Salmon P. Chase to Senator Henry Wilson,* Washington, December 13, 1860

Columbus, Dec. 13, [60.]

Dear Wilson, You will not I trust think me obtrusive if I give you briefly my thoughts concerning the duties of the hour.

Departure from the original policy of the gov^t. conc^g. Sl'y is the cause of our frequent dangers; return to that policy is the true remedy.

But this remedy cannot be applied by Republicans until they come into power. Its principal elements then will be, I think, maintenance of the union & enforcement of the laws against all opposition, by temperate but inflexible action; adhesion to the great principle of separating the Fed^l. Gov^t, fr Sl’y.; & manifestation of goodwill, real, unaffected goodwill — toward the slave States, & their people, by every concession consistent with adhesion to principle.

Under this last head of concession may be included such legislation as will provide compensation for escaping fugitives, if pursued, arrested, & proved to be such by the claimant, and means of settling them in Hayti or elsewhere, — or an amendment of the Constitution giving to the Slave States representation for their entire population in consideration of the abrogation of the Fugitive Surrender Clause.

But I expect the Republicans can do nothing in this way until they become responsible, under the recent decision of the people, for the Administration of the Gov^t.; and all attempts, on their part, to do anything, under existing circumstances will, I fear, prove unfortunate.

If my humble counsel might prevail I would say, Let Republicans simply insist that the actual Admⁿ. do its duty in maintaining the just authority of the Fed^l. Gov^t. & in enforcing the laws of the Union; let them hold the Pres^t. & the Party wh. elected him to their entire responsibility; let them proclaim their own purpose, when in power, to administer the Gov^t, fairly, honestly, & Firmly, in a spirit of true goodwill & perfect equity towards every section, every state, & every citizen without entering into any detail in regard to propositions to be made or measures to be adopted; and finally let them give an earnest of their readiness & ability to do their duty by urging as promptly as possible the consideration of the practical measures, now demanding the action of Congress.

Among these measures the most important seem to me to be these:

1. The admission of Kansas. Why cannot the Senate take up & pass the bill for her admission without delay — at least before Christmas? That w^d. do much to inspire confidence in its ability to meet the crisis.

2. The passage of the Tariff Bill. Whatever may be the defects of Mr. Morrill's bill — I have not studied it & do not know that it has any — it is clear that some measure must be adopted to revive the sinking credit of the nation; and this bill will certainly contribute to that result. A Treasury note bill without a Tariff bill is a dangerous experiment. The two together may answer a good purpose.

3. Provision for an Early election of Congressmen in States where no elections have yet been held; & for their election on the same day hereafter.

Why not provide for their election this year in March, on the day of the New Hampshire election, and in future years on the Tuesday following the 1st Mon. of Nov. which is now the day of the Pres1. election? The Pres^t. & Congress all to be elected on the same day.

4. The homestead bill. It has already passed the House. Why not take it up & push it through the Senate?

5. Whatever laws may be necessary to enable the Pres^t. to overcome forcible resistance to the execution of Existing laws. When I say forcible I do not mean peaceful resistance through judicial action. It must be an extremely extreme case wh. will warrant fed. interference, by force, with the action of State tribunals, through Habeas Corpus or other process. But whatever legislation may be necessary—and the message indicates the want of some — Should be provided & provided at once.

There may be other measures wh. need prompt action but these five are most prominent in my mind.

If the Repub^s. in Cong, will address themselves vigorously to this course of action and then let the country see that they have the dispo^n. & abily. to meet the need & perform the duty of the hour, they will inspire gen^l, confidence & prepare the success of the incoming admⁿ.

Weak concession will accomplish nothing, intemperate denunciation will accomplish nothing: manful discharge of present duty, with little talk and no delay, will accomplish much — I hope everything.

_______________

* From letter book 7, pp. 77-78. Henry Wilson 1812-1875. United States Senator from Mass. 1855-1873; Vice-President ol the United States 1873-1875.

SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 293-5

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: June 29, 1861

Mrs. Preston, Mrs. Wigfall, Mary Hammy and I drove in a fine open carriage to see the Champ de Mars. It was a grand tableau out there. Mr. Davis rode a beautiful gray horse, the Arab Edwin de Leon brought him from Egypt. His worst enemy will allow that he is a consummate rider, graceful and easy in the saddle, and Mr. Chesnut, who has talked horse with his father ever since he was born, owns that Mr. Davis knows more about horses than any man he has met yet. General Lee was there with him; also Joe Davis and Wigfall acting as his aides.

Poor Mr. Lamar has been brought from his camp — paralysis or some sort of shock. Every woman in the house is ready to rush into the Florence Nightingale business. I think I will wait for a wounded man, to make my first effort as Sister of Charity. Mr. Lamar sent for me. As everybody went, Mr. Davis setting the example, so did I. Lamar will not die this time. Will men flatter and make eyes, until their eyes close in death, at the ministering angels? He was the same old Lamar of the drawing-room.

It is pleasant at the President's table. My seat is next to Joe Davis, with Mr. Browne on the other side, and Mr. Mallory opposite. There is great constraint, however. As soon as I came I repeated what the North Carolina man said on the cars, that North Carolina had 20,000 men ready and they were kept back by Mr. Walker, etc. The President caught something of what I was saying, and asked me to repeat it, which I did, although I was scared to death. “Madame, when you see that person tell him his statement is false. We are too anxious here for troops to refuse a man who offers himself, not to speak of 20,000 men.” Silence ensued — of the most profound.

Uncle H. gave me three hundred dollars for his daughter Mary's expenses, making four in all that I have of hers. He would pay me one hundred, which he said he owed my husband for a horse. I thought it an excuse to lend me money. I told him I had enough and to spare for all my needs until my Colonel came home from the wars.

Ben Allston, the Governor's son, is here — came to see me; does not show much of the wit of the Petigrus; pleasant person, however. Mr. Brewster and Wigfall came at the same time. The former, chafing at Wigfall's anomalous position here, gave him fiery advice. Mr. Wigfall was calm and full of common sense. A brave man, and without a thought of any necessity for displaying his temper, he said: “Brewster, at this time, before the country is strong and settled in her new career, it would be disastrous for us, the head men, to engage in a row among ourselves.”

As I was brushing flies away and fanning the prostrate Lamar, I reported Mr. Davis's conversation of the night before. “He is all right,” said Mr. Lamar, “the fight had to come. We are men, not women. The quarrel had lasted long enough. We hate each other so, the fight had to come. Even Homer's heroes, after they had stormed and scolded enough, fought like brave men, long and well. If the athlete, Sumner, had stood on his manhood and training and struck back when Preston Brooks assailed him, Preston Brooks's blow need not have been the opening skirmish of the war. Sumner's country took up the fight because he did not. Sumner chose his own battle-field, and it was the worse for us. What an awful blunder that Preston Brooks business was!” Lamar said Yankees did not fight for the fun of it; they always made it pay or let it alone.

Met Mr. Lyon with news, indeed — a man here in the midst of us, taken with Lincoln's passports, etc., in his pocket — a palpable spy. Mr. Lyon said he would be hanged — in all human probability, that is.

