The agitator. (Wellsborough, Tioga County, Pa.) 1854-1865, April 29, 1863, Image 2

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TVCM yASBAqa PfeS VXpKSBOBQ.
A *&•'Whins gives
«1m following Tirid acWupt of the successful
y,, Tnff of tbe rebel batteries at Vicksburg, by
fleet ondsr AdmiriSflFarregtit:
- “A painful expectation arefghed on every
•pint. Ifis boat* mnst-nowf b« near the point
oppoeite the beleaguered ciiy. Will they be
discovcrsd at the first approach ? or will a
kindly fprtnne giro them ijaey passage by ?
Suddenly a Same starts up t Another and
another ; leaps into the darkness of the night I
the enemy has seen the pacing boats, and is
sending across tbe mer'his 'lesth-dealing mes
dangers. Rapid now dart); Ithe momentary
fine; the “iron rsin"of can
non hordes open the dim and gliding boats.
Doll upon the heavy ef> source moved by the
night iwind, which blows ill a direetion imfS
vorsble for eat bearing; revtrberates the heavy
ttiid qf the cannon, fj- 1
“ As the dme passeathe lotteries lower, and
still Ipwer. down conje. Inti option. We can
trace the course of our-fleet ,by new flames that
each jmoment startle the strained sight; and
'eannpn for mile* ,alo!ig die hsxy shore are
barling their destructive missiles'..
“And now a new mjcesSory added its influ
ence! to the excitingfieenS. While we had
' ■ been- engaged in weighing ■ the vivid flames
leaping from cannon jnoilths, and exploding
shells, a gleam of light, pale and soft, then
red4nd lurid, and at last glaring and reful
gent! stole op into the heafens above tbe oppo
sing city.- For tbe first time the silence was
broken by the gazing crowds upon the steam
boats -of the* fleet. '‘Vicksburg is on fire 1”
was-nttered in excited tot' es« But it was not
so. j Steady and with w, hderful brilliancy,
upon the hill on which tho oity 'stands, the fire
assumed a circular outlin i oh the upon edge,
mueh like a third.pare of j}ia full moon when
apparently magnified'; -it ii •rising above tbe
horizon, Tbe flame glowed|hrilliant and beau
tiful; no smoke was visible jtcj dim its splendor.
It was a beacon light, placed in a position to
thro|w its beams along each arm of the bend of
the jriver,'the convex sideofwhich is turned
towird Vicksburg. So powerful was the light,
that! at the point where bur fleet was moored,
the (shadow or a hand hfeldta foot from the
boat's side was ..distinctly thrown upon it.—
This; beacon with treacherous fidelity, showed
. to, tjie foe the notv fastidieappearing boats;
: hit,'happily, it was firtd -tdhilate. The sight
of tile bonis appeared to'add new rage to the
eneniy, who could nut fail', to count,the cost to
hiraluf snob el fleet joining. Fairagnt’s three
gunlioats already between! Vicksburg and Port
Hod Son, The firing more rapid.—
Froii the upper batteries iW the last'one down
at Vftarrenton leaped flame4o flame. • The dull
eobtnof tbe cannon, aW the whirr and shriek
of the flying shells s'artlpd the midnight air.'
But nlpw comes aroar which tells that our boys
’ are awoke and likely V| Thi light that showed
tbe boats to .the enem i retealsd to oar men tbe
outlines of, tbe batte les/nod the roar which
deafened tbe ear toI Tvery other sound is tbe
peal ofjtbe heavy pi| ee Onfour gunboats,
“ After an inlervi ,of jtnaqdest rage the up
per gods of the enef f almost cease their fire.
It is.evident our hate; passed the first
reachedibatteries—al/ that^havc, -escaped the
deadly onset. That tjo portion'of them is mis
sing js evident from the activity of the forts at
Warren ton, and tho answering thunders of our
own guns.” ‘ ' ' ■ i
. •* Farragot it by this successful transit, pla
ced in ediunand of eleven gunboats, and his
efforts wijll be seconded by Qrant’a laid farce
st New Carthage. Tbe l eader will naturally
ask whether this Cxppdit.onl offers any mare
chance of success thafi the previous ones. As
far ns Can be judged With oyr present informa
tion, tho probabilities ate bnooh greater, in
favor of our success. Tbt result of the firing
upon tbe Warrenton harries by Farragut,
when he cnmsvup from Port Hudson, leads to
the expectation ihatit|iey cap easily be subdued
by tbe force no\v gt.his. command. When a
landing is effected,iojit tfhojis, instead of hav
ing a river between them elves and Vicksburg,
as was the case -witft aU' be previous attempts,
except Sherman's, w‘,ll ii this case be them
selves between a filer- -the Black—and tho
city. |
"Over this river (Sppssf i the railroad, to gain
possession of wbichjftvas 'ne the’first.objects
of all the attempts libit .nve been made upon
■Vicksburg. Moreover, it a iresult of the pre
sence of oar fleet hjstisrei i Vicksburg and Port
Hudson will bo to Mfjtr? jt (be supply of provi
sions to tbe Confer!e'tao’/ from Texas and tbe
Bed river. With tldbfsoUrcb of supply cut off,
•nd the raiitoad brwjte oter Black river in our
hands, the positioriW the garrison within the
Vicksburg fortifications: becomes precarious
from deficient supplies. 'With the country ex
tending, from the Mississippi to Black river as
far ss the railroad in bpr possession, we could
not fail so far to threaten, if not gain tbe rear,
that an evacuation or a capitulation would- be
come necessary. Such, St least, is understood
to be the antioipatiptf of thc£qengaged in car
' rying oat tbe new strale jy so well commenced
by rnnning the batteries last evening.”
