SUNDAY
OCTOBER 20, 1861
THE DAILY TRUE DELTA (LA)

A Singular Prophet—We find the following account of a most singular prophecy in a late issue of the Mobile Tribune:

Michael Nostradamus was a physician of Provence, France, known as an astrologer, in the time of Catherine de Medici. He composed “Seven Centuries of Prophecies” in enigmatical rhymes, some of which are admitted to have been most exactly fulfilled. Among others, his prophecy (one hundred years before its occurrence) of the execution of Charles I, of England; and, still more surprising, of the exact date of the French republic, in 1792. He died A.D. 1565. (Cyclop. of Biography.)

The following is translated from the Courrier des Etate Unis of the 29^th ult.:

“Although many of the predictions made by Nostradamus (especially those concerning the deaths of Henry IV and Louis XVI of France) have been completely verified, they are generally discredited in our times. But in the Prophetice et Vaticiations, of that great man, vol. 2d, (edition of 1509,) we find the following, which would seem to deserve attention:

“About that time (1861) a great quarrel and contest will arise in a country beyond the seas (America). Many poor devils will be hung, and many poor wretches killed by a punishment other than a cord. Upon my faith you may believe me. The war will not cease for four years, at which noine should be astonished or surprised, for there will be no want of hatred and obstinacy in it. At the end of that time, prostrate and almost ruined, the people will embrace each other in great joy and love.”

The period of four years, it will be observed, comprises the exact term of Lincoln’s administration. At the close, a new era, it seems, will commence, of harmony and peace. Well, if we are to go through this fiery ordeal we must make up our minds to bear up manfully through the conflict, and acquit ourselves like men. The more signally the Hessians are thrashed and humbled by our arms, with greater joy and love will they embrace us when the quarrel and contest have ceased.

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The “Hells” of Richmond—The city of Richmond is full of the vilest licentiousness. Among all the loathsome vices imported into it by the harpies who prey upon the army, that of gambling has become so prominent and brazen as to defy public decency as well as law, intruding its allurements on the most frequented parts of our most public streets. This infection . . . and abuse of the public decency appears to be easily winked at in the license and corruption of the times, to which an inefficient police does all in its power to contribute. The painted dens of San Francisco and “hells” of the old Federal city were not a whit more diabolical than the “saloons” on Main street, Richmond. These resorts are presided over by elegant gambling adventurers, who may be seen any day on our street corners, in the dainty affectation of semi-military costume, staring ladies out of countenance, or enticing young men into their company. There is said to be now in this city a sufficient number of gamblers to form a regiment. It would be an excellent idea to impress these “soldiers of fortune,” giving them the alternative of the war or the penitentiary.

The Duration of the War—The Albany (Ga.) Patriot, in a late article, thus warns the southern people in regard to the final end of the war. It says:

The south has reason to congratulate our army in their repeated success. Our cause is the cause of liberty and truth, and must finally triumph. Let us not deceive ourselves, however, as to its final end. From the present tone and sentiment of the north, we do not believe it will close short of five years—it may last ten. It is therefore “prudent to be wise.” We should “put our houses in order,” and study economy. Should Lincoln follow the precedent advocated by some for a third term, he will have served at its expiration twelve years, and during that period of time we can have but little hope for peace. We may sneer at the financial condition of the north; we may plead in defense for peace the starving condition of their power; yet Lincoln and his cabinet with these pictures presented before them, are united in their firm determination to prosecute the war to the hilt and to the very last extremity.

Lincoln, his cabinet and his party have taken a solemn oath, and pray to God that the war may continue until the people of the south are swept from the earth. With their oath sealed, their prayers to Heaven, and regardless of a time-honored precedent for two terms, a deviation from which may retain him in office for the next twelve or twenty years. We can have no reasonable assurance but that the war will continue that full length of time. The signs of the time may change, and the dark clouds may disappear, but at present each day that passes shows them to be more daring and determined.

Let us then be prepared to meet them face to face, and when the end comes, we will ever have a noble triumph, a glorious country, and an honored people.

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Arrival of Yankee Zouaves—Twelve Yankee prisoners, members of the 11^th New York (Zouave) regiment, were yesterday brought to this city, by the York River railroad, from the Peninsula. They were captured on Saturday last, while on a foraging expeditions. The prisoners, who are said to belong to Ellsworth’s Zouaves, are, perhaps, the most villainous and rascally looking soldiers ever offered as food for gunpowder. They were properly secured.

