Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / June 27, 1897, edition 1 / Page 4
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TRIALS OF A WAR GOVERNOR. BOW TAKGE STOOD CP TOM HII STATJS Eitncto of Much Historical Interest frem lite BttOTw1! Letter Book la Ttaaea Chaagiae; the Gaagw a forth Caroll as Bsilmd-brt Dn of the War 1b Horth Carolina Pa bile Meet ing Called by the Goveraor for KeTirlng Sentiment sad Inspiring Renewed Coax es A Peppery IMepateh to the Cxai- uwUil at Fayette-rllle Vaaee aCakea Keqaee a Secretary of War Breckta ridge for a Copy of the Precardiacs of a Secret Seeeloa of Congress Tee Capture of Wilmington and Stepping of the . Blaekade Kunaere Sharp Corteapoa- lence With Geaaral Whiting- Oeaeral Lee en the Berth Carolina Troope Cor respondence Over the Condition of Af faire at the 8alianrjr PrUon. Observer Bureau. Park Hotel. Raleigh. June 22. What a mine of Information Is to be found In Gov. Vance's letter books Hie sturdiness, his love of his "North Carolinians" are visible as one looks over the pages. Here is a typical letter. It Is dated July 5. 1;64, and is to "Gen. Whitlrur. Some 6 weeks ago I addressed a letter to the Secretary of War In regard to me exemption or u. l. Kus&ell, Jr., county commissioner for Brunswick. No answer has yet been received, and I learn that young Russell has been ordered by you Into camp. Mr. Russell was oismiasea the service,' was not onscnpt until he waa enrolled. Previ ous to his enrollment he received this appointment, which made him a State "nicer, necessary to the due adminis tration of the laws. In accordance with the act of Congress, and the resolution f the Legislature of this State. I have --iven him a certificate of exemption. This I cannot recede from, and especial ly in favor of a government which will not answer a respectful letter on the subject. I therefore notify you that your offer to arrest Mr. Russell or to listurb him In the discharge of his of ficial duties will be taken as a deliber ate and unwarranted usurpation of au thority, and will be resisted according ly." Gov. Vance wrote Secretary of War Scddon th- same day: "I have waited anxiously for a reply to my letter In re tard to the exemption of Daniel L. Mussel!. Jr.. as an officer of this State. None has Ix-en received, but I am told that Gen. Whitine has orders to con scribe him Immediately. I simply wish to inform you that I cannot and will not submit to this being done w-ithout resisting it by every means at my com mand." Gen. Whitins; replied on the Sth. say ing: "Your letter of the 5th has been forwarded to the War Department, and in regard to it. considering the manner in which you have addressed me, you will 7ormit me to Inform you that I do not admit the propriety of your ani madverting to rne upon the government f the Confederate States or its con duct of its correspondence. My own . orrcpponilenre with the authorities of the State of North Carolina has been tarried on not only with courtesy, as may be seen from the record, but with an entire deference to your wishes In I he case of Mr. Russell, very much be yond the deserts of that individual, In his attempts to evade service." fThe court martial of the now Gov ernor, it seems, was for striking an of ficer.) Gen. Whiting wrote a letter, dated July 4. which -a as delayed in the mails. In this he said: -"The War Department lias decided that the claim on the part of the State to Mr. Daniel L. Russell cannot te admitted: he having been in the service already at the date (Feb. 37) of the act to organize forces for the war. That act contained in it all per sons belonging to it till the termination. The exe:iirtion clauses in that act do not api-ly to the class whose position had air. ady l e-n determined. They ap ply only to those who were not in ser vice, but were made liable by universal expression of section 1 of the act. an an exception to the operations of tha section. The Governor's authority t claim as exempts those in service does not extend to a p-rson in service have accordingly notified Mr. Russell that in accordance with the sentenc of the court martial be will be required to select one of the North Carolin companies for service." The f ii: from Gen. Auirust been .-.-llled of North C of Noi l hot lantry arid serving of cauein.-nt leMer to Gov. Vane K II. Leo bears the dat ln4: ' I have frequent! up-n to rre ntion tie- service 'u7-o!!n;L soidjt-rs in th" arm rn irii'it'.ia but their pal c induct were never more de ;e!ioiral:on than in the en at fleams' station, on th 2".th in st The brigades of Gens. Cook Mai-Ilaf kiiiI Lane, the last under the temporary command of Gen. Conno sidvan-'ed through a thick abattts of felled trees, under a heavy fire of mug Retry and artillery, and carried the en emy's works with a steady courage that elicited the warm commendation their corps and division commanders and the admiration of the army. On the same occasion the brigade of Gen l-arnner bore a i "iisin uous part in th" operations of the cavalry, whi were not less distinguished for loldness and efficiency than those of the infan try. If the men who remain in North Carolina share the spirit of those they nave sent to the field, as I doubt no they do, her defence may w surely in trusted in their bands. The Confederate f nerineer bureau n tified Gov. Vance that the Wiliningto fc Manchesttr Railroad was a main line of communication which the govern ment must keep open, and said it would nave to re-lay its track. 10 miles of ral lrom the Wilmington. Charlotte rtutnertord Kailroad. This drew a spicy letter ircm President Robert H. Cowan of the latter road, who wrote Governor ance that the Wilmington & Manches ter road oupht to have been able to get supplies, as it owned a large interest i a bteamshlp company. He added: iioi.Se. merviore. tnat lr tne managers of the W. M. H. 11. cannot do the work of the government that you pass me road over to me and my directors. with proper authority in the premises and we guarantee that it shall be done. If you have authority to tak in miles of my road, imi have author lty to take it all. If yoa have authori ly to take my road and give it to the W & M you have authority to tak that road and pive it to me. If that load cannot do your work. I ran refer you to Hon. Geo. Davis and Maj iveoeit fetramre. or ( ,en. Kamnger stair for anything you may want to know about me." In a lettt r dated two days later, Pres ident Cowan wrote the Governor: "If the Confederate government will not accept this proposition. I respectfully suggest that you let it go to South Car olina. after those roads which it is al ways going to take up. but never does. Gov. Vance