Newspaper Page Text
WEEKLY REPUBLICAN
T.he GrE'T Fight Commence .—A tierce en
gagement. took place yesterday afternoon, lie.
tweed the enemy and the left wine: of our
army, near Richmond, which our correspondent
interprets into the commencement ol the great
battle that is to decide the late of the Confed
erate Capitol. It is more thau probable. The
pressure on McClellan, both from bis troops
and people*, is tremendous, ned he can no
longer delay without demoralizing the former
and losing ay eontidei ce with the latter.
We have every confidence in a favorable re
mit to the Confederates, and should Stonewall
Jackson succeed in getting in the rear of the
Federal army—which we believe to be his real
Intention—the Yankees will not only be de
feated, lint utterly blotted out as an army. We
shall probably hear startling news to day.
RacoNNwissAhoa on Wilmington. —We are
requested to state, that Capt. J. G. Owen, of
Compauy B. 29th Georgia, with nine men, aud
not Lieut. Hooper, of the Berry Infantry, recon
noitered Wilmington Island Thursday last.—
There were no Yankees on the Island. .The
cattle, hogs, fowls, &c., on the Island, together
with the furniture, crockery ware, &c., in the
houses, were untouched.
Movement op the Enemy towards Wel
don. —The Petersburg Express learns, from a
source entitled to the fullest credit, that Yan
kee troops, to the number of s'x tbouimd,
have advanced from Norfolk and Suffolk to a
point Id the seaboard railroad, known as Frank
lin Depot, fifty miles from Portsmouth, ud
thirty from Weldon. The aim of this force is.
beyond doubt, to advance to Weldon, and cut
eff railroad connection at that place with Pe
tersburg and Richmond. At Weldon the roads
fioin Wilmington, aud Raleigh, and Petersburg
converge. It Is an important position, and, ot
course, will be held by our forces at all hazards.
We have no information as to the preparations
to receive <hem, but believe that our authori
ties will will sea to it that they are ample.
From Virginia id-uters are wearing a:i an
gry aspect near Richmond, and the general im
pression there is that a general engagement —
the fiercest of modern times—will be brought
on in the course of a very few days, perhaps
before ihe close of the wees. The two armies
are in battle a ray, almost in sight of each oth
er, and sleep on their arms night. . When it
does come, we may look for a terrible slaughter
ou both sides, such as wiil spread mourning
throughout the lrud and drench the soil ot Vir
ginia with blood. To both it will be a vital
struggle, dud perhaps determine the war. We
feel a firm faith in the triumph oi our arms at
the close of the fight, and our generals will
have only to correct past errors and follow up
the victory, to silence effectually and forever
all opposition to the Confederate Slates as an
independent member of the great family of na
tions.
J3OP“ The following from a merchant of this
city to his partner in busiuers, corroborates a
statement heretofore published by a number ol
sufferers, and exhibits a stiteof things which
the government should take Immediate steps
to correct.—[Etm.
“Meridian, Miss., June 20, 1802
1 bear : I arrived here last night from
Jackson; have found all but six Ifhds. sugar,
which I oxpect are lost; the Government has
seized It aud scattered it to the tour winds of
Heaven, and It is doubtful if wo will ever gel
anything for it, as the officials are (In not only
my opinion, but every other person who owns
freight here,) a sot of thieves. Words are not
adequate to express the extent of swindling
that they carry on. Our sugar was seut out of
Vicksburg, and thrown down by the road side,
allowed to remain there in the sun and rain for
a month, at tbo owners, risk and expense ol
watchiug, coopering Ate.; then they come along
aud siege it, reweigh it, and, I understand, will
pay us about 7 cts. for it, when they can’t buy
It from any one for less than 12! .J, and then
make us wait until they get ready to pay for it
Aud, mind you, it Is only unit-residents, fir
that is to he acted upon in tills way ; any Mis
sDMpp'an who has freight, can get his, while
we cannot. Aud wlmt do you suppose they in
tend to do with It ? Trade it loresldt ntsol this
State for bacon, who allow them 25 cts. All
for their meat, virtually stealing from us and
enriching them
“I saw a piece in the Augusta Constitutionalist
of the 12th lust., which will also give you an
Idea ot their schemes, except it did uot men
tion that the Government had opened a retail
grocery shop.
"I wish you to show this letter to Mr. Sneed,
and call Ins attention to the article In the Au
gusta paper I spoke of. I wish the people of
our section to know how they are treated by
Mississippi officials." *#.
Tho Hanging; uf Km, H. Muintord t
New Orleuua.
A painful bat plain duty awaits performance
at the bauds ol the authorities here. It is to
select Irom the enemy’s prisoners in our hands
a subject for retllaauon for the Illegal, barbar
ous anil inluiuous hanging ol Win. U. Muintord
in Now Orleans for the “crime” ol tearing the
Yankee ensign Irom the Mint in that city, on
tbe 24th oi April last, Ttie lads of the case
arc, tflat tho Yankees, having passed tho forts
below New Orleans, made their appearance off
the city ou the 24th of April, aud demanded its
buirender. Tho Mayor replied that tho city was
at the mercy of the Yankees, but that it would
never bo surrendered. Under such circum
stances the Yankee commander sent a parly on
shore to hoist their fi.ig on the public build
ings. They wore not forcibly resisted, and ex
ecuted their orders unmolested, but no sooner
had they gouo ou bourd of their boats thau
Muuiford went to the lop of tbe Mint and tore
the haled banner down. The crowd assisted
him. and, in a few minutes, the “stars and
stripes” so defiantly tlung to tho breeze were
trampled beneath the feet of the indignant
people of the city and dragged through the
streets.
This act of Mutnford wa* committed before
the city of New Orleans had surrendered. The
flag was planted upon the homo ot the public
budding by force, aud, while there was no act
ol the ttuthoritle* t > bind him, Mumtord was
perfectly justifiable in leariug it down.
Indeed, the tl tg was placed there while nego
tiations were being c relucted between th
eomuiander of the Yankee fleet and tbe author
ities, and, under the-e circumstances, the rais
ing of the enemy's ttig was a plain vioiatlouof
the rules and amenities of war, and an outrage
on the authorities and people of tho city.
But eveu under ihe harshest rule of construc
tion. the act ol Muuiford having been com
mitted before the city ot Now Orleans had sur
rendered, aud while she was steadily reiustng
to do so, was nothing more than an act of war,
for which he was no wore responsible than as
a prisoner of war. It was an act, too, to which
no 1 le was sacrificed or blood shed, and which
amt umed to nothing more than a show of re
sentment to the tl igof the enemy.
For this simple manifestation of hostility to
an enemy who had neither occupied the city
with his forces, nor received its surrender Irom
the authorities, the unhappy man, Mumtord,
has been hung in open (ty by the order ol But
ler, tbe tyrant of N w Ornuus.
From sui h accounts of the affair as we have
been able to gather, ft appears that the brutal
sentence of death, ou the gallows, was'carried
into effect in the presence of thousands of spec
tators. The victim was surrounded by a cor
don of armed men, ready to prevent any at
tempt at a rescue. The crowd looked ou,
scarcely bdUffiog their senses, nuwiliing to
think that even such a tyrant as Bailer could
n ally have the heart to murder a citizen of the
(Jonietieralc States thus openly, and hoping
every moment for a reprieve or a pardon ; but
none came, and the soul ot the martyr was
ushered, by viofeut bauds, into the presence of
Its God.
For this horrible and ghastly outrage there
comes a cry lor vengeance. A sharp and dire
vengeance must be executed, ihe law of re
taliation Is a -ev.rv, but tnercitm ue; tt is a
part ot the civil.zed code ol war; It 1- Intended
to chick and chastise Its excesses ; and the
spirit that constantly threatens tl* application,
but Shrieks from tt from weakness or maudhu
tenderness, is alike Ch!tJl. h ttt Its na tire aud
cruet iu Us cons, queues*. —(Rich. Examiner.
Butlsr’s Doctors Wont Do —lt Is rumored
that Picayune Bailer, the veritable butler ol ihe
Bt. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, seut for Dr.
Warren 3:ou-, when the following c uversatton
Is said to bave occurred :
Buiier—l require your services with my
officers. My army surgeons are well enough—
but they are not acquainted with the diseases of
this climate.