A letter from my husband written at Camp Pickens, and saying: “If you and Mrs. Preston can make up your minds to leave Richmond, and can come up to a nice little country house near Orange Court House, we could come to see you frequently while the army is stationed here. It would be a safe place for the present, near the scene of action, and directly in the line of news from all sides.” So we go to Orange Court House.

Read the story of Soulouque,¹ the Haytian man: he has wonderful interest just now. Slavery has to go, of course, and joy go with it. These Yankees may kill us and lay waste our land for a while, but conquer us — never!

_______________

¹ Faustin Elie Soulouque, a negro slave of Hayti, who, having been freed, took part in the insurrection against the French in 1803, and rose by successive steps until in August, 1849, by the unanimous action of the parliament, he was proclaimed emperor.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 72-4

The Black Emperor and the Ice

The Pine and Palm tells a story received by letter from Hayti, [illegible]ing the Emperor Soulouque:–

“An American sea captain made the Emperor a present of a chunk of ice, which was carried to the palace wrapped in a blanket.  He was greatly pleased with it, and placed it in a room which a soldier was ordered to guard.  A few days after it was put there the Emperor remembered it, and went to show it to some of his friends.  There lay the blanket, but ice there was none.  The only evidence of its existence was a very wet floor.

“‘Where is that ice?’ he said – (as the white folks reported.)

“The soldier was ignorant – [illegible phrase].

 “‘Where is that ice?’ asked the furious monarch.

“‘Don’t know,’ said the soldier.

“‘Don’t know?  You’ve sole it!  Don’t know?  Guards, take that man and flog him until he gets that ice!’

“The poor fellow was flogged, it is said, but [t]he heat did not render [b]ack the ice.”

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, October 17, 1862, p. 1

The Negro Question

The Chicago Times, Cincinnati Enquirer, and Missouri Republican are the three leading pro-slavery journals at the West, and it is from these sheets that all the little whipper-snapper papers of the Vallandigham school obtain their stable of their editorials.  Though intensely slavery, and broadly sympathizing with the rebels, yet the forbearance of the Government, which they constantly abuse, permits them to live, and, like the carrion crow, fatten upon the vile aliment they serve up to the rebellious spirit of the country.  Our space forbids, or we should like to publish entire, a recent letter of the Washington correspondence of the first named paper, just to show our readers the kind of matter that is rebel editors are sowing broadcast throughout the loyal north.  We give an extract:

NIGRITUDINOUS.

Such a charcoal Sanhedrim as the Republican side of the House of representatives cannot be found elsewhere, except in the legislative councils of Liberia and Hayti.  Negrophobia has seized the entire party of the administration; they have the nigger on the brain, nigger in the bowels, nigger in the eyes, nigger, nigger, everywhere.  Steam power is surpassed, the caloric engines obsolete; water power, law power, constitution power, and all the powers, physical, moral and political, have found their superior in the great nigger power that moves the huge unwieldy, reeking and stewing mass of rottenness which makes up this administration and its party.

White soldiers, sick and wounded, wives and children of these soldiers, white men any and everywhere, may suffer agony, despair, famine, everything, and on humanitarian doctrines are preached for them by these nigger charmed saints of republicanism – no governmental disbursements for their support.  But for twenty-five thousand fat, shiny, greasy fragrant niggers, the government is giving a perennial entertainment.  This number of sable aristocrats, without labor, without care, without the asking, even, are fed, clothed and housed, by the administration of Abraham Lincoln at Hilton Head alone.  There are at least thirty thousand more negroes supported by the government in the same way at Fortress Monroe, Washington, and throughout the army of the West.  The Constitutional government of the United States is keeping a grand national “dance house,” AT A COST OF $50,000 PER DAY.  And every grain of wheat, every kernel of corn, every potato raised in the great Northwest, must be taxed to help pay for this philo-niggerous experiment of the abolitionists of New England.

Any one at all posted in the matter knows that the above is a consummate falsehood; the no negroes are supported in idleness at the expense of the Government, but that they are made to work and earn their livelihood.  The cheapest way in which our Government can hold the South in subjection, after it shall have been conquered, is to employ the acclimated negroes of the South for the purpose.  If the troops from the North be stationed at the various forts in the South which it will be necessary to keep manned, more in proportion will die from the effects of the climate than have been killed in battle.  Our Generals are right in employing negroes, who are accustomed to work, instead of imposing burthens upon soldiers who are unused to hard labor, and would soon sink under the enervating influence of the climate.  The pittance paid the negroes, about which this wiseacre snarls, would speedily be swallowed up in doctors’ fees, and the lists of mortality would soon swell to enormous length.  Yet even such frothy talk as the gibberish uttered by this knave, has its effect upon some weak minds; upon men who are unaccustomed to think for themselves, and who absorb everything they need, without the sense to discriminate between the most ridiculous falsehoods, and the unvarnished truth.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 2

From Mexico

NEW YORK, May 7.

Vera Cruz dates of the 24th ult. state that the French had opened hostilities and taken possession of Orizaba.

Cordova has declared for Almonte.

The British Minister is said to be holding a private interview with Dobaldo at Puebla.

The Mexicans have received reinforcements of 9,000 men, and Gen. Searagosa would dispute the march of the French.

The Spanish troops on the Island of St. Domingo had attacked Hayti, and some batteries and troops have been sent there.  The Spanish claim title to certain lands which the Haytians will not yield.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1

While Mr. Cox of Ohio . . .

. . . was blackguarding Hayti and its Government and people in the House of Representatives and calling them a miserable set of worthless animals, unfit to be recognized by white men, the New York papers were printing the fact that the Hayti Congress opened on the 21st of April, the [illegible] of the Pope, and representatives of England, France and Spain being present.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 2

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24. – HOUSE. – The House considered the Senate amendments to the diplomatic appropriation bill and [then] concurred in those including Florence among Consul Generalships, and striking out Hayti, Liberia &c.  The bill will be returned to the Senate.  House adjourned.

SENATE. – The Bright expulsion case was continued.  Several Senators speaking for and against expulsion.  The subject was concluded.  After Executive session, the Senate adjourned till Monday.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Another Prize Captured

NEW YORK, March 11. – The boat Edmund Dwight, from Trinidad, Cuba, reports that on 28th inst., in lat. 25 and long. 74, she spoke the U. S. gunboat Saxon, having in tow the British schooner British Queen, captured off Wilmington, N. C., while attempting to run the blockade.  The Saxon was in search of the U. S. frigate Vermont.

The brig Isabel, Capt. Cama, arrived at this port to-day from Port-au-Prince, reports that a sever shock of an earthquake was felt at that place on the 19th of February, at 4 o’clock A. M.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia

For many years the anti-slavery men of our country have been trying to prevail upon congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia.  Slavery had never been legalized there, it existed only by virtue of a law of Maryland, which in fact had no force over territory that she had ceded away; still as slaves had been held under that law, and as Virginia was a slave State, the institution was countenanced in the Federal Metropolis, to the scandal of the nation.  Southern members of Congress, who brought with them their slaves, of course opposed any measure that might have a tendency to deprive them of that privilege.  Thus has slavery continued to be tolerated in the very heart of the nation, giving to strangers from all parts of the world who visited the Federal seat of Government, false impressions of our institutions.

