Proclamation by the President of the United States

WASHINGTON, May 19.

WHEREAS, There appears in the public prints what purports to be a proclamation of Maj. Gen. Hunter; and whereas, the same is producing some excitement and misunderstanding, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, Prest. Of the U. S., proclaim and declare that the Government of the United States had no knowledge or belief of an intention on the part of Gen. Hunter to issue such a proclamation, nor has it yet any authentic information that the document is genuine; and further, that Gen. Hunter, nor any other commander or person, has been authorized by the Government of the United States to make proclamation declaring the slaves of any State free; and that the supposed proclamation now in question, whether genuine or false, is altogether void, so far as respects such declaration. – I further make known that whether it be competent for me, as commander-in-chief of the army and navy, to declare the slaves of any State or States free, and whether at any time or in any case, it shall have been a necessity, indispensable to the maintainance [sic] of the Government to excise such supposed power, are questions which, under my responsibility, I reserve to myself, and which I cannot feel justified in leaving to the decision of commanders in the field. – There are not only different questions from these of police regulations in armies and camps.

On the 6th day of March last, by a special message, I recommended to Congress the adoption of a joint resolution to be substantially as follows:

Resolved, That the United States ought to co-operate with any State which may adopt a gradual abolishment of slavery, giving to such States in its discretion, to compensate for the inconveniences, public and private, produced by such change of system.

The resolution, in the language above quoted, was adopted by large majorities in both branches of Congress, and now stands an authentic, definite and solemn proposal of the nation to the States and people most interested in the subject matter.  To the people of these States now, I earnestly appeal.  I do not argue.  I beseech you to make the arguments for yourselves.  You cannot, if you would be blind to the signs of the times.  I beg of you a calm and enlarged consideration of them ranging, if it may be, far above personal and party politics.  This proposal makes common cause for all, and common object, casting no reproaches upon any.  It acts not like the Pharisee.  The changes it contemplates would come gently as the dews of heaven – not rending or wrecking anything.  Will you not embrace this opportunity.  So much good has not been done by one effort in all past time, as in the Providence of God it is now your high privilege to do.  May the vast future not have to lament that you have neglected it.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be annexed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 19th day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the independence of the United States, the eighty-sixth.

(Signed)

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

WM. H. SEWARD, Sec’y of State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

From Washington

Herald’s Dispatch.

WASHINGTON, May 19.

It is stated that Gov. Stanley is greatly grieved at the course of Gen. Hunter, and until the prompt and emphatic proclamation of the President, to-day, was unwilling to undertake the office assigned to him in North Carolina.  It is clear that what rebels there are this side of the Blue Ridge, are between McDowell’s Corps and Fredericksburg and Richmond.

Mr. Spaulding, an active business man of Washington has returned from a brief visit to Norfolk.  The citizens there are not on bad terms with our soldiers, but they are confident that Gen. McClellan cannot reach Richmond.

The Senate committee on commerce gave Mr. Lathrop, the newly nominated collector for New Orleans, a hearing to-day. – His statement, however, in his own behalf, did not alter the unfavorable decision previously arrived at by the committee.  Mr. Lathrop requested an opportunity to have his name withdrawn, which was granted.  The President will probably send in the name of Cuthbert Bullitt to-morrow, for the same position.  Mr. Bullitt has been a merchant and resident of New Orleans over twenty years, and left [there] last year for reason of his loyalty.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

From New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, May 19.

The Santa Fe mail arrived with advices to the 3d.

The Texans wile retreating met a body of 500 of their men, under Col. Steele, at Adahe Wall, but the whole force continued to retreat.

The first regiment Colorado volunteers with the regulars are at Fort Criag, under command of Col. Paul.

Gen. Canby and Gov. Connelly are at Santa Fe.

Owing to scarcity of provisions, large quantities of which were destroyed to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy, our troops have been placed on less than half rations, being limited to eight ounces per day.

One hundred and twenty Texan prisoners were passed on the road to Fort Larned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

Baltimore, May 19 [1862].

The steamer Vanderbilt reached here this a. m. with about 500 sick soldiers from Yorktown.  They are mostly typhoid and bilious fever cases, with a few wounded. – All were distributed among the various hospitals here.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

The New York World thinks that it is . . .