notified Gen. Gil mtr that he would not ssurrender the road unless the Legislature consented. as the entire road was mortgaged to the State. Under date of Sept. 22, 1864. Vance wrote Secretary of War Seddon: "I learn that Lt. Col. W. H. H. Cowles, First North Carolina Cavalry, has been recommended for brigadier of Cham- bliss1 Brigade, by his superiors. I beg leave most cordially and earnestly to second the recommendation of this gal lant and most accomplished young of- ncer. in addition to rewarding merit ana promoting the good of the ser vice, the promotion of Lt. Col. Cowles would furnish grateful evidence to our people of the Intention of the War De partment to promote North Carolinians. wnen deserving, to the command of troops from other States to which we have submitted so long. Gov. ance wrote Gov. Seymour, of rew Tork, a letter. In which he asked the latter to distribute among North Carolina prisoners In New York State l.rou pounds sterling, this being sent In tnree oills of exchange on Collie & Co. of Liverpool, the State's agents. The letter to Gov. Seymour expressed admi ration for the latter high character ana humanity. October 2S. 1864. Gov Vance wrote Robert M. Ould. Confed. erato commissioner for the exchange of prisoners: "ou give me the gratify ing Information that arrangements have been made for supplying our pris oners. North, with necessary comforts for the winter, and that we would be perri ifted to purchase supplies in the North, m cities. I desire immediately to make arrangements for supplying the troops of this State, which I can do- very readily, having funds in Europe. If 1 can have an agent North. X would greatly prefer having my brother. Gen. Vance, for that purpose, if the author ities will consent. He is now at Fort Delaware, and hia health Is dairy rivtnjt way from his confinement. As It aeemel that n cannot be exchanged. I would De mucn omigea u oar government would grant him this privilege and pro- cars the consent or the enemy. No bet - ler wwu ue itnun u oinpciiec ooumy or worm Carolina ana utBst there were (in the Stat, exempt Confederate government." I from mflltarr service fi.lH Statertt- .November is, Gov. vance wrote t - res - ident Davis: "I deem it my amy w a - dress you in regard to the situation at nunumsuiu. "T" ,";rT a visit co tne worae Z,,7t ami uiiu . , j ' so far aa lam able to Judge. There to be nothing wanting; but troops. If attacked in Strong force, humbly conceive that their capture is In fevitable. unless strengthened by at lease two brigades of veteran troops. The militia assembled and to assemble T. , j I. J , . Sr IT v" sist a land attack on Fort Fisher, which seems to be the point of real danger. In view of all the facts of the case, to which I presume the commanding gen eral keeps you sufficiently Informed, I respectfully submit that -en. Lee should spare a few veterans as a nu cleus for the raw troops defending Wil mington, notwithstanding the pressure upon his lines. Except for the moral effect Involved in losing our capital. I cannot see that Richmond Itself is any greater importance to us now than Wilmington. To leave it entirely in the hands of the militia, except the garri son. I deem extremely injudicious. Gen. Whiting Informed Gov. Vance that the men employed at the salt works on the Bounds near Wilmington were traitorous. He wanted them all removed and sent to the army, and slaves or free negroes put on the works, which were in charge of D. G. Worth. Finally. November IS, 1864. the War De partment conscripted ail the men. Mr. Worth telegraphed the Governor: "The men are all at Wilmington. Gen. Bragg will only allow the teamsters to return to the sound to remove the property. vv hat shall I do with them and the State's teams?" To this Gov. Vance replied: "The men shall not be con scripted. Inform Gen. Bragg that you have my orders to retain the men and move the property. If he prevents you by force, let me know immediately. Gov. Vance also telegraphed Gen. Bragg: "1 learn with surprise that you have seized my salt hands and refuse to permit them to return to the sound to remove property. This is altogether different treatment from what I ex - pected, and I Inform you candidly thai I shall resist by every means In mylty, they offer to sell, and do sell to the power. These bands are by the laws of our State not subject to conscription." Gen. Bragg informed Gen. Whiting that the latter had not understood his or - der and so all the State property was removed. December 27. 1864, Gov. Vance was at vt iiiiuiij, iuii wiieu lam i i l aa auacM. ed. He writes a letter to Mrs. James tpence, of Liverpool, England, in which he thanks her for 'presiding' over thehavinK been prisoners some six or nine North Carolina stall at the "Confeder. ate Bazaar." at Liverpool He says Now that this city is attacked, and there is a possibility, at least, of our only available seaport being closed, I cannot longer delay the pleasurable nt .rtin k , h write. Tou and your colleagues in thie matter are but the sisters of those who here this day are dressing -.he wounds and wiping away the d the lirowa cf nAiHahinv not aHannat0 , nrala, oH hl,a. O, ) . sisterhood of charity and mercy wnich lends a brightness and a glory to civi lization, or give you an idea of what it has done for our devoted soldiery." This letter is dated, " Headquarters, rorces of North Carolina, Wilmington. January 3. 1865. Gov. Vance :ele- graphed Gen. Bragg: "Can I with safe ty disband the Home Guard for a few weeks? They have to be re-organized under the new law, and I think this is as good a time as any." The Confederate government appears. from the tenor of scores of letters, to have treated North Carolina most un fairly in the matter of running the blockade, and actually forced the State to sell a half interest In Its own block ade runner, the " Advance." It is fur- iner snown tnat tnis niockader was forced to take out and bring in cargoes for private parties and there are more or less broad hints of speculation. Against all this Gov. Vance protested and chared like a lion. Then the "Ad. vance" was captured by a blockading vessel. She was using coal from the mine then know as the Egypt mine. i fn the 2xth of December Secretary of the Navy Mallory wrote Gov. Vance a letter which produced the following spirited answer: ' lour letter, with en closures relative to the loss of the Advance, is received. I stated that the loss of the Advance was due to the ap propriation of her coal for steamers of the government. I made this statement of which you complain, deliberately and upon authority which I regard as re liable, and think I have been sustained by the facts. To the common heap of coal the Advance contributed, and yet when she came to sail the government had taken all the coal, and she had to go with North Carolina coal. The coal was actually applied to the use of the Tallahassee. Just as I charged. I call your attention to the certificate of Mr, bavage, collector of the port of Wil mington. snowing tnat mere was no gold on board the Advance at the time she was captured. I do this because the appearance of an article in the Rich mond Sentinel, said to have been writ ten under the auspices of the Navy De partment, in which It was alleged that there was a large amount of gold on this vessel, the non-appearance of which was supposed to account tn part for her capture. Like you. sir. I do not c to.