vegetables, butter,
eggs, &c., to market, and sell them for the fives, twos and ones,
adding 33 1/3 to 50 per cent. to his price, if a customer should insist upon his
receiving a note of larger denomination. There
could be no reasonable objection on the part of any one to this discrimination,
as it would certainly be made after the 1st April.
We hope that the country people will perceive the folly of withholding
supplies from market whilst they can sell them at tremendous prices, and receive
payment in treasury notes which will be just as available for all purposes after
the 1st April, as they are now.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 15, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: Report of the Joint
Committee of the two houses of the General Assembly of Virginia, appointed to
investigate the charges of abuse and inhumanity to conscripts at Camp Lee, near
Richmond, Va.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: Account of the arrival of
exchanged prisoners, with escort, band, and speeches
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Fresh
Shad.—The stalls of Mr. R. F.
Kirby, at the Upper Fish Market, were well supplied with fresh shad yesterday
morning. The price asked for this
luxury is still very high, but it will, we fear, hardly be lower until the
coming in of the next month and the new currency.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Medea;" fancy dance; "Ticket of Leave;" soon
"Lady Audley's Secret" and "The Ticket of Leave Man;" in
preparation "Skeleton Witness"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Richmond
Theatre.—The tragedy of Medea translated from Eschylus, was presented
at the Theatre, Monday night, to a large auditory. The personation of Medea by Miss Eloise Bridges was a
very fine piece of acting, while Mrs. DeBat, and Capt. Charles sustained the
characters of Orpheus and Jason with considerable credit.
The
play was brought out with the accompaniments of scenery and costume harmonizing
with the occasion, and barring a little disturbance of two or three individuals,
under the influence of excessive potation.—rather unusual in that place of
amusement—was received with satisfaction by the audience.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Ironclads.—The Ironclad Ethiopian Opera Troupe are nightly delighting crowded
audiences at Metropolitan Hall. Tim
Morris, the inimitable "nigger," is again on the boards, and seams to
have picked up a fresh fund o fun during his short retirement from the
footlights.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Old Market Bell.—The bell over the Old Market, which was broken ringing the
alarm of the approach of Yankees towards Bottom's Bridge, has been recast at the
Confederate States naval foundry, and was hoisted to its position yesterday.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Therese, the Orphan of Geneva;" dance, &c.; ballad;
"Artful Dodger;" Friday—"Skeleton Witness; or, the Murder at
the Mound."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 18, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
St.
Patrick's Day.—Yesterday was St. Patrick's day, but we did not hear of the
occasion being celebrated in any manner. We
observed no display of shamrocks on the streets.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Skeleton Witness; or, the Murder at the Mound;" dance,
&c.; "Bonnie Fish Wife;" in preparation "Turn Him Out"
and "Wilful [sic] Murder"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Witty.—The
Yankees having elected Anthony Kennedy, a Union man, Judge in the Jefferson
(Va.) District, one of them asked a lady "what she thought of it?"
She replied that "she thought, under the circumstances, it was very
appropriate." Being surprised
at such a reply from a Southern lady, the Yankee asked her, "why she though
so?" "Because," she
replied, "as you have kept your horses in the Court House, and thus made a
stable of the temple of justice, it is altogether proper that you should put an ass
upon the bench."—Staunton Spectator.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
A Cure
for Corpulence.—A philanthropist has lately laid his story before the public,
and although the record may provoke a passing smile, yet no one who reads it can
doubt the correctness and sincerity of the writer, or his hearty desire to
benefit his fellow creatures. It is
simply the narrative of a man who was tremendously fat, who tried hard for years
on years to thin himself, and who was at least successful.
He wished to let the world know how he had vanquished his terrible enemy,
and how at last the demon of corpulence fled from him.
This is really a great kindness, and a man who, without fear of ridicule,
and simply from benevolent motives, comes forward to reveal an experience of
this kind, is doing a service which his fellow-creatures ought to recognize.
Mr. Banting, the gentleman who has had the courage and good feeling to
write and publish this narrative, not long ago measured five feet five inches,
and weighted about fourteen stone and a quarter. He owns that he had a great deal to bear from his unfortunate
make; in the first place, the little boys in the street laughed at him; in the
next place he could not tie his own shoes; and lastly, he had, it appears, to
come down stairs backwards. But he
was a man who struggled gallantly, and whatever he was recommended to do he
honestly tried to carry out. He
drank mineral waters, consulted physicians, and took sweet counsel with
innumerable friends, but all was in vain. He
lived upon sixpence a day, and earned it, so the favorite recipe of Abernathy
failed in his case. He went into
all sorts of vapor baths and shampooing baths.
He took no less than ninety Turkish baths, but nothing did him any good;
he was still as fat as ever. A kind
friend recommended increased bodily exertion every morning, and nothing seemed
more likely to be effectual than rowing. So
this stout warrior, with fat, got daily into a good, safe, heavy boat, and rowed
a couple of hours. But he was only
pouring water into the bucket of Danaides.—What he gained in one way he lost
in another.—His muscular vigor increased, but then, with this there came a
prodigious appetite, which he felt compelled to indulge, and consequently he got
even fatter than he had been. At
last he hit upon the right adviser, who told him what to do, and whose advice
was so successful that Mr. Banting can now walk down stairs forwards, put his
clothes quite over the suit that now fits him, and, far from being made the
victim of unkind or ill-judged chaff, is universally congratulated on his
pleasant and becoming appearance. The
machinery by which this change was effected was of a very simple kind.
He was simply told to leave off eating anything but meat.
It appears that none of his numerous friendly advisers, and none of the
physicians he consulted, penetrated so far into the secrecy of his domestic
habits as to have discovered that twice a day he used formerly to indulge in
bowls of bread and milk. The
Solomon who saved him, cut off this great feeder of fat, and since then Mr.
Banting has been a thinner and happier man.—London Saturday Review.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Yankee
Sociology.—In looking over a late file of the Cincinnati commercial we
observed in every issue about one-third of a column of new
advertisements classified under the head of "Correspondence," in which
the advertisers make known their desire for correspondence with the opposite sex
with a view to "fun, love, or matrimony." Leaving to the moralizing writers among us the task of
commenting upon this fresh development of "Yankee sociology," we copy
a few random specimens of these epistolary invitations and literary
curiosities—omitting the address, etc.:
Wanted—Correspondence—By
two young ladies with an indefinite number of young gentlemen.
Soldier boys preferred. Particular
attention paid to letters containing photos.
Four
distinguished naval officers, respectively aged twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two,
and twenty-three years, are desirous of opening a correspondence with the same
number of young ladies between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one.
Fun is the object.
A very
handsome and accomplished young lady wishes to correspond with any number of
young men who may wish to respond. Object,
love and matrimony.
Three
young ladies and one gent wish to open correspondence with any number of the
opposite sex, with a view to love or fun. Please
send photos and receive them.
Two
modest young ladies, thinking profit as well as amusement might result from
corresponding with unknown parties, request those with a surplus of ideas to
employ them for our benefit, and address, &c.
Two
soger boys, of Milroy's old division, but who now phites mit Sigel, wishes to
open communication with some of the fair daughters of the North.
Object, phun and love.
Two
young ladies, between the ages of 18 and 20, wish to correspond with an
indefinite number of gay, amiable and refined young gents with a view to
friendship and fun. Photographs
desired.
Two
young ladies feeling their devotion to our country strengthen as rebellion dies,
wish an acquaintance with some of those gallant veterans who still so nobly
defend our country, our honor and our homes.
Representing the loyal ladies at home, we wish to extend to them an
assurance of our deep-felt gratitude, which they by their sacrifices so deeply
merit.
Wanted—Correspondence—By
a youth of a musical and literary turn of mind; age, 11 weeks, complexion
mottled, hair a kind of sort of pea green, circumstances, Government contracts;
family, rich but honest. Object,
mental improvement and pure amusement. No
photographs exchanged. Let only
those young ladies who have a proper respect for and appreciation of
"Lindley Murray," and who will not murder the "King's
English," answer this advertisement. No
others will receive attention.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Confederate
Shoe Factory.—For some time past a Government shoe factory has been in
operation on 22d street, north of Main, in the building formerly occupied as
Greaner's tobacco factory. About
two hundred detailed men are employed in this factory, and they turn out daily
about six hundred pairs of excellent shoes and brogans.
The first floor is used as a store room for materials.
the second and third floors are occupied by the workmen, with rooms
partitioned off for cutting, stamping, packing, etc.
It is quite an interesting sight to witness the operations of so large a
number of cordwainers as they hammer, bore or sew the work upon their laps. General Lee, during a recent visit to this factory, spent
about two hours in viewing the process of making shoes, and in inspecting the
work turned out. Each shoe is
distinctly stamped with the letter "C. S. A.," to prevent their
unlawful sale as far as possible, but past experience shows that the efforts of
the Government to keep all the soldiers comfortably shod are defeated in
numerous instances by the barter or sale of shoes drawn by "barefooted
men" from the quartermaster's Department.
At the present rate of shoe manufacture in the Confederate States, there
should be no "barefooted men" in our armies.
Since the repeal of the exemption of shoemakers by the last Congress, the
number of workmen employed by the Government in this branch of industry has
rapidly increased.
The
factory on 22d street is in charge of Captain S. Putney, but the credit of its
establishment is chiefly due, we believe, to Major W. S. Fergusson, who, from
his position in the Quartermaster's Department, has been enabled to perceive the
importance of the factory. We must
express our regret, however, that the factory was not located at some interior
town or village, instead of in Richmond, already overcrowded by the presence of
innumerable Government officers, clerks and employees of every class.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Close
Up the Ranks.—This is the title of a new song composed by a refugee in London,
and addressed to soldier comrades in the field, by Chaplain S. F. Cameron, C. A.
A. [sic?] The piece is handsomely lithographed, and gotten up in good
taste.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 19, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Skeleton Witness; or, The Murder at the Mound;" dance,
&c.; "Wilful [sic] Murder; shortly—"Lady Audley's Secret!"
and "The Ticket-of-Leave Man"; in preparation "Turn Him Out"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 19, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
A Laudable Undertaking.
Captain George Chase invites the public, and particularly the soldiers,
to aid him in completing a work on which he is now engaged, and the object of
which is to record and preserve well-attested incidents of "remarkable
daring, endurance, sufferings, sacrifices, and other trials in imprisonment,
hospital, marches, and battles." The
facts "must be attested by one or two persons, and endorsed by a superior
officer, giving in full the command."
Letters to Captain Chase should be addressed to the care of "The
Magnolia Weekly," Richmond, Va.
The
undertaking is eminently laudable, and we trust Captain Chase's invitation will
be promptly responded to by soldiers and citizens in all parts of the
Confederacy. The writer of the
present paragraph has been engaged on a similar work for the past two years, and
has succeeded in making a very large collection of heroic and pathetic
incidents. But the field is ample
enough for many laborers. Indeed,
there should be in every county of every Southern State at least one person
engaged in recording the exploits, sufferings and sacrifices of citizens of the
several counties. It would be well,
too, if each State had a Central Bureau where copies of such records should be
preserved. We bid Captain C. and
all his co-laborers God-speed in the good work they have undertaken.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 19, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Flying Machines.
To the Editor of the Whig:
Mr. R.
C. Davidson's artisavis, as he calls his flying machine, seems to attract
much attention. His evident
sincerity of conviction and patriotic purpose make the suggestion of
difficulties an ungracious task; but believing, as I firmly do, that his scheme
must fail, not from want of ingenuity, but because natural laws are fatally
opposed, I shall state briefly my reasons, hoping they will avail to save some
part of the time, labor and means which would otherwise be expended in vain.
I
believe it is a common impression that the size of the bird has nothing to do
with his capacity for flight; that a bird as large even as the roc of
Eastern fable, if formed on the model of the eagle, with wings, bones and muscle
in proportion, would be able, like the eagle, to fly. This is a great mistake.
The supporting power is the pressure of the air against the under
surface; but the surface is merely as the square of the length, while the
weight is as the cube. It
follows that the larger the bird the less the supporting surface compared with
the weight, and consequently the more intense the pressure required to supply
the deficiency. The sustaining
force results either from the upward impulse produced by the wing stroke, or
from the projection of the body against the air, which passes obliquely on the
under surface, or from a combination of the two.
But in either case greater proportionate force of wing is required as the
bird is larger, and consequently heavier bone and muscle.
Take two birds constructed alike, of the same specific gravity, but one
double the other's length—the larger would require a power of wing, not as 8,
which represents his weight, but as 11 312, the weight and fore of the smaller
bird being each 1. To that extent, then, must the larger wing be strengthened,
or a proportionate loss of the surplus power, which the smaller bird possesses,
be the consequence. But to give the
requisite additional strength, the muscles and bones of the wing and breast must
increase in weight in a still greater ratio. We may hence easily understand why the largest birds that
fly, such as the condor and sociable vulture of Africa, have such a great
difficulty in rising from a plain; and why, when once fairly launched, they can
soar for such a length of time without flapping, since the difficulty of rising
is inversely as the loss of velocity by atmospheric resistance.
But
another principle operates quite as unfavorably.
To take again the two birds mentioned above, if formed alike, the
wing-bone of the latter would have twice the diameter of the other.
But to give the due proportionate strength, the diameter should be about
2-83, and its weight, instead of 8, should be 16.
The other wing-bones, and the muscles of the wing and breast, must
undergo a like enlargement. This
requires a corresponding increase of the vital organs, and by the increase of
weight the carrying power is in the same degree diminished.
The larger the bird is the greater will be the disadvantage from this
source. If the eagle is assumed to
be 3 feet long, and to have a wing-bone half an inch thick, then a machine 100
times as long and of proportionate weight, instead of a bone or beam, of 4 feet
2 inches, which it would have if built on the same model, would require one
about 42 feet in diameter. This
enormous mass of course puts any large machine quite out of the question; but a
doubt may still arise whether one large enough to carry a man and a fifty pound
shot may not have strength of material and motive power sufficient. A few considerations may assist in removing it.
The
wing beam of the machine, if of no stronger material than the bone, must be
larger than in the proportion stated above.
The muscles of the breast, which are those on which the power of the
wing-stroke depend, are attached to the upper bone a little below its junction
with the body, while the muscles that bend the wing-joints are distributed along
the bones; thus giving them the support of elastic cords, which tightening most
when the strain is greatest, tend to prevent a transverse fracture, as a
bowstring does to prevent the bow from bending backwards.
But this arrangement can only very partially be imitated in a machine.
Then the powerful adverse leverage with which the muscle has to contend
must be encountered in the machine at a still greater disadvantage.
I have
no doubt that a machine with expanded wings, substituting in part the tensile
for the transverse strength of material, might be made to descend along the
track of an inclined railway with accelerating speed, till, with the aid of some
light additional impulsion, which would be indispensable, it might be fairly
launched into the air, where it might long remain soaring about at the
engineer's will. But it must
descend at length, and how it could reach the earth without a fatal crash I do
not perceive. As soon as it falls
below the velocity required to sustain its flight, it would glide rapidly
downward; and unless the wings had power to arrest its course and to poise it in
the air, or the engineer, by means of his rudder, should cause it to reascend, a
destructive collision would seem inevitable.
If we remember the concussion caused by the small residuary motion of a
canal boat within a lock, we can easily imagine the shock with which a heavy
body moving with 100 times the velocity and 10,000 times the force of collision
would strike the earth.
There
is little hope, I imagine, of combining lightness with strength of material in a
greater degree than Nature has done in the mechanism of birds.
the transverse strength of steel, i proportion to its weight, is less
than that of many woods, and bone is doubtless superior to both.
Animal muscle, considering the force of it displays under the
disadvantage of enormous adverse leverage, will be found, I apprehend, of
greater power than any machinery man can devise of the same weight.
But even if he could rival natural productions in these respects, yet we
have what may be called a practical exhibition of all that Nature can do by the
aid of bone and muscle in raising heavy bodies into the air; and this seems
quite inadequate to the object Mr. Davidson has in view.
It may
possibly be supposed that a combination of the buoyancy of gas with the
propulsive force of the wings, might render the problem possible.
But it must be remembered that to lighten the machine by the weight of
one cubic foot of water, about 1,000 cubic feet of gas will be required.
The quantity that could be contained in the faulted roof, if sufficiently
compact in shape, would be too inconsiderable to be of any practical use. If the receptacle is enlarged, then, besides the additional
weight, there will be an increased atmospheric resistance, necessitating greater
propulsive force to give the requisite velocity; besides which, the increased
volume augmenting the pressure of the air above, would act as a depressing
force, counteracting in a measure the supporting tendency of the pressure below.
Viewed
in any possible aspect, the undertaking appears absolutely impracticable, unless
some material combining the properties of lightness and strength, in a far
higher degree than any yet known, should hereafter be discovered.
T. C. H.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 21, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: Reception of another group
of returned prisoners of war
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Mrs. Mumford of New Orleans.
Mrs. Mumford, the widow of the brave men whom Butler murdered in New
Orleans for doing a patriotic act, has arrived in this city with her little
children. she left New Orleans
sooner than consent to earn a support at the hands of the Yankees.
The atrocious act by which she was made helpless has received the notice
of the President in a way that leads to the hope that provision may be made for
her in some department of the public service that admits of female labor.
Should this expectation fail, it is hoped that private sympathy and
generosity will not be wanting. Mrs.
M. is at present the guest of the Spotswood Hotel.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 22, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
"Flying Machines."
To the Editor of the Whig:
"T.
C. H.", in the Whig of Saturday, kindly volunteers his
"ungracious task" to induce the saving of labor and means, which, he
thinks, will be expended in vain by me in attempting to accomplish aerial
locomotion by man. Of course I
ought to, and do, feel thankful for the opportunity which the appearance of his
article affords, for showing the fallacy of the reasoning, and the folly of the
attack upon my invention.
The
writer considers the Artisavis a flying machine; but I have to
inform him that I do not propose nor desire to construct any such difficult
contrivance. Such an apparatus, if
very cunningly planned, skillfully executed, and happily successful, would, or
should go through the air like a bird on the wing, without the presence and
control of man. But, I could not be
induced to attempt the invention and manufacture of such a wonderful piece of
art as that. My object is the
production of something less pretentious, more ample and easy of
attainment—namely, the construction of an artificial bird, which, in
traversing the atmosphere, will convey one person from point to point on the
earth, and thus accomplish the aerial locomotion of man through the
intervention of art.
But,
if "T. C. H." has confounded my object with my invention,
which, it seems to me, is clear and indisputable, and perceives no difference
between the Artisavis and what he calls flying machines, he has fallen
into a still greater blunder, in supposing that I am endeavoring to achieve the
great desideratum of the age upon his views or theory of the
principles and process of the flight of birds.
In regard to the true theory of the flight of birds, it is
evident, from what he says, that he knows nothing—nothing that is true; for
the popular and generally received crude notions of the learned and unlearned
upon this subject, and which is all, I presume, that this writer possessed, are
without any just foundation in nature or reason, and unworthy of the least
confidence or consideration. Hence,
I am justified in saying, that the arrogance of "T. C. H.'s" article,
though the writer was not probably conscious of the feeling, is consummate; and
which arose directly from the presumption of subjecting my invention, without
knowing what it is, to the dark scrutiny of his straggling views concerning
flying machines in general. The
excesses into which his mode of reasoning lead him, ought, of itself, to have
convinced him that he was merely blundering in the wrong direction.
Such is always the case with those who are either wrongly informed, or
greatly deficient in knowledge. For,
that sort of logic which enters upon an argument without correct principles or
premises, must soon end in widespread extravagance and absurdity.
His
course towards me, under the pressure of his "firm belief" that my
scheme must fail, is like that of a Judge on the bench, who should boldly assume
to decide a case upon general principles of law, without either knowing its
nature or hearing the evidence in support of it.
Upon his own motion, he summons me to appear at the bar of his
self-constituted tribunal, and without allowing me to state my case or file my
pleadings, pronounce a judgment against me, with the confidence and sang
froid of the president of a conventicle against schismatics.
However, his mode of proceeding is only another small imitation of an
excathedra bull fulminated against a revolving world or an approaching comet.
It is but the puny cry and flutter of the sparrow in the presence of the
peerless bird of Jove.—In this instance, as in all previous discoveries and
inventions, the world of Arts and Sciences must remain stationary, till "T.
C. H." and some others, I wot of like him, condescend to step down from
their lofty eminence and devise and turn a new wheel in mechanics, or mark new
and enlarged boundaries to the field of knowledge in natural philosophy.
