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SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 8, 1861

THE DAILY PICAYUNE (LA)

LATEST FROM NORTH CAROLINA
FORT MACON THREATENED

The Petersburg (Va.) Express, of the 2d inst., says:

Our latest advices from North Carolina are up to 9 o'clock last night. At that hour it was known in Goldsboro that a formidable fleet was in sight of Fort Macon, and an attack this morning, even if deferred until daylight, will not surprise the garrison. We are pleased to hear that they are well prepared for an assault, and will resist with a determination and daring worthy of the glorious cause in which they are engaged. Fort Macon commands the entrance to Beaufort harbor, and is said to be the most formidable fortification on the North Carolina coast.

It was reported in Goldsboro last night that the Yankee pirates had burned the flourishing little town of Washington, in Beaufort country, but the report needed confirmation. We may add that it was generally discredited.

Active preparations on the defensive still continue over the State, and every man in it is prepared to die in defence of his native soil, if necessary.

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A Saucy Little Craft—Under this very proper head, the Petersburg (Va.) Express, of the 2d inst., has the following:

We learn from a gentleman who witnessed the exploit, that on Friday afternoon, a saucy little tug, owned at Norfolk and known as the Harmony, having received on board a rifled 32-pounder, steamed out the mouth of Elizabeth River in pursuit of a target. Seeing the Federal frigate Savannah lazily blockading the mouth of James River, and fancying that the Savannah was about as good a target as could be found, Captain Fairfax, who was in command, took position and blazed away. A thunderbolt from a cloudless sky could not have more startled the Yankee marines, but as soon as they could recover from the shock all hands were piped to their guns, and the Savannah returned the Harmony’s target practice with several broadsides. Meantime, the Hessians  in command of the battery at Newport News discovered tat an enemy was about, and united with the Savannah in endeavoring to sink the waspish little vixen.

Undaunted by overwhelming odds, the Confederate tug continued to administer her iron pills to the Savannah, striking her hull four times, and exploding a shell in her rigging, which is said to have produced great scampering on the deck. Having expended all her shot but one, the Harmony withdrew without a scratch, and while passing the Rip Raps, determined to arouse the sleeping rascals who infest that fortification. Her last shell was accordingly thrown in that direction,  and falling directly in the centre, the commotion among the mutineers and their garrison companions may well be imagined. It would not surprise me to hear that gen. Wool had ordered old Butler and his powerful armada to return from Hatteras with all possible speed, lest the little Confederate steamer Harmony should suddenly dart across Hampton Roads and accomplish the reduction of Fortress Monroe. Hurrah for our side!

Interesting from Newbern, N. C.—The Richmond Whig, of the 2d inst., says:

We learn that on Friday the women and children abandoned Newbern, as it was the opinion of military men that the city had ceased to be a place of safety since the capture of Hatteras. Quite a number of prizes were at Newbern, captured by our privateers during the last few weeks, which the Yankees would naturally desire to recapture., and the way is open to them.

These facts are derived from the wife of Mr. J__, of this city, who, with her children, have arrived in Richmond—this being the second or third time this family have been compelled to abandon their homes. She says one of the wounded soldiers who escaped from Hatteras after its surrender, left Newbern when she did, and reports that it was not for want of ammunition that the garrison surrendered, but for want of guns of long range. The enemy lay off two miles, and fired rifled cannon at our guns, which did considerable execution, while not one of our projectiles reached them.

This lady reports that the men of Newbern had resolved to remain and defend the city to the last extremity, and that proving unavailing, they will burn the prizes, the cotton, the turpentine, and then their own dwellings! In the language of Gov. Pickens, “If the Yankees should conquer the city, they will find it not worth conquering.” Certainly, they will find no aid or comfort there.

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Extract of a letter from Texas, dated August 12th, 1861: “The same mail which brought your letter also brought the slips cut from the Picayune, giving an account of the great victory in Virginia over the Lincolnite hosts. It made me glad clean down to my shoes to hear that old Scott had been so badly whipped at the outset. You know that I always said that he was an old humbug—that he never deserved any credit for gaining the battles in Mexico, which were all planned by Persifor F. Smith, Lee, Beauregard and others; yet nobody would believe what I said. I know, too, that he was a heartless and unprincipled old scoundrel, eat up b y vanity and avarice, and when all the Southern papers were crowing over the report that he had resigned and was to take command of the Southern forces, I was terribly mortified and annoyed, and looked upon our game as good as lost. God grant the Abolitionists may keep him, and that old chuckle headed sugar buyer, Patterson, at the head of their armies; but I am fearful they will put them aside, and place McClellan, who is an active and intelligent soldier, at the head, and then we shall have a harder stint before us. Cadwalader, although a gallant gentlemen, is not match for any of the Confederate generals, and Mansfield, although as brave as Hannibal, makes awful blunders—goes off hap-hazard and half-cocked.