B:one—Then, what did you bring them to
S • Orleans for ?
Butier—SsviT wind that quest on—l want
you to prescribe tor them
Stone—l’ll so you d—d first *
Tue Doctor ten', but was oou arrested, and
permitted to depart again ou the “uccve&arv
eil”
IHffl SA-V'-A-NTST.A-H 'WEEICL'Y- IttlfcP'UlßLiaA.lf, S JATTTE/D-A. Y, iXTT3ST3±! 28, x S 63.
Speech of BeH Woyd, of Nett' York,
ON TUB
STATTK OF THI3 <*TVXTttVv
The Richmond Dispatch lias obtained a copy
Ofa speech of the Hon. li n Wood, former pro
prietor of the New York News, (a paper which
was suspended on account ot Its hol'd stand in
favor ol the South,) in tlie Federal House of
Representatives, 0,1 the state of the country.—
Believing that a majority of our readers would
be gratified to iindeistand the position now oc
cupied hy Mr. Wood towards the Abolition
party of the North we. publish it entire. Mr.
Wood obtained the tin udinous consent of the
House to have printed the following remarks:
Mr Wood.—Mr. Chairman, I have hitherto
avoided troubling this House. Content to be
a listener, without any other participation in
its proceedings than to oppose my solemn in
•dividuil negative against measures which rat
conscience and my principles would approve, I
have said nothing. Indeed, sir, 1 have not had
the heart to rise here and speak. A glance at
this Hall, of itself, has been enough to prevent.
When I look around and see one third of the
Union unrepresented here, and find myself in a
bodv. though purpotiug to be one branch ot the
Congress of the United States, really in fact, but
a fragmentary part ot it, my heart sinks withiu
me. It appears to be a sectional body—a gath
ering of the representatives ot a sectional
party. With these feelings, agd with this
spirit, I have until now avoided participating in
debate.
Bssiles, sir, during the earlier period of this
session, disaster had accompanied the ttforts of
the Federal-arms. I felt that the hour of defeat
was not a fit one in which to strive to awaken
the great soul of the North to thoughts of peace ;
I felt.ahat something was due to the Reuse of
mortification, something to the natural desire
to retrieve the shame of discomfiture. I hoped,
too, that when victory should perch upou
our banners, others than myself would seize
the occasion to urge a plea in behalf ot' p acetal
measures; and that this government itself, feel
ing secure and strong enough to be magnani
m us, would take the lead and be the pioneer
in opening a path lor tub settlement of our dif
lienities without further reourse to bloodshed.
I even hoped the leaders of the uow dominant
party, moved by the sore distress which lias vis
ited our country, would relent from the stern
vigor of heir doctrine of sirtyaguiou, and, in
the flush ol triumph, would lean a tittle towards
a gentler policy than that which they have hith
eitochauiuioned with so much Zealand with so
little forbearance.
I hoped in vaio. Tbe triumph cam ■; a loug
train of successes has relieved the North irom
its humiliation. The government claims now
to stind as a rock against which the tempest of
opposition must waste itself in futile eff>rts.
lire partizmsof the ultra war parly laugh to
scorn the idea that apy effectual resistance can
be offered to the onward march of our triumph
ant armies, and yet no single effort has been
made ia these Congressional halls to stay the ef
in-ion of blood. It has been left for me, pow
erless as I am, to speak the fiist conciliatory
word in behalf of my suffering countrymen.
And I do it, sir, in the hope that others more
capable, will uot be too much engrossed with
the lust of conquest and the pride of victory to
follow minexample.
Sir, it * an ineffaceable reproach to those
either deluded or wicked men who, in the
North, by their unwearied agitation of abolition
schemes, have stirred the embers ol this strife';
it is ati eternal reproach to them tnat, through
defeat and victory, throughout every phase of
this unhappy struggle, with tbe groans of their
distressed and tortured country smiting upon
their ears, they have clung, aftd still cling, wiih
uupitlying pertinacity, and even with ferocity,
to the doctrine which has been the germ of ail
the mischief. With the first exulting shouts of
Federal victories they set up the echoing cry of
emancipation. With all the energy of fanati
cism, with all the subtle arts and intrigues of
scheming demagogues, with ail the appliances
of cunning intellect, aud patronage at their
command, even at this eventful crisis, when
every American brain should be at work to
bring about a fair and honorable pence, they
have no thought, no hope, no duty but to pro
pagate their creed, extending its influence into
every nook and corner of tile laud, and puisou
mg liie atmosphere ol these sacred balls with
its interminable discussion. Openly and in se
cret, by the agency of the pr.ss, the pulpit, and
the political rostrum, in the camp, in the city,
and in the open field, they are spreading tbe
contagion; the are innoeulating the c -uuiry
with this moral pestilence, which has already
brought us where we are, at the very brink of
the grave of our nationality.
Sir, to these apostles of Abolitionism will be
traeed herealter whatever of evil has befallen
or may befall our country. They are tmildiug
its sepulchre with the bones of their slaughtered
countrymen. Ido believe there arc gentlemen
withiu my vision uow whose sworn purpose,
whose first desire, paramount even to the pre
servation of Republicanism, is emancipation.
They and their disciples first threw the apple
ol disco and. They first applied the torch, and
are now more busy thau ever with throwing
fresh fuel to the flame. history ever
trace, which God forbid, the record of this
country’s rum, that page will seem the strang
est to those that read whieh shall tell of liie
madness aud wickedness ot the arch fanatics of
abolitionism. Iu the dark recesses of the tem
ple of infamy the gloomiest niches will boar
the Inscription of former times.
Sir, I counsel ouly a moral Interference
with the work of these mischief makers. I
would uot have eveu fanaticism deprived of the
right ol tree speech, nor would I, in any emer
gency, advocate the slightest infringement by
the Government upon the liberty ol the press.
Let them sow the seeds of their infamous doc
trine broadcast Over the land. Whatever may
be the danger, I will not countenance the great
er danger ot establishing a dictatorship over
the thoughts of my lellow-cnunlrymeti.
Bui it the abominable theme must be brought
into the council chambers ot the uati m, for the
sake ot decency, if not of justice, let it be ut a
more seasonable time. It there remains one
Union man at the South, let us remember that
bo is unrepresented here ; that the subject of
slavery particularly concerns him, and that it
is uugrnerous aud unjust, If not cowardly, to
take advantage ot his absence of representation
to push forward measures in regard to the local
institutions of his section—measures against
which were ho present, ho would give his
earnest opposition. It will quench whatever
remains of Union feeling in me South, if it has
not already done o. ft w"‘ destroy the last
hope of reconstruction o> tie. Uutou a friend
ly basis. It will ptov wii i. uas been -> often
intimated, that the first idea ot tiie dominant
party in the Norlfi is active and unwavering an
tagonlsm to slavery, and a fixed purpose to
legislate it out of the laud at all hazards Is it
with that theory advanced that wearetocou
quer a peace ? Sir, we are flinging away the last
chances of reconciliation as recklessly as mad
men cast I'ueir treasure into the sea. The
agitation ol the subject has b.-cu the country’s
bane at every period ot its history ; its discus
sion at this crisis is desperate self-destruction.
Is it while the magazine is beneath us aud
about ns, buistiug with the agencies ot ruin,
that we must choose to sport with the flaming
torch of the incendiary ? Sir, until our beloved
country shall be saved, the word “emancipa
tion” should, by common couscut, be bauisneif
ro:n the language of debate in this assemblage.
I> Is a spell winch has wrought enough already
of desolation It is a hellish formula of incan
tation, which has cot jo red up the floods ot dis
cord and civil w.r ; ad it never was so potent
in its evil tendencies as now, when It is being
passed, like the breath of the plague, from
mouth to mouth, In the council chambers ol
the country it has ruiued. It should be spoken
iu a whisper, aud with a prayer liuked to it, as
a thing th.it briugs a curse and spreads a pesti
lence. I despair of my country. I despair of
ever living once more in a blessed Uuion of
fraternal States, when I lie.tr all around me the
utterance of that ruin-breeding word “emanci
pation," mingliug with the shouts of battle,
the fierce hurrahs of triumph over ullea broth
ere, and the groans ot our dying countrymen.