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Manufacture of Small Arms—The Richmond papers state that the manufacture of small arms will soon be commenced at the arsenal at Fayetteville, in North Carolina. The armory buildings at Fayetteville are also to be enlarged to them commodious enough for the reception of all the machinery and to add to tehm a rifle factory. A large force is now engaged in altering old flintlock guns to percussion, making very efficient weapons. Some of Hall’s breech-loading rifles have been altered to carbines. They are said to make an excellent gun for cavalry service.

MONDAY
OCTOBER 21, 1861
THE ST. ALBANS (VT) DAILY MESSENGER

FROM MONTPELIER

Montpelier, Oct. 19—The Committee on Education reported adversely to the passage of the bill providing for the entire support of schools on the Grand List.

Mr. Pingrey argued in its favor—thought the present law, inasmuch as it allowed the wood and board to be raised upon the scholar, operated in many instances to deprive the children of poor parents of a chance to obtain an education.

Mr. Ranney said the committee did not intend to report any opinion as to the abstract principle involved in the bill, but thought it expedient to pass the bill at this time, and especially in view of the fact that our school law was in its infancy, and we are trying to nourish it so as to keep it alive. The bill was laid on the table.

A bill providing that the homestead should be subject to attachment and levy of execution for the expenses of building division fences, was taken up.

Mr. Reynolds contested that this bill strikes at the principle embodied in the homestead law, the design of which was to protect the weak against the strong. Pass this bill and the poor widow with a large family of children, who is unable to fence her homestead, may have it attached and taken away from her.

Mr. Noyes desired consistent legislation. Why is a debt for building a fence better than any other debt? Why should the boards which keep out the storm and cold be exempt from attachment, and the boards in a fence be subject to it? He disliked that kind of legislation which sets a trap for one particular man, in hopes he may put his foot in it. He supposed that there must be a case at the bottom of this bill.

Mr. Pingrey admitted that there was a “case,” and stated what it was. He supposed many defects in law were discovered by finding cases for which the law made no adequate provision. He liked the homestead law, did not think this bill would work any injustice as had been apprehended.

Mr. Gardner said it never occurred to him before that the law exempted a man’s homestead from attachment, and compelled his neighbor to fence it. His property should sustain the same relation towards the community that is sustained by the property of others.

The bill was advocated and opposed by others upon substantially the same grounds, and passed the House by 135 yeas to 38 nays.

Mr. Baker’s bill to prohibit certain enlistments, spoken of yesterday, passed the House with but one dissenting voice.

Mr. Morgan introduced a bill annexing part of Elmore to Morristown. As this measure has followed the Legislature for years, it may be called “standing matter.” I don’t think the House will spend much time upon it.

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Syracuse, Oct. 20^th—It is reported that Brigadier General Wyman left Rolla several days sine with about 2500 men, and has arrived at Lynn Creek, where he dispersed a body of rebels, killing a considerable number, taking over 200 prisoners and capturing 18 loads of goods belonging to McClurgh & Co., whom the rebels had robbed.

INTERFERENCE OF EUROPEAN POWERS

Gen. Butler, in his speech at Montpelier the other day, said, “What if England, what if the European powers, should interfere and recognize the Confederacy? Being myself a citizen of the United States, I can give answer: God help the people of the South, if England or any other foreign nation does interfere! We are now carrying on war against them, as if they were brothers. When they bring any foreign power into the war, they would make themselves, what it would almost seem they wish to be—foreign enemies. But when the freemen of the North are called upon to fight against foreign enemies, we will arm every man upon the continent, be he black, white or gray.”

As the war progresses the feeling in England undergoes a great change. Even Russell, of the London Times, who a few months ago doubted the power of the North to put down the rebellion, is now of the opinion that the South will be obliged to yield in the end. Notwithstanding the strong sympathy expressed for the South by some of the English papers, we believe the people freely sympathize with the North.

We do not believe England or any other foreign power will interfere with our troubles, much less that they will aid the rebels. If so, it would be the dearest aid that the South could procure.