“I know all these men personally, and mark what I say about them. So far we have the cream of the old army on our side. Scott is a case of skimmed milk—a “hasty bowl” of soup maigre. You'll see.”

MONDAY
SEPTEMBER 9, 1861

THE BOSTON DAILY ADVERTISER

BY TELEGRAPH
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FOR THE BOSTON DAILY TELEGRAPH
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From Washington

Washington, Sept. 8—The Emperor of Russia has addressed our Government on the existing state of affairs here, manifesting the most friendly interest in the welfare of this Government, and hoping for a restoration of its unity. Secretary Seward has appropriately and gracefully responded.

Careful observations today on the Virginia side discovered a new and formidable battery, commanding the Leesburg turnpike, about 7 miles from Chain bridge. The felling of the woods by the rebels exposed it to view. Owing to the distance no guns were discovered, nor any large body of troops. Men were, however, employed on the fortifications today. They then retired, taking their battery.

Yesterday, Gen. McClellan made a balloon ascension with Professor Lowe occupying 2 hours in reconnoisances.

Gen. McClellan's order for the observance of the Sabbath was read throughout the entire line today and everywhere received with gladness.

The President has pardoned A. J. Clark, the Wisconsin forger of land warrants.

There was considerable excitement here this afternoon in consequence of repeated discharges of musketry in the neighborhood of Fort Corcoran. Commanding positions here were soon occupied under the impression of a pending battle, but the firing proceeded from musket practice with blank cartridges.

No passes whatever were issued today to cross the Potomac.

Arrest of Traitors

Baltimore, Sept. 8—On Saturday night the officers arrested W. L. Grady and 19 others, mostly residents of the 8th Ward, at North Bart Monument House, on the Trap road, 8 miles from the city, while endeavoring to make their way to Virginia. They had gone thither in three wagons to embark in a schooner from the eastern shore, and thence to Virginia. Among the articles seized were a quantity of blue flannel, several uniforms, packages, letters, medicines, a secession flag, etc. The whole party were taken to Fort McHenry this morning.

A Williamson, coast-maker, was also arrested this morning charged with treason. It has been ascertained that he was engaged to make wagons, with false tops and bottoms, for the transmission of contraband articles across the Potomac. He was arrested on one of the wagons, with a pair of excellent horses attached, just as it was about leaving. He protested against his arrest, but the police quietly removed the false flooring of his vehicle and quickly drawing forth evidences of his guilt in the shape of some 20 large navy revolvers, a quantity of gold lace, a large package of  red flannel, and about 120 letters addressed to parties in Petersburg, Richmond, Norfolk and Fairfax. Some of the latter were from several of the first class business houses of Baltimore. The letters and other articles were sent to Gen. Dix. Williamson was sent to Fort McHenry.

Grady was formerly one of Kane's police.

Gen. Dix has interdicted all communication with the state prisoners at Fort McHenry. All passes are countermanded.

It is understood that among the letters seized were some addressed to officers in the rebel army, and one to Mrs. Jeff. Davis.

FROM NORTH CAROLINA

Fortress Monroe—The fortification at Ocracoke Inlet have been abandoned, and probably those at Oregon Inlet, 40 miles this side of Hatteras. The George Peabody saw a powerful steamer inside the latter place yesterday.

There is no light at Hatteras, the rebels having stolen the lenses. There are no signs of fortifications at the Cape.

It is supposed the rebels will make a stand at Fort Morgan, which is a strong casemated work, guarding the approach to Beaufort.

Refugees from North Carolina report that the lower counties of that State are ready to hoist the Union flag, when assured of support. Perfect terror reigns. The State troops were in part returning from Virginia.

A prominent clergyman declared at Hatteras Inlet that if a Federal force should invade the main island near Beaufort, it would be joined by over 2000 North Carolina Unionists.

The captain of the George Peabody counted over 25 wrecks between Capes Hatteras and Henry.

Advance of Our Pickets

At daylight this morning our pickets advanced one mile further into Virginia, the rebels retiring before them from the direction of Arlington.