. . . “not a subject of poignant regret that several of the vessels burned at New Orleans bore the British flag, and were freighted for a breach of the blockade with British cotton.  The sufferers must look for relief to their own sagacious and beneficent government, which, by recognizing the belligerent state, cut off all claim for indemnity against ours.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

The GAZETTE believes . . .

. . . about as much as we do in there being such an organization here as it refers to. – Dubuque Herald.

The only difference is that the GAZETTE believes it and the Herald knows it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

Particulars of the Fight at Fort Darling

NEW YORK, May 20.

The following was written on board the Galena, yesterday morning.  We ran up to Watches Bluff where we found the river full of sunken steamers.  The Jamestown, Yorktown, and a number of others.  The bank was lined with rifle pits, and on top of the bluff the rebels had a very heavy battery, mounting ten guns, some of them ten inch, and three or four very heavy rifles.  We ran within half a mile of the batteries, anchored and swung broadside to them.  They opened fire, the first shot striking our port bow, and going through the armor.  About five minutes after, we got another shot very near where the first one struck.  As it came through, it killed one man instantly, and wounded four more.  We fought them four hours, until we got out of ammunition, when we had to retire.  We got 28 shots in our side, and 17 on the deck.

We had 12 men killed, 2 dangerously wounded, who have since died, and 15 slightly wounded.  We made a gallant fight, but had we taken the battery we could not have held it, and the obstructions in the river prevented our going up any higher. – One thing we have demonstrated: the Galena cannot stand heavy shot at short range.  He fired 238 rounds, all that we had.  Had we had plenty of shells, we could have silenced the rebels in two hours.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, May 19.

The following is by telegraph to headquarters:

Col. Daniels attacked the rebels under Col. Jeffries, forty miles from Bloomfield, and reports from Chalk Bluff that he seized a ferry boat and crossed under the enemy’s fire, routed and pursued them six miles into Arkansas, the fleeing into swamps.

We had two Lieutenants wounded, one mortally, one private killed and six wounded.  The enemy lost eleven killed and seventeen wounded, who were captured – also provisions, horses and arms.

Lieut. Bacon Montgomery has killed the rebel Col. Schnable.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

Starvation Prices in Richmond

From the Richmond Examiner, May 2.

With the removal of General Winder’s tariff, the prices of country produce and fish flew back with a recoil in proportion to the heavy pressure which had been removed.  Eggs sold yesterday morning for seventy-five cents per dozen, and butter for a dollar and a half a pound.  High as these prices appear, they are not exorbitant in comparison with the prices demanded for butchers’ meat, bacon, groceries, dry goods, wood, etc.  Butchers’ meat was held according to quality, at between thirty-five and a half and fifty cents a pound; bacon (hog round), thirty-five cents; common brown sugar, forty cents; and firewood, from country carts, is sold at the rate of twelve dollars a cord.  In the way of dry goods, we give a few instances: Unbleached cotton is sold from twenty-five to thirty-seven and forty cents a yard, according to the conscience of the dry goods man; bleached cotton from thirty to forty cents per yard, and often sold for sixty-two and a half cents a yard; spool cotton, two dollars a dozen; Irish linen, from seventy-five cents to one dollar and a quarter a yard, and domestics at fifty cents a yard.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

Sympathy with Rebellion

The following paragraphs, from a recent leader in the Cincinnati Gazette, touches the case of the Democrat of this city as closely as though they had been aimed at it.  Read and ponder them well: –

“It is hardly necessary to remark that when a Government is in imminent peril and fighting for self-preservation, they who try to weaken its hands by depriving it of the public confidence, by attacks upon its motives, and by suspicions that in struggling for life it is fighting for conquest, and that if it survives rebellion it may have a dangerous vitality, are not in favor of its success.  Moral perceptions cannot be so confessed that these can  have any doubt of their sympathy with rebellion; and the popular instinct needs not be informed that they who invoke the Constitution only to throttle the Government, and protect the rebellion, have only that part of valor which consists of discretion, for a pretense of loyalty to the Constitution.