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Death of Elias Blair—Elias Blair, Esq., died at Fletcher, on the 15^th inst., aged 85 years. Mr. Blair was one of the earliest citizens of Fletcher. He took up a new farm in the town 65 years ago, on which he continued to live until the day of his death. His fixed habits of industry and prudence secured for him prosperity and influence. He possessed a mind of great clearness, and a judgment of remarkable correctness. He enjoyed the official honors of his town in a large degree, having been chosen representative to the State Legislature from time to time and having discharged the duties of town clerk and selectman for a long succession of years, with credit and fidelity.

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It is estimated that the war is costing the Government one million and half of dollars per day.

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Tons of powder and thousands of shells, canister, &c., are sent to Fort Monroe weekly. Refugees from Norfolk, Va., who have recently arrived at Fortress Monroe, state that active measures are being taken to make a combined attack on the Fortress both by land and water. The refugees say that the condition of things in the rebel army is daily growing worse, and that, although they may not attack the federal main lines, they will make some bold strokes in other quarters.

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In the Rebel Army—Alvin Graham, formerly of Springfield, Vt., is a Captain in the Rebel Army. Whether from choice or not is not stated.

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The whole number of West Point graduates from 1802 to 1860 was less than two thousand.

TUESDAY
OCTOBER 22, 1861
PORTLAND (ME) DAILY ADVERTISER

WAR DUTIES OF WOMEN

It is important that the women of America should understand that the War Department has edit made a demand for their services. Their aid is summoned in the defense of their country. They have, indeed, already given their sons, their brothers, and their friends in the ranks of the national army; and it may be asked, can they bestow much more? It seems there is yet one important duty they may perform—to furnish with needful comforts those who may have surrendered to their country’s call. The secretary of war has supplied them with arms, tents, and uniforms, but none of these are a protection against the pinching cold of the coming winter. The after-horrors of the battle-field, too, have yet to come when tens of thousands of the gallant sons of the North may crowd the comfortless hospitals of war. The question that we conceive to be now put before our country women is, whether their sons, their brothers, and their countrymen shall into our exposure in the cold, the winds, and the rain, or the pains of disease and of wounds, without the comforts necessary to alleviate their condition. The gathering together of 260,000 men in a few short weeks has created a demand for camp and hospital comforts beyond what our manufacturers can at once provide, and if the soldiers of the Union are to be supplied with certain of the necessaries of comfort and health, there is no resource but to make a draft upon the homes of the nation. What the stores cannot furnish the wardrobes must. What the looms and the workshops cannot supply must be forthcoming from the industry and the generosity of the domestic circle. We can conceive of no appeal speaking more directly to the noblest sympathies of womanhood. An opportunity is given to the daughters of America for expressing their appreciation of the chivalry of their defenders. Their contribution of a few blankets or sheets from their surplus stock will at the same time show their devotion to the cause of freedom and cheer the noble fellows who have volunteered for its preservation. The articles specified as most wanted in the camps and hospitals are blankets, sheets, and socks. Unless these are supplied from private sources there is reason to fear that the troops may suffer from their want, as it will be impossible, in the short time afforded, for government to secure them from ordinary sources.

There can be no doubt that contributions of this sort will be forthcoming in the amplest abundance. But the great desideratum is that they should be forwarded without delay. It would be serviceable, for expediting the matter, that ladies’ associations should be formed at once for collecting contributions and forwarding them to the proper authorities. There are thousands of noble-hearted women who may be prevented from tendering their gifts simply through ignorance of the medium through which to forward them. The formation of district associations would speedily accumulate all the supplies that the army needs, while it would excite the patriotic sympathy through all the homes of the North. 

Lake Sailors—The extraordinary pressure of business upon the lakes ad the high rates of freight have had a “striking” effect upon the seamen in that trade. Large gangs of them have been parading the streets of Chicago, and driving from the wharves all who were inclined to ship at the customary rates. The price demanded is two dollars a day, not requiring “roast beef,” however, and the strike somewhat delayed the shipping at a time when every hour, with such high freights, counts out of the pockets of the owners or shippers.

The close of the lake trade will throw a large number of seamen from the lakes into the national navy. Some of “the boys” from the lakes may be found in all the armed vessels fitted out at New York. They were enlisted westward for only one year instead of the usual term of three years, and are said to be generally of a far better class than the seamen commonly enlisted in Atlantic ports.

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The Armies of Europe—The army of Austria consists of a grand total of 788,344 men and 1,088 guns; that of Prussia contains 719,092 men and 1,444 guns; the army of Russia about 860,000 men and 1,100 guns; the army of France 6226,482 men; and that of Great Britain, in all parts of the world, 534,537 men.

