Removal Of South Carolina Slaves

By an order of the Governor and Executive Council of South Carolina the owners of slaves removed from the seaboard to the interior of the State are required to place them under the control of some white person residing in the neighborhood to which the slaves may be removed.  Any violation of this order subjects the party infringing it to a penalty of ten dollars per head per month on each slave so left without proper control.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

The suggestion of the Memphis Avalanche . . .

. . . to form guerilla parties armed with long range rifles to pick off the pilots of the National gun boats, is almost as frightful an expedient to stop their progress as that of the Nashville papers, which was to drill and blow up the rocks along the Cumberland to prevent their ascending the river above Fort Donelson.  If the Tennesseans undertake guerrilla warfare, a way will speedily be found to check that sort of business.  The Western boys understand “bushwhacking” quite as well as the rebels.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

Thurlow Weed’s last published letter . . .

. . . from London is dated the 7^th of February.  He is very happy over the turn of affairs in Parliament, and says the only cheer in the House of Commons was elicited by a kind allusion to America by Lord Palmerston.  Since the settlement of the Trent affair, a kindlier feeling both of Government and people, toward our country, has been very manifest.  Mr. Mason has lodgings at Fenton’s Hotel, where he has no visitors but Secessionists.  The chief topic of inquiry is, whether the American people will bear taxation.  To this Mr. Weed answers, “Yes.” – A few evenings before the letter was written, Bishop McIlvaine was invited to Buckingham Palace, to take leave of the Prince of Wales, who is going East, to whom the Bishop, after the death of Prince Albert, had written a touching letter of condolence and advice.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

What Is To Be Done With The Slaves Liberated By The War?

Although but a few thousand slaves have yet been liberated by the war, what we are to do with them has already become a serious question.  Those within the Federal lines along our Southern coast, according to the authority of army officers, so far from being capable of taking care of themselves, would starve if left to shift for themselves. – These chattels are in a condition of childish helplessness, capable of labor, but entirely wanting in the capacity to direct and manage for themselves – destitute of any sort of thrift or forethought.  Slavery wanted nothing but their labor and developed nothing but their muscles.  At least this is the condition of the great mass of them.  A few of them have been employed as overseers and, it is presumed, have more intelligence and self-reliance.  But the mass are as helpless as so many children.  What is to be done with them?  Shall they, the twenty or thirty thousand now within the Federal lines, together with the two or three millions owned by traitors, be turned loose to their own certain destruction?  Certainly not.  Their labor must necessarily be controlled and directed by white men, at least for some time to come.  They will learn self reliance and thrift and ultimately be capable of taking care of themselves.  But those having the best opportunities of knowing tell us most decidedly that now they are not.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

The rebels, in their Congress . . .

. . . talk largely about abandoning the defensive and assuming an offensive policy.  Hadn’t they better wait till they demonstrate their ability to maintain the defensive.  It is easy enough to say what they will do, but quite another thing to perform it.  If their brags and boastings had been made good by acts, Philadelphia and New York would have been in their possession to-day, and Toombs calling the roll of his slaves under the shadow of Bunker Hill monument.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

Fatal Accident

Mr. Samuel Smith, living in Henry county, came to Mt. Pleasant, Friday last, to see his son off, who belongs to Col. Porter’s Regiment.  The starting of the train frightened his horse which ran off upsetting the sleight throwing him out and killing him instantly.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

Soldiers' Pay

The Russian soldier receives annually only thirty-six dollars per year as pay, and his rations consist solely of black bread. – The soldier in the French army receives fifty-six cents a month.  The pay of our soldiers is twenty times greater.  The estimate in the French budget for 1860 was $64, 687,500 for an army on a war footing of 762,766 men, and in addition, a reserve militia, on a peace footing of 415,746 men.  It costs the United States nearly three times as much to maintain a soldier as it does the British Government; and it must be remembered that the British Government can get money at three per cent interest, while it cost us six percent or more.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

We had a call yesterday from Maj. Leonard . . .