“The charge of abolitionism against all the supporters of the Government, is the means by which these allies of treason furnish it aid and comfort in safety.  There need be no surer test of sympathy with rebellion than this cry.  It is the watchword of the conspiracy.  Without this cry not a single Southern State could have been precipitated into the revolt.  All the aid it has derived from the Government arms and forts, and the property stolen from the North, has been trifling compared with the power which this appeal to ignorance and fanaticism has given to it.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

A Dubuque Representative In The Secesh Army

It was rumored on Main street yesterday that a gentleman of this city had recently received a letter from Virginia, containing the information that Hon. Jim Williams, better known as Booby Williams, has for several weeks past been a Lieutenant in Ashby’s Cavalry, and has already been in two engagements against our forces.  This loyal (?) gentleman was a member of the Iowa Legislature, his term of office expiring only 6 months ago.  He left here in the winter, for the purpose he said of settling up some business in Virginia.  Not returning as soon as was expected the story was circulated that he was sick, and would come back as soon as his health would permit.  The truth of the matter, however, turns out as above stated.

Booby was a warm admirer of the Herald and might also be said to have been an attaché of the establishment, for he frequently contributed to its columns.  His nom de plume was “Lex,” which was facetiously translated “Legs,” on account of the great length of his underpinning.  So devoted was he to the interest and welfare of our cotemporary that upon an occasion when it was supposed that the safety of the Herald office was threatened by Capt. Stump’s company of unarmed volunteers, he paraded up and down fifth street, with a pair of brass horse pistols in his hands, to the intense amusement of about a dozen small boys.  He now continues to do the same service in the field, and the Herald here. – Dubuque Times.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

The Seventeenth Regiment

The Seventeenth Iowa Regiment reached Hamburg, Tennessee, on the 6th of May and was immediately placed in the first division.  The Seventeenth was organized with great rapidity, and is composed of as good fighting material as the State possesses.  Col. RANKIN is kind and considerate to his soldiers, and established that kind of regulation which will ensure their benefit in camp and field. – Des Moines Reg.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

The War News

Our Advance Fourteen miles from Richmond.

The Gunboat Repulse.

Interesting Congressional Proceedings.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Mississippi Railroad Bridge Report

FOR THE WEEK ENDING MAY 17, 1862.

DATE	Stage of Water. Above l. w. mark.	Mercury Above.
		6 A.M.	12 M.	6 P.M.
May 11	14 feet – inches	53	82	83
May 12	13 feet 8 inches	53	76	64
May 13	13 feet 6 inches	58	82	66
May 14	13 feet – inches	51	61	72
May 15	12 feet 6 inches	60	78	82
May 16	12 feet 6 inches	69	82	80
May 17	11 feet 10 inches	65	75	67

The number of footmen that crossed the bridge during the week was 1,170.

Number of boats up, 9; down, 9; rafts 21.

J. H. THORINGTON, Bridge Master.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Local Matters

HOGS. – There are altogether too many of these quadrupeds loose upon our streets.  The Marshal should see to it that if people will keep hogs in a city, that they keep them in pens.

CORPORAL DANFORTH, of the R. I. Argus is indulging his natural propensity for low epithets.  He calls us “granny!”  One would suppose the knave never had a grandmother, that he should try to make that endearing name a term of reproach.

DOG KILLING BEGUN. – Fifteen dogs died yesterday very suddenly, as a punishment for violating the dog law in not getting themselves registered.  Served them right.  All the constables and policemen will be at work in a few days; then the canines will expire very fast.

SCALDED TO DEATH. – The Rock Island Argus says, that on Monday evening of last week, a little child of Thomas Slatterly, in the lower part of that city, pulled a pan of hot water from the table, spilling it over and scalding himself so badly that it died on Saturday morning.  The child was about three years old.

NOTARY PUBLIC. – D. B. Shelley, Esq., whose office is at the GAZETTE counting room, took twelve acknowledgements yesterday, which is very fair, considering that every other man, with few exceptions, in our city, is a Notary.  It all arose from the fact, however, of the business that has been attracted to Perry street by the removal of the printing offices there.

THE WEATHER for the last few days has not been of a kind we care about “puffing” much.  After the rain last Saturday the thermometer fell several degrees, and for the last two days and nights overcoats have been in request, and cast-off flannels donned again. – A white frost has covered the ground for a couple of nights, but we have heard of no damage done by it.

