©irpimi
BY CO ALE £c BARK
"Friday, Jan. S3, 1863.
j@- No mail Wednesday night from the
East, nor none from the West on Thursday
morning.
♦ ♦ ■» ■ —
jggg-We have been compelled to cut the
garment according to the cloth this week,
hence our paper is somewhat smaller than
usual. Whether or not we will get paper in
time for next week's issue, is now among
things that have not been revealed.
A Subject of Interest.
We made a call upon the people in our last
issue, to send us all the old cotton and linen
rags they could gather up, and thus far only
two have responded. The two we refer to,
are among the first ladies of this place, and
have sent us the rags more as a matter of pa
triotism than of profit, as a few dollars for rags
is no object to them. But, no matter what
the motive may be, we want the rags, and un
less the people* supply ns we'll have to "shut
op shop," for the paper mills can't furnish us
with paper unless we furnish them with rags.
We again call upon all to send us all the rags
they can find, and we will pay them four !
cents per lb. There is not a family in Wash- |
ington counfv that can't find a few pounds,
and if theyHould only take the trouble, it
would be a great relief to us, and a benefit to
the country. We hope this appeal will be re
garded, and that every family will contribute
a little. No matter how many pounds or how
few, send them along, and if but a pound at a
time, send them any how, for one pound of
rags will make a dozen sheets of paper, a do
zen sheets of paper might contain the moral
law, and detailed accounts of a dozen brilliant
Confederate victories.
Election of Senator.
The Legislature, after consuming several
days in balloting, succeeded, on Saturday last,
in electing a Senator to fill the vacancy occa
sioned by the death of Wm. B. Preston. The
prominent nominees were, Judge Allen, Chas.
W. Russell, and Gen. Floyd. Mr. Caperton
received but few votes during several day's
ballotings, but was finally elected. The Hon.
Walter Preston, Representative from this dis
trict, received a respectable vote at one time
during the contest.
Allen T. Caperton, of Monroe, who has just
been made the colleague of xMr. Hunter, is an
old line Whig, and, whilst not a distinguish
ed statesman, is a gentleman of respectable
talent, high-toned and irreproachable in his
character, consciencious, energetic and devot
ed to duty. A worse selection might have
been made, and therefore we are satisfied, tho'
Mr. Caperton was not our choice.
Important to Conscripts.
We see an advertisement from Maj. Wm.
Terry, Enrolling officer for the 13th Congres
sional District in Virginia, inserted in the
Southern Advocate at Bristol, that will wake
up conscripts and others, to a sense of duty.
We have not been authorized to publish the
order, but extract the following paragraphs
for the information of those of our readers
who may not see the Advocate:
All persons in the counties, between
the ages of 18 and 40 years, whether residents
of any portion of the State or of other States,
in which the aforesaid orders have not been
suspended, are hereby required to report
themselves at the said places of rendezvous to
the Examining Board and Enrolling Officers,
for examination and enrollment, on the days
fixed.
This notice includes every person between
the ages specified -those who have been here
tofore examined and discharged either by
State or Confederate Surgeons—those who
have at any time been discharged from the
armv —those who have furnished substitutes,
and "any and all persons who may claim ex
emption on any ground whatever. No per
son's discharge, exemption or detail, from any
source, will excuse from attendance at the
place appointed.
COOXT*. PLACE OF RENDEZVOUS. TIME.
Wythe, Wytheville, January 23, 24, 26
Bland, Bland C. H., " 28, 29, 30
Grayson, Independence, February, 2, 3, 4
Smyth, Marion, " 7, 9, 10
Washington, Abingdon, " 11, 12, 13, 14
Lee, ' Jonesville, r* 18, 19, 20
Tazewell, Jeffersonville, January, 26, 27, 28
Russell, Lebanon, " 30,31, & Fab. 2
Wise, Wise C. H., February, 5, 6
Scott, Estillville, " 9, 10, 11
Buchanan, Mouth of Slate, " 16,17,18
M'Dowell, Peeryville, •« 21, 23, 24
■ . ♦ » ♦
Obituaries.
