BEDFORD GAZETTE, j
B. F. MEYERS, EDITOR.
FRIDAY: i : JUNE 2, 1865.
■i j. n v I.M — a B ._g a .■■ i |
Democratic County Convention.
The Democrats of Bedford county are here
by requested to meet in their respective election
districts, on SATURDAY, the 17th DAY OF
JUNE, NEXT, for the purpose of electing del
egates to the Democratic County Convention,
to be held in Bedford, on
Monday, the 19M day of June,
next, at 2 o'clock, P. M., which body will place
in nomination a County Ticket to be supported
by the party at the ensuing general election.—
Under the rules, each district is entitled to two
delegates. The Democrats of the several dis
tricts are also particularly requested to choose
Vigilance Committees for the coming year and
to return their names to the Chairman of the
County Ccmiailtee.
O. E. SHANNON,
Cb'n. Dent. Co. Committee.
Colonization vs. Amalgamation.
Negro slavery being practically abolished, the
question arises, what is to be the civil status of
the liberated race. Shall the freed negro be
come a citizen of the United States and of the
State in which he resides, equal in rights and
privileges to the white man? Shall he vote, sit
upon juries, beccma a legislator, governor, cr
president ? Shall he be regarded as a permanent
•resident of our country, mingling his with
that of the white inhabitants, or shall he, like
the Indian, be looked upon as but a temporary
sojourner, and his stay among us as incompati
ble with our interests, or those of his own race?
These questions are pertinent to the present po
litical era and demand our serious and earnest
consideration.
. Guided by the light of history, we must come
to the conclusion that it would be a dangerous
experiment to invest the negro with the politi
cal privileges exercised, in this country, by the
white man. The right to vote, hold office, and
sit upon juries, involves the social, as well as
political, equality of the rncis. You cannot
avoid association with a man wiic sits with you j
in the jury box, who runs for office with you on
the same ticket, who is constable of the same
district in which you are justice of the peace.
Nothing can be rru.ro certain than that social!
I
affioiaea womct spring ircm the political equality ;
of the whites and blacks; and the just as cer- 1
tain physical corollary of mixture, of blood,
would inevitably follow this social commingling
of the races. Now, we hate endeavored to
clear our mind of all prejudice cn this subject,
and we think we have succeeded in doing so.
We desire the good of cur own race and the
welfare of the colored people. But we do not
believe that either can be attained through po
litical and social equality. Under such an or
der cf things, our population would become
Mexicanized, degraded into a hybrid race, whose
history is written in the domestic broils and pet
ty revolutions and bloody governmental failures
of the South American .continent. Let us be
taught by the experience of our neighbors. Let
the history of Mexico and Colombia and Bue
nos Ay res, be unto us an ail-s efficient lesson in
regard to the instability of governments depend
ing, intellectually and physically, upon the re
sources of a mixed race. Let us understand,
too, that the Emperor of Hayti, and the Pres
ident of Liberia, who are negroes ruling negro
subjects, are more successful in "maintaining
peace and order within their dominions, than
the hybrid chiefs that rule the mixed races of
Central and South America. It being, then,
tie testimony of history, that it is better for the
happiness of mankind, that the European and
African races should live separate from each
other, we conclude that the government should
adopt a plan of gradual colonization, by the op
eration of which the African population in out
country would be, by degrees, deported to Li
beria, cr some ether portion of the land which
God himself gave them a3 a dwelling place.—
Judging from some declarations recently made
by President Johnson, ws have no doubt that
be is a colonizationist, and that he will not fa
vor the doctrine of political and social equality
cow being promulgated by Sumner and Chase.
It would be, indeed, a consummation devoutly
to be wished, if the regeneration and ckristian
ization of Africa, were finally to result from
that negro slavery which has so long been the
gourc s of contention and strife among our peo
ple. The finger of God could be plainly dis
cerned in such a wonderful course and issue of
events. Yet we are almost within reach of this
great consummation Let the people of the
United States but will it, and African coloniza
tion will loon become a fixed fact.
G-eneral Jail Delivery.