Str, if in place ot making ihe vegro question
a subject matter ol debate, ibis Cotigrecs would
take into earnest, sole mu eocsab-ration some
expedient for securing peace, 1 do believe that
success would crown our efforts. It they would
enter upon that task, not with hearts embittered
and intellect swayed by sectional antipathies
and untimely mock philanthropies, but with ah
their souls devoted to that one sacred pur
pose—tbe reconstruction of the Uuion and our
redemption from civil war—it they would da
this, iu the spirit of conciliation, of forgive
ness, of tolerance, of brotherhood aud kindly
} leeliug, it is my conviction that before the
close of this eventful session the preliminaries
of a peace would be arranged. But white, with
the obstinacy ot a blind t malic, and the tustinct
ot a brunt gladiator, the first object is to pro
i luuig.ue a party creed, and the second to crush
[au oppvneut and wear the badge of victory, 1
i see no fairer prospect tha ,at some distant
■ period, reached through seas Of blood and
| heaps of carnage, the. torced submission of a
I crushed aud devastated section, aud ihe q tally
! unhappy spectacle of a government trlnuipU
j aut, but examined by Us triumph, detested by
j a moiety ol those sovereignties that gave it
j birth, aud gas ag with horror and remorse upon
i the desolation it has wrought.
Sir, it is not my purpose to vent reproaches,
! evt n where I believe them to bj deserved. I
j have riseu to enter my protest against the dis
| passion, in this chamber, of any anti-slavery
I scheme whatever at this crisis, atid to offer an
i earnest appeal to this Congress ton Us legista
; Uen shall embrace every moans ot securing an
immediate peace. It, a> the goverumeut claims,
j the Oontedera e cau-e is hopeless, the leaders
of the secession movement cannot be ignorant
of the fact; aud knowing It, they will be nat
urally inclined to lend a willing ear to whatever
I proper overtures this government may present.
‘ At some period of tfiis struggle there must be
negotiation; it mast be resorted to sooner or
later; why nof uow ?
I Is it because pruie forbids that we should be
the first to outstretch the hand of coneilhui- n ?
I Heuvou iorfend that thousands of human lit. s
! and a country’s welfare should dep. ud upon so
j false a principle. Is it been use the South has
i ! been sufficiently punlsiud, humbled and
subdued? TUeu let ns confess that ehastieo
tne it, and vcngeuuce are the objects of this war.
! Js it becauue the anti slavery movement bus not
yet received a sufficient impetus ? If so,
lull it to tiie armies that have won your vic
tories. Make abolition the war cry. Place a
banner with that. d< vice in the vanguard, and
hire those artui.-s on to conquest with it—if you
can. Your soldiers would rend the treacherous
ensign into shreds, and would march to their
homes wl.h the same alacrity that they pushed
ou with it to tiie battle field.
What, then, is the cause that withholds ne
gotiation? V'ou wiil not parley with armed
treason. But you have parleyed with armed
treason, if that be the word ; parleyed for the
mete eouvouieuee of an exchange of prisoners,
aud other purposes to mitigate the grievances
ef war. It was your duty to do so. Aud shall
you uot do so to accomplish ail lint your troops
are fighting for —the reconstruction of the
Uuiriu ?
Let us suppose that the South is anxious to
embrace an opportunity ot return, and is with
held from making advances by doubts as to the
intentions of the North. Is it not right that we
should confer with them, that those doubts may
he removed ?
What do the people care for such miserable
punctilios in the hour of a nation’s agony V Bir,
au honorable peace is wit hi: the grasp of this
Congress without further bloodshed. This
Congress knows that if is so, aud when the
people shall realize that it. is ouly the infamous
design to strengthen the anti slavery move
ment that prevents au effort to obtain peace,
woe to the Chiefs of the Aoolition party ot
the land.
But enough of them. Words are thrown
away upon tueir stubborn fanaticism. I appeal
with better hope to the loftier feelings that
should pervade humanity, and especially per
vade this august assemblage, that should by the
uature of its sac cd functions, ne far removed
from the miserable ambition of reducing a sec
tion of our common country to the extreme,
and therefore dangerous, condition of despair.
Sr, there may be a fascination iu the gory
niaguifie nee ol war Taero may be a craving
tor martial glories in the hearts of men, aud au
instinct of contention which we shat|e in com
mon with the bruurcreiuiou. But if ever there
can be a time when a more Christian impulse
should pcs ess our souls, it it uow ; now, when
the triumph and conciousaess ot strength give
us the noble privilage of extending the hand
oi reconciliation without fear of rlegrodatioa,
or of self reproach fur cowardice. Ii adversity
has becu our excuse tor sternoe-s, let success
be our pica for magnanimity. Providence has
placed within the reach of tiie North a greater
triumph than countless armed legious couid
conquer; the triumph ot subduing a brave eu
my with a generous and merciful policy, that
wifi disarm resentment aud rekindle the old
brotherly flume that perhaps is uot yet totally
extinct. For, after all, they are our brothers,
sir; and some softening ot the stern Roman
vigor wnieh our rulers assumed is due to that
brotherhood; winch bjfcuntimely severity, may
be cancelled now torever. There are gentle
men who will say that the South must lie sub
dued ; that every ai med Soutueine must throw
down his weapon aud sue lor mercy.
Should a freeman ask so much ol his brother
freeman ? Would they be worthy of compan
ionship ia our fraternity, being reclaimed at
such a sacrifice oi tnauiy iceling ? Wliat would
you have them do? Would you have them
crouch and cringe, and strew their heads with
ashes, and Kneel at your gates for re-admission ?
They are Americans, sir, and wiil not do it!
No, though K >ajioakeaud Fort Henry, aud Fort
Donelson suould be re enacted from day to day,
through the lapse of bloody years, they w,U
not do it! Give them some chance ror an
houorable return, or you will wipeout every
chance, and the two sections will be twain for
ever. Yes, Rir, you may link them to each
other With chains, aud pin their destinies to
gether wi.b bayonets, but at heart they will be
twain forever. They are the children of the
same heroic stock, the joint inheritors with
ourselves of the precious legacy of freedom;
and it seems a sacrilege and an insult to the
memories of the past, that so many, sir, should
sit in your presence here to day to goad them
on to desperate resistance, aud so few—alas !
so very few—to mediate and reu*utn.
Ot those few, I thank my God that I am one.
lam proud to proclaim it here be tath the
dome of the Capitol. I shall proclaim it, here
and everywhere, until the wings oi peace shall
be once more folded over tbe bleeding bosom
of my country. I shall proclaim it alond and
honestly, although to do so .would make'me
the next victim ol this cruel strife.
Sir, it may be said that-1 speak of peace,
while its attainment, without further recourse
to arms, remains impossible. But Ido not
believe it impossible. What effort has been
made ? What door has been opened through
which the passions aud ill-feelings ol the con
testants might pass out and reason enter?
None. The single idea has been forced upon
tbe people that the sword, and the sword alone,
must decide the issue. It has been pronounced
treason to hold an opposite opinion. Str, it to
have but little laith iu the efficacy of thesword
for joining severed friendships, it to earne tly
desire peace and to deprecate the horrors of
war, be treason, then I am a traitor; and l am
prouder of such treison than others h ive the
right to be of their vindictive, flaming and pre
tentious patriotism.
’ 1 conjure this Congress, in the name of our
suffering country—in the name of vvivesMhut
may be willows, of children that may be or
phans, in the names of gallant men, now strong
in health, and who to morrow may be stretch
ed in death upon the gory ground, or writhing,
maimed and disttgiked, with tormenting
wouuds—in the name of humanity, that sick
ens at the daily record of this terrible strife—
I conjure this Congress to seize at the merest
chance that may exist of a present termination
of this tragedy. Let something bo attempted
in the spirit of mediation. Sir, the people will
respond to it. They will thank this Congress
for it. They will bless this Congress for any
measure that breathes of the spirit of reconcil
iation. They are weary of this war—weary in
despite of the excitement of present victory.
They will awakeu soon to the consciousness
that such victories are being purchased at a
sacrifice that is terrible to contemplate; that a
national debt is being created which, in its
rapid accumulation, is apt ailing—a debt which,
if ever paid, will press like an incubus upon
luture generations, stunting the growth and
paralyzing the vigor of our young Republic, or,
if repudiated, resting a blot upon our annafs.