There
are only two points presented in the article of "T. C. H." at all
pertinent to my researches and invention, one of which is assumed without the
slightest foundation. He says that
"the largest birds that fly, such as the condor and sociable vulture of
Africa, have great difficulty in rising from a plain, and, when once fairly
launched, they can soar for a considerable length of time without
flapping." The sociable
vulture of Africa is a similar buzzard to that we have, and which is found still
more numerous further South; and the reason why this bird cannot rise by
flapping is simply because he has not the muscular power to exert his
comparatively large wings but for a few strokes at a time.
But it is not true that the condor eagle of South America labors under a
similar difficulty; for it is well known that those birds can, and do often rise
on the wing from the valleys to the top of the Andes, not merely supporting
their own weight, but carrying up such animals as lambs and pigs in their
talons. The soaring of the
carrion vulture, and some of the large winged falcons, for a great length of
time, is a very different thing from that of the ordinary rising of other
birds; nor can the former exhibit on on [sic] the wing be explained in the same
connection, or in any other manner upon mechanical or philosophical principles,
by "T. C. H." And, to
ensure a practical test of this negation of his ability on this subject, I here
make the pledge in advance, that if he will furnish a true explanation of
that single phenomenon—that is, disclose upon just grounds the manner in which
the spiral or gyratory ascension of the large winged birds is effected, I will
agree to consider as true every thing said in his article, and, moreover, admit
that my project is ill-founded and impracticable.
And yet it must be added, that the true explanation of this beautiful
evolution on the wing is very simple and easy to him who truly understands the
principles and process of the flight of birds.
If
"T. C. H." will favor me with a call, it will afford me great pleasure
to explain to him the principles, the manner of constructing, excepting one
particular part, and the contemplated mode of operation of the Artisavis
on the wing, and then, if he should deem it necessary or prudent to discuss or
assail my discovery and invention upon their merits, I shall promptly defend
both to the best of my ability. And,
in the meantime, I trust that I shall soon be able to make a practical
demonstration of both the philosophy and flight of the Bird of Art, far
above and beyond the reach of all cavillers and creeping groundlings.
R. O. Davidson.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Beast Butler and the Jews
Some time since General Butler stated in an official telegram that
"five Jews were captured trying to run the blockade, etc." Forthwith a Mr. M. S. Isaacs, of 150 Nassau street, New York,
addressed him a letter, inquiring why he specified the religion of the
contraband traders, and commenting upon the fact as an invidious religious
distinction. Butler, in reply,
explains that the phrase was meant to "Designate nationality, not religion,
as one would say "five Irishmen, five Germans, or five Italians."
He adds:
"I
have always considered the Jews a nationality, although possessing no country.
The closeness with which they cling together, the aid which they afford
each other, on all proper, and sometimes improper occasions, the fact that
nearly all of them pursue substantially the same employment so far as I have
known them—that of traders, merchants and bankers—the very general obedience
to the prohibition against marriage with Gentiles; their faith, which looks
forward to the time when they are to be gathered together in the former land of
their nation—all serve to show a closer tie of kindred and nation among the
Hebrews, and a greater homogeneity than belongs to any other nation, although
its people live in closer proximity."
Repeating
his disclaimer of any reflection upon their national religion, the Beast says it
is not unreasonable "to suppose there may be in all the Jews of the South
(two of whom certainly are in the Confederate Cabinet) at least five Jews
who might attempt to carry on a contraband trade."
Mr.
Isaacs promptly replied, expressing his regret at so grievous a misconception,
or rather conflict of ideas as to the meaning of the term "Jew."
He says that he is an American by birth, but a Jew in the sense that
Butler is a Christian. (Query:
Is Butler a Christian?) He
undertakes to prove that it is "a serious mistake to charge that the
liberal professions are avoided by the Israelites," and contends that
"the army, navy and marine corps have a fair representation of Israelites,
some of them distinguished, all earnest and patriotic." One regiment is composed mainly of Israelites.
Mr. Isaacs proceeds:
"You
will not forget, when reminding me that there are two Jews in the rebel cabinet
(who is the other besides Benjamin?) that a pattern of distinction in the church
militant is a Major General in Davis' army, and that Davis himself professes to
be a devout member of the church. There
are traitors among professors of Judaism, unfortunately, as well as among
Christians.—A good Jew can no more be a traitor to our flag, than an earnest
believer in Christianity can be numbered among 'those who speculate on the
miseries of their country.' Mr.
Benjamin does not adhere to Judaism—he married a Christian."
Mr.
I., in conclusion, requests that when any man with a foreign patronymic is
captured hereafter, his nationality may be designated by calling him German,
Russian, or French, as the case may be, and not Jew.
The
correspondence closes with a letter from Butler, in which he says:
"I
am very glad to have my opinions corrected by one who apparently understands so
well the condition of the Hebrews as a nation, and of their faith as a religion.
"I
admit that my experience with men of the Jewish faith or nation has been an
unfortunate one.
"Living
in an inland town in Massachusetts prior to the war, I had met but few, and
since the war, those whom I have seen have been principally engaged in the
occupations which caused the capture which has occasioned this correspondence,
and you yourself will admit that that mode of making their acquaintance has not
been a favorable one. I refer to
Mr. Memminger, of the Confederate Cabinet.
I have also been informed that Mr. Mallory is also of the Jewish faith or
nationality.
"I
acknowledge the fairness of the hit in regard to Major General Polk and Davis.
They are both members of the Christian Church upon whose services I
attend."
The
above correspondence is published in the Jewish Messenger, (N. Y.) and the
editor states in a note that "neither Memminger nor Mallory are of the
Jewish faith. The latter is
probably confounded with Ex-Senator Yulee, who is now engaged in restoring
Florida to the Union."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 23, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
New
Currency.—The following announcement from the Eutaw Whig and Observer solves
the great problem now agitating the minds of our ablest financiers.
Ladies to your needles, and the currency, the life blood of the nation,
is saved:
Tableaux.—The
juveniles of Eutaw will give an entertainment, consisting of tableaux, &c.,
on Friday night next, at the Female Academy.
Admission
$1, or one pair of socks. Children
and servants half price.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The Drama of "Johnson's Island."
A Confederate officer, who arrived by the last flag of truce at City
Point, has left with us several copies of the play bills of the "Rebel
Thespians"—a histrionic association, organized on "Johnson's
Island" last fall by a number of Confederate officers, to provide amusement
to their fellow prisoners. The
bills were printed in Sandusky, Ohio, in regular theatrical style, and in their
preparation a good deal of genuine humor was developed.
Presuming
that many of our readers would be pleased to learn the names of the chief actors
of this dramatic association, and also to read the witty and quizzical mock
bombast of the managerial announcements, we append the chief points of the
several bills. We learn that Major
H. C. Bate, of Tennessee, acted as Manager of the Association for a portion of
the time. A considerable sum was
realized by the Association, to be applied to the benefit of the needy families
of soldiers held as prisoners by the Yankees:
Rebel Thespians.
Acting and Stage Manager, Major Geo. McKnight; Treasure, Lt Col
J. C. Humphreys; Prompter, Capt D P Buckner; Scenic Artist, Major
Smith.
The
management, in the highest spirits, take great pleasure in stating that, at an
enormous expense, a selection of the very finest dramatic talent known in the
Old and the New Worlds has been made for the special delectation of the
reinforcements strategetically [sic] sent to Johnson's Island by "Uncle
Jeff." Every effort will be
made by the management to astonish the natives in the most delightful manner.
It is with feelings of pride that we point to the following
Brilliant Array of Talent!
Col. Brown, of Georgia; Maj McKnight, of La; Capt Cussons, of Ala; Capt Fellows, of Ala; Capt Washington, of NC; Capt Youngblood, of Tenn; Capt McLochlas, of Ky; Maj Cook, of Miss; Lieut Houston, of Va; Lieut Peeler, of Florida, together with Messrs. Brown, Lamar, Coffin, Cantrell and Stewart, and a superb corps de ballet! !
Tuesday Evening,
Sept. 29, 1863,
Opening Ode, written and delivered by
Lieut T. D. Houston.
Opening Address Capt J R Fellows
The Riproaring
Farce, in two acts, of
The Secret.
Dupins
Lt A J Peeler
Valare
Capt John Cussons
Thomas, with song
Maj Geo McKnight
Sheriff
Capt John McLochlin
George
Lt T D Houston
Porter
______ Taylor
Cecile
Miss (Col) Jack Brown
Angelica
Miss (Lieut) Coffin
To conclude with
the Farce of
Box and Cox
Box
Lt. Geo McKnight
Cox
Lt T D Houston
Mrs. Bouncer
Miss (Capt) E F Lamar
An
Orchestra, expressly provided at an immense expense of Sutler's Checks, has
arrived from Europe and other seaboard towns, and will entertain the
appreciative audience with selections from the finest music ever heard on this
or any other planet.
The
Sentinels on the outer walls have been especially engaged to preserve order and
decorum.
Little
boys will not be allowed to eat pea-nuts in the pit, nor throw orange peel from
the gallery during the more affecting parts of the play. In order to carry out this arrangement more effectually, a
special order will be issued, forbidding Joe Reynolds [illegible] any of these
articles to the boys.
Prices
of Admission:--Dress circle, 25 cts.; parquette, 2 bits; pit, 2 dimes and a
half; gallery, 2 shillings; private boxes, quarter of a dollar; reserved seats,
to be had only on Tuesday morning after 10 o'clock, 50 cts.
The next bill introduces a new "Acting Manager," Lieut. Thos.
D. Houston, and a new "Prompter," Capt. J. R. Fellows. The occasion is a complimentary benefit to Ex-Manager Major
McKnight. ("Asa Harts.")
The letter of Capt. John Cussons, Secretary of the Association, tendering
the benefit, and Maj. McKnight's reply are published in the bill.
The
announcement is made in large type that this is "The Greatest Bill of the
Season." "The Great Big
Ingun Extravaganza of Po-ca-hon-tas."
The cast of characters is given with the usual flourish of puns familiar
to those who have read the play-bill particulars of this burlesque.
The farce announced is "Grimshaw, Bagshaw, and Bradshaw."
In the
next bill, we have Captain C. Sherman announced as "Stage Manager."
The attraction is an "Original Drama, by Lieut. A. J. Peeler, of
Florida, written expressly for the Rebel Thespians:"
"The
manager feels an honest pride in presenting in this performance to his
fellow-prisoners, a splendid melo drama, in five acts, by a member of the
Association. The play reflects much
credit on the young author, exhibiting great beauty and perfection in
delineation of character. It
presents to the soldier many familiar scenes, and contains striking historical
incidents of the terrible conflict of the 1st, 2d and 3d of July, at
Gettysburg, Penn."
We
have to defer the cast of characters, but make room for the following
announcement:
"The
Manager, during the past week, has spared no expense in fitting up the stage
with new and appropriate scenery for the above play.
For the splendid effect which he is enabled to give in its
representation, he is indebted to the skilful pencils of our talented artists,
Major Smith and Mr. Harrison.
The
doors opened at precisely 1½ P.M. Curtain
rises at 2. Price of admission, 25
cents. Reserved seats, 50 cents.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 24, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
A
Motto—A soldier in one of the Kentucky camps says the motto with them is
"United we sleep, divided we freeze."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 24, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Don Caesar de Bazan; or, A Match for a King;" dance,
&c.; "A Ticket of Leave" in preparation "The Rag Picker, or,
The Mysteries of Paris"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Expulsion of Citizens from Western Virginia.
A bill has passed the Senate of Western Virginia, which authorizes the
Governor to cause to be apprehended or secured, or to compel to depart from the
State, all persons claiming to owe allegiance or fidelity to the Confederate
States of America; all persons disloyal to the government of the United States;
all persons refusing to recognize the government of the State of West Virginia;
and all persons who expatriate themselves as citizens of the State.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Arrived.—Harry
Macarthy, the eminent Arkansas comedian, arrived in this city yesterday, direct
from Atlanta, Ga., having been only seventeen days on the road travelling night
and day. Mr. Macarthy was so
unfortunate as to lose most of his stage wardrobe on the trip.
The object of his visit is to play an engagement at that popular place of
amusement, Metropolitan Hall.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Raid
by Women.—The Abingdon Virginian says:--Last Saturday, some eight or ten women
from the river hills, north of this place, came to Abingdon with the avowed
intention, as we understand, of Pressing spun cotton and
domestics.—They are reported to have been armed with pistols and knives.
They went to one or two stores, but made no very determined
demonstrations. We understood they pressed
three bunches of cotton from one merchant, but upon enquiry we found that they
represented their condition was of such extreme poverty as to excise the kindest
sympathies of that gentleman and he gave them the cotton.
So much for that raid.
The
report having gotten to the country that the raid above alluded to was
successful, a party of women from the South side of the county came in Monday,
and went into one of the stores of the plant, and pressed two bolts of
domestic, and left for home. An
officer was soon after them—arrested them, recovered the goods and brought the
parties before a magistrate. Upon a
hearing of the case the parties were required to give bail for their appearance,
and there the matter now rests.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Pizarro;" ballad; "Feint Heart Did Win Fair
Lady;" soon "Parlor and Cabin; or, The Master and the Slave;" in
preparation "The Rag Picker, or, The Mysteries of Paris"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Cavalry Hardships.
Complaint is made that some of the very best men in the cavalry service,
who have spent their whole fortune in purchasing horses and who have displayed
great gallantry in every engagement in which they have been called on to take a
part, are compelled, now that their money has given out, to enter the infantry
service.—The complaint seems to us to be just.
There are many cavalrymen, whose sole motive in joining that arm of the
service, was to place themselves as much as possible out of danger, and when an
action is imminent, to have the benefit of heels swifter than their own.
These are the men who have brought disgrace upon our country, by dodging
every fight, as far as possible, and by riding aimlessly about the country,
plundering right and left. Such men
are not only worthless, they are a positive nuisance, and the sooner they are
transferred to the infantry, where they can be kept in subjection and made to do
their duty, the better.
But
the men to whom we allude are very different.—They are brave and true; have
proved their courage and fidelity in many ways and on many occasions; they shirt
no duty, are accomplished cavalrymen and have made great pecuniary sacrifices in
order to remain in the service which they prefer and to which they have been
trained by long years of toil and exposure in battle. Surely, a discrimination ought to be made in favor of such
men. We should think the Government
could ill afford to lose them, or to have their places filled by raw substituted
men whose speculations and extortion have enabled them to buy horses.
The stock of horses, we know, is scarce, and the law forbids their
purchase except under regulations, which in the main are wise and just.
But since we have an insufficient force of cavalry, it is all important
that what we do have should be of the best material—trained men, of proved
courage—and not raw, rich speculators in fancy boots and pretty uniforms.
When a cavalryman has been in service for a term of years and has
acquitted himself to the satisfaction of his company and regimental commanders,
he ought by all means to be retained. His
Captain and Colonel would naturally be loath to lose him, and the Government
ought to strain a point to keep him. Better,
far better to put a dozen popinjays in shining jack boots into the infantry
ranks than lose one veteran cavalryman. We
hear of a number who have been in the service from the very commencement of the
war and who have never failed to do their duty, whose hard lot it will be to
shoulder a musket, simply because they have impoverished themselves in
purchasing horses. Is it to the interest of the service that they should be
forced to undergo these hardships?—We think not.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
A
Dirtier Dog than Butler.—The
Brandon (Miss.) Republican, says:
Sherman
put up at the house of E. H. Lombard, Esq., during his stay in Brandon, and
embraced every occasion to insult the ladies of the house.
In speaking to one of the young ladies he remarked that he expected to
see the day when she would be married to an intelligent contraband.
The young ladies refused to go to the table with him and his staff, when
he peremptorily ordered them to be brought in and seated beside him.—He also
compelled them to play and sing for him.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Dead
Mules.—The Chattanooga Gazette states that between the point of Lookout
Mountain and Bridgeport, down the Valley of the Tennessee, lie twenty five miles
of dead mules, in one continuous string—the head of the first carcass lying on
the "quarter deck" of the one beyond him, and so on, throughout the
entire distance. The Gazette says:
"Just imagine a convulsion of nature of sufficient magnitude to bury
these remains as they now lie, and phancy the pheelinx of a future Aggasiz, who
in his geological researches strikes either of the termini, and attempts to
exhume the entire 'snake.' Won't it
knock the socks off the saurians of the diluvial period?
Twenty-five miles of vertebrae, with two pedal arrangements every three
feet! What a bully side show for a
future circus!"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
The
"Boss of the Prairie."—For nine years Mary Farrely has enjoyed the
enviable reputation and name of being the "Boss of the Prairie."
During that time all who have had the temerity to dispute with her the
possession of that title, have met with ignominious defeat, until her name has
become a terror to every squatter within an area of a mile from her house.
A few days since her sister, Mrs. Ann McGrath, threw down the gloves of
defiance. The two stripped to the
skin, after the fashion of the P. R., and without referee or seconds, with the
broad prairie for a ring, and the championship of the squatters as a prize,
prepared to enter into a contest which, in that locality, was of more importance
than any event in the annals of history. As
the sisters approached each other, with blood in their eyes and rancor in their
hearts, the "shock of battle" was truly terrific.
Their yells of defiance, intermingled with screeches of pain at a
temporary repulse, and shouts of triumph in case of success, are said to have
been heard for rods around, and in a brief period every squatter, and every man,
woman and child, and dog within hearing distance, had assembled to witness the
great spectacle.
It
took Farrely but a short time to demonstrate her superior prowess, and Mrs.
McGrath would have been put hors du combat in quick time had not John
McGrath, her father-in-law, rushed to the rescue of his son's wife.
The other, however, with aroused anger and renewed energy, faced them
both, and finally bore off the palm of victory over both her assailants.
She escaped with a few scratches and the loss of a quantity of hair,
while the others, who had fled in panic and disorder, were so disfigured that
their own children refused to recognize them.—Chicago Times.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 26, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
A
Mexican Joan D'Arc.—Among the Mexican prisoners taken to France is a young
Indian woman, only twenty years of age, who was Lieutenant Colonel of the
Regiment of Zacatecas and who in the course of seven years, rose step by step
from the ranks by her courage and talents.
She followed her husband to the army, and was soon promoted to the rank
of second Lieutenant for her distinguished bravery.
The death of her husband, killed in action, afforded her an opportunity
of avenging him, and of raising another step.
The French defeat at Guadaloupe, on the 5th of May, 1862,
obtained for her the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, second in command of a
regiment, in which position she again greatly distinguished herself during the
siege of Puebla. This singular
woman handles the sword like a first class fencing master, and she made herself
not only respected but feared by her soldiers, who looked upon her as a
supernatural being. After Ortega
surrendered at discretion at Puebla, she was brought to Vera Cruz, and lodged on
board the Rhone until the vessel sailed for France,.—Her order of embarkation
mentioned her rank, and gives her a right to sit at the field officers' table.
She is
said to be of agreeable personal appearance, although, as might be expected,
rather more masculine in her ways than altogether becomes her sex.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 26, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Remarkable
Eccentricity of a Lady.—A few months ago a middle aged French lady arrived in
San Francisco, and hired a large house in Dupont street, paying the rent in
advance. She occupied the house all
alone, much to the astonishment and mystery of her neighbors, who could not
solve the mystery hanging about her history.
Day after day the baker, the grocer, and the wine merchant called and
left their wares, and, as all the bills were settled on the square in hard coin,
no questions were asked. At last,
one fine morning, water was seen issuing from the front door of the house, and
she was immediately notified of the fact and requested to desist.
But she laughingly replied that she loved to hear the water fall!
An officer was notified. Being
refused admittance, he burst open the door, and discovered the lady taking a
bath, and in whale oil! The door
and bed were covered with it, she going from the bath to the bed without rubbing
the oil from her person. The room
emitted a disagreeable smell, and large numbers of empty oil bottles were in an
adjoining apartment. Otherwise
everything looked comfortable, there being plenty of furniture and a well
supplied larder. The officer
requested her to robe herself, and then t6ook her before the Commission of
Lunacy.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 26, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Ticket-of-Leave Man; or, The Returned Convict;" singing
and dancing; Monday—"The Rag Picker, or, The Mysteries of Paris;"
soon a play by Dr. Bricken of this city "Parlor and Cabin; or, The Master
and Slave"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 26, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
New Song.
Now
ready at all Book and Music Stores
The Star-Spangled Cross.
By Subaltern.
With illuminated title page. $2.
George Dunn & Co.
