THE PILOT.
I t rt r
_pk •
GREENCASTLE:
Tuesday Morning, March 31, 1863
MONEY WANTED.
As the Ist of April is at hand, we would be
pleased if those who can wake it suit—and we
iispe all who are indebted can—would call and
pay their arrears, on or before Wednesday
next.
WHAT SHALL BE DONE WITH
THE PAPERS.
Religious papers and tracts might be made
of much mere use than they are at present if
the subscribers, after a careful reading of them,
would send such periodicals to the soldiers.—
Lying . in camp week after week, accustomed to
the same dull routine of duty, anything in the
shape of reading matter is highly, prized. Lo
cal papers are almost as welcome as letters.—
Now, we conceive that just here, much good
might be done by their christian friends at
home. Every ehristiati family gets, or should
get, at, least one reltgions paper. Now, after
the pages of these papers are read by every
one about the house ; what is then done with
them Sometimes they are filed away for fu
ture reference—sometimes put away in some
old chest only to be brought to light at : the
first applebutter boiling, to be used by the good
house wife in covering the crocks. Now, how
much better would it be to put theie peribdi
cals in the hands of the soldiers. Shall they
be put away on garrets, while so much good
might' be done by them in the army.
Money is of no.use,unless kept in circula
tion, so religious truth can produce no-good if
kept concealed. The press is mighter than
the pulpit. Let the people think of this,,and
we ire 'sure the soldiers will have plenty of
Rood and profitable reading tritter. It will fit
them for the perils of battle—for, death itself.
Think, oh think, how grateful the wounded
and sick in our numerous hospitals,.will be;
their burdens will be lightened, and their
thoughts be turned in the proper channel to
obtain salvation and eternal life.
UNITY OP SENTIMENT.
ince Congress has adjourned, and local
elections are over, we trust that• party dissen
sions will be healed for a time at least. We
are on the eve of Stirring events. We will
aeon be called upon to witness a bloody drama,
the like of which the world has never known.
If our country is. to be preserved, and the
Union and the Constitution maintained, the
work, we think, must be done before the next
twelve months have revolved. Recent intelli
gence from the so-called'Soutbern Confederacy,
deatroys all hopes of a peaceful settlement of
our national difficulties, which some may haVe
entertained. The southern leaders will be con
tent with nothing but the separation of .the
country and recognition of their government.
The only alternative left is, that of war. This
the loyal people of all sections of our country
believe. Whatever opinions some may have
held' heretofore, it is now the settled conviction
of almost every one that the war must go on,
and in order to insure the success of the• Union
cause it must be prosecuted with vigor. Honest
differences of opinion may arise in regard•to un.
essentials. It is quite reasonable to suppose
that such will be the case. It is impossible to
bring people to think precisely in the same
channels that their neighbors do. But with ref
erence to the main object of the war—rthe
crushing of the rebellion —all citizens of the
loyal :States should be united. We earnestly
hope that the acrimonious discussion engaged in
by the press anti-politicians ; will now cease.
While such angry disputations can do no
good, 'they may nevertheless be' productive of
much harm, in presenting to the foes of our
country the semblance of a division in ,the
North, and the probability , of resistance to
the Federal authorities. We do net believe
that this event will take place. We have
more faith in the sound, common sense of the
people. It would be much better, however, if
the newspapers, on all sides, would conduct
their debates in a less harsh and less objection
able manner. If this were done, we conceive
a great moral support would be given the gov
ernment, in the unity of sentiment of three
fourths of the people of the North, in regard
to the chief and original purpose of the war—
the suppression of the rebellion.
Above ail, let us not be drawn into the folly
of the Jewish sedition. While the proud
Roman legions were battling at the gates of
Jerusalem, the people were hopelessly divided,
some crying for one leader and some for another,
and the Poly City fell a prey to her ruthless
enemy. Let this be amarning to us. A des
mitt
perat%fge is now trying'to destroy our govern
ment, and let us be careful that party feuds do
not open the gates , to our enemies.