. . . of the Iowa 14th, who left Fort Donelson Sunday night last.  He has been on the sick list some time past, but was able to be with his regiment at Donelson during the three days fighting.  He contradicts the report of the cowardice of Capt. Littler of the 2nd Regiment – says he heard nothing of it on the ground, and is confident if any such exhibition of the white feather hat taken place he should have heard of it, being with the 2nd or in its immediate vicinity most of the time.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

C. B. & Q. R. R.

MR. EDITOR, - In the forcible language attributed to a distinguished son of the Empire State “Our suffering is intolerable.”  In the third time this week under the new arrangement for the running of the trains between Chicago and Burlington, we are without the mail which we should receive at 12:30 p. m.  Passengers are now able, barring accidents, to depend with considerable certainty, weather permitting on reaching Burlington in 24 hours after leaving Chicago.  Should not the Citizens of Burlington in some public manner testify their appreciation of the kind consideration of the managers of this Railroad in operating the west end of the P. & O. as a branch of the C. B. & Q. to be run when it suits their convenience?

Seriously, Mr. Editor, isn’t it a shame that such an utter disregard of the interests of this city as is continually exhibited in the management of this road should be tolerated by her citizens?

H.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

Then And Now

On the 18^th day of February, 1861, a little more than a year ago, Jefferson Davis pronounced his inaugural address at Montgomery.  In a speech a day or two previous he said:

“The time for compromise is past, and we are now determined to maintain our position, and make all how oppose us smell Southern gunpowder and feel Southern steel.”

Two weeks later, Mr. Lincoln, from the steps of the Capitol at Washington, in far better taste said:

“Now, in view of the present aspect of affairs, there need be no bloodshed or war.  There is no necessity for it.  I am not in favor of such a course; and I may say in advance, that there will be no bloodshed unless it is forced upon the government, and then it will be compelled to act in self-defence.”

Such was the spirit of the rebellion, and such that of the government against which it then arrayed itself.  On one side, insolence, truculent, blood-thirsty threatening, and aggression.  On the other, calm forbearance, but resolute purpose.

A twelve month has demonstrated the old maxim which enjoins upon him that putteth on his armor not to boast as he that putteth it off.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

Rebel Atrocities In East Tennessee

The horrors of rebel supremacy in East Tennessee have not yet been told.  A member of the Forty-ninth Indiana regiment now at Cumberland Ford, says that three hundred refugee East Tennesseeans have enlisted within a week from whom he gathers the following almost incredible stores of the barbarities inflicted on Union men by their rebel tyrants:

One man sixty-five years old, attacked by a large force, refused to surrender, and after being mortally wounded, having first slain four of his assailants, was propped up on the road side and sixty balls fired into his body. – Another was hanged without trial, and his son compelled to sit beneath the gallows and witness the agonies of his dying father.  Two other unobtrusive, quiet citizens, were called at midnight from their beds, and in the presence of their wives and children brutally shot down, and not content with this villainy, their homes were stripped of everything.  Even the wearing apparel was taken from their wives and little ones, and they turned naked into the street.  Many equally brutal instances are related by honest, candid men, whose testimony none would doubt.  Such are the sufferings of a people whose only crime is a refusal to become traitors.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

The Tennessee Legislature . . .

. . . was badly scared by the turn of events at Fort Donelson.  They hustled out of Nashville, carpet-bag in hand, within two hours after the news of the surrender was announced, and as late as the 24^th, a quorum could not be got together at Memphis, the place to which they had adjourned.  That won’t make any difference, however.  Claib Jackson kept his rump legislature going with hardly enough members in it to fill the necessary offices, and if Gov. Harris can’t run the machine without a quorum he is less fertile in his resources than the now vagrant Claib.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

The various newspaper correspondents at Cairo . . .

. . . paid their respects to Gov. Kirkwood of Iowa Saturday evening.  The Governor has been her from some days looking after the Iowa wounded.  He is firm in the belief that the rebellion is in process of rapid extinction.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

Later From Europe

PORTLAND, Feb. 27. – The steamship Hibernia from Liverpool 13^th, via Londonderry 14^th, arrived this P. M.

American affairs had been debated in the House of Lords, and papers relative to the blockade of the Southern ports were promised shortly by Earl Russell.

Breadstuffs are still declining, except wheat, which was quiet, but steady.  Provisions dull.

Consols 92 7/8@93 for money.

European political news generally unimportant.

(Latest via Londonderry.)

Liverpool, Feb. 14. – Breadstuffs, steady, Provisions declining.

Consols 93½ for money.

The Etna for New York was detained till the 13^th.

Sales of cotton in Liverpool market for the three days including Wednesday were 20,000 bales.  Market firmer with upward tendency, but prices were without change.

Breadstuffs still declining, except wheat which was quiet but steady.  Provisions dull.

Consuls 92 7/8 @ 93 for money.