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Chicago Tribune--The problem how to effect an exchange of prisoners without a virtual recognition of the Confederacy as a belligerent power, it seems to be in a fair way to solution. The Richmond Junta having returned to Fortress Monroe, under a flag of truce, fifty-seven of our worst wounded at Bull Run—hard cases that they did not care to treat—our Government seizes the opportunity to let loose and equaled number of their prisoners. It was hardly a fair swap, this exchange of well man (or nearly so) for cripples, but it settles a point; and there will probably be no hindrance to further acts of “comity” on both sides, until each shall have received its own. The rebs have not attempted to conceal their desire for some arrangement of this sort, less, probably, for the recognition it involved, (which is a humbug,) than to be relieved of a serious burden. We have never regarded the objections of our Government as at all important. But now that a back door has been opened, let us hope that the prisoners on both sides will be permitted to pass through. The settlement is what would be called in governmental parlance, “honorable to both parties.”

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The Case of Capt. Gordon—The trial of Nathaniel Gordon, captain of the slave brig Erie, commenced in the Circuit Court of the United States, at New York, yesterday, Judges Betts and Shipman presiding. District Attorney Smith has prepared the case with great care, and is confident that if the prisoner escapes, it will be through no loop-hole afforded by the prosecuting officer of the government. Gordon is a native of Portland, and the fact of his engagement in the slave trade is undeniable.

WEDNESDAY
OCTOBER 23, 1861
NEW HAMPSHIRE PATRIOT & STATE GAZETTE

DRAFTING

Louisville (Ky.) Democrat—We think it very likely that the government will have to resort to drafting in New York, Pennsylvania and the New England States; and we are in favor of drafting all the Republicans, and especially the Abolitionists, who had been so loud-mouthed in reference to conducting the war, and yet have hung back, like whipped spaniels, when called on to back up their protestations.

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A Free Press—We commend to all men who have the future as well as the present welfare of the country at at heart these editorial words from the Boston Courier: “Stewart’s remark, that a free press is, or maybe, important as an antagonist’s power to the influence of popular eloquence, is sagacious and novel; and if it be true, it is in times like these, when the liberty of the press is really most assailed, that it ought to be no zealously defended and protected, at all hazards, by thoughtful and patriotic command. Good to writers are not always, by any means, good speakers; and good or writers are more likely to take dispassionate reviews of things than men who have exclusively cultivated their powers of speech. When the newspapers of the country become the mere passive instruments to register and the decrees of a majority—inflamed to madness by poisonous eloquence—it will be a day as disastrous to American Liberty as was that of Chæronea to Grecian.”

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Singular Financial Trouble—There is a singular report of some financial troubles of a very remarkable sort among the Southern merchants. When they seceded and repudiated, they expected to keep all that they did not pay to Northern creditors. To their astonishment and consternation, they are now put upon oath, required to disclose what they owe at the North, and to pay the amount over to the rebel treasury under the “sequestration” act. They bargained for private emolument, not for public gains, and this demand drives them into close quarters.

And it served them right. If we had means of communication with the rebel authorities, we would point out to them a score of two-penny knaves who have refused to pay their indebtedness for the Patriot, on the ground that if they paid us the money it would go to aid in the prosecution of the war. Such small-potato swindlers ought not to be allowed to pocket their petty stealings.

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Something That We Don’t Like—We don’t like to hear it charged that everybody who voted against the Union ticket is not loyal to the Government. First, because it is not true, and, second, this kind of talk, from the professed friends of the Government, puts hope in the rebels that the disloyal element, so charged, in the North, will more than sympathize with them after a time—in fact, encourages them to hold out. We think these charges ought to cease. There is a way of arousing patriotism of the people at the North, if it is in any way dormant, without such a course.

The above sensible and manly paragraph is from an Ohio republican paper. Nothing is  so base, and at the same time so impolitic, as to charge Democrats with being peace-men, and Secessionists! And the people of Pennsylvania, or the 150,000 Democrats of Ohio, traitors or sympathizers with secession? They are knaves who say it; and their knavery does more harm to the Union cause than aught else!