Andrew Johnson has ordered the release of
all persons imprisoned by military tribunals du"
ring the war. At least so we are informed by
telegraph. If this bo true, we say God bless
Andrew Johnson for this act of mercy ! We
begin almost to hope tbat Stanton has found
a master. If h wants to retain his place as
Secretary of War, he will evidently have to
•'knuckle down."
CrOur thanks are due to Hon. A H. Cof
froth and Hon. G. W■ Householder, for valua
ble public documents.
Democratic County Convention.
I his body will meet, in this place, on Mon
day, 19 th inat. The elections for delegates will
be held on Saturday, the 17th inst. We hope
that every district wiil send delegates and choose
the very best men to serve in that capacity.—
We hope, also, that the elections will be con
ducted in such a manner that no one will have
cause of complaint. Particular care should be
taken to select three persons, in each district,
to act as a committee of vigilance. Let active,
working men be chosen. Drones and do-noth
ings have no business on such committees. The
names of persons composing such committees
should be returned to the Chairman of the
County Committee, on the day of the meeting
of the Convention. Now is the time for Dem
ocrats to work. Do not delay organization an
other day, but begin now. A gentleman who
had an interview with President Johnson, a
short time ago, informs us that in the course of
i conversation upon political topics, the President
declared that "This government cannot exist
without the Democratic party." With such as
surance that the services of the Democracy arc
indispensable to the welfare of the republic, lei
us consider it a patriotic duty not only to keep
up but to endeavor to perfect our organization.
To work, then, Democrats, and let your effort
for the cause be steady unremitting!
Returning to the Fold.
We are glad to learn that many of those who
were formerly Democrats, but who were indue
ed to leave the party because of their anti-sla
very proclivities, and, since the beginning of the
war, because of a desire to "sustain the gov
ernment," arc now returning to their lirst love,
Democracy. The war being over and slavery
abolished, upon other issues they stand where
they stood in the time of Jackson, Van Burcn
and Polk, and thus find themselves again in the
ranks of their former party. Men who have
acted on what they considered principle, in tem
porarily leaving the party, w*2 heartily welcome
back. But the selfish tricksters who left us for
the sake of office aud emolument, can never
more regain the confidence, or respect, of the
Democracy.
Tlie Magazines.
AMERICAN MONTHLY.— This magazine is right
ly nr.med. It is American in the true sense of
the word. There is not the least taint of sec
tionalism, nor the faintest odor of fanaticism,
* '
upon its pages. A bread and thorough nation
ality, a republicanism of the hue Jcffersonian
character, are blended in its political articles,
whilst its ii-erary matter is entirely free from
that detestable cant about other people's sup
posed short-comings, so characteristic of the
publications of New England. Its scientific ar
ticles are full of learning and research. In
short, it is an ably edited book and should be
generously sustained by the reading public.—
Published b) r J. Holmes Agnew, N. York city.
HARPER'S MONTHLY.— The June number of
"Harper" is on our table. It contains a num
ber of interesting paper®, among which are
"Washoe Revisited," "From Theran to Sarnar
cand," &c. "Armadale," by Wiikie Collins,
and "Our Mutual Friend," by Charier- Dickens,
are continued. Address Harper & Brothers,
Franklin Square, New York city. For sale by
J. H. Ilutton, Bedford.
GODEY'S LADY' 9 BOOK. — This c!d favorite of
the ladies is especially brilliant for June. The
illustrations are fine. The fashions, as usual,
are very fully exhibited. "Godey" is, indeed,
a useful book in the household. For sale by J.
H. Hutton.
PETERSON'S MAGAZINE.— "Peterson" for June,
is before us. The embellishments are in excel
lent style. Several interesting novelettes, by
Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, and Louise Chandler
Moulton, are now running through the pages of
Peterson.
LADIES' FRIEND. —The June number of this
work is very readable. "Chrysalis and Hatter
fly," by Eleanor C. Donnelly, is a story full of
sprightly originality. There is a large double
page colored fashion plate, with a number of
other fine embellishments.