And while at home we are groaning with dis
tress and standing ou the verge of bankruptcy,
if we look abroad the spectacle tends only to
oursbarue. We see the sc ptred hands ot Eu
rope planting their royal banners upon ihe soil
jol this western hemisphere, which it is. our
natural duty to consecrate to Republicanism,
nnd which we might at least have guarded from
the greed of foreign despots. The 11 ig of Ara
gon and Castile flaunts in the air of San Do
mingo, and, uuited with the blazonries of
France and England; is unfurled upou the walls
of San Juand’Utloa. Where uiay they not
float twelve months hence, if we, the uaiural
guardians of tnis continent from foreign inter
iereuce, should still be busy with dabbling in
each i ther’s gore ? Sir, If there must be war,
let it be against the natural enemies of Repub
licanism, and as we have already humbled our
national pride to conciliate the Biitisn lion, let
u make some sacrifice to win back in amity,
and not to subjugate, the Sooth, that we may
stand once again as comrades in arms, to
scourge these foreign interloper back again
within their proper limits.
1 am no advocate of bloodshed, but if a for
eign war should be the alternative of submis
sion to foreign insolence, I trust that I should
be among the last to tall prostrate, that the
hurricane might sweep harmlessly by. To sub
serve the schemes of a party we have already
humiliated, the American people in the eyes of
scoffing Europe, aud It will be a task hereafter
to regaiu the caste we have 1 st in the family ot
nations. No much greater evil could befall us
than to be forred from the position we have
h.tberto assumed towards foreign Powers. IJ
would not have my country swerve one inch
from any vital principle of her foreign policy
in auy emergency whatever. Above all things.
I hold dear that national honor which we have
j ever, till of late, preserved untarnished. How
ever gloomy may be the aspect of things at
home, I would have our flag float as proudly as
ever ibroad, not even deigning to make domes
tic aftt etion a plea for humility, an excuse for
cowardice, or a of national shame.
Whenever occasion demands that a stand
j should be made against foreign aggression, or
; a rebuke administered to ioreigu pride, or a
! chastisement inflicted upon foreign insolence,
I would have the gaum let throw n down upou
1 the impulse of the national sentiment, without
i reference to domestic exigencies, or pausing to
| measure the strong proportions of the toe.
| In the heal of our private discord, we seem
to have forgotten that our great mission a- a
people is to republ canizs the world, to advance
. the principle that men are capable of *elf-g >v
ernment, and to cheek the progress ot monar
chy. Sir, we are losing ground in the tallill—
j merit ol that sacred mission, and monarchy has
gained anew loolhoid while we have been
[ weakening our sinews with intestine strife.—
! And to what purpose ? Is it possible that gentle
men can hope to reconstruct the Union by pur
i suing a poiiey of unrelenting severity ? Can
i thev expect to re-esuvnlish concord and broth
i erlv love by pusbiug hostilities to the, extreme
verge ? What is the Union worth without rnu
tuai respect and reciprocaiedVmity to bind the
sections? What! a Union of unwilling Status,
i driven into comi*auioush‘p at the p unt ot the
rbayonet, and held there hereafter by military
i power! Snch a Union would not b worth the
shedaiocof one brave Blau’s bbwxi. We want
j their hearts or we want them not at all. And
we cannot conquer hearts ith bayonets, al
; though they should out number the spears of
j Xerxes. If not brought back by negotiation,
‘in the spirit they are gone from us lorerer. To
I ( ’u 'v ’*•* possible. To slay.it, dr
k r.i, i'iy waste Ms-.-it* lands, and burn ’.eir
citf'S, may be within our p iwer. But to h >ld
them in subjection, h.viug conquered tin.'in,
Would, in itself, v a dual repudiation of the
first p.-’ncipid or republicanism. Prosecute this
war until you have accomplished the necessity
of holding a subdued section in subjection, and
tbo world 'ii! look iu ' -in fr a Republic on
tin- We* tern immisplt
[ i v > to entertain tire hope that our Un
ion a p -tored up-an the foundation laid
down by one tiers ; -anti I desire u<> change in
the plan of that glorious superstruel arc. But, I
:iu; u.i; s i ii'ni.t' tint’ a worshipper of llic Union
ns to reek io- r<(<>>!'lon with tiie destruction of
those for win- wi-lfir 1 it was coric-ivtd ; to
build it upon the bead bodies of my cou itiy
liion, wh oi other menu* are at.hand for its re- ,
construction. 1 would purchase its redeinp- j
lion otherwise than by anarchy and ruin. I
would not fling away the substance to perpeiu ;
ate the name. Every drop of blood that is shed j
in this struggle will weaken the keystone of
the fabric for whose sake the blood is pretend- I
,ed to be shed. One word of conciliation at ■
this crisis will do more to save the country J
than all the achievements, past and to come, of j
your victorious soldiery.
Why should not that word go forth, even ■
now, in tiie hour of the triumph of the Federal
arms? If there has ever been a period iu ttie j
history of Republics when prolonged civil ;
strife has failed to curtail the liberty of the !
masses. I have not read that history aright.— j
Already, with one year’s b tter experience, wo I
have beheld some of the do ,rest privileges of j
American citizenship wrested from our grasp, j
And how long, at the same rate, before, upon j
the convenient p'ea of necessity, we shall be j
stripped of other rights which heretofore have |
made us deem ourselves freemen ? liow ioeg, |
while persona! liberty cow depends ou the c-ai j
of an official ? How long, while Irce-bom j
American citizins can ’Deleft to languish iu ]
B.istilcs, beyond Lite reach ot the cou'touted :
tribunals of the land and at the mercy of tfi
Executive for their liberation ? How long, j
while the press, the guardian of liberty, tbo '
friend of the masses, is shackled, gigged,c Wed
down to sullen silence, or, worse yet, become
the minion of a part.- ? How long, wh
voters are arrested at the polls by tniliiary pro- j
ce-s, and legisiatois are hurried off to pr s
before they can assume their sacred function- ? ;
How long, while the parti zing of the liurff-ftfU
tate Abolition party are coining money out of;
the blood of their countrymen, parading their j
showy patriotism and shunting “Union',” with I
their arms u;> to the elbows in the public i
Treasury? llow long, sir, will tbe people oil
the North, taxed beyond endurance, robbed j
and cheated by an ever-craving b-rde ot po- (
litical hyenas, ho* long will they have a choice- j
between freedom and anarchy, between a Re
public and a despotism ? Ala- ! we vviii cling j
to the name ol a Republic, l-ut have we the re- j
alitj ? it is entirely at tiie option ot one man !
or of a council of men, whether tl><- citizen I
hall breathe in freedom the air of II -jvi.— I
At the ‘‘'open nemme" of the Executive, the |
gloomy portals of the Bastilcs xafat* tie and j
Warren will gape to receive him. And this i j
the R-pnbl c I was taught to love !
Sir, it is only a s gn and forerunner of, what
must inevitably be, should ihe South be
crushed into Uie Union. You mty bring the
South to teuriiS with your bayonets, but when
you have done so, you will have a bond of air;
a covenant to enforce which will necessitate
this Government to assume the functions of a
military despotism, and to break which at tbe
first opportunity will bean aim and tgptinio.se
on the part of the subdued section.. What
they have attempted once, they will not fail to
attempt hereafter, when smarting under the re
membrance of defeat, while cherishing the
deadly hate that a war to the utterance will tu
gender.
For the sake of union now and of union here
after—not enforced union, but the strong uuion
of willing hearts—let the word of peace go
forth ; let the band of reconciliation he extrud
ed. Why, sir, I have heard such words o! bit
ter hatred expressed towards the Southerners
by Northern lips, that I fear it may be already
too late ever to renew the bonds of fraternity.
Such sentiments I have heard of implacable, of
i hireling vengeance, of sectional antipathy, as
Hannibal was taught to nurture against Rome ;
as Home in her quenchless jealousy conceived
towards Carthage to the end. And the doom
of Carthage may be accepted by the Soutb,
rather than re-uuioti at the bayonet’s point.
I appeal to this Congress to avert that late as
inglorious to the victor as -to the vanquished.
