North Carolina Newspapers

mocxat CHARLOTTE, IV. C. Tuesday, February 2.1, 18C2. BATTLE OP PORT DONELSON. When our paper went to press last week the news from Fort Donelson was cheering. Up to Saturday night, the 1 5th. the Confederates had successfully re sisted the attacks of the Federals. But after our paper was published, news was receired that the Fort bad surrendered on Sunday, and various were the reports concerning our defeat. At first it was stated that the enemy captured 15,000 prisoners, together with Gen'a. Pillow, Buckner, Floyd and Johnston, and that the city of Nashville was rIso in possession of the enemy. The n-xt news contradicted all this except the fall of Fort UofleUon and the loss of fifteen hundred men Gen's. Pillow, Buckner and Floyd escaping with inoet of their men, and it was stated they would make a stand at Nashville. Gen. A. Sydney Johnston was not in the fiht. Matters stood in this way until Friday morning, when it was again reported that Nashville had been captured, and again contradicted. The following account of the fiht is published on the authority of a Lieutenant of a Mississippi Regiment who fays he was in the buttle : 'When the enemy opened fire en tH Fort, our force numbered l.'J to 15,000, embracing one or two Regi ments of cavalry aud four field batteries. On Vedtte v morning ( 10th J thfe enemy's sharpshooters opened lire in connection wi;h their artillery and continued through the day. Thursday and Friday they continued to fire, but there was little loss ou either side. On Fri day the gun boats opened a tremendous lire and the Fort replied, which continued without intermission throughout the day. On Saturday morning the Con federate army was ordered out at o'clock and formed iu line of battle. A great battle ensued, and w e took 7 or 8 cannon and iwu or three hundred prisoners. The littler were not recaptured. Our success continued uninterrupted through the day. One of the prisoners reported that the Federals were 50,000 strong, and that th y had been reinforced with 30,o00. On the strength of this report, (Jen. Buckner raised a w hite flag and propped to capitulate, but as the fighting wad resumed it is giiored our terms were not accepted. Our loss in killed i. estimated at from three to live hundred, wounded 12 to 1500. who were removed fro.i the Fort. The reported capture by the enemy of I5.0C0 prisoners is not Lelicved. as many escaped front the Fort during Saturday night under cover of the darkness. Iu this way nearly a third of Floyd's brigade escaped. The enemy fought ery desperately. During thu battle the i a a heavy tall of enow and leet." The latest Northern accounts of the battle at Fort Donelsou admit that the Federal army was terribly cut to pieces. The dead lay iu heaps, aud the scene of battle beggars description. It was a iearly-uougUl Virtory. Companies were deprived of their officers and officers of their companies. The dead weie thick ly strewn acios? the fitld. The Confederates fought with fearful elicit. Atdt'STA, Feb. 20. The Atlanta Confederacy, of this morning, says that despatches from reliable sources state that Generals Johnston, Buckner, Pillow and Floyd arc iu Nashville, making preparations to meet the enemy. Buck ner's forces were cut otf on Sunday, but nearly all fought their way out, aud made their way through the hills to Nashville. The enemy are in possession of Fort Ponclson. The total Confederate loss iu the fort was 2,500. The Federal loss was about 0.000. The latest news from Tennessee justifies a statctneut of the affair iu this way: Fort Donelsou capitulated on Sunday morning the ICth; Gens. Floyd and Pillow with some two or three thousand men escaped; Gen. Buckner and teu or twelve thousand men surrendered. Our loss in killed ami wounded is stated at 1,600; the euemj- lost in killed aud wounded 4,000. After the f.ill of Fort Douelson, the city of Nashville was evacu ated by soldiers ai.d most of the citizens: government stores were removed, the Legislature removed to Mem phis, merchants closed their stores, aud the city was left to be taken by the enemy whenever they chose to do ao. The Confederate army has been concentrated iu the neighborhood of Nashville somewhere. At the latest advices the Federals had not entered Nashville, but it was thought they would take possession yester day. THE NEWS. Gen. Price has had a battle with the Federals on the Atkausas frontier aud defeated them. This news is from Gen Albert Pike, and is reliable. The yankees have taken possession of Winton, in the eastern part of this State, and burnt the tow n. It is thought they are making for the Seaboard Railroad, running to Norfolk. Our troops are piepariug to meet thrni. The reported recapture of Elizabeth City by the Confederates has not been confirmed. The latest news from all puiuts will be found in an other column. fjay- Our late reverses is having the good effect of arousing the southern people everywhere to action. If our people w ill do their duty, we will establish in dependence before this year closes. If they don't turn out and fight now, the war w ill be prolonged for sev- j eral years. One thing is certain, the war must be con- tinned by the South until her independence is acknow ledged by the Lincoln Government. It will be worse thau death to give up now. We must and will conquer. We are glad to learn that Capt E A Ross of this town (late of the Bethel Kegiraent) has succeeded in raising a company for the war. Keep the ball moving. The FaycUeville Observer says that -00 men have volunteered in Cumberland county within the last two weeks. Thai's ihe way to sustain the cause. Fast Day. President Davis has