As the war has called off the Southern members, and their allies being too feeble to successfully oppose such measure, the Republicans have embraced the opportunity to introduce a bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.  On Thursday last it was put to a vote in the Senate, and passed by the decisive vote of 29 against 14, or more than two to one.  Every vote in the affirmative was Republican, and all the anti-Republicans present voted nay!  Thus demonstrating exactly where the two parties will be found on every question in which slavery is interested.  We apprehend no difficulty in passing this bill through the House, while it will be one of the proudest acts of Old Abe’s life to approve it with his signature.

By the provisions of this bill, compensation not exceeding $300 per slave, is to be allowed each loyal master.  It also provides for voluntary colonization, and appropriates $100,000 to aid the voluntary emigration of the manumitted slaves to Hayti, Liberia or elsewhere. – Thus following in the wake of the endorsement by Congress of the President’s emancipation resolution, another important measure looking to the abolition of slavery in the United States, has been put upon the tapis by the Republican party, and if it meet with no drawback, the work of emancipation will have begun and be commenced aright by tapping the fountain head, the source whence the evil flows.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 9, 1862, p. 2

From New York

NEW YORK, March 11.

The bark Edmund Dwight, from Trinidad, Cuba, reports that on the 8^th inst., in lat. 55, lon. 74, she spoke the U. S. gunboat Saxon, having in tow the British schr. British Queen, captured off Wilmington, N. C., while attempting to run the blockade.  The Saxon was in search of the U. S. frigate Vermont.

The brig Isabel Buernan arrived at this port to-day, from Port au Prince.

A sever shock of an earthquake was felt at that place, on the 19^th of February, at 4 o’clock a.m.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 12, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 1.

All is quiet across the Potomac opposite Washington.  No news of public interest from that section of the army has been received here to-day.

Herald’s Correspondence.

It has been a busy time to-day among the division across the river, being the last day of the month.  Each regiment has undergone the usual monthly inspection.

The friends of Col. Jno. A. Logan will be gratified to learn that, although badly wounded at the capture of Fort Donelson, he is doing well.  The wound is dangerous, however.

World’s Dispatch.

A private letter received here from Paris states, that Mr. Yancey has left for Alabama, via Havana, fully satisfied that none of the great powers of Europe will recognize the Confederate Government.  He has met with great success in obtaining a supply of cheap but durable goods, for the clothing of negroes.

The House committee on foreign affairs have decided to report against the Senate bill for the recognition of the independence of Hayti.  The committee is composed of Crittenden, chairman, Gooch, Cox, White, of Ind., McKnight, Burham, Thomas, Pomeroy, of N. Y. and Fisher of Del.  The committee intend making a long report in a few days on the right of nations on the high seas.

Advices from Annapolis state that the nomination and election of Hon. Reverdy Johnson to the U. S. Senate is a certainty, the contest being narrowed between him and Henry Winter Davis.

The President to-day nominated Col. Jno Cochrane for a Brigadier General of Volunteers.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 3, 1862, p. 1

Specials to the New York Papers

(Times Dispatch)

WASHINGTON, May 14. – Gov. Sprague says our losses at Williamsburgh in killed, wounded and missing, will amount to about 2,000, and that the rebel loss was not less.

He also says the battle at West Point, under Franklin, was much more severe than reported; that at least 500 of our men were taken prisoners, the enemy taking advantage of the landing of our troops.  The gunboats came up in good time and saved Franklin from suffering a severe disaster.

Gen. Burnside has very quietly put an extinguisher on C. H. Foster, the gentleman who has so long been trying to get recognized as a member of Congress from North Carolina.  He advertized the citizens of Newberne a few evenings since of a thing which, as Gen. Burnside put it, he thought would be very foolish for him to do or the General to permit.  The military Governor appointed by the President was to shape the policy of the Government in the State and he could not permit anything to be done which might hereafter prove to be a source of embarrassment.

(Special to Herald)

The steamer Kennebec arrived here this afternoon, with 213 wounded rebels and 25 wounded Union soldiers from Williamsburg.  Among the latter is Col. Dwight.  His wounds are less dangerous than at first supposed.  The rebels receive precisely the same treatment as our wounded and are sent to the same hospitals.

The rumor that Gen. McCall had resigned the command of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps is unfounded.  He has no intention to resign until the army of the Union has accomplished its mission to suppress the rebellion.

(Tribune’s Dispatch)

WASHINGTON, May 14. – The French Minister has received intelligence  from his Consul at Richmond to the effect that the rebel Government had notified him that should it be necessary to evacuate the city, the French tobacco must be destroyed with the rest.  At the same time the rebels offer to pay for it, a proposition not much relished by the French men.

The French Minister discredits the rumors of European intervention in our affairs and it is generally thought here that whatever purposes may have been entertained by England and France the news from New Orleans will cause their definite postponement.

The 885 prisoners recently released from Richmond will arrive here by way of the Potomac to-morrow.  A few who came through Baltimore arrived to-day.  They say the rebels are as determined as ever and believe that after the great impending battles they will, if whipped, band together in small guerrilla parties and fight to the very last.  They represent the treatment of our prisoners as barbarous in the extreme; that our officers who alone remain in the prisons, all the privates being set free, will not be released at all.  Colonel Corcoran’s health is good.  He is anxious to be released and contradicts the statements made some time since.  He said he would prefer remaining where he is, believing that he could be of more service there and adds that the only way in which he wishes to serve his country is on the battle field.  Col. Bowman’s health is failing rapidly and his eye sight is nearly lost.  He can survive his present treatment but a few weeks longer.  His long confinement has affected his mind so much that at times he is looked upon as insane.  The rebels offered every inducement to the prisoners to join their army, but only two have done so, viz., Jno. A. Wicks, late of the Congress and a private of the 7^th Ohio named Wilson.  As soon as it became known to the prisoners that Wilson intended to desert them, they proceeded to hang him.  The guard however entered in time to cut him down before life was extinct.  In punishment of this act the prisoners were put upon bread and water for ten days.

The House Committee on Foreign affairs having authorized Mr. Gooch to report the Senate Bill establishing diplomatic relations with Hayti and Siberia, it will doubtless be pressed to a vote at an early day.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

From Mexico

NEW YORK, May 7. – Vera Cruz dates of the 24th Ult. state that the French had opened hostilities and taken possession Orizaba.

Cordova has declared for Almonte.

The British Minister is said to be holding a private interview with Doblado at Pueblo.

The Mexicans have received reinforcements of 9,000 men and Gen. Zearajosa would dispute the march of the French.