GAZI.AV'S PACIFIC MONTHLY. —To all who
feel an interest in matters pertaining to the Pa
cific states and territories, we say, subscribe for
"Gazlay." It is au excellent guide to the gold
seeker and fortune-hunters generally.
From the Trans-Mississippi,
NEW ORLEANS. May 21, ria PHILADELPHIA,
May 36.—The Piatfuvt has reliable informa
tion from the Trans-Mississippi Department.
Col. Sprague's conference with Kirby Smith
has resulted in nothing ct consequence. The
Rebel Col. Smith is disposed to surrender, but
the Missouri Generals, Parsons and Shelby, de
mand an amnesty for themselves, which was not
offered in the President's proclamation. Col.
Sprague returned, accompanied by a Missouri
Colonel, who goes to Washington with him to
confer with the authorities thero. If the Rebel
General? are not included in the amnesty they
propose to join Maximilian. Their troops are
deserting in great numbers and going home.
The people are generally despondent.
A boat was expected down the Mississippi on
the 24111. The country was overflowed from
Alexandria to the mouth of Red River.
The steamship Clinton, from Brazes on the
IGth, brings information of a fight at BoxoDel
Chicho Pass, between the United States forces
under Gen. Slaughter and the Rebels, in which
the enemy were driven twenty miles towards
Brownsviile, when the Rebels were reinforced,
and our troops retreated, fighting, and reached
Brazos with a loss of 72 killed, wounded and
missing, including Captain Terapic and Lieut.
Sedgwick, of the 34th Indiana, captured. The
Rebel official report magnifies our force and
claims a big victory, but admits a loss of forty
killed.
Parties from Northern Mexico represent the
Liberal party as growing stronger and popular,
and it 8 believed tbey will scon possess all the
.northern part of the country-
EDITORIAL MELANGE.
—Hon. W. P. Scheil and family
bave returned to their heme In inis place, having
resided In Philadelphia since last autumn.
SrOn a visit.—Dr. P. H. Pensyl, Surgeon of
the sGth P. V., has been on a visit, for some
days, to his frierfds in this place.
{^Progressing—the grading of Richard street.
When finished the street will be greatly impro
ved.
•arJeremiah Clemens, formerly United States
Senator from Alabama, died at Huntsville, a
few days ago.
SafEx-Senator Lazarus W. Powell, of Ken*
tucky, has resumed the practice of law at Hen
derson, Ky.
3rA Memphis paper denies the report of
Forrest's death. Forrest addressed his troops
on the 9th, advising them to submit to the Fed
eral authority.
fcyAa order of the War Department directs
the release ol all persons imprisoned by sen*
tence of military tribunals daring the war.
CrThe report Ihat Jefferson Davis was man
acled is not true. A guard is constantly In his
cell, hut his movements within the room where
he 36 confined, are not restricted.
fcf-The C*h army corps had torchlight pre
cession at their camp ground, ne.ar Washington
on Thursday night.
{j*Tbe Confederate General Edward John
son has been brought to Washington from Fort
Warren, as a witness for the defense in the trial
for assassination there.
fir Manager Ford, of Baltimore, has been
released lrom the Old Capitol prison. John S.
Clark, the brother-in-law of Booth, has also
been released.
®3-See advertisement of Buckeye Mower and
Reaper, by Mr. P. H. Shires, in another column.
The Buckeye is considered one of the best ma
chines in use.
S-I N TOWM. —Gen. A. P. Wilson, of Hun
tingdon, paid us a visit, a few days ago. The
general is a -'prince of clever fellows," a good
Democrat, and a lawyer of high standing.
63"Mr. Henry Shomber has taken the "Man
sion House," Berlin, Pa. Henry knows how
"to keep a hotel." Our old friend, Longsdorf,
is also still at the old stand, in the "ancient
borough," and keeps as good a house as ever,
63-The Mississippi Legislature met on the
20th, and instructed Governor Clarke to ap
point commissioners to Washington to consult
President Johnson in relation to a return of the
State to the Union.
SirAn election was held in St. Ciair tp., on
Saturday last, to decide whether the place of
election should be changed from Gideon D.