Richmond, Va.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 26, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Arrest
of a Lady Suspected as a Spy.—The Kinston (N. C.) correspondent of the Raleigh
Confederate, notices the arrest of an Irishman and a Dutchman by Gen. Hoke, on
the 19th, charged with attempting to aid a married woman to escape
into the lines of the enemy, and adds:
"But
as luck should have it, the woman was intercepted by our pickets, brought back
to town and taken before the military authorities, when she charged Aaron Baer,
the Dutchman, and
A. V. Bulger, the Irishman, with being her aiders and abbettors in the
affair. This woman gave her name as
Mrs. Charles Rushet, is of French descent, and hails from Augusta, Georgia.
She says that her intention is to visit her friends in Europe; that she
has the consent of her husband to do so, and that he has furnished her with all
the necessary supplies for the voyage. She
has a passport from Gen. Beauregard, and a recommendation to the authorities at
Richmond, dated at Savannah. She
says that her husband is a Quartermaster in the Confederate army, and stationed
in Georgia. Mrs. Rushet has in her
possession a large amount of gold and Yankee greenbacks—Her baggage consists
of three large trunks filled with costly and pretty finery, jewelry, &c.,
including three gold watches valued at three thousand dollars each.
Mrs.
Rushet is apparently about twenty-five years of age, is beautiful and
accomplished; of tall and commanding appearance, modest and chaste in her
deportment. From the large amount
of gold and Yankee greenbacks and other valuables that she has in possession and
the mistrustful manner in which she is moving from place to place has led our
authorities to suspect her as the enemy's spy.
Gen. Hoke has sent a telegram to Augusta to learn something concerning
her, but not answer has been received up to this writing.
Mrs.
R. is now under arrest in this place, but is permitted by the authorities to
stay with a private family, in charge of Lt. Gremer, assistant Provost Marshal,
who keeps a strict watch over her."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Easter.—To-day
is Easter Monday, known and looked forward to throughout the South as a holiday
for school children and servants. With
some denominations—the Catholics and Episcopalians—it marks the conclusion
of Lent. It is an ecclesiastical
festival, commemorative of the resurrection of Christ.
It originated in the circumstance that Christ was typified by the paschal
lamb, ordained by Moses to be slain at the Feast of the Passover; the feast
being considered as a continuation, in its fulfillment, of the Jewish festival.
The English name Easter, and the German Ostern, are derived
from the name of the Teutonic goddess Ostera, (Anglo-Saxon Eostre,) whose
festival was celebrated by the ancient Saxons with peculiar solemnities in the
month of April, and for which, as in many other instances, the first Catholic
missionaries substituted the paschal feast.
As
early as the second century there were keen disputes respecting the day on which
the feast should be kept; the Eastern church persisting in observing it on the
same day with the Jews; while the Western celebrated it on Sunday, as the day of
Christ's resurrection. The dispute
was finally settled at the Council of Nice, in 325, which ordained that it
should always be kept on a Sunday; only as it was a movable feast no small
difficulty long continued to be felt as to its adjustment.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
A
Masquerade Ball Broken Up.—For some time past the building on Franklin street
known as the Varieties, just below the Exchange Hotel, has been the scene of
balls given and attended by women of ill-fame and their associates, military and
civil, much to the annoyance and disturbance of the guests of the Ballard House,
and other respectable persons residing in that neighborhood.
On Friday night, between eleven and twelve o'clock, on complaint of
several citizens, the Mayor sent his police down to break up one of these balls
then going on. Some how, a
knowledge of the approach of the police was conveyed to some of the company, who
began to disperse immediately. When the police arrived, crowds were pouring out of the
building, and hacks were in great request.
The music and dancing were still, however, going on. The police caught in the building eighteen white women, one
negro woman and about thirty men—as many more escaped by jumping from the
windows. the giver of the ball, one
Mary Davis, they caught behind a bar in the front part of the house, dealing out
whiskey. The men were permitted to
depart. The women, by order of the
Mayor, were carried to the cage, and kept there till Saturday morning, when they
were brought up to the Mayor's Court.
The
Mayor warned them against attempting any more balls in a respectable portion of
the town, and required them all to give security in $300 to keep the peace,
except Mary Davis, whom he fined $100 for selling whiskey without a license, and
required to give $500 security to keep the peace and bee of good behavior.
The
court room was crowded by a throng of the admirers of the women, and a horrid
looking set they were—flat-headed, big jawed, greasy and flashily dressed.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Young
Thieves.—Two little boys, about ten years of age, named respectively Thomas
Dolan and Joseph Pearman, were before the Mayor yesterday for stealing $24 from
Mrs. John Drumheller. It seemed
that the boys entered Mrs. D.'s shop, on Broad street, on Friday, and stole the
money from the till. Pearman was
caught soon after the occurrence but no money found on him. Dolan, who was not arrested till Sunday, stated during the
investigation, that Pearman stole the money and that he had it in his boots
while the officer who arrested him was searching him.
The
Mayor gave the boys into the hands of their parents, warning the latter of the
certain evil consequences that would result if they did not keep their children
more under their control and stop them from running wild about the streets.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
The
Ladies' Currency Bill.—"A Soldier" writes to an exchange paper:
In
accordance with the Law of the Confederate States on reducing the currency of
our country, which act is to take effect on the first day of Aprile [sic] 1864
all notes over five Dollars on hand after that time will be received at a
discount of thirty tree [sic] and one third cts per Dollar, all one hundred
dollar notes will be taxt [sic] ten per cent monthly after that date till taken
upp [sic].
We the
Soldiers of Lees [sic] army think it equally necessary we should have a similar
Law in regard to Ladies of our country who hold themselves with the young class
as they are get in [sic] so numerous.
Resolved
that all who are over the age of eighteen years at the commencement of this war
who may not be properly disposed of before the first day of Aprile [sic] shall
be classed with the hundred dollar notes bearing the same discount and tax.
Those
that are over eighteen since the war commenced will be held at the same discount
but clear of taxation. Those yet
under the age of eighteen will be counted at par with the new issue.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Earnings
of Seamstresses.—Army drawers are given out by contractors to be made in
Portland at five cents a pair. A
woman sewing all day could not make more than two pair a day. If the thread given out with the drawers fall short, as it is
apt to do, the poor seamstress is told that she must supply the deficiency.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 31, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Iron Chest; or, Ambition and Remorse;" ballad; fancy
dance; "The Duel in the Dark!"; "The Management, desirous of
pleasing the public, has engaged a full and complete band of Harmonions who will
shortly appear;" shortly "Parlor and Cabin; or, The Master and the
Slave"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 31, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
A
fellow advertising persimmon syrup in the Richmond papers breaks out with the
following doggerel:
"Thou luscious fruit of wintry season,
When great Jack Frost has done his freezing,
That grows the scruggiest limb upon
Thou ruddy puckerless persimmon."
We
commend the above to General Reynold's "Tarheels," (North
Carolinians,) who, on meeting each other, are accustomed to inquire, "Can
youns tell weeuns whar weeuns will find a persimmon orchard about
here?"—Atlanta Register.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A Poor
Creature.—A white woman, about thirty years of age, dirty, ragged, draggled,
haggard, whilst wandering about the streets Wednesday night, was picked up by
the watchman and carried to the watchhouse.
Yesterday morning she was brought before the Mayor.
She gave her name as Elizabeth McCoupland, and told the Mayor she was
from Georgia, and that she had come on here to see if it was not warmer here
than there, and if there was not more to eat.
His Honor directed her to be carried to the alms-house, preliminary to
her being returned to Georgia.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Richard III; or, the Battle of Bosworth Field;" singing and
dancing; "Swiss Cottage; or, The Soldier's Return;" soon "Parlor
and Cabin; or The Master and Slave"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 2, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Warwick's "Lalla Rookh" Tobacco.
We have received from Mr. Geo. W. Warwick, of Lynchburg, a package of his
"Lalla Rookh" smoking tobacco. it
is not a very bright tobacco, and appears, at first sight, to be not altogether
free of stems, but in actual trial we have found it equal if not superior to
many of the crack brands on the market. We
commend it especially to those who are fond of mild tobacco, and love to fill
their pipes time and again without the fear of nausea and nervousness.
It is for sale only by the proprietor, in Lynchburg, Va.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
A
Novel Marriage License.—The following is a copy of a marriage license captured
on a Yankee by our troops at Gallatin, Tenn., a few days since:
PROVOST MARSHAL'S OFFICE,}
Gallatin, Tenn., July 27, 1863}
This
is to certify that John R. White
has permission to marry Milly Walls for two years, or during the war.
ALBERT LAMB,
Capt. and Provost Marshall.
Approved:
E. A. Paine, Brig. Gen.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ingomar, the Barbarian;" charming dance; "Kiss in the
Dark;" songs and duets; soon "Parlor and Cabin; or, the Master and
Slave"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Cotton,
Yarns, Cards, &c., for the State.—The following circular, addressed by the
Commercial Agent of the State to the Hustings Court of this city, will be found
of interest. The same has been
addressed to the other county and corporation courts not in the lines of the
enemy:
"Richmond, March 28th, 1864.
"To the Hustings Court of Richmond City:
"By
an act of Assembly, passed 9th March, 1864, the Commercial Agent of
Virginia is charged with the duty of supplying the several counties of the State
with raw cotton, cotton yarns, cotton cloth and cotton and woolen cards, by
sales for cash, to the agents appointed by the county courts.
A copy of the act accompanies this circular, and your attention is called
to its provisions.
Initiatory
steps are being now taken to obtain adequate supplies of the articles above
enumerated, and it is hoped that without unnecessary delay the demands of the
people can be met, at least in a reasonable degree.
Being
charged by the Governor with the execution of this law, I would suggest the
prompt action of your body, in order that your county may be in a position to
reap the benefits contemplated by its provisions.
I
advise you to instruct your agent—of whose appointment you will send me a
proper certificate, under the seal of your court—to forward me his orders for
such of the cited articles, and the quantities he may require, as that I may be
able to make purchases intelligently, as well as to secure a fair distribution
of the same. Orders will be filled
according to the date of their receipt by me.
It
will give me pleasure to lend a hearty co-operation to your agent in the
execution of a law which has for its object the alleviation of the wants of the
people.
"Respectfully,
"S. Bassett French,
"Aid-de-Camp to the Governor,
and Commercial Agent of Virginia."
It is
said that Messrs. Robert A. Paine and George W. Royster have been appointed
clerks to the State Agent.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Places
of Public Amusement.—The conscript officer has been after the players at our
two places of public amusement—the Theatre and Metropolitan Hall—with a
sharp stick. On Friday, Mr. Ogden,
of the Theatre, and Mr. Thorpe, late an actor at the same popular place of
resort, were arrested by him and taken to Camp Lee.
On Saturday, several members of the Iron Clad Opera Troupe of
Metropolitan Hall, were served in the same manner. But all of them returned to the city after a very short
retention, whether on furlough, or having been discharged, we have not learned.
It was said on the street last evening that the President had specially exempted
some of the actors of the Theatre, that that unquestionably useful establishment
might be kept up. There is no doubt
but that both the places of amusement mentioned exert a beneficial influence,
inasmuch as they afford an innocent recreation to the tens of thousands of
soldiers who yearly pass through this city, and who otherwise would be forced to
seek amusement in the drinking houses, and even worse places.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Liberality
and Self Sacrifice.—We are informed, says the Charlottesville Chronicle, that
the nurses, ward-masters, and employees at the hospital in this place, agreed in
a body to do without meat for ten days in order to furnish the wherewithal to
feed hungry soldiers of the 19th Virginia Regiment, in the field.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Ballard House.—Messrs. J. S. Taliaferro & Co., proprietors of this well
known and well kept Hotel, in accordance with what they believe will be
conducive to the comfort and convenience of their guests, have determined to
conduct their extensive establishment on what is known as the European
style—each guest to pay for only what he orders and gets.
The patrons of this house may always calculate upon enjoying the very
best of everything that our markets afford, and every comfort and convenience in
the matter of rooms and servants attendance.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Dedigitation.—As
the up train on the York River railroad was passing in the neighborhood of the
City Gas Works, on Sunday evening, a soldier, believed to be a patient from
Chimborazo hospital, ran ahead of it and putting his left hand on the track
allowed the wheels of the engine to pass over it. All four fingers of the hand were cut off.
His conduct can only be accounted for by the presumption that he was
laboring under an excessive desire to leave the army.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Something
New.—A countryman yesterday morning offered a live cat for sale in the Second
Market. This is believed to be the
first time since the foundation of the city that this animal has been offered
for sale in the market in a live state; possibly it may often have been sold
here dead, under the specious guise of sausages. The countryman found no purchaser.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Marble Heart;" dancing and singing; "Milly, the Maid
with the Milking Pail;" tomorrow Harmonions; soon "Life in
Washington;" shortly "Parlor and Cabin; or The Master and the
Slave"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 5, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Garden Seeds! Garden Seeds!
Just Received, a large supply of fresh English Garden Seeds, imported by
the Ordnance Department, and for sale to cultivators, by the pound, ounce or
paper.
They
consist of—
Early York, dwarf, Enfield, London market, curled Savoy, drumhead, large
drumhead cabbage; cress, cucumber, carrot, cauliflower, colewort, broccoli,
lettuce, mustard, marjoram, onion, parsley, parsnip, mangel wurtzel beet,
spinnach [sic] , savoy thyme, purple top, early white stone, and yellow stone
turnip.
A. B. Clarke,
Market Place, Franklin St.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A
Society has been formed in Macon, Ga., styled a "Battle Field
Association," and appointed an efficient committee, who, after every
battle, will at once repair to our armies with nurses, surgeons and supplies, to
administer to the wants of the sick and wounded.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Fenner's
Battery, of New Orleans, were to have given a dramatic entertainment in Gen.
Johnston's army, Friday evening, for the benefit of the widow and orphans of the
murdered Mumford.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Accident.—While
some children were playing with some gunpowder in a room at the Arlington House,
on Monday evening, a flask about half full of powder exploded in the hands of a
son of Major Wm. H. Fry, proprietor of the house, burning his arms, breast and
face in a shocking manner, and singing considerably several other little
children who were in the room.—None of them were, however, dangerously
wounded. How they escaped so well
is difficult to imagine, as, at the time of the accident, they were all stooping
over a "spit devil," a piece of fireworks which they were engaged in
making. Major Fry's son, who was
the most badly burnt, is between 10 and 12 years of age. The other children in the room at the time of the accident
were still younger.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Red
River Country.—A Yankee correspondent writing from the Southwest, says:
The hostility of people of the Red river country has perhaps no parallel
in the South, unless it be in South Carolina.
In every expedition up the river we receive some intelligence of the
extreme barbarism of these people. The
now forthcoming retribution will probably open their eyes to the recompense of
their past misdoings.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Two
slaves of Greene county, Alabama, funded six hundred dollars in Confederate four
per cents.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 6, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Harmonions"—A. Rosenburg, Leader, Harry Allen, Balladist,
J. A. Gifford, Basso and Tyrolean Warbler, Sig Malfi, Harpist, Geo. Kemble,
Banjoist; J. Wells, the inimitable Brudder Bones, E. Banker, the unequalled
Tambourinist, Together with the only Orchestra in Confederacy; "Marble
Heart;" dancing and singing; programme of the Harmonions—Overture, by
Prof. Rosenberg and Company, Opening Chorus by Operatic, Linger in Blissful
Repose, (new), by H. T. Allen, Little Log Hut in Ole Virginny by J. Wells, Moon
Behind the Hill, by Geo. Campbell, Irishman's Shanty by E. Banker, Quickstep by
Harmonians; shortly—"Parlor and Cabin; or, The Master and the
Slave;" next week "Life in Washington"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 7, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
It is
reported that the steamer Advance brought in thirty thousand pair of cotton
cards on her last trip.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 7, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A New
Enterprise.—We observed a few days ago, while passing through Rocketts, that
at a particular point in the neighborhood of the creek, where was once an
offensive and stagnant pool of water, there now stands a neat dyeing
establishment, fitted up by Mr. C. King, of this city.
Besides this, we observed a neat enclosure, tastefully laid out and
planted with young trees, which, when advanced to a maturer growth, will impart
to the little area an air of neatness and comfort that must render it very
inviting.
This
new enterprise is undoubtedly a public acquisition. Looking to the exorbitant prices of new clothing, any device
calculated to renovate clothes partly worn must be deemed an advantage.
The perfection attained by Mr. King in the art of dyeing, as attested by
the various excellent productions of his skill which we have seen, must secure
for him a large and profitable trade. He
deserves that. His office is on Main, between 7th and 8th
streets.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 7, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Summary: New
Richmond Theatre—"La Tour de Nesle!"; fancy dance; Harmonions;
next week—"Miscegenation; or a Virginia Negro in Washington;"
shortly "Parlor and Cabin; or, The Master and Slave;" "Notice.
Religious services will be held in the New Richmond Theatre on Friday
evening, April 8th, 1864."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Corsican Brothers;" "Harmonions;" next week
"Micegenation; Or a Virginia Negro in Washington;" shortly
"Parlor and Cabin; or, The Master and Slave"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 11, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Bloomer.—A
young white woman named Anna Jackson, was arrested by Watchman Brooks, at a late
hour Saturday night, parading the streets in male attire.—She was locked up in
the cage during the night and discharged yesterday morning.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 11, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"A New Way to Pay Old Debts;" "The Armonions;"
next week "Micegenation; or a Virginia Negro in Washington;" shortly
"Parlor and Cabin; or, The Master and the Slave"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 11, 1864, p. 1, c. 4-5
Summary: Fast day services at the
New Richmond Theatre
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 12, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Post
Gardens.—General Gilmer, commanding at Savannah, has issued orders instructing
commanders of regiments, detachments and posts, to establish in his military
district post gardens, wherever practicable, to be worked by the troops under
the superintendence of their officers. Each
company is to have a lot of ground sufficiently large for the purpose.
the object is to promote the health of the troops, as well as to
encourage the production of vegetables.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 12, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
New songs.
Just
Published.
"On Guard."—Words by Wallace Rowe.
"Where are the Hopes I Cherished."—Norma.
"Twinkling Stars are Laughing, Love.—Ordway.
Also
New editions of the Favorites—
"When
this cruel war is over,"
"Annie
of the Vale;"
And
On Saturday Next.
"Her
Bright Smile Haunts Me Still."
[illegible]
last, in addition to the Piano Forte accompaniment, are arranged for the Guitar.
Geo.
Lunn & Co.
Cor. 14th and Main.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 12, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: Editorial in support of R.
D. Ogden and the New Richmond Theatre
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 12, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
The
Ladies of Charlottesville have recently purchased a rich and beautiful
Confederate Flag, costing $500, which they intend presenting to 'Stuart's Horse
Artillery.' On it will be
inscribed in worked silk, "The Ladies of Charlottesville to Stuart's Horse
Artillery, our Brave Defenders." It
will be recollected that this corps drove back the Yankee Raiders in their
recent attempt to come to Charlottesville.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
In one
of the town in North Mississippi, during the snow last month, a little
"refugee" girl who had never seen so much of the article before, was
much alarmed lest everything should be irrecoverably buried.
Her anxiety at last found utterance in the exclamation:
"Oh, I do wish Gen. Forrest would come!"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Metropolitan
Hall.—On Monday night the plays of the "Swiss Cottage" and the
"Limerick Boy" were performed at the Hall. Harry Macarthy took, as usual, the leading characters,
supported by the full dramatic corps. the
performance was admirable, and gave, as might be expected, entire satisfaction.
A visit to Metropolitan Hall to witness Harry's impersonations will amply
repay the cost of admission.
There
are few players, if any, in the country possessing powers of versatility equal
to Harry Macarthy. In high or low
comedy, fine drama, songs, comic or sentimental, he is equally at home.
As a composer, he possesses a merit which can challenge the admiration of
every man who appreciates excellence in the poetic art.
We do not know of a single production of his that has not become popular,
so much so, indeed, as to have become generally popular with almost all classes
who love sprightliness, humor and sentiment in poetic effusions.
As a
comic actor, he certainly has no equal in this Confederacy. He can effect more with small auxiliaries, than any actor we
know of. This, however, is the
peculiar advantage of versatility; for without that there must be aid to secure
success. Harry Macarthy, in the
present instance, is very well sustained, having, perhaps, the best company of
minstrels the Confederacy could afford. With
such an advantage, we may well judge what a man like him can do to please.