The Spanish troops on the Island of St. Domingo and attacked Haytien, and some batteries and troops have been sent there. The Spanish claim title to certain lands with the Haytiens will not yield.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 3

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 28. – HOUSE – The Speaker announced the following Special Committee on the Confiscation of Rebel property:

Messrs. Olin, of New York, Elliott, of Massachusetts, Noel, of Missouri, Hutchins, of Ohio, Mallory, of Kentucky, Beaman, of Michigan and Cobb, of New Jersey.

Mr. OLIN remarked that he had heretofore asked to be excused from serving on this Committee, and he repeated the reasons for the request, which was now complied with.

On motion of Mr. McPHERSON, it was

Resolved, That the Secretary of War transmit to the House copies of the reports of Commanders of Regiments, Brigades and divisions engaged at the battle of Shiloh, Tenn.

On motion of Mr. GOOCH, the Senate bill for the recognition of Hayti and Liberia, was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

On Motion of Mr. COLFAX it was

Resolved, That the Judiciary Committee be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for punishing all contractors guilty of defrauding the Government, with penalties similar to those for grand larceny.

Mr. SPAULDING introduced a joint resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, authorizing the appointment of Commissioners to negotiate concerning the reciprocity treaty, and authorizing the President to give the necessary instructions for terminating the present unfair treaty.

Mr. ASHLEY reported back from the committee on Treasury the bill to prevent and to punish the practice of polygamy, and to arrest certain acts of the territory establishing the same.

Mr. Merrill of VERMONT said this bill was the same as that introduced by him two years ago, with the exception of the omission of its applicability to the District of Columbia. The bill was passed.

The House resumed the consideration of the report on Government Contracts. The first Resolution reported by them was postponed for the two weeks. The next resolution on the Secretary was then taken up, and is as follows:

That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to adjust the terms of the Government for the five thousand Hall carbines, purchased thro’ Simon Stevens by. Gen. Jno. C. Fremont, on the 6th day of August, 1861, and afterwards rejected at the U. S. Arsenal at St. Louis, on the basis of a sale of such arms to the Government for $12.50 each, rejecting all other demands against the Government, on account of the purchase of said arms.

Mr. STEVENS moved the following as a substitute for the above:

That nothing has occurred to lessen our confidence in the honesty, integrity and patriotism of Maj-Gen. Fremont.

Mr. WASHBURNE raised the point of order that the substitute was not genuine.

Mr. STEVENS maintains the original resolution imposed censure on Gen. Fremont.

The Speaker maintains Mr. Washburne’s point of order.


WASHINGTON, April 28 – HOUSE. – Mr. SEDGWICK further concluded that the Navy Department conducted its business with energy and credit.

Mr. STEVENS attacked the report of the Committee, and charged that they had proceeded on false principles and acted generally unfairly. House adjuourned.


SENATE. – The President pro tem presented a communication concerning the number of slaves in the District of Columbia. The Secretary said the statistics were compiled some years ago and were perhaps not available now. The communications was referred to the committee on the District of Columbia.

Messrs. KING and SUMNER, presented petitions in favor of the emancipation of the slaves.

Mr. DAVIS presented petitions from Tobacco Manufacturers, asking for a reduction of the proposed tax on Tobacco.

Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, from the military committee reported back the bill for the organization of the Signal Department, and moved its indefinite postponement, and it was accordingly postponed.

Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, offered a resolution that the Secretary of War be requested to inquire into the condition of the Harper’s Ferry Armory, what damage has been done to it, what is the value of the property of the United States there now, and what amount is necessary, and whether it is expedient to restore the Armory, and re-occupy the works. Adopted.

Mr. POMEROY introduced a bill to prevent the importation of adulterated liquors, by providing a punishment therefore.

On Motion of Mr. Wilson, of Massachusetts, the resolutions of the Ohio Legislature, in regard to rebels keeping their slaves at Camp Chase was taken up.

Mr. SHERMAN had read a letter from a member of the Legislature concerning the rebel prisoners who were permitted to go about the city of Columbus, lounge at the hotels, and abuse the Government with perfect liberty, also an article in the Cincinnati Commercial to the same effect; also another article in the Cincinnati Gazette, showing that Government was taking measures to have the negroes at Camp Chase liberated and the rebel prisoners removed to proper quarters.

The resolutions were referred to the Military Committee.

On motion of Mr. TRUMBULL the bill for the more convenient enforcement of the laws for security to keep the peace for good behavior was taken up.

After some discussion the bill was passed yeas 35, nays 31.

Mr. WADE presented several petitions asking for a uniform system of taxation according to the population of a State and persisting against the tax bill from the House.

The Senate went into Executive Session.


WASHINGTON, April 29 – HOUSE – Mr. BLAIR of Va., enquired of Mr. Potter, on what authority he yesterday predicated his charge of disloyalty against Judge Pitts of Northampton county, Virginia.

Mr. POTTER replied, on the address of Judge Pitts to the Virginia Legislature at Richmond. The address was now read, in which Judge Pitts refers to the action by the Legislature to depose him without giving him an opportunity for defense. The consummation of this would be manifestly unjust. He could only plead not guilty of disloyalty to the south and doubted not he could triumphantly vindicate himself from every charge his enemies and persecutors might bring against him. He protested against being removed from office by extra constitutional means.

House then resumed the consideration of the report of the Select Committee on Government contracts.

ROSCOE CONKLIN said he voted against raising this Committee. It seemed that none could be so honest or eminent, that it could be desirable to clothe them with the unheard of power as decided on that occasion, it seems unfit to constitute an advisory board to supervise questions of integrity, relating to every man engaged in the administration of departmental affairs. It seemed to him a roving commission to take into consideration the honesty or fraud of all future contracts to be entered into by any Department of the Government. It brought with it grave objections, and little argument could be found in its favor. Experience had demonstrated that the objections to their mode had been abundantly [sustained] by the conduct of the Committee, which had done grave [and] irreparable injustice to both individuals and classes, these as well as the nation have suffered by the declarations of the Committee.

As this Committee was a pioneer experiment and had turned out badly, they could dispense with it. The gentleman (Mr. Davis) had said there was indubitable evidence of fraud. He was right in assuming that the current expenditures of the Government this year was as much as during the Administration which the people hurled from power, because of its corruption. He (Mr. Conkling) remarked that if any man was provided in making that Statement, it would justify the people in resorting to anything best available to redress the wrong. The poisoned arrows furnished by the franking privilege was shot far and wide among the loyal States of the Republic. Like other remarks and statements the gentleman (Davis) made, however, deliberately prepared, this was one of manure, he would be willing to recall.

The Committee had proceeded on exparte testimony in secret; parties never were informed they were to be tried and convicted and stigmatized, and as a case in point he said the Committee had privately and clandestinely gathered evidence against Gen. Fremont to black his character as a citizen and soldier, at the time he was in command of an army. They never informed Gen. Fremont that he was aspersed, or gave him the names of the witnesses against him and they afforded him no opportunity for defense.

What good, Mr. Conklin asked, had the Committee done to offset the harm he was not aware that one single fraud had been exposed by the Committee which remained unearthed at the time they pretended to dig it up.