Let the door to negotiation he flung wide open,
flung open now while we cau make advances
with good grace and with laurels upon our
brow. To tbe winds with the doctrine that >uu
will uot treat with armed traitors It is a sen
timent titter for the epoch of a purpled Roman
than for the Christian age in which wo live. It
is the sentiment of one who rules with a rod of
iron, not of a great and generous people who
assume to rule themselves. Enough has been
done in proof of the valor of the North aud tiie
resources of the government. Let something
be now done for the sake of the past, for the
sake of the memories of the Revolution, of the
struggle of 1812, of the battle field of Mexico ;
for the sake of a Union whose cement shall be
forgiveness for tiie past, aud friendship and foi
beurance for the future. *
In place of exulting over victories, and long
ing for new triumphs, how much more pleasant
and more holy to draw a picture of the joy ibut,
will pervade many a now gloomy household
when the glad tidings ot peace shall be borne
from city to village, from village to homestead,
Irom lip to lip, and heart to heart. A nation’s
jubilee would well repay you for some little
yielding of your stern policy. How mauy arms
would be outstretched, how many hearts would
bound to give a “welcome home again” to tho
war stained volunteer. Oh, sir, those meoilngs
at the cottage threshold, those clasping* at the
farm house porch, those cleavings of ihe throb
bing bosoms ot women to scarred and m -.niy
breasts, were worth all the laurels that were
ever snatched from blood stained fields. The
news of our victories has been bailed with
pie ms and illuminations, but, with the first
tidings ol peace, there is not a hovel in the
land Uiat would not have a candle at its w in
dow, not a palace that would n t blaze with
splendors in token- of the advent of a blessing
priceless beyond all eartbly triumphs.
Then, sir, let us lower the points of our vic
torious swords, and parley with the foe while
the bngle blasts of victory are yet ringing in
our ears. II we are free in anticipation from
the peril of future reverses; if we are sanguine
that the Federal arms are henceforward giited
with invincibility, that is the noblest reason
why we should say to our opponents, “pause if
you will; reflect.” Let us yield them one
chance ol reconcilement before we drive them
to the resistance of despair. There can be no
victory where kith and Kin, where brothers and
lellow counirymen, where men who are bound
to each other by the holiest of past associa
tions, ire struggling lor supremacy. All is de
feat; ail is disaster; all is misfortune, tears aud
mourning. Do not let us tlUce with blood
every sacred memory that may yet bind these
men to us as brothers. Give one sign of invi
tation before the death struggle be renewed.
Let the spirit of forgiveness pass between the
Hues of those opposing hosts, and with the
blessings of Providence, those armed legions
will take a lesson from Sabinia and early Rome,
whase Soldiers, unit dby domestic ties, threw
down their weapons Up m the battle’s Verge,
and sprang to each other’s embrace.
Sir, 1 have sp iken freely, studying only to
tuakwmy word* an index to my thought.- My
opinions have brought upon me the censure,
often most discourteously expressed, of many
who differ with me; but for that 1 care but
little. lam content to bide the boar that shall
set me right before my countrjmen. As I have
believed the prosecution of >bis war to be a
widening of the gulf lhat separates the sec
tions, 1 have earnestly opposed it. 1 '.lave
always looked upon the subjugation of the
South as n project whose fuitilimeut would
strike a heavy, perhaps a latal blow to true re
publicanism, and although I will yield to no
man In devotion to the Union—although I
would make any and every personal saenfie.; to
restore its glory and integrity—l a ill never con
sent, even for the sake of that Un.oo, to yield
up my birthright as a freeman; to sacri'Jce
those principles of sell government, those
rights of free thought, and personal liberty,
without which Uuiou is bat a mockery and"a
naate.
It is not grandeur and extent of territory that
I covet as the chief attributes of the govern
ment under which I arflPto live. Were I one of
out a single community, insigniffcant in num
bers, hot secure in a guarantee of pure Repub
licaa ministration of affairs, I would be proud
of my citizenship. But the onion of a thou-and
States, each one as great and populous as the
noble one among whose representatives 1 have
the honor to be. I would detest—yes, sir, in my
most inmost heart detest, if the holding to
gether of component parts should create a ne
cessity for the assumption of despotic power.
Self-government is the god of my political
idolatry, and the Union is but a tempi in which
1 have worshipped it. Shonld that temp’e be
destroyed, I would not forsake the creed, nor
would the mighty principle be buned iu the
ruins. I love and would preserve the temple,
for beneath its roof are gathered the treasures
of holy past associations; upon its hallowed
walls are inscribed the names of patriots, from
the North and from the South, whose blood has
been Us cement. But rather would I have the
glorious fabric crumble to the dust, than see
the spirit of despotism enshrined within its sa
cred precincts.
I have seen already the silent but lengthening
shadow of absolutism creeping into the spot.
Aud when the Executive hand, for the Urst
time in our history, was interposed between
the citizen and his rights, the germ was pfiated
of a danger mightier than rebellion in it, tnos .
efgnntic phase, for I believe encroachments bv
wri Executive to be in itself rebellion a'aiast
the only sovereignty I acknowledge—the ma
jesty of the people. I believe each s*ep to
wards absolu ism to be more fatal :o the welfare
ot the Republic than any possible act within
power of the citizen to conceive and execute.
I will resist every grasp that may be made upon
j'm attrlb .tc ot sovereignty not heretofore ae-
I kit wvledced to the Chief .Vfagi3tracy, for reason
l and instinct, no less than the fearful example
! that history lias furnished from, the ashes of
j Republics, teach mo that the first step nn
j checked, will uot be the last, but only the
i precursor of those giant strides by which, over
the uoeks of betrayed ireeueu, ambitious men
have mounted to a throne.
Wo want a Union, sir, of sovereigns, not of
subjects ; and that our Government shall cx
teud over a vast area to tr.o is of less moment
than that, it should be purely, sirnsiy, and tin
i equivocally republican, at all times aud under
all conditions.
| Sir, I have done. I have only to reiterate my
! hope and my entreaty that this Congress,which
j has in Altered charge the welfare of our conn
try, will adopt some measure which may bring
about a cessation ot hostilities, with a view to
negotiation. That done, lam firm in my be
lief that hostilities will not i e resumed.
N -Itliera Accounts of Southern Fit*
Statements.
Our attentive correspondent in the Army of
Virginia sends ns the Philadelphia Inquirer of
tiie 17th instant, from which wo make some in
teresting extracts concerning recent skirmishes
in South Carolina. They will amuse the friends
on our side who engaged in the affairs de
scribed :
the skirmish near pocotaligo.
On Thursday morning last a skirmish oc
curred at Pocotaligo, a point near the Charles
ton & Savant) ih Railroad, between Salcahatchie
and Ooosnbatebie, in which our forces, under
the command of Colonel B. C. Christ, of the
Fifiielh Pennsylvania Volunteers, routed about
800 of the rebels. The engagement was con
ducted entirely with infantry on our side, and
was prolonged for about two hours before the
enemy was finally dislodged. The details of the
affair, which was, in military parlance, a rceon
uoisauce, arc as follows :
On the evening of the 28th ult., the Fiftieth
Pennsylvania ri giment, together with one com
p t y oi the E!gu.th Michigan Volunteers, Capt.
‘b yle, and one company of the Seventy-ninth
Il’ghj •'decs, left Beaufort, arriving at Port
Royal Ferry, and crossing over to the main
land tu daylight. There the line of march lor
PocoUtligo, via Gardner’s Corners,was instantly
taken up, Colonel Christ driving ia the enemy’s
pickets three times before tbe latter point was
reached. At Gardner’s Corners Company E,
wider the command o! Lieutenant. Lautz, was
left, and Major Higgiusou, of the First Massa
chusetts Cavalry, came up with a force of eighty
men and horses.
After a brief halt, at litis point, wa again
suirud for Pocotaligo. via the Sheldon road,
and, with the exception of occasionally driving
in the enetn:’ pickets, which delayed our
ruereh to a considerable degree,we reached our
cie-tiua'ion without interruption. Here we
wine met by the enemy, about eight hundred
strong, his force consisting, as near as we could
juege, of six companies ol mounted riflemen
and four companies of iulantry. Among the
latter, was a considerable number of colored
men, who fought, apparently, with ail the zeal
ol their masters. The enemy’s position was
exceedingly well chosen, and was a most for
midable one; but he was dislodged and com
pelled to retreat.