We have seen him, solitary and alone, sustain different characters, and
while all were essentially distinct, yet he acquitted himself in each in a
manner so satisfactorily as to lead one to suppose that each was his specialty
for a run of seasons.
An
actor without versatility can hardly be said to possess true genius.
This is the real characteristic of genius, either on or off the stage.
Just in the degree that it is possessed, should aptitude for any
particular function, under a little extra training, be measured.—Harry
Macarthy would become one of the first players of the age in respect to any
particular style or class of acting, should he choose to make that specialty.
Versatile genius, however, never can brook adherence to a particular
function. The intrinsic quality of
this order of genius is variety, and it cannot be circumscribed by any principle
of unity. Plurality is its very
essence. Efficiency in respect to
each constituent element forms, what may be deemed, the best test of this
character of genius.
Harry
Macarthy achieves eminent success in every part he undertakes.
He imparts life and soul to the whole play, and looks essentially the
impersonation of all that makes up the part he renders.
If there are any short comings on the part of these associated with him,
they are lost sight of in the efficient acting and vivacious manner of Harry. He is naturally a wit, but culture seems to have developed
this quality to a high degree of perfection.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Another Case of Deserved Sympathy.
Richard Fields, late Chief Justice of the Cherokee nation, who is en
route to Richmond, on other engagements, makes an appeal through the
Montgomery papers in behalf of the Indians, and invokes aid for the relief of
those suffering people from the destitution to which they have been reduced by
the calamities of the war. Their
country has been desolated by the enemy, their homes and property destroyed and
their families ruthlessly driven from their border, subjected to lamentable want
and distress. Especially have these
hardships fallen upon the Cherokees, who promptly embraced our cause and linked
their fortunes with our destiny.
The
quota of warriors which they bound themselves by treaty to furnish to the
Confederacy, is greatly exceeded in the number sent to the field.
Seven regiments of Indians are now in the field, organized and operating
with our forces west of the Mississippi. Their
families, with their support thus drawn from them, are left in beggary and
wretchedness. When we consider the
flattering inducements held out to them by our enemies, and the necessity of a
band of watchful friends on our Southwestern borders when peace is
re-established, a case is presented that makes a strong appeal to the generous
people of the Confederacy.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Arrest
of a Supposed Female Spy.—A female by the name of Gage, who came down the Gulf
Road in Savannah, under suspicious circumstances, was arrested on her arrival
and taken to the Barracks. She is a
Northern woman, and gave the passengers a number of conflicting accounts of
where she came from and her destination. Parties
who came through the lines from Jacksonville state that they saw her on board a
Yankee vessel.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Ladies in the Departments.—It has been currently reported for a week past and
believed by the parties most interested, that the female government clerks in
the Treasury and several other departments are to be sent en masse to
some inland town South, where food is more abundant than in this city.
This is a good movement if it is really contemplated; but a much better
would be to take some steps to make all those persons leave the city who do not
of right belong here and are engaged in no useful employment.
There are a thousand greasy, bloated, foreign loafers, from their
appearance immense consumers of both food and drink, who may be seen idling
about Main street from the Spotswood corner to 20th street, who
should be sent off or driven off by some means.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 13, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
The
Worth of a Good Garden.—Who has made the estimate?
Not one in fifty. We believe
with the Augusta Chronicle that a well cultivated garden will yield one-third,
of not half, the support of a family. The
potatoes, turnips, beans, cabbage, peas, parsnips, carrots, strawberries,
raspberries, &c., &c., all of which are the produce of a good garden,
constitute a large portion of man's most wholesome food.
And if we would give more attention to this branch of husbandry, and
furnish our tables with better vegetables, our families would use less meat, and
consequently be more healthy.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 13, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Soldiers'
Clothing Received.—A letter from Gen. Longstreet's army says:
"A
few days ago a large amount of clothing, consisting of jackets, pants, shirts,
drawers, socks, shoes and blankets, were received from the Georgia Soldiers'
Clothing Bureau, at Augusta, and distributed to the troops from that State.
The arrival was quite opportune, as many of our brave boys were nearly
nude from head to foot. The
clothing, shoes and blankets were all home made, comfortable and well gotten
up—much better in that regard than we usually receive."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 13, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond Theatre:
"The Roll of the Drum; or, The Battle of Manassas;" singing and
dancing; "Miscegenation; or a Virginia Negro in Washington" including
a Grand Plantation Festival by the entire Dramatic Company and Harmonians—"Carry
Me Back to Old Virginia," "Camp Meeting Shouts,"
"Duet—Larboard Watch," "Mississippi Fling," Banjo
Solo," "The Conscript's Lament," "Challenge Dance,"
"High Daddy"; soon "Parlor and Cabin; or, The Master and
Slave"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Roll of the Drum; or, The Vivandiere;" fancy dance;
"Miscegenation; or A Virginia Negro in Washington;" next week
"Parlor and Cabin; or, The Master and Slave"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
An
example for Manufacturing Companies.—The Eagle Manufacturing Company at
Columbus, Georgia employs several hundred operatives, and supplies them with
bacon at fifty cents, lard at fifty cents, meal at $1.50, flour at fifteen
cents, chickens at fifty cents, and other articles at similar prices.
They have also established a school, at their own expense, for the poor
children of the city, at which there are two or three hundred receiving the
rudiments of an education.—These teachers are allowed to lay in their
provisions from the factory store and at the prices enumerated above.
But this is not all. The
Company have built comfortable houses and homes for the operatives, and in many
ways have provided for the health and comfort of this class of their poor. They have also contributed large donations to our soldiers,
and have been the means of making many a manly heart quicken its pulsations with
joyous emotions. Besides all this,
they have and are still furnishing thousands of yards of cloth for the use of
our Government and people.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
"Miscegenation"
at the Theatre.—Among the novelties recently produced at the Theatre in this
city, was a burlesque entitled "Miscegenation."
The subject is a disgusting one in any point of view, and we have doubts
as to the propriety of thrusting it upon the attention of the people even in the
shape of dramatic satire, but "what's done is done," and since the
burlesque has been presented to an audience, it may not be inappropriate to
admit the following notice of the performance, written by the author of the
theatrical article which appeared in Monday's Whig:
The
play entitled "Miscegenation" was admirably rendered Tuesday night,
and necessarily excited much interest from the discussions which this novel and
infamous doctrine has recently led to North and South.—The play is an apt
illustration of the word, and a scathing satire upon the doctrine itself.
The relative condition of the negro North and South, was faithfully
portrayed in the manner of Sambo's reception North, and his happy condition
South as delineated in the grand plantation festival wherein he is represented
in the full enjoyment of his congenial amusement.
The maladaption of the negro to the status which Northern fanatics would
feign assign him, was well represented in the extravaganza of
"Miscegenation." The
converse of this doctrine as illustrated in his happy, vivacious temperament
while enjoying the congenial entertainments of plantation life, was portrayed in
an equally forcible manner.
Mr.
Ogden took the character of Sam, a Virginia negro, which he acted with the
fidelity and skill of one perfectly familiar with the negro character.
The other members of the company played their parts in the drama and
extravaganza with admirable success.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 15, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
The Suffering Poor of Richmond.
Even in times of peace, the Spring months are months of scarcity.
Now, they are months of distress. We
have passed the ordeal of Winter with comparative ease, but to-day the pinch is
on us, and each succeeding day we will be pinched the more.
What are the rich doing to alleviate the sufferings of the poor? Are the country people sending all they can spare to town, or
are they hoarding?
Virginians
have or had the reputation of being liberal and hospitable to a fault, but it is
not often we find in a Virginia paper a paragraph like this, which we clip from
a North Carolina exchange:
["]
Noble Deeds.—We have just heard of one of many good actions at the hands of
our friend James M. Parrott, of Lenoir, which deserves the public commendation.
Mr. Parrott had just purchased some hundred barrels of corn, at about
fifty dollars a barrel, for his own use, when a poor woman who had six
daughters, each one having a husband in the army, presented herself to buy a
little corn. Thereupon, our generous friend gave to her thirty
barrels!—five for each of the soldier's wives.
This act of charity is no uncommon thing with Mr. Parrott. He has been one of those whose liberal and generous deeds
have been unstinted during the war. An
excellent farmer, he has managed to raise good crops, has always sold at
reasonable prices to Government and individuals, and is open-handed to the poor.
such men are valuable adjuncts to the cause, and their usefulness will be
remembered.["]
No
city in the Confederacy has had more refugees than Richmond, yet we have yet to
learn that any special favor has been shown them by merchants and others.
See how differently they act in South Carolina:
["]A
Worthy Example.—A correspondent of the Charleston Mercury says that the
inhabitants of Society Hill, S. C., have received the refugees from Charleston
with the greatest hospitality; they have rented them houses at the lowest rates,
and sell them bacon at 45 cents per pound; butter at $1 per pound, and other
articles at the same generous rates. One
gentleman employs a servant to catch shad, and sells them to refugees at 50
cents each, allowing every family to purchase two.
By their acts they prove themselves patriots and christians; no
Yankees there. We are one
Confederate family, and it is the duty of every one of us to use his heart, head
and hands to serve his country and his neighbor as himself, and particularly
those who have given up their homes for the honor and welfare of the State and
Confederacy.["]
Many
of the refugees in Richmond—perhaps the majority of them—are people of the
highest social standing, who have been driven from luxurious homes, and are now
toiling like slaves in obscure rooms and offices in the city. Many of them are suffering for the necessaries of
life—suffering severely. But they
suffer in silence. If it were not
for the government we verily believe some of them would starve.
As it is, many of them live mainly on bread and water.
So far from being helped by the people of Richmond, it would appear from
the following extract from the letter of a Richmond correspondent of a Southern
paper that the boot is on the other leg, and that a refugee is helping the
people of Richmond. The letter is
dated March 21, and the extract runs thus:
["]"Why
are those ladies gathered about that store?" I asked a man as I came down
town this morning—"They tell me the man who owns that store sells goods
cheaper than anybody else—flour, for a dollar a pound and bacon for five
dollars," was the reply. It
was almost painful to look at the eager faces of some of the ladies, as they
passed up to the door of the store, which was closed so that only one could
enter at a time. The owner of this
store is a refugee from the Valley of Virginia, and it is said has been in the
habit of selling goods so low, compared with other people, that his best
customers charitably accounted for the generous eccentricity by saying that he
was insane.["]
A man
is accused of being insane because he sells provisions cheaper than others.
This is a hard hit at the provision venders of Richmond.
But
refugees are not the only sufferers. Any
one who will take the trouble to walk by the office of the Young Men's Christian
Association will there see a crowd of women with baskets and anxious
faces.—Some of these women bear no traces of privation, but others are haggard
and worn beyond mistake. Want and
overwork have made their faces pale and their eyes lustreless.
They need help, and the Association, exhausted in funds and supplies,
have been forced to appoint agents to visit the citizens of Richmond and solicit
subscriptions.
But
all the poor women are not found in front of the doors of the public benevolent
institutions. Many of them shrink
from this open acknowledgement of their poverty, but they will be found in the
counting rooms and offices of charitable gentlemen. And, as the Spring wears on, a notable increase of well-born
ladies will be observed at the city provision stores. They must come to this, if our men of wealth open not their
hands and our farmers bring not forth their hoarded corn and meat.
The
time has come when we must bestir ourselves in active charities.
As an incentive to the backward giver, we quote from Sir Thomas Browne's
"Christian Morals:"
["]Be
charitable before wealth make the covetous, and lose not the glory of the mite.
If riches increase, let thy mind hold pace with them; and think it not
enough to be liberal, but munificent. Though
a cup of cold water from some hand may not be without its reward, yet s[ ]ck not though for wine and oil for the wounds of the
distressed; and treat the poor as our Savior did the multitude, to the relics of
some baskets. Diffuse thy
beneficence early, and while thy treasures call thee master; there may be an
Atropos of thy fortunes before that of thy life, and thy wealth cut off before
that hour when all men shall be poor, for the justice of death looks equally
upon the dead, and Charon expects no more from Alexander than from Irus.
Give
not only unto seven, but also unto eight, that is, unto more than many.
Though to give unto every one that asketh may seem severe advice, yet
give thou also before asking; that is, where want is (silently clamorous) and
men's necessities, not their tongues, do loudly call for thy mercies.
For though sometimes necessitousness be dumb, or misery speak not out;
yet true charity is sagacious, and will find out hints for beneficence. Acquaint thyself with the physiognomy of want, and let the
dead colors and first lines of necessity suffice to tell thee there is an object
for thy bounty.—Spare not where thou canst not easily be prodigal, and fear
not to be undone by mercy; for since he who hath pity on the poor, lendeth unto
the Almighty rewarded, who observe no ides but every day for his payments,
charity become pious usury, Christian liberality the most thriving industry, and
what we adventure in a cockboat may return in a carrack unto us.
He who thus casts his bread upon the water shall surely find it again;
for though it falleth to the bottom, it sinks but, like the axe of the prophet,
to rise again unto him.["]
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 15, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Roll of the Drum;" fancy dance;
"Miscegenation"; next week "Parlor and Cabin;" in rehearsal
"Midea; or, The Best of Mothers with a Brute of a Husband"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Richelieu; or The Conspiracy;" singing and dancing; grand
olio; next week—"Parlor and Cabin;" in rehearsal "Midea; or,
The Best of Mothers with a Brute of a Husband"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 18, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Review
and Flag Presentation.—General Rosser reviewed the corps of Cadets at the
Virginia Military Institute, Thursday last.
He was accompanied in the review by Gov. Smith and Ex-Governor Letcher,
and a large number of ladies and citizens were present. After the review Gen. Rosser inspected the barracks, and the
Cadets were presented to him.
On
Monday, a regiment of General Rosser's brigade, under Col. Ball, visited the
Institute, for the purpose of presenting a flag captured by them at Langster's
Station, and presented to the 164th N. Y. Cavalry by citizens of New
York city. After the ceremony was
over, the cavalry made two charges over the grounds, and partook of a repast
that had been prepared for them.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 18, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Old House on the Bridge of Notre Dame"; Harmonians; next
week—"Parlor and Cabin;" in rehearsal "Midea; or, The Best of
Mothers with a Brute of a Husband"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Refugee
from Richmond.—The New York correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer says:
"Mrs. Quarles, who concealed, nine days, Colonel Streight and
Captain Porter, on their escape from Libby Prison, has arrived at the New
England Rooms a refugee from Richmond. Her
three small children accompany her. They
were all sent outside of the Rebel lines. Her
husband has enlisted in the Fourteenth New York Cavalry. The family is quite destitute.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Hats.—A
Hat manufactory has been established at Statesville, N. C., and the Express
says that as fine an article is made as was ever brought from Yankeeland.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Home
Industry.—We learn from the Confederate that at the manufactory of Messrs. S.
Froelick & Co., Kenansville, N. C., from April 1st, 1861, to
March 1st, 1864, this establishment has furnished 18 sets of surgical
instruments, 800 gross of military buttons, 3,700 lance spears, 6,500 sabre
bayonets, 11,700 cavalry sabres, 2,700 cutlasses, 1,700 sets of infantry
accoutrements, 800 [300?] sabre belts, and 300 knapsacks.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 20, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Camille; or, The Fate of a Coquette;" dance; comic song;
tomorrow—"Midea; or, The Best of Mothers with a Brute of a Husband;"
next week "Parlor and Cabin"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 21, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Nick of the Woods; or, The Jibbenainosay;" dance; "The
Trials of Tompkins;" tomorrow—"Midea; or, The Best of Mothers with a
Brute of a Husband;" next week "Parlor and Cabin"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Paper.—A
London correspondent mentions that a discovery has been made in France which
will probably revolutionize the paper business. Excellent paper is manufactured from the wood of the oak,
walnut, pine, chesnut, and various other vegetables, without any addition of
rags. A reduction in price of from
fifty to eighty per cent. is predicted. Samples
were exhibited and attracted general attention.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 2-3
Female
Yankee Surgeon.—The female Yankee surgeon recently captured in front of Gen.
Johnston's lines was received in this city yesterday. She is about thirty years old and quite ugly; but has an
intelligent appearance and a pleasant voice.
She was dressed in male costume—black pants, fitting tight, a jacket
and short talma of black or dark blue cloth, but wore a dark straw Gipsey hat,
that might be construed as announcing her sex.
She gave her name as Dr. Mary E. Walker, of the Union army, and said she
was a regular alopathic physician. She
said also that she had been improperly taken prisoner, as at the time of her
capture she was on neutral ground. As
she passed through the streets in charge of a detective, her unique appearance
attracted unusual attention, and an immense crowd of negroes and idlers formed
for her a volunteer escort to Castle Thunder.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
"The
Rebel Songster."—Messrs. Ayres & Wade have just published "The
Rebel Songster" embracing all the popular ballads.
This is a timely publication, as our armies are now about to enter upon
the most important campaign of the war, and the soldiers whilst preparing for
the conflict will be disposed to enliven their camps with patriotic and martial
melodies. This book will supply
them with all the means of vocal inspiration they may require.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Catherine Howard; or, The Bride of Death;" singing and
dancing; "Rough Diamond;" soon "Midea; or, The Best of Mothers
with a Brute of a Husband;" soon "The Ghost;"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre--"Catherine Howard; or, The Bride of Death;" singing and
dancing; "Rough Diamond;" soon "Midea; or, The Best of Mothers
with a Brute of a Husband;" soon "The Ghost"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 23, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Cotton and Wool Cards.
6000
pair just received and for sale by
ap23-d1w
Wm. H. Fowle, Sons & co.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Government
Work.—The Superintendent of the C. S. clothing Bureau has given notice that
after the 10th of May all the clothing makers in this city must
furnish a certificate from the visiting committee of the district in which they
reside that they are "the proper persons to whom the work should be given;
otherwise their numbers will be taken away and transferred to soldiers'
families. Persons from the country
are required to furnish certificates from the city committee."
We are
requested to state that the visiting committees will call upon the persons
referred to, and that public notice will be given of the time and place for
receiving the applications of those who may be overlooked.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
We are
requested to state, for the information of the ladies of the Treasury Note
Bureau, that a special train will leave the Petersburg depot at 5 A. M., precisely,
on Tuesday morning. The Ladies
must be prompt.—Each lady can take one trunk by this train, but the
remainder of the baggage and effects must be deposited at the office on Grace
street, to day, to go by the freight train, which will take the furniture,
&c., of the Bureau.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Lady of Lyons; or, Love and Pride;" grand national
overture; charming dance; "Scan, Mag;" soon "Midea; or, The Best
of Mothers with a Brute of a Husband;" soon "The Ghost"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
A
factory of knitting needles has been established at Columbus, Ga.
Sixty thousand sets have been turned out.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The
Troup Factory of Georgia is making towelling on a large scale and
approved qualities.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Flag
Presentation.—It being announced that a flag was to be presented by the ladies
of the Treasury Note Bureau to the Departmental Battalion, on the Capitol
Square, last evening, at 4 o'clock, at that hour a great number of ladies and
soldiers, and some citizens assembled to witness the ceremonies.
The Battalion, however, did not arrive until 5 o'clock, and Mr. Memminger,
who was to present the flag on the part of the ladies, not until some half hour
later. The Battalion was drawn up
in line on the north side of the Square, with their faces towards the Capitol
building. After much delay, and
running hither and thither of parties, each of whom seem to be going after the
flag, it was at last produced, and a very rich and beautiful flag it proved to
be. Mr. Memminger then, in a speech
which very few persons even of the Battalion heard, presented it, and Col.
McIlhenney, of the Battalion, received it, and replied in few and fitting words
to the remarks of Mr. Memminger. After
these ceremonies and music by the splendid band, the Battalion moved off and the
crowd dispersed.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Nora Crenia, or, The White boys;" charming dance,
recitation, dance, "Governor's Wife;" soon "Midea; or, The Best
of Mothers with a Brute of a Husband;" "The Ghost"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Rory O'More;" "Pas de Fascination; or The Adventures
of Lola Montes;" soon "Midea; or, The Best of Mothers with a Brute of
a Husband;" soon "The Ghost"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Wanted—At Pace's Woolen Mill, Danville, Va., 5 or 6 GOOD WEAVERS.
None but good need apply. I
will pay 50c. per yard, double width, and furnish provisions at a low price.
Apply at once.
J. B. Pace.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
The
Women of North Carolina.—The ladies of Raleigh held a meeting recently, and
adopted among others the following resolutions:
Resolved,
That the noble and gallant conduct of our Southern soldiers on the field of
battle, their endurance and patience under fatigue and privations of all kinds,
and their readiness ever to meet the foe with their strong arms and stout
hearts, challenge our warmest admiration and gratitude, and inspire us with
confidence that they will always be our protectors from the presence of the
hated enemy.