-d,!S .ihA5I- ment in regard to our armed cruisers and blockade runners generally. If I did, I might cite the recent formidable attack upon Wilmington, from which alone we were delivered by the provi dence of God. as a full confirmation of my op mora IGov. Vance protested against the sending out from Wilming ton of the Tallahassee, declaring It on ly irritated the Federals and caused at tacks on this State. I might ask If one of those three vessels which recently entered Wilmington loaded with bacon was not of greater benefit to the Con federacy, even though it was the en- terprise of gamblers,' than the destruc tion of all the enemy's vessels at sea. mentioned in the list that you enclose. My opposition to the policy of this gov ernment is not based upon anything factious, or any regard for the interest of men who have been making fortunes oy running the blockade, whether na tive or foreign. I never made objections to their being placed under such re strictions as the government thought proper, but why a State, struggling for tne common good, to clothe and pro vide for its troops in the public ser vice, should meet with no more favor than a blockade gambler passes my comprehension. January T, Gov. Vance wrote Prest dent Davis this letter: "I beg leave must o-iuiaii v iu juiu in tne recura-1 tl -t.iw f .i .-j I has been made by his superior officers I of Col. William Lamb, commanding I Fort Fisher, for oromotlon I waa near I t... ,.,; . " , w .v. ir,.., . i .Isist three armies, the confederate, the soldiers alike were enthustastiTin their nHtu n VI. .1.111 9 11 I , ... ... i hi.-, o ,vi 1 1 oiiu biiuiu r. rre- mirainf that the official nannrta have done Justice to his soldierly qualities. II mainly desire to assure you that our I neonle wonld e-ladtv aee him nuule a I brigadier-general from North Carolina, I though not a citizen thereof." I I Gen. Whiting wrote Gov. Vance Jan-1 uarv 4 that he nwlod an Inmre a I force of free nee-moa an nnaaihle tn wnrk I on the forts, and that he desired to I10 let the slaves return to their masters. I He suggested "an enrolled corps of 1.200 to 1.500 free negroes, property organised Into companies, accordlna- to rwrali. I lions, entitled to rurtough. red. clothed ana pai a. witn this he would guana-1 ee the exemption of slave Jahor. I This State, after the government had broken un its alt ,rV. . liV"'""": . cn met at fortress gine and 'cars to haul salt frm kali-1 I lie. Va The haarri nt nnhlu, wnrk. I . irginia coolly seized tWs T trail T "e Legmlature of this Stale r- 1 1 adopted a resolution denouncine- ki. Itn Smt t ?oT o.DC.r?tifie? 9Tr . .r V. . ioroia-1 rin! . nt rtlclM! Vir- Cima upon North Carolina railroads. I T I January 17. Becretarv of War tMAn. was notified bv Vance that vvliwf S'.tiTi-" 1fS?!r thejlieve Mr. Flanner of Ms agency from "- " wiwto or cotioa or i I tobacco, and it ibiDmeat for Uis r- iif of priaonera of war la Northern I priaona, "who are in great sufferlne; and I want. 1 peter ICallett, commanding coo i scripts, reported to December 1. 1864 ncers. and 7.885 by reason of dlaabilitv. i , 1 February l, lSfiB, Gov. Vance wrote Gen Bradley T. Johnson the following I letter: "Most distressing accounts I reach me of the Bufferinar and destltu I tn ox the lanaee prisoners under your I cn tn the nriaon at Sejiatmrv If the half be true. It Is disgraceful to our Ih.im.n4tv arwl will nrovoke Ar. - taliation. I hope, however, it is not so bad m9 ,t lm represented, but lest it be , hereby tender you any aid In my poWer to afford to lnlLke their condl- 'Tltton more tolerable. I know the great scarcity of food which prevails, but I Bbelter aj,d warmth can certainly be provided, and I can spare you some clothing, if the Yankees will deliver as much to North Carolina troops In the Northern prisons. Please let me hear from you." February 8, Gen. John C. Breckinridge, Secretary of War, wrote that this letter had been forwarded to him, and that he had directed an in spection to be made of the prison, and ofj,, sive Buch instructions to the in spectlng officer as would enable him to correct the evil complained of. That day Gov. Vance received the following letter from Capt. G. W. Booth: "Gen. Johnson has been absent for over a week, and I will give you a short state ment. The C. 8. prison, when estab lished at this place, was contemplated for Confederate prisoners only, build ;ngs and sufficient grounds being pur chased for that purpose. About the Sth of November, 1864, a large number of prisoners of war, some 8,000, were sud denly sent here, the government having no other place to send them. The grounds were enlarged and such prep arations as could be made were ar ranged for their reception. A short time after their arrival tents were is sued, and now they are all under shel ter of some sort. The number of pris oners confined here has reached as high figure as 10,000. When sent here they were in extremely bad condition. Wood In sufficient quantity Is Issued to them. Only two days have they been without it. and then unavoidable cir cumstances prevented its issue. The issue of wood is regulated in a measure I by the weather. In extreme days they 1 receive more than when the weather is I mild. As evidence that they have plen- I sutler wood for his store in exchange I for tobacco. He Informs me that more I is offered him than he buys or has use 1 for The matter of rood receives tne I earnest attention of the commanding I officers. The prisoners regularly receive one pound of good bread, or pint of soup, besides small Issues of meat and sorghum sometimes small quantities of both. As to clothing, their condi tion is truly deplorable, most of them months. The Confederate government cannot issue clothing to them, and none. has been received at this post from the North. Gen. Johnson. In a rommuni- tion to Commissioner of Exchange Ould. In the early part of January, call ed attention to