We have said time and again in these co
lumns, that we would not insert long obitua
ries except as advertisements, to be paid for
in advance, yet still they come. We have
now several on band, which, were they in
serted, would occupy the whole of this small
fheet. We charge nothing for a few lines,
which, generally speaking, are amply suffi
cient, but we cannot, and will not, insert
whole sermons and biographies, without the
pay in advance, and not even then to tho ex
olu-inn of news bt g»*;<"':' v inir-resf.
B@°* By reference to our news taken from
Northern accounts, the reader will be stru-.k
by the curious fact stated, that a gunboat
pursued Wheeler's cavalry, and that Wheeler
charged and to ik the gunboait. It is a won
der that Yankee ingenuity didn't discover
whether the cavalry took the water or the
gungoat took the land.
This is a singular mode of warfare, contests
between cavalry and gunboats, but it is not
the first time it has happened. Stuart, in his
raid around McClellan's army on the Chicka
hominy, discovered a gunboat in the Pamun
ky above the White House, and ordered a
charge upon it, but the boat worked its way
into deep water and escaped.
There are several erroneous statements in
these Northern accounts, among others, that
the Federal forces now occupy Cumberland
Gap, and that Gen. Longstreet is with Gen.
Bragg. ,
t » • » »■ ■ —
jg*g- A bill has been offered in Congress,
for the enrollment of unnaturalized foreigners,
in order to compell them to defend the laws
that give them protection. We never could
see any good reason why they should be ex
empt and amass fortunes out of the war, with
out defending the Government that affords
them emolument and protection.
8@- Major General D.- R. Jones, died in
Richmond on the 17th.
Extraordinary JLetter from Capt.
Semmes.
The N. Y. World of the Ist has the follow
ing :
The passengers on board the unfortunate
Ariel unite in testifying to the great polite
ness, chivalry and urbanity of Capt. Semmes
while his prisoners of war, but the following
letter which he despatched to this city is the
most remarkable evidence of his versatility,
humor and politeness yet furnished :
Confederate Steamer Alabama, I
December S, 1862. j
Messrs. P. E. Drake & Co., New York:
Gentlemen—l regret to inform you that the
twelve cases of Plantation Bitters found on
board the Ariel, consigned to Mr. Cordova &
Son, Panama, will not be likely to reach their
destination, having been transferred to my
vessel. Having procured one case while at
the Island of Marta'uique, its beneficial effect
in my hospital room and in curing the scurvy
was "such as to render it too valuable an ac
quisition to pass, particularly as it was evi
dently intended for the South', from the name
plantation. Rest assured, sir, I trust you will
not fail to freight each vessel likely to cross
my path with the Plantation Bitters, and I
wiil guarantee to place a ease in the hands of
President Davis before the 4t'i of March.
I have the honpr to remain,
Respectfully yours,
Raphael Semmes.
Intercepted Correspondence.
The Jackson Appeal publishes the follow
ing intercepted correspondence between the
commanders of the two Yankee fleets at Yicks
burg and Port Hudson, though brief, is de
cidedly pithy :
David Porter to David Farragut:
Flagship Uncle Sam, above Vicksburg, 1
December 28th, 1802. j
My Dear Dave; —Why don't you come up ?
I have been waiting here for you 3 days.
Yours in expectation,
D. PORTER.
David Farragut to David Porter:
Flagship Richmond, below Vicksbcrg,
My Dear Dave: —Why don't you come down?
It's so much easier to go with than against
the current, I know, for I have tried the river
on a run both ways. Come down, don't be
afraid. Ever ymirs,
D. FARRAGUT, Admiral.
Leather as a Small Pox Disinfec
tant.
The shavings or scraps of leather burned
in localities.infected by the s,mall-pox, is said
to be a sure disinfectant against this disease.