issued a Proclama- j tion appointing Friday next, the 28th iust., as a day of lasting, humiliation and prayer, iu the Confederate ; States. Let the day be sacredly observed, clamation w ill be found io another column. The Pro- Agricclti ral Sociitt. A meeting of the Mecklen burg Agricultural Society was held in this place on .Saturday lust, for the purpose of keeping up the organ isation of the Society. A Constitution for the govern ment ot the Society was adopted. The following officers were elected to serve uu'il the J ft xt Kxhibitiou, or until their successors are chosen : A B Davidson, President; J A Young aud Thos I ''rier of Mecklenburg, T B Chambers of Iredell, S H Walkup of I'll ion. II S Young and K U Harris of Ca barrus, c L Hunter of Lincoln, W R Holt of Davidson, V, lloylc of Gaston. A R Springs of York, S. C, and W P Crawford and James Miller of Lancaster, S. C, Vice Presidents ; Dr F Scarr, Secretary ; P J Lowrie, Treasurer. n eC rr0miA-'".M"R' F- Dilvidson-J- M- Strong, ! V , -MlII"r U- b- Sicwa.t, J- B- Robinson and S. j A. Cohen. No other buisness of importance was transacted. Armory. The citizens of Charlotte and Mecklenbtng county have ukrD initiatory steps towards establish ing an Armory at this place for the manufacture of small arms and cannon. ot iRoorR.Ve are indebted to Dr. J. U. Strong, delegate from this county, for a copr of an Ordinance pas.-ed by the Convention to raise North Carolina's quota of troops for the Confederate service. We publish the Ordidance in full in another column. HaF1 Our subscribers at Mill Hill complain that their papers do not reach that Office regularly. Why it is we cannot tell. We start them from here regularly and at the right time. If our subscribers iu that direc tion can hud out inr cause of the difficulty, we hope they will inform us. v r. .... Bs or Good Courage. We do not know that there arc many in the South who are inclined to fee! dis couraged in view of the late reverses to our arms, but it is natural for some to look on the datk side and feel weak in the faith. - To all such we wou"ld say, cheer up, and remember the reTerses the Revolutionary heroes sustained before they achieved their independ ence. The Richmond Enquirer enumerates sone of them as follows : ' "In January, 1776, Norfolk was bombarded by a British war vessel, and nine-tenths of the town was burned. In January, 1781, the British forces, led by the traitor Arnold, captured Richmond. Tbey totally destroyed our cannon foundry. They seized and destroyed all our military stores, including a large quantity of powder. They burned public and private buildings and a large quantity of tobacco. Peters burg was taken twice in May, 1781. The Legislature, during the same month, on the approach of Cornwallis from the South, adjourned to Charlottesville. They were followed there, in June, by Tarleton's cavalry, seven of them captured, and the rest forced to retreat to Staunton. Gor. Jefferson escaped capture by only ten minutes. These successes of the enemy were marked by cruel plunderiags and rapiue. Our people, except a few, did not, however, sit down and whine, and denounce Geo. Washington! They maintained their fortitude, en dured their hardships, and put forth their courage; and in a few months thereafter in October 1781 they had the satisfaction of seeing Lord Cornwallis and J bis whole army captured at i orkiown, and the war ended in a blaze of glory." In addition to the loss of several of our cities, we loet two armies one under Geo. Gates and one under Gen. r.incolo but our forefathers did not become chicken-hearted and give up, they went to work and determined to conquer or die, and they did conquer and gained a great name throughout the world. Let the men of the present day do likewise, and all be well in the end. -p Spies and Touies. There is no doubt but that the cause of the South has suffered greatly from the opera tions of spies aud tories. Our people have not been half vigilant enough. Too many strangers are allowed to pass to Richmond and back again, and prowl through the country, without beiug questioned or arrested Be sides, it has been asserted more than once that there are northern spies in the Departments at Richmond. Before the capture of Roanoke Island, the New York Herald published a plan of the fortifications there, the number of meu aud guns, and gave all necessary par ticulars to guide the enemy in their attack. Of course this information was given by some one familiar with the defences. The enemy in their attacks on Fort Henry aud Fort Donelsou, were no doubt guided by in formation obtained from spies. Until the Government and people Jearu to be more vigilaut, we may expect to sutler. Inasmuch as the Lincoln Government now holds more prisoners than wc do, it would be well to arrest all tories and suspicious characters, and hold them ready lor exchange. A few thousand might be got in East Tennessee. This would be in accordance with the practice of the Liucolnites. They have arrested per sons on mere suspicion, and forced our Government to procure their release by exchanging those we captured ou the battle field. Therefore, we suggest that all the lories in East Tennessee, and all others who are known to utter seditious language, be arrested immediately and sent to the prisons in Salisbury and Richmond and offered in exchange for the true southern men captured at Roanoke, Fort Heury aud elsewhere. Tuk Permanent Government of the Confederate States went into operation last week. The new Con gress assembled on the 18th, aud we publish on the 2d page the first day's proceedings in full. On Saturday last, the 22d, Jciferson Davis was