Resolved,
That the war is prosecuted by the South to secure its liberty and independence; with
these, we should hail peace as the greatest of earthly blessings; without them,
peace would be but the beginning of our degradation and humiliation as a people.
Resolved,
That the women of the South regard this war as involving not only its liberty
and independence, but their own station in society and the happiness of the
domestic circle; that subjugation of their sex, and the obliteration of those
virtues of purity and innocence which form its peculiar charm; and that we look
to the army with mingled anxiety and confidence to shield us from this the
greatest of calamities.
Resolved,
That our fathers, brothers and sweethearts, and all others in the army, possess
our warmest thanks for their unceasing efforts during three long years in
defence of liberty and independence and ourselves—that we pray daily for their
protection from all harm, and that we shall hail their return from the field, at
the end of the war—the conquerors in a hundred battles—as the brightest days
in our lives—greeting them with rejoicings, gratitude and love.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
A
Hospital Invitation.—The Macon confederate's [sic] "front"
correspondent thus concludes a recent letter:
----------
requests me to say to you that he hereby extends to you an invitation to a
"grand sham dinner" to come off at such time as you may appoint.
By way of desert "our day's ration" will be brought in
and—carried out again.—Come up.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
A New Book,
A New Book,
A New Book.
---------
The Great Romance,
The Great Romance,
The Great romance.
----------
Macaria,
Macaria,
Macaria.
----------
By the
M'dme
de Stael of the South.
----------
Macaria;
Or, The Altar of Sacrifice.
A Novel, by the author of "Beula."
----------
The
Publishers have at length the gratification of being able to announce that they
have now ready the great literary chief d'oueve of Miss Augusta J. Evans,
of Mobile, the authoress of "Buelah." [sic]
Miss Evans is justly celebrated as holding the same supremacy of rank in
the Literature of the Confederacy which Madame de Stael held in the Literature
of the French empire. Macaria is a romance of intense intellectual power, as far
above the contemporary English novels as Les Miserables is above all novels.
It is a Southern book, relating to the woful [sic] incidents of the
times, but without rival in interest and artistic beauty.
Price.........................................................................Five
Dollars.
**Apon
[sic] the receipt of the price we will forward "Macaria" to any
address in the Confederacy post paid.
Address
orders to
West & Johnston, Publishers, &c.,
146 Main street, Richmond.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
An Eloquent Dedication.
Miss Augusta J. Evans, one of Alabama's peerless daughters,
world-renowned as the authoress of "Buelah," [sic] has lately issued
from the press "Macaria; or, Altars of Sacrifice," which she dedicates
in the following chaste and beautiful style:
"To the army of the Southern Confederacy, who have delivered the
South from despotism, and who have won for generations yet unborn the precious
guerdon [sic] of Constitutional
Republican Liberty; to this vast Legion of Honor, whether limping on crutches
through the land they have saved and immortalized, or surviving uninjured to
share the blessings their unexampled heroism bought, or sleeping dreamlessly in
nameless martyr graves, on hallowed battle fields, whose historic memory shall
perish only with the remnants of our language, these pages are grateful and
reverently dedicated by one who, although debarred from the dangers and
deathless glory of the 'tented field,' would fain offer a woman's inadequate
tribute to the noble patriotism and sublime self-abnegation of her dear and
devoted countrymen."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Male
Orphan Asylum.—We solicit the attention of our readers to the announcement in
our advertising columns to-day, relative to the Male Orphan Asylum.
this institution is in need of material aid.
A committee has been appointed to solicit contributions, and they
announce their purpose, to call upon the citizens at an early day.
Good people, we ask you to open your hearts and purses when they call.
The orphans must not suffer. We
are well aware that the drafts upon the generosity of this community during the
war have been numerous, but we are sure that the appeal now made will not be
made in vain. Let all who have any surplus means give a share, small or
large, to the little orphans, and your recompense will be the consciousness of
having done a good act.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Salt
Notice.—The distribution of the first instalment [sic] of salt this year to
the citizens of Henrico county, will commence at the Court House to-day.
All heads of families will get new tickets from a Justice of the Peace of
their district, before calling for the same, at fifty cents per pound.—Each
member of a family allowed ten pounds. to
be paid for in the new issue or its equivalent.
Elijah Baker,
Agent for Henrico county.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Life
at Columbia.—the South Carolinian says:
Columbia
is just now one of the liveliest places in the Confederacy.
The ladies are all agog with excitement over the soldiers; private
evening parties, soirees and sociables are the rage; occasionally a public
concert is an episode, the barbecue has been not unlike a carnival; the streets
are thronged with the fair sex; more are coming from Richmond; everybody is
hunting for rooms that are not to be found, including the disheartened writer;
and things generally have taken a new dress and new habit, which betokens,
"something in the wind."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
"Iron
Clads Captured."—R. G. Allen, N. Green, R. B. Leeman and M. Merrick, four
of the "Iron Clad Opera Troupe," who have till recently been playing
at Metropolitan Hall, in this city, were captured on Tuesday in Gloucester
county, attempting to make their way to the Yankee lines.
They had been conscripted and made their escape from the camp of
instruction at Camp Lee. Most of them had forged British protection papers.
Merrick had the genuine British papers of one Thomas Grant.
They were brought to this city Wednesday night and committed to Castle
Thunder.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The Female Humane Association.
We ask attention to the appeal which appears in this day's paper, from
Mrs. Lucy P. Smith, Secretary of the Female Humane Association.
The
resources of this institution, scarcely adequate in ordinary times to maintain
it, have become entirely insufficient by reason of the exorbitant rates demanded
for the necessaries of life. No
necessity can be greater than that which enjoins relief for the poor orphans,
and no charity could be better applied than that designed for their education
and comfort.
The
present ordeal of scarcity and consequent suffering to which all, save the
opulent, are being subjected, must needs affect, with peculiar severity, those
who have to rely solely upon charitable donations, if the spirit of charity is
not more active than in less trying times.
Our citizens should be liberal in their donations for this good purpose
in a degree commensurate with the needs of the Institution. We feel assured they will be, and in the fullness of that
assurance, bespeak for the efforts of those engaged in this good work a happy
and successful result.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Socks.—The
knitting factory of J. Judge & co., of Columbia, S. C., turns out 2,500 to
3,000 pairs of socks per day. Seventy
hands are employed in the factory, and some five or six hundred at their own
houses in finishing them after the knitting is done.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New
Richmond Theatre—"Dreams of Delusion;" dance, recitation,
"Lola Montez;" soon "Midea; or, The Best of Mothers with a Brute
of a Husband;" soon "The Ghost"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
[advertisement]
Mobile,
April 4, 1864—To Mrs. Mary Adele Herr, Danville, Montgomery county,
Missouri:--Beloved child,--we have had but one letter from you since the fall of
Port Gibson, except the few lines through the New York News.
Your letter was dated Danville, September 4, 1863.
We have written many times to you, our darling, and hope that some of our
letters at least reach you. O!
when will you come? Without
Vida life is a blank. We are all
well and have the necessaries of life, and are happy to dispose with its
luxuries. Pa is still with Mr. G.
Answer speedily through the New York News, and gladden the hearts of your
anxious and loving parents.
New
York news please copy.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Jonathan Bradford; or, The Murder at the Road-Side Inn;"
dance; concertina solo; comic song; "Mr. and Mrs. White;" soon "Midea;
or, The Best of Mothers with a Brute of a Husband;" soon "The
Ghost"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
To Missourians:
A poll
will be opened at Camp Lee on next Monday, the 2d day of May, for the election
of members of Congress from Missouri. All
Missourians in this section are invited to vote.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Sent
Home.—The young woman found in the street Tuesday night, and committed to jail
for safe keeping, was again before the Mayor's court yesterday.
It will be recollected that on Wednesday she declined answering any
questions addressed to her. Yesterday she stated to Recorder Caskie, who presided, that
she was Miss D. Bayne, an orphan, from Tuscaloosa, Ala., and had came [sic] on
here to see her brothers, who were in the army of Northern Virginia.
On arriving here she found herself without money or friends, and remained
in the street through necessity.
Officer
Crone, who had taken up a collection among the police in the court room, stated
that he had raised money enough to send her to Tuscaloosa, and would see her
started on the cars. The Recorder
requested that the officer would do so.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 30, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Onions!
Onions!!—The necessity of plentifully planting this vegetable aromatique
during the present season cannot be too warmly impressed upon our
producers.—There is nothing in the entire catalogue of "garden
truck" which will be more welcome to our soldiers; there is nothing more
refreshing, healthy, and convenient for transportation; and certainly, as an
adjunct of army food, nothing could be more savory.
In France, the onion has become almost a national vegetable, and whether
in camp or on a campaign, it is the constant companion of the soldier.
It is recommended by the surgeon, is the pride of the cook, and the
delight of the mess. In our own
army the first article robbed from a garden is an onion.
Many a time have we seen the poor fellows on a long journey nibbling
lustily at the odoriferous bulbs, and with a piece of dry bread and a handful of
salt, making the meal which was denied by the necessities of the march.
We say, therefore, plant onions; the soldiers say plant onions; the
generals join in the request, and let it, therefore, go forth in trumpet tones
through the length and breadth of the land—plant onions!—Carolinian.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, April 30, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Ballard House, April 30, 1864.
C. H.
Betts having sold his interest in the Spottswood
Hotel, begs to offer his sincere thanks to his friends and the public generally
for their liberal patronage. He can now be found at the Ballard House, with the same
energy and zeal to oblige and accommodate, where he will be most happy to
receive and entertain his old patrons and the traveling public.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Market
Prices.—the first lamb of the season was offered in the Upper Market Saturday
at $5 per lb. new currency. A
scanty supply of indifferent beef was selling at $4a5 in fives.
The fish market was poorly supplied, in consequence of the false rumors
of a Yankee raid in the direction of the lower Chickahominy.
Rock and sturgeon were firm at $4 per lb.; shad ranged from $1a15 per
pair in fives or new currency. There
was some improvement in the supply of vegetables, but not enough to cause any
decline in prices. Irish potatoes
were selling at $1 per quart; sweet potatoes, $4a5 per quart; lettuce, $3 per
dozen; asparagus, $4 per bunch; eschalot, $2 per bunch; salad, $4 per peck;
radishes, $1 per bunch; rhubarb, $1.50 per bunch; mint (for juleps,) $1 per
bunch; eggs, $5 per dozen; butter, $15 per lb.; spring chickens, $6a8 each;
boiled hominy, $1.50 per quart; black eyed peas, $2½ per quart; sauer kraut
$1.50 per quart. The five dollar
notes were refused except at the rate of $4.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Dr.
Mary E. Walker.—This disgusting production of Yankee land was marched from
Castle Thunder to Dr. Winder's office Saturday morning, to the very great
amusement of crowds of negroes, male and female, and many white boys.
We did not hear the object of her visit to headquarters, but presume it
had something to do with her being sent North.
She is still dressed in male attire, which begins to look the worse for
wear.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Horrible.—The
dead body of a new born white male child was found on yesterday afternoon tied
up in a bag near the old Male Orphan Asylum, in Duval's Addition, where it had
doubtless been deposited by its criminal and heartless mother.
When found, the hogs had partially devoured it.
Justice Gary was sent for to see whether an inquest was necessary.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Tall
Prices.—One thousand dollars is the price now asked for ladies' spring
bonnets. Within the past week a
number have been bought at that figure by fashionable females of this city.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Jonathan Bradford; or, The Murder at the Road-Side Inn;"
fancy dance; new comic song; "Lend Me Five Shillings;" soon "Midea;
or, The Best of Mothers with a Brute of a Husband;" soon "The
Ghost"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 3, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Wanted.—A Man qualified to take charge of a Wire Manufactory, in Macon,
Georgia. Very liberal wages will be
paid to any one possessing the requisite qualifications.
Apply to
Kent, Paine & Co.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Ricmond
Theatre—"Duchess of Malfi;" pas seul; "Lend Me Five
Shillings;" Monday—"The Ghost of the Dismal Swamp"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Prompt
and Patriotic.—A young man named Hilton of Lancaster District, S. C. who has
volunteered and done service, and twice been discharged for disability, was
lately accepted as a soldier by the examining Physician, and ordered by the
Enrolling Officer to report to the Camp of Instruction the Wednesday following;
it being then Saturday. His wife
wove cloth next day (Sunday), made it up into pantaloons Monday; he left
Tuesday, and duly reported to Camp of Instruction on the appointed day.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Spy Glasses Wanted.
We understand that the Signal Bureau is very much in need of Spy Glasses,
Telescopes, etc., for the spring campaign.
Hundreds of these desired articles are in the possession of private
citizens, who, on learning the need, will gladly donate them to the
Department.—Even those who cannot afford to give should promptly offer to sell
at a moderate price.
When
the war is over and those who have watched the quiet labor of the signal Corps
can speak with prudence, history will vindicate its claim to be called "the
eyes and ears" of our armies in this struggle.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A
dish-washing machine is the last invention.
It will among other things, wash knives and forks without wetting the
handles.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Drying
Vegetables.—Nearly all our summer vegetables, as well as fruits, can be
preserved by drying, or in some other way, so as to be a very palatable addition
to the winter supply of our tables, and most grateful to our friends in the
army. A subscriber states that his
family are using Snap Beans which were preserved by cutting up, taking out the
strings and thus prepared as if for the table; then scalded in salt and water,
and dried on a scaffold like fruits. Others
preserve them in salt, like pickles, the bean making its own brine.
In either case the beans are soaked in water before cooking.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Duchess of Malfi;" fancy dance; "Jenny Lind Come to
Town;" Monday—"The Ghost of the Dismal Swamp"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
New Songs—
Now
Ready
"Pray, Maiden Pray," with beautiful Vignette Title.
Music by A. J. Turner. Poetry
by A. W. Kerchival
Price $2.00
"Aura Lea; or, the Maid with Golden Hair,"
"
2.00
"I remember the hour when sadly we parted,"
"
2.00
Will be Ready in a Few Days.
"The
Standard Bearer," by H. S. Coleman.
"Mary,
of Argyle."
Geo. Dunn & Co.
Corner 14th and Main streets.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 5, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
The
Ladies of the Treasury Bureau.—The Columbia South Carolinian says:
From
eighty to ninety of these fair gentlewomen have arrived in Columbia, and are
temporarily quartered at the several hotels, the hospitable proprietors of which
are, as we are informed, charging only nominal rates, and doing their utmost to
render their guests comfortable. The
ladies, however, must have other places of residence.
It is true that Columbia is crowded, but we have never known a South
Carolina home so full that it would not expand with the hearts of its generous
tenants. Hence, we hope before the
week expires, to see each one of these Richmond sisters happily ensconced among
the private families of our city. They
are here not voluntarily; nay, many have shed tears in anticipation of a cold,
unwelcome greeting; they are accomplished, and only by reason of the
vicissitudes of war, temporarily dependent; in a word, they ornament any circle
of refinement. Several of our large
hearted citizens, appreciating the peculiar situation of these strangers among
strangers, have opened their houses, and accommodated one or more, as
circumstances have permitted. A
large number, however, yet remain unprovided for, and we feel assured that we
have only to mention this fact to secure a prompt response from those who wish
to do in the premises whatever lies in their power.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Guy Mannering;" "Meg Merrilees; or, the Gipsey's
Prophesy;" "Jenny Lind;" Saturday—"Jack Sheppard;"
and "Beauty and the Beast;" Monday—"The Ghost of the Dismal
Swamp"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 7, 1864, p.2, c. 3
Theatre.—In
these dreadful times, if the Theatre is to be kept open, we would suggest the
propriety of the management laying before the public rather more lively pieces
than have been played of late. The
writer of this dropped into the Theatre for about twenty minutes on Thursday
night. In the course of that brief
period he witnessed horrors enough to last a man a lifetime.—
A
beautiful young woman, after having been reduced to despair by the sight of a
corpse and the cries of half a hundred bedlamites, was ruthlessly strangled by
two ruffians.—A ghost stalked through a church yard. The villain who had caused the young lady to be strangled ran
mad. An unoffending and
unsuspecting man was run through the body with a sword and killed by mistake;
and, when the writer, having supped full of horrors, took his leave, there was
every prospect of the speedy extermination of the balance of the dramatis
personae, for a tall fellow was prowling around with a drawn sword, seeking
for some one to stick. This play
was the Duchess of Amalfi, and it was very well acted; but, being such a
dreadful thing, the better it was done the worse it harrowed up the feelings of
the audience.
People
who go to the theatre now want something cheerful and amusing.
In all conscience, there are horrors enough in the daily walks of life
without people going to a theatre to see them.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 7, 1864, p.2, c. 3
The
Ghost.—We learn that the mechanical apparition, which recently excited so much
admiration and surprise in the Northern theatres, will shortly be introduced in
the theatre of this city, the requisite apparatus having been secured.
The effect is said to be rather startling.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 7, 1864, p.2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Jack Sheppard;" "Beauty and the Beast;"
Monday—"The Ghost of Dismal Swamp"—"To the Public.—The
manager respectfully asks the kind consideration and liberal patronage of the
people of the Confederacy. The
optical delusions and effects produced in this play—effects which have caused
so much excitement and wonder in Europe and the United States—are entirely of
home manufacture; and in order to make it still further acceptable to the
Southern people he has adapted it to a play written by a gentleman of this
city—a play that carries our feelings to our own homes and firesides, and to
those noble defenders who are now confronting danger at the threshold and
pouring out their blod—noble blood—defending the sacred rights and altars of
the South."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 7, 1864, p.1, c. 5
The
Ladies of the Treasury Note Bureau.—If we had not heard of the exodus from
Richmond, our observation last week would have apprized us that we had an
unusual advent among us. We saw in
our streets venerable gentlemen and ladies, of commanding presence, bearing the
unmistakable evidence of days of refinement and wealth; and with thoughts from
which the sadness was dispelled for the moment, we saw with pleasure the fair
young maidens whose blooming cheeks gave evidence of their mountain home.
And as we listened to their joyous laughter, we rejoiced that the
exuberace [sic] of youth rises victorious over every present sorrow.
These exiles deserve all our sympathy, and all the hospitality we are
able to exhibit to them. They are
generally persons who have been driven from the comforts of home, where they
enjoyed all the luxuries of life. They
are martyrs for their love of the south. Let
every Southerner show his appreciation of their noble conduct, and their
undeserved sufferings by contributing in every way in his power to their comfort
during their sojourn among us. We
are aware that the hospitality of our people is already severely tasked; that
the population of Columbia, thrice its usual size perhaps, is too large for the
houses. But whatever South Carolina
can do to welcome Virginia should be done.
Our people should never forget the hospitable kindness of the Virginians
to our sick and dying soldiers—how many of our brave boys have had the dreary
passage to the grave alleviated of its horrors by the tender, maternal kindness
of the Virginia women. Surely we
should strain every nerve to be kind to those as dear to us as
ourselves.—Columbia Guardian.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 9, 1864, p.1, c. 2
Notice to the Citizens of the County of Louisa.
All who may desire to get Raw Cotton, Cotton Yarns, Cotton Cloth, Cotton
or Wool Cards, or any of said articles, under the law of last session of the
Virginia Assembly, are requested to give me their orders as soon as possible,
and, in every case, the probable cost, in new currency, must accompany their
orders.
F. W. Jones,
ap15-c4w
Agent for Louisa county
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 9, 1864, p.2, c. 3
Infanticide.—About
ten o'clock Saturday night, the body of a white infant, apparently three weeks
old, was found floating in the Basin. It
appeared to have been in the water several days.
By order of the Coroner it was decently interred.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 9, 1864, p.2, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Ghost of the Dismal Swamp; the Wonder of the Nineteenth
Century;" cost Nineteen Thousand Dollars; fancy dance
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 10, 1864, p.2, c. 3
"No
Place to Stay."—Flora McFlimsey had nothing to wear.
Jennie Gilliam has no place to stay.
She was found by the Watchmen on Sunday night bivouacing [sic] in the
Capitol Square, and on her declaring that she had "no place to stay,"
was brought before the Mayor, yesterday morning.