Last Wednesday the rebels fired from an eminence at Great Falls, 16 miles from Washington, upon a body of our troops on the Maryland side. Their rifled cannon, although perhaps a hundred times discharged, wounded only one of our men. They attempted to ford the river by constructing a temporary bridge with planks, when they were repulsed by sharpshooters of the 7th Penn. Reserves, and a number of them killed.

Arrival of a Prisoner

Philadelphia, Sept. 8—A sailor belonging to the brig Joseph, which was captured by the Savannah in June last, has arrived here. He left Richmond on Tuesday last, but heard nothing of the death of Jeff. Davis, whom he saw on the Sunday previous as well  as usual.

Robbery by the Rebels

St. Louis, Sept. 8—The store of Torbert &Co., at Lynn Creek, was robbed on Thursday by a band of 150 rebels, headed by a preacher named Johnson, and $100,000 worth of property stolen. Col. McCluage, a member of the firm, is at Jefferson City in command of a regiment of Federal troops. The rebels also seized one of their two steamers on Osage river, but as the river is low it is thought they will destroy her.

The postmaster of Osceola, St. Clair county, reports that when he left, news had just reached there of a fight between Gen. Lane's Kansas brigade and a body of rebels under Gen. Raines. The latter were completely routed with heavy loss and Raines was taken prisoner. Gen. Price, who was at Osceola, credited the report.

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The Maid of the Sea—The Boston owner of this vessel, Jacob Stanwood, esq., explains that the statement that she was flying the rebel flag at Rio Janeiro, is undoubtedly an error. A private signal of the ship has in it “red, white and blue,” and the letters “C.S.,” the initials of her former owners, Cotting & Stanwood. This flag was taken by some one not familiar with nautical maters as the flag of the Confederate States.

TUESDAY
SEPTEMBER 10, 1861
THE ST. ALBANS DAILY MESSENGER (VT)

“Rifle, Butcher-Knife, and Tomahawk”

The Helena (Arkansas) Shield of the 10th instant, mentions that large body of Indian warriors was at that date already in the field, destined for Missouri. It says:

From the Hon. C. W. Adams, of this county, who arrived at home a few days since from the northern part of this State, we learn that on last Monday week thirteen hundred Indian warriors—Southern allies—crossed the Arkansas river, near Fort Smith, on their way for McCulloch’s camp. These Indians were armed with rifle, butcher-knife, tomahawk and had their faces painted one-half red and the other black. We also learn that a regiment of mounted Texans likewise crossed the Arkansas at or near Fort Smith for the same “destination.”

These are the allies of the South, for whose enlistment a Commissioner was sent out by the Rebel Congress. We rejoice that the traitors have thus early developed their brutal purpose. It will cause honorable men to hesitate before identifying themselves with those who engage in a war upon the Union to gratify their savage and murderous instincts with scalping-knife and tomahawk. No marvel that the St. Louis Republican repudiates the wretches. It now refuses to even sympathize with those who adopt such processes to secure success.

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Great Prize—A young lady in Bellows Falls, of sweet sixteen, good looking and accomplished, declares her readiness to wed the man who shall shoot Jeff. Davis, provided the lucky on is not already encumbered. This is a great provocation, surely. –Times

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Nicaragua Cotton—The New York World of Thursday says: “The cargo of the bark Magdaleno, whose arrival was announced yesterday, contained a lot of 24 bales of Nicaragua cotton, the first shipment that has been made to this country. A second shipment is now on the way to this port, and is daily expected by the bark Xanthe. There two parcels of cotton were shipped at the port of Realejo, Nicaragua, by the steamer of the Panama Railroad Company, and are brought through to New York at a freight of two cents per pound.”

BY TELEGRAPH
TO THE MESSENGER

Washington, Sept. 9—The Confederate fortifications on Munson’s Hill three quarters of a mile from Bailey’s cross roads, have every indication of being completed. From close inspection made to-day nothing was seen except parties taking observations of the Federal troops and their positions. The earthworks entered for a distance of probably 150 yards to the right of the Leesburg turnpike. No guns were observed mounted on the fortifications, but a masked battery is erected, concealed by a grove near Bailey’s house, about 100 yards this side of the earthworks. On Sunday, everything in that vicinity was quiet, but this morning the Confederates opened their concealed batteries, throwing shell into the encampment of our picket at Bailey’s cross roads. Two of the shell fell short, and the third one passed ½ a mile beyond them. In retaliation for which our sharp shooters advanced on their pickets, and killed 2 of the number. Among the few visitors to Bailey’s cross roads to-day were Jacob Riegle, merchant of Philadelphia, and Leisenring, member of the legislature of the same city. All was quiet to-day along the other parts of the line. Gen. McClellan and guard spent some hours as is his custom among the troops there to-day.