DR. GILFORD’S LECTURE. – Our citizens should not forget the lecture of Dr. Guilford, at the Congregational Church this evening.. – His subject is one of general interest, and the Doctor is said to be an excellent speaker.  Let the subject be investigated, and if anything is to be learned of the science of medicine, one upon which mankind is altogether too ignorant, why let’s learn it.  Let us –

“Seize upon knowledge wherever found,

Whether on Christian or heathen ground.”

WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY. – So thought Mr. DeLand when he set himself about the work of producing an article of Saleratus from all impure and deleterious substances, which could be sold as cheap as any other, and make lighter and better bread.  The article produced was the celebrated chemical Saleratus: Sold at retail by respectable grocers everywhere.  We advise all good housewives who desire to make light biscuits to call for DeLand’s Chemical Saleratus, and use none other.  For sale by wholesale grocers in Chicago.

GYMNASTICS. – Going along Third street a day or two ago, we noticed in a yard a pole extended between two uprights.  On this pole a number of young men and boys were going through a variety of acrobatic performances, tying themselves in knots, spinning around the pole like a top, &c.  They reminded one very much of Mrs. Partington’s opinion of circus performers, that they were originally made for the business, India rubber being the principal material in their composition.  Such exercises are admirably calculated to develop muscle and bodily strength.  More of the same kind would do no harm.

WHEAT declined three cents yesterday.  It is continually declining in New York.  Prices are now about the same as they were a year ago at the present time.  Then whet subsequently declined till, on the first of July, it had fallen to 52 cents.  This was owing to the blockade, which will not operate this year, rather the reverse, and the river will in all probability be open by that time; hence prices are likely to be little if any lower than at present.  Other grain is rather higher than a year ago.  Barley is about double the price it was at that time.

__________

Insurance against fire and the perils of inland transportation, and live insurance, can be had of W. F. ROSS, general insurance agent, Metropolitan building, who will not represent any but the most reliable companies.

__________

PAINFUL ACCIDENT. – A painful accident happened at Bard’s saw-mill yesterday morning to Thomas Leighton, a laborer employed in the bill.  He was at work near the rotary saw, and placed his right foot in such a position that it slipped and was cut by the saw, which penetrated his foot to the ankle bone.  A man who was standing by seized him, and pulled him back – otherwise he would have been drawn on to the saw, and perhaps torn to pieces.  Dr. McCarn was summoned, and dressed the wound, which is of a very serious character – threatening the loss of his limb, though this, Dr. M. thinks can be averted.  Mr. Leighton has a wife and four children, and lives in East Davenport.  He had been at work in the mill only a day or two.  A similar accident occurred at the same saw about five years ago.

AGENTS WANTED. – See advertisement in another column of agents wanted to sell maps.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

A Young Arsenal

We saw on the Sucker State, which passed up Monday, quite a collection of warlike projectiles; among them grape-shot, conical ball and shell, round ball and shell, &c.  A musket-barrel was in the lot which had run against a cannon ball, and been twisted into a shape like a piece of a grape-vine that had grown around a tree. – These relics of the battlefield were sent by Capt. Foster, to his family at Le Claire, and no doubt will be highly prized years hence as mementoes of the great rebellion.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Fourteen Miles From Richmond

The telegraph tells us this morning that our forces have a telegraph station near the fourteen mile post from Richmond.  This must be a consoling thought to those Richmond editors who have been for carrying the war across the Ohio and to the homes of the “Yankees.”  The people, too, must be slightly uneasy.  Imagine a rebel army at LeClaire, (not the advanced guard, which some people say is there now) flushed with victory, having just taken Dubuque, (not a very violent supposition) and driven the Union army out of Lyons.  Imagine such an event, and we may faintly appreciate the feelings of the people of Richmond, they anxiety and terror, their terrible forebodings of evil, their sleepless nights and anxious days, all intensified by their venal press, which, instead of soothing the fears of the people, is no doubt following the example of its cotemporaries in other Southern cities, and picturing to the citizens the horrors of the occupation of their city by the Yankees.  But there is a bright side to the picture.  To many of the down-trodden citizens of that capital, we have indubitable evidence that the booming of the national cannon will be a token of deliverance they have long waited for, and hoped for in their country’s darkest hours.  We hope that before another Sabbath breaks over the land, their disenthrallment will have occurred, and their beautiful city rejoice in a return of its ancient freedom – such as it can only enjoy under the American constitution.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

The following letter was written previous to . . .

