The Union. [volume], January 01, 1864, Image 2

About The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866

Image provided by: University of Delaware Library, Newark, DE

                
I that
tions
that
was
ed
tbÏJf WlfHu Union
OEOBIiUTOWN, nEfo.
FRIDAY» JASit VKY 1, 1804.
To Corrwpqndeuts aud others.
We solicit cotttributioas and correspondence from
all quarters, and vrban worthy *rill l>c appropriately
published. Our friouds must write briefly, legibly,
side #f the paper ©nly. Th® real name
of the author must-accompany enoh oommunieation
ai a guaranty ef good fimh.
AtfOUtda
Th« follow ing person.» have h»ea authorized to
not as advertising and subscription agent« f«r"Tiii*
ilxiow," all money collected by them will bo dtily
credited on the books.
TEIOMAS TITUS, - -* .
SAMUEL MoDOWEI.L, - -
Col. JOHN C. CLARK, J«., -
WiUniMgtOH, Bel.
Chrittiana, Del.
Red Lion, Del f
TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS.
As the year of '63 is now among the
past and tho new year ushered upon us,
we deem it our duty to return thanks to
our correspondents, who have faithfully
and with so much seal contributed to their
talents towards the establishment of
" The Union." We would wish to sqv »
word in regard to our poetic Ricnds—
and "Dela
ware whose 'productions have added so
much attraction to " Our Poet's Corner."
" Cousin Willie" has but lately attached
himself to our corps of correspondents, hut
from what he has already produced, we
doubt not, that ho will become quite an
expert in the poetie world. With "Emma"
we are of an older acquaintance, and find
her productions are about to class her with
the first poets of the day. Whilst " Delà
ware" has preyed himself the hero of our
hand, and his name will, we predict, in ye»rs
to come, he found among the annafa of Amer
can Literature, to he quoted from by the
authors of future generations. The poem
on the death of Lieut. Albert S. Phillips,
to be found on our first page, to-day, is
indeed a splendid production, and well
worthy of the careful attention of our
leaders : it shows with what easy sway
he controls the imagining mind endowed
him by nature, and proves that " Dels -
ware,' loyal Delaware, is not behind the
age iu regard to poetie talent.
on us in various man
tiers .—our crops have been abundant ; our
inunulacturics have been successful; the
health of our land has been without com
plaint; and the nnu of our nation has been
trengthened by the tide of victory—all of
which demand that our humble prayer
slwuld ascend to the throne of the Most
Jligh, in gratitude tor these tokens of om
Jiipotcnt favor.
Cousin Willie,
A HAPPY YEAR TO ALL.
Let us return our thanks to the Ruler
çf the uuiverse for tho manifold blessings
which He has bestowed on us throughout
th® past year—which, though accompaned
with its many trials ha« left us triumphant
orer the numerous difficulties which beset
pathway. The blessings of heaven
have been showered
our
At the beginning of the past year the
copperhead fanatics raised their voices a
gainst the President's emancipation proc
himation. Let us pause for a moment and not
reflect on the result of that most wise and
hetiefieial decree. M hat is the result to- pie
dny ? I hose who were the loudest in their
hitter slanders against tlie nation, when it as
vas sent forth by the chief magistrate of same
the laud, have since seen their error, and
now following the dictates of humanity that
and are classed among the friends of the
government; for they now see that emçn
•cipation is the only remedy by which we
can throw oft the coil of despotism which
these southern slave-mongers would pre- him
cipitate on our heads were they to succeed
in their traitorous designs.
Our armies have met with great success,
both east and west. Lee, in his lame at
.tempt to possess the. fertile hills of the
Keystone State, met with that stern resis
tance which has ever crowned, with laurels
of fame, the Grand Army of the Potomac;
making Gettysburg and the green fields of
tlie Cumberland \ alley, a reminiscence of
imperishable glory to hand down to coming
pooterity. The last engagement in which q
our nation s sons, under Grant, engaged
the haughty foe, was productive of ini
mensc goo.1 securing our entire possession
of Tennessee, and hurling the haughty foe
from the cherished nooks of Chattanooga's
mountain home.
are
•Up Lookout mountain brave Hooker led
Ills ever conquering band;
And planted there, 'roidat victory's tread,
The ßtuiry emblem of our land.
The South has failed in gaining recog
nition from foreign power«.; yea, even the
promised annexation of Louisiana and
Texas, did not prove sufficient to entice
England and France to allie themselves
with the boasted southern chivalry. They
om lßft with their finances depressed and
worthless, with ruin staring them in the
face, and their people hopeless and dis
couraged.
The proclamation of amnesty, which ac
companied the President's late message,
is meeting its anticipated results. From
all the camps in which we hold prisoners
of war, we hear the expectant response of
those confined therein, and the great de
sire to take the oath of allegiance ;. and in
maDy instances, immediately joining the
ranks of the union armies. Such is the
feeling throughout the rebellious States,
that even some of the leaders have returned
Jp their allegiance—and it is to be hoped,
ture,
this
other
is
nor
upon
of
the
that
blow.
for
to
I our
will
as
that ere long, the honest yoemen of the
South will ery out, in exultant exclama
tions of joy, "one God, one country, and
liberty to all."