Mr. CONKLIN asked the Speaker what time remained to him. The speaker replied 18 minutes.

Mr. DAWES asked the time to be extended to the gentleman.

Mr. WASHBURNE, I object to that.

Mr. CONKLING, I know [that]; and do you know how I know it? Because the member from Illinois is the only man in this House surly enough to interpose objections in such a cause.

Mr. WASHBURNE rose to reply, when Mr. Conkling called the member to order.

Mr. WASHBURNE (excitedly). I call the creature to order.

Mr. CONKLING. The member from Illinois understands the rules of this House and must understand that this is not the place for personal altercation. He knows the proper place for that is outside of these walls.

Mr. WASHBURN – excitedly – yes, and I am ready for it.

Mr. CONKLING. No individual in this House better knows than the member from Illinois, that I stand by what I say until convinced that I am in error, and therefore there is no necessity for any interruption here.

Mr. CONKLING in the course of his remarks said he regarded the committee as one of those armaments too expensive under the circumstances to be indulged in.

Mr. CONKLING was severe on the committee, which he thought ought immediately be disbanded.

Mr. WASHBURNE spiritedly replied. He said Mr. Conkling was the instrument of the robbers, plunderers and thieves who had been holding high carnival in anticipation of the overthrow of the Committee.

Mr. HICKMAN vindicated the report of the Committee and referred to the subjects that have heretofore frequently reported.

After [considerable] debate Mr. FENTON, moved the previous question on the pending resolutions of the committee.

Mr. STEVENS moved to table the whole subject, pending which the House adjourned.


SENATE. – Mr. GRIMES introduced a bill to provide that the school tax collected from the colored people of the District of Columbia to be applied to the education of colored Children.

On Motion of Mr. HALE a resolution authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to discharge a contractor after fulfilling his contract, was after some discussion, laid over.

Mr. HALE explained that under the present law the Department can call for a large amount of work to be done at the same price.

Mr. WILSON of Mass., introduced a bill to amend the bill of the last session of Congress confiscating slaves so as to include the wives and children of salves.

On Motion of Mr. POWELL the resolution calling on the Secretary of State for the number and names of persons who have been arrested in the State of Kentucky and imprisoned in forts &c., of other states.

Mr. SUMNER moved as a substitute, that the President, if not incompatible, will give any information in his possession touching the arrest of persons in Kentucky since the first of Sept. 1861.

Mr. POWELL hoped the substitute would not be adopted, as he thought it a mere dodge to evade his resolution.

Mr. Wade presented two petitions from citizens of Ohio for confiscation.

Mr. DOOLITTLE introduced a bill fro the collections of taxes in insurrectionary districts.

The President sent the Senate a communication avowing his responsibility for the arrest of Gen. Stone, and stating that the General cannot be tried at present, because the witnesses whose presence will be necessary are in the field. The Confiscation Bill was take up and Mr. Browning made a lengthy speech in opposition to it.

Without taking the question the Senate adjourned.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, April 28.

The president pro tem presented a communication concerning the number and ages of the slaves, &c. in the District of Columbia. The Secretary said the statistics were compiled some years ago, and were perhaps not available now. The communication was referred to the committee on the District of Columbia.

Messrs. King and Sumner presented petitions in favor of the emancipation of the slaves.

Mr. Davis presented a petition from the tobacco manufacturers, asking for a reduction in the proposed tax on tobacco.

Mr. Wilson of Mass, from the military committee, reported back the bill for the organization of the signal department, and moved its indefinite postponement.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass., offered a resolution that the Secretary of War be requested to inquire into the condition of the Harper’s Ferry armory – what damage has been done to it, what is the value of the property of the United States there, now and what amount is necessary, and whether it is expedient to restore the armory, and re-employ the workmen. Adopted.

Mr. Pomeroy introduced a bill to prevent the importation of adulterated liquors by providing a punishment therefor [sic].

On motion of Mr. Wilson of Mass., the resolutions of the Ohio Legislature in regard to rebels keeping their slaves at Camp Chase were taken up.

The resolutions were referred to the military committee.

On motion of Mr. Trumbull, the bill for the more convenient enforcement of the laws for security to keep the peace for good behavior, was passed, 35 to 3.

Mr. Wade presented several petitions, asking for a uniform system of taxation according to the population of a State, and protesting against the passage of the tax bill from the house.

The senate went into executive session.


HOUSE. – The speaker announced the following special committee on the committee on the confiscation of the rebel property: Olin, of N. Y.; Elliott, of Mass.; Noell, of Mo.; Hutchins, of Ohio; Mallory, of Ky.; Beaman, of Mich.; and Cobb, of N. J. Mr. Olin remarked that he had heretofore asked to be excused from serving on the committee, and he repeated the reasons for the request, which was now complied with.

On Motion of Mr. McPherson it was resolved that the Secretary of War transmit to the House copies of reports of the commanders of Regiment, brigades and divisions engaged in the battle of Shiloh, Tenn.

On motion of Mr. Gooch, the Senate bill for the recognition of Hayti and Liberia was referred to the committee on foreign affairs.

On motion of Mr. Colfax it was resolved that the Judiciary committee be instructed to inquire into the expediency of punishing all contractors, guilty of defrauding the Government, with penalties similar to those of grand larceny.

Mr. Spaulding introduced a joint resolution, which was referred to the committee on Commerce, authorizing the appointment of commissioners to negotiate concerning the reciprocity treaty, and authorizing the President to give the necessary notice for terminating the present unfair treaty.

Mr. Ashley reported back from the committee on territories the bill to prevent and punish the practice of polygamy, and to annul certain acts of the territory of Utah, establishing the same.

Mr. Morrill, of Vt., said this bill was the same as introduced by him two years ago, with the exception of the omission of its applicability to the District of Columbia. The bill was passed.

The house resumed consideration of the report of Government contracts. The first resolution reported by them was postponed for two weeks. The next resolution in the series was taken up. It is as follows: “That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to adjust the claims of the Government on the five thousand Hall’s carbines purchased through Simon Stevens by Gen. J. C. Fremont on the 6th day of August, 1861, and afterwards rejected at the U. S. Arsenal at the City of St. Louis on the basis of a sale of such arms to the Government for $12.50 each, rejecting all other demands against the Government on account of the purchase of said arms.”

Mr. Stevens moved the following as a substitute for the above: “That nothing has occurred to lessen our confidence in the honesty, integrity and patriotism of Major Gen. Fremont.”

Mr. Washburne raised the point of order that the substitute was not germane.

Mr. Stevens maintained that the original resolution imposed censure on Gen. Fremont.

The Speaker maintained Mr. Washburne’s point of order.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 29, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, April 24.

SENATE. – The confiscation bill was taken up. Mr. Collamer opposed it.

Mr. King moved an amendment to Mr. Sherman’s amendment, so as to include all persons giving aid to the enemy or levying war. Disagreed to.

Mr. Sherman’s amendment, which limits confiscation to persons holding certain offices under the rebels, was adopted – yeas 27; nays, 11.