“Ran the Blockade”—It seems to be a pretty easy thing to “run the blockade,” of the principle Southern ports. The latest important case is that of the steamer Nashville, a 1200 ton the privateer, which were and the blockade of Charleston, having on board the late Senators Mason and Slidell, who go out and as Ministers from the rebel government to England and France. The Nashville is one of the fastest steamers afloat, and is commanded by Lieut. Robert. B. Pegram, late of the U. S. Navy. Two or three days after she had escaped, our government sent a gun-boat in pursuit of her! 

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Significant—The Hartford Times states that resolutions sustaining the President and the Government in the constitutional stand taken against the mad schemes of the abolitionists for the conversion of the war into a crusade against slavery, were Tuesday (Oct. 15^th, 1861,) in effect, voted down by the republican majority in the Connecticut House of Representatives. After unsuccessful motions from the leading republicans of that body to kill the resolutions outright, by indefinitely postponing them, they were finally tabled, by a vote of 113 to 70.

It was a straight party vote. The Democrats voted No, the republicans voted Yes. Among the latter there were only found four, out of a total of nearly 160, to vote for sustaining the Government, and against abolitionism.

It is a strange spectacle, adds the times, and one of the many singular results developed by the existing state of public affairs in this country, that the action of the President in sustaining the Constitution and Laws, is repudiate it by his own party in a Connecticut Legislature; while his position, so far as he abides by the Constitution and the Union, is sustained by the Democrats, in opposition to the Republicans.

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Gov. Berry of New Hampshire has received word from the Secretary of War that no more horses or wagons will be wanted, as the Government has now an abundant supply.

The reason given why no more horses and wagons are wanted, is not the true one. The truth is, the contractors, speculators, plunderers and thieves who swarm in Washington want the “job” of furnishing horses and wagons; and the Secretary of War being in their interest and in fact one of them, has resolved to gratify them. They horses and wagons they furnish will be dear ones, we predict. For example, one of them purchased a horse for $15, and charged Government $95, we learn from an exchange; and the wagons they supply will not hold themselves together, probably.

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Handsome Hogs—Mr. Sawyer, at the Eagle Hotel stables, has five of the best looking and well-conditioned hogs we have seen for a long time. They were a year old last spring, and will now wave from five to six hundred, probably. They are the oldest of a family of thirty-two. 

THURSDAY
OCTOBER 24, 1861
THE BOSTON DAILY ADVERTISER

GOODS ORDERED FROM EUROPE BY GOVERNMENT

We understand from an entirely authentic source, that immediately after it was known that the government had dispatched an agent to England to purchase closed for the army, the Board of Trade took the matter into consideration, and as in their judgment the effect would be very injurious, they appointed a committee to confer with the War Department either personally or in writing.  This committee true up a memorial setting forth the great evils likely to result from such a course, and clearly showing that before supplies could be obtained from abroad our own manufacturers could furnish cloth sufficient to close at least four hundred thousand troops, and that they could repeat this every six weeks afterwards.  The committee immediately telegraphed the Department, requesting a suspension of orders, and then sent on their memorial by a gentleman well versed in the capacity of our woolen mills, and who could explain the whole matter.  They also informed the Department that large quantities of goods were already manufactured and on hand, waiting for the government to receive them; and also others which are ready for delivery when the government had paid for previous contracts.

The Committee received a telegram from General Meigs stating that the Secretary of War was absent, that they had only ordered supplies for the immediate necessity of the troops, and that it was intended to have the goods made up here, and that the Department and his own Bureau or altogether in favor of using home manufactures.

Today the Committee have received information from their agent that he had had an interview with Gen. Meigs, which was quite satisfactory, except that he could not be induced to countermand the order, but stated that the quantity ordered (1,200,000 yards) should be held by the government merely as a reserve, provided that are owned manufacturers could supply the actual demand.

There appears to be gross mismanagement somewhere.  Large quantities of goods are already on hand, and others to a large amount have been delivered, and those who have furnished them cannot get their pay, and yet the troops are suffering for want of clothing.  It is to be hoped that the subordinate agents of the Government will be sharply looked after, and the abuses be reformed at once and forever, and that the government will not seek to supply the deficiencies of their own agents by importations from Europe, to the great detriment of our own people, the ultimate injury to the government itself, and the great chagrin of all patriotic citizens.