It would be useless in us, to repeat all
that has been done during the past year,
suffice it to say, that what has been done
was well done ; and the thanks of a proud
nation should be given to the Most High,
imploring a continuance of His blessings,
and that he will vouchsafe to our distress
ed land, the great boon of a permanent
and prosperous peace.
We return our thanks to our many pa
trons for what has been done in behalf of
onr new enterprise, "The Union," hop
ing for a continuance of their endeavors.
One favor remains for us to ask of you,
which is, show "The Union" to your
neighbors, and prevail on them to send us
their names, and the equivalent as per
terms. May peace, plenty , and prosperity
attend you all, and may the God of nations
shower h;s blessings of love and harmony
on ouv patriotic Union.
The schoolboy, ten years lienee, will
find in his History of the United States,
conspicuously displayed as an important
fact, that William Cannon was tho first
Governor of the little State of Delaware
who officially recommended the abolition
of slavery. Her position as a border slave
holding State gives her a prominence
in the record of these stirring times, which
perhaps she would not otherwise occupy,
The eyes of the country are upon her as
they are upon her sister States, Maryland,
Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri. Her
acts therefore as connected with this re
hellion, whether of loyalty or treason, with
slavery or for freedom, expend into as
is much importance and are scrutinized with
as much interest as though she were a
"sovereignty of magnificent proportions."
That she has determined to shuffle off
this coil of slavery, and when the country
- emerges from the confusion of this bloody
war, that she will be a free State are facts
as well known outside of our own limits as
to ourselves. By this political excoriation
which we are now undergoing, Delaware
will be cleansed of those proclivities which,
especially in her southern extremity, origi
nated and fostered a treasonable sympathy
with the Soutl), and a positive repugnance
to the liberties of our republic ; and%hen
she shall thus emerge, bright and lustrous
as a.free State of this great Confederacy,
with her people rejoicing in the transition
our and surprized at their own prosperity, then
the will the name of our present Governor he
mentioned with even more love and re-,
spec t by the people of his native State,
of than now. He fa the first Governor of
Delaware who has not considered it undig
nified and unbecoming in " His Excellcn
to the of the and
GOVERNOR CANNON.
an
cy" to study the wants of the people, and
to devote lus time and labor to the dis
charge of his official duties, and to the
promotion of our State's interest. The
industry and perseverance of the man have
not been extinguished by the pride of
place. He passes, to-day, among the peo
pie of the State, though their chief magis
träte, with as little display and exaltation
as the humblest citizen ; aud exhibits the
same kindness apd civilly of deportment
towards all since his elevation to office
that he did before. His official robes in
stead of inflating him with unbecoming
pride, have reminded him that he is the
servant of the people, and thus under
standing the great duty devolving upon
him he has applied himself with commend
able assiduity to its complete performance,
That which the interest, welfare, and
prosperity of our State require, he has
dilligently sought to discover. Mixing
with the people he has inquired tlieir
wants; familiarizing himself with the local
interests and feelings of every section, he
has studied the general welfare, and
of conversant by experience with the busi
of oesa relations and monetary interests in
our three Counties, lie is peculiarly ac
q lla i B ted with our developing and material
resources. His knowledge of Delaware is
ini- greater than that of any other man. His
mean3 f or information have for years been
foe various and reliable; his inquiries and
acqua i n tances have not been confined
j 0 wealthy and inert classes of our
community, hut by his activity and intel
ligence he has gleamed a varied and ex
tended fund of information from the ne
less
soil
els
is
the
and
They
and
the
dis
ac
From
of
de
in
the
the
States,
hoped,
cessitous and industrial mass of our pop
ulation, which renders him especially
qualified to judge of the practicability of
proposed measures of State reformation,
and the advantages derivable therefrom.
He is competent therefore, not only to
propose but to decide; and not only to
decide, but energetic and prompt, be fa
Thua constituted
competent to execute,
and thus qualified he bocaine, fortunate
for us and fortunate for our posterity, our
chief executive during the Southern rcr
bellion. Ilis penetration and his good
sense not only discovered the true origin
of our national difficulties, but readily dis
that the abolition of slavery here was re
quired by existing events, aud would be
conducive to our advancement in the fu
closed to him the sentiments of this State,
and the position which her present in
terest and future prosperity demanded
that she should assume. Fully satisfied
into
men?
a
ing
labor.
there
ing
right
tion
rule
or
fare
to
ture, he has had the energy, the determi
nation, aud the patriotism, to say that
this cursed institution shall die. That
other Delawarians have said it before him
is also true, but not with the same emphasis
nor with the same official effect. Many
doubted and hesitated when he decided
upon this policy, especially in that section
of the State where ho resides and where
slavery is the strongest,
faltered, he was firm ; while some ques
tioned its expediency, his foresight dis
cerned a popular approval. The voice of
the people had passed judgment; he saw
that the hour had come and he struck tlio
blow. Many who are now cursing him
for an Abolitionist, will live long enough
to survive the prejudices of the hour, to
behold the surprising prosperity which
followed fast upon the exit of slavery from
I our TfAi-row borders, and to wonder at his
foresight and their stupidity. His policy
will be crowned with success, Delaware
shall yet be a free State, aud William
Cannon, her loyal Governor, remembered
as her liberator.