Pocotaligo, from our point of attack, is reach
ed by a causeway about one fourth of a mile in
leugth, flicked on either side by a marsh,
through which a sluggish stream winds its way.
Over this stream, and not more than eighty or
a hundred yards from the end ot the causeway,
was a bridge, some fifteen feet in width, which
t tie Rebels had so far destroyed as to make it
impassable, save by crossing on the string
pieces. Oa the opposite side of the marsh is a
narrow’ strip of woods, which we skirmished,
some smart firing ensuing on both sides, with,
however, but iliUe t fF.-et
At this juncture it became evident that the
enemy was posted under cover ol the trees and
ditches, within good rifle range, cn either side
of the causeway, and that in order to dislodge
them we mast have a near range lor our mms
Captain Charles Parker, of Company 11, accord
ingly volunteered to take his men ever the nar
r.<w string-pieces, and let them drop into a
ditch on our right, when they would be able to
operate under partial cover and at shorter
range. The movement was successful, and
about three hundred ot tbe troops were g t
over. Under command of Lieut Colonel Bren
holts, th y gradually approached the opposite
side of the mar.-h, and drove back the enemy
on our rigiit, when a charge was made on our
left, and the enemy commenced a rapid retreat
to tbe woods.
As sooti as it couid be done, the bridge was
replanked, and the cavalry were ordered in pur
suit; buvthe enemy took refuge in a wood,
where cavalry could not operate with advan
tage, and recourse was again had to the infant
ry. fha ioug march of twenty-four miles,
however, together with the fight, had so jaded
and fatigued them that they were unable to
pursue tiie traitors as fast as they retreated.
At tms moment Lieut. Cannon, ia charge of
a sectioo of the First Connecticut battery, re
ported himself. Tbe action had lasted nearly
two .hours, and by the time Colonel Christ
confd recall tho companies iu pursuit and again
get ready to meve, more than three hours had
elapsed. Negroes escaping to our lines brought,
us information that the enemy were being re
int reed from MePhersanville and Grahamville,
and in view ol this tact, as well as the scarcity
of ammunition, it was deemed prudent to re
tire, and we accordingly returned to Port Royal
Ferry, where we arrived at eleven P. M. Small
detachments of cavalry followed ns as tar as
Gardner’s Corners, where they were repulsed
and driven back by tiie pickets oi Compauy E,
who unhorsed one of their number.
Our loss during the engagement was two kill
ed and nine wounded. The Rebel loss it is im
possible forme exactly to state, but it must
have been s.-vere, as seven dead bodies of their
men wore found upon the field. We also cap
tured two prisoners, one of whom has been
sent to headquarters, and the other, who was
wounded, was taken to the hospital.
Tho following are the cieaiiics on our side,
all the killed and wounded belonging to the
Fiftieth Pennsylvania Regiment:
KILLED.
Captain Charles Parker, Cos. li.
Private M. Stevens, Cos. K.
wounded.
R. McCI llun, Cos. A, shot through the lung,
dangerous.
U. Wenrich, Cos. A, shot in the right lung,
dangerous.
D. Shearer, Cos. A, three buckshot in head,
breast aud arm.
Corporal G. C. Flafmeisher, Cos. B, shot in
Hie risiht lung, dangerous. .
J. lslo, Col B, accidently wouuded by a bayo
net.
C. M. Sheriing, Cos. D, shot in the loin, dan
gerous.
E. S. Wood, Cos. G, shot in the arm.
J. Denishon, Cos. G, shot iiuthe thigh.
A. Chrisier, Cos. I, shot through the shoulder.
Tiie name of the wounded prisoner in our
hands is N. Hughes, of the Rutledge Mounted
Rifles, shot through the arm and wounded in
the back.
The loss of Captain Parker is universally la
mented throughout the brigade. He was in
the three mouths service, but re-enlisted, to
gether with his entire company, at the expira
tion of his term of service. Modest ana unas
suming in bis deportment, he was yet a brave
and accomplished officer. llis gallantry iu
crossing the frail bridge at Pocotaligo cort him
his life. He wa-pierced by three rifle balls,
and fell while cheering his men on the perilous
p.i-'sagc.
Our troops returned in excellent condition,
having ail reerossed the ferry before 4 o’clock
on the morning of tbe GO.h— thus performing a
march of thirty-two miles, fighting two hours,
and making two difficult river crossin.s, in
twenty-seven hours Their endurance, con
sidering the beat, and tbe fact tnat t1,.-. opera
tion was undertaken at .the eio.>c o vhe day,
was remarkable.
THE FIB ST FIGHT ON JAMES’ ISLAND.
On board the United Sta” s Transprut Dela
ware, Stono River, S. C., Jane 3.1862.
This morning our pickets opposite Legate- j
villa were pushed inland about three miles,
when they were attacked by tbe pickets of the
enemy and a sharp skirmish ensued. The fight
continued for half an hour, when a sudden
shower interposed to prevent further buEtili
tie.
Our forces engaged were three companies
of the Seventy ninth Regiment, under Major
Elliott, and Companies A, D, F, and I. of vhe
Pennsylvania Roundheads or One liundreth
Volunteer'. They withstood the attack, maq
fuiiy, and drove the enemy back, about a mile
befoietbe engagement was interrupted by the
storm.
i Yfe have lost one man killed, namely, pri
j rate V7m. Me Knight, ot Company , One Han-1
; dredih Pennsylvania, shot through the stomach.
I Oar wounded are a foliasa:—
Private Bell, Company I, One Hundredth |
I Pennsylvania, shot through the head; mortal- 1
i ly-
Private McKekver, Company A, One ;
Hundredth Pennsylvania, shot in the neck.
Private Solomon Fisher Company F, One j
Hundredth Pennsylvania, wounded in the ab- :
| donum.
j Private 81 unlow, of the Seventy-ninth Regi
i metst, was taken prisoner by the rebels, but
I subsequently escaped. While making his way
j from the woods back to our forces, a stray bul
let from one of onr muskets found its way to
his leg He is not seriously injured.
In addition to the losses above given, Capt.
J. H. Ciine, of the RouudLeads, and six of his
men were taken prisoners.
The enemy’s tored was much larger than
ours, but we now occupF the ground they
I foogbt on.
Henry Walker, Adjutant of the Charleston
• attai ion, is a prisoner. He is severely, though
t ot dangerously wounded in the leg. He fell
•■ally in the fight, aud 1b unable to give anv in
fornmtlorl as to the loss of tue enemy. Our
officers, however, opucrt that several of tiie mb
els were seen to fall. They were promptly
conveyed to the rear. J
While the skirmish was In progress, word
was brought to Capt,. Drayton, ol the Pawnee
of the em-ray’s location. Hesont several shells
among them, and was mainly Instrumental in
putting them to flight, ihe Otuwa, which is
further up Mie river, has also Ured some shells
with good effect.
Our troops are in good spirits, and anxious to
! advance.
Among the trophies captured this morning
are twenty-five fat beeves, Ivbich were taken by
one party of contrabands from another. One
negro was killed jn the transaction.
I write hurriedly, in order to get my letter to
Hilton Head by the steamer about to sail When
it will leave that point no one here knows.
THE OPERATIONS OF TIIE GUNBOAT J—GUNS CAP
TURED—REBEL LO>B HEAVY, ETC.
Old Battery, Opposite Legareville, Stono
Kiveh, N. C\, June 3.—Evening.—The opera
tions ot iur advance were resumed at three
o clock, and in. .vy firing from the Ottawa and
Pembina above, and to Uuadilla below us, has
been heard up to the present moment.
We have captured a battery of three forty-two
pound carronades, mounted on heavy siege
carriages. The enemy fought bravely.
Our loss to day is three killed, ten wounded
and seven taken prisoners. That of the enemy
it is impossible to state with any degree ot ac
curacy, though as our gunboats bave crossed
their fire pretty thoroughly through the woods
where the Rebels had taken refuge, and as their
ambulances have been busily employed, it is
supposed to be quite heavy.
lii.ercstii'jg News From tiie West.