We owe it to the memory of our fathers, to
the patriots who have fallen in battle, and to
our friends and the soldiers of the Republic,
now in the field, to stand by the "Union and
the Constitution," "and the good old Flag."
THE PILOT:--GREENCASTLE, FIZANKMIN CO., PA., MA: Reif 31, 1863
THE FRANKLIN FIGHT
As the history of the fight at Franklin,
Tenn., is being revealed, we are gratified to
learn that Brig. Gen. C. C. Gilbert is relieved
from the blame of the failure of the expedi
tion under Col. Coburn. As we are informed,
the reconnoissance was undertaken against
Gen. G.'s advice, against a force which he had
reason to believe was larger than the whole of
his command; that the brigade under Coburn,
when withdrawn, left him so weakened that it
was impossible to afford the assistance which
it is generally believed he should have sent.
When the fight began between Colonel Co
burn and the rebels, with the enthusiasm and
ardor peculiar to volunteers, our men rushed
on, regardless of danger, carrying the enemy
before them. The, rebels seemed to be com
pletely whipped, running fur their lives, throw
ing away their guns, and every evidence of
complete demoralization. This proved to be
strategy on the part of the enemy—for the
impetuosity of our men, as well, as their com
manders, led them to follow further than pru
dence would dictate. Just where the disaster
took place, the roads.came together, in a very
dense cedar. wood. Our men, took the middle
road ? neglecting to shell the woods or recon
noiter the side roads, but, takinr , the center
road, were completely surrounded by the enemy,
emerging from the side roads and woods on
either aide, so that when Coburn determined
to,return, he found batteries planted on either
side to cut off his retreat. General Granger,
who was in command of all the forces orr that
line, exculpates General Gilbert entirely of all
blame. = Louisville (Ky.) Democrat.
LETTER FROM THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
Iklaroh 21, 1863.
DEAR PILOT :—Last Tuesday, 17th inst.,
w,as a beautiful day. A wafting, zephyr, almost
sufficiently violent to be , denominated a. wind,
yet pleasant in its spring-like coolness, oscilla
ted the nude : - boughs of the sparse_ oaks yet
standing "solitary and alone" in this vicinity.
Themigrating birds, as ,northward-bound, they
sailed above us, gave occasional chirps to re
mind us of approaching spring; and frequent
ly stopping to rest their wearied pinions, in
groups, carrolled those familiar warbles which
suggests to one, such sweet thoughts of trans
ient innocence and solemnity I With our
arms akimbo, and our rifle at an order, we were
standing, sentinel over a small squad of
_prison
ers. The guard was chatting familiarly with
the guarded, when a roar, like distauttliuncler,
suddenly echoed and re-echoed through the
vales eontigions to the, historic, Rappahannock.
Directly it was, followed by another; and soon
another, then another. It, was certainly artil
lery firing, and its irregularity told too plainly
that it, wastio salute. But we finally, resigned
ourselves to patience, waiting for morrow to
explain
,the, cause of this unexpected interrup
tion of the prolonged monotony of camp life
in the army of, the Potomac. Morrow came,
and with it the desired. explanation. . It was 'a
cavftlry,raid across,",the river" by'Gren. Aver
ill. Of its brilliancy and complete success,
you will be made acquainted before this yeach
es you. It was one of the most daring cavalry
fights that ever occurred on this Continent, and
perhaps stands only second in the general
category of the world's wars! , It was a real
hand to hand, sabre contest,' and most of the
wounds were those made by blades.
Gen. Averill, after recoonoitering on this
side, crossed the, river at K,elly's Ford. The
water was very high, and the ammunition had to
be carried across in'the feed bags of the horses.
After the rebel dismounted sharp=shooters were
dispersed, and the :thetas there constructed,
removed our entire fort* successfully crossed
over, and then advanced. They encountered
Fitzhugh Lee's famous brigade, engaged them
and, completely routed them. But what the
need of our stating particulars' with which the
reader is as well acquainted as ourselves ? Gen.
Averill having descried rebel fortification, 'he
"smelt around awhile and conceiting he dis
covered 'a mice,"' as Gen. Meade expressed
it, he returned and reeiossed the river.