Traps to be Guarded Against--A person lately arrived from the South warns the Louisville Journal thus--great preparations are in progress in North Carolina to resist the contemplated Federal invasion.  It is said to be designed to impress the government at Washington with the idea that the Federal troops can make an easy conquest of North Carolina; to inveigle them a considerable distance inland, and, at the proper time, to pounce upon and annihilate them.  They flatter themselves that they have all the preparation made necessary " to entrap the Federals"; but they will probably find that their method of tactics has been studied by our officers to some advantage.

Economy and a Small Imports--In their circular for yesterday's steamer Messrs. Samuel Hallett & Co,.  It gave our European friends some more sound doctrine on the financial strength of the North.  They anticipate great economy in the consumption of foreign articles of luxury, and the dependence mainly upon domestic manufactures, a high tariff aiding in accomplishing this result.  The imports at New York since July had been only at the rate of $75,000,000, instead of a $240,000,000, as formally.  Should the rebellion be so far crushed as to bring out the cotton crop, beginning with the first of the year, the exports of domestic produce for 1862 will exceed our imports of foreign merchandise by at least $150,000,000, to be paid for in gold!  Should the crop failed to come forward, it is hardly possible to estimate the loss and suffering that would be caused in foreign countries, or the consequences to which it might lead, while, if the crop should be relieved, the enormous amount of gold required to pay for the crop " would probably create a disturbance in commercial circles abroad fully equal to the disturbing cause, which has a magnitude on equaled in commercial experience.  We have passed through the crisis in this country, and have emerged on firm ground.  Which ever alternative may happen, we shall be ready for it and low profit by it."

THE QUAKERS SUPPORTING THE WAR

The Quakers who live on the Maryland western shore and in the neighboring parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, have just had their yearly meeting, and have adopted an address giving to the members of the society the following hold some advice:

" in the present condition of civil society government is indispensable for the security of life and the preservation of property, and, therefore, all who enjoy the benefits of government should contribute to defray the expenses of its administration, the ocean of conducted in such way as those selected for that responsible duty shall think it right and proper to administer it.  If every one were to contribute to the expense of those acts only which he approves, the government could not be maintained, and anarchy and confusion, with all their hurtful consequences, must necessarily ensue.  There would be a great difficulty, too, if not an impossibility, in consistently making the refusal, inasmuch as duties on many articles in use are laid for precisely the same object.  The true position of Friends in the civil community is, to be quiet, peaceable citizens, cheerfully obey all laws with which they can conscientiously comply; and as they are found to do this, greater respect will be paid to their scruples for noncompliance with those laws which they cannot obey, and against which the rounds of their testimony can be made more obviously manifest."

This excellent resolution, not to fight, but to pay the war taxes, reminds the New York Evening Post of a story: " friend!" said a Quaker, addressing an individual who had insulted him, " my belief forbids my striking a thee, but it does not prevent my shaking thee!"--whereupon the vigorous Friend and minister to shake that set the culprit's teeth chattering.

FRIDAY
OCTOBER 25, 1861
THE CALEDONIAN (VT)

A FEDERAL VICTORY IN MISSOURI

The following is the official dispatch in the St. Louis Republican:

“From reliable parties who witnessed he fight at Fredericktown on Monday, I gather the following particulars. Col. Carlin, with parts of the 21st, 33d, and 38th Illinois, 8th Wisconsin Regiments, Col. Baker’s Indiana cavalry and Major Scofield’s battery, reached Fredericktown at 9 o’clock in the morning, and at 1 p.m. were joined by the 11th, 17th and 20th Illinois regiments, and 400 cavalry from Cape Girardeau. They then advanced in pursuit of the rebels under Jeff Thompson and Col. Lowe, who had left the place 24 hours before and were expected to be rapidly retreating south. But a mile from the city they discovered the entire force of the enemy drawn up in line of battle, partly posted in an open field and partly in an adjacent woods, with four iron 18 pounders well planted in their front. Major Scofield immediately opened fire, and at the 4^th round silenced one of the rebel guns. The engagement then became general and lasted about two hours, bt after the first half hour the rebels left the field in disorder and took to the woods closely followed by both our infantry and cavalry. Before leaving he field, the rebel Colonel Lowe was shot in the head and instantly killed. Major Gavitt received five bullets while leading a charge 300 yards in advance of his command. Capt. Higman fell in the same charge.

“Our loss is reported to be five killed, five mortally wounded, and twenty slightly. The enemy’s loss is not ascertained, but it is supposed to be considerable. At the last accounts the rebels were in full retreat with their baggage train, and our troops were in pursuit.