Trout's to Griffith's School House. A large
majority was given in favor of the change.
C3"Mr. Loyer, the newly appointed Postmas
ter at this place, took possession of his otfice,
on Monday last. Mr. Loyer has fitted up the
office rooms with excellent taste and in a most
convenient manner. He has also adopted some
new rules of which we decidedly approve; for
instance, keeping closed doors until the mail is
changed and excluding loys and loafers from
the office.
$2" Farmers should not fail to read the very
liberal offers made by Mr. Hartley, in to day's
paper. His selection of fartn machinery is,
perhaps, as good as can be made in the whole,
country, and to those who are holding of! in
expectation of a further decline in prices, his
offer is a "settler."
£3-Wc understand that a number of Bedford
County volunteers will soon be discharged from
the service and return to their homes. These
veterans should have an appropriate reception
given them and we hope that our citizens, ir
respective of party, will signify their appreci
ation of the gallantry of these brave men, by
some suitable testimonial of regard for their
* C
services.
President Johnson on Negro Suffrage.
President Johnson gave yesterday a proof of
the sincerity and circumspectness with which,
in his frequent addresses during the first few
days after hi 3 accession, he declared that his
past record was the key to his future course,
in reply to a delegation who called on him, yes
terday, the President said that the question „f
negro suffrage ought to be left to the decision
of tbe loyal white population of the States in
terested. This is consonant both with his rec
ord as a State rights Democrat and his action
as Military Governor of Tennessee. The new
Constitution of Tennessee, formed under Lis
auspices, and tn the adoption of which he had
the rights of a citizen of the State, excludes
negroes not only from voting but from tes
tifying in courts of justice. Out of Tennessee,
and as President of the United States, he can
speak only in the character of a Federal officer;
and as a Federal officer, bound by the Consti
tution, he had no choice but to dispose of the
general question of negro sntlrage precisely as
his speech yesterday shows that he has decided
to do. It is a matter not within the jurisdic
tion of the Federal Government, and President
Johnson remits it to the States';
The only argument which seems even plausi
ble in favor of the Federal Government trans
cending its authority and conferring the elective
franchise upon the negroes, is, that their votes
are needed as a counterpoise to the disloyal pro
clivities of the Southern whites. We deem it
fortunate that we have a loyal Southern man,
thoroughly acquainted with his section, for Pres
ident. He i competent to judge what will do
in iitp South, and what will not. But hi? sound
judgment and resolute patriotism are a still bet
ter guarantee that the South will not be surren
dered to disloyal rule. Negro suffrage is not
needed as a counterpoise to white disloyalty, for
the entirely sufficient reason that disloyal whites
are to be allowed no access to the ballot-box.
If the loyal whites admit negroes to the suffrage
it will probably be for some other reason than
as a check upon their own dangerous proclivi
ties. World
President Johnson, the Radicals, and a
New Democratic Movement.
From the Metropolitan Record.
There is a growing feeling of dissatisfaction
on the part of toe Radicals with the course of
the President, and tiiey are inclined to treat
his policy with distrust, notwithstanding his
startling proclamation against Jefferson Davis,
and his reiterated denunciations of "traitors"
and "treason." He is a Southern man still,
and thai in itself is a crime th?.t they can hard
ly forgive, but to which they would extend their
toleration if, like the late President, he "would
fall into their schemes and designs. Mr. Johr.-
oon, however, it appears, is not exactly that
kind of man. He is neither plastic, nor duc
tile, nor malleable. He cannot be shaped to
their fashion. He has a peculiar beat, and
that beat don't suit them. He is too fond of
referring to antecedents that sound unpleasant
in their ears, when they bring to
mind that those antecedents are nearly all Dem
ocratic in their character.