It is said that Capt. Moore, of Hooker's
staff, who accompanied tfie expedition, engaged
singly a rebel officer. By his superior pro
ficiency in fencing he successfully parried all
the reb's hasty and violent visitations; and
when a convenient opportunity presented itself,
offended .a thrust that completely bisected, the
hand of his opponent. Gen. Averill, too, with
(Me blow, decapitated a reb, who, with sinister
intentions, boldly approached him. Many
other interesting particulars are told of this
raid, which the, want of room will not admit
us to enumerate here. A stigma of cowardice
has been resting on the cavalry arm of our
service, which we hope this fight will effect
ually arid forever remove. The rebel mounted
dare-devils, too, whe so frequently harrass our
lines, and, plunder our stores, have received a
merited punishment for their maraudings, and
a rebuke to their presumed unrivalled courage,
which, we think, will render these dreaded
visits less frequent in the future.
We must say something about the ingenuity
of the "yankee," as manifested by the various
schemes in which he undertakes to send whiskey
to his friends in the army. It is well known
that "whiskey" is an article "contraband of
war," while all other "good things," if sent,
are dutifully transmitted. Hence, all boxes,
before delivered are examined, to see whether
they contain any of this contraband article,
and all boxes, too, are brought to Headquarters
where this examination is executed ; and, more
over, it is the duty of the Provost Guard to
perform the manual labor connected with the
business. Hence, we are witness to all that
takes place. One day after opening a box, we
discovered amongst its contents, a large fluid
can, with the following, "Dr. Staff's Blood Pu
rifier and. Fever Bitters. Directions :—Take
a half cup full every morning, and if a warm
day repeat the dose before dinner," (Geo.
thinks, whether warm or cold, it ought to be
taken before every meal, and three times be
tween times). We attracted the sergeant's
attention to this can, who, after smiling at its
size and label, ordered the bayonet to perforate
it. It was doWn, and'.what sweet-scented
"Bitters I" Remarkable. chemist, Dr; Staff !
The can was confiscated. On another occasion
a mysterious bladder was found, and on exam
ination contained the "contraband article."—
Sometimes a "fat-bellied" bottle is found in
a large roll of•butter. Sometimes- baked in a
cake, and sometimes sewed up in some piece
of vesture. Doe's the readei ask—what be
comes •of 'the whiskey? They say it is sent
to the Hospitals; that is, all I. can say.
All kind of rumors are aftbat respecting the
nine months' men. One day we are going
home' the Ist of April, tobe subjected •to the
impending conscription. The next, all detach-
•
ed men are to be'ealled in, toincrease the number
for an approaching battle. Today 'the whole
army is soon to take -shipping:, the sth• corps
remaining in the recently constructed forts to
guard the railroad, the dock' and Government
buildings about Acquia landing.
It is snowing, and altogether it is a dreary
day.
A number of suffering mules; with cloSely
drawn feet, and tails stuck between 'their rear
legs, are simultaneously braying the sergt's
call, and we must attend the cry.
Ever,
I::E=2
THE WAR ON THE MISSISSIPPI
Official News from the Fleet
Washington, March 25.—The following
despatches were received at the War Depart_
went this morning:—
Cairo, March 24.—Hon. Gideon Weilea,
Secretary of the Navy :—I have just received
a communication from Lieutenant-Commander
K. R. 131:ee:se, dated _Mack Hawk, March 20.
The Hartford is below Warrenton.- [War
renton ihi a few miles below Vicksburg.]
• Admiral Farragut's Secretary came on board
- this morning, on his' way to Admiral Porter.
It will take him a week, at least, to dommuni_
cate and get back. He says the HartfOrd i)ast
ed the fort at Port Hudson, but the . other ves
sels were repulsed, aud one they saw in flames.
It is believed that the Mississippi was'the ship.
destroyed. - A. M. - Pstalloca,
Fleet Captain Commanding Sqmdron
The Yazoo Expedition.