Mr. Browning’s bill was postponed until tomorrow.

The bill recognizing Hayti and Liberia was taken up and passed – 32 against 7.

After executive session adjourned.


WASHINGTON, April 25.

Mr. Sherman presented resolutions from the Legislature of Ohio, concerning the rebel prisoners and Columbus, Ohio, saying that the loyal feeling of the people of Ohio had been outraged by the fact that the rebel prisoners at Camp Chase were allowed to retain their slaves by order of Col. Moody, thus establishing slavery in Ohio, and solemnly protesting against this outrage upon the loyalty of the people of Ohio. The resolutions were accompanied by a note from Gov. Tod, saying that the negroes had been sent there as prisoners without permission, and that Col. Moody was obliged to take care of them.

Mr. Sherman said, the fact was, the negroes were sent there with their masters as prisoners, and did serve their masters, but he believed no blame could be attached to Col. Moody or the Governor of Ohio, for thus Maj. Jones, the Inspector at Camp Chase, reported matters all right there.

Mr. Grimes asked if any steps had been taken to free these negroes, as he supposed them to be free by the act of last summer, being captured in the service of the enemy.

Mr. Sherman replied, that no steps had been taken that he knew of. The negroes, he believed, were still there.

Mr. Wilson said he should call up the matter on Monday. He thought some action ought to be had on the subject.

Mr. Trumbull presented a petition for the construction of a ship canal to connect Lake Michigan with the Mississippi river.

Mr. Latham introduced a bill to quiet certain land titles in the State of California. – Referred.

Mr. Cowan introduced a bill to amend the act of April 30th, 1790. He said he should move to refer this bill and all other bills concerning the punishment of rebels and the confiscation of their property, to a select committee of five.

The chair suggested that if this motion meant to include the confiscation bill now before the Senate, it would be more appropriate to move when the bill should be taken up.

The motion was then withdrawn for the present.

The bill for the line of steamships from San Francisco to Shanghai, was taken up and passed by yeas 26, nays 16.

Mr. Wade introduced a bill concerning private actions against public officers. Referred to the judiciary committee.

On motion of Mr. Wilson, of Mass., the Senate went into executive session, and adjourned till Tuesday.


HOUSE. – When the House adjourned yesterday, the resolution of Mr. Hutchins was pending to censure Mr. Vallandigham for words spoken in debate against Senator Wade, &c. The Speaker stated that this was a question of privilege on which Mr. Vallandigham had raised a point of order. After citing from the rules of the House, the Speaker under all the circumstances sustained Mr. Vallandigham’s point of order, and thus was disposed of the question of privilege.

The House considered, but came to no conclusion, the bill appropriating $6,000,000 for bounties for widows and legal heirs of such volunteers as were called out under the act of July last, and have died or may be killed.

The report of the select committee on government contracts was taken up, and after some lengthy remarks by Mr. Davis, the consideration of the subject was postponed till Monday.

Adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 26, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress – First Session

WASHIGNTON, April 24.

SENATE. – A communication was received from the War Department, transmitting copies of contracts made by that Department for 1861.

Mr. Grimes presented 420 petitions from beer and malt liquor manufacturers, asking a reduction in the proposed tax on beer and malt liquors.

Mr. Pomeroy presented similar petitions.

Mr. Powell moved to take up the resolution offered by him, concerning the arrests of citizens of Kentucky and Ohio.

Mr. Sherman opposed taking it up, as inexpedient at the present time.

The bill for the recognition of Hayti and Liberia, being the special order, was taken up.

Mr. Davis moved the adoption of a substitute, authorizing the President to appoint a Consul to Liberia, and a Consul General to Hayti, with power to negotiate treaties. He was opposed to sending any ambassadors to those countries. If they send ministers here, and send a full-blooded negro, he could demand to be received on equal terms with white men. He knew that a big negro fellow was admitted to the Court of France as Minister from Hayti but he (Davis) wanted no such exhibition here. He was sick and disgusted with the subject of slavery in the Senate.

Mr. Sumner said the Senate would bear him witness that he had said nothing about slavery in his bill. The Senator from Kentucky may banish all fear of any social difficulty. He was sure that no representative from Hayti would ever force himself where he was not wanted. Mr. S. Said the committee had come to the conclusion that we should be represented by diplomatic agents in this country, and that was in accordance with the precedents of this Government and the examples of other nations.


HOUSE. – Mr. Vallandigham offered a resolution requesting the President to transmit to the House, if not incompatible with the public interest, copies of the correspondence between the French and U. S. Governments that may have been received within the last two months, relative to the present troubles in America. Referred to the committee of foreign affairs.

Mr. Aldrich, from the committee on Indian affairs, reported a bill authorizing a treaty to be made with the Indians of Utah, with a view to purchasing lands. Also a bill authorizing treaties with the Navajoe [sic] Indians of New Mexico, defining their limits and extinguishing their title to lands outside of the United States. Referred to committee of the whole.

The House resumed the consideration of the confiscation bills from yesterday.

Mr. Lovejoy said that while this government is engaged in serious war to put down rebellion, it was seen that this unnatural and parricidal insurrection has sympathizers and advocates on this floor. Those who defend slavery are the defenders of the rebellion, for slavery and rebellion are synonymous; they are unchangeable terms.

Mr. Roscoe Conkling expressed himself in favor of a confiscation bill to amplify the punishment of treason. The subject was referred to a select committee of seven.

House went in to committee of the whole, and took up the bill making appropriation for bounties to widows and the legal heirs of volunteers.

House adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, April 22.

HOUSE. – On motion of Mr. Morrill it was resolved that the President should be requested to strike from the rolls the name of any army officer who has been known to be habitually intoxicated by the use of intoxicating liquors, while in the service. Mr. Morrill stated that he had been assured that the commanding General who failed to reinforce the two Vermont companies who suffered so severely at Yorktown, was drunk, and hand fallen off his horse into the mud. Mr. Morrill was asked for, but declined to give the name of the General.

An unsuccessful effort was made to lay fifteen or sixteen confiscation bills on the table, but the motion to do so was lost by yeas 39, nays 60.

Mr. Bingham’s substitute providing for capture and condemnation of the enemy’s property, and to indemnify the U. S. for expenses incurred in suppressing the rebellion, was agreed to – 62 against 48.

Adjourned.


WASHINGTON, April 23.

SENATE. – Mr. Trumbull presented a petition from W. C. Jewett for a defensive stand-still policy at Yorktown, to secure a reserve force of 25,000 men.

Mr. Hale offered a resolution that the military committee inquire whether any General before Yorktown had exhibited himself drunk in the face of the enemy; and if any measure had been taken for the trial and punishment of such officers. Mr. Hale referred to the statement of Mr. Morrill in the House yesterday, and thought it high time some notice should be taken of this state of things. If officers thus leave men to be slaughtered like beasts, no punishment is too great for them.

Messrs Foster and Foot concurred in the remarks of Mr. Hale, and thought that the Senate would not confirm the nomination of officers known to be intemperate.

The resolution was adopted.