Gov. Curtin of Pennsylvania, Col. G. J. Ball and John A. Wright arrived here this evening, for the purpose of presenting t the Pennsylvania reserve, under Gen. McCall, a standard of colors, donated by the Cincinnatus Society. The presentation takes place to-morrow at eleven o’clock.

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“NEVER TAKE THE FIELD UNLESS THE STAR SPANGLD BANNER OF YOUR COUNTRY FLOATS OVER YOUR HEAD.”

This is what Andrew Jackson said to a friend in the days of Nullification. His beloved State is now in rebellion, and his grave desecrated by the feet of traitors.

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Whales—The Times says that two fine whales about 14 feet long, passed through Burlington on Saturday morning, on their way to New York. The were consigned to P. T. Barnum. They were captured in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 11, 1861
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PATRIOT & STATE GAZETTE

EMANCIPATION

The Boston Courier--The declaration of General Fremont, that he will make freemen of the slaves of those found with arms in their hands in Missouri, will prove, we fear, not only rash, but prejudicial to the Union cause. In point of fact, he can do no such thing, without entailing consequences of which he is not probably aware. The instructions of the War Department to Gen. Butler were much more judicious; indeed, directed the only proper course to be pursued in regard to fugitive slaves—that is, to employ them, and keep an account of their services, postponing to the future their eventual destination. Certainly, on the ground yet held by the Government, that this is a rebellion to be finally repressed, no other disposition of this matter could be made. If the rebellion is put down, many legal questions will arise, which it is not worth while to discuss now; but which can scarcely fail to involve the United States in a variety of claims and of conflicting rights, resulting from the somewhat anomalous question at issue.

But we have much more apprehension as to the effect of the proclamation of Gen. Fremont upon public sentiment in Missouri itself, in Kentucky, and in other States. The difficulty results as well from the language employed, as from the process itself. Men may do a great many things, which will either find their apology, or will be unnoticed, or will stir up a variety of opinions—while the same acts, defined in words, may leave no opportunity for more than one opinion about them, or may afford a powerful handle for mischief. In the present case, it is easy to see how it will be taken hold of by the seceders, and how they will be encouraged to do so by the emancipationists among ourselves. Already this class has seized upon it, and promulgated their praises of the proclamation. In our opinion, nothing could be more injudicious than the fact. It is really reviving a point which is at the bottom of the national troubles, but which had been practically put out of sight by the grand cause at stake for the nation. The country cannot be carried for emancipation. Congress and the Administration have both disavowed any such purpose. The army will not fight for it. Its introduction is the precursor of discord.

Emancipation is out of our power legally, morally and physically. But supposing we had both the right and the power, it is manifestly impossible, in any present aspect of the case. What could be done with the Negroes, if free? They could not live at the South, if free. Obvious reasons, resulting from the past and present relations if the two races, forbid it. There, their doom would be one too horrible to contemplate. Motives of policy have induced the free States of the Border to exclude free blacks from their territories by law. What could become of this vast multitude of helpless creatures? Would emancipation be a boon, or a terrible curse to them? Reason and common sense must answer which.

And although we are not ready to impute to Gen. Fremont, not fairly deducible from his language, we must say that this proclamation, in its terms, looks very much like an unauthorized act of his own—very likely to lead him into conflict with the administration, and possibly having a glance, near or remote, towards that military control of the Republic, which has been of all things most deprecated and dreaded. Externally, it has the appearance as if he might have conceived the idea that he was “the coming man”—in fact, “the man on horseback.” Nous verrons.1

But without enlarging at present, on this interesting topic, we think it must soon become apparent that Gen. Fremont had no authority for the form of that part of his proclamation upon which we have commented. The act of Congress, under which alone it could be warranted, provides for the confiscation of the property of the rebels, but not for making the slaves free. It may be claimed that liberation is the consequence of confiscation, in this case—which may or may not be, in point of law and of fact. But the operation of the act of Congress is only to divest the rebel owner of his property. As to anything else, we conceive the instructions of the War Department to have been right. The condition of the confiscated Negroes was to remain in abeyance. No warrant, therefore, seems to have existed for the declaration of Gen. Fremont, that he would make them free.

WAR MISCELLANY, &C.