Cairo, 111., March 2 , 1, 7.59 P. M.—Hon.
Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy :—I
have just received a communication from Lieut.
Commander K. R. I3reese, dated Black Hawk,
March 19th. The Admiral bas got through
Bteel's and the Black Bayou with five iron
clads, and with the Price into Deer Creek, and
is making all haste for the Yazoo River.—
Doubtless he is there now.
General Sherman and his troops are follow
ing him up. A. M. PENNOCK,
Fleet Captain and Commander of Station.
Cincinnati, March 25.—The Yazoo expedi
tion has come to a stand still. The Conanier
czaPs special, from Greenwood, says the Cliili
cothe, in the last engagement, *as temporarily
disabled by shot battering the slides to her
port'-holes so that they could not be moved.
Battery Wilson has been dismounted, and
the gun returned to the gun-boat. The De
Kalb and our forcei are acting on the defen-
ERE
Fort Pemberton is being strengthened by
the Rebels, but is nearly under water, and the
widening of the breach in the levee at the
head of Yazoo Pass, it is thought, will drown
them out completely. That work is being
done by troops from, Helena.
Qaimby's Division was on Coldwater River
on the 20th, and with good weather would
reach Greenwood in two days. The guerrillas
trouble the boats in that river and the . Talla
hatchie, and killed three or four soldiers.
The most important intelligence is the dis
covery of a flew pass from the Mississippi
through the Sun Flower into the Yazoo River.
Through this a large force eau be thrown on
Yazoo City, which being taken they eau go up
the Tallahatchie to Greenwood, and co-operate
in the reduction of Fort Pemberton.
The Monitor gun-boat Lafayette is reported
up the Yazoo above Haines' Bluff. Other
gun-boats have gone.up. Stirring news is ex
pected from that quarter.
The reported evacuation of Hains' Bluff is
not credited. The Rebels will not abandon
that till forced to, or after deciding to evacuate
Vicksburg.
Confirmation of the Union Fleet Pass
ing Port Hudson.
Cairo, March 25.—Later news from Vicks
burg confirms the report of the arrival of the
United States gunboats Hartford and Albatross,
of Admiral Farraguts fleet, at the mcuth of
the canal On the 20th instant
An officer from on board had arrived at
General Grant's head-quarters, bringing de
spatches. Seven of Admiral Farragut's boats
had run the blockade of Port Hudson. After
coming up for some distance all but two re
turned. They had probably gone to the mouth
of the Red river.
General Banks had not yet come up with
his land attack when the fleet ran the bockade.
The boats will pass into Lake Providence as
soon. as the current in that direction permits.
Reports' from Greeowood en Wednesday
afternoon, state that the fight had not yet been
renewed. Both parties were making active
demonstiatioos. The Rebels were mounting
new guns and otherwise strengthening their
position:
300 Beb,els Killed and Wounded and
The Nashville thvion, of Match 22, says :
We• learn, that the engineer of the freightArain
which arrived late yesterday; evening, after the
arrival of the passenger train ; stated.that there
was more .or less, skirmishing on 43ur.fropt yes
terday, in which elle- of , our, xliyisions; was en
gaged. Late in, the day alot of prisoners, said
to be five hundred, in .number,,,were brought
in, and three hundred: Rebels were said to have
been killed and wounded, •
Our army is said to be,in splendid condition,
and impregnably fortified.. The correspondent
of the Cincinnati Times;'who came ,up on the
passenger train from -Murfreesboro' yesterday,
confirms the report of the skirmishing, and, in
forms us that a. battle was in All probability
now progressing, far more terrible ,than „the
previous one. Either a bloody struggle is
going on, or the Rebels are attempting to make
a retreat by feignime an attack.
M. D. It
A party of guerrillas, last week, made-a
raid on the Railroad north of Grand Junction,
Tennessee, tore up the track, destroyed cars,
captured a few prisoners, and then ran.