Sbinplsstehs;— Certo if evil-disposed parties
in Senator Wilson’* diet.‘(lit jiving commenced
cniU against faqnest who in the recent
emergency issued illegalities for currency, in
accordance with a supposed necessity -and gen
eral desire' of the {people, Ije introduced a bill,
relieving them ;of all le|;t|( liabilities in the
.ease. As this would settlq [every prosecution
that night be got npf; by personal enemies all
over the State—and iho Legislature hare; for
two years in succession, almost unanimously,
exensed tbs Banks fur violfitionsiof laws in nun
payment of specie, pndt bqve relieved them
from the penalty thereby 1 jincurred—it might
bare been supposed this; llsscr offense could
bare "been overlooked circumstances of
fbe case. - Men whohdnestly rodeem tbis paper
money, bare 'committed qp' moral offense; —
they bare simply disregarded a regulation re
■peeling a point of prohibited by a
■(■toe. Yet Mt. Kinsey,land the majority of
tbs senate,' -soold not find it ponsistenttfrith
tbsir views of duty as sworn Senators to re
move this liability. Bank directors. are all
pardoned, ..over and over .again: but' hofiest
merchants and they, whose moral or legal offense
islets hainouaand illegal, are'left exposed to
•very sharper, malignantfoe, or merciless spec
tator, wbo may sqek tfaeir rain.
tion and reflection, liee not-bow any Senatdr
ooald sisy Nay- toVpertSraf bill upon thhvtob
ject, even if they’ vote* sgsibst a toeoTbill of
tho’sami .tpit.fpXaotiHly ChrojiicJc,
it- m uetion ni<r of ilijifii Uhly jt Ljnob*
b“rg.T*.,foar slaves brought an average of
each,in Confederate rage. 'As those
4rbo dm this money mike it themselves, it is
sort ofconssqtispesbow much of it is
pridoniin btuiaess transactions.
THE' AGITATOR.
M. H. COBB, EDITOR AND. PROPRIETOR.
.WBIASBOHOUOH, PEWN’A t
WEDNESDAY^
THUN, and SOW.
Wx publish on our fourth page the very ex
cellent valediotor, 7 letter of Speaker Grow to
bis old constituer ta. We think we may safely
thank him in tho name of his Tioga constitu
ents, for the clear and apposite rdsumh of par
tisan history, running through ten of the most
eventful years •o: our national life, presented
inbjaJetter. It is well, occasionolly, to review
tbs past, and thus be able to slaughter tbe lies
and deceits which disfigure the present.
' These are dayq of crimination and recrimin
ation. To somd extent both parties, but that
which assumes she name *“ Democratic” par
ticularly, are pulling the cause of the war up
on tbe other.' We bear from tho sympathisers
with rebellion that the jrar was brought on by
the Abolitionists; that tbe persistent attempt
to interfere with Slavery drove the South into
rebellion. ’ This is not our view of the matter.
We believe that the conflict is tbe inevitable
result of tbe attempt to wed and weld incam-,
patibilities—despotism and freedom, aristoc
racy apd democracy* The attempt plunged ns
into tbe pit of crime; and crime must, sooner
or later, receive tbe punishment it merits.
But men must be met on the ground they
select for battle As caiping rebels will not
came to us, we mast go to them; and as they
lay tbe responsibility of this war upon the Ab
olitionists—upon tbe attempt to check tbe pro
gress of Slavery—we invite them to come with
us and examine tbe record. And if tbe re
sponsibility of |he war rests on the party that
undertook to interfere with tbe progress of
Slavery, we will bring in the record, and let
the people render a verdict upon that.
In the year tbe Democratic Legislature
of Pennsylvania Resolved—
“ That the Senators and Representatives of this
State in the Congress of the United States, be, and
the; hereby are, requested to rote against the admix
sion of any Territory as a State into the Union unless
tbe further introduction of slavery or involuntary
servitude, .except' for tbe punishment of crime of
-which the party phalt bare been convicted, shall be
prohibited."