(Latest via Londonderry)

Liverpool, Feb. 14. – Cotton Sales for the week, 54,000 bales; market closing unchanged, but firmer.  Sales to-day 12,000 bales.

Breadstuffs steady.  Provisions declining.

Consuls 93 1/8 for money.

The Hibernia’s dates are five days later than those already at hand.

GREAT BRITAIN. – Parliament was discussing American affairs.  In the House of Lords on the 10^th inst. Earl Carnarvon said he had received information that no less than three British subjects were confined in the prisons of the Federal Government and had lain there for months denied a trial or their release unless they took an oath of allegiance to the United States.  He hoped that the Government would take earnest steps in the case and at once declare what was to be the position of British subjects in the Federal States.

Earl Russell said that Lord Carnarvon could hardly have read the papers which had been laid on the table, or if he had he would have seen that these cases had been brought under the notice of the Government; neither had he made allowance for the peculiar state of affairs in the United States, which justified urgent measures.  In England Parliament had given Government in times of difficulty, authority to arrest persons on suspicion, and it had to be frequently done without their being brought to trial.

The Government had complained of the arbitrary manner in which these arrests have been made by the sole authority of the President without Legislative sanction.  He was not disposed to defend the acts of the U. S. Government.  Congress had decided that the prerogative belonged to the President, and if he believed that the parties were engaged in treasonable conspiracies as alleged, he (Russell,) did not see how Her Majesty’s Government could interfere with a practice which was absolutely necessary although it was exercised with unnecessary harshness.

The American Government alleged they had undoubted proof of the complicity of these persons in conspiracies.  This Her Majesty’s Government was not in a position to contradict but they had entered a strong remonstrance against the manner in which the arrests were made and prisoners treated, and in their case would be earnestly watched by them.

Earl Malmsbury in asking for the papers connected with the blockade, complained that the Times had deliberately represented that Earl Derby advocated its being forcibly raised, he approved the conduct of the Government, and the question was one for them alone to decide but it was desirable to know what was the real state of the blockade.  He expressed doubts of the policy of the declaration of Paris in 1856, and did not believe they would or could be carried out in great wars when circumstances would be too strong for abstract principles.

Earl Russell said that on the first night, he was glad to find the noble Earl opposite, had approved of the conduct of the Government, and the country must feel confidence when all its leading men agreed.  The papers were now being printed.  They would be in their Lordship’s hands before long.  He hoped they would reserve their opinions till then, considering the importance of the question.

In the House of Commons, on the 10^th inst., Mr. Cobden gave notice that at an early day he intended to bring under the consideration of the House the state of international and maritime law, as it effects the rights of belligerents.

An order had been received at Portsmouth to reduce the number of men and guns of the ships of war in commission.

The London Daily News reviews the engagement at Mill Springs, Ky., as a genuine and important Federal success, and thinks if it may reasonably hope that the Federal troops engaged in it may be taken as a representative specimen if the Union army as it has become under McClellan, and the result of rapid and decisive action cannot be doubted.

The diplomatic correspondence concerning the intervention in Mexico had been laid before Parliament.  Earl Russell in a late letter to Sir Charles Wyke touching the rumor that the Arch Duke Maximilian will be called to the throne of Mexico says if the Mexican people by a spontaneous movement place the Austrian Arch Duke on the throne there is nothing in the convention to prevent it.  On the other hand we could be no party to forcible intervention for this purpose.

FRANCE. – Paris letters say that Mr. Slidell had been received by M. Thovenal in a private capacity; his diplomatic assumption of character being distinctly ignored.

Paris Bourse dull.  Rentes were quoted at 71f 25c.

The Cotton manufacturers at Genoa, who employ upwards of 25,000 hands, held a meeting to consider means of alleviating the effects of the present crisis in the cotton trade..  A committee was appointed to report on the matter.

The January mails from the coast of Africa had reach England.  Increased activity in the slave trade was reported.  The withdrawal of the American squadron led immediately to a large increase of the number of vessels carrying the American flag.

A bark from New York, but sailing under British colors, had been seized in the Roads off Cape Coast, on the suspicion that she was a slaver.

(Latest via Londonderry.)

Liverpool, Feb. 13, p.m. – It was intended to dispatch the steamer Great Eastern for New York in April.

The London Times of the 13^th published further correspondence from Russell from New York.  In it the writer says the army of the Potomac is not likely to move till the winter is over, and that  a mutinous spirit prevailed among the men, many of whom are better off than ever they were, and that the various expeditions by sea had so far accomplished nothing of moment.