Deplorable Condition of Affairs in Northern Missouri—The St. Louis Republican learns that a deplorable condition of affairs prevails all through Northern Missouri, and particularly along the line of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad. Since the battle of Springfield, the secessionists have become emboldened and increased the number of their outrages, and the Union men are getting to be greatly discouraged. They are subjected to all sorts of outrages, and if the present state of things continues much longer, the Union sentiment will be completely demoralized. A much larger military force is needed for the protection and support of the loyal inhabitants, and it seems that steps have been taken to meet this want. The St. Louis Democrat of the 3d inst. says:

“Gen. Pope left this city yesterday for Quincy, for the purpose of collecting a sufficient force to drive the thieves and marauders that now infest Northeast Missouri from our State. The troops destined for this work will be mainly drawn from Iowa and Missouri, with some regiments from Illinois.”

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Fort Lafayette Nearly Full—The new State prison, Fort Lafayette, is now nearly full of prisoners arrested by government on the charge of treason, and a new place of confinement will soon have to be selected. So strict are the orders of the government that not even the officers of the law are allowed to enter. They deliver up their prisoners to the officer of the adjoining fortress, Major Burke, which is upon the main land. He gives the officer a receipt, takes the prisoner and sends him by boat to the fortress, where he remains until the government sees fit to release or punish him.”

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Passports—The following is the new oath of allegiance, required by our Government from ALL applicants for United States passports:

Oath--I do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign, and that I will bear true faith, allegiance and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution or laws of any State Convention or Legislature to the contrary notwithstanding; and further, that I do this with a full determination, pledge and purpose, without any mental reservations or evasion whatsoever; and further, that I will well and faithfully perform all the duties which may be required of me by law. So help me God.

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It has been intimated, says the N.Y. Commercial Advertiser, that certain contractors and government agents have been and are still engaged in swindling the government by fraudulent goods, or receiving a bonus of the purchase of necessaries for the army and navy. “While we are engaged in a struggle for the existence of our nation, and penury and distress are staring one-half of our people in the face; while our troops are pouring out their heart’s blood to maintain the honor of our flag, the man who would be so base as to rob the government, would steal the coppers from his deceased mother’s eyes, and curse her because the coin was not golden.”

 

THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 12, 1861
THE BOSTON DAILY ADVERTISER

The English Cotton Supply—The London Times of August 28th prints in its city article a letter respecting the prospects of the cotton supply for the coming year. The Times calls attention to the  letter, in consonance with its present policy of encouraging all expedients for opening new fields for the cultivation of the great staple. The speculations of the writer are giv en as an offset to the more sombre views of others, to which they present a remarkable contrast.

This writer says that the alarmists overlooked the fact that for two years, at least, the production of cotton goods has outrun the consumption. The continent of Europe and the East are now glutted with English goods. Following the figures for Liverpool which are now sufficiently near the total for the United Kingdom, he finds that there is now on hand a stock of 950,000 bales of raw cotton, 680,000 being American. 300,000 bales of East India cotton are on the way, 200,000 more are expected before January 1, 1862, and judging from the last year in Egypt, Brazil and other countries will probably furnish 100,000 bales more. This makes 1,550,000 bales, or deducting 200,000 or so for export as last year, about 1,400,000 as the available supply for the rest of 1861.

This writer says that last year the English consumption of cotton was 3,550,000 bales, prices being moderate, supply enormous, and the market for yarns and goods more active. The consumption for the present year is apparently on the same scale, because many spinners have stocked themselves heavily—some even for the rest of the year. In fact, he estimates the actual consumption for 1861 to be 150,000 less than last year or 2,400,000 bales. The spinners have taken 1,550,000 bales and thus require 850,000 more. The supply just stated as available would give this and leave in hand on the 1st of January 550,000 bales. For the next year’s supply up to Oct. 1st, there is this surplus to begin with. The import of Barat cotton is estimated at 1,200,000 bales, “if any dependence is to be placed upon the statements of those who should best know the resources of the country.” The same stimulus is expected to raise the importation from other countries from 190,000 bales to 250,000, giving an aggregate of two million bales for the first nine months of 1862. Reducing this amount by 230,000 for exports, there is left enough to supply a consumption of 40,000 bales a week, the deliveries to spinners now being 43,774 and 47,508 in 1860—and yet leave a surplus of 200,000 bales on the 1st of October.