inaugurated as Presi dent for the term of six years. On Wednesday, in the House of Representatives, Mr Foote, of Tenn., submitted a resolution asking for a committee to investigate the causes of the disasters which have befallen our arms in North Carolina, Ken tucky and Tennessee. After some discussion, the reso lution was laid upon the table. Mr Smith, of Va., of fered a resolution declaring that in case any officer of the Army or Navy was found in a state of intoxication, whether off or on duty, he should be deprived of his commission. This was also laid on the table. We hope the resolution will be passed. A Good Move. The authorites of South Carolina are about to adopt a rather novel mode to supply the deficiency of Gold aud Silver. The Governor and Council have ordered "That the Chiefs of the Treasury be directed to as certain the amount of gold and silver plate belonging to the citizens of this State, with a view of hereafter taking and melting such portion thereof as may be ne cessary to constitute the ba.-is of future circulation to provide means for the public defence, if such shall be deemed necessary; and to accomplish the object of this resolution, they are hereby authorized to direct the Tax Collector of each District to execute such duties as they may require, wiili power to administer the usual oaths in receiving tax returns." If the Southern people would patrotically melt up their Gold and Silver plate, breast-pins and the heads of canes, there would be no lack of a specie currency in the South. The Bcrnside Expedition. Various reports have been published about the losses sustained by the Burn side expedition at Haiteras, during the storm some weeks ago. A correspondent of the New York Times makes a statement about the matter which is consid ered more truthful thau any yet published. He says 125 vessels of all descriptions sailed from Fortress Monroe ou the 8th of January. They encountered the storm on the 14th and 15th about Hatteras Inlet. The fteamer Citv of New York, with 400 kegs of powder, l700 Enfield Rifles, bombs, kc, was lost : the Zouave runboit. armed with 4 rannnn. was lust- thi- Kriii. shot, Pocahontas, Louisiana, and a schooner, were all lost with several horses and some men, the Voltigcur; Eastern Queen, Admiral, aud a schooner, went hard ashore whether they w ere got off again is not stated, but the probability is they were also lost. Some of the vessels started with pig iron for ballast, which was purchased at $20 per ton, most'of w hich was thrown overboard to lighten ship one threw overboard 75 tons of iron. The number of men in the expedition is stated at fifteen thousand. According to their own show ing they did not find as many Union men about Haiteras as they expected. The coi respondent says: 'The pilots, we were told, were all Union; Hatteras Iulet was Union, aud New York subscribed $8,000 fori the inhabitants, because the' were all Union. Y'et one of the pilots hired by us went over to the enemy and Inf.irriAil lit m si f Vfr V t l in o n.l o c- 47m- tlia t i 1 K 1 tants of Hatteras Inlet, tbcv are too iznorant to know the difference between Uniou and Secession. It is all nonsense; experience teaches us that there are no Union men there; and that the 3000 rifles asked for, if they bad been granted, would now be in the hands of the rebels, and that the 8,000 sett to North Carolina for the benefit of the Union men, was all lost to us. We had to pay $800 in secret service money to those self same Uniou mn to know whether Roauoke Island was occupied or not." FoBKir.ji Items. By a late arrival from Europe the following items of foreign news is obtained: Mr Slidell, Confederate commissioner, has arrived in Paris, and the southerners there think he will soon ac complish his mission. The Paris correspondent of the New York Herald says that the Emperor is ready to recognize the Southern Confederacy, but is inviting England to act first. It is said that the Manchester (English) Chamber of Commerce manifests a great de sire for the war to close. The Distillebt Question. We were among the first to call for action to prevent the distillation of corn into whiskey.. We did so when such a move was thought to be very unpopular and no doubt it was unpopular at first, for the Convention refused to do anything on the subject. But we are gratified to know that a great change has taken place among the people and among the members of the Convention. We never urged the matter on the grounds of temperance, but because we feared that bread would become scarce and much suffering ensue. The people generally are now beginning to see the danger, and are demanding a re medy. Liquor dealers and even those who are fond of indulging, are calling for a prohibition on the distil leries. We understand that a petition, signed by all classes, was sent from this place to the Convention last week, praying that body to enact a law to slop the distilleries during the war. It will be seen, by referring to a sketch of the pro ceedings, that the Convention has passed an ordinance to prevent distillation after the 15lh of April. From now until that time, thousands of bushels of corn w ill be distilled. But "small favors thankfully received," even if the convention didn't have, courage enough to do better. The South Carolina Law aoainst Distilleries. The Governor and Council of South Carolina have enacted the following law against liquor Distilleries: Whereas, the enormous and rapid consumption, by distillation, of the jrrain crop of this State is materially lessening the quantity and enhancing the price of those cereals required for the support of our armies and sustenance of the