Rut their are other reasons why President
Johnson should fall into dtsfavor with the Rad
icals. He has ignored some of their pets, and,
it is said, manifests a decided leaning towards a
liberal policy. In addition to Hits, we are told
that he iatf ud9 making some changes iu his Cab
inet, and that those who are to he removed
will 'oe replaced by moderate and conservative
men. Then there are vague misgivings that lie
proposes to so shape his policy as to bring the
[ whole Democratic Piuty, or what i .Uo<l is *
Democratic Party, of the country, to his sup
port at the next Presidential election. At pres
ent he is, so to speak, merely an accidental Pres
ident ; the next time he will be tu elected, one,
if it be in his power to secure the required ma
jority. But how is that majority to be obtain
ed ? Will it be through the support of the Rad
icals? He is too shrewd a politician not to see
t hat the Abolition, or Republican party is broken
up, demoralized, disorganized; that their tri
umph has been their ruin, lie knows that,
desoile their success in the present war, their
official corruption, which lias never been equall
ed by anj' pa r ty, has made them obnoxious to
the people; and be knows also that with their
help he never can hope to restore perfect peace
to the country. >*o man, we believe, so fully
understands the position ii? which he is pi. iced,
and we trust lie will have the courage and the
resolution to boldly face the difficulties of that
position, ar.d overcome them by breaking off
with the Republican Tarty whenever' ho finds
himself sufficiently secure to adopt such a
course.
It is rumored that it is the intention of tho
President to reorganize the Democratic Party,
and, in this State, a movement, we understand,
intended to be a co-operative one, is in serious
contemplation. What is left of the principles
of the party is to be resuscitated, and all die
conservative elements that are at present float
ing about without any definite aim or purpose
are to be gathered up and moulded into a great
organization. We presume that the moderate
Republicans will be accepted, and we have no
doubt that the platform, if there be a platform,
will be one of the most curious specimens of
political mosaics that has ever been presented
for the consideration of our voting population.
We shall not pretend to say what shall be its
design, or pattern, but we have an idea that it
will be fearfully and wonderfully made. That
such an organization can be "got up" we have
no doubt, and as the support of toe South will
be necessary for its success, we are of the opin
ion that it will hold out what, it wiil consider
favorable terms to the Southern voters.
Now, the question arises, is any other kind
of a party possible at the present time? Could
any party with sharply delinoJ principles, with
a strictly Democratic platform, such as used to
be presented to the people years ago, be expect
ed to obtain popular support. Wc doubt if
such a platform would even be tolerated, not to
speak of its being acceptable. Under these
circum.-twiioes, the great object of ul! true friends
of the South should be to sustain, without re
gard to former parly predilections, that organi
zation which conies nearest to the old Demo
cratic standard of principles, and which boldly
declares itself in opposition to the radical pol
icy of confiscation and in favor u. u restoration
of all the Southern States to their lights under
the Constitution.
If such a platform should be agreed to by
Mr. Johnson and his advisers, his election might
tie regarded as among the certainties of the fu
ture. One thing he mast do, he must depend
upon some other support than that which toe
Kadicals can give him, and the sooner he gets
rid of them the better for his future prospects.
That the Abolitionists are becoming dissatisfied
is a favorable sign, and the report that he in
tends to change his Cabinet, removing the Rad
ical members for Conservative men, is an in
dication, that he is expected to take such a
step.
As to the Southern people themselves their
first object must be to get hold vf their own
State and Municipal Governments, and, through
the power thus obtained, to exercise a controll
ing influence on political parties in the JVorth.
Efforts will, of course, be made to prevent the
return, to power of the Southern Democracy;
and all the elements of opposition will be com
bined together in the attempt to deprive tiicm
of their political rights; but the success of these
efforts will have to depend on the support which
they receive from Washington, and if President
Johnson is really and sincerely desirous of set
ting aside the Republican party he will give
them "the cold shoulder,'' and decline to suppot'
them in their infamous warfare upon the South
ern people. Whatever course he may decide
upon, looking to the overthrow of the Radicals,
there is little time to lose. He must fully open
up the South to trade and commerce, he must
withdraw ail restrictions upou their politics and
political rights as well as upon the business and
business interests of the South.
One More Step to a Perfected Union.