their condition in this ilrespect. which he set forth in the fullest t8' and requested that his letter be I ,u,"sra lu reue.i, I Your generous proposition will no doubt I rei U THS, 1 Ill iv voui v oiitii - niiiv v i before him. and he will do all that he can to effect its consummation, len wells are in the prison, which af ford them water. In addition, they axe permitted, every day. to bring water in barrels from a neighboring creek. No stream of water runs through the pris on. This Is unfortunate. But a re moval of the prisoners to Columbia is ontemplated. and all improvements. buildings, etc.. have been prohibited by General Winder. Gen. York, who has visited most of the prisons South, re- ruiting. assures me of the superiority if this. In consequence of the lack of ransportation and the damages to the railroads of late, the energy of the of ficers of the commissary and quarter master's departments has been subject ed to no mean tests; but the prisoners have not suffered for wood or rations. An inspector from your excellency will receive every facility to visit the pris on." There is a postscript to the let ter which says: "Since writing the above a telegram has been received saying that shoes, blankets, etc.. have been shipped from Richmond, and that Federal officers are now -n their wav here to superintend their distribution." The guarding of these prisoners was done by senior reserves. Capt. Booth savs: "The duty Is onerous on them. but is caused by frequent and numer ous desertions.' February 12. Gen. Bradley T. John son, commanding Salisbury, prison, wrote the Governor this letter: "I ac. knowledge personally your liberal of fer. No one can feel more acutely than I the condition of the prisoners of war here. It Is disgraceful to our country , ( apt. Booth s letter showed you that they were well supplied as to food and fuel, but they suffer for clothes and shelter. Gen. Winder Wrotxised remov ing them before Christmas, and there fore forbade any buildings to be erected nere. A large percent, have therefore Mved in holes in the ground. Were I to attempt to erect barracks, spring would come nerore tney could be finished. J must therefore try to get tents. Can you lend us. or procure for us in Raleigh IT or 200 wall tents? If so prav send them on at once. I recently visited Richmond for the main purpose of pressing on our autnormes our duties to ourselves and to these people, laying before them the terrible suffering and mortality among " , J't fr S , tnee?" ' C-fr, r nbuUn5. Fds. .tn "'era. i nave procured from here 'Vo-morrTw WHh the" en J" Llr condition will be tolerable, but nothing can relieve it save SDeedy exchange. I 'earn from Vice President Stenhena that Gen. Grant is willing to receive from us 3.500 a week. I urtre the im mediate delivery of all the prisoners in "inn Carolina and South Carolina If not. the prisoners at Florence will have to be marched through the country to Raleigh, which will exDose vour wn. Die to more depredations than from the march of a hostile column. I beg you to Join with me in urging the Confed erate authorities to consent to an im mediate delivery of these prisoners at he most convenient point. Grant pro poses to take his men and deliver ours, both parties to be on narole. I think he never intends to exchange them, so as to allow our men to go back to our army. On this our authorities may stick, but we ought to agree to lt at once. The prisoners here eat our ra tions and keep men out of the field to guard them. They are a terrible bur den. It would be better to send them home at once on parole. But the men we get back will go home, re-invleorat ing the population for the war. work help to raise provisions, and in case of emergency defend themselves, by guer rtna war. or which right no parole can deprive them. It would be better to have them In our own army. but. fall ing in that, let us have them at the ,rtw , . . - , . - Plow, the rifle in the fence corner PIT8! thi? npon yoa- f?r if. tnes PopI fiLI - A. J . JT ... " lo tneir ow n au- w,e w"' Pressed oaca into t" Carolina, which will have to sub- fr"n.d..tne more terrible niuci, lne la8I 20 Pages of this letter book l" are crowded with import- nt things. February 20. 1865. Gen. T-ee ' s on Governor Vance to give Gen. s every man possible. The Gov- enior leiegrapns tnat De has called out every man liable to duty in the State. en. lee culls on mm to dentmr nm. Visions. Vance reolies that he cannot thla without a cavalry force. He tel - egrapns to General Bragg on the 2eth 1" atagnona, "Please Inform roe of I Progress of enemy. I desire to move stores and am waiting for information. tvinnr. u -c- , . ; . ma tion -ounctThrr 2. - peace Whi t e Nr-f l.. . f ... " .P rr k " ; - . 1 ",TlTa. ,rc cw ..,.. . r.i - - change. What fund, we have in Bng- mini mou ra ne piacea in safety to aid in the final settlement of our mdebted- ness. Our goods in Europe or the West -"wuen l leave yon to dispose of In any m 4mmA W nM.iih.u. Tl mrjt xr.. -w tow oate. jdr. colli, who bears this. will give yon ths military new. It is bad enough, God knows. . . February 3 the Legislature adopted resolution opposing the policy of arm - tag slaves as soldiers. H i- - see February M Maior Hoge. of the Con - federate War Department, arrived with a request from Commissary wreneral St. Joira that the Stats lend the govern- ment ail its reserve supplies of pro- visions, or their sale. The-Governor at once issued a call to the people of the I State u rains: that everv citizen who! eouid do so pledge himself to furnish inte rauons ot one aoiaier xor mat montna, witaout oeaignauna- uriQod i blessing upon it. particular soldier, and suggesting the lmmeaiate aeuvery or so pounds oil meat and ISO pounds of flour, or their equivalent in beef or meal, to the near - est commissary agent- uen. jukw a, jonnston marcn i ex - pressed a desire to change the gauge of I addresses. I trust you will Infuse inton,bal bad Joined his family, Bill"s co the North Carolina Railroad to 5 feet I your fellow-citizens the spirit of resolu-1 'sborers. spread about the wide hearth Gov. Vance that day telegraphed him:tlon and patriotism which inspires yourby tne Pine-knot fire. There was Angy now tar ao you wisn to nnng tne wide gauge? I do not want it farther! east than balisbury. unless great neces - sity requires it." He also telegraphed Maj. Gen. Gilmer at Charlotte: -"Howli have sent a force of infuntrv iinHflN1" and Babe, none too small to nick far do you wish to alter the gauge of the! North Carolina road? I object to Its being done east of Salisbury. I don't wish the connection broken with the! West." General J. E. Johnson replied, "the