We clip from the JJemphi* Appeal of the 20th
(uow published at Grenada, Miss.,) the follow,
iug summary of affairs in that section of the
Confederacy :
FROM ARKANSAS—DEFEAT OF CURTIS.
Intelligence has reachs i this place through
Memphis, by gentlemen direct from Aikansas,
to the effect that some short time since the
Federal General Curtis, met with a signal defeat
twelve miles from Little Rock, at the bands of
Generals Roane and Hindman. The facts, as
-We ( - ;.r them arc, that bearing of the advance
■d Cur. ir_ upon Little Rock, Gen. Roane at
tacked him in front while Hindman succeeded
in gelling in his rear. In this situation he was
completely routed, losing his trains, stores,
camp equsppage, etc., together with many pris
oners. Those of his forces that made their es
cape, scampered through the country in every
direction, Hindman following in pursuit ol
them.
Tna intelligence is said to have produced
considerable commotion among tbe Federal* in
Memphis, and some two or three regiments
have been sent up White river to the relief of
Curtis. We shall await with some solicitude
the particulars ot this engagement, and hope
soou to chronicle the fact that Aikansas has
been cleared of the Federal forces. Hindman,
we predict, wiil give them no peace or rest as
long as they remain outside of St. Louis.
Skirmish at the Tallahatchie.— The ad
vance of ihe Fcdcrals from Holly Springs was,
wc arc pleased to learn, signally checked at the
Tallahatchie at an early hour yesterday morn
ing. The advance of the Federals, as they
neared the river, encountered the Confederate
pickets when a sharp skirmish ensued, result
ing iu the repulse of the enemy. Our loss was
one man killed ; that of the enemy seven killed
and wounded. The force's engaged, were a
company of Federal cavalry and one of Con
federate infantry. When the former retreated,
our men crossed the river to the main body,
when the bridge was destroyed.
Vicksburg. —We have enjoyed opportunities
of conversing with several gentlemen to-day,
who have just arrived from Vicksburg, ail of
whom represent the preparations made at that
point to meet the enemy and give him battle as
being atnpie. All non eombattants have with
drawn from the city-no one is to be seen ex
cept those who have determined to defend it to
the utmost—even to the total destruction of the
place. The utmost enthusiasm and determina
tion is represented as prevailing, and we predict
that Mi sissippi, even if she should lose her
fairest pity, wiil not be called upon to witness
any flinching on the part of her sons who have
rallied to delend it
Holly Spri gs Evacuated —lnformation of
a perfectly reliable nature has been received
here announcing that the Federal troops bave
evacuated Holly Springs. What could have
been their motive tor so sudden a visit, so brief
a stay, and so hasty a retreat, we cannot tell.
It is probable their purpose was, as much as
anything else, to capture the regiment of Col
Shelby, stationed at that place. The colonel,
however, was a little too quick for them, as he
made his escape a few hours before their en
trance into the place. The.little check wliicu
they met with at Tallahatchie bridge, will no
doubt induce them to advance southward more
cautiously, and in larger force the next time
they take up the line of march.
The Army of the Mississippi.—We con
tiune to fccive the most favorable accounts
from the army, in its new location, and the
people ot the South wilt rejoice to learn that
all the benefit anticipated lias resulted from the
change.
Tue strength of the army is being greally
increased, not only by the return of these who
temporarily absented themselves on the aban
donment ol Corinth, butals > by new reinforce
ments. Two of the corps are increasing at an
almost incredible rate, and Gen. Polk’s co'-ps is
said to be particularly fortunate in this respect.
All are conlldtSht of success, whenever an op
portunity uuv offer, and the benefits of the re
organiz ition that has tak< n place, and the
strict discipline now enforced, are felt by the
whole force.
The health of the army is certainly much im
proved, and the spirit of our men, iu spite of
the events of the last thirty days, is as high aud
defiant as could be desired. They but feel in
spirited at seeing the advance of the enemy,
and only ask to be kept active when hard light
ing is to be done.
As has been stated the new camp is, so fir as
sanitary advantages arc concerned, decidedly
preferable to the situation at Corinth. The
supply of water is much greater, and purer. In
ibis respect a great advantage has been gained
by the change. CKhrr features of a gratifying
character might, were it not imprudent, be no
ticed ; but our readers may rest assured that
affairs generally, connected with the late army
at Corinth, are'in as prosperous a condition as
the most sanguine could expect.
Offerings to Freedom. —Wo have glorious
news from the river counties, of the voluntary
proceedings of the planters in burning their
cotton. In most cases the offering, is one ot
free will—the torch being applied bv those who
must sustain the loss temporarily. In bat few
instances have the authorities been compelled
to interfere, and the work is being thoroughly
done. It is also said that the of the Yan
kees, at this summary manner of disappointing
their cupidity, is great. When they expected
a prize they find only a blank, and they cannot
conceal their disappointment. Neither can
they unders: and the spirit that prompts the
sacrifice. Having no idea of patriothm them
selves, they cannot conceive ttie existence of
the principle in others. But they are fast being
taught a lesson they will uot soon forget, viz :
that a people determined to be free will submit
to any sacrifice, and cannot be conquered.
A Valliant Georgian.—The Ric-'umcera Ex
aminer re’ates the following:
W T e are credibly informed that a Yankee cap
tain who was severely wounded and taken pris
oner in tbe skirmish of Wednesday, and who
died near the battle field yesterday, made the
following statement just before he breathed his
last: He said that neither he or his companions
now thought that McClellan could get to Rich
mond by that route; that he expected to see
hard fighting, and knew tbe rebels were brave,
but that their valor exeeeded anything he had
ever s-en or heard of ; and mentioned in proof
of his opinion that he was the fifth man that
had fallen at the hands of a Georgian. He said
one ot hit company attempted to take the Geor
gian prisoner, hut he was killed in the attempt
to do so; that then three others went up to take
him, these, too, were soon dispatched by the
Georgian ; that then he approached, aud al
though be killed the Georgian, “he wounded
me,” said tho dying Yankee, “so severely that
I, too, will soou be another victign that fell by
his ui,flagging valor.” A tew minutes after
saying this the Yankee died.
tv ho wa* this noble Georgian? Let ns have
his name, and let it live in immortal fame as an
example of the highest courage and a holy
stimulus for others to go and do likewise. With
such soldiers surely sunjagation is impossible.
[From the Jackson Mi-s setppian, Jane IS.]
Nor til Mbilwlppi-The Lactny Advanc
ing.
We received a Visit this morning from Pro
fessor Stearns, of Oxford, who reposts that
General Bradford Was not killed at Holly
Springs, but captured and paroled by the ene
my. That the enemy on Wednesday morning
arrived in force at the Tallahatchie river only?
13 milts from Oxford and were there met by
Col. tihelby with 600 infantry, when a sharp
engagement took place across the river, tee
enemy’s cavalry dismounting and joining the r
infantry in the battle. The enemy were held
in check till 2 P. M. yesterday, when our in
formant left. * , • .
It is thought onr re-inforcemepts, which are
en route for the scene of action, will drive them
back.
A correspondent mentions a rather interest
in'* incident of General Sibley’s campaign In
New Mexico. The Confederate flag raised by
him over the enemy’s capitol was made ot
a captured United States flz ; it was rised upon
a Federal staff; a salute was tired by batteries
of captured United Slates guns, and “Dixie”
played by a captured United States band
Hurrah for Sibley!
*P -EjX-iEOlt£,_a_ JPIBELXCy
IJUPOKTANT FltOltl Hl(:||.noD.
The Great Figbt Commenced.
[Special Correspondence to tho Savannah Republican. |
Ricrmosu, June 26 —The battle which is to decide
tbe fate of Richmond wa commenced this afternoon
on the left wing of the Confederate army. For three
hours the firing has been rapid and continuous In tbe
dlrcctt .n of Moohaufcsville. The cannonading was
.card dUtli oily In the city, ud Crowds have repaired
to ,he Mllinorth of the city, from which the bursting
of the cbsll* Is occasionally visible. At eight o’clock
p. m. the firing was still p ogress ng furiously. It is
not probable that any particulars will bo received Irom
the battle field until morning.
Thero was no fighting oi any Importance ou the
centre or right of our lines to-day.