This action took place while tbe Missouri
question was pending; and had it governed
tbe action of Congress, both Texas and' Arkan
sas must have entered tbe Union free States.
Tbe Democracy of Pennsylvania, in 1819, was
tbe advocate of |a radical free-soil policy. This
inaugurated the war against tbe extension of
Slavery.
We pass over the record until nearly thirty
years later—lB47—when a Democratic Legis
lature of this State adopted tbe following res
olution by a nearly unanimous vote :
“ Resolved. Thatj oar Senators end Representatives la
Congresa be rcqnented to vote against any m«aanre whatever,
bygrbich territory will accme-to the Union, unless, oj a part
oHlie fundamental [law upon whlch any contract oi treaty
for this purpose is based, Slavery or involuntary servitude,
except fur crigDC) sbkll be forever prohibited.”
It will be seen that tbe Democracy of Penn
sylvania was a? radically free-soil in 1847, as
in 1819. The party had not at that time be
come the abject slave of the Oligarchs at tbe
South. It was then the party of progress, and
the advocate of human rights. It was a proud
title—a Democrat —in 1847.
Two years Inter, in 1849, the Democracy af
Pennsylvania met in Convention st Pittsburg,
and-odopted a platform, of which tbe following
is a pronfmentj resolution:
“ Resolved, Thai tho Democratic party adheres now, as it
ever has done, to the Constitution of the country. Its letter
and spirit they will neither weaken nor destroy, and th»y
re-deelare that Slaferr ia a domestic local institution of tbo
South, subject to legislation alone, and with which the
general government has nothing to do, wherever tht* State
law extends its jurisdiction. Esteeming it a violation of
State rights to carry it beyond State limits, we deny ttfe
power of any citizen to extend the area of bondage beyond
fts.present domain! nor do we consider it a part of tbe com*
promise of' the Constitution that Slavery should forever
travel with tho advancing columns of our territorial pro*
grew.”
This is as radical as any platform ever adop
ted by tbe Republican party, which took tbe
field seven yenjrs later. In this faith the Demo
cratic masses were educated , and bafl the lea
ders.remainod; true, the Republican party bad
never bad an existence.
One year later, the Democratic Conferees of
this Congressional district, as then organized,
in Conference adopted the following resolution :
“ Kmolted, That we are unalterably opposed to the exten
sion of slavery 4tilo Territory now froe, and that we hold It
to be tbe duty of (ingress to prohibit, by positive law, its In
troduction therein.
. Let us pass lover five years, and torn to the
local record of the party. This brings ns down
to 1854—when the repeal of the Missouri Com
promise was pending. This repeal was pro
posed by the Democratic leaders, and created
the utmost indignation and resistance among
the masses of .that party. After the repeal was
consummated; (bp Democrats of Tioga county
met in Convention, and adopted tbe following
preamble and: resolution:
“ Wq&keab/Wq belicvo that that part of the Act of Con
gress lately enact td, repealing the BHueurf Compromise (so
called)and alt otter acta of a like character are antl-Demo
cratlc and opposed to the time principles of onr National
Government uhd ilghly dangerpus to its prosperity.
u Kmolvsd. Tbit jre w/Il not support «oy man for office
who has not been openly and unequivocally opposed to the
repeal of and the extension of Slavery in*
to free territory, Mid who will not pledge himself to use bis
'whole influence jfor the reenactment of snid Compromise
and against the fi rtbcr extension of slavery and encroach
ments of the Slave power."
This may be denominated “ an eloquent rec
ord.” There'it is, as bold as official sanction
can make it, as convincing as logic, and as
merciless as Truth. We offer it to; those rebels
in oar midst jwho are ever ignorantly putting
the responsibility of this great conflict npon
the agitation !of the-,subject of Slavery .; and
ore food of.calling this “an abolition war.”
Thera is your record ; yoa can spit upon it, os
have disgraced it in • action nlany times;
but you cannot deny it without falsehood and
soma slight of shame. And if you de
sire to lie, and misrepresent the j position of
parties in the past and in the present, yon may
do so intelligently, and not through ignorance
of the essential facts of history. If, as yon so
truculently persist,! the war. bad its origin in
the attempt to interfere with the progress of
Slavery, then put the harden where.it belongs,
upon the and iieetow your ‘
TWia TnlofiTls6PNtY AGITATOR,
coma upon that party; that- if, if,you are
honest, and desire to berate tbe alleged authors
of this great strife, and do nothin tend to be Jftrt
factions, and Wee to the Government. „ _
And if the latter be your object, remember
that you are making anotber record, and a tec
ord that will ba earefoUy preserved, and be pro
duced in a day when your children will curse
you for befooling the family record.