The writer closes his elaborate estimate with a sentence, which reflects what seems likely to become the prevailing turn of English thought upon this subject, and which should be like the hand-writing on the wall for the secessionists. His letter closes with the pregnant sentence, in reference to his close estimate for a stock of 200,000 bales remaining October 1, 1862—

“This is little enough and unless new sources of supply are opened, or the American difficulty settled, we should be merely postponing the evil day. But a year will be gained, and time is all that is wanted to supply ourselves from other sources than the Southern States. I therefore look forward with more cheerfulness to the future of the cotton trade, and believe that without any violent strain upon the industry and resources of Lancashire, we shall be enabled to break up the monopoly which the Southern States have so long enjoyed.”

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A Missouri paper recently informed its reader that the “wife crop of Gasconade county in 1860 was 25,000 gals.” The next paper corrected the error by putting “wine” in place of “wife.”

SKIRMISHES ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Cairo, Il., Sept. 10--The gunboats Conestoga and Lexington reconnoitered down the Mississippi river today. They encountered a battery of sixteen guns, at Lucas Bend, on the Mississippi shore, and two rebel gunboats. They silenced the rebel gunboats and disabled the rebel gunboat Yankee, and would have captured her had she not been supported near Columbus. One of our men, on the Conestoga, was slightly injured. The loss of the rebels is unknown.

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The Work Quietly Going On--A dispatch from Washington to the Philadelphia Press declares that “if reporters were permitted to publish the arrivals of troops and military movements now transpiring here, the country would be electrified.” But everything is now done quietly, and even the parades and music on the avenue are avoided the troops marching from the railway station at once to Gen. McClellan’s office, and without music. In spite of the large arrivals not a citizen is disturbed, and few are aware of what is going on.

This hint confirms others which now come frequently and in various ways, all tending to show that our government is concentrating forces to an extent of which the public has little conception. Various estimates are thrown out as to the number of men now upon our side of the Potomac, but we are satisfied that the best calculation is as likely to be 50,000 out of the way as to be right. The work is now done with such judicious quiet that the “best informed” outside of the select circle of the government confidence is simply ignorant on this subject, and the real number of men now within our lines is quite likely to excel the highest number estimated.

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An anchor dragging expedition, consisting of two schooners and two sloops, all of Yarmouth, Mass., arrived at Newport on Tuesday from a cruise in the waters of Vineyard Sound, Edgartown, &c. They have met with good success, having secured quite a number of anchors, varying from 500 to 1000 lbs. in weight. They are on their way to New York to dispose of them. Most of the anchors are in good condition.

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Orders have been received to remove Marshal Kane from Fort McHenry to Fort Lafayette. John W. Anderson, a traitor from Providence, was sent to Fort Lafayette yesterday. A rebel agent named Milner was arrested in New York on Thursday while about communicating the purchase of a machine for rifling cannon. Thirty thousand dollars was also seized.

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A Virginia correspondent of the New Orleans Delta, describing an ambush in which a regiment of insurgents recently killed several Union men who were rowing a boat on the Potomac, says—

“Thus was Lincoln bereft of one officer and six men of the rascally Vandals whom he has sent to annoy and devastate this peaceful country, and murder a people who have never wronged him or them. I know that such mode of killing enemies is not regarded as consistent with the laws of civilized war; but it is the very best, the most effective mode of disposing of a ruthless barbarian invader like the Yankee.”

 

FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 13, 1861
THE BARRE (VT) GAZETTE

WORCESTER COUNTY INTELLIGENCE
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CARD FROM MESSRS. KIMBALL & ROBINSON
Brookfield, Mass., Sept 10, 1861.

To the Editor of the Worcester Spy—Gentlemen: Our attention has been recently called in so many ways to the false impressions produced by the calumnies against our firm, which have been alluded to within a few days in the columns of your paper, that we deem it proper to make a statement that will put at rest forever the slanderous rumors that we have, either directly or indirectly, sold army shoes, or any other kind, to the rebellious states, since the present war began. We do make army shoes, at the rate of nearly one thousand pairs daily, which we know to be of superior quality, and we have sold them to be used by the loyal troops of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and New York. We have also sold them to Major McKinstry, assistant quartermaster of the United States army at St. Louis, and we have sent other large quantities to Josiah Green & Co., of Spencer in this county and of St. Louis, by whom they have been furnished to the army under Gen. Fremont, and we have received treasury notes in part payment. These are the parties who have received the products of our factory, and never has a single shoe been sold to any which we have reason to believe has been or is ever likely to be worn on a rebel foot. We obey the laws and support the government of our country, and would sooner see our property destroyed and our business ruined, than in any, the slightest degree, give aid or comfort to the enemies of the Union.