“Two rebel surgeons came into Fredericktown for Col. Lowe’s body. They acknowledged a loss of over 20 killed and wounded, but it must have been larger, as 25 dead bodies were counted in one stubble field. Their cannon were badly managed. Jeff Thompson got information of our movements by capturing a bearer of dispatches from Colonel Plummer to Caslin.”

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A New Want--It will be seen by a letter from the 3d regiment, which we publish upon our first page, that the soldiers want wool and mittens and gloves.  We have no doubt a pair of old fashioned striped mittens would be acceptable to almost any of the boys.  Steel is proverbially cold.  Let the stocking committee divide their force and have some knitting mittens for the soldiers.

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A dentist writes the following story: “A fellow came up to me the other day, wanting to have some cavities in his teeth filled up. I examined his teeth carefully, and told him that I did not see any cavities; but I must needs look again, for he was confident there were several. But I again told him that I could find none, and he went away. A week or two after, I met him and asked him about those teeth. ‘Oh,’ said he, “what’s-his-name, over here, filled them for me; he found four holes—pretty large ones, too. I knew they were there.’ ‘Ah,’ said I, ‘I looked very carefully and did not see any.’ ‘Well,’ was the reply, ‘he didn’t find’em till after he’d drilled a spell.’ ”

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Cold Weather—Though long delayed, Winter seems to be upon us. The Danville hills were white this morning, and the accelerated step of pedestrians warns us that cold weather has come. There has been a large quantity of rain since October came in, and the ground is well soaked.

HOW TO GET ARTICLES TO THE SOLDIERS

We have had numerous inquiries by letter as to how articles can be sent to particular regiments, companies or individuals in our army; and we take this public way of answering them all. There is no association or committee at this place that will take the responsibility of forwarding articles to the Vermont 3d or any other regiment. There is an association here, of which H. C. Newell is treasurer that will pack and forward all articles sent in, suitable for hospital use, which are given in response to the appeal of the Sanitary Commission—such articles to be sent to the Boston commissioner, Dr. S. G. Howe, who then takes all the responsibility of forwarding and delivering then at headquarters at Washington. This Sanitary Commission is a charitable association, supported by contributions from the patriotic and humane, who do this labor for our sick and wounded for the love of it. It is worthy [of] the countenance and contributions of every one. Persons who wish to send boxes of clothing direct to particular individuals or companies can do so through the express companies those so sending becoming responsible for the freight charges, which can usually be procured at a reduction. We think the boys who receive such boxes will gladly refund any money thus expended, if desired.

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The Wants of the Second and Third—The following dispatch was printed in Walton's Daily of Tuesday:

Washington, October 21

Brig. Gen. Smith to Gov. Fairbanks:

The men of the Second and Third Vermont are suffering from the want of clothing.  They need immediately about 850 blue uniform coats and 1600 pants--also one hundred tents are needed.  Please furnish them without delay in charge to the government.  I call your attention to the quality of tents.  Those the Third have are of no account, and if you cannot furnish the regular army tents do not send any.  The government cannot be present furnished clothing and tents for the men.

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An Unpleasant Predicament—The beauties of spiritualism are shown in the case of two young married men of Searsburg, who left for California some years since and returned home recently to find their wives remarried, who having heard nothing from then since their departure applied to a young lady spiritualist, who was very exact in describing to them the death and burial of their husbands, the date of the funeral, and the disease of which they died. Their wives supposing this to be reliable, remarried, and there was a funny time when the long absent husbands returned.

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A Wisconsin farmer wrote urgently to his son, a minor, who had enlisted, that he must at least return home till harvesting was finished, as he could not get help at any price, ad he had a large amount of threshing that must be done. To this Young America replied: “Dear Father—I can’t come home at present. I should be very glad to help you, but Uncle Sam has got a mighty sight bigger job of threshing on hand than you have, and I’m bound to see him out of the woods first.”

SATURDAY
OCTOBER 26, 1861
THE BOSTON DAILY ADVERTISER

SYMPATHY IN A NAVY YARD

The workmen in the Portsmouth Navy Yard have determined to give the amount of one day’s work for each man, to the Maine and New Hampshire soldiers now at the seat of war; the money to be appropriated to the purchase of blankets, stockings, &c., for those who have left all the comforts of home, and gone forth to lay down their lives for the country’s salvation. The sum thus appropriated will amount to about $3500. Capt. Pearson, the Commandant at the Yard, has informed the foreman that all the officers will also contribute toward the fund.  It was stated at the beginning of the operations, that this movement was not to be understood as aiding a needy government—but only to conduce to the immediate comfort of the troops from New Hampshire and Maine, and show the loyal and patriotic feeling of the men at Portsmouth Navy Yard.