APRIL 29,1883,
That is to say,—Troth deala with facts, but
Treason delights in lies, deceits, garblings, and
all things that can aid in the discomfiture of
the Government, and encourage the armed trai
tors in the Sooth. We submit the following
said to hove Originated in a New York State
paper—as the[utterance of a traitor:
•' It is now said that the payment of $3OO will clear
a man only of the first draft, and that he is subject
to the second and all subsequent drafts precisely as.if
he had not been drafted el all. If there are three
drafts ordered in three months, you are liable to bo
drafted three limes in that length of time, and be
compelled to go into tbs ranks or pay your $3OO three
times, or as many times as a draft may be ordered.
If such is to b« the operation of the conscript law, it
will prove more odious to the people than it has' yet
been supposed it would. The same construction, we
presume, applies also to the provision respecting sub
stitutes, If a drafted man shall hire a substitute, It
will not exempt him from future drafts, and he may
be called upon either to take his place in the ranks,
or tarnish another substitute, or pay another $3OO a
half dcssn times in the course of a year.”
Thus t!ie traitor. ; The law provide* that all
persons in the first class* shall be subject to
draft for two years after the* first day of July
succeeding tljeir enrolment, to serve during the
continuance of the rebellion, though not ex
ceeding three years. Now, Section 17 of the
law provides-
“ Tbat any person enrolled and drafted according
to the provisions of this act, wbo shall furnish an ac
ceptable substitute, ihall thereupon receive /ram Ike
Board of enrolment a certificate of dieekarge from
tuck draft, WHICH' SHALL EXEMPT HIM
FROM MILITARY DUTY DORIHQ THE TIME
FOR WHICH HE WAS DRAFTED;" drc.
As “ the lime for which be we* drafted,”
covers the entire period of the continuance of;
the rebllion, not exceeding three yea re, perhaps'
some sympathiser with treason will inform the
public bow any man is liable to be drafted
“ half a-dozen times in a yearor be forced
to pay $3OO three times in as many months, ss
stated in the'foregoing. Why not publish the .
law for the information of the public, instead
of putting a forced and unwarrantable con
struction upon one portion, and lying outrag
eously about another portion 7
We can answer that question : Treason and
Truth nover dwell in the same soul; and a pet
tifogger is incapable of any higher order of
argument than pettifogging. These traitors ex
cel in nothing but deliberate lying. They are
nothing unless they are Tile. Limit them to
the utterance of truth, and they would be os
dumb in speech as they are in morals. What
do these fellows want 7 notoriety 7—or are their
journals at the point of death, and so hanker
ing for official notice 7 The game isn't worth
the candle.
We have good news from the Southwest.
In Louisiana, Gen. Banks is driving the rebel
forces resistlessly before him, and they have
been forced to destroy a dozen or more steam
boats to keep them out of our bands, os well
as a large quantity of stores.
Admiral Porter has run the rebel batteries
at Vicksburg with his entire fleet, a graphic ac
count of which dariug feat we publish else
where.
The army of the Potomac, and oar forces on
the Atlantic coast, hare not moved since onr
last issue. In Missouri, end in Tennessee, out
troops bare gained several victories with little
loss.
The French have suffered a bad defeat in
Mexico, with severe losses.
Wx publish several letters from our army
correspondents this week, in all of which the
copperhead gentry are treated with deserved
severity. To onr correspondent with the sth
Reserves we confidently say, that the attempt
to resist the enforcement of the new militia
law, if made by northern traitors, will most
utterly fail, and, recoiling upon the traitors,
wipe some of the stains from the page of his
tory. It should he widely understood that the
new law will be rigidly enforced. Upon noth,
ing is the Government more determined than
this; auditor brave compatriots in the front
may dismiss all anxieties in regard to the sub
ject. The lewis necessary, and therefore right.
It makes every man take ’up the cross of the
citizen, and bear it for tbs common good. It
s less onerous than any State law framed for
a like purpose; because it exempts no man- by
courtesy, afid prevents speculation in the mat
ter of substitutes. No than can be compelled
to pay more than $3OO for a substitute under
the, new law, while under the old, prices were
at the option of speculators.
That model "democrat,” and soldier*’ friend
—Horatio Seymour, Governor of the State of
Now York, has vetoed the bill to allow soldiers
to vote in that State. The plea is, of course,
that the bill was unconstitutional. But nei
ther Gov. Seymour, nor any of the copperhead
advocates of the disfranchisement of the sol
dier, care a fig for constitutions/ The real rea
son is, that the soldiers’ vote, wherever permit
ted to be east, is overwhelmingly for the Gov
ernment. ' The copperheads dare not suffer the
soldier to vote, lest by so doing tliej sign their
own death-warrants.
At Oswaoo. 'on Saturday, ten young persons,
'-who had" eaten 1 of what they supposed to be
artichokes, were taken seriously ill; one of
them, a boy aged 12 years, named Van Patten,
died. Another is |ln a dangerous, condition'
and the Others, through prompt medical treat
ment; are recovering. The roots eaten were
aconite, a deadly poison. Several families bad
obtained quantities of the -not, which they
were preparing for jpiekling. Four boy* were
poisoned in Syracuse on fionday by eating wild
paraneps, supposing them to boartichpko*;
Too much caution cannot he observed hr ,
'matter*."',-’ - i.