While they
as
as
a
off
it.
as
then
he
re-,
of
and
dis
the
use
tho
in
of
of
THE BENEFIT? of EMANCIPATION.
We publish, to-day, on our first page,
an extract from the report of the Special
Committee, appointed in April, 1862, to
inquire aud report to the House of Repre
sentatives, of the Congress of the United
States—whether any plan could be pro
posed and recommended for .the gradual
emancipation of all tlio African slaves in
the States of Delaware, Maryland, Vir
ginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri,
by the local authorities of those States, aud
the colonization of the slaves to he eman
cipated ; and how far, and in what way,
the G overnment of the United States could
rightfully facilitate that entorprize. As
this report bears the impress of great abil
ity aud profound research, we invite the
especial attention of our reador—whether
they be slave-holders or laboring men, who
live by the hard earnings of their own
hands—to the extract we have made from
And we would call the particular at
tention of land-holders, and our white farm
hands, to that portion of the extract which
draws the contrast between New Castle and
Susse* counties. Our late faithful, indus
trious, Representative, Judge Fisher, was
a member of that committee, and it looks
to us very like, as though he had prepared
that portion of the report which wo give
in our columns, to-day. It is written in
that easy and simple style, which is wont
to characterize the productions of his pen.
Upon an examination of tho Census Re
ports, it will he found that the statistics
contained in the extract, showing the great
advantages of free labor over slave labor,
though given in round numbers, are al
most perfectly accurate.
It will be seen, that while in the free
county of New Castle, (at least one-tliird
less in area than Su.sex,) the average
yield of the laud is thirty-six bushels of
in
is
our
ex
ne
K.
hut
will
late
and
of
for
yield of the laud is thirty-six bushels of
corn and eighteen bushels of wheat to the
acre, Sussex county only produces, on an
average, twelve bushels of corn and six
bushels of wheat per acre. If there be any
error iu this particular, we believe it is in
overestimating the yield of Sussex lands.
Front what we have seen and know of the
soil and productions of our own county, we
should very much incline to doubt if Sus
sex produces, oil an average, over ten bush
els of corn or three of wheat to the
he
acre.
It is also observable, that while the av
erage price of land in New Castle county
is sixty-seven dollars per acre, that of Sus
sex lands is not exceeding six dollars.—
Such facts as theïc ought to address them
selves to the suuud seuse, as well as to the
pockets of those of our people who own
more land than they can improve, and who
would be glad to part with a portion of it
to those enterprizing and thrifty farmers I
from the free states, at even a less price
tlmn six dollars. I
uo
We would appeal to every owner of
out lauds, in this county, whether he would
not be benefitted by the introduction into
his neighborhood, of a number of such
men from Pennsylvania and other northern
states. We would also ask him, in all can
dor, whether he does not believe that if
slavery were abolished in Delaware, such
men would come in crowds to buy up our
slave-impoverished lands, and make our
deserts to blossom as the rose.
But it is not only to the interest of the
land-holder, that we desire to address our
arguments in behalf of emancipation. We
feel an interest in those whom poverty and
a want of education have compelled them
to hire out their services, to cultivate the
land of other men more favored than them
sslves in earthly riches. We ask the white
who is forced to hiVe out as a farm
worn
of
to
to
fa
man,
hand, to look at the disparity between the
monthly wages given in New Castle and
those in Sussex. That difference is more
our
rcr
dis
than enough to cloth him. Farm-laborers,
we call upon you to look to your own iu*
terests and future welfare. Why is it that
iu New Castle county, (where there is only
slave to about two hundred and fifty
free people,) the farm hapd receives thir
teen dollars per month, wliijst in Sussex
(where there is a slave to every twenty
free people) you are compelled to labor for
re- nine dollars per mouth ? Is there any
be other reason than because the owners of a
fu- thousand slaves can bring their slave labor
one
in
into competition wi li the labor of free white and
1 r . .v ; u f nT Genr
men? Wo call fpon you to think lor ^
yourselves. The ime has gone by when
a few slave-holder! should do your think
ing for you,and regulate the price of your
labor. We niueB^Snubt, if, at this day,
there are more than two hundred slave
holders in Sussex county ; and yet they
assume to set themselves up as the control
ing class of aristocrats, who have a divine
right to regulate our state affairs, and
bring the labor of their slaves iu competi
tion with yours.
You will be called upon at the next
general election, to decide by your votes,
whether you will sond men to your Legis
lative Haifa, at Dover, te continue the old
rule of slavery, poor land and low wages ;
or men who have your interest and wel
fare at heart, and aro iu favor of emanci
pation, rich lands aud high wages. Begin
to ponder over this matter in good time.
with
ment,
State
at
and
per
lain
^oal SVffausi.