We are unqualifiedly rejoiced that we were
able yesterday to lay before our readers the proc
lamation of President Johnson whirl} raises the
blockade, hitherto held upon all the ports in the
Southern States, from all commercial ports
with the exception of those in Texas. If any
further evidence had been required to prove that
Andrew Johnson was still true to his old record,
the maintenance of the rights and a jealous care
lor the best iuterests of the people, this procla
mation supplies it.
Fully appreciating the wants of both sections,
add realising how potent a bond of re-union
would be uninterrupted commercial intercourse
| between the North and South, no sooner did
wisdom see the first hour when it were well that
! restrictions upon such intercourse 6hould bo rc
! moved than it has been done. Under the free
; interchange of opiuion, and from the mutual
advantages arising from this order, it will not
be long ere the fullest and freest harmony will
exist, and both sections be welded together by
the adamantine links of interest, not to mention
iho still stronger bond of old associations and a
common heritage ia the glorious memories ot
the Past.
And as the war is at length ended—as all
armed resistance to legitimate authority lias van
ished, the attempt to exercise the privileges of
belligerent rights is justly deemed piracy, and
declared liable to punishment as such. Coming
out of the throes of oar giant struggle with the
national life of the Republic invigorated and
the lull power of unparalleled strength in force,
it is absolutely necessary lor the vindication of
her honor that all attempts by foreigners to in
sult of'to defraud the national existence in this
manner should be thus instantly and promptly
checked.
The proclamation further remotes all restric
tions, ja.e stuii as are inseparable from a due
execution of the Internal Revenue laws, uj/ori
intercourse, commercial or otherwise, with all
the eountiy east of the Mississippi, fror this
prompt and speedy attention to ihe interests and
prosperity of the people, President Johnson de
serves the warmest commendation. True to the
old instincts of his political faith, and guided
by the unvarying principles of Democracy now
as in former days, he is practically engageu in
demonstrating the wisdom or that political faith
by these official acts, whose effects are so preg
nant with good for the entire nation, ibe whole
country will realize speedily and ber.ignantly
tuo i/tucfto-jiu .esislis of this wise, piuUeiu u.iO
commendable policy of the President. — Consti
tutional Union.
Waitzel's Order EespectiDg the Virginia
Legislature.
The following piece of history appeared in a
Washington paper of the 25th, intended, no
doubt, as a relief for General Weitzel, who, it
was said by the radical press, had acted in the
matter without Executive authority:
'■ HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF TOE UNITED
STATES, Cm* POINT, April 6, 1865.— Major-
General Weitzel, Richmond, Va.: It has been in
timuled to me that the gentlemen who have act
ed as the Legislature of Virginia in support of
the rebellion may now desire to assemble at
Richmond, and take measures to withdraw the
Virginia troops and other support from resist
ance to the General Government.
"If thei' attempt it, give them permission
and protection until, if at ali, they attempt some
action hostile to the United States, in which
case you will notify them, giving tkeuu reason
able time to leave, and at the end of which
time arrest any who remain. Allow Judge
Campbell to see this, but do not make it public.
Yoors, &e,
"Signed) A. LINCOLN."
It is stated that Gen. Weitzel received the
order throng' l the hands of Senator Wilkinson,
on the mOiiiingof the 7th of April;
zcl saw the committee, who prepared a call,
which he approved for publication. On the
1 2th, however, Weitzel received a telegram from
the President in Washington to annul the call,
as the necessity for it had passed.
Gsn. Sherman's Letter To Col. Bowman.
CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 19
Dear Bowman: —I am just arrived. All my
army will bd ia to-day. I have been lost to
the world in the wends for some time. Yet on
arriving at the 'Settlements' found I Lave mails
quite u stir among the pe pleat horns, and that
li.e most sinister motives have been ascribed to
me.
I have raade frequent official reports of my
official action in rll public matters, and all of
tr.em have been carefully suppressed, whilst the
most ridiculous nonsense has been industriously
spread abroad through all the newspapers.
VVell! you know what importance I attach io
such matters, and that I have been too long
fighting with real Rebels with muskeri in their
hands to oe scared by ruere non-combatants, no
matter how high their civil rank or station.