Truth vs. Treason.
GENEBAI, NEWS.
Hetters from fSLvms*
Tim the Bth P«*B*rtF» oi »
Mntia’s.HiU, VX, April 16,1863.
Editor Agitator : Feeling it littlennder the
lone Mme inOdehce;of the uncommon enemy Dr
soldiers, vU; ennui; I wili wbile away * por
tion of my leisure in communication with my
Tioga friends. At present we are being rega
led .by a violent rain storm, but as we are
pretty well entrenched it will damage oe but
little. "We all agfee in the opinion that Vir
ginia should be noted for remarkable change*
of weather. First we are greeted by the warm
raya of old Sol, then a few honrr suffice to in
sure a snow storm; which may .continue a short
time and turn into rain. A few days ago, after
a plentiful fall of snow, the members of this,
the 3d Brigade, were arranged in line of battle
against each other, and a battle commenced
with snow bslls. Charges were made, colors
csrried and taken-*sprisoners captured and ex
changed with all pomp and ceremony. Alto
gether- it served to remind os of. former regular
battles. The fin ended at night by n charge
being made npon a Massachusetts battery,
which was tsfcen alter a desperate resistance
by its members.
Our ranks have been considerably augment
ed by the return of several' fugitives, from the
provisions of the late proclamation concerning
deserters.
There is considerable speculation among the
boys here upon the probable effect which the
Conscription act will have throughout the State.
The late conspiracy in Berks county to resist
'the draft, created a considerable excitement
among tbe Reserves. Pennsylvania should not
allow herself to ba disgraced by the presence
of such men. They have lost all sense of man
liness, and are far worse than the rebels in the
South. They are cowards, and dare hot fight.
The principles by which they are guided are
the same as those which belonged to the trai
tors to tbe American Republic in revolution of
1776. May God in his divine mercy deliver
such men from the vengeance of true patriots ;
their names shall stand forth in history as fool
blot* upon the honor of Pennsylvania. Shall,
or can, such men be allowed to go unpunished t
Upon the issue of tbe coming conscription
rests tbe honor of Pennsylvania. It must be
enforced at all hazards, and a resistance will
prove an irrevocable disgrace to Pennsylvania.
We pray ihat this may not be, and that our
State will preserve tbe name she has won in
her prompt reponse to the call for men and
1116003 to pnt down the rebellion. The sus
pense is great,' but we sincerely hope that all
will bo well, and that the loyal people of Penn
sylvania will ever give their hearty support to
tbe administration by promptly responding to
all calls from headquarters; and by expelling
from the State and punishing those who have
dared to sow the seeds of disobedience to tbe
laws. We have much to do to end this terrible
war, and restore the country to peace. We are
not engaged in a miniature war, but the strug
gle is between Americans, and npon its issue
rests tbe vital interests of this Republic.
Let os look at the nature of the war. Upon
one side we see a people who have adopted a
principle alienated from tbe Constitution of the
United Stales.' This principle has been in ex
istence for thirty years, and its supporters have
been preparing for (be present war for a long
period of time. To succeed in this more folly
they held powerful public offices until tbe lime
came to strike. They are determined to sop
port that principle or ruin themselves. They
are fighting at home, and their all is at stake.
There can be no compromise, and they most
Win or lose all. On the other side we see a
powerful people, who are boond by tbe strong
est ties of patriotism and future interest, to
subjugate a people rebelling against tbeir gov
ernment. .They have resources inexhaustible,
and a population exceeding their enemy's by
one-third. The other has tbe advantage of
timely preparations. In this view we cannot
fail to sea the immensity and importance of
this war. We need tbe support of all to secure
victory and restore peace to the country. Let
it be given cheerfully and we will rash to tbe
destruction of the traitorous confederacy-
Resolutions' have been drafted by several of
the Reserve regiments imploring the assistance
of the people of Pennsylvania in the contest
for freedom and justice. 'I understand that
their example will be followed by the sth, and
I will forward a copy of the resolutions for the
perusal of the readers of the Agitator.
There is some talk of this Brigade going to
Alexandria to do Provost duty, but it is not yet
decided. More anon. . /
Chas. E. Faulkner,
From the 101*t Pennsylvania Regiment.
New been, N. C., April 14,1863,
At a meeting in the camp of the 101st Regi
ment, Pa.- Yols, Col. Morris in the Chair;
Lt.-Col. Armor and Capt. Compher, Vice Presi
dents ; and Lt. Connelly and Surg. Rush, Se
cretaries.
The following committee, representing each
county represented in the regiment, were nom
inated to draft resolutions expressing the feel
ings and sentiments of the regiment: Major A.