people; therefore, be it Resolved, That from and after the tenth day of March next, the distillation of spirits from Indian coru, rye, wheat, barky or other grain shall be and the same is hereby prohibited, during the continuance of the present war, except upon the terms hereinafter provid ed. Resolved, That the Governor and Council may, upon the payment of such sums as they may impose in their discretion, giant a license to distill to any person giv ing bond, with good surety, to be approved by the Clerk of the Court of the District in which he lives, in the penalty of five thousand dollars, conditioned that he will not sell any portion ot the spirits distilled to any person other than an authorized agent of the Gov ernment of the Confederate States or of this State: And provided further, That the person executing said bend shall endorse on the same an affidavit that he will not, in any case, wilfully violate the conditions there of. Resolved, That any person distilling without a license as ubove provided, shall be deemed guilty of a' misdemeanor, and shall be liable to a fine not exceed ing ten thousand dollars, aud imprisonment not exceed ing twelve months. Resolved. That any person licensed to distill, who shall violate the conditions of his license bond, shall, in addition to the forfeiture of the bond, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and subject to the same penal ty as above. Resolved, That in either of the above cases, the dis tillery itself shall be deemed a nuisance, and subject to , be abated. m m Bad. We notice in the Augusta Chronicle k Senti nel that & public meeting was called on a certain even- j ing last week for the purpose of taking measures to defend the city from invasion. But the meeting was not held, or a sufficient number did not attend to trans act the business. And what do you suppose is the reason assigned for the non-attendance of the citizens? why it is stated the weather tvat too inclement ! That's too bad. The weather too iuclement for people to turn out to adopt measures for their own protection! It is really disgraceful to the city of Augusta. If the yan kees should happen to get there with their gun boats they won't regard no weather as too inclement to pre veut their driving the citizens from their dwellings. When w ill the people of the South learn to act prompt ly aud vigorously. -- The people of Cleaveland count' don't seem to like the Convention they think, like thousands of oth ers, that that body has remained in session too long and done too little work for the expense incurred. A public meeting was held at Shelby week beforv last and passed resolutions expressing the opinion that the Convention should have adjourned after transacting the business for which is was called, viz: to take the State out of the Union. The delegates from' Cleaveland county were instructed to move for a final adjourn ment, and, if not successful, to resign their seats im mediately. The fact is, the Convention has remained in session too long for the amount of business transacted. Too much lime has been 'wasted in useless debates. This has been resisted, we know, by some members, who were anxious to do the business promptly and return home, but the' have been over-ruled by the majority, the talking "talented" members 1 The Tariff Question. Some of the papers are dis cussing the kind of tariff which the South ought to adopt after independence is established. Iu view of the course at present pursued by most manufacturers, but few persons are favorable to a tariff for their pro tection. The great mass of the people are indignant at the conduct of the cotton manufacturers. They for merly bought cotton for 10, 11 and 12 cents per lb., and sold yarn at 90 cents and $1 per bunch, and the manufactured goods at 10, 12 and 15 cents per yard. But now many of thein buy cotton for 7 and 8 cents and charge double former prices for thei' goods. It may be argued that the increased expense of operating the mills justify this great advance in price of goods. We don't believe it. The decrease in the price of cot ton will pay the increased expense of operating. After the independence of the Confederate States is established, the parly favoring a very low tariff will take the ascendancy and keep it. Hands Wanted. Gen. Branch, at Newbern, adver tises for 500 Free Negroes to work on the fortifications, ne says : ;They will be furnished transportation, quarters, subsistence, and will be paid ten dollars per month. They are absolutely necessary to the public defence, and I appeal to county and city authorities, and to pa triotic private citizens to aid me in procuring them. If you intend to aid in defence of the State, now is the time. The soldierr are now at work, and have been for weeks. 1 wish to take the spade from them and give them their muskets. Citizens now at home must furnish laborers to take the spade. The government will pay for labor; but laborers we must have. They should report without an hours delay to Major W B Thompson at Xewbern, or to Capt W S G Andrews, at Washington, X. C. Northern Items. A resolution has passed the Se nate of the Maine Legislature, in favor of confiscating the property of southern citizens, and arming a certain class of persons in our midst to fight against us. If the Lincoln Government recognizes Hayti, it is said that a black negro will be sent to Washington as Minister. He will just suit yankce taste, and will be a fit companion for Seward and Sumner. Mr Pennington, ex-Speaker of the Lincoln House of Representatives, is dead. Senator Chandler said in the yankee Congress the other day that the removal of Gen. McClellan was im peratively