The gentleman who has called our attention to these facts says that the example will doubtless soon be followed by our Boston Navy Yard, as Massachusetts boys were never known to lag behind in any patriotic movement. And we are glad to see that the sailmakers here have already taken the same action. If all the workmen should do so, the sum realized would be about $5000.

A WEAK POINT

What was it that deranged the machinery of the "Manassas," the ram with which the rebels pounded a hole in the side of the Richmond?  At first it appeared from the rebel accounts that it might have been the shot from our vessels that this disabled her; and this is still possible from the statement that the Richmond saw nothing of her after firing into her, although she would have been seen from the Richmond the next morning and cheap and there, as was said in the rubble accounts.

We are disposed to think, however, that the "tremendous shock" produced by her collision with the Richmond had quite as much to do with the derangement of her machinery as the shots fired by the Richmond in the dark.  It is not only possible but likely, that, north of ram under way, aided by the powerful current other for, the blow and sudden stop, occasioned by meeting the Richmond, was felt in every part of the frame of the Manassas, and was too much for some of her machinery.  There is a great difference between using a common tugboat as a ram, and a ship of such vast mass as the iron-plated rams if projected by England and France.  The latter are of such enormous weight and momentum that they might run an ordinary vessel down altogether, and yet feel no more shock and crushing an egg-shell.  But a boat like the "Manassas," well it can inflict a serious wound, can do no more, and the effects of the collision must be even more sensibly felt on board of it than on board a two thousand ton war steamer like the Richmond.  We strongly suspect and therefore, that in piercing the side of the latter the "Manassas" smashed her own machinery.

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The horses and mules of the army have been put on short allowance, as it is not possible for the railroad to keep the forage department supplied.  A remedy is talked of for the threatening evils of a short supply of hay and oats, by the construction of a railroad two Nottingham, on the Patuxent, a distance of 20 miles.

The Dispatches

Great complaint is made of the suppression of special dispatches by the government, and of the manner in which the authorized dispatches are made up--their concealments, their inconsistencies, and they're too late.  Moral lectures are addressed to the government by the column, on the just indignation and impatience of the people, their right to know certain things, and the impolicy of resorting to deception for any purpose.

We have no intention of saying that the dispatches to which the government has of late given its sanction have always been entirely truthful.  Neither will we affirm or denying that the people have a right to be told about any particular thing, or to know it today rather them tomorrow.  The result alone can determine that point, by showing us the circumstances under which the government was compelled to act.  But we will say, that it is our belief that the press and the public--and also the rebels--are altogether on the wrong scent, that they have been purposely misled for reasons which will soon appear, and have conceived an entirely wrong idea of what is now in progress.  We suspect that the weather and some untoward events have delayed the plans of our generals, but in this we may be wrong.  The circumstances attending some of the government dispatches, however, and private information from well-informed sources, if lead us to the belief that the public and the rebels both are now on the wrong track, and likely to be on deceived simultaneously.

RIFLED CANNON

It is almost as painful to read about our vessels at the Passes of the Mississippi been fired at by an enemy whom they could not reach with their own guns, as it is to read about Massachusetts man fighting with smooth-bore muskets against an enemy armed with rifles.  We are somewhat apprehensive that our government has not use the same activity in rifling by heavy guns already on hand, that the rebels have shown.  Every account has indicated that the Tredegar works at Richmond, those in Tennessee and those in New Orleans have been kept busy casting and rifling cannon ever since the war broke out.  We have facilities for turning out three guns to their one, and for surpassing the ordnance in the week and range at every point.  But we still see too many cases like this at New Orleans, which seem to show that in this particular they may have shown the most industry in improving the advantages.

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The schooner Eliza Jane, Capt. Athearn, sailed from New Bedford on Thursday on the sealing voyage in the vicinity of the Falkland Islands.  The business has been prosecuted from New London and other ports, that is a New Enterprise to New Bedford.

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Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, has issued his proclamation recommending Thursday, the 28th of November, to be observed as a day of thanksgiving and praise.