Kimball & Robinson

More Expeditions—The Washington correspondent of the N. Y.  Times says:

“The Government will shortly put afloat two more expeditions, destined to land upon the coast of the rebel States. Their exact destination is not generally known, but I shall not be surprised if one lands upon the inviting shores of South Carolina, and the other may possibly find manifest destiny drawing it toward the harbor of Brunswick, Georgia.”

Washington, Sept. 10—Great activity prevails in all the departments of the navy; 1675 men are employed, many of them night and day. Shot and shell in immense quantities are forwarded continuously to the proper points, and the manufacturing of Dahlgren rifled cannon continues without intermission. A howitzer drill is conducted under experienced officers, and the seamen have acquired great proficiency.”

The New York Commercial remarks:

“That there is an expedition about being fitted out at this port, destined or some special purpose, there can be no doubt. Every day this fact becomes more palpable. Troops are concentrating here, and ships are being fitted out with special reference to some unusual movement.”

Disaster on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad—Hudson, Mo., Sept. 6: The following account of the terrible disaster on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad is furnished [by] the St. Louis Republican:

The catastrophe occurred at Little Platte river bridge, nine miles east of St. Joseph. The timbers of the bridge had been burned under the track until they would sustain little more than their own weight, when the fire was extinguished, leaving the bridge a mere skeleton. The train had from 90 to 100 passengers, including women and children.

The locomotive had not more than measured its length on the bridge when about forty feet gave way, precipitating the entire train into the abyss below, carrying the passengers with it in a promiscuous heap, and burying them beneath the crushed timbers. Only three persons were able to afford assistance to the suffering, the remainder, who were not killed outright, being so disabled as to be helpless.

A train with physicians was soon sent to the wreck. Seventeen dead bodies were recovered, and it is believed that this number embraced all who were killed up to that time. Two were so badly mangled that it was not expected they would survive until morning. Many others were dangerously wounded.

Fifteen miles east of Platte river, Mr. Hager found another bridge over Smith's branch almost entirely burned, having been fired after the train passed.

The Rhinoceros Captured—Dan Rice’s rhinoceros, which got overboard while being brought to this city two weeks ago, was captured last night after a fearful struggle , and is now securely chained in this city, waiting the making of the new cage and wagon at the shop of R. C. Tilt. It came out of the water yesterday about five o’clock, and with careful step walked into Munger’s cornfield, filled his capacious belly with corn, and on the way back, got into the chain trap which had been set by Messrs. Potter, Wrightson, Munger and Col. Preston, the agent of Mr. Rice, catching both fore feet securely fast. A rope was thrown around his neck, and by severe choking the monster was subdued and blindfolded, when it at once gave up, and was led like a calf to this city, and caged for the time in Davis’s stone stable. Col. Preston compensated each of the men who helped in his successful capture with two hundred dollars, and gave young Eggleston, who was hurt on Sunday last, a thousand dollars in full of all damages, besides paying the bill of Dr. Cameron. The monster will be taken to Milwaukee as soon as the cage can be finished, which will be by Tuesday next. –La Cross (Wis.) Democrat, August 31.

A Rebel Regiment RevoltsBaltimore, Sept. 10—A letter to the American from a citizen of Leesburg, says that a whole Mississippi regiment stationed there revolted on Saturday, broke their muskets to pieces, and started for home. This intelligence is from a responsible and reliable man, who has furnished the American regularly with correct information from that vicinity. He adds in a note, “this is reliable.”

SATURDAY
 
SEPTEMBER 14, 1861
THE PORTLAND (ME) DAILY ADVERTISER

FROM SECESSIONDOM

We have had the pleasure of conversing at length with a very intelligent gentleman who has just returned to his eastern home, after an absence of eight years in Florida. He succeeded in reaching the free States by means of a passport certifying to his loyalty, and signed by that very member of the Vigilance Committee who warned him to leave on account of his suspected sympathy with the loyal cause.

According to our informant the entire coast of Florida is very weakly defended by the Confederates, and at numerous points is entirely open to attacks from the sea. That State has sent one regiment, composed mostly of “crackers” or poor whites, to the seat of war, and this single effort has proved a severe draught upon her resources. The poor whites engaged in the war for the pay and rations, they know little and care less about its causes or the principles involved; they are equally ignorant as the slaves, and occupy quite as degraded a social position. For many years no such things as freedom of speech or of the press have been known; no system of cheap and general education prevails, and consequently the most grovelling ignorance is the distinguishing characteristic of the masses of people, who are so little acquainted with their own interests, or their own power, that they never, by any chance, find themselves represented in the legislature of the State or Nation. The civil war is the creature of the slaveholders, who are in favor of of secession and Southern independence for its own sake. Our informant says, he has never heard an intelligent secessionist argue that the revolt was organized in consequence of any interference with the rights of slavery under the Constitution. On the other hand they argue for independence, that they may adopt another and a different Constitution, better adapted to the institution of slavery, and to the security of the rights and privileges of the dominant class.