The Mayor committed her to jail for lack of a better place to send her
to. She has been loafing and begging about the city since the
beginning of the war, and says she is from Patrick county.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 11, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The manager having a proper appreciation of the necessities of
the times, has thought proper to close the Theatre, the employees having been
sent to the field. An early notice
will be given of the reopening when will be produced the Ghost of the Dismal
Swamp, gotten up at a cost of Nineteen Thousand Dollars."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 12, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Great
Excitement.—The greatest excitement felt in this city yesterday was caused by
a dog fight in Tobacco Alley, which occurred about six o'clock P.M.
Two fice, one yellow and with a long tail, the other black and bobbed,
after the manner of terriers, belonging to the newsboy fraternity, were the
combatants. Some soldiers who were
passing down Governor street ran into the mouth of the alley to get a full view
of the fight, and being seen by a large crowd, who were engaged in discussing
the news at the corner of the Whig building, the latter thinking something
serious to pay, rushed to the scene of conflict.
Persons passing on Main street witnessing the rush, also hastened to the
same point, and in half a minute from the beginning of the dog fight, a crowd of
several hundred individuals, whites, negroes and boys were on the ground.
In the course of a minute, it becoming apparent that the long-tailed fice
was no match for the short-tailed fice, the owner and backer of the former
withdrew him from the contest, and the crowd and spectators dispersed.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 12, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Doings
of the Wind.—During the gale that attended the rain last evening, the steeple
of St. John's Church was blown down and fell in an easterly direction, smashing
a number of tombstones. The back
porch of Mr. Liggon's house, in the same neighborhood, was blown away, and, some
say, lodged on the top of the house.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The excitement of the great conflict about the city having
abated—quiet in the city being entirely restored—the very many slightly
wounded that have arrived and requiring amusement, &c., &c., have
induced the management to re-open (positively) this evening, when will be
presented an entirely new play, written for this Theatre, for the purpose of
introducing the Mechanical and Spectral Wonder of the Nineteenth Century;
produced and gotten up for this Theatre at a positive expense of over Nineteen
Thousand Dollars"; "Ghost of the Dismal Swamp; or Marteau, the
Guerrilla"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Salt Notice.—Citizens of Henrico county entitled to Salt can get their supply
upon application at the Court House.
The
Salt Room will be closed on Saturday, the 21st inst., for a few
weeks.
Citizens
who have not secured their tickets for 1864, can do so by applying to any county
justice of the peace.
Elijah Baker,
my 14-2t
Ag't for Henrico.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 17, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Theatre.—The
manager of the Richmond Theatre has determined to open this place of amusement
tonight and devote the proceeds to the relief of the wounded soldiers and
destitute poor of this city.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 17, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Special
Notice!—While the detailed attendants are absent in the defences, other
assistance has become indispensable to the wounded. During this temporary emergency, such ladies in Richmond as
are experienced nurses are requested to visit or loan their servants to "Howards
Grove," (Mechanicsville Turnpike), "Winder" and
"Jackson" Hospitals (near Hollywood Cemetery,) and the "Receiving
Hospital," (17th and Grace streets.)
Those
who cannot render this aid are requested to contribute such delicacies as are
usually prepared for the sick.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 17, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ghost of the Dismal Swamp; or, Marteau, the Guerrilla;"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 18, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Death
of Archy Via.—In the list of casualties in the First Virginia Regiment,
published in a city contemporary, yesterday, we observe the name of corporal J.
A. Via, reported killed in the battle near Drewry's Bluff, on Monday last.
We hope that the announcement is incorrect, but it is made in such an
authoritative form that we fear it is too true.
corporal Via was formerly connected with the Whig, as reporter,
and evinced the possession of talents which rendered him fully qualified for the
duties pertaining to his profession. As
a short hand reporter he had few equals within the Confederacy.
As a paragraphist he had the ready command of chaste and expressive
language. The letter published in
the Whig a short time since over the signature of "Viator,"
describing the attack upon Plymouth, N. C., was from his pen.
He had a penchant for poetry, and some of his contributions in his
department of literature, published in the "Southern Literary
Messenger," would do credit to a poet of wider reputation.
The writer of this brief tribute was intimate with the deceased, and
deeply, sincerely deplores his loss—the more so, as he knows that an aged
mother and a devoted sister, in very straightened circumstances, looked to their
noble soldier son and brother to extricate them from that sad condition of
privation and dependence which the voluntary absence of poor Archy in the
army entailed upon them. May God in his mercy, relieve the poignancy of their
unutterable grief.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 18, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Economy
in Gotham.—The New York correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer, says:
The
ladies' movement for the curtailment of foreign luxuries, in order to stop the
efflux of gold, is rapidly extending itself.
At a fashionable party at the mansion of one of the wealthiest merchants,
in Thirty fourth street, near Lexington avenue, a neatly printed
"pledge" was handed around among the ladies to sign, thus committing
them against buying, for the present, any more silks, satins, velvets, laces, or
other foreign luxuries. Of course
everybody signed it, and when the assemblage was dispersing, the hostess
announced that at her next entertainment her guests would all be expected to
come, the ladies in calico, and the gentlemen in satinet and corduroy.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Trouble
Among the Paupers.—Yesterday morning a most unhappy looking young woman, named
Eliza McCorpin, was brought into the Mayor's Court on the charge of having run
away from the City Alms House. She
acknowledged the impeachment, and gave as her reason that the more vigorous
paupers kicked and cuffed her about in a way that she could not stand.
On Saturday one of them, while beastly drunk, was near being the death of
her by hitting her a violent underhand lick in the pit of the stomach.
the next day another one kicked her in the eye, and still more recently
two young men, also paupers, threatened to break her neck for taking a stick of
wood to make some fire. She also
further stated that she was nearly starved to death while at the Alms House.
The
Mayor saying that he did not like the idea of putting one pauper in jail to keep
other paupers from beating her to death, told officer Moore to return the woman
to the Alms House, and to repeat to the Superintendent of that establishment all
that she had said in court.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
A Worthy Example.
To the Editor of the Whig:
One of
the first things that greeted my eyes this morning was a large four-mule wagon
loaded down with eggs, milk, butter, lamb, potatoes, asparagus, bread, &c.,
&c., just in from King and Queen county, for the wounded soldiers.
The
indefatigable people around Bruington and Smyrna churches have kept up a sort of
"Soldiers' Aid Society" from the beginning of the war, and are always
first on the field with help in needy times. These delicacies are fruits of their untiring exertions.
Could any people do a kinder or more timely act?
Our soldiers, bloody and hungry, are pouring in from every battlefield.
They have saved our honored city and beloved land.
They appeal in strongest language to all their countrymen to help
them in this hour of suffering.—Shall it be withheld?
King and Queen is in Yankee lines, yet see her response!
Where are the kind hearts of other countries near by, especially of the
South side? Dear friends, we need
your help. You proffered it in
other days when it was not half so much needed.
Will you not league together and contribute of your supplies for our
wounded? This is a call of duty and
patriotism. Who will respond? Go to work, my friends, even in a small way, and imitate the
noble example of King and Queen.
Observer.
Richmond,
May 18.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ghost of the Dismal Swamp; or Marteau, the Guerrilla"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 21, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ghost of the Dismal Swamp; or Marteau, the Guerrilla"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Ice.—Since
the warm weather has set in in earnest, and there is promise of a long spell of
hot weather, it is a subject of general congratulation that there is a full
supply of ice. It will alleviate
the sufferings of our wounded very materially.
Considering the cost of every thing else, it is being sold at moderate
rates—eight pounds for a dollar. We
see that some shameless reprobate, taking advantage of Mr. Ro. Reid's absence
from home in the service of his country, has circulated the report that he has
not ice this year. This is a most unmitigated slander, and one for which the
author is likely to pay dearly as soon as Mr. Reid is relieved from militia
duty. So far from having no
ice, Mr. Reid never before had so large a supply.
He has one ice house which alone contains over seven hundred thousand
pounds, and to say to the contrary, argues a degree of depravity almost
incredible. As well might a man say
an editor had no sense, a general no idea of direction or locality, or a poet no
originality, as to say an ice-dealer had no ice.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The
Ghost.—The Ghost of the Dismal Swamp was acted at the Theatre on Saturday
night, to a respectable house, and afforded general satisfaction.
The piece is a pretty good thing, and not half so dismal as its name
would seem to imply. There are several laughs in it, and the illusion of the ghost
is worth seeing.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"London Assurance;" grand pas de deux; Tuesday—"The
Murder at the Mound; or, The Ghostly Witness;" in rehearsal—"Ogden's
Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
No
Go.—The notorious Anne Dobson, yesterday evening, tried to get up an
excitement and mob in front of a respectable Main street grocer's door by
swearing and shouting in a loud voice that she had, by mistake, paid him a $50
note instead of a $10, and that he refused to rectify the mistake.
She varied her rigamarole by stating to some soldiers that collected
around her, that the merchant was a Union man, and would be one of the first to
raise the Yankee flag if the enemy got into Richmond. After, however, exhausting her lungs, which are of brass, to
no purpose, she walked off, cursing and swearing huskily.
this woman is a nuisance, and should have been handed over to the police.
She keeps a den on 14th street, near Mayo's bridge, and is
about once a month before the Mayor for receiving stolen goods, generally the
property of the Confederate States.
It is
proper to state, that the merchant said he was not aware or ever receiving any
$50 note from the women, or having any transaction with her.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Highway
Robbery by Boys.—On Saturday evening, while Henry Clay Frayser, a little boy
about twelve years old, was carrying dinner to one of Henley's battalion, on the
York River Railroad, about a mile from the city, he was waylaid by three boys,
rather over his own age, named respectively, Edward Clayton, George Kane and
John Kirby, who robbed him of the dinner and vessels that contained it.
The police are after the youthful highwaymen, and the prospect is that
they will be brought to justice.
This
is, we learn, the twentieth robbery of this kind that has been perpetrated by
this gang, of which those mentioned are the ringleaders, within the past week.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Theft.—Yesterday
morning, about twelve o'clock, a small white boy entered the store of Mrs.
Thalheimer, on Broad street above 5th
street, and crawling under the counter snatched an account book containing $260
and a box with some other funds out of the money drawer and ran out.
Mrs. Thalheimer, who had witnessed the operation from a back room,
reached the front door just in time to see the thief join a crowd of other boys
near the corner of 4th street when they all ran off together.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 24, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Skeleton Witness;" grand double fancy dance; "Sketches
in India"; in preparation "Jennie Deans"; in rehearsal
"Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Jack Sheppard;" singing and dancing; "Beauty and the
Beast;" tomorrow—"The Ghost of Audley Court;" in preparation
"Jennie Deans;" in rehearsal "Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Trouble
Amongst the Women.—While there is so much war in the field, one would suppose
the women would be particularly disposed to keep peace at home.
We hope this is the rule, but there are exceptions, unfortunately, as
will appear. Mrs. Mary Davenport
and Mrs. Emma Woodward were brought before the Mayor, yesterday morning, on the
charge of keeping an ill-governed and disorderly house.
It appeared that the accused, along with a number of other people, among
whom is one Mrs. Jane Farmer, occupies a part of Brackett's old Tavern, on Broad
street. They keep a great hubbub in
the house, and on Monday, being remonstrated with by Mrs. Farmer, Mrs. Davenport
called her a most offensive name, and threw upon her a basin of dirty water.
This incident led to the prosecution, and to the summoning of witnesses
to prove the charge, which they succeeded in fully establishing.
During the examination, it came out that Mrs. Woodward, who is a young
and pretty woman, was the same party who, during the women's riot of the 2d of
April, 1863, being caught by officer Morris with a furniture wagon loaded with
stolen goods, assaulted that officer and drew a pistol upon him.
The
Mayor required the refractory females to give security to keep the peace.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Young
Thief.—Last Monday morning a boy named Joseph Anderson, stole a dozen shirts
from a coach at the Fredericksburg depot. The
shirts were Government property and had been made up and were being returned to
the Clothing Bureau by Mrs. Mary Bolton, who lives somewhere along the line of
the Fredericksburg road. Yesterday
morning Anderson was arrested and charged with the theft.
He confessed his guilt, and said he had sold the shirts to negroes along
the basin bank. Officer Moore took
him down to the basin and recovered all the shirts except one.
The
case was brought before the Mayor yesterday morning, when Anderson was sent on
to the Hustings Court. There is no
telling the trouble that would have been entailed upon Mrs. Bolton had not the
stolen shirts have been recovered. It
would have ruined her to have paid for them at the present prices of cotton.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Bad
Scrape.—Yesterday morning, a little boy about twelve years old, named Charles
H. Allen, was arrested at the city postoffice while attempting to obtain upon a
forged order, the letters addressed to the Richmond Dispatch.
The boy when arrested confessed that he had previously on one occasion
obtained the whole letter mail of the Dispatch, but declared that out of all the
letters thus obtained he had got but ten dollars in money.
He alleged that he had an accomplice, an older boy, who has not been
arrested. He was lodged in the cage and will be examined before the
Mayor this morning. The mother of
this boy is said to be a respectable widow lady of this city.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ghost of Audley Court;" in preparation "Jennie
Deans;" in rehearsal "Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 26, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
The Wounded
According to official estimates, the number of wounded now in this city
is between six and seven thousand.—Daily accessions are made, and when the
next great battle between Lee and Grant occurs, the number will be doubled.
In the vast wards of Chimborazo, Winder, Jackson and Howard's Grove, we
have ample space for all the present and prospective wounded.
We have reason to believe that the organization of these great hospitals
is as nearly perfect as the straitened condition of the Confederacy will permit.
Very
painful reports about the criminal negligence and positive inhumanity of certain
hospitals reach us, but we are disinclined to believe them. For example, we hear
of a gallant young soldier, a resident of this city, who was shot through the
lungs, and lay in that condition for two days at __________ __________, without
having his wound dressed or seeing a white face.
Once a day, a negro brought him a bit of fat middling and a dozen
(counted) black-eye peas. the poor
fellow was not even permitted to stop the ambulance on its way to the hospital
to notify his relatives of his arrival, nor would the hospital authorities
oblige him so far as to allow a servant to carry a note to his brother.
His only mode of communication was through the post office.
We are
loth [sic] to believe this statement, although it seems well authenticated;
still less are we disposed to join others in charging this and other instances
of cruel neglect to the callousness and conceit of a distinguished official.
But, in the very nature of things, there must be more or less
inattention. A badly wounded man
requires the constant presence and unceasing attention of more than one person.
A physician, a nurse and a servant, all three, often find their energies
taxed by the needs of a patient suffering from extensive suppuration. How impossible, then, to attend properly to six, eight or ten
thousand wounded.
Under
recent enactments of Congress the number of hospital attendants has been reduced
to the lowest possible point. Overworked,
made peevish by loss of sleep, and naturally indifferent to the sufferings of
people in whom he feels no interest, the hired hospital attendant cannot be
relied on. The Chief Surgeon,
Surgeons and Assistant Surgeons themselves, worn down by excessive labor, are
apt to grow callous. The Inspector
of Hospitals, sympathising with his friends and not unmindful of the infirmity
of human nature, is prone to relax his vigilance at the very time it is most
needed.
Proper
food is as important to the wounded as proper attention; but, unfortunately,
proper food is not to be had by purchase. The
Government is lavish with its money for the support of hospitals, but all the
money in the world will not buy when the markets are empty and closed.
Fresh, tender meat is very scarce, and becoming scarcer every day.
Butter, eggs and milk; wines, brandies and cordials, are to be obtained
only in small quantities. Fortunately,
there is plenty of ice. Bacon and
common whiskey are also abundant; but the juicy and nutritious meats, and the
delicate stimulants, are almost wholly wanting.
Our
readers, especially those who live in the country, will perceive the imperative
importance of contributing, to the full extent of their ability.
Milk, butter, eggs, the early fruits and vegetables, lamb and veal,
chickens, the contents of the wine closet and the preserve pantry—all these
will be most acceptable to the wounded and the convalescent.
The duty of towns people is equally clear:
To thin out the wards as much as possible, by taking wounded men to their
houses; to give freely of their private stores; to prepare delicate dishes; and
to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever they can.
Think how much the suffering soldiers have done for us; remember how
impossible it is for the hospital people to give them all the attention they
need; and act accordingly.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Southern
Ingenuity.—A new machine has recently been invented by Mr. O. D. Pease, an
employee of the Naval Iron Works at Columbus, Ga., which manufactures knitting
needles almost as fast as a man can pick them up. He has already turned out no less than sixty thousand setts
of these needles, besides faithfully performing all his regular duties as a
Government employee during business hours.
Mr. Pease had many difficulties to contend with before he was able to get
the machine in operation, but at last has been able to produce an article equal,
if not superior, to those that are imported.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Heart of Mid Lothian;" tomorrow "Ogden's
Adventure;" Monday—"Richard III"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 28, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Presentation
of a Flag to the Cadets.—The battalion of Virginia Cadets, Lieut. Colonel
Scott Ship, paraded on the Capitol Square last evening, on which occasion they
were presented with a handsome Virginia flag by Governor Smith.
In presenting the flag, Gov. Smith was observed to make some remarks, but
the arrangements were such that only General Bragg, who appeared in full dress,
Adjutant General Richardson, Mr. Wm. H. Macfarland, some members of Congress, a
few young ladies, and perhaps Col. Ship and the color guard, could hear what was
said. After the presentation, the
battalion was reviewed by General Bragg, attended by Governor Smith, General
Smith, of the Institute, Gen. Richardson and Mr. Macfarland.
The
battalion then went through some interesting evolutions, after which they were
drawn in front of the east face of the monument, from which they were addressed
by the Hon. Thomas S. Bocock, Speaker of the House of Representatives, in a
brief but patriotic and stirring speech.
The
Armory and Smith's bands were both in attendance, and alternately, at
appropriate intervals, enlivened the ceremonies with strains of delightful
music.
We
much not omit to state that the appearance and bearing of the battalion elicited
the admiration of the spectators, among whom were many veterans of the Army of
Northern Virginia.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 28, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ghost! of the Dismal Swamp;" singing and dancing;
"Highwaymen's Holiday; Monday—"Richard III;" in rehearsal
"Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 30, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Richard III;" tomorrow—"Romeo and Juliet"; in
rehearsal "Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 31, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
The
Etowah Iron Works.—The Atlanta Appeal announces that all the government
property, machinery, stores, supplies, and hands of this important establishment
were brought off safely. Notice of
immediate danger, as a consequence of our army falling south of the Etowah, was
only received at midnight Thursday night, but through the exertions of the
president of the company, General G. W. Smith, who personally superintended the
labor, everything moveable was loaded up. The
machinery, etc., comes through by rail, and the negroes—some two hundred and
fifty in number—with the stores, etc., by wagon trains, under the guidance of
Gen. S. These facts the Appeal
gathers from Mrs. Smith, who came through on horseback.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 31, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Romeo and Juliet;" singing and dancing; "Mr. and Mrs.
Battle;" tomorrow "The Ghost!"; in rehearsal "Ogden's
Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, May 31, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Anti-Silk
Dress Meeting.—The New York Herald of the 21st, occupies two
columns with a report of the proceedings of an anti-silk dress meeting of the
women of New York at the Cooper Institute.
The Herald says:
The
building was filled to overflowing in every part, and great interest was
manifested in the proceedings, though they did not pass off without some
opposition being manifested to the movement.
The ladies more zealous in the cause attributed this opposition to
interested parties—fashionable milliners and English importers—who, they
asserted, had packed the meeting. The
pledge, notwithstanding, by which the ladies bound themselves to abstain from
the use of imported luxuries, was numerously signed. Addresses were delivered by the chairman, Rev. Dr. King,
Professor Hitchcock, Rev. Dr. Vinton, Mr. Peter Cooper, W. E. Dodge and the Rev.
Mr. Kirk. The movement promises to
be a success.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 1, 1864, p.2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Murder at the Mound;" "Highwayman's Holiday;"
in rehearsal "Battle of Chickamauga;" tomorrow—"Ion;"
"Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ion;" singing and dancing; "Mrs. and Mr. Battle;"
tomorrow—"Lady of Lyons;" "The Lady of the Lions;"
"Ogden's Adventure;" in rehearsal—"Battle of Chickamauga"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 3, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Lady of Lyons;" "Lady of the Lions!";
"Ogden's Adventure;" in rehearsal "Battle of Chickamauga"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 3, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
"Wait
Till the War,
Love, is Over."
This day published
Bold
Soldier Boy Songster,
containing the above new and beautiful song, with many other new
Patriotic,
Sentimental and
Comic Songs,
with a new and beautifully engraved title page, executed by Hurdle.
Price
one dollar, on receipt of which sum the book will be sent by mail to any
address.
Music
publishers and others are advised that this book is "copyrighted," and
that none of the new songs can be used by them without our permission.