Mr. Davis introduced a bill prescribing an additional oath for grand and petit jurors in the U. S. Courts.

The bill recognizing the independence of Hayti and Liberia, and the appointment of a diplomatic representative, was taken up.

Mr. Sumner said that our government, usually friendly to new governments, had turned aside from these nations. It was time to put an end to this anomaly in history. Mr. Sumner concluded his speech by saying – By recognizing these two nations we only tardily follow the example of the principal nations of the globe. The bill was then postponed till to-morrow.

The confiscation bill was taken up. Mr. Davis resumed his remarks in opposition to the bill. He concluded that Congress had no right to pass such a bill under the war power.

HOUSE. – The House resumed the consideration of the confiscation bill, which was tabled by 48 against 14.

The bill to facilitate the suppression of the rebellion and prevent the recurrence of the same, was taken up. It authorizes the President to direct our Generals to declare the slaves of the rebels free, and pledges the faith of the United States to make full and fair compensation to loyal men who have actively supported the union, for any losses they may sustain by virtue of this bill.

Mr. Olin understood that the committee on Judiciary had agreed substantially that none of the confiscation bills referred to them ought to pass.

Mr. Thomas, of Mass., remarked that the committee recommended that none of the confiscations bills pass.

Mr. Olin said the disposition of the House and country was that there should be some legislation on the subject. As the judiciary committee could not agree on the matter, he proposed that a select committee of seven be appointed to take the subject into consideration, and if such a committee be untrammeled, the House might anticipate a proper measure of legislation.

Mr. Dunn regarded the subject of confiscating rebel property as one of the most difficult questions before Congress, in the decision of which was involved the restoration of the Government to its former state of prosperity. He congratulated the House and the country that this morning there had been laid upon the table a bill, which, if it had been passed, would have disgraced the civilization of this age. {Exclamations on the Democrat side of “Good! That’s so!”} It was a bill, which at one fell swoop, would have impoverished the people generally, from old age down to innocent childhood.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1

Foreign News

PORTLAND, April 23.

The Steamship Bohemian, from Liverpool 10th, Arrived this morning.

Flour firm at 6d advance. Wheat and corn steady. Consols 93 7.8 a 94 money.

Rumor says that the relations between England, France and Spain, relative to Mexico were unsatisfactory. It is reported that France wished to march against the City of Mexico.

COPENHAGEN, April 11. – The Ensberg Gazette asserts on a reliable authority that England has succeeded in drawing Spain to her side on the Mexican question, by promising not to object should Spain take possession of Hayti.

John C. Heenan has gone to Paris. He don’t intend to fight Mace, or any other man.

U. S. 5’s were quoted at 77a98.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1

First Session – 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 22. – HOUSE – On motion of Mr. MORRILL, of Vermont, it was resolved that the President should be requested to strike from the rolls, the name of any army officer has been known to be habitually intoxicated by the use of spirituous liquors, while in the service.

Mr. MORRILL stated that he had been assured that the commanding General who failed to reinforce the two Vermont companies who suffered severely at Yorktown, was drunk and had fallen off his horse into the mud.

Mr. Morrill was asked for, but declined to give the name of the General.

An unsuccessful effort was made to lay the fifteen or sixteen confiscation bills on the table, but the motion to do so was lost , by yeas 39, nays 60.

Mr. BINGHAM’S substitute, providing for the capture and condemnation of the enemy’s property, and to indemnify the United States for expenses incurred in the suppression of the rebellion was agreed to, 62 against 48, and the House adjourned.


SENATE – Mr. DAVIS spoke two and a half hours against the bill without concluding, when there was an Executive session, and then Senate adjourned.

The select committee to whom was referred the question of the loyalty of Senator Starke [sic], of Oregon, reported, to-day, that he is disloyal to the Government of the United States, having found that for many months prior to November he was an ardent advocate of the rebellion, and after the formation of the Rebel constitution, openly declared his admiration for it, and warmly avowed his sympathy with the rebel cause.

It subsequently appeared that the committee found that Senator Starke is disloyal to the government of the United States.

A caucus of the Republicans in Congress is called for to-morrow night.


WASHINGTON, April 23 – SENATE – Mr. TRUMBULL presented a petition from W. C. Jewett for a defensive stand still policy at Yorktown to secure a reserve force of 250,000 men.

Mr. TRUMBULL from the Judiciary Committee reported a resolution in relation to the pay of the first Senators and Representatives from the State of Minnesota, which was passed.

Mr. HALE offered a resolution that the Military Committee inquire if any General in the army before Yorktown had exhibited himself drunk in the face of the enemy, and if any measures had been taken for the trial and punishment of such officer.

Mr. SUMNER suggested the subject be referred to the Committee on the Conduct of the War.

Mr. HALE referred to the statement of Mr. Morrill in the House yesterday, and stated that he thought it high time some notice should be taken of these things. If officers thus leave brave men to be slaughtered like beasts, no punishment is too great for them.

Mr. FOSTER said the Senate had not taken high ground enough. The Senate should never have confirmed men known to be intemperate. It becomes us to weed our garden first and correct our laxity and he was pained to say criminality in this respect.

Mr. FOOTE said that the General referred to has not been confirmed.

Mr. HALE said that the Senate had not taken high ground enough, but if officers were so drunk that they could not sit on their horses he tho’t some notice ought to be taken of it. The resolution was adopted.

Mr. DAVIS introduced a bill prescribing an additional oath for Grand and Petit Jurors in the United States Court.

The bill recognizing the independence of Hayti [sic] and Liberia, and the appointment of a diplomatic representation was taken up.

Mr. SUMNER said thus far our Government friendly to new Governments, had turned aside from these nations. He thought that it was time to put an end to this, an anamoly [sic] in history.

Mr. SUMNER continued his speech in favor of the recognition of Hayti and Liberia, and concluded by saying, by recognizing these two nations we only tardily follow the example of the principal nations of the world.

The bill was then postponed until to-morrow and the confiscation bill was then taken up.

Mr. DAVIS resumed his remarks in opposition to the bill. He said that he had already detained the Senate at some length on this question, but he considered that in the importance of its effect the bill had no parallel. He contended that Congress had no right to pass such a bill under the war power.


HOUSE – The House resumed the consideration of the confiscation bill which was pending when the adjournment took place yesterday and upon which the main question had been ordered – the bill was tabled by a vote of 54 against 48.

The next bill taken up was to facilitate the suppression of the rebellion and prevent the recurrence of the same. It authorizes the President to direct our Generals to declare the slaves of rebels free, and pledges the faith of the United States to make full and fair compensation to loyal men who have actively supported the Union, for any losses they may sustain by virtue of this bill.

Mr. OLIN understood that the committee on Judiciary had agreed substantially that none of the confiscation bills referred to them ought to pass.

Mr. THOMAS of Mass., remarked that the committee recommended that none of the confiscation bills pass.

Mr. OLIN said that the disposition of the House and the country was that there should be some legislation on the subject; as the Judiciary committee could not agree on the matter, he proposed that a select committee of seven be appointed to take the subject into consideration, such a committee being [untrammeled] the House might anticipate a proper measure of legislation.