ForCouoH», Colds, anclTitiioAT Disorders,
use "Brown's Branchial Troches," having
proved their effioacy by a test of many years.
Tho Troches are highly recommended and
prescribed by Physicians and Surgeons in
tho Army.
Important to the Enrolled. —Col. Fry, the
Provost Marshal General, has extended tho
time for healing applications fur exemption
in Delaware prior to the draft, until the 5th
of January nextj. The only applications
now heard are those of alienage, non-resideuts,
unsuitableness of age, and permanent physi
cal disability, The second class have also
been notified to appear fur exemption.
Negro Troops .—Wo understand that the
recruiting of negro troops in tho lower portion
of this County is mealing with a decided suc
cess, and quito a number have already volun
teered. The colored men ot Georgetown, and
vicinity, are wnAia^-anxiouily for the ap
pearance of the.recruiting olficers, and won
der at the delay, as thoy aro nervous to be
off "to do service for their country." Wo
have conversed with several on the subject,
and find nearly all* auxious to enlist—they
say they will not wait for the draft.
Fancy Goods .—Persons are requested to
give their attention to the advertisement of
T. F. Hatnmersioy— 3 }ts by so doing they may
be enabled to save considerable in the way of
making a purchase. The attention of the
Indies is more particularly requested, as ho is
partial to the ludies thoy may expect to be
accommodated. He assures all, that what
ever he lias for sale, will be sold to suit the
advantages of his numerous customers.
History of the Great Rebellion. —-Mr. Kirk
patrick, tho agent for this work, has met witll
success in scouri ng subscribers. Wo are
in
Re
...
I
pleasod tu see tfcg
able to appreciate IT work which is so well
calculated, not oijly to instruct, but to enliven
by its patriotic description of the war, a more
generous feeling of patriotism towards our
National Government. It not only gives an
accurate account of the present rebellion, hut
treats on tlio different wars and difficulties
which attempted the overthrow of the Gov
ernment, from tht foundation or laying of the
corner-stono down to the present day. Mr
K. has not as yot canvassed the whole County,
hut is going the rounds as quickly as timo
will permit. It is to ho hoped that those who
have not yet been called on, will, with aux
ious eyes, be awaiting his arrival. The
work is from the pen of Thomas P. Kettcll,
late editor of "Hunt's Merchant's Magazine,"
and for ten years a New York correspondent
of a Washington Journal. Tho work is fur
nished in two volumes, the first being ready
for delivery at $2.50.
»eoplö of Sussex aro After
one
king
the
tent
way,
of
in
my
the
ed
do
The Philadelphia Herald .—A new weekly
paper bearing the above title has been
menced in this city by colored people. It is
published at 49 South Third street, and will
he devoted to the interests of tho class upon
whose behalf it has been projected. AV r e see
reason why it. should not succeed,
colored people of other Arncric
sustained their organs, and some of them
We may mention, in
I ton, aud the Anglo-African, in New York,
The Pacific Appeal, published in San Fran
I cisco, is a very neat and well-conducted pa
The Herald may prosper in its, enter
Tho
uo
cities have
have been good paj^rs.
this connection, The Pine and Palm, of Bus
iu
per.
prise if the colored people of Philadelphia do
their duty .—Sunday Dispatch,
The First Delaware Regiment . —Wo arc
informed on reliable authority, that the officers
and men of the Fir*t Delaware Rogiment,
havo re-enlisted ff/r throe years., and will be
home in a short.tiine on a furlough for thirty
days. The brave meu of this Regiment de
serve much credit for giving this evidence of
their devotion to the cause of their country.
They havo already served three years, during
which timo they havo endured all the priva
tions and hardships of a soldier's life, bearing
our proud banner in triumph on many a hard
fought battle field. After all this service,
they are now willing to forego all the ondear
meut8 and comforts of homo, andouroll them
selves again under their country's banner, for
three years longer, to do battle against trai
tors and treason. All honor to those bravo
and gallant spirits, they are worthy
our gallant little State, and aro entitled to tho
gratitude of every truo Delawarean.— Journal.
Commander of the middle Department.—
The Washington correspondent of the Now
York Tribune, says:—The loyal
Maryland and Delaware are exceeding anx
ious to have Genoral Sehende return to the
>nn of
iu*
for
any
a
of
command of tho Middle Department ; and
to tiiis end, the Union Congressmen of Dola
Muryland, and Ohio, have solicited
wave,
the President and Secretary of War to give
the command ad interim to Colonel Donn
Piatt, Gen. Sclienek's lato Chief of Staff.—
Col. Piatt has bean fortunate enough to win
the confidence of the men who so lately car
ried Maryland and Delaware, and they speak
in the warmest tenus of his ability, energy
and patriotic». To further this arrangement
Genr D: Tyler of Connecticut has dccliuod in
^ ofG ^ lonel Ratt . Tb „ p resi dent and
ligten favorab i y> but aro troubled
; , ie , plent i 0 n 0 f rank;
OFFICIAL;
State of Delaware, Executive Department,
Dover, December 11, 18Ö3. —In conformity
with General Orders No. 329, War DepJP't"
ment, enlistments of colored troops within the
State of Delaware arc this day opened.