A general engagement to morrow is considered in
evitable.
News from the North and from our Cap.
tured Cities.
[Special to the Bavannah Republican.)
Richmond, June 28 — v cw York, Phllade'phia and
Norfolk papers of tbe 21tb instant bare bee received
in this city. The following are tue most important
items of nows:
Tbe National Direct Tax bill pissed tho Federal
Congrefs on Monday. It taxes everything—even to
glue, candles, screws, molasses, wine, coal, <ko , Ac.
Advices from Cori th to the 21*t report all quiet
“Contrabands” informed Haltoek that Beauregard
had gone to Rithmond to explain tho cause of his
evacuating Corinth. The wembor then was awfully
hot the mercury standing at 80 in the shade.
Po'iicsulanews to the 28d reports the wealher warm
and d-y and the heat oppressive. The Federal troops
were enthusiastic at the near approach of a battle. Aif
was quiet.
The Sixteenth Massachusetts had a skirmish with the
Reads at Fair Oaks on the 18 h and lost 17 killed, 26
wounded and 14 missing. The Rebels were driven
back one mile with double the loss of the Massachu
setts bo) s. The Sixteenth Massachusetts is the largest
regiment in the Peninsula.
Memphis advices to the 2'st slate that tho report of
the capture Ot Fort Morgan by the Federals iocontra
dieted by advices from Mobile.
News f-om Vicksburg totki 17th, vl Grenada, states
that no active demonstration by tho Union fleet had
been made since the relirement of ihe runboa s. Sev
eral gun boa's appeared on the 15. h from below.
Report says that 5.000 Union troops, with gunboats
and transporis, were.to have left BatOD Rouge on Fri.
day for Vicksburg.
The Vicksburg Whig of the 17th, received at Mem
phis, says that the Federal advance divisi n arrived at
their old po ition on Friday evening, and flreJ a half
and zen thot at the lower battery on Sunday. The next
day alt was quiet
General Stark still commands at Memphis. He has
issued an order requiring tha Mayor, Board of Alder
men, Recorder, and nil oilier oily oflicerf to take ihe
oalh of ail (glance to Linoo’n within three days, rr on
their failure to do so, they will be arrested and treated
as traitors.
The Federals are repairing the road from Memphis
, to Cairo.
A telegram from Cairo to Chicago says G°cera4
Hindman was among tho prisoners captured at White
Eiv r, Arkansas.
The New York Herald, relying s lelyupon the Reh4
accounts, claims tbe fight near Charleston as a sob
stantial victory fo- the FederaU. It also says Pea re
gard has gone to Richmond, and strange rumors are
afloat, the most important of which is that another re
•nlorcemeot of atonewall Tackson is going on, sutfl
o ent to enable him to sweep out again ihe Shenandoah
va'ley and cross the Potomac this time, and descend
like an avalanche upen Washington, through Mary
land.
McDowell was badly iojarednt M nasses by a fall
from his horse.
Steamers reached New York on Monday with 684
additional sl k and wounded Federal’.
Foreign Exchange In New York was firmer: Ster
ling 1 SallSX; American gold advanced to C%a7K •
Government Stocks heavy.
No city election was allowed in Norfolk on Tuesday,
The military Governor says: In consequence of late
disorders and corflic s between the civil authorities
and citizens, the fnnetions of all civil oUcers are sus
pended until fur her orders, lu Norfolk and Ports
mouth ; all compltints to he reported to tho Provost
Marshal.
British Steamer at Charleston —News
from Nassau—The Ovieto Seized and
Sent to Halifax.
[Special Despatch to the Savannah Republican.)
Chableston, June 20 —The Bri iah war steamer
Racer arrived off our bar this morning and communi
cated with the British Consul,
Nassau date 9 to the 18th lus'ant were receive I by
her. Tbe Bahama Herald, of the 17lh sa>s: The
Ovioio, aiJ to bo intruded ior'ji Confederate war
steamer, while lying at Nassau, awaiting her arma
ment, was seized ty order of he commander of the
British s earner Greyho-md, for some alleged breach of
neutrality and sent in charge of Britiih marines to
Halifax, to await the decision of * drnt-al Mi’no.
Lieu. Huckster o he Tried aud Hanged
for Treason,
The Yankee Congress is debating the pro
pi iety of hanging Gen. Buckner for treason!
We give a sketch of the debate on this very
extraordinary proposition :
Mr. Davis, of Kentucky, introduced a resolu
tion relative to Gen. Buckner, that he had se
duced the State Guard of Kentucky, and com
mitted treason, and was under indictment for
treason against the United States in the Dis
trict Court of Ki nucky ; therefore.
Resolved, That the said Simon Boliver Buck
ner ought to be transferred to the civil authori
ties of the United Stales to be tried for treason
wtureof he stands indicted.
Mr. Grimes, ot low t ~.n<rVo the resolution
ought not to pass. There were three Federal
officers here now, who had been capvureu oy
tbe rebels at Pittsburg uauuiug, mgoi.iui.iiig
tor a general exchange ot prisoners, including.
Gen. Buckner. He thought we ought not to
keep so mauy of our owu men prisoners for
the sake ol sending back Buckner to be tried
in Kentucky. The exchauge of Gen. Preutiss
was looked to by the rebels in this transaction.
He did not see why prisoners from lowa, Illi
nois and other States should be sacrificed, as
they would be, to punish in the way proposed
one citizen of Kentucky.
Mr. Trumbull Wanted to know if the Senator
from lowa had any reason for supposing tbe
rebels would keep faith and exchange prison
ers. After the battle of Belomut this Govern
ment surrendered prisoners on the promise of
exchange, but the rebels, alter receiving their
men, refused to give up ours, and it is well
known they refused to deliver Col. Corcoran
the other day, after the privateersmen were
sent down to them. He was wiling to make
exchanges, but wanted to know what assurance
there was that the Rebel Government would
keep faith in the matter.
Mr. Grimes said that the government had
continued to make exchanges, notwithstanding
the alleged bad iatih of the rebel government,
aud General Buckner nor any one else ought to
be given up till we had a like number delivered
to us.
Mr. Davis earnestly urged the adoption of his
resolution, contending that General Buckuer
was the most infamous ol traitors, having or
ganized the Slate Guard under the auspices of
the State and the United States Government,
come to Washington and conferred with tho
President, and then gone home and corrupted
the very flower of the youth of that State, and
led them away into the rebel army. Ii any
one of the leading traitors should be bung, it
was the wretch Buckner, who uow stauds in
dicted for treason, uulike other similarly cir
cumstanced. Tbe government should not yield
to the arrogant terms of the rebellionists, as we
bad far more prisoners than they had.
Mr. Browning, of Illinois, opposed the reso
lution as entirely improper, contending that
the rules of war admitted ot no such, action in
regard'to prisoners taken in war. This matter
ol the exchauge or treatment of prisoners.
Congress bad nothing to do with, aud if eneh
course was pursued as suggested, the rebels
would, ot course, retaliate; and if buck it
was hung, Gen. Prentiss, or perhaps half a oz
en others, might sha-o tho same
Mr. Latham thought the subject should be
well considered, and op his motion the subject
was postponed till next daj. .
News from Sooth Amekica.— We have news
from Bueno°s Ayres to the 14m of April. It is
said that the South Auiertc m Republic were
crpatlv alarmed at the reports of the allied
operations against Mexico, fearing tnat Sprin
would endeavor to apply the new principle of
European invasion to themselves. Uruguay
especially felt uneasy concerning the rumor of
an Italian fleet beiug depatched to her water*.
France was steadily urging her many claims
against Buenos Ayres. Manuel Rosas, ex-
Dietator of the Argentine Confederation, had
been condemned to death, after a ten years’
trial His property is declared confiscated; but,
as Rosas resides iu Southampton, England, the
death penalty cannot be enforced, and no per
son seemed inclined to purchase his estate.
Major John C. Whitner, late of the Confed
erate States Army, but compelled to leave on
account of bad health, has been appointed to
write up the proceedings of the Provisional
Congress—a work which J. J Hooper, R=q-,
by bis death, left unfinished.
It is estimated mat at least Uvi- thousand
contrabands accompanied Gen- Banko “''“l' on
ts return. So says the New York Tribune.
3