At the time of the secession of South Carolina, there were many outspoken Union men in Florida, but they were discouraged by the treasonable activity of the Administration, and at length the reign of terror effectually checked all utterances of Union sentiments. The Union party will revive in the event of a successful inroad being made by a Federal army upon the territory of the State. Great fears are entertained by the rebels that the Government will emancipate the slaves, and our informant is of the opinion that general emancipation of the slaves of the rebels will be one of the results of the war, which will necessarily follow the march of the armies, he thinks that the slaves having a deep personal interest in the result of the contest, are better informed as to its character than the poor whites about them, and that they might be mustered into regiments and made very serviceable as Federal soldiers; he very aptly quoted the note of Gen. Jackson at New Orleans in support of this theory. Our friend, so far from deprecating the proclamation of Gen. Fremont, considered it one of the strongest blows yet struck for the Union, and thinks that the duty of the Government is to take advantage of every weakness of the enemy, and especially of slavery, which is the greatest weakness of all.

As to the general issue of the contest, that depends upon the liberality and patriotism of the North exclusively. If the loyal States do not become niggardly of their treasures and backward about filling up the ranks of their armies, they must succeed in the end. Whether that end shall be reached in one year or in five, rests with the North. The movements of the Confederates are already crippled for want o the sinews of Government as well as of war; their finance is a sort of from hand-to-mouth system of temporary expedients, having no solid basis is any regular system of revenues. Provisions will be moderately plentiful during the coming winter; corn and beef have been produced in increased quantities; pork will be scarce, the South being cut off from the markets of the Northwest and being obliged to depend almost entirely upon Tennessee.

Throughout the revolted States, outside appearances would indicate almost entire unanimity of feeling in favor of secession; these appearances are deceitful, and owe their existence more to the influence of the reign of terror than to the real sentiments of the people.

We have given but a portion of the substance of the conversation referred to, and this without comment. We shall endeavor to prevail upon our friend to give to the public a record of his own experience, with his own observations, satisfied that such a record would be of great benefit to the public.

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A CASE FOR ANTI-WAR MEN

The situation of affairs in Kentucky must present a problem of difficult solution to those who profess to be opposed to the war except for the purpose of defending the seat of Government.

Kentucky, a State in the Union, which has lately rejected all the temptations offered by the Southern Confederacy, by a majority of 60,000 of her citizens, finds her soil invaded by Confederate troops and strong positions seized and fortified by them. She is also aware that  conspiracies exist within her borders, the object of which is to force Kentucky out of the Union against her express will and desire.

Let us ask the anti-war men this question. Should the United States Government drive the Confederate troops from the soil of Kentucky? This would seem to be a very simple question, and to be susceptible to a very simple affirmative answer. But, to say that the Government ought to rescue Kentucky from the perils which now surround her, is to admit the entire justice of the war in every Southern State, for, the single Union man in New Orleans, or the twenty thousand Union men  in Louisiana, have just as perfect a claim upon the Government for protection and the security of their rights under the Constitution and within the Union, as the three-fourths of the people of Kentucky who have just spoken at the ballot box.

Just previously to our late election we heard much said against a war of invasion. Let us ask our anti-war men whether in their estimation, the driving of Gen. Polk and his horde of Confederate troops from Chalk Bluffs and Hickman, in Kentucky, would be a war of invasion, such as they would oppose?

Events are making platforms for men faster than they can be made by resolutions and conventions. In less than one week, every man who raises his voice against answering with armies, the cries for help that come to us from Kentucky will be regarded as a white-livered coward, a  disloyal citizen, a secessionist at heart, and he will be officiously crushed beneath the weight of popular contempt. The crisis which has been reached in Kentucky will effectually burst the bubble of the Peace Party. Her cause is so manifestly just, the duty of intervention on the part of Government is so perfectly clear, that no man can stand up before the people and be heard in an argument against invasion. The Copperheads of Maine, the White feather party of the Middle States, have exposed the wickedness of their intentions, and the folly of their arguments. They have done all the harm they will do we trust. Circumstances have been more powerful than ballots to crush them and their organizations.

 

 

1 Literally, "We will see . . ." 

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