Mr. DUNN was glad to hear Mr. Olin’s suggestion. The subject of confiscating Rebel property, was one of the most difficult questions before congress, and the decision of which was involved the restoration of the Government to is former state of prosperity. He congratulated the House and country, that this morning, there had been laid upon the table, a bill which if it had been passed would have disgraced the civilization of this age. (Exclamations on the Democratic side of “good,” “good;” “that’s so.”) It was a bill which, at one fell swoop, would have impoverished the people generally – from old age down to innocent childhood.


WASHINGTON, April 23. – HOUSE – Mr. COLFAX advocated the appointment of a Select Committee.

Mr. DUNN was opposed to a sweeping confiscation bill. He wanted a distinction made against leaders.

Mr. BINGHAM maintained the propriety of a law to punish all who willfully rebel by depriving them of their property.

Mr. LEHMAN was opposed to confiscation bills. He looked on the march of our armies as the proper mode of suppressing the rebellion and re-establishing the Constitution.

Mr. HICKMAN claimed that the Constitution gave the President ample power without Congressional action.

Mr. Crittenden was against all confiscation measures which would tend to exasperate the war and postpone the time of putting down the rebellion.

After further debate, without action the House adjourned.


SENATE. – Mr. SHERMAN offered an amendment specifying persons to whom confiscation should apply, including those who may hereafter hold office under the rebels.


WASHINGTON, April 24. – HOUSE. – Mr. VALANDIGHAM offered a resolution requesting the President to transmit to the House, if not compatible with the public interest, copies of the correspondence between the French and Unites States Governments, as may have been received within the last two months, relative to the present troubles in America. Referred to the committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr. ALDRICH from the committee on Indian Affairs, reported a bill authorizing a treaty to be made with the Indians of Utah, with a view to purchasing lands.

Also a bill authorizing a treaty with the Nevajoe [sic] Indians, of New Mexico, defining their limits and extinguishing their titles to lands outside of the United States. Referred to the committee of the Whole.

The House resumed the consideration of the confiscation bills from yesterday.

Mr. LOVEJOY, said that while this government is engaged in a serious war to put down the rebellion, it was seen this unnatural and parricidal insurrection has sympathizers and advocates on this floor. Those who defend slavery are the defenders of the rebellion, for slavery and rebellion are synonymous. They are unchangeable terms. Wherever slavery is there is rebellion. It is the corner stone, pillar and support. He took the position that either slavery or the Republic must perish. He would tell the gentleman from Kentucky, (Crittenden,) and all other advocates and defenders of the system, and those who cry themselves hoarse, in attempting to throw the protection of the Constitution around it, that it is the desire of the Republic that it should cease to exist. – There is no city of refuge for it. Like an infernal assassin, it has its knife drawn, and is endeavoring to strike it at the heart of the Republic. We are bound to strike the monster, and gentlemen need not cry the Constitution for its defence [sic]. It shall be said, “be slain in the name of my country and my God.”

He denied that slavery has any quarter or recognition in the Constitution. He argued that it was their right duty to destroy slavery because slavery is destroying or will destroy the Republic. He was in favor of the restoration of the Union with the right to stand on the American soil anywhere and proclaim his sentiments. He wanted to stand anywhere on American soil without the enforcement of a despotism to make him hold his tongue. He wanted to speak in South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana, without the fear of lynching or a coat of tar and feathers. The gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Crittenden) asked what would four millions of slaves do turned loose. This term was used as if the slaves were wild beasts. Now he (Mr. Lovejoy) had this to say: At present he let them alone to take care of themselves, which they were abundantly able to do. The slaveholders had better turn their attention to another point, namely: What will they do when they cease to live on the unrequieted sweat and toil of slaves? He denied that he and his friends want to make this an antislavery war, but the only way to put down the rebellion and restore the Union was to destroy slavery.

Mr. ROSCOE CONKILING expressed himself in favor of the confiscation bill, to amplify the punishment of treason. He wanted to punish the ring leaders of the rebellion, and have reimbursement of the expenses incurred in suppression the rebellion. The subject was referred to a select of seven.

The House went into committee of the Whole, and took up the bill making appropriations for bounties to widows, and the legal heirs of Volunteers.

Mr. ROLLINS, of Missouri, made a speech against the Rebellion, and complimented Mr. Lincoln for his efforts in behalf of the Union. He was opposed to any and all extreme measures and for prosecuting the war on the principle laid down at the extra session, that when the supremacy of the Constitution and Laws are established the war ought to cease.


SENATE.

A communication was received from the War Department, transmitting copies of contracts made by that Department, for 1861.

Mr. GRIMES presented 420 petitions from beer and malt liquor manufacturers, asking fro a reduction in the proposed tax on beer and malt liquors.

Mr. BROWNING presented similar petitions.

Mr. POWELL moved to take up the resolution offered by him concerning the arrest of civilians in Kentucky, &c.

Mr. SUMNER opposed taking the resolution as independent.

Mr. POWELL did not see why the Senator should make any opposition to the resolution. It simply asked how many citizens of the free States have been dragged from their homes without warrant of law and called on tyrants and usurpers to know where they are and what their names are.

They are free white men, if they had been negroes the Senator from Massachusetts would make no opposition to the resolution. He (Sumner) was extremely pained about the wrongs of the negro but white men had some rights, and he wanted the Secretary to tell us why and what for these men were thus unlawfully dragged to prison without any charge of crime being bro’t against them.

Mr. SUMNER said the Senator from Kentucky had made an inflammatory speech and had called a high officer of the Government a tyrant and usurper. In the event of the resolution being taken up, the whole question must be gone into. If the Secretary of War was a tyrant and usurper, there were men arrested who were traitors.

Mr. POWELL (in his seat). Who are they? Name them.

MR. POWELL said that some of the men who have been arrested are as loyal as the Senator from Massachusetts (Sumner). He defied the Senator to point out any law by which the Secretary of State can carry off citizens of Kentucky and imprison them in the forts of Massachusetts and New York.

The bill for the recognition of Hayti and Liberia, being the special order was taken up.

Mr. DAVIS moved to substitute, authorizing the President to appoint a Consul to Liberia and a Consul to Hayti, with power to negotiate treaties. He was opposed to sending any ambassadors to those countries. If they send ministers here, and send a full blooded negro, he could demand to be received on equal terms with white men. He knew that a big negro fellow was admitted to the Court of France as Minister from Hayti, but he (Davis) wanted no such exhibition. He was sick and disgusted with the subject of slavery in the Senate.

Mr. SUMNER said the senate would bear him witness that he had said nothing about slavery on this bill, the Senator from Kentucky did that. The Senator from Kentucky might banish all fear of any social difficulty. He (Sumner) was sure that no representative from Hayti would ever force himself where he was not wanted. He said the Committee had come to the conclusion that we should be represented by diplomatic agents in those countries and this was in accordance with the precedents of this Government, and the example of other Nations.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3