The receipt comes from an old physician whose
practice has been largely among small-pox
patients for the past thirty years, and who,
in all that time, was never called upon to
treat for small-pox a workman in leather,
either as a shoemaker or tanner.
The theory has been put in practice at
Castle Thunder with very good success, no
cases having occurred since the burning com
menced. The remedy is simple arid within
the of every one, and is certainly worth
a trial.— Richmond Examiner.
Wounded Yankees.
Wednesday six wounded Yankees were
found by our men on the battle ground —
They had been lying on the field since the
fight on Monday, and received no care or at
tention from their friends until they were
found by some of our men. who had them re
mov d and brought to town. They are very
bitter against their own army for neglecting
them in such an inhuman manner.— Vicks
bur a Citisen.
9 » ♦ ♦—-—i
A letter from a lady in Portsmouth, Va/
says : "General Viele's lady is going to gov
ern us as well as her husband. She was com
ing over on the boat from Norfolk in a car
riage on the 27th ult., and Mrs. Mercer and
several other ladies were in the cabin, and
Mrs. Gen. Viele thought that Mrs. Mercer
was laughing at her, and so she ordered the
guard to arrest her."
. ♦ ♦ >
A Washington dispatch says that Burnside
returned to his army on the condition that he
would be allowed "to do as he pleased, and
that there would be no interference with him
from Washington. The dispatch adds that
this was granted promptly, and that an oftec
[ sue m«\oment i.<trnim>dmtefy i
Later from the tfortn.
Reception of President Davis' Message.
Reported Federal Success in Arkansas.
MORE DOINGS OF THE ALABAMA.
&c.» &0., &c.
Petersburg, Jan. 19.
The Herald of the 17th is received. It con
tains Mr. Davis' late Message m full, and
says it is of more than ordinary importance.
It is evidently inspired by a conscious securi
ty which has'never hitherto characterized any
manifesto which has emanated from the Rebel
Executive, and breathes an air of determina
tion and defiance which is not justified by
what meets the public eye.
Cairo, Jan. 10.
The ram Switzerland has arrived from the
squadron, brin-ing the news of the tabiirg; o!
Fort Arksnsas, on Arkansas river, 100 miles
from its mouth, by the land and naval forces
under McClernand and Porter. The surren
der occurred en Sunday, with all the arms,
stores and ammunition. The Union loss was
200, that of the Rebels 550 killed and wound
ed, and between 5000 and 7000 prisoners.
LATER.
The Fort mounted nine guns, and the gar
rison was 7,000. It surrendered uncondition-
The Alabama has been heard from. Two
more prizes bftve been captured—one, the
Parker Cook, of Boston, near St. Domingo,
and burnt—the other, having a British cargo,
was allowed to proceed, but the vessel was
bonded. „
An arrival from New Orleans says the Har
riet Lane has been sent to sea to join the Ala
bama. Farragut has sent the Sciota, Brooklyn
and other vessels, to recapture her, if possi
ble. Capt. Wainwright and Lieut. Lee are
among the killed.
Nashville, Jan. 15.
Gen. Bragg'is supported by Longstreet.—
The latter's army corps is now at Shelbyville.
Forest is still at "Harper's Shoals.
The river is rising—ten feet of water on
the Shoals. No steamers are able to go up the
river unless convoyed by gun-boats.
Gold declined under the Arkansas news,
closing at 146 J. Exchange dull at 101 a
16H. mL w ,
Fredericksburg. January 18.—The Wash
ington Chronicle of the 10th has been receiv
ed here. The news is not important. It has
the following in relation to the engagement at
Springfield, Missouri:
Col. Crabb telegraphed Curtis that the re
bels , four or five thousand strong, with three
pieci'es of artillery, attacked Springfield on
the Bth. They fought with desperation till
after dark, but were repulsed at every ad
vance.
They renewed the attack on the 9th, but
6nally retreated. They then divided their
forces, one part moving to Sand Springs, the
other "off on the' Bfltek river road.