Major Lorin Barri tt is hereby designated
at a recruiting officer to conduçt the said en
listments.
Persons enlisted in pursuance of tho said
orders will receive a bounty of Two Dollars,
and compensation at tho rate of Ten Dollars
per month and one ration, three dollars of
which may bo in clothing. By order of his
Excellency,
WILLIAM GANNON,
Governor of Delaware.
Sau'l. M. IIaruinoton, Jr., Sec'y of State.
{^Contributed to the Union.]
A FAITIIFUJL CHAPLAIN.
The following is an extract of a letter, re
ceived by a lady of this place, from a Chap
lain in the 3rd Regiment Pennsylvania Re
and formerly a pastor of a Presby
serves,
terian church iu this State. It will be grati
fying to his many friends in Delaware, to
hear that this young soldier of tho cross is
faithfully engaged about his Master's
business, endeavoring to win souls to Christ,
and that his labors may bo abundantly
blessed will bs the prayer of every Christian.
...
1
Near Convaleicent Camp, Va.,
December 1st 1803.
Dear Friend:
The package of tracts with your kind
note, arrived a few days ago; I am really
thankful for this kind rcmembrauco for an
old friend, which at the same time is a grate
ful offering to the soldiers under my charge.
Last Sabbath, part of the package was dis
tributed to my own regiment and the Fourth
Pennsylvania Reserves, which is with us, at
this post. I think the Lord will follow these
precious leaves of truth with his divino bene
diction. It has been a year and more since
I cutered the army ; my work is one full of
difficulties aud discouragements; 1 have how
ever, through the Lord assisting me, tried to
surmount them ail.
In glancing hastily over tho notes I have
taken from timo to time of my year's labor
among the soldiers, I have these ns some of
my efforts which I trust God will bless to the
salvation of souls. During the year I have
averaged one sermon per week; several Sab
baths, lust winter and spring, owing to the
inclemency of tho weather, 1 could not hold
service out of doors. Last winter, after the
battle of Fredericksburg, the Chaplain of the
7th Pennsylvania Volunteers and myself
built a log chapel where we had precious
meetings, almost daily throughout the month
of January. We came from the Iront to the
defence of Washington last February, aud
have been retained here ever since. I have
siuce March had a Bible Class, meeting me
twice per week in my tent; we have gone
through the B.»ok of Acts, reviewed it, and
arc progressing with the gospel of Matthew.
In this effort I am much encouraged; the
class is
After
sprightly and ambitious pupils
Grammar; I have also a class in
one of my most active Christian men is ma
king good progress in Latin Grammar, and
pursuing a course of reading, which will be
preparatory to his entering the ministry if
the Lord spares his life aud wills that it
should be so. I have had prayer mootings
every Wednesday evening in my tent, since
March; every Sabbath morning I visit each
tent with my tracts and religious newspapers,
leaving at least one in each officers, privates,
sutlers, servants and wagoners tent. In this
way, 1 And I havo distributed 97GG tracts,
equal to 100,000 pages ; 8500 religious news
papers, G25 Testaments, 75G small volumes
of religious reading, 340 volumes and maga
zines harve been collected as a Regimental
library.
Two of our officers who have their good
pious wives with them have started a female
prayer meeting which the Lord will bless.—
Being within five minutes walk of the Chapel
in Convalescent Camp, I have been uniting
my efforts in preaching with the delegates of
the Christian Commission. God is blessing
labors ; some ure daily inquiring "what
must I do to be saved?" I havo also preach
ed to the Contrabands on tho Arlington es
tate. I never had a greater opportunity to
do good. I write to you thus particularly
because I know you love tho cause of Christ,
and will pray for your former pastor in
new held in which the Lord has placed him.
in interest and numbers.—
hear a number of my most
in Ehgli
Arithmetic;
s growing n
Bible Class 1
sh
this
Correspondence of tlie Union.
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
Wasiiington, D. C., 1
Dec. 21st, 18G3. J
Mu. Editor:
The Senate was engaged on Friday
last in the discussion of a resolution to add
another rule, to those already in being, for
the government of that body, viz :—One re
quiring Senators, before entering upon their
duties, as such, to take the oath of allegiance
iu open Senate.
It appears ' that all tho Senators, except
Bayard of Delaware have already taken this
oath, and it was reported of him, that he had
declared if required to take the oath lie w'ould
resign instead. In the discussion of the reso
lution however he took very different ground,
and declared that he would not take the oath
without the Senate required him to do so—
which of course they will do.
Tue Presidency.