• Nashville; March _.25.-:•A Rebel eavalry
force under Forrest, Wheeler arid Wharton,
crossed Harpeth river this •morning, xis Miles
hbove Franklin; and a part of -the Reberforce
attacked our troop at Brentwood, nine :'tuiles
from Nashville, on the Franklin . road. OM.
troops, under command of Licutenant•Colonel
Bloodgood, consisted of pail• of fhb Thlrrty
third Indiana, and Twenty-SecOnd and Nine
teenth Wisconsin regiments, in all 300; men.
After a feeble resistance, With - oul l y - One Man
killed and four wounded, they surrendered to
th 3 enemy, and all the Gniverhinen't property
was 'captured. ' • •
'General 'Green Clay Smith',-who was sent to
Franklin, came up•with il4 Relml' foree, and
pursued them to within eix miles west of Brent
wood, when he met the entire • Conte : dente
force, numbering 5000. Al thimgh he had‘only
500 men he succeeded in retaking all the
wagons and ammunition, but, being attacked
by superior numbers, he was coritpefled to des
troy them. He then fell back when reinforce
ments reached him. The Rebels had, in the
meantime decamped.
We lust an officer and about' fifteen men,
killed, wounded and missing. The Rebels lost
some fifteentilled and wounded, and over fifty
prisoners have'been brought in. • •
> The Confederate Cavalry have been within
four miles of this City, on the Harding and
Charlotte pike; to-day.
Louisville, March 25.—We have had the
usual quantity of exciting rumors respecting,
Rebel movements to-day, but none of: them
are traceble to any authentic source, and no
advices have been received at Head-quarters
of - any change in the Rebel State:a:since last
night: • •
The Democrat says the Rebels, in large
force, under Breckinridge, are at Harrodsburg,.
and that the United States forces, under Gen.
Carter, are falling back on Frankfort.
Breckinridge is reported to have issued a
proclamation,atating his intention of enforcihg
the Southern Conscription Act, and rumor says
that act is being rigidly enforced in those poi
tions of Kentucky by the-Rebel forces.
Death of General E. V. Sumner.
Syracuse, March 21.—Major General E. V.
Suniner died This morniug'at the residence of
his son-in-law, Colonel. Teall, of congestion'cif
the lungs. He was sick for a few days only.
EKETCA OF GENERAL SUMNER
Greneral Edwin V. Sumner was a native of
Boston. He entered the army as Second Lieut.
enant of Infantry March 3d, 1819; was pro
moted to First Lieutenancy in 1823; appointed
Assistant Commissary of Subsistence in 1828';i
promoted to a Captaincy of Dragoons in 1833,
and appointed Major of the Second 'Dragoon's
500 Hundred Captured.
A Raid•in Tennessee.
in 1846. He received a brevet as Li(
Colonel for his conduct at Cerro Gordo,
he commanded the "Mounted Rifle ,
and was wounded. He recovered rapidly ar
took part in the subsequent battles in 31ex:c.,
receiving a brevet as Colonel for his gallantry
at Molino del Rey. In 1848 he was aprointed
Lieutenant Colonel of the First Drago on „ ,
and in 1855 Colonel of the First Cavalry. In
1857 he commanded and was distinguish e d i n
an expedition against the Cheyenne Indians i n
Kansas. He was the first Brigadier General
in the regular army appointed by President
Lincoln, having received his commission March
16th, 1861. Soon afterwards he was made a
Major General of Volunteers. He commanded
a division and afterwards a corps in the Ar my
of the Potomac, and took a prominent part 4,
all the great battles it was engaged in. Af ; „
the battle of Fredericksburg, he was relieved
at his own request, and a few days ago was as.
signed to a very important command west o f
the Mississippi. He was a thorough soldier,
and had probably seen more hard service than
any officer of his age living. By his death the
nation loses one of its best Generals.
MS LAST .ORDER
WAR DEPT ADJ. GEN.'S OFFICE,
Washington, March 19, 1863. f
It is a remarkable faetithat the following of
ficial order, appointed. Gen. Sumner to suc
ceed Gen. Curtis, is published for the first tittP.
in the journals,to-day, simultaneously almost
with the reception -of the news of his death
Official Generale Orders, No. 57.—First,
Major General Samuel R. Curtis, United States
Volunteers, is relieved from command of the
Department of the MissOuri. Second, Major
General Edwin V. Sumner, United States Vol
unteers, is assigned to the command of the
Department of the Missouri.