The telegraph is nearly destroyed for a dis
tance of twenty-four miles east of Spring
held. •
General Grant was constantly expected in
Memphis with bis army.
The lo9th Illinois regiment has been dis
banded and the Lieutenant Colonel has gone
over to the Confederates.
It is reported that Van Bern's cavalry was
at Jacinto preparing for another raid North.
I The Steamer Mussulman from White river,
i has been captured by guerrillas and burnt.-—
Her officers and crew were paroled.
Cumberland Gap having been left uncover
ed by the rebels during the late raid into Ten
nessee, was taken Dossessiou of by the Fede
rals - . • v >T -T
The peace propositions in the rMew Jersey
Legislature were introduced by a former mem-
McClellan's staff.
Reports of Stanton's probable resignation
are again current in Washington.
Resolutions were introduced in the Missou
ri Legislature on the 14th, sustaining Lin-
proclamation, and caused
an exciting debate.
_ ♦ ♦ ♦
A Brilliant Aflfair in the West.
Mobile, Jan. 18.
The "Advertiser and Register" has receiv
ed the following official dispatch.
Tullahama, Jan. 17.
To Gen. S. B. Buckner:
Gen. Wheeler, with a portion of his caval
ry brigade, after burning the railroad bridge
in the* enemy's rear, pushed for the Cumber
land river, where be intercepted and captured
four large transports, destroyed three with
all the supplies, and bonded one to carry off
four hundred paroled prisoners. Being hotly
pursued by a gunboat, be attacked, captured
and destroyed her with her whole armament.
Signed. BRAXTON BRAGG. |
Kentucky and tne Emancipa
tion Proclamation.
The statement of the Chicago Times rela
ting to a scheme to take Kentucky out of the
UnTon as a consequence of Lincoln's negro
proclamation, is commented on variously by
correspondents of Northern papers. One of
them states that Garret Davis, in a speech on
the bill before Congress to organize home
guards for Kentucky, proclaimed the uncondi
tional loyalty of himself and his State in the
most unqualified manner. We find in the
proceedings of the Yankee Congress on the
I 6th, a report of the debate on the bill to abo
-1 lish slavery in the State of Missouri, in which
! Mr. Wickliffe said he had seen it stated in the
! public prints, before the approval of the
! Emancipation proclamation, that the Fxecu
| tive had been informed by some intelligent
| whole-souled Union man, that there was a
! great and powerful change in the sentiment
!of the people of Kentucky, and that they
were in favor of this miserable abolition
scheme. In the face of heaven, and in the
presence of Congress, and iv the hearing of
the nation, he declared that there is not one
man out of three hundred in the State of Ken
tucky, that is in favor of the passage of such
a proclamation., Ri>-ha?r>ri'l Whig.
Addreis of Gen. Braxton Brag?
to nis Army.
Headq/ks Army of■ TtofWg, 1
Winchester, Jan. 8, lbb^.j
Soldiers of the army of Tennessee : Your
gallant deeds have won the admiration of your
General, your Government and your country
For myself I thank you and I am proud of
you-for them I tender you the grantnde and
piaiseyouhavesorrobiywon.
P In a campaign of less than one month in
the face of winter, your achievements have
been unparalleled. You have captured more
than ten thousand prisoners taken and pre
served thirty pieces of arti lery, and seven
thousand small arms, in addition to many
tbnusand destroyed. Y-u have besides cap
tured eight hundred wagons, loaded chiefly
with supplies, which have been destroyed or
brought safely to our lines, and m pitched
battles have driven the enemy before you, in
flicting a loss at three to one greater than you
have sustained. . . . ~ ...
In retiring to a stronger position without
molestation from a superior force, you have
left him'a barren field in which to bury his
hosts of slain and to rally and recuperate his
shattered ranks. Gut off from his government,
both by rail and telegraph, and deprived ot
supplies by the interruption of his communi
cations, we shall yet teach him a severe lesson
for the rashness of penetrating a country so
hostile to his cause. Whilst the infantry and
artillery defy him in front, our invincible ca
valry will assail him in Hank and rear until
we goad him to another advance only to meet
another signal defeat. t .