J
The friends of thçse who will be most like
ly to bo prominently before tho Union Na
tional Convention for nomination for presi
dency aro beginning to be quite active, and
are working among the people to promote the
prospects ef their respective friends for the
nomination. At present there are not many
spoken of in that connection, aud it is to bo
hoped that while the rebellion lasts—lor the
honor of tho country, the Union party w.ll be
sufficiently discret in that regard, as not to
get bitter feelings engendered among them
selves.
The names that appear at present tho most
£ romincut in that connection are Abraham
lincoln and Salmon P. Chase, while there
are those who would prefer to either of these
worthy meu—the great captain of the ago,
Ulysses S. Grant, and yet still others talk of
old Ben. Butler, N. B, Banks, Andrew John
son of Tennessee, &c.
There is very little doubt that any one of
the list above named if nominated would car
ry the standard of the Union party success
fully through the campaign and be trium
phantly elected, as there is at present nopros
E ect of any one who is not a thorough going
nionist standing a ghost of a chance of being
elected by the people of this country to that
responsible position. There may be develop
ments in the next few months that will break
all the slates at present made, but now the
prospect is that the contest will be between
Lincoln and Chase.
, . . . , . .
11.0 old year bears you triumphant to
its close. May you mount yet higher the
"wave of popularity, and be swept down the
vista of coming years, wider spreading, might
■er growing, until every household nook in
''my Delaware" is pénétra cd and illumined
by your stronger beounug light.
Christmas aud its merry making is with
us. The rod monster, war, stands or a little
behind the scene-aud bright, spark
ling hilarity has taken a boisterous possession
of Ins "sent,' while the people are having a
merry time here as Msewhore. Meanwhile
our "brave defenders aie not forgotten. îe
North, with a generous hand tins supplied
delicacies ill maguifieiont sufficiency or
then-creature comforts iho wards of the
different hospitals, are decorated beautifully
with evor-groens and patriotic mottoes, while
the "old flag drapes the crowning beauty ot
a 1. Those able to get from bed, and on the
"light, fantastic toe, had music to overflow
ing ; and could mingle m the misty maze,
ovyo m on a regular "hoe down to then
hearts content—while the fairot the city were
neithor sparing of their presence or smites, nor
yet of more substantial, if not as bright, lux
, ixi
When your correspondent returned to his
rooni, the night of Christmas day, lie done so
with the conviction that, though home could
bo a better place to spend Christinas, bo had
found about as much here as lie could Con
l,s . *°.
again, in quiet
u *y »
Thcro are at this time almost super-human
efforts being made by a very large and influ
ential portion of the Union party of the coun
try to convince a generous people that
Chase is the man—and they may succeed, as
they ate at work secretly as well as otherwise,
having their organizations all complote; —their
strong bands, &e., so that the thing may be
fixed when tho time of the convention arrives.
It i :«iy opinion however that when the peo
ple snoàk it will bo foV " Old Abe," notwith
standing all their arrangements. There is no
m -n in this country who hds the - confidence
of the great mass of the pcopfo like he. If
he makS? mistake, tho people say it is of
the head and not of the heart. It is an ad
mitted fact that many things of his ad mini a
tration that were thought to be mistakes at
the time, are now considered otherwise-some
of tho most radical men i'! the Un, ! jn I' Brt > t
acknowledge, that when they w'" re
at tho tardiness of tho President in »^ vo n ®
their poliev, at the timo thoy wore urging
upon him tho necessity of action, now see that*
ho was right and thoy too fast, They say
that he 1ms kept pace with the real voice of
all sentiments of tlie people, and had lie moved
faster, as they desired him to do, that he
would have injured, instead of benefited their
cue. Another reason why he should be
tried again is that tho present term has been
of unparalleled embarrassment and per
plexity, and be ough$ to have one of quiet, so
that he could enjoy it, which is now probable,
as tho monster is writhing in its death strug
gle, and will soon die. Further, the people
are satisfied with him as tlieir President, and
while they have enough at present to engage
their attention of vaster magnitude. I think
it will be wisdom in them to come to the con
clusion that the good people of Connecticut
did, who at their first settlement proclaimed,
that the "Colony should bo governed by tho
laws of God, until they had time to make bet
ter." TIMOTHY.
•
{Correspondence of The Union.]
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
be
if
it
Washington, D. C., Dec. 2G, 18G3.
Dear Union,
>. a -mi
vonicntly carry,
chair" to tho lire to live oye
stillness, tho pleasing incidents of tho
but his, liko Cousin Willie'
and winter, had passed, und it refused to boar
up under its many years, him ana his addi
tional weight of Christmas: the consequence
Here, thought he,
is aohanccof getting in "The Poet's Corner,"
and catching up Willio's musical dirije , com
menced :
Ho dr
sh
summer, spring
of which was a "smash
proved faithful till this timo
tho floor, amazingly
Old avm chair, you'i
last,
But now you've spilled
a
tho floor, amazingly
But now you've spilled
fast !
hero was a stop,—studied long, then conclud
ed that poetry was'nt in my line ; at the same
time forming a resolution to send his chair t»
Cousin Willie, so that its melancholy end
might be appropriately versified ;—then the
knowledge of things told him there
plenty of old arm chairs in Lewes for him
to sing over, for the present ; and when the
supply failed, he might try on "My Heart,"
as it is flinty and hard to steal, aud ought to
awake his aspiring ambition.