change of gauge was ordeied by the0f deserters are represented to be very War Department. It is made by an of- I numerous. They are instructed to take fleer who is under my orders." The next day General Johnston sent another tel - eK1 ojii. hiiu nit. not -..e o-i un- partment, but General Beauregard or- dered the widening of the railroad. consider the extension of this work to Danville a military necessity." General Gilmer telegraphed: "It is important to alter the gauge to reensboro and Danville. I beg you will Interpose no objection." General R. . Lee tele graphed: "The quartermaster general and I agree with General Johnston in thinking lt all-important that the -wid ening of the gauge should continue to Danville if possible. March 3rd, Governor Vance tele- graphed General Gilmer: "I .positively spirits of the people and render your la- object to wide gauge coming east ofjbors less arduous. The conduct of the Salisbury, unless I am permitted the same control over the forage trains which the law gives me over the North Carolina Railroad." That very day the Governor wrote General Gilmer his rea sons for objecting to the change of gauge east of Salisbury. They were: "1st. It breaks my connection with the west, where I must remove my stores and public records In case Raleigh is threatened, compelling me to break hulk twice and leaving me no power of controlling transportation in the hands of the new company which will occupy tne road. 2nd. Shou.- Sherman, as is most likely, unite with Schofleld. and advance upon Greensboro from this dl- ection. all of the rolling stock in North Carolina crowded upon Greensboro for safety would be destroyed, while the .south Carolina rolling stock would be safe, having the road open behind it. i ao not understand that i. is the in erest of North Carolina to make the sacrifice of her own property to save that of South Carolina. I cannot see how the extending of the wide gauge to jreensborols a 'military necessity.' The rolling stock of the State, it seems to me. is amply sufficient to transport everything desired between Salisbury" and Greensboro, and by widening the gauge so far you will render idle as much stock as you would gain and en danger much mere, until further rea sons are assigned therefore, I must ad here to my objection. March 3rd Governor Vance telegraph- ed General Bragg, at Goldsboro: "I hope you will induce all slave-owners n Duplin. New Hanover and Onslow to remove immediately all able-bodied slaves in this direction, and will afford them all necessary aid in so doing. If necessary I will sustain you in remov- ng by force all such slaves as will likely afford recruits to the enemy. If the owners cannot support mem tne government can usefully em- nloy them." March 7th. he telegraphed General Bragg: "If the government will furnish 22 miles of iron and a few hun- lred hands, the railroad to Deet River r-an oe nnisned in la days. I advise that he iron be taken below Magnolia and hat the effort be made. March 3rd. General Joe Jobnaton 11- graphed Governor Vance: "To make a prompt movement to meet the enemy threatening your capital I need 50 addi tional wagons and teams to transport supplies to meet the emergency. Can you assist me in having them collected n tne vicinity of Raleigh and mith- ileld at the earliest possible moment." overnor ance replied: "I can have M wagons, mostly two-horse, by this day weeK. ir you win give authority to im press a few country wagons for post iuty. The State has no authority to impress." March 8th, he telegraphed ne commandant at r ayetteville: " You have taken the liberty of impressing my wagons without my permission. I lend them back for State goods and no- ury you .to keep your hands off them.' I nder date of February 24th. General It. E. Lee wrote the Governor: "The state of despondency that now prevails among our people is producing a bad .-rceci upon tne troops. Desertions are ecomlng very frequent, and there is rood reason to believe that they are oc. oMoned to a considerable extent bv letters written to soldiers bv their riends at home. In the last two weeks several hundreds have deserted from Hills Corps, and as the divisions from which the greatest number of deser tions have taken place are comnosed nieny or troops from North Carolina. they furnish a corresponding proportion ir deserters. I think someTrood can be iccompiisned by the efforts of influen. tial citizens to change pub.ic sentiment md cheer the spirits of the neonle It has been discovered that the despondent persons represent to their friends in the army that our cause is hopeless and mat tney nad better provide for them selvefi. They state that the number of desertions is so large in the several ountles that there is no danger to be apprenended from the home guards. The deserters generally take their arms with them. The greater number are from regiments from the western part r tne tate. ho far as the despondency r tne people occasions this sad condi tion of affairs, I know of no other means of removing It than oy the coun sel and exhortation of prominent citi zens. If they would exnlain to the neo- ple that the cause is not hopeless, that ne situation of affairs, though critical. s critical to the enemv as to ourselves- that he has drawn his troops from every other quarter to accomplish his "": ruenmona. ana nis ae- feat now would result in leaving nearly all our territory open to us: that this 7, 1V1 . Vo7 "-"""I'""" an 1 will work diligently and zealously and that his successes are far less valuable in fact than in appearance, f think our sorely-tried people would be induced o make one more effort, to bear their sufferings a uttle longer and regain some or tne spirit that marked the first two years of the war. If they will I ' ivuuueni tnat witn me Diessinz or i God what seems to be our greatest dan- ger will prove the means of deliverance and safety. I trust you will do all in I your power to help us In this great 1 emergency." March 2nd, Governor I : crpiieu saying: i ours nas Deen I received, giving me the distressing news of the Increase of desertion from I our armies. I had heard from other sources of this defection of our trooos and was already too well aware tJiat the cause of It was to be found in the gen- ?rai public despondency. I inaugurated a series of public meetings in this State 1 by my recent proclamation, for the pur- I so alarmed the timid and ao uirmMnl I !L W ?F? that I fear they will hardlv have their I u .o uj i m imnx to OrnnlK MT milit a and la. cure mv vast nubile stores that I have afwoor XbJt t0 ,ad?reSJ,h' h!J "rJr!:, in,f--R.e8,t,..aff" I th. r.rnU-.n. I the importance of the crisis and