By order of the Secretary of War.
L. THoMAs, Adjutant General.
PASSING. EVENTS-
Files of The'Pilot--We have several ILles of
last year's PILOT; whioh.we will sell cheap.
Counterfeit.—We saw the other day a new
counterfeit' $2O note on the "Bank of Delow,tre."
It is not mentioned in the Detectors.
At Home.—Lieut. Rowe, of company K, 126th.
P. V., was at home last week. The hardships of
the campaign have not impaired his health. He
looks heartier than ever.
Tine remains of Orderly Sprgt. S. D. HOOVVR, of
company A. lalLiffig.i..6. was-taken through
ihis•plaos,*on-last Friday .to Waynesboro', where lie
formerly resided. He was\ killed, we believe. at
at flier battle of StbnwßivOr, °
THE action of the Town Council in regard to the
extension of the icirotigh, was not approved by the
Court, at,the spegial,term held , on the 26th install!.
The ground taken by ,the Court, we believe, that
there was not the requisite number of petitioners
residing in those'PartS Of the tbwnship proposed to
be added to the Borenth.
Denerter§. 7 3 lorge squad of deserters from
the rederalirmy, were taVei l througi en' the oars
from Hagerstown, where they had been' collected,
from time to time by the Provost Guard.' -These cram
disgraded the uniform( they, wore; not. only by
deserting; buLdenouncing the Government, and as
the cars moved off, cheering lustily for Jain DAVIS.
We hope they will get their de-serfs.
•
Schools.—The following teachers will - open
Summer Schools, at the places and dates named:—
Mr. S. E. EBY, Western, School ,House, 13th o
April. Mr. GEO. H. Gcerz, new buildiug,
middle of April. Miss M. G. Bunqnse, 4er. Ref.
Lecture room, March 'sth. Miss A. E. Haus, S.
W. School House, lucsday, April 7th. J.
DAYISON, S. E. School Hotie April 6th. Miss ANNA
Flai3llNGi residence of- her parents on North Carlisle
Street.. Miss MARTHA "AYS, Antrim School House
April —.
'Travel and trade Restricted.—Fran all
we can learn, we believe that travel to points south
of the:Potouto has been interdicted.
VVe have been told that all boats, skiffs and light
craft of whatever sort found along the river have
been destroyed by military authority ' . This has
doubtless been done to put an end to the sniugglirg
of ends across the river. It. is said that an illicit
trade of this, kind has been 'carried on -at some
points ever since the commencement of she rebellion.
The people of ",D.ixey':' will realize nto r: e, fully
thau ever the horrors of war.
Colored Recruits.—T A. CHESTER, Recruit
ing .Sorgeant, took from Citie s place, on Saturday
last, seven, colored recruits for Goy. A:4lmm
Massachsetts Colored Brigade.—Repository 4Traa
script.
General C. T. Campbell.—Thisgontleman,
accompanied by Lieut. M. W. HOUSER, arrived last
week. He is getting well of his wounds . , but appears
to be somewhat thinner in flesh than usual. We
are pleased to inform our readers that his appoint
ment, as Brigadier General, has' been confirmed re
cently. No one was more deserving of promotion
• AT tomeeting of the Teachers District lustitute of
the township of Antrim and Borough of Greencastle,
the President appointed a committee to draft and
report a series of : resolutions on the state and con
dition of the country.' The committee at the next
yegular,meeting submitted the following preamble
and resoltitiofis, 'which were unaminonsly adopted:
WHEREAS, Our beloved and once happy country
has hitherto been to us all .a kind and, nourishing
parent, under whose liberal and benificent hand we
have enjoyed all the immunities ;ant ytrivileges that
a country could bestow upon its people:
And wkereao, That country is now struggling
with one of the most unholy, inhuman, and unrigh t-