W. Taylor, Beaver county; Lieut. Bugle, Bed
ford ; Lt. Lee, Cumberland; Capt. M. S. Clark,
Tioga; Capt. Mays, Alleghany; Capi D. W.
Freeman, Lawrence; Lt. Brown, Northumber
land) Surg. D. G. Rush, Lancaster; Lieut. D.
Hepjjord, Philadelphia; and Captain Benner,
Adams.
The following preamble and resolutions were
submitted and unanimously adopted by the re
giment :
■ Wbbuas, treason and rebeUion v qiming at
the destruction of onr great and free nation,
having broken out and ran high over a large
portion of territory in tbe United States, deny
ing her authority, followed by defaming her
proudest recollections, insulting and commit
ting violence to her flag, we hasten to her
rescue to share her fate or redeem her'at a
sacred price. And certain parties in tbe land
of our homes, to which we. ever looked for
strength [and comfort, have given ns unmis
takeable'evidence of a want of loyalty by with
bdtfitfttf their support from the government, by
denouncing' alike the executor and the armies
in tbe field, giving aid and comfort to traitors,
we deem it onr duty to give to the world a.free
expression of pur sentiment. Therefore beat
Besoieed, That we are now, as ever, unalter
able in cap determination to reatocs the Union'
entire; to break tbe coil of treason; to re
plies.ojrery -stolen star on. our insulted, yet
gloriau# banner. , '
Betdbaed, That we have unbounded faith and
confidence in the President of the United StaMt,
believingJiis couuela inspired by,-thegreat
w«w bf'WaHibl4 !? *isd&rh deep id every 1 net
andproclamstion.
t : JEespfced, Thst as trneWhhsylvani&n* we
look trlttt pride upOn'ouf Gbvetnor’fOr hi* ha-
compromising sispport th the Nationolgovsrn
mrat,iuid hii kind attention to the nek rad
wounded eoldierf, affording him in mu; in
stance* the car* of mother rad friend*; rad
with pain weoontrast hit rate with the perfidi
one conduct of the late legislature, which, in
refusing, by their rote, lie hall of7iserly to the
ccaue of- liberty t inheriting unenviable infamy
by defaming its prondeat memories.
Raolved, That to oppose, under any pretext,
the present administration, charged specially
with the restoration of the Union, is alliance
with treason• and whoever so opposes shall be
branded as a coward, and held in deeper con
tempt than the more active enemy in the field.
Buoleed, That he who demands a withdraw
al of -the Cnion armies before they ore crowned
with snccett, by deploring onr ability to con
quer, offer an which we indignantly
spurn; or by appealing to gnr 1 privations end
sufferings, thus giving traitors unopposed sway
and dominion, is guilty of the fonlest strategy,
filled with treason—such shall ever be alike
unworthy the respect of his countrymen, and
the. associations of the soldier.of the bivouac
\nd battlefields.' i
ftU -J.
Resolved, That we hold it to be the duty of
every loyal citizen to aid the President, and his
constituted. authorities, in erery measure, ne
cessary to strengthen hnd conduct bis armies
in the field to a successful issue j and with
humiliation and pain should we learn that any
opposition shall be permitted lio exist nnrebu*
bed in a loyal community. ■ _
Resolved, That these resolutions be publish
ed in the papers of the counties represented in
the 101st Regiment, Pennsylvania Vplnnteers.
Maj. A. W. Tatloe, President.
Serg. 6, D, Ross, Sec’y of Committee.
From the 136th Pennsylvania Regiment.
Camp Batne near Belie Plaik, Va., 1
AprU 6, 1863. J
Friend Agitator : A few days of very fine,
spring weather has been succeeded by a dreary
qtorm,.which has again banished the prospect
of a movement for a time, by rendering the
roads very bad. [ The soil of this portion of
Virginia, on the peninsula between the Poto
mac and Rappahannock, is a light sandy quali
ty ; and the roads dry off in a few days, even
after a heavy storm; bat, it lalways happens
that another, storm sets in too poon to allow the
roads to become passable even then. Roads
are now very common—almost every man’s
field is appropriated to this use-—though I judge
that roads were few before the necessities of a
large army increased their numbers without
limit. We have frequent sdqwb, even now in
April, and I can see but little difference be
tween our-own and this climate in this respect.
We have had more frequent storms during the
last three months, than are usual North ; but I
not so i much cold weather, and consequently, I
the storms have been different in character and
results:
The snrrbnndiiig country is a barren waste —
poor in tbe beginning, it is now doubly desolate,
save in the presence of a large, consuming
army. Large bodies of every variety of tim
ber have disappeared ; and now there remains
scarcely tree or stump between this and Fal
mouth. What the possessors of the soil will
do in the end for fencing and wood, it is bard
to predictno fences, and no timber remain.