Day and night the only returning voyagers
to the shores of Milton, have, in their revolu
tions, frequent and never failing visits, mould
aud brought to light a correspondent from
that changeless place, a fact that might even
surprise the sound-sleeping philosopher,—
who, no doubt, will be spared to narrate their
future visits and the things thoy bring along ;
also, when that easy-going place reaches the
zenith, by the slow and turc process, will
trumpet the fact to the interested world as a
triumph of a verv doubtful principle. The
night wanes while sleep woos, and wishing
the Union and its many readers a very happy
New-Year, I subscribe, very respectfully,
SCRIBLERUS,
• •
ad
Correspondence of the Union.
"DARKIES OF THE 2d DELAWARE."
Our regiment is the very paradise of dar
kies. Without doubt wo have a larger num
ber than any other regiment in the service.
Nearly every officer entitled to a servant has
one. They are from all parts, North os well
us South. Exhibitors of real negro trait are
very common and often
We had a sharp, gimblet eyed son of Ham
called Frank, who was full of gab and mis
chievous deeds, but it \^us currently reported
that he was a most arrent coward. And that
another, a big mouthed, stolid looking Ethio
piau, named Clint, was by far the braver
man. Indeed Clint was always on the picket
or skirmish line, and he feared uo iuoro shot
and shell than he did hard work, or a canteen
of whiskey. He would- go to sleep beside
either, especially when the latter Mas inside
of him. This alledgod superiority very much
annoyed Frank. Last fall when wo advanced
to Falmouth our regiment was thrown for
ward to support Pettit's Battery. As soon as
it opened lire the Rebs rained a perfect shower
of shells upon us. Poor Frank, who, to show
his courage, had kept close up to tho regi
ment, now found himself in imminent dan
ger. He was ghastly pale and trembling in
every limb. Every time a shell was heard
whizzing over us he duked his head and cried,
" O, Goody Lord, O ! O ! I mus git out of dis !"
At last espying a sheltering rook, he esconsed
his body under it, congratulating himself that
he was the only "cwlloiod pussou" on the
ground. When the firing was over aud all
was still, Frank was seen, rat liko crawling
on hands and feet from his hiding place.—
Cautiously exam ing the ground and lind ng
it sale, he raises his wooly pate and 1. udly
exclaims, "Whar is dat nigger now, I reck n
I done and beat lnm dis time?" But the
words were hardly out of his mouth when his
eye fell on Clint, calmly sitting on a stump,
beside tho regimental colors. During the
whole cannonade never onec had he moved or
even duked his head. The boys all laughed
and Frank slunked away evidently beaten.
But he was determined " nebber to gib it up
J so,"
UHing.
to
of
of
the
At tho battle of Fredericksburg, h* kept
close beside hia officer until tho regiment bad
passed the brick-kiln. Hero the awful car
nage was too much even for his goaded ambi
tion, pO to save himself he jumped into a clay
pit full of thick mud where lie lay until night,
an unwilling spectator to that terriffic battle.
He dared not move lest ho should be killed.
After dark he rejoined the regiment which
had boon relieved at 3 P. M. Here gathering
around him the wondering contrabands, who
With oyes as big as sa users and wide open
mouths were drinking in his words, as he re
lented his adventures. " Why," said he, "you
niggors, dont know nothing about lighting.
You is cowavdR, you is. Why when I's done
and got up dar, do little bullets kept agoiu'
piss, pis.-,, piss, all around like lightening*
and dem shells dey went yor-'r-'er, zup,
bang! an' tore up do ground like de dobbel,
an' killed lots of we 'uns. But dar was one
big gun I seed dar —my soul, niggers—why
he jist opened his mouth dis way." Suiting
^•on to the word ho opened his own
,f h to its utmost extent and
enormous mou. -u into the chm winter
voicelessly poured forin • ..
air a vast volumo of steaming • *
hoar him relate it., was the most vi
8cription of a battle, I ever heard.
When on the march these colored bojs
present a very amusing spectacle. They are
covered all over with coffee-pots and fry pans,
corpulent haversacks and thick blankets.—
Pockets are full of knives, spoons, and stock
ings, and hard tack. As soon as the regi
ment comes to a halt these heavily loaded
blacks, clumsily rush for fence rails. * In some
way they manage to get one either oh t|ieiy
heads or under their arms, and reaching the
place of bivouac, off eomos their load aud in
stanter a fire is kindled, meat trying aud
coffee boiling, while from out their capacious
haversacks issue soft bread and butter, and
cans of condensed milk. While their masters
are eating, tho boys are not idle—huge slices
of pork and bread disappear so rapidly
if we had not an excellent commissariat there
would 8pcodily bo a famine among us. Long
after the master has satisfied tho cravings of
hunger tho servant continues his eating. Of
all food the Southern negro prefers pork and
corn meal. He squats on the ground, his
fft0 „ rudient with \ na |i„ yed pleasure, from
the corner« of his mouth thq grease is drip
; attch hand u full of a re-lay for the
£ ext igt undor the g i ittering iv<1 i. Su p per
over tlieir is always fun around the darkies
firc . After marching, heavily loaded
all day, they hardly ever sleep until, they
httve f, ad a wrestling match. Songs of the
liar ethiopiau stamp follow, then stories.
the speaker ÎÏ frequently interrupted with
the grunted " humph he /" expressive of as.
a gont " )r 8m . prise - 1
Captain 8-had until recently a huge
'-boy" named John, aperfeot Tilau in streugtn.