The affair in Kentucky he regards as the greatest success yet achieved by the Federals.

A great popular demonstration took place and Genoa on Sunday, the 9^th inst., in favor of Victor Emanuel and Rome as the capital of Italy.

At Milan, on the same day, preparations had been made for a demonstration, but the municipality issued a notice that such demonstrations were useless, and advising the Milanese to exercise their constitutional rights by signing the following protest:

Although respecting the Sovereign Pontiff of Rome as the head of the Church, we look upon Rome as the Capital of Italy, with one King, Victor Emanuel.

The protest soon received an immense number of signatures.

Letters from Vienna are filled with most lamentable accounts of the inundation.  The district submerged in Vienna alone comprises a population of 80,000 persons to be provided for.  The rain fell for four days, almost without intermission.  Bridges and viaducts were destroyed and the railroad service was nearly all suspended.  Several towns were also inundated by the Danube, including Presburg and Pesth.

The Times in an editorial on Burnside’s expedition says the force is plainly inadequate to the service expected, and if Burnside wishes success he will entrench himself, establish a good base of operations and await reinforcements before running the risk of penetrating the enemy’s country.

The great exhibition building in London as delivered up to the Commissioners by the contractors.  It was virtually completed at noon on the 12^th inst, as stipulated in the contract.

(Very Latest.)

Liverpool, Feb. 13. – London Money Market – The funds on Thursday closed firmer.  Consols 93@93½.  American securities unaltered.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

A Land Behind The Mountain

The little child was dying.  His weary limbs were racked with pain no more.  The flesh was fading from his thin cheeks, and the fever that had been for weeks drying up his blood, was now cooling rapidly under the touch of the icy hand that was upon him.  There were sounds and tokens of suppressed grief in that dim chamber for the dying boy was very dear to many hearts.  They knew that he was departing, and the thought was hard to bear; but they tried to command their feelings that they might not disturb the last moments of their darling.  The father and mother, and the kind physician, stood beside dear Eddy’s bed, and watch his heavy breathing.  He had been silent for some time and appeared to sleep.  They thought that it might be thus that he would pass away; but suddenly his blue eyes opened wide and clear, and a beautiful smile broke over his features.  He looked upward and forward first, then turning his eyes upon his mother’s face said in a sweet voice: “Mother, what is the name of the beautiful country that I see beyond the mountains – the high mountains?”

“I can see nothing, my child,” said the mother; “There are no mountains in sight of our house.”

“Look there, dear mother,” said the child pointing upward, “yonder are the mountains.  Can you not see them now?” he asked in tones of the greatest astonishment, as his mother shook her head.  “They are near me now – so large and so high, and behind them the country looks so beautiful, and the people there are so happy – there are no sick children there. Paps, cannot you see behind the mountains?  Tell me the name of that land.”

The parents glanced at each other and with united voices replied: “The land you see is heaven, is it not, my child?”

“Yes it is heaven.  I thought that must be the name.  O! let me go – but how shall I cross those mountains?  Father, will you not carry me?  Take me in your arms and carry me, for they call me from the other side and I must go.”

There was not a dry eye in that chamber and upon every heart there fell a solemn awe, as if the curtain which concealed its mysteries was about to be withdrawn.

“O, mother – O, father! Do not cry, but come with me and cross the mountains – O come!”  And thus he entreated with a strength and earnestness which astonished all.  The chamber was filled with wondering and awe-stricken friends.  At length he turned to his mother, with a face beaming with rapturous delight, and stretching out his little arms for the last embrace, he cried: “Good-bye, mother, I am going, but don’t you be afraid – the strong man has come to carry me over the mountains.”

These were his parting words.  Upon his mother’s breast he breathed his last, and they laid the little fair body down again upon the pillow, and closed the lids over the beautiful blue eyes, over which the mist of death had gathered heavily, and bowing by the bedside they prayed with submissive, but bleeding hearts, and said: “The Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27. – SENATE. – Mr. TRUMBULL said within a few weeks the property of a Rebel General in Washington had been sold and the proceeds transmitted to him, while we were imposing paper currency on suffering soldiers.  When the special order was called – being Starke’s seat.  This was postponed and the Confiscation bill resumed.

Mr. TRUMBULL said it has been settled by the Supreme Court that Congress has the power to pass a confiscation bill.  The Government has the right to take persons who may be bound by contract – to take a child even and draft it into the service of the Government.  The master cannot hold the slave by any stronger tenure.