what-I over mn n in ... i i r ' , vT ,, T . .t. I be done. I shall now order out the I homejruards in every county anu keep e raa. mimuui ueeervera. m mani counties, however, they are necessarily I ITJU Ir0m 11 nUmbr the deserters and the natural fear of 1 5 manaveubcn JES? rrtrj F'f companies-American more will be held, yet the near and to cut a cow-hide! Data what ' You I Hanihoj cfcu,d h had r ,r frp." triumphant approach of the enemv ha. can t work nlser Z H"1?. reflte1 nis gaxe upon Hr iOrdgn. urc iimnsma w mar impenj, hcihiiw sio.es. Hunllal dna th m ,. If you could send rne as many as two I regiments of eavalrv. by auartertrffi I them in the midst of the disallecteu dla- eeeraTconS many, but could recruit themselves and ' - 1 I horses, restore confidence and inspire 1 with, couraare the local forces. I earn - I oatly recommend this actios, general, aland think In tha kMur run it would not 1 weaken your army- I think our people I will respond liberally to the appeal fori I sunnlies which I have lust published 1 this mornlna- at the Instance of the Sec - retary of War, The first answer made to it, two bourn after Its appearance in the rooming ae.pera.waa from a poor widow of this city, who, hard-pressed to live in these distressing times, as I know she is, came yet to offer me two pieces of bacon and a barrel of meaL Snrh offer - - lings on the sacred altar of our country l Hallow our caoae, and I hope will secure I March sth. General Dee replied to this letter, as follows: "I return you my I sincere thanks for your sealous efforts 1 in behalf of the army and the cause. I I have read with pleasure and attention I your proclamation and appeal to the 1 tkectoie u a sian ,ini4a from vr i own actions. I have now no cavalry to snare for the ruimoae von m,nfln e purpose you mention. 1 1 think the suggestion a very good one I and ree-ret I Brigadier General N. D. Johnston to I guard the line of the Roanoke and oper. I ate as far aa rmcticnhie in the o Hia. cent counties to arrest Hearten. An. I other detachment of 1K00 men i,nA& Col MrAHRter hsji been apn t tn rtiat- I ham and Monrecountlen In which bnrt I no prisoners among those deserters who! 1 resist a. ith rm. h iu oi, resist with arms the civil or militarv autnonttes. I hope you will raise asl" ; ' "" " u.r-. aim I large a force of inci trnnm to .nn,r. I one dese po" triflin" niggers an" when Hate wth them as vou can and think the!1 aot de pace you's got to follow! We's severest course is the best with the ... t- class I have referred to. .The immuni ty which these lawless organizations afford is a great cause of desertion and they cannot be too sternly dealt with 1 hope you will be able to aid General Johnston, who needs all the reinforce ments you can give him. If he can check the progress of General Sherman the effect would be of tne greatest value. I hope the late success oF'Gen cecal Rravv ww.a .- Pfln.lnn ..-111 . . -, ,.- bors less arduous. The conduct of the widow whom you mention deserves the highest commendation. If all or peo ple possessed her spirit, our success I should feel to be assured." The last letter in the oook bears dates of March 17th, and Is to Secretary of War Breckinridge. It is as follows: I have been informed that certain communications of the utmost import ance to the cause of the Confederacy nave been submitted to Congress In se cret sesson by the president and the several heads of departments. I have also been Informed that their nature was such as to render it entirely proper and, indeed rightful, that I as Governor of North Carolina should be informed of their contents. I have therefore the honor to most respectfully request a copy of said papers if not deemed in consistent with the public good, and nave sent the bearer. Maj. James H. Foote, A. A. G.. a discreet and loyal gentleman, to receive them should you deem advisable to comply with my re quest. NORTH CAROLINA SKETCHES. PREPARATIONS FOR WAKING A CROP. Hannibal Dlneloaea HI Plans to His Fa mi ly for Raining Four Bales HU Wife's Happy Thought Saved HI in from the Ca lamity of Breaking Ground on a Friday A Plantation Idyl Written for the Observer by John W. Hayes It was one of "those early'" days of spring, when nature feels the first life pulse stir in her dull, cold veins. The storm had shifted in the night. The rains had ceased. And now the south- wind blowing softly swelled the buds and whispered to the sleeping grass and dandelions that spring had come. 'verhead shining fragments of cloud, Itelated stragglers, scudded away into the deep expanse of blue. A hawk sail ing there screamed a shrill challenge aught up and Hung back by the crow n the pinetop before he sped away to his fellows with clamorous alarm. In the apple tree a mocking bird preened his wings, then tried his pipes and scolded to find the love-notes had not oine. The moist rails of the barnyard fence steamtd in the early sun. Among the logs of the empty crib there a little Drown wren played hide and seek with hungry rat, twittering excitedly to Sweet, the black-nose dog curled in the warm sunshine lielow. and to Bill, the standing with head over the half low ered bars. The winter had been hard on Bill His hide, which should have been white and red, was dingy and begrimed. Kach separate rib showed plainly, and the senrs of trace-chains were there, and collar marks, relics of bygone toil Since New Year the barn had been bare. The last load of his winter feed Bill had hauled to town and seen bar tered for his master's Christmas revel And the- cockleburrs matting the little brute's tail now told how his search had since been through low-grounds for such poor remnants of shuck and fod der as the winds might have left on the battered corn. Bill was of that breed most commonly known as "scrub." and the toil and hardship which had come to his early years had not improved the strain. It had brought him a sullen lountenance and flanks sinewy and lean. Rarely had his paunch been full And the troubled notes of appeal her"1.; swingle-tree was uttering now rose a protest that the bars uenied him access to his scant pasture, and the sun already rising two hours high; Presently the master Han nibal appeared in the cabin doorway and liill broke impatiently into short. sharp calls that needs must have reached the negro's ear, for without removing his pipe from his teeth he turned and called within: Mose. you feed Bill dis mawning like, I tole yer. "Like to know whatten I been doing an maw ning ir l am t reed tiill Bill grumble like he ain't had nairy one: rim always agrumiilin : Hill grum- le if he s bussin ! Dry aint no satis- fyin' dat steer!'' And saying this Mose slouched out of the c abin and dragged his sullen footsteps towards the barn yard. The pipe was out of Hannibal's mouth new and he stood gazing afier his young hopeful unable to llnd words to express himself. 