West & Johnston,
145 Main street.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Battle of Chickamauga;" "Maid of Munster;"
Monday—"Rob Roy;" "Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Rob Roy;" fancy dance; "Mr. and Mrs. Battle, or,
Matrimonial Battles;" tomorrow—"Ici on Parle Francais";
"Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 7, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Still Waters Run Deep;" fancy dance; selected pieces;
"Ici On Parle Francais;" tomorrow—"Ticket-of-Leave Man"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 7, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Woman's
Influence Upon the Soldiers.—A correspondent of the Columbia (S. C.) Guardian,
who is a member of the 17th S. C. V., writes as follows, under date
of 25th ult., from "Camp near Petersburg, Va.:"
"We
took up the line of march towards the city of Petersburg.
The night was charmingly moonlit. I
could never understand it, but whenever a bloody battle is pending for us, our
men, many of them, seemed to catch instinctively a presentiment of its reality.
It was so on this night. Many
a poor fellow cheered the march with his innocent hilarity, who, ere twelve
hours had passed, was lying lifeless upon the field of his glory.
But more than once, while we marched along, I heard the more serious
remark, "Ah, boys, you will sing, I am thinking, a different tune from that
before many hours." Nothing had been said in the orders to move, about joining
Beauregard; it was only said that we were to go to Petersburg.
Long, however, before we reached that place, the impression had evidently
passed along the line that there was work before us.
It was nine o'clock when we began to file through the city, and in many a
portion, patriotic women, late as it was, cheered us with waving handkerchiefs
and Confederate flags. This
generous demonstration of the ladies had no tendency to lessen the presentiment
of an approaching conflict, but greatly encouraged our brave boys—To
anticipate one moment, in order to encourage our noble women in turn, the very
next day, when the regiment was marching to one of the grandest charges of the
war, upon the breastworks and bayonets of the enemy, a soldier of company F
confessed that he had began to falter, his heart had well nigh failed him, when
just at that moment he saw two ladies standing in a farm house cheering them
to the conflict. His
trepidation vanished at the sight, and he was soon standing among the foremost
of the regiment upon the empty works of the foe.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ticket-of-Leave Man"; tomorrow "Pure Gold;"
"Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Ought
to be Sent Away.—We have previously had occasion, incidentally, to notice the
class of Irish and German women in our midst, whose husbands have gone over to
the Yankees, and many of them entered the Yankee service. These women and children, some fifteen hundred or two
thousand in number, are wholly supported by the public and private charities of
the city. They do not pretend to do
any kind of work, but spend all their time in running from one place where
charity is dispensed to another, just as hogs in the fall of the year run from
one apple tree to another. If we
had abundance of food, the support of this worthless class might be passed over
in silence. But seeing that there
is barely a sufficiency of food in the community to supply our own people, to
keep from absolute suffering the wives and children of our soldiers, we should
have nothing to give these people. I
would not answer, it is true, to let them starve in the streets, but such an
event could be easily obviated. We
recommend that a census be taken of them, and their numbers and names being
ascertained, that they be sent in a body beyond our lines, having first been
supplied with the rations necessary to support them till they could reach some
Yankee post. This would be a harsh
measure, but one truly justified by our necessities.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Violent
Female.—Pocahontas Kyper, a strong-minded and able-bodied female, was
yesterday arrested by officer Adams, for beating a weaker female, named Mildred
Bohannon. She was bailed to appear
before the Mayor this morning, when, ten to one, it will turn out that the
difficulty was about a house, house rent, or something of that sort.
Otherwise, quiet women of a certain class fight like Turks to eject
others from houses and lots.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Pure Gold;" Saturday—"Ghost;" next
week—"Ogden's Adventure with a Polish (?) Princess"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 2-3
(From the London
Index, May 12)
A Lancashire Man in Richmond.
Our Manchester correspondent has forwarded to us a long and interesting
letter dated Richmond, March 29, from a gentleman who was one of the chief
promoters of the Confederate movement in Lancashire, and who has since migrated
to the Confederate States. The
impression of an intelligent Lancashireman visiting Richmond just now for the
first time, can scarcely fail to be of interest to many of our readers, and
therefore we have much pleasure in making the following extracts:
["]
. . .Before the war, the South paid no attention to manufactures,
[illegible—letters blurred]. But
things have wonderfully altered since then.
Your Lancashire friends will be interested in hearing that several
spinning and weaving establishments have been opened, and 10s. yarn is being
sold at forty dollars the five-pound bundle.
The looms are made of wood and iron, and run 110 per minute.
It is out of the question to compare cloth made from these looms with
Manchester cloth, the former being the best as regards the cotton, but at
present ill managed. As an instance of the necessities and perseverance of the
Southerners, it may not be amiss to mention that nearly all the planters find
some difficulty in buying clothing for their slaves, and they have therefore
resorted to the common spinning-wheel and hand-loom for the manufacture of
woolen and cotton. A few days
since, the first thing that attracted my attention on a plantation I was
visiting was the sight of a negress weaving by hand, and, by the way, in two
mills I visited at Richmond, I found slaves both men and women, engaged in
weaving by power, in the card room, at the throstles, mules, winding and
warping, and heard upon inquiry that they made tolerable hands.
But to come back to what I saw on the plantation.
There was neither picking stick nor any other article to throw the
shuttle across, that operation being performed simply by the hand.
I saw no signs of either Arkwright or Crompton.
The work-people were using a pair of cards or strickles, measuring 12 in.
by 3 ½ and costing $75. These
answered all the purposes of machinery up to the mule.
After the cotton is combed, the ends are twisted together, and, by the
aid of the spinning wheel, it is thus finished for the loom.
You may imagine the kind of cloth produced. . . .
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Important
to Paper Manufacturers.—Mr. James Winter, President of the Rock Island Paper
Mill, Columbus, Ga., has commenced the manufacture of felts, equal in all
respects to the best English made.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
To the
Ladies of Richmond.—We would suggest to the ladies of Richmond to organize for
the purpose of affording relief and comfort to the soldiers who have been
wounded in the recent battles, and who are now in hospitals—many of which are
outside the city and badly provided for. If
such an organization were properly perfected, we have no doubt that the
authorities of the Confederate States would furnish facilities to carry its
object into execution.
One or
two ambulances placed at their disposal would afford ample transportation for
themselves, and such articles as they may be able to collect and would
contribute for this purpose.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Pure Gold;" charming songs and fascinating dances;
Saturday—"Ghost;" next week—"Ogden's Adventure with a Polish
Princess"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 11, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Marietta Paper Mills.—The Atlanta Register learns that the proprietors of
these fine mills have as yet been unable to move any of their machinery.
These mill have been turning out excellent paper, and it is a pity that
they should be allowed to fall into the hands of the enemy.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 11, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ghost of the Dismal Swamp;" dance; Monday—"Knight
Darrell;" in rehearsal "Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Connor the Rash, the Knight of Arva;" singing and dancing;
"The Poor Soldier;" in rehearsal "Ogden's Adventure"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The
Shreveport News of the 20th ult., says twelve hundred and forty-nine
Yankee prisoners, captured in Arkansas in the late fights, passed through that
city, the day before, en route for Texas.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 15, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Winder
Hospital.—We visited yesterday, this, the largest hospital in the Confederacy.
It contains six separate divisions, each accommodating 450 patients and
under the control of a Division Surgeon. Tents,
capable of accommodating 700 patients, have also been recently raised adjacent
to the hospital for the use of convalescents.
The whole under charge of Surgeon A. G. Lane, (one of the most
gentlemanly and energetic Surgeons in the Confederacy,) by whom the hospital was
organized in the Spring of 1862. In
view of the inadequacy of the accommodations of the hospitals of Richmond for
the wounded, contingent upon the possible siege of the capital, the Medical
Director has directed that the number of beds in each ward of the hospital be
increased one third; this will make the capacity of the entire hospital,
including the tents, 4,300. The
hospital has been recently remodelled and repaired under the supervision of
Surgeon Lane. The improvements add
greatly to its convenience, hygiene and appearance. It is most healthily located, and is supplied by a number of
wells with clear, cold, pleasant water.—Has a central register for the
information of enquiring friends, a library for the use of patients, a bath
house, and a bakery at which the whole of the bread for the hospital is baked.
The 1st Division of the hospital is assigned to the
accommodation of soldiers from Georgia, and the remaining five to those from
North Carolina.—There are now 2,129 patients in the hospital under treatment.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 15, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Pure Gold;" singing and dancing; "Ogden's
Adventures"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Supplies
for the Indigent.—It is important that the indigent who desire to purchase
supplies at cost price from the city, should know that to do so it is necessary
for them to obtain a ticket or descriptive list, setting forth their names and
the number of persons in their families, which tickets have been entrusted for
distribution to the city day police. Each
policeman will distribute tickets only to persons in his own district.
The rules which will regulate the police in the distribution of tickets
may be briefly stated: Families
dependent upon their labor for the support of their families, and able to pay
the cost price of the provisions, are entitled to tickets; as are also men
receiving less than seven dollars per day, whose families are dependent upon
their labor. Tickets will not be issued to men receiving above that
amount, or to employees in Confederate workshops or departments, who are
receiving a salary of twenty-eight hundred dollars or over.
The
putting of these tickets into the hands of the day policemen will, we feel
assured, prove to have been an excellent idea.
These gentlemen, all of tried integrity and discretion, are each most
thoroughly acquainted with the condition and circumstances of the inhabitants of
his own ward.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ogden's Adventures;" "Lady of the Lyons;"
"490, or the Alabama;" "Ogden's Adventure;" singing and
dancing between the features; in rehearsal—"Scenes in the Present
War;" "Jacob Vane, the Deal Boatman"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 17, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Connor the Rash! The Knight of Arva;" singing and dancing;
"Dutchman's Ghost;" tomorrow—"Scenes of the War;" in
rehearsal—"Jacob Vane, The Deal Boatman"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 18, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Mutual Supply Associations.
We have repeatedly urged the formation of "Mutual Supply
Associations," in this city, but our people have preferred to remain the
victims of extortioners and middlemen. It
is gratifying to observe, however, that in those cities where the utility of
co-operation in securing supplies has been appreciated and practiced, the
results have been highly beneficial to all concerned.—The following is from
the Columbia South Carolinian of a late date:
The
Mutual Supply Association.—One of the greatest blessings with which the city
of Columbia is favored is the institution which bears the above name.
Originated in that spirit which "blesseth him that gives and him
that takes," for the purpose of aiding the public in purchasing the
necessaries of life at prices below those which prevail elsewhere, it has gone
steadily on in its good work, silently but certainly achieving its noble end.
Hundreds of families derive daily benefit from its existence, and
thousands upon thousands of dollars have been economized since it commenced
operations. The Association
consists of stockholders, directors and a president.
The price of the shares is $100 each, and the issue was speedily
absorbed, so that none are now to be bad except by transfer from the original
owners. Gentlemen of means
purchased largely, that they might have the power of donating to others not so
prosperous the privilege of buying provisions, and in this manner a vast amount
of good has been done. Others have
taken but a single share, which entitles them to draw from the Association the amount of $25 per week, in such articles as
may be on hand—as, for instance, flour, lard, meats, grist, corn, &c.
Some idea of the amount of business done may be inferred from the fact
that within a few months, much less than a year, upwards of $700,000 have been
paid out for provisions, and the financial exodus is on the increase.
No profits are made, except such as are barely sufficient to pay the
expenses of the establishment, and none are expected to be made, since the
amount originally invested is to be returned in full to the individual
shareholders. We make these remarks
to call attention to the advantage of establishing in every town a similar
institution for the relief of the pressing necessaries which are afflicting the
rich and poor alike.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Little
Steps Towards Southern Independence.—The following list of manufactures of
general utility, not heretofore made in the South, is copied from exchanges
within the past few days, says the Charlotte Bulletin.
It shows that our people are really making some progress toward the
Independence that we hear talked of so much.
We have not included the cotton and wollen [sic] mills dotted here and
there in all the States, or the iron establishments, or the Government works
making arms, powder, etc.
We
have no doubt there are many other establishments of which we have seen no
notice, that are adding to the resources of the country, by making articles that
we have heretofore depended upon the Yankees to furnish us
Hat
Manufactory at Statesville, N. C.
Stocking
Factory at Columbia, S. C.
Stocking
Factory at Danville, Va.
Bonnet
Frame Factory at Newbury, S. C.
Cotton
Card Factory at Greenwood, S. C.
Cotton
Card Factory at Fayetteville N. C.
Cotton
Card factory at Columbus, Ga.
Cotton
Card Factory at Danville, Va. 2
Cotton
Card Factory at Selma, Ala.
Cutlery,
Knives and Forks, at Raleigh, N. C.
Cotton
Batting Factory at Charlotte, N. C.
Corn
Broom Factory at Davidson's College, N. C.
Match
Factory at Danville, Va.
Blanket
Manufactory at Montgomery, Ala.
Knitting
Needles at Columbia, S. C.
Glass
Manufactory at Richmond, Va.
Glass
Manufactory at Columbus, Ga.
Glass
Manufactory at Savannah, Ga.
Button
Manufactory at Columbus, Ga.
Powder
manufactory at Mecklenburg, N. C.
Several
Copperas Mines, extensively worked in Rutherford County, N. C.
One
Copperas Mine in Chesterfield, S. C.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Scenes of the War;" in rehearsal—"Jacob Vane, the
Deal Boatman" and "Miriam's Crime"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Varieties.
Professor Robinson Coming!
The Great Magician!
Next Week.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 20, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond Theatre—New
war drama, in five acts; tomorrow—"Macbeth;" in
rehearsal—"Jacob Vane, the Deal Boatman" and "Miriam's
Crime"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 21, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
The Telegraph Company.
Some dissatisfaction has been caused by the late increase in the rates
charged by the Southern Telegraph Company.
It is alleged that the Company has advanced its rates 200 per cent.
within the last six months without justification and at the very time when gold
was falling. It is also charged
that there has been no corresponding increase in the prices paid to employees.
These allegations would not have been made if the public had been
apprized of the actual condition of the Company.
A very simple statement of facts is all that is necessary to place the
matter in its proper light and to exonerate the company from blame in the
premises.
The
balance sheet of the Treasurer shows that the expenses of the Company for the
year ending April 1, 1864, exceeded the receipts by more than $48,000—The
cause is obvious. The general rates
have been increased 300 per cent upon peace prices, and the rates to the press
(which were not raised at all until a month ago,) have been raised only 100 per
cent. Meantime the expenses have
increased from 400 and 500 per cent. (in the case of the salaries of employees,)
to 4,000, 8,000, 20,000 and even 33,000 per cent. in the case of certain
articles used by the Company. This
we will proceed to show.
In
peace times, the salary of a Superintendent was $125 a month; it is now $625 a
month—an increase of 400 per cent. The
salary of Chief Operator in peace times was $75 a month; now it is $375—an
increase of 400 per cent. The pay
of an Assistant Operator used to be $50 a month; it is now $300—an increase of
500 per cent. The salary of the
President and also that of the Treasurer are precisely what they were at the
beginning of the war; there has been no increase.
Let us
look now at the prices which the company has to pay for articles indispensable
to their business. Envelopes in
peace times cost 80 cents a thousand; now they cost $25—an advance of 3,000
per cent. Foolscap paper could be
bought before the war for 90 cents a ream; it now costs $80—an increase of
3,900 per cent. Insulators used to
cost 9 cents each; they are now to be had at $3.50 each, or 3,900 per cent.
higher than formerly. The price of
wire was in peace times 6½ cents a pound; the present price is $4 a pound, or
4,800 per cent. advance. Nitric
acid, which cost in good times 7 cents a pound, can be purchased now for not
less than $20 a pound—a rise of 23,000 per cent.
But this [is] not the worst. The
price to-day of sulphuric acid per pound ($8), compared with its former price (2½
cents per pound), shows an increase of 32,000 per cent; and the price of blue
stone is higher still. In days of
peace, blue stone cost 9 cents a pound, and it now costs $30—or $3,000 per
cent more than formerly.
It
will be seen that the articles which are most largely consumed by the company
are precisely those which have advanced the most.
To the objection which will be raised, that, at this rate, the company
ought to be hopelessly in debt, there is a ready reply.
The company, in the beginning of the war, accumulated a large stock of
materials, and so long as these lasted or seemed likely to last, there was no
advance in prices. But the protraction of the war consumed the accumulated stock
and forced the company into the market as a purchaser at war prices.
But many things could not be bought at any price.
Wire had to be manufactured; insulators also, and latterly blue stone.
These things could be run through the blockade, but to be of use to the
company, the supply had to be constant, uniform and abundant.
But
these are not all the troubles under which the Company labored.
While prices were increasing at a fearful rate, the extent of their lines
was diminishing almost daily. As
the enemy pressed the Confederate armies back, mile after mile of the telegraph
line had to be abandoned, and dollar after dollar of the annual revenue was cut
short. It is estimated that the Company have, from first to last,
lost 2,000 miles of wire once worked by them; the diminution of receipts
corresponded with this loss. Time
and again military Chiefs seized long lines of wire for their own use, and thus
the revenues of the Company were still further diminished.
To all
this must be added the heavy expense attending the rebuilding of lines destroyed
by the raids of the enemy in the various States of the South.
Wire, poles, and insulators have to be continually supplied.
Very recently, for example, forty miles of wire, with poles, etc., had to
be furnished for the three lines between this city and Petersburg; and at this
moment the whole work is being done over again.
Nor must the expense entailed upon the Company of keeping their offices
open all day and night, with the additional operators for night work, be
forgotten. But we forbear to
enumerate the full list of extraordinary charges to which the Company is
subjected during war times.
Any
impartial man who will take the trouble to look into the affairs of the company
will be convinced that they have been managed with energy and with a proper
regard for the interests of the public. The
charge of extortion comes with a bad grace from the Press, which has been
treated with consideration and liberality.—The company made a mistake in
supposing that the public would take for granted that the late rise in rates was
compulsory. But the public could
not understand a sudden increase of 100 per cent., followed by a similar
increase within a few months. Had
the rates been advanced gradually the public would not have complained.
It was not to be supposed, however, that they were familiar with the
affairs of the company, and still less that they were acquainted with the fact
that the old stock of supplies had suddenly given out.
We have taken some pains to get at the facts given, and can assure our
readers that they are authentic and to be relied on fully.
With all respect for the officers of the company, we tell them frankly
that the public is rather disposed to look upon the company as a monopoly, and
while the immediate acquaintances of these officers could never suspect them of
an intention to extort, the public at large is not so charitable. Hereafter, when any increase of rates, or other important
change in the affairs of the company, is deemed necessary, a few words of
explanation to the public will not be at all amiss, but, on the contrary, serve
to do away with much reproach and hard feeling.
We do not blame the company for advancing its rates; but at the same time
we do not blame the public for not being able to comprehend why this increase
should be repeated after so short an interval.
The present article, we trust, will serve as an explanation and restore
the good understanding and kind feeling which formerly existed.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 21, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Macbeth;" "An Alarming Sacrifice;" in rehearsal
"Jacob Vane, the Deal Boatman" and "Miriam's Curse"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 21, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
The
Italians.—The fifteen Italians who threw down their arms and refused to do
duty in the 19th Regiment of Reserves, are being tried by court
martial. The trial was begun
yesterday, Mr. Littleton Tazewell appearing as counsel for the accused.
The court is being held in Judge Meredith's court room.
It is thought the whole party will be shot.
Mr. John Randolph tucker is Judge Advocate of the Court.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The
Markets.—Both the First and Second Markets were yesterday well supplied with
butter, eggs, fruits and vegetables, and the prices thereof showed symptoms of a
downward tendency. This was more
obviously the case in the First Market. It
is a noticeable fact, and one we hope our readers will profit by, that prices
are always lower in the First than in the Second Market.
Yesterday cymlins were $5 a dozen in the upper or Second Market, while in
the lower or First they went begging at $1.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Virginia Cavalier;" tomorrow "Macbeth;" in
rehearsal "Jacob Vane, the Deal Boatman" and "Miriam's
Crime"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 22, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
A Humorous Publication.
We have received from the author a pamphlet of humorous engravings,
entitled, "The Sorrows of Werter, a Substitute Man.
By O. Garth, Jr., of Lynchburg, Va.
Published by the Laughing Stock Company at Anti-Conscript Office, S.