It is amusing to observe how brave and firm
s /me men become when all danger is past. I
have noticed on fields of battle brave men nev
er ins..!: .lie captured or mutilate the dead, but
cowards and laggards always do. I cannot now
recall the act, but Shakspeare records how
"FalstafF," the prince of cowards and wits, ri
sing from a figured death, stabbed again the
dead ' I ercy," and carried the carcaso aloft in
triumph to prove his valor. So new when the
Rebellion in our iai.d is dead, many "Falstaffs"
appear to brandish tho evidence of their valor
and seek to win applause, and to appropriate
honors for deeds that never were dene.
A to myself, I ask no popularity, no re ward .
hut I dare the War Department to publish my
official letters and reports. I assert that my
official reports have been purposely suppressed,
while all the power of the press has been ma
lignantly turned against me.
I do want peace and security, and the return
to law and justice from Maine to the Rio Gran
de; and if it docs not exist now substantially,
it is for state reasons beyond my comprehension.
I: may be thought strange that one who has
no fame but as a soldier should have been so
careful to try to restore the civil power of the
Government and the peaceful jurisdiction of the
Federal com is; but it is difficult to discover in
that fact any just cause of offense to an enlight
ened and frae people. But when ir.;n choose
to slander and injure o'hers, they can easily in
vent the facts for the purpose, when the propo
sed victim is far away, engaged in public ser
vice of their own bidding. Rut there is conso
lation in knowing that although truth lies ia the
bottom of a weii, the Yankees have perseve
verance enough to get to that bottom.
Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN.
A Present Declined.
President Johnson declines to accept thecoach,
span of horses, harness, etc., proffered to him
by citizens of New York, in the following ad
mirable letter, which cannot fail but give a fa
vorable impression of the President's dignity and
integrity :
WASHINGTON CITT, May 22.
GENTLEMEN : I am in receipt of your very
complimentary note, dated New York, May 17,
18(J5, wherein you request my acceptance of a
coach, span of horses, harness, etc-, as a token
of your high appreciation of my public course.
While I fully appreciate ihe purity of your
motives in thus tendering to me such substan
tial evidence of your regard and esteem, I am
compelled, solely from the convictions of duty
I have ever held in reference to the acceptance
of presents by those occupying high official po
sitions, to decline the offerings of kind and loyal
friends.
Tho retcntiou of the parchment conveying
your sentiments, and the autographs of those
who were ploased to unite ia toia manifestation
of regard, is a favor I would ask; and I assure
you. gentlemen, I shall regard it as one of the
highest murks of respect from any portion of my
fellow citizens.
Trusting that I shall continue to merit your
confidence and esteem' in the discharge of the
high and important duties upon which I have
but just entered, and with the b_.it wishes f. jr
your health, etc., indivi jualiy,
I am, gentlemen, )oj-s truly,
A N on:; W Jon SSOH.
The Correspondence between General
Ualieck and Sherman.
General Ihtlrck to General Sherman
As you will be in Richmond in a few days
allow nr.o to offer you the hospitalities Of my
home here, where 1 shall be gratified to receive
you and contribute to-mA your sojourn here
agreeable.
General Sherman to General Hallce't:
Your proffered hospitality ig rc&p ctl'ullv de
clined. I hail loped to pass through Luhnicud
without the painful necessity ol meeting von.
Your recent advisory despatch to the War De
partment is sufficient explanation.
General Hallteh to General Sherman :
1 regret your declining ir.y invitation, and
ihe unfriendly spirit manifested in your note,
if you krmw the feeling in which you arc held
at the Wm Department in reference to your a-
g r c ;r.ient with Johnson, you would appreciate
the motive of rny despatch to which you refer,
re runt me to assure you of iny kind feelin' to
ward you personally, and my high admiration
for vour services.
General Sherman to General Halleck ;
1 think I understand both the circumstances
and the men sufficiently well to appreciate the
motives of your despatch, lioth you and Jlr.
Stanton sent ine warning to beware of assas
sins. I did not then know that the authors of
the warning were themselves the assassins I had
to fear.
Tne Amnesty Oath.