'Great mine to take a brick an' bus' yer! he exclaimed at length. 'Dat make me say what I do 'bout niggers'. ler innin lazy dog! If you don t feed Bill and fotch dat plow up I swar' to Gc d I take dls ax an" brain yer But Mose had sauntered out to the ibars and with back to his sire stood confronting the little beast, which. witn nead uplifted, was appealing per sistently for his breakfast Great mine to pick up a rail an' bus you: he exclaimed. "Aint never gwien to gl yer nutten!" And he leaned across the bars sunning himself in tne comfortable warmth of the morning. "Dis de fus' call!" he mut tered, "an" from now on till de cotton's nick an i rv an ho. i. t-hw Ian' "plow BilL' like followin' atter Bill I was de'Joyment in dls life"" "You black nigger dare! Don't vn I hear me!" I Mose leaned down and raking to- getner an armful of windblown sedge I had vanished u rnvrtPri . - T h from the fence . .lna vanisnea as mstertousry as the into the mire. It OVer I "'" miic. in, sxiii muttering, I turned across the desolate rows of cot -1 ton stalks, seeking the clow . . . . I had stood in the furo err was done ButThl voTce of Han- nibal Jawing yet In Ihe a clme after him iay came I I "I gwien to hire out! ISO use tryln I Dat niaTter Moae he mT.M C .;!"1 hr can't maae crop same as white man?" .Tie steer naa se-sed the wisn of n. 1 v.; . .I 1 iahV "aT" 11 Iam- IT110 jiwiiSoS 'TerWndra h'K , lHMir nd f,,r the time such "tings ho do their! toil dumhlv and natlontiv v.,h. ., I urn i i .. ri . . '" swamp inicnet to find shelter from ttif ,irii. ...... Once a shed had leaned gainst 'The iuk - uwh cno. nut tnis hart rirmhlul I down, and all dav he hai imm I k. th wfrMa where" his" he" baF while the eaves drinoed unon hia .Hiv.l smoke deen and atmna- h. I Bill now and rfl-tCV Mnm. k;- I sight in having raised the bar last hri.r r, i-" h- ,T,, kT - -t" i I the breaking of ground for hia. crop to 1 day. It was almost April new. and I sine the last baa; of cotton was picked I in November he and hia bad .done no I toil. New year had found the larder oare. tnc cno empty, ana not a penny I to show that the year had been. Then 1 Hannibal had tramped un to Siuire Tom Wilson's, at hut cross-roada store, leased the cabin and forty acres Awr nn- other year, supplies to be advanced, given notes signed with a cross mark, payable in the crop not yet planted. I ana runner securea oy a mortgage on 1 "one steer, name Bill, one wooden btd- I stead and straw mattrass, one p,ne I one oencn, tnree cnairs. a pot. and one griddle." This beina; the sum total of the proDertv which Hannih ' I and his wife, Angy, possessed. Th-se little preliminaries 1 done he had trudged home again with a bae of meal and rind of baoon. the first fruits of a crop not yet planted. After impounding Bill last night Han I l"e "" oauy in arms, siose wnom I e lnl morning saw at the barnyard. I romp, fete and Mlrandy. skillful at I weeding cotton, besides Liee. BellinJv. I the white fleece from the bursting IhmM, mnse iwi nouuing or asleep ail mindful of impending toll. Anrv hushing her baby and dipping the com tuning snun. wnue tne young ones turned yams roasting on the hearth stone. "Now you niggers hear what I tells yer: began Hannibal as he kicked the away from the fireside and Ht his I plp?- ou n'Sgers hear me now! Is i wtAn , . . . .1 a n . . : j .. I " ",,lw"'" aiuse. .m an' rsiii work de plow, Angy an' Pete work de hoes, de res' o" yer burn stalks an' I gwien to help all round!" 'You gwien to stan' round an' Ve de oberseer!" explained Angy. "Who dat talkin' "bout oberseer. 1 alnt heard-nobody say nuttin' 'boat no oberseer! But you hear what I tells yer. I s gwien to make a crap wld you niggers: ah o' yer eats Victuals, an we ow,eB sl"lre Tom de fust bole dls ,m!nut.e for runnin us till now! Six bushels o' meal an' fifty pounds y meat you niggers done eat since new year, an de intrus arunnin' afo' de cotton's planted!" "De house on fire. Daddy!" called one rom the hearth. "Git de bucket, some o' yer. an' nut it out!" Hannibal ordered. "It's dat samsole straw I made Mose stuff in d chimney corner again yistiddy when ue win an' rain was blowin' so." We's gwien to git to work bv liaht In de mawnin". De rain done stop. Bill up in de pen, an' de moon shinin' on de tight quarter. I 'Bpec' to make to' bale dls year. Dare's one bale for de rent, dat's one! Dare's nudder bale fo.- ile runnin'. dat's two! Dare's nudder bale pon top o' dat to buy a mule. Squire Tom say he sell dat ole grey Jim inuje for one bale. Dat's free! Den one rncT "pon top o' dat for Hannibal! Dat make fo'! I' gwien to fotch up my fambly spectabie, I Is!" "Dat's right now!" put in Angy, "I n spectable an' you's 'spectable. an' dey's got to be "spectable!" s a spectable nigger, an you s got to work an' be 'spectable or I'll bus' yer open! Reason why niggers, don't git 'long no better Jes case dey don't work! Mose. you git up at crack o day an' feed Bill, an" dese taters I"s roas in will do for break'us'!" The night had passed, day come, and now the sun rising two hours high shone comfortably upon Hannibal smoking in his open doorway. Within the cabin the children swarmed like flies about the cooking breakfast, for Hannibal and they had not slept the night before until the last roasted yam was eaten. Mose. with plow on shoulder, still muttering at fate generally and at Bill the material embodiment of his partlr ular fate, was returning painfully through the taSgled cotton rows. Overhead the blue-' was swarming with clamorous birds. Crow! Crow: Hawk! Hawk! they called, and there came. too. the long drawn squeal of the enemy climbing up and up and up. Crow! Crow! Hawk! Hawk! And from every point of the compass hurrying wings beat fiercely in the fray. Ragged feath ers came whirling down, and fainter and more faint from the depths above fell the scream as the great bird o&e icoul the countless beaks high into the clear thin air. Cnder the eaves of the barn th? grey rat was nibbling the bones of the httle brown wren, and Sweet roused from his sleep by the falling fragments was nosing hungrily about. Bill stood harnessed now, shuck collar and wooden hames, and trace chains bound with many rags. The bars were down and he was out. but still he stood there patiently, his hungry eyes upon the field, wondering dimly, perhaps, as other toilers do at times, why he could not wander there, why Jie stood so har nessed, and why he needs must spend his life pulling that plow aimlessly up one row and down the other, never get ting anywhere. Patiently he yielded to the fate he could not comprehend and stood apart waiting for his accustomed toll. But something was amiss with his old-time comrade the plow. He. too. had spent the winter In the low- grounds, and now the swingle-tree had fallen in many pieces, and a bolt was gone. Haninha had come out. follow ed by all the young ones, and they stood about as though the whole crop prospect had suddenly collapsed with "Mose." ventured Hannibal at length. you hunt de ax an' go out in de woods an cut a hickory sw ingle-tree, an' de res' o' yer an down de creek an' hunt a grapevine for to tie date swingle-tree on wio. But at this moment Angy appeared in tne cabin door and hailed, "Hanni bal! Vou know what day dls is?" 