demanded, as he was in the way of closing the rebellion. The yankees are rejoicing prodigiously at their re cent victories. They will have to change thsir tune sometime. Bank or Thomasville. The Bank of Tbom asville, chartered by the last Legislature, will or ganize on the 26th inst. Greensboro Patriot. IT. C. CONVENTION. The Convention has agreed to adjourn from the 25th (to-day) ntil the third Monday in April. ; The following letter gives some insight as to the ac tion cf the Convention last week : .'' Raleigh, Feb. 2rst, 1862." " The Convention in diagging its slow length along, has this week perfected two very important measures, viz: the Ordinance to raise North Carolina's quota of troops for the war, and an Ordinance to suppress the distillation of grain into spiritous liquors. Whether these Ordinances will answer the purposes designed, remains to be seen, but they are the best that could be got through the Convention. The last named Ordi nance, called the Liquor Ordinance, provides as fol lows: The distiller shall pay a tax of thirty cents per gallon on all liquors distilled after the ratification of the Ordinance nntil the 15th of April next; after whieh time it declares it a misdemeanor for any one to en gage in distillation. - The penalty for each offence being a fine of not less than $100, and imprisonment not less than thirty days. Also a tax of one dollar per gallon js levied on all liquors brought into the State by the seller, or, if a non-resident, by the purchaser. This ordinance to remain in force until the first of January next, subject to be re-enacted, repealed or modified by the ensuing Legislature. The vexed question of Finance will be taken up to morrow. After that is disposed of, I think the Con vention should adjonrn tine die, as the present is no time to take up Constitutional amendments, although there is a party in the Convention, headed by Graham, Badger, and others, insisting upon such measures." The first foar days of last week were occupied with the consideration of the military and distillery ordi nances. While the distillery question was under con sideration, Judge Osborne made some remarks which are reported as follows in the State Journal : "Judge Osborne took it for granted the Convention had determined to act on this question. Caution and prudence were necessary. Before the commencement of the war some of our citizens were engaged in dis tilling as a means of living. By the blockade we w ere cut off from all markets where most ot our medicines had hitherto been purchased. Liquor was needed for many purposes. Medical men require it. It was more necessary now than at former times. Every family and every plantation needs more than formerly." The Con vention ought to take large views of this question. To say no more liquor should be distilled would be a great invasion of private rights. He had seen no ordinance as yet calculated to meet the exigencies of the case. He was willing to see a tax imposed, but would feel re luctant to vote for an entire prohibition." Rather a strange argumeut ia favor of distilleries. The probability is, the people will need bread during the war more than they will whiskey for medicine. We are gratified to know that a majority of the convention aid not agree witn Judge Osborne. J Mr Schenck of Lincoln, said he gave his hearty as sent to the Dl'OV'isionS of the nrohihitinn nrHinn hut it was defective in one point, it allowed too long a time ior me destruction ot grain. He moved to amend by striking out the 15th of April (the time fixed for pro hibiting distillation) and inserting the 1st of March. Unfortunately, MrSchenck's motion was not adopted, and the ordinance was passed prohibiting distillation from and after the 15th of April till the 1st January neit. The military ordinance, as passed, provides for pay ing each volunteer a bounty of $50. This, added to the sum paid by the Confederate Government, makes $100 bounty to volunteers. An ordinance was passed, on motion of Mr Schenck. to furnish food and lodging (at the expense of the State) to volunteers necessarily detained at the differ ent railroad connections in the State. For the Western Democrat. PUBLIC MEETING. Pursuant to notice, the cilizens of Charlotte met in the Court-House on the 10th inst., and organized by calling Win. F. Phifer to the Chair and appointing J. M. Springs to act a:; Secretary. Mr A C Williamson being called on, stated that the object of the meeting was to organize a corporate Company for the manufacture of ordnance and small arms iu or near the town of Charlotte. On motion, Messrs Wm Johnston, A C Williamson, M L Wriston, Z A Grier and H Kirkpatrick, were ap pointed a committee to prepare business for the con sideration of the meeting, who reported the following, w hich was adopted : Resolved, That a committee of five (Ifcrsons, consist ing of J H Wilson, John Wilkes, Z A Grier, R F Davidson and Wm F Phifer, be appointed to take into consideration the subject of erecting a manufactory of ordnance and small arms in or near the town of Char lotte, and that said Committee report fully as to the cost of said establishment, the ability to procure the necessary machinery and the time in which it can be put into operation. Resolved, That said Committee be requested to ap point a Committee of three persons in each Captains' beat in the county, and three for the town of Charlotte to solicit subscriptions for the above purpose. Agreeable to the resolution passed, the Chairman appointed the following named persons in the different Captains beats in the county: Charlotte Beat S A Harris, S A Cohen, and Dr E Nve Hutchison. "Crab Orchard W C