It is generally known that paroled prisoners,
and other persons returning from the South,
are required, as a condition precedent to tlteir
remaining among us, to subscribe to wfcju
popularly known as the Amnesty Oath. As
there are many who are entirety ignorant of
the terms in which the oath is couched, we re
produce it for their better information. It i*
as follows:
LXIRAID STATES OF AMERICA :
I, , of the county of
State of . do solemnly swear ir. the pres
ence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth
faithfully support, protect and defend .be Con
stitution of the United States, and the Union
of the States thereunder; and thai I will, in
like manner, abide by and faithfully support all
acts of Congress passed during the existi;;- re
bellion with reference to slaves, so long a. ;o
far as not repealed, modified, or held void by
Congress, or by decision of ihe supreme Court;
and that I will, in like manner, abide by and
faithfully support all proclamations of the res
ident made during the existing rebellion having
reference to slaves, so long and so far as net
modified or declared void ov decision of the Su
preme Court. So help tne God.
Subscribed and swera to before rue, at Balti
more, tub —— day of —•—, A. D., 1655
Tlia News.
General Scbcfield, commanding in North
Carolina, has issued an order for the govern
ment of frecdmcn in his department. The or
der declares the former masters guardians of
minor, aged and infirm negroes who are with
out relations capable cf supporting ibem: for
bid all able bodied negroes to leave their homes
or live in idleness, so us to compel others to
maintain their parents, children or younger
brothers or sisters; allows adults f r ee from tie
above obligations to seek employment wherever
they please, and leaves employers and servant*
to agree upon the wages to be paid. Officers
aie to be appointed in each district to carry out
the provisions of this order.
On Thursday an election wa> held in Virgin
ia for members of the Legislature. The Wash
ington correspondent of the New York Tribune
says that "ihe disunionists swept Virginia as
far as known, in the Alexandria district,
VV iliiam Bnlauy, Fairfax Court House, who
has a bitter hatred to the Union and became a
cripple in the rebel service, has been elected to
the Senate, and J. A. Eng's-h, DO less bitter, to
iho House. English took tie oath of allegi
ance oniy the night before be announced him
self as a candidate."
Tiie Surrender of the Trans-
Mississippi Febel Forces.
WASHINGTON, Mav 27, 8:30 P. M
Major Gerard Dix:
A despatch from General Cmby, dated at
New Orleans jestctday, the 26th irsst., state*
arrangements for the surrender of the rebel for
ces in trans-Missisippi Department bare been
concluded.
They include the men and material of both
the army and the navy. EDWIN M. STANTON,
Sec'y of War,
—sl A.RHIEB—
MILLER—SMITH.—At the residence of
the bride's lather, on the 17th ult., by the Rev.
B. H- Hunt. Mr. Martin L. Miller and Mi
Carolina, agistor of Caspar Smith, both of
this county.
NOTICE TO MERCHANTS.
Your Licenses for 1565 are now ready and must be
lifted on or before July Ist, or they will be left wita
an officer for Collection. J. B. FAKQUHAR,
June 2, 1865. Treasurer.
DIVIDEND
A dividend of one half per cent, was declared by
the Managers of the Bedford and StoyAown Turn
pike Company, on the Sth day of .May, payable ea
demand.
June 2, 1865. _ A. E. SCHELL, Sec'y.
PROPOSALS
For roofing the bridge at George Road's Mill ' n
Liberty township, will be received at the Comaiie
sioners' Office up to June 2lst, 1865. Baid bridge
is 225 feet long and 15 feet wide. Propositi to be
sent to the Cleik at the office in Bedford.
By order of the Commissioners.
June 2, 1555. J. G. FISHER, Clerk.
Important Notice.
TO TAX COLLECTORS.
All Tax Collectors tor 1864 and previous yeari,
are hereby requested to make immediate settlement
of their duplicates. The Commissioners have di
rected tne to issue executions agsinat all Collec
tors above specified, whose duplicates remain 00-
; settled by the Itlj day of Sep'-smher next.
E F. KLRR, Atty to Commieiiooers.
' Juris 3, 1865.