But, there Is one thing certain : The desola
tion and poverty prevailing are not entirely theil
consequence of war, bat rather of the institu
tions of tbe country and the utter ignorahce| of ,
the inhabitants. Tbe soil bears tbe appearance!
of fertility, if properly cultivated; but then is
no sign of improvement, or scarcely of ejren
civilization—no neat white cottage or even
flourishing farm house, scarce a habitation
worthy of being called a home, in that higher
sense which makes it inviting, is found, in the
country about for miles. Not so with all Vir
ginia through which we have passed: We
bars seen tbe noble mansion, the happy home,
with its surrounding beauties and convenien
ces, its luxuries end prospects of comfort, its
walks and groves, its beautiful lawn, with mag
nificent shade trees, and with alt, have occa
sionally beheld some signs of sense and artistic
economy even in Virginia. The post winter,
we have spent in a country more desolate than
in a slate of nature, and very naturally, feel a
prejudice against the country, which it will
require better evidence tbais we have in our
possession to overcome. But I must desist or
I shall engender opinions similar to my own,
perhaps without satisfactory reasons to other
minds. It is tbe people after, all that make a
country, and as there are none here, we can
scarcely find a country, transplant a few
Yankees here, and even this barren lend would
soon smile beneath the wreath of united pros
perity, and happy homes would decorate it with
all tbe beauties, diversified by contentment and
prosperity, which only a pure love of hofne can
inspire, and paint I Enough have already
found the repose of the last home here, to have
regenerated tbe country and; rendered it allu
ring, through tbe triumphs; of peace, and tbe
conquest of sense 1 ' ;
We still remain in tbe same place. As for
merly, things indicate activity. The boys and
so far os I hear, tbe i whole |army ate in tbe
best of spirits-j-bave all confidence in Hooker,
and the success of this army. Meanwhile we
are alternately drilling, picketing, and passing
inspections-and reviews. On tbe second we
were reviewed by Gen. Hooiter. The day was
windy and rather unfavorable! Tbe dust blew
around, reminding one oor starting from Har
risburg lost summer. We formed in double
column, then closed in mess,{opened tbefanks,
and remained in that position till the gallant
old fighting General rode throughout the lines
of thp division, we closed tbe ranks, and
marched in'review before bint land bis followers
and companions. I should be glad to- give a
full description ; but they art {frequently print
ed, and, as my time is limited, I shall leave
your readers to imagine (he details of this
rather imposing scene, from the mention of tbe
outline’. , * ; |
A proposition war made to the Regiment by
a semi-official from Governor Curtin to the fol
lowing effect: That, proyideßj h sufficient Bom
ber would re-enlist to form! the nucleus of a
regiment and keep np tbe organization of the
]36tb, tbe regiment sbonld forthwith be sent to
Harrisburg for the purpose, of granting fur
loughs of about 3Q days, a view of reor
ganising at the time of mutter oat, when the
absentees sbonld return to Harrisburg for that
purpose. It wa* simply a proposition— not an
order. A meeting was called—tbe matterawaa
talked over, and a vote was taken in each com
pany, upon those condition*,’ which resulted in
a show of 280, who agreed, to re-enlist. This
it more than one half thestrength of tbs regi
ment. It has long bpen myjppinion that folly
one half the'regimeht wotllif be in the army
again, very . toon i and so 1 believe now; I.
have no' doubt however that It would bo policy
to take this course, witkthe two years and nine
« 4 ' * ' . i J '
months men, whose ton soon expires, with a
view to filling up the noka with conperipts,
provided this force could no# be epeted from
the army. Mpjor Ryon went op to eee Hooker
about it. Ho wee in Washington. AdjuUng
General Williams told him that they wonld en
tertain the proposition; bat said he, “We
want you here—we need your services." He
told him that the 136th Penn’a was classed
among the best fighting regiments of this army,
for their conduct at Fredericksburg on the 13th
of December. If we are needed, we are to be
ordered; and for my own pvt, I prefer to be
ordered than to request.
There is some little sickness in samp; but
nothing of a serious nature. We are sorry to
hear of the ravages of disease in our own conn,
try, and hope for belter times. A salute of 21
guns was fired a fow moments since, from
which we judge President Lincoln to be on a
visit to Joe. Hoeksr.
Lieut Doty of company B, wa lately dls>-
charged for disability. 1 aersf bad an so*
quaintanee with him prior fci meeting him, as
as an officer of this rsgfawMt.but can tteS
assure him of my respect in common with all
who kaow him, for his manhood, bravery, and
patriotism. Yoursvery respectfully,
Jiro. 1. Mitcbxll.
[Tor tho Agitator.]