Morris, Wm McCombs and Wil liamson Wallace. Sharon T N Alexander, H Kirkpatrick, and M L Wallace. Steel Creek Wm M Grier, John M Potts, and John Hart, Esq. Paw Creek J B McDonald, Adam Todd, and J S Means. Long Creek A B Davidson, Thomas Kerns, Esq., and John R Alexander. Lemley's W B Withers, Wm Potts, and D L Torrenee. Dewese's W G Barnett, Jas P Henderson, and D A Caldwell. Berrvhill's Thos B Price, N B Taylor and F Sadler. Mallard Creek R L DeArmond, Dr T C Neai, and S W Caldwell. Clear Creek Robt King, R M White, and A J Hood. Providence E C Grier, W M Mathews, Esq, aud James H Davis. Morning Star Wm Maxwell, Esq, Thos A Wilson, Arthur Grier. On motion, the meeting adjourned, subject to a call by the Committee. W. F. PHIFER, Chairman. Jons M. Springs, Secretary. I We notice that a great many of onr edi torial coteinporaries are bringing- forward the name of William Johnston, Esq., of Mecklenburg, as that of a suitable person to occupy the guber natorial chair after the term of service of our present worthy Governor shall have expired, whether that term end with the first Thursday in August next, or extend, as indeed it ought to do, to the 31st day of December. We have known Mr Johnston for many years, and have always esteemed him highly as a cool, prudent, cautious, business man. We know of few men possessing more sound, practical, common sense. His iutegrity has never been impeached. As all who know Mr Johnston, know he was always,- in party times, a member of the party opposed to that with which we acted. He was an old line Whig, and we were old line Democrats, but this never interfered with our respect for him, nor, we think, his for us. Without pledging ourselves io any way, we are yet free to say that, should the choice fall upon Mr Johnston, it will fall upon a good and worthy and efficient man. Wilmington Journal. An Atheist. The Religious Herald says that the Rev. A. W. Miller, of Petersburg, in his Fast Day Sermon, stated, on the authority of a dis tinguished Virginia gentleman, who once resided in the same town with Lincoln, and knew him well, that be is an avowed atheist. This fact (if it be a fact) goes far toward the solution of his coarse in the inauguration of the present war. Atheism has always been prodigal of blood if its own were not to be shed. Petersburg Expren. : IN AUGTJBAIi ADDRESS Of President Davis on the 22d inst. The following synopsis of the Inaugural Address of President Davis is copied from the Columbia Carolinian of Sunday: J :. Eichmokd, Feb. 22. The Inaugural was delivered from the Washington Monument. The President said: We have assembled to usher into existence a- Perma nent Government, which we hope will be perpetual, upon principles inaugurated by our revolutionary fathers; and with mingled feelings of humility and pride, I appear to take, in the presence of these people and before Heaven, the oath prescribed for the exalted station to which the unanimous voice of the people has called me. r He referred to the lonjr. course and class of legislation which has been aggrandizing the North and culminating in a warfare npon the institutions of the South, threaten, nig to destroy State Sovereignty, when six of those States w undrew from the Union,-the better to secure the liber ties tor which that Union was established. Whatever hopes may have been entertained that a returning sense of justice would remove the danger threatening our rights and preserve the Union, have been dispelled, by the malignity and barbarities of the North in the prosecution of the existing war. In proof of our sincerity to maintain onr ancient institutions, we point te the Constitution f the Confederacy and the laws enacted; and to back that, through all the necessity of an unequal straggle. Be act ou our part has impaired personal liberty or freedom of speech, thought, or the press. Every right of peaceful citizens has been maintained as securely as if a war of invasion did not disturb the land. The people of the new Confederacy became convinced that the United States had fallen into the bauds of a sectional majority, which would destroy every right which was pledged to Erotcct them. They therefore determined to sever the onds and establish a new confederacy homogenous in interests, -policy and feeling. True to onr traditions ot peace and love of justice, we sent Commissioners to the United States, to propose a fair and amicable settlement of all questions of public debt or property which might be disputed. The Government at Washington denied the right of self-governrnvnt, and re fused to listen to proposals of peaceful separation. The first year of our history is eventful. A new Government has been established over seven hundred thousand square miles. Our Confederacy has grown from six to eleven States, and Maryland, when able to speak with undented voice,will unite her desi;nies with the South. Our people rallied with an unexampled nnd unanimous support to the great principles of Constitutional Government, and with firm resolve will perpetuate by arms the rights they could not peacefully secure. A million of men. are now standing in hostile array, waging a war along the frontiers for thousands of miles. Battles hare been fought and sieges conducted and although the contest is not ended, and the tide for a moment is against us, the final result in our favor is not doubtful. He says the period is near at hand when our foes must sink under the load of debt incurred; and we have had oar trials and difliculties, but any sacrifice will be cheap as the price of success. Probably, by an ordination of Providence, we may be taught the value of our liberties by the price