. . . the date of the dispatch from Mr. Gifford, published yesterday, but contains some facts in relation to the work of aiding sick and wounded soldiers not heretofore laid before our readers:

STEAMER CITY OF ALTON,

CAIRO, Ill., May 15, 1862 – 9 A. M.

REV. A. J. KYNETT, Sec. &c.

I have very fortunately got passage on boat City of Alton in charge of Gov. Yates; through the kindness of Gen. Strong and E. Folsom.  Having a few moments before the boat leaves, I write you all the information I can obtain so hurriedly.  Gov. Yates has commissioned Mr. Raub, of Chicago, as agent, who has had a good deal of experience in sanitary matters.  He tells me the only way to reach the wants of the suffering, is to have an agent, to whom all goods shall be sent, and said agent to make it his duty to distribute the same.  He also tells me that the thing most needed is nourishment in shape of jellies – fruits (can and dried); good liquor, (whiskey and brandy.)  Also the best wines, (the home-made wine is not of any use, as it ferments, sours, &c.)

You had better make a collection of the above articles, and forward to me at Cairo, in care of E. Folsom; also send the best porter and ale in bottles, well packed – send a good quantity of it, not less than one gross.  I cannot tell you of course of all that would be of service, but things will suggest themselves to you while packing.  The Jamaica ginger (essence) is good.  I paid $3.50 a dozen for it here; if you can get it there send it.

Now in regard to clothing, I can tell you nothing, except that Rev. E. Folsom says there is a great scarcity of thin cotton drawers, of anything else he could not tell me. – Perhaps it would be as well to suggest the same to the ladies, and if you have them on hand send on.  Direct to me at Cairo in care of Folsom.

I made some inquire about steamboat accommodations, and was told that every facility would be granted by the commander at Pittsburg Landing, and that a boat could be secured there to load with wounded, if necessary and the opinion here prevails that a battle will very soon take place.  If so, we are none too soon at work, and there is plenty of it to do.  Center is useful and energetic.  Gen. Strong welcomed me very cordially and thanked the Governor for this noble effort to aid his brave soldiers.  I wrote you a few lines a moment ago, but since learned the facts above, and while the boat was still at the landing, improved the opportunity of stating them over again partially.  All well. – the weather quite warm.

Very respectfully yours,

IRA M. GIFFORD.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Executive Committee Meeting

An adjourned meeting of the Executive Committee of the Soldiers’ Relief Association, was held at Putnam & Rogers’ office last evening.  The several sub-committees were present.

Mr. Dow, from sub-committee appointed to procure hospital accommodations, recommended that Camp McClellan had been selected, the consent of Capt. Hendershott having been obtained.  He also reported the action of the committee in procuring fixtures, etc.

On motion, Mr. Huot was appointed a committee to make the necessary repairs and improvements on the buildings at Camp McClellan, under direction of the Surgical Committee.

Mr. Davies moved that the Surgical Committee be authorized to have the buildings put in immediate readiness.

Mr. Dow offered the following, which was adopted:

Resolved, That a committee of one be appointed, whose duty it shall be to furnish, under the direction of the Surgical committee, all necessary supplies for the Hospital, and if it be required, that a person so appointed be paid a reasonable compensation for his services.

The chair appointed Warrant Teale said committee.

On motion, John Collins, C. E. Putnam and Israel Hall were appointed an auditing committee, to whom all accounts against the society be presented for approval.

On motion the Rev. A. J. Kynett was added to the surgical committee.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

State Sanitary Convention

Our readers will remember the State Sanitary Convention, to be held in this city on next Wednesday, the 28th.  Delegates reaching this place, either by river or railroad, will be carried for half fare.  We hope to see a large crowd in attendance, and the heterogeneous mode of proceeding among the different Sanitary Societies are systematized that more good may be accomplished.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1