'Whatten you ax me dat!" he grum bled. "I say you know what day dis is!" "What de reason I don't know! Sun day we went to mcetin". Monday Brer Josh got married. Chewsday I went ud to Squire Tom s. Next day Brer Lige's tunial was preach. Dat was Wednes day. Yistiddy was Thursday, and to day . Mose, put dat steer up! If here aint w es asettin' in on de i rwi on a Friday! There was a hurrah at this unexpect ed holiday. The children stood on their heads, such as had acquired the acco plishment. Pomp kicked Sweet and knocked Pete down in mere exuberance and the re?t of them crow ded to helD unnarness jhi. Angy stood smiling on them lrom the doorway, delighted that it should have been her forethought wntcn nad warded off an Impending ca lamity from the household. Hannibal drew a good breath of relief that for the present, at least, he need not face the problem of making a crop with a rotten plow, lit his pipe afresh and settle comfortably against the rail fence the sun. ""Turn Bill in de fiel'?" called one. 'Put him in de lot!" ordered Hanni bal. 'Yer gwien to work to-morrerT" 'Look here, nigger! You think vo' daddy a convlc'? When I gits to be a rn - len tn town in.. i . ' con vie- i spec's to work on Saddy! I's like a 'spectable genfman!' itw '.n..ahi. . . ... Presently the black swarwi of darkies rrnwc nwhoail n.Kana 1. . i. .. : i j vet serenelv a aolitan.' aroir i iZ . Im! . the ?8"f-biu.e- relieved of Ws gear ' .. .. , r: iiAwe. oaiicu div Cl'ar had brouSht n tnil i 1.., i J2ml?:2 was incomprehensible. He had heard hia mnaArw u o "IMJa" .. .4 uu. t I luck. - These doimrs were bevond hia siuooieneia. ana pictured again the soX? IT wsvhU' I It was young ones had gone nshing- Bill stood near iritfa ,k.. . - - - a "u. Si. 1 w .r,e? 1 HonTeWta tTe'sllenT btue" Aine feather, white and luminous, came drifting down from that far height, and r, . i i . . ' cuiiimm uui me I soft clucking of a hen to her brood, Iu. iv... 1T " VI " Z7rr the p"T. 'hauler tha rnwa lu K.. t . . l J k-h. u" a v. ' . , I ! fobale. p iTed at thT ginnse'do rt n. t,, J"' I : 1ml k - . , : i i . v. "r lr7r " " I .T JT,: " ' C .l""f " . I . fence. Hia head lay over ag a raiL ' .v.- " " "1 iv uwu-oe.; wo. i tu STEAL! We arc general agents for the Stillwell-Bierce & Smith Co.'s Pumos for all Durooses. We have in our sales- rod n. No. 18 Easf Fourth street, a full display of these-pumps uding a late design of Underwriters' Fire Pump. " inc LIDDELL COMPANY. Charlotte. N. C. Engines, Boilers.. 8aw Mills, Gins and Machinery "generally. " Tj3E CHARLOTTE SUPPLY CO., I MANUFACTURERS OF Puie Oak Tanned Leather Belting and -t Dealers in Cotton Mill and Machine Shop Supplies. Lincoln - Lithia - Water. ! . , - ijrof. Jno. E. Ray, Principal North Carolina Institution for the! Deaf and Dumb and Blind, i The Lincoln Lithia ater Co.: Dear Sirs: I take great pleasure in bearing this voluntary testi ' monlal to the curative qualities of the waters of the Lincoln ! Lithia Springs. Before my 'visit to you last summer I bad been j suffering with my kidneys and my physical being was weli-nlgh run i down. So far as I have been able to Judge my kidneys have been i permanently cured, and my system was so much buSt up by the j use of the water that I gained flesh at the rate of a pound a day for a time. I never had anything do me so much good tor the j same length of time. '" ! LINCOLN LITHIA WATER is for sale by druggists generally, or in case of i one dozen half-gallon bottles $5.00 F. O. B., at Springs. Cases refilled at JjK) each. If shipment made by express, empties returned to Springs free. LINCOLN ! is iiow open for health and rest seekers, under the direction of a corps of first class hotel managers Pamphlet containing full information mailed free upon rH uest. , The Lincoln Lithia Water Ob., 1 Lincolnton, N. C. It is Not ! Always Safe to Jump At Therefore, do not think that because the OBSERVER PRINTING HOUSE turns outjhandsome printing; it necessarily means that high prices are charged. We won't .do poor work at any price, but by using materials adapted to the re quirements of the job vou can pay little or tr much. You will often imd our prices for fine work even below what you pay elsewhere for inferior work. One of the main reasons for our great success is knowing how to charge for each and every job of work- We don't have to guess at it, and make you pay more for it than it is worth. It is always safe to deal with men who understand their business men who have had years ol experience, and not only know how the work should be done, but know how to make the prices right. This is important to you. We make very low prices on large contracts for Book and Pamphlet work. Don't place your order until you get an estimate from us. OBSERVER PRINTING HOUSE, R. E. BLAKEY, Manager, J Philadelphia Underwriters' f inancial Standing, January 1, 1897: Cash Assets, $15,609,932.32. A A 1 LI. J - 1 ASSCtS avaiiaDie lO pOUCy- fin, J. niio J CTOT M,0,der5 10 United States, 54,- 00,000. Larger than that of i E. RYE HUTCHISON, Agent. ay 1. 1897. CHARLOTTE, N. C. lANTELS! MANTELS! UANTELS! : Come and see our new line V"tls. (rates. Etc.. Tiling of all colore. : Mantels from tM up to 75.9a. F. fl. TESSIER & BRO r U t",d,tn nUi - Booa avu. millll tjotieata ana TIWL JFK havafoa nt In another now anal - . fTBSH TOTJ MAKE a eontract wtth "t you contract for. or pay. umrw trmtxxag nonea. PUr.lPS. says: LITHIA INN Conclusions CHARLOTTE, N. C. T. L. ELLIOTT. 11 i I I1T 1 iliVUUIUVUUII llliUJ. Oranlte Monuments a specialty. AGENTS TOR IRON FENCES SSS W. Trade SC. Charlotte. N. C- CALL FOR.... AUVJUOM P 3 ara bbwbb a- 1 ' COHPAl Extra Fin Draught and Export Brer also all kinds of aoda waters and ciders. - ' CHARLOTTE BRANCH, V A. BINDtWALD? M gr
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
June 27, 1897, edition 1
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