C." The author says, in a note
accompanying the pamphlet"
["]
You know full well how high is the use of ridicule.—When judiciously employed,
it is one of the most powerful weapons for good in all the armament of
literature—the shaft most efficacious of all to bring down folly upon the
wing. The little pamphlet, it will
be perceived, is no corrosive satire upon the enactment of the anti-substitute
law; but the shaft of my ridicule is levelled at the disposition to shirt duty,
alas! too prevalent in even this,
our Southern land. Gray &
Valory, Columbia, S. C., have undertaken the publication.["]
Many
of the cuts are quite good; the book will sell like hot cakes in the army, we
suspect; and therefore advise our booksellers and army newspaper men to
facilitate its distribution.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
A
Female "Iron-Clad" in Court.—Julia A. Keepers, who, under the
assumed name of Madame Donseux, who used to do the tight rope dancing for the
Iron Clad Opera Troupe when they entranced the universe by their delectable
nightly entertainments at Metropolitan Hall, was on yesterday brought before the
Mayor to answer the ignominious charge of stealing a parcel of old clothes from
one J. H. Scribner. The accused was
a pale, emaciated woman of thirty-five, who give you the impression that she had
been much kicked about in this world and took it meekly as her lot.
She dressed in some kind of cheap, faded check stuff, and had a most
luxuriant head of curls reeking with grease which would have been more
profitably bestowed if one had taken it internally as nourishment for her
body.—Her step was nimble and certain, the same being the result of her
practice as Madame Donseux.
Mr.
Scribner, the accuser of this damsel all forlorn, did not appear, though
repeatedly called. Some body
suggested that Mr. Scribner's engagements at Camp Lee in the capacity of a
conscript could not admit of his attending.
This being the case, matters were about being brought to stand still when
officer Crone came forward and asked to be sworn as a witness, saying that he
happened to know something that might be considered material. He said that some days ago, Scribner being in Castle Thunder,
the accused came to him, and showed him an order of Scribner's on a Mrs. Head
for a trunk of clothing, and said Mrs. Head refused to deliver the clothes upon
the order. Subsequently Mrs. Head
came to witness and told him she had seen Scribner and he desiring the clothes
to be delivered to accused, that she Mrs. Head would deliver them to her.—On
Tuesday evening, Scribner being liberated from Castle Thunder, came to witness
and told him he had gotten out a warrant for the arrest of the accused for
stealing the clothes, and he wanted her arrested.
Witness asked him if the clothes he accused her of stealing were the same
she had obtained from Mrs. Head upon his order? Scribner replying that they were the same clothes, witness
had told him that he, witness, did not believe that a charge of larceny could be
sustained, and that he preferred having nothing to do with the case.—Scribner
then put the warrant of arrest into officer Adams' hands and got him to arrest
not only the accused but Mrs. Catherine Garibaldi, whom he charged with
receiving the stolen clothes.
There
being no other testimony, the Mayor dismissed the case and ordered officer Adams
to return the old clothes to Mrs. Garibaldi.
The accused, with tears in her faded blue eyes, declared that she had not
stolen the things; she had only pawned them with Mrs.
Garibaldi to raise money to pay rent due on the house in which she and
Scribner lived and to get something to eat, feeling confident that Scribner,
when he got out of the castle, would redeem the clothing and make everything
right.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Richmond Varieties.
J. R. Burrage..............................................................................................Manager.
Professor Van Robinson,
The Celebrated Magician,
Has just arrived, and will give a series of
Astounding Necromantic Tricks,
To-Night.
Feats of Magic, Songs and Ballads.
For particulars see small bills.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Summary: New
Richmond Theatre—"Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady;" selected
pieces, fancy dance; "Ogden's Adventure;" new Southern anthem;
"Somebody Else;" tomorrow—"Jacob Vane, the Deal Boatman;"
in rehearsal—"Where's Your Wife" and "Miriam's Crime"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 23, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
From the Atlanta
Intelligencer.
The Revocation of a Cruel Order.
We notice in the Columbia South Carolinian, the following official circular:
[Circular.]
Headquarters, Post,}
Richmond, Va., June 2, 1864.}
Gen.
A. R. Lawton, Quartermaster General, directs that the restrictions on railroad
travel be so relaxed as to permit Provost Marshals to grant passports in cases
of urgent necessity. A sound
discretion must be exercised.
(Signed)
J. H. Carrington,
Provost Marshal and Comd't Post.
That
paper also contains the following letter, addressed by Dr. R. W. Gibbes, of
Columbia, S. C., (than whom a more patriotic and benevolent gentleman does not
breathe within the limits of the Confederacy,) to the Secretary of War, and
which we have no doubt caused the revocation of an order that, though not
intended, operated as a cruel edict upon many a noble matron, wife and daughter,
in our afflicted land. Our women
owe to this distinguished gentleman, the writer of the following letter, this
noble defence of their rights and privileges, and we know they will never forget
him. All honor to him for his
humane and spirited enterprise and demand!
Provost Marshals everywhere, will, we have no doubt, govern themselves
with sound discretion in future in this matter:
Columbia, S. C., May 26, 1864.
Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War:
My
Dear Sir—A despatch from Richmond, a few days since, informed me of a nephew
mortally wounded, asking for his mother to come to see him, as he might live for
a few days. Another son, in a
previous fight, was killed, bearing his colors within the enemy's lines.
The provost marshal having refused her a passport, I telegraphed Major
General Sam Jones, in command of this department, and received in reply that
"he was prevented by peremptory orders from granting such papers."
While exceptions are made in business and other matters, these cases are
specially interdicted.
In the
name of our noble women, I respectfully protest against this cruel edict of one
of your subordinate departments. They
have done their high and sacred duty to the southern cause with the purest
patriotism, the sincerest faith, the most devoted heroism, and the holiest
enthusiasm.
Pardon
me for reminding you, that they have fed and clothed the soldiers when the
Government was without the means to do so properly. They established, as I can testify, the first hospitals and
homes for furloughed men in the Confederacy.
When the first medical and surgical department of the war was about to be
organized in South Carolina and its officer was awaiting appropriations by the
State, the ladies of Charleston came forward and contributed the means which
procured the first surgical instruments with which the regiment then on duty
were supplied. Their promptness
caused the Surgeon General's Department to be the first subordinate department
organized, and it was mainly furnished by them.
When
Fort Sumter was attacked, their homes, means and services were placed at his
disposal, and every preparation made for a painful duty, which the providence of
God saved them.
I need
not, my dear sir, recall how this was continued, with one impulse throughout the
whole South—their spirit rising with the demands of the occasion—has ever
responded to every call on their feelings, their means and personal services, in
the cause of our brave soldiers. History
will accord them the highest position in encouraging, prosecuting and defending
the glorious struggle in which we are engaged.
It is needless to say more than that the Government can never repay them
for such services.
And
now, sir, after three years freely yielding their sons, brothers and husbands,
in this ruthless war, the tenderest and dearest right of woman is taken from
them, that of ministering at the death bed of their loved ones—feeling the
last flickering pulsation of manly hearts, giving their expiring throb to their
country's independence. Surely you will not refuse the Spartan mother to see her
only son on his shield, or the bereaved wife the life long satisfaction of
witnessing the last smile of her gallant husband at yielding his life in defence
of his home—and leaving her with confidence to the protection of his
Government.
Since
the war commenced, the mournful privilege has never been refused until now.
I pray you, in the cause of justice and humanity, if not of feeling and a
noble duty, to direct a modification of the stringent order.
Let there be no charge, with reason, of military despotism against a
Government springing from the will of the governed, and especially of cruel
treatment of its blessed women.
In
their behalf, I respectfully ask your favorable consideration.
With great respect, yours,
R. W. Gibbs, M.D.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 24, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Lactucarium—A
Cheap Substitute for Opium.—Port Gibson, Miss., May 23, 1864.—With a pocket
knife cut the top of the lettuce off, just before or during blooming time.
Scrape on a piece of glass the milk from the severed top, then apply the
edge of the glass to the cut end of the plant and scrape off the milk.—The
exudation will now cease unless you cut a wafer from the top of the tem, when it
will pour out as before; this may be repeated with success for half a dozen
times at that milking, when it ceases for that day.
Repeat the process daily until the plant is exhausted of its milky fluid.
This extract dries and turns brown.
On the day succeeding the gathering, scrape the glass and collect the
extract by pressing it into a lump, wrap it in paper and bottle tight.
A. . Peck, M. D.
[We
have a sample of this substitute for opium, which we will take pleasure in
showing to any one desiring to examine it.
It is easily made, and is for many uses superior to genuine
opium.—Mobile Advertiser.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
A
Great Public Want Supplied.—We invite special attention to the advertisement,
in another column, of Excursion Tickets over the Richmond and Fredericksburg
Railroad.
Precluded,
as our greatly increased population is this summer, from opportunities of
visiting public watering places or other more private resorts in the country,
and destitute as they are of their usual means of riding and driving out of the
city, few accommodations more acceptable and useful could be offered them, than
those announced in this advertisement. The
hours at which the trains are run between this city and the South Anna River,
are precisely those, which are best suited to afford the greatest possible
convenience, comfort and healthful recreation.
They enable our people suffering from the heat, dust and impure air of
the city, to enjoy for three hours either the freshness and fragrance of the
woods and fields in the dewy hours of morning, or their welcome shade and
breezes after the exhausting heat of a days labor in the city; without any
encroachment on the usual hours of business.
And by the liberal reduction of fare on these tickets to one-half, this
comfort is afforded at a cost less than a fourth what any other conveyance would
require. Persons desiring to spend a day in the country or at the
beautiful village of Ashland, can avail themselves of these tickets.
To those who cannot spare three hours for a ride on the passenger train,
the establishment of a regular schedule of frequent trips at certain hours
for the street and steam coach between the depot in this city and Camp Lee,
affords a very pleasant ride at a very small cost, with an opportunity in the
afternoon of attending the dress parades, and listening to the music of the fine
band at Camp Lee. To ladies and
children these excursions are peculiarly welcome and valuable.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Excursion Tickets.
For the accommodation of citizens and their families, who need or desire
the benefit of the country air, and are deprived of the opportunity of obtaining
it, by the scarcity and expense of horses and vehicles, excursion tickets over
this road, available for a round trip during the same day, will be sold, on and
after Monday, 27th day of June, 1864, at the following rates—being
half the regular fares:
Richmond
to
Hungary and returning,
$1 50
do
Mountain Road
do
1 75
do
Taylor's Crossing
do
2 00
do
Slash Road
do
2 00
do
Ashland
do
3 00
do
South Anna
do
3 50
The
morning train leaves the Depot in Richmond at 6 A.M., and returning, arrives
there at 9:05 A.M.
The
afternoon train leaves the same point at 3½ P.M., and returning, arrives there
at 6:40 P.M.
For
the same purpose, the street steam coach will, from the same date, be run on
regular schedule hours through the day, leaving the corner of Broad and 7th
streets at every hour by the rown [?] bell, from 7 A.M. to 6 P.M., inclusive,
except at 3 P.M.; and leave Camp Lee at each intermediate half hour, except the
last trip, P.M., which will be 50 minutes.
Fare
$1 each way.
Children
under 10 years of age half price.
Sam'l Ruth, Supt. Trans.
Office
R. F. & P. R. R. Co.,
}
Richmond, June 24th, 1864.}
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Jacob Vance, The Deal Boatman;" song, dancing;
"Where's Your Wife;" Monday—"Miriam's Crime." "Notice.—The
Manager takes great pleasure in announcing to the many patrons of the New
Richmond Theatre that he has succeeded in obtaining by blockade from London, the
celebrated Comedy by Edward Falconer, Esq., member of the Dramatic Authors'
Society, entitled Extremes of English Society! and will shortly produce it with
magnificent effect."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Sundries at Private Sale.
300 pads assorted Cotton Yarns. . .
Tardy & Williams.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Molasses for
Preserving Fruit.
From the Virginia Herald (Fredericksburg) of 1833.
As economy is the order of the day, permit me, through the medium of your
paper, to communicate to our ladies a receipt for preparing molasses for
preserving fruit, &c., which renders it much better suited for that purpose
than a syrup made from the best of sugar, nor, if well prepared, to ferment.
Take 8
pounds of molasses.
"
8 pounds of pure water.
"
1 pound coarsely powdered charcoal.
Boil for 20 minutes, then strain through fine flannel double; put it again in
the kettle with the white of an egg, and boil gently until it forms a syrup of
proper consistence and strain again.
Mr.
Editor: At this time you will see
the importance of publishing this recipe, and and [sic] asking other papers to
copy.
Agriculture.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"The Will; or, Poor Miriam's Crime;" "Southern
Anthem;" fancy dance; "Where's Your Wife?";
tomorrow—"Eleanor's Victory; shortly "Extremes of English
Society"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The
Reading Room.—The proprietor of the Confederate Reading Room, on 11th
street, has reduced the charges of admission.
Twenty tickets are now sold at $5, and fifty at $10.
At these rates everybody can afford to visit the rooms daily, and enjoy
the privilege of reading the various papers on file there.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Fans—The
wounded soldiers in our hospitals suffer greatly for the want of fans to keep
off the flies. The ladies in town
and country would be doing a kind act by making and presenting them with those
necessary articles.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
All Have Trials.
Everybody in war times seems to have trials.
The shrewd and energetic manager of the Richmond Theatre, for instance,
is often reduced to the extremity in shuffling his theatrical pack to transform
a "Jack" into a "King," or else not hold a playing hand.
Habitues
of fashionable restaurants are now compelled to gow ithout white sugar in "theirn",
and Brigadiers have to wear, even on Sunday, "unbiled" shirts.
Words are perfectly inadequate to the expression of the very many ills
our fair countrywomen have to endure in the way of deprivations under the
existing blockade. Now news editors, too, have their trials, as lost as is and
ought to be their identity. By way
of illustrations, we will cull a few from our own individual experience.
About a week or more ago, an article on Sheridan's movement, not content
with the space allotted it, made a raid upon another giving an account of the
Yankee repulse at Petersburg, and, by capturing a couple of paragraphs, located
two of the lamented dead of the cockade City in Caroline county, and rendered
the conclusion of the article otherwise unintelligible.
On
Saturday last, again the latest news from Petersburg, by a flank movement (in
compliment, perhaps, to the heroic young lady mentioned,) took position under a
paragraph headed Charles City, while an account of the doings at Kautz's mounted
blue devils on the Danville road singularly appeared as a postscript to the news
from Brute Hunter's flying party.
The fact that, despite these and similar provoking typographical mishaps,
we maintain our equanimity, shows conclusively that we have been an earnest
student of the life and teachings of Job, and by habitual imitation of his
example at last possess a sweet and amiable temper.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 28, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Eleanor's Victory;" singing and dancing; this
week—"A Charming Woman;" shortly "Extremes of English
Society"
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Sham
Battle—Yankee Prisoners.—The editor of the Eufaula Spirit having recently
visited Andersonville, Ga., gives the following account of a sham battle he
witnessed there:
["]
Two long long lines of skirmishers were seen in an open field, advancing and
firing on each other. The men
representing the Yankees were driven into the woods, and when our side came in
rather too close proximity to their position they in turn had to give way.—The
retreating and advancing was kept up on either side for some time, until finally
the Yankees were driven entirely out of sight.
The most attractive feature in the performance was the rapidity with
which the men fired, and the manner in which they loaded their guns.
Some men laying flat on their backs, seemed to load faster than they
possibly could if standing on their feet.—Others would load behind a stump, in
a hollow, or laying on their sides. In
fact, every position imaginable was taken, and showed how thoroughly drilled and
practised were the men engaged.
Our
party then proceeded to take a look at the prisoners, and the stockade in which
they are enclosed. It is stated
that there are about 12,000 in the enclosure, and a dirtier set of wretches were
surely never gathered together before. From
a hill adjoining the place their tents or huts could plainly be seen, and they
looked at that distance like so many ant-hills, and the prisoners like a host of
monkeys. There are about seventeen
acres enclosed, and not a tree or shrub can be found in this Yankee plantation.
A stream, affording plenty of water, runs through the center of it.
The mortality among them is very great.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 28, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
An Army Wedding.
There are very few soldiers who have been in the Western army who will
not recognize in the following picture, drawn from the Montgomery Mail, a great
similarity to many army weddings which he has seen.
The marriage took place at Bull's Gap, Tenn:
["]An
Alabama soldier, who to name would be too personal, but who is uglier than the
renowned Suggs—in fact so far diseased with the chronic big ugly as to have
failed procuring a furlough from Brig. Gen. Law solely on that ground—woed
[sic] and won a buxom Tennessee maid of doubtful age. Whilst "Special" was out that day with his gun on a
porcine scout for the purpose of reinforcing his haversack, he was interrupted
in his reconnoissance [sic] by a husky voice emitting from a ten by fifteen pen
inviting him to halt.
Entering
the low door he found the wedding was on the tapis, en route to a happy
termination. A mirthful Texan—not
necessary to name—had a copy of the Army Regulations in his hand, and his
throat was decorated with a piece of white bandage, such as is used by our army
doctors—all ready to tie the hymenial [sic] knot so tight that it could not be
undone by the teeth. The bridegroom
stood largely over six honest feet in his socks, was as hairy as Esau, and pale,
slim and lank.—His jacket and pants represented both of the contending parties
at war. His socks were much the
worse for wear, and his toes sticking out of the gaping rents thereof, reminded
one of the many little heads of pelicans you observe protruding from the nest
which forms the coat of arms of Louisiana.
The exact color of his suit could not be given.
Where the buttons had been lost off in the wear and tear of war, an
unique substitute, in the shape of persimmon seed, was used.
The bride had essayed to wash "Alabama's" clothes, while he
modestly concealed his nudity behind a brush heap, awaiting there until they
were dried.
The
bride was enrobed in a clean but faded dress.
Her necklace was composed of a string of chinquepins [sic], her brow was
environed by a wreath of faded bonnet flowers, and her wavy hair was tucked up
behind in the old fashioned way. She
wore a stout pair of No. 9 brogans, and her stockings and gloves were made of
rabbit skins—fur side next to the flesh.
On her fingers were discerned several gutta percha and bone rings,
presents at various times from her lover. She
wore no hoops, for nature had given her such a form as to make crinoline of no
use to her.
All
being ready, the "Texas Parson" proceeded to his duty with becoming
gravity. "Special" acted
the part of waiter for both bride and groom.
Opening the book afore mentioned, the quandam parson commenced,
"Close up!" and the twain closed up.
"Hand to your partner!" and the couple handed.
"Atten ti-on to-o-r-ders!" and all attentioned.
Then the following was read aloud: "By
order of our directive General Braxton Bragg, I hereby solemnly pronounce you
man and wife, for and during the war, and you shall cleave unto each until the
war is over, and then apply to Governor Watts for a family right of public land
in Pike, the former residence of the bridegroom, and you, and each of you, will
assist to multiply and replenish the earth."
The
ceremony wound up with a regular bear hug between the happy mortals, and we
resumed our hog hunt, all the time "guffawing" at the stoic
indifference manifested by the married parties on the picket line at Bull's Gap.
On our
falling back from the gap we observed the happy couple perambulating with the
column through the mud and snow, wearing an air of perfect indifference to
observation or remark from the soldiery.—Should this soldier, who captured the
maid of the gap, obtain a furlough for the purpose of locating in Pike, will not
our friends of the Mail oblige them with an introduction to our gallant Governor
Watts?
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 28, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Poor Miriam's Grave;" singing and dancing; "Easy
Shaving;" this week "A Charming Woman;" "Extremes of English
Society;" "The patrons of the Dress Circle will find a large,
magnificent silver cooler of Ice Water in the Reception Room, free of
charge."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Buttermilk.—Mrs.
Binford, of Hanover, is said to be the only person who sends pure buttermilk to
the New Market. Consequently it is
in great demand, and the arrival of her milk maid in her mule cart is every
morning the occasion of a tremendous excitement about the market house.
Her cart is surrounded by a crowd all frantic to be served.
Yesterday morning a white-headed patriarch, in his eagerness, scaled her
cart at the peril of his neck and of his two gallon pitcher which he flourished
aloft. The price of this precious
milk is $2 a quart. Is not the
price sufficient to stimulate the farmers near Richmond to enter into
competition? If it is not, gentle
farmers and shepherds, we will give you more.
You know we must pay your price. Ask
what you please, so you don't put water into it.
Thank heaven, we have still water enough here, and expect to have until
Mr. Denoon neglects the water works.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, June 30, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Summary: New Richmond
Theatre—"Ticket of Leave Man;" this week "A Charming
Woman;" "Extremes of English Society"