Hig fac0 wng br( ,J and ruuud> witll ° big
croa | ( i n „ eyes, thick lips aud monstrously
p rtl tru d ing'chiu. His nostrils looked like the
twin portho i es ; ,, ie turrcts 0 f a Monitor,
But his feet eannot be f orgotten> tboy WQ
clad Government brogues, No. lit, and
at all anglo of ü0 degrees from each other—
Besidea ll0 was j !ly b ir d rigged with the lur
gest toc behind> 0 n his head he constantly
wor0 a bright yellow handkerchief and white
fe lt hat. His thick nerveless skin andun
, movcmontg æc^mpanied with a pocu
lial . gl . unt) rem inded us forcibly of a hippo
potamuus. Once upon a time it is said John
wa * sorely afflicted with boils. In trepoda
so tioa be 80Ugllt relief front our kind hearted
Doctor, who recommended brimstone aud
molasses. John retired mattering and grunt
; to his tent, and be ng no chemist bo
either thought soda aud sulplier tho same or
mistook tho one for the other. At all events
» he mixed up a smart dose of bi. carl. of tod a.
with molasses and immediately swallowed it^
The compound showing qo little hostility at
first was no sooner lodged ou his stomach
than it began battle in good earnest. Tho
purgens liimes flew into his nose, aud vast
jets of carbonic acid gas kopt puffing from
his distended uostrijs like smoke from a loco:
motive. His blnek sides were swelled almost
to bursting, and his croaking protruded glos
sy and terrible, while big beads of unotious
prespiration drifted from bis brow. Falling
upon the ground he roared and writhed like
a hippupotumous in agony, fliuging his huge
feet aud hands high in the air. A crowd was
soon collected. John was thought to be hy
drophobia. He kept roaring out, "Oh Goody
Lor', de debbcl is in my belly. I feels do fire
an' brimstone, now 1'« in surdition, (perdi
tion) 0; Lor*."
The arrival of the Doctor speedily relievod
the poor follow. But he declares that lip
"nchber^ill take do debbles medisin as long
as he libs." BRUMLEY.
Head-Quarters, 2d Regiment Delaware
Volunteers, Dec. 21st 1803.
• the
To
1 de
that
t»
end
the
the
to
• •
{Correspondcnce of The Union.]
LETTER FROM CONCORD.
Concord, Dec. 28th, 18G3.
Dear Union :
I observed an article in your last issue,
headed "Large Hogs," in which you give the
weight of ten hogs slaughtered in Bridgevillc,
neither of which weighed 500 pounds—and
you call them " genuine porkers ." Now to
soy nothing of the many smaller animals,
such as you thus style, let mo tell you of a
hog "what is a hog." My friend Mr. James
W. Morgan, of this town, killed one, week
before last, weighing G94 pounds, and I think
only about two years old, now let Mr.
Bridgeville try again.
As 1 have still ro in* on my sheet, I will
just add that your paper is a very welcome
messenger at this place, among the Union
loving portion of our community. Secession
sympathizers have very little to say siuce the
election ; I have heard some of them say that
"tnrry wished everybody to enlist in tlie army
that would," as t hey now believe that the only
way to put down the rebellion is to tight it
out—quite a change has come over the spirit
of their dreams of late. We had a clear house
of them on thanksgiving day, and tho minis
ter could pray for the Government to his
hearts content, without the fear of offending
the democrats, there being but one present—
though some came as near as the door, and
others were in their shops within hearing of
the ministers voice.
We sometimes see them in groups in the
streets, but when you pass within hearing
distante thoy don't have much to say—per
haps they may be considering upon tlie future
of tho Hon . Charles, or what lias become of
them one hundred and ninety.
it
n
or
up
A SUBSCRIBER.
From Wusliington.
Washington, D. C.,
Dee. 28th, 1864.
Confiscated.
The property of forty persons in this Dis
trict has been confiscated. Among the latter
cases are Gov. Letcher, of Virginia, aud Judge
Campbell, late of the Supreme Court.
Contraband Mail CAPTUREd.
A large contraband mail has been cap
ture 1 in Baltimore, just as it was about to be
despatched to Richmond. A number of ar
rests were made, and it is said that the cor
respondence implicates prominent people in
Baltimore and Washington.
Capture of Philadelphia Oyster Boats.
It is reported that last week nine oyster
boats, mostly belonging to Phildaelphia,