incurred, aud the recollections of this great contest will be a bond of hiirmony and endearing affection, producing unity in policy, fraternity in sentiment and joint effort in war. Our past sacrifices, in consequence of the blockade of our ports, are developing the resources of a self-supporting, indepcedent people. It affords gratification to know that we have maintained the war by our unaided exertions, and have neither asked nor obtained assist once from any quarter. In conclusion, he invokes the blessings of Heaven upon our efforts and c ause. WAR NEWS. BATTLE ON THE N. C. COAST. Norfolk, Feb 21. The Federal forces ascended the Chowan River again yesterday to Winton, N C. There were several gun boats with a large number of troops on board. The Confederates opened a heavy fire upon them, killing and wounding a number. Seme of the yankees landed and burnt the town, when the confed erates retired. Our loss is said to be two men and two horses killed. C H Foster (ihe yankee who was once driven from Murfreesboro) was among the vankees killed. The first attack on Winton by the Federals was successfully resisted by Col Williams of the 3d N C Regiment. BATTLE ON THE ARKANSAS LINE. Richmond, Feb. 21. Official intelligence received here says that Gen Price fowght a battle recently near the Arkansas State line, killing 700 of the enemy and losing only 100 confederates. FROM THE WEST. JlEnrnis, Feb. 20. Governor Harris has issued a proclamation calling out the militia. Tennessee has sixty-seven regiments in the field, but the Confederate Government call3 for thirty-two more. The Tennessee Legislature meets here to-day. An attack is expected at Columbus daily. Beaure gard will defend it at all hazards. Gun-boats are reported at Clarksville this morning, en route to Nashville. It is reported, but doubtful, that if a sufficient force can be collected in time to de feud Nashviile, there will be a fight in that vicinity shortly. Our loss at the Fort Donelson fight of four days was 1,000. The enemy's loss was 4,000. Late Saturday night, a council of war was held, at which'rt was deter mined to surrender. Gen. Buckner left to make it kuow n to Gen. Pillow and staff. Gen. Floyd and 800 of his brigade went to Clarksville on Sunday morning. Buckner remained. Our army of 12.000 men capitula ted o.n Sunday. It is believed that Nashville has been evacuated and the army fallen back, but to what point is not kuown. Memphis, Feb. 21. Seven Federal gun-boats went up the Tennessee River to Eastport, Mississippi, seven miles from I-u-k-a, to-day, and returned this afternoon. Nashville was not occupied by the Federals up to Friday night. It is thought that Bucll and a portion of his federal army would reach there on Monday. Johnston is reported at Murfreesboro, where he has been joined by Gen. George B. Crittenden. In Union county, on the 20th inst, at the residence of her mother, by J. M. Reid, Esq, Mr E. M. Walker to Miss M. J. Martin. ATTENTION, Beat IVo. 1. All persons liable to Militia Duty in this Beat, embracing Wards No. 2 and 3, are hereby ordered to appear at the Court-IIouae on Satur day, March 1st. at 2 o'clock, arm d and equipped as the law directs, for inspection and drill. Returned volunteers are required to per form this duty, and those residing in Beat No. I will appear as above. Persons engaged iu the ! service of the State by reasoif contract, and their employees are subject to drill once in three months, and will report for duty as above. uy oruer . n. oiii .o, wajjmiu. J. H. Wilson, Jr., O. S. Charlotte, Feb 25, 18G2. DR. J. M. MILLER, Charlotte, N. C, Has resumed the Practice of Medicine, and can be found, at his Office in Brawley's Building, immediately over Drucker and Heilbrun's Store, or at hi3 residence. Feb. 25, 1862. Town KTotioe- Ordered by the Board of Commissioners that no ac counts shall be hereafter made against the Town of Charlotte except sncb as are tpeeinlly authorized by the Hoard of Cmmusionert, or upon the written order of the Mayor. And that any person presenting any account against the Town to the Board for payment, not spe cially authorized by the Board to be made, mut pro duce the order of the Mayor authorizing the contract ing of such account. Ordered that advertisement of this notice be made hi one of the public newspapers of the Town THOS. W. DEWEY, Clerk of the Board of Com. February 25, 1862 3t IUO., IROIY, Swedes and English, AT AUCTIOX IX W1LM1JSGTOX, By S. M. Wkst, Acctiosmb. On Wednesday, March 5th, at 11 o'clock. A. M., we will sell at Public Auction, at our Store, FIFTY TONS SWEDES AND ENGLISH IRON, assorted sizes, from one to ten inches wide. Also. Fifty Bags choice Cuba COFFEE. ' O. G. PARSLEY k CO. Wilmington, N. C.f Feb. 20, 1862. Charlotte Market, Feb. 24, 1862. During the greater part of last week the weather was so bad that bu little trading was done. Cotton sold at 7 to 8, being a slight advanca over previous quotations. Not much offered. Corn Is scarce sales at 96 cents per bushel. Floor in demand at $3 75 to $4 25 per tack. Wheat $1 SO to $1 60 per bushel in demand. Peas 75 to 85; Oats 55. New Bacon, hog round, 13 cents hams 20. Lard 15 to 18. No Pork offering. Whiskey, none offering prices are higher la eon sequence of the prohibition law. Sugar and Molasses are still advancing. TOMTCreSBfiS' W AHBKMF. Having received authority from the Governor of N. Carolina to enlist men for the war, all those desirous of entering the service will do well to call at my offica and enroll their names. Whenever I may he absent from town, A. C. Williamson, Esq, will attend to this business for me. A bounty of $100 will be given to each roan when the company is completed and enters a Regiment. J. A. FOX, Feb 18, 18C2 Recruiting Officer. Executive Department N. Carolina. ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, Ralkigb, Feb. 13th, 1862. . ' FIVE REGIMENTS OF VOLUNTEERS FOR TUB WAR are wanted to make up North-Carolina's quota of the Armv of the Confederate States, to whom a bounty of FIFTPEN DOLLARS per man will be paid by the State, and FIFTY by the Confederate Slates. The number is expected to be raised with as little delay as possible; aud Companies at present organising will immediately report to this Oflice. They will be received by companies or individuals, and when a full company is tendered, four officers will be commission ed; with a less number, appointments will be given as follows: A Captain for forty men; First Lieuteuant for twenty-five; Second Lieutenant fr fifteen. The Militia who have been ordered on duty and to be in readiness, can still avail themselves of this op portunity of getting into the Voluutccr Service; and the number se doing will be credited to their respective Counties. By order of the Governor: J.O.MARTIN, v 4-4t Adjutant General. ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS! I have on hand a lot of Oil-Cloth Coats; also Oil. Cloth by the yard, which I will sell at reasonable prices. Call at the store of Messrs. Hilker ft Kuck. next door to Elias k Cohen's, grocery store. F. W. AH R ENS. Feb 18, 1862 2m 30"CtO. All persons indebted to the estate of Dr. W. A. Ar drey, deceased, by note or account, will please come forward aad settle with J. P. Ardrey; and those hav ing claims against the estate must present tUem for settlement within the time prescribed by law, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. J. B. ROBINSON, J. P. ARDREY, Feb 18. 1863 tf Executors. Stall? of North Carolina Union Co. ' Court of Pleat and Quarter Stttiont January term, I HI C. Austin, high Sheriff of Union county, having re turned into Court the following tracts of land for sale for arrearages of taxes for the years 1868, '69 and .'60, to-wit : , v One tract belonging to William McCain's Estate, containing 95 acres on the waters of Cain Creek. One tract belonging to J N Black, containing 106 acres, on the waters of Cain Creek. One tract belonging to Arch'b Frew, containing 165 acres, on the waters of Twelve-mile Creek. One tract heloiitrini; to J M Fulwood, containing 200 acres, on the waters of Twelve-mile creek. One tract belonging to J M Liles, containing 300 acres, on ihe waters of Twelve-mile creek. One tract, belonging to G W Groot, containing 150 acres, on the waters of Crooked creek. One tract, belonging to John J Halo, containing 240 acres, on the waters of Cain creek. One tract belonging to Bronson, Gold k Hoyt, con taiuing 18,444 acres, on the waters of Twelve-mil creek. One tract belonging to Thomas B Tappan, contain ing 625 acres, on the water ofCrooked creek. And it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the above named persons reside beyond the limits of this State, it is therefore ordered by the Court that publication be made for six successive weeks in the Western Democrat notifying said non-residents to ap. pear and answer according to law. Witness J E Irby, Clerk of our said Court at office in Monroe the first Monday in January, A. D., 1862, aud in the 86th year of American Independence. &04-6t J. E. IRBY, Clerk. TAILORING BUSINESS. NEW SHOP. The undersigned has opened a Tailor ing Shop iu Springs' Building, Room No. 1, where he is prepared to do all kinds of work in his line. He respect fully asks a trial and a share of public patronage. Military suits furnished to order. Mr R M itobinson, an experienced cutter, Will super intend the establishment. J. A. CALDWELL. February 18, 18C2 y FOI? THE WAR! 500 MEN W ANTE I). The undersigned is authorized by the Secretary of War of the Confederate States, to raise a battalion of Artillerymen, to man guns in battery for the War. The men are kept in good quarters, and are exempt from picket duty, kc. It is gieatly preferable to Cavalry or Infantry duty. The Confederate Government pays all those w ho enlist for the war, $50 Bounty. I will receive recruits si'igly or in Companies. The rank and file will elect their owu Company officers, but persons who are instrumental in raising Companies or sections, are generally elected. AH who enlist for the war, will be exempt from draft Persons or Com panies entering this service will rendrous at Salisbury, where suitable arrangements will be made for their accommodation. Address the undersigned at Ra!!sb rr. W. L. YOUNO, Capt. Provisional Army. Salibi;ry, N. C. Feb. 5th, 1862 WANTED, Able-bodied men to serve under the Confederate flag during our present struggle for independence. Service: Infantry, witb approved arms; Bounty $50 from the Confederate States, and at least $15 and probably $25 from the State. Field officers to be chosen by the company ofiicers. Apply soon to Clu-rlotte, Feb 11, 1C2 tf JOHN tf. TATB. NOTICE. The 5th. 6th, 7th and 8th instalments of five percent on the share of stock in the North Carolina Powder Manufacturing Company, is due and payable on Wed nesday the 6th day of March next, at the Branch Bank of North Carolina. S. W. DAVIS, Charlotte, Feb 4, 1C2 tf Prea't. N. C. GVLLETT, COTTON FACTOR GENERAL COMMISSION MERCHANT, No. 2 Union street, NEW ORLEANS. Strict attention given to purchasing. Jan 7, 1862 lyr pd SODA. Jast received a good lot of Baking Soda, for sale at Jan 7th. J. D. PALMEB'8. JtST Blank Deeds, Attachments, aod Couri Blanks, for tale at this Office. In conseqoence of the great advanca in paper, wear compelled to advanca the priee of Blanks to $1 B0.