Your General deolores, in common witn
you, the loss of our gallant comrades who
have fallen in our recent conflicts. Let their
memories be enshrined in your hearts, as they
will ever be tenderly cherished by their
countrymen. Let it be yours to avenge their
fate and proudly emulate their deeds. Re
' member that your fare is to the foe, and that
on you rests the defence of all that is dear to
freemen.
Soldiers! the proudest reflection of your
General's life is to be known as the command
er of an army so brave and invincible as you
have proven. He asks no higher boon than to
lead such men to victory. T( share their tri
als, and to stand or fall with them, will be the
crown of his ambition.
BRAXTON BRAGG,
! General Commanding.
Our Victory near M»rfreesboro\.
"Oia," the intelligent army correspondent
of the Mobile Register, who is no friend of
Bragg's, and who wa3 at first loud in his cen
sure of the "falling back" from Murfreesbo
ro', makes the following frank admission i&
his letter of the 9th instant:
So far as our victory over the enemy is con
cerned, it is eonmlete. and may be considered
the greatest battle of the war, viewing the
disparity in numbers, for we really had not
25.000 troops on thefir-M. and drove back over
75,000 of the best troops the Federals had, be
ing principally Western men, who are far Su
perior to the Yankees «f the North. The im
mense number of wagons and stores destroy
ed, property burnt, with 5,000 stand of arms,
nearly forty pieces of cannon, and over 5,000*
prisoners captured, certainly give us the pri
vilege of claiming a glorious victory.
As to our falliug back at the same time the
enemy did, it is rather a good joke, but it
must be remembered that our men bad been.
eight days and nights on the open field, with
out shelter, and exposed to heavy rains and
freezing weather, besides fighting night and
day, and they had become exhausted to such
a degree that prudence at least demanded thatr
they should be withdrawn, instead of hazard
ing the loss of our array, which would have
been a calamity from which we could not hay
recovered. We have suffered dis
grace of defeat nor the being driven from our
position, however much our soldiers may have*
regretted to leave their dearly won battle-field,.
but this was truly a military necessity of
choice, and not of compulsion.
Had not Stevenson's division been taken
from us, I am confident we would have de
stroyed the enemy's army and regained Nash
ville, which would have ended, or at least
gone far towards ending the war.
The Contrabands at Washington.
A gentleman recently from Washington, D.
C, informs the Richmond Examiner that the
stolen and runaway negrocrfrom Virginia, to
the number of three thousand and upwards,
are encamped on the "Slashes," within the
northern precincts of the city. They are bad
ly clothed, worse fed, and their scanty tents
furnish but a poor shelter from the warring
elements at this inclement season. Many have
died, and numbers are dying every day from
pneumonia and typhoid diseases induced by
their exposed condition, and the emaciated
condition of the survivors, and the squalor
and filth pervading the encampment, beggar
all discription. The efforts to procure em
ployment for those who are able and willing
to work, have been ineffectual, as the menial
places about the Government Departments
are tilied with hungry Yankees, and house
keepers, who refuse to hire the "runaways,"
even when offered for their victuals and
clothes.
♦ ♦ « 1
Peace Proposition.
The Legislature of New Jersey met on the
13th instant. Resolutions similar to those
proposed by Brooks, of New York, a short
time since, and published in the "Enquirer,"
were introduced and mode the order of the
day for the 22d of January. The reaolutiona
propose an armistice of six months, to begin
at once. The second Monday of the third
month after the beginning of the armistice,
the people of each Congressional district to
elect one delegate to meet at Lexington, Ken
tucky, on the second Monday of the ensuing
month, to arrange terms for an amicable ad
justment of the difficulties between the two
sections.
» ♦ ♦
During the recent battle at Mnrfreesboro >
Gov. Harris, of Tennessee, was on the field
wi'h Gon. Bragg rvcry day.