Mr. POMEROY objected to the third section which provides for colonization.  He thought we could not afford to send out of the country the laboring men and producers, and if insisted upon he should move to amend by providing for the colonization of the slave holders, who are dangerous to the country, and whose loss would not be felt.

Mr. WILLEY wanted to know where there was any constitutional power for the present colonization of negroes.  He was willing to cooperate in the most stringent measures for the confiscation of property, but had the Senator from Illinois counted the immense cost of the scheme of colonization.  It would cost $500 a head to colonize and keep ignorant slaves.

Mr. POMEROY said his amendment would abate that, as there would only be a few slave holders to colonize.

Mr. WILLEY – I propose to hang all such traitors, and thus save all the expense of transportation. {Applause, which was immediately checked by the chair.}

By consent, Mr. FESSENDEN introduced a bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue to public creditors, certificates for the whole amount of debt, in certificates of not less than $1,000, payable in one year or earlier, at the option of the Government, bearing 6 per cent interest.

On motion of Mr. FESSENDEN, the bill was taken up and passed.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the confiscation bill.

Mr. TEN EYCK said there was a great aversion to the North to having large masses of free negroes turned loose among them, nor could they be allowed to roam at large in the South.

Mr. SUMNER agreed with the Senator from Kansas (Pomeroy) in objecting to any recognition of the fugitive slave law, which he thought never had authority in constitution.  He moved to make a verbal amendment to obviate all suspicion of anything of that kind.  The amendment was adopted.

On motion of Mr. POWELL, further consideration was postponed until to-morrow.

On motion of Mr. SUMNER, the Senate went into Executive Session and subsequently adjourned.

HOUSE. – Mr. PORTER, from the Committee on the Judiciary reported the resolution which passed that the several Railroad companies which have received from the Government grants of lands to aid in the construction of railroads, are required to transport property and troops of the United States free of all tolls.

Mr. PENDLETON reported a bill which passed, regulating the time of holding United States District Courts in Kentucky.

The Senate bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue certificates of indebtedness to public creditors was passed.

Mr. BLAIR reported a bill establishing an additional article of war prohibiting all officers from employing any force under their command to return fugitives.  Any officer found guilty of violating this article is to be dismissed from the service.

Mr. MALLORY looked upon this as an effort to repeal the fugitive slave law.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM moved to lay the bill on the table.  Lost by 43 to 87.

Mr. BINGHAM introduced an amendment which was agreed to, prohibiting any person connected with the army or navy returning fugitive slaves.  The bill finally passed, yeas 83 nays 42.  Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. – SENATE. – Messrs. DOOLITTLE and SUMNER presented petition for emancipation.

Mr. McDOUGAL, from THE Special Committee reported a bill for the establishment of a Railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri river to the Pacific ocean.

On motion of Mr. WADE the bill for the occupation and cultivation of cotton lands was taken up.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. – SENATE. – The Stark case was concluded, and the Senate adjourned.

HOUSE. – The House concurred in the Senate bill fixing the number of representatives at 241 under the census of 1860, and an additional representative for Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Virginia and Rhode Island.  Adjourned.

HOUSE. – Mr. VOORHIES, of Indiana, asked leave to offer a resolution tendering the thanks of Congress to Major General McClellan.

Mr. LOVEJOY, of Illinois objected.

The resolution commends the sentiments and policy avowed in General Halleck’s General order of February 23d, already published, as eminently wise and patriotic, and in strict conformity to the Constitution and that the war should be conducted in accordance with the same, and that the thanks of Congress are tendered to Gen. Halleck for said order and for his military achievements as Commander of the Department of Missouri.

Mr. VAN WYCK, addressing the Speaker, announced his desire to be excused from serving as Chairman of the Committee on Government Contracts.  Some weeks since I informed my colleagues that I should resign my place entirely on the Committee, so that another could be –

WASINGTON, Feb. 27. – HOUSE. – The House concurred in the report of the Committee of Conference in the disagreement to the amendments to the bill making appropriations for sundry civil expenses.

Mr. WRIGHT introduced a joint resolution that the Proclamation of Andrew Jackson on the subject of Nullification, together with the Farewell Address of Washington, be printed for distribution.

The consideration of the Upton contested election case was resumed.

The House declared 73 against 50, that Mr. Upton was not entitled to a seat.

Mr. DAWES, from the Committee on Elections, made a report, accompanied by a resolution that John Kline is not, but that John P. Verce is entitled to the seat from the 3d Congressional District of Penn.  Its consideration was postponed.