An Appeal to the LoysJ I
To ad patriotic persons, Republican and
Democrat all, for we wish to speak to the loyal,
those whose feelings are moved for the suffer-'
ing and brave without partisan preferences and
prejudices; to the gentlemen.who, from
inability, or stern necessity, stay at home while
their brothers go forth voluntarily to bear the
harden, face the fire of cannons, to fight for
victory or death, and as we but too well know
often fall victims of sickness, or are wounded
■only to be left in camps- and hospitals where
their sufferings should speak more loudly to
your hearts and through them to your purses
than any words of ours can do. Why shut tbs
door of your sympathies refusing to listen ? Is
it because yon are afraid we will ask you to
wake up from your lethargy ? Is it because
you are out of danger and forget yonr brothers
in the field I oris it because you love the chink
of the precious coin better than the blessed
consciousness of doing a great good. Let ns
believe you havejmly been waiting to know the
best means of doing your absent friend, your
common brother a good service; and note that
your opportunity has come you will unanimous
ly respond to the ladies, whose hsarts srs
ever with the suffering, ♦hose husbands, broth
ers, sons, and friends, have gone at their coun
try’s call. Already some have fallen nobly on
the battle field. Others are writhing in hospi
tals and camps, in delirious momenta calling
on the dear ones at home for help ; then, half
believing themselves forgotten because they
are not answerednot by words, but by -sup
plies, they care notif they die. Now let these
cries coma to your hearts, and nobly reply.
Prove that tbs sick and wounded and dying
soldier is still dear to you, prove it by acts, by
self denial, by exertiop, and- not by words
alono ; say not “go and The fed" but, go and
feed bim. Some, when asked to help in this
noble cause say—" Why I would bp glad to do
something if I knew the soldier would get it."
Now it is our privilege to say to snob thafl yft
do not propose to engage in this work ignorant
ly, or as an experiment. What we do, w? do
knowingly, and understanding!; agreeto add
our little mite,kndwing that it will reach sens
poor boy. Wo want to engage yonr sympathies
for the Federal soldier, the sick and wounded
man, whether he come from Maine, Illinois, or
Pensylvania it matters not. We are invited to
organise a society in Wellsboro, in Delmar, in
Charleston, in'Middlebury, in every town and
village, to act in conjunction with the Women’s
Pa. Branch of the U. S. Sanitary Commission,
and keep ourselves posted by frequent corres
pondence with the office (1307 Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia). The Corresponding Secretary,
Mrs. Bloomfield Moore, agrees tp ksep ~us in
formed of the doings of that body, to answer
all questions and listen to any suggestions
which may be offered by any of you, calculated
to make the work more efficacious. And now
arises the question,—How many of the loyal
men at home will give ns aid? How. many of
our ladies, will come forward and engage to do
all in their power, to use their influence and la
bor for the soldier while the war lasts. All
are invited; will all accept the invitation ?’
Let us not be put to shame by the example
of Southern women. L. M.
Wisconsin.— The votes of the Soldiers from
Wisconsin,, so far as now returned, foot op.-
For Luther 8. Dixon (War Dem.) —.9,911
For M. M. Cotheen (Copperhead) I,{5S
Dixon’s majority so far is —.„....7,54T
which secures his election. We belie
will be a small majority on the Home rots*
against Dixon, bat not enough to overbalance
the Soldiers’ vote.
The counties mainly peopled by Europeans
give very heavy majorities for Cothren, going
more overwhelmingly for him than nsnally for
the Democratic, .candidates. Oxaukce, where
the draft was resisted last Fall, give# Cothren
1,605 to Dixon 166; Washington (mainly set
tled from Ireland) gives Qotbren 2,567 to Dixon
345 ; Milwaukeo is Copperhead by about three
to one.
Tbs Argut mourns over the defeat of Sey
mour. Bat the Argut will bare company in
ite grief. Jeff. Dari* will ••mourn.*’ The
Richmond Enquirer will " mourn." So will
the London Times. So will the enemies of one
cause, every where. On the theory that “mis
ery loves company,” our neighbor ought to feel
happy even in its tears.—Albany Journal.
Secksh Conspiracy utCalifornia. Consi^
enable excitement was caused in San &ueisee>
by the discovery of a plot on the past of some
200 secessionists in Napa county, to make a
night attack on the Beneeia military station and
nary guard, in order to capture the arms and
magazines. The authorities provided against
the attempt, and it was not made.
A Diabolical Affair.— Charles L. Stack
pole is under examination in Beverly, Mass
achusetts, charged with administering arsenic
in food to bis father, mother, and two sisters.
Ohs of his sisters died, hot it is- thought the
rest of the family will recover. The alleged
criminal is hat twenty-one years old, and die
motive for his diabolical act, is said to be te
get oossession of his father's property.
A okiat scab is said about the extrava
gance of the War Department. The HashviSs
Union in eritieiiing this fault-finding spirit,
calls attention to the faet that the Utah expedi
tion, which Uonaiited of KkOOO mra, and lasted
only a few months, eost six millions of dollsr*.
At th%Mßna rate, the eost of ths present war,
with nearly a mttfißnpf to eh would, np to this
time, have been sevsn billions of dollars.
r