SENATE. – Mr. WILSON reported back from the Military Committee, the bill providing for a National Foundry and Furnace, with an amendment striking out the furnace.

Mr. DAVIS offered a bill as a substitute for the Confiscation bill.  Ordered to be printed.

The bill to increase the efficiency of the medical department of the army was taken up.

The Senate admitted Mr. Starke as Senator from Oregon by yeas 26, nays 19.  Mr. Starke appeared and took the oath.

The Senate then resumed the consideration of the bill in relation to the medical department of the army.

On motion of Mr. WASHBURNE, from the Government Contract Committee, a resolution was adopted calling on the Secretary of War to Communicate to the House the report and correspondence of the commission sitting at St. Louis for the examination of claims growing out of affairs in the Western military department.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

The Emancipation Proclamation

By the President of the United States of America:

A Proclamation.

Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit:

"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.

"That the Executive will, on the first day of January aforesaid, by proclamation, designate the States and parts of States, if any, in which the people thereof, respectively, shall then be in rebellion against the United States; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that day be, in good faith, represented in the Congress of the United States by members chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the qualified voters of such State shall have participated, shall, in the absence of strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such State, and the people thereof, are not then in rebellion against the United States."

Now, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days, from the day first above mentioned, order and designate as the States and parts of States wherein the people thereof respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following, to wit:

Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth[)], and which excepted parts, are for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued.

And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.

And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages.

And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service.

And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.

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

Done at the City of Washington, this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty-seventh.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

By the President:

WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State.

SOURCE: High resolution images and transcription of The Emancipation Proclamation from the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D. C.



War In Dead Earnest – Gen. E. A. Paine’s Specific

The following facts and correspondence have just come into my possession, and I hasten to send them to you.  They show the exasperated nature of the wary in these parts. – Soon the cry will be “No quarter!”

Col. Kellogg, commanding at Cape Girardeau, telegraphs to Acting Brigadier General Paine, at Cairo, thus:

“Yesterday (Feb 8th) several companies of cavalry, with one company of Ross’ infantry, scoured the country west, bringing in fifty prisoners.  Our cavalry also encountered a large force of rebel cavalry fifteen miles beyond Bloomfield.  They succeeded in routing them, killing seven, wounding many, and taking twenty prisoners.  We had two missing and one wounded.  They found five bodies, known to be Union men, murdered.

W. P. KELLOGG, Col. Commanding.

Gen. E. A. PAINE, commanding Cairo.”

GEN. PAINE’S REPLY.

“Col. Kellogg, commanding Cape Girardeau:

Hang one of the rebel cavalry for each Union man murdered – and after this, two for each. – Continue to scout, capture and kill.

E. A. PAINE, Brig. Gen. Commanding.

Cairo, Feb. 8th.”

That’s laconic and specific.  Had this policy been pursued from the start, rebels would have been scarce in Missouri.  I hope Gen. Hitchcock, Gen. Paine’s successor, will act out the example of Gen. now Col. P. – Cairo correspondence of Cleveland Plaindealer.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

McClellan's Amry Impatient

The Washington correspondent of the New York Herald telegraphed on Thursday that –

“A few days of such warm sunshine and strong southerly winds as prevail today will dry up the roads across the river.  Our Potomac army had with delight these [meteorological] changes, giving promise of an advance movement, to which they have long been looking forward with earnest hope and expectancy.  Lying passive so long in winter quarters, and having now no hand in accomplishing the splendid victories daily crowning the Union armies along the Southern frontiers and the South and West, is deeply galling to them.  A belief that to them will be entrusted the honor of giving the final deathblow to the rebellion, and the chance to win victories and glory before the war ends, alone inspire them in awaiting the coveted opportunity to signalize their patriotism on the battle field.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

Horrors Of Civil War

During the hottest of the battle on the Saturday before the surrender of Fort Donelson, two Kentucky regiments were brought face to face, one on the Federal and the other on the Rebel side.  In each of these regiments were two companies from Henderson county, and in each of the companies were two brothers.  The one in Captain Holloway’s company, battling for the old “time honored banner” – was dangerously wounded, while his rebel brother escaped unhurt and was taken prisoner.  Old school-mates in these companies were forced to shed each other’s blood by the infamous authors of this infamous rebellion. – What punishment at all proportionate to their crime can be meeted out to these traitorous leaders. – {Evansville Journal.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3