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IiMioenM
‘ERROR CEASES TO BE DANGEROUS WHEN REASON IS LEFT FREE TO COMBAT IT.” Jefferson.
VOLUME XVIII.
ATLANTA, GA., WEDNESDAY, MAY 23,1866.
NUMBER 21.
ATLAHTA, GEORGIA,
Wednesday, May 23, I860.
The Tax on Cotton.
The New York Chamber of Commerce has
unanimously adopted the report of a special
committee on the projiosed tax on cotton, oppos
ing the tax of five cents per pound, on the ground
that the competition of India and Brazil is con
siderable, and that it is unwise to throw any im
pediments in the way of Southern cotton pro
ducers. This is wise on the part of the New
York Chamber of Comercc. The report, how
ever, concludes by urging that the present tax of
two cents per pound be kept undisturbed. This,
we think, is unwise for the very reason assigned
why a tax of five per cent, per pound should not
be levied upon the important staple. If it be
“ unwise to throw any impediments in the way
of Southern cotton producers.” why throw that
impediment of a tax of two cents per pound up
on them ?
United State* Government Tax ou Real
Estate.
We have been favored, through an official
source in this city, with the following important
information gonnected with the collection of the
Government tax on all real estate in Georgia
The United States Tax Commissioners for the
District of Georgia, or some one representing
them, will soon visit every county in the State,
and that the people of each county w ill have
sixty days notice of the same, all of which time
(sixty days) every owner of real estate, in each
county, will have to pay in, alter notice is given,
before forfeiture of property. Each individual
trill not be notified at his place of abode, but the
notice will be given through the papers, in or
nearest the county, like the following:
UNITED STATES DISTRICT TAX COMMISSION, )
Augusta, Qa., March 22, 1806. f
The Tax Roll for the county of Richmond,
(including the City of Augusta,) is now com-
( )leted, and all persons owning Real Estate there-
n are hereby notified that the taxes due thereon
must he paid within sixty days from this date,
at our office, 291) Broad Street, front room, sec
ond story.
For non-payment of the tax, the Act of Con
gress prescribes forfeiture and sale of the prop
erty.
Office hours—from 10 to 12. A. M., and 2 to 4,
P. M.
T. P. Bonn, i U. 8. Direct
S. A. Pancoast, Tax Commissioners
J. C. Bates. ) District of Georgia.
Financial Heller for Ueorcta.
The Augusta Chronicle, and Sentinel says that
T. W. Chichester, Esq., of that city, who was
appointed by Gov. Jenkins agent of the
State of Georgia, has made a temporary
loan of $400,000, in the city of New York, at a
low rate of interest, which it is expected will re
lieve the Governor in his financial matters, and
enable him to purchase and distribute the corn
authorized by the Legislature for the widows
and disabled soldiers of our State. Mr. C. is
now engaged fn superintending the engraving of
bonds which are to he issued under authority of
the Legislature. The success of Mr. Chichester
in effecting this loan upon such favorable terms
not only adds to his credit as a business man,
but will show to the citizens of Georgia that
their Stale has a deservedly high credit
abroad.
President Davis.
A Washington letter says there is considerable
speculation as to the objects of the interview be
tween Secretary McCulloch and Mr. Davis at
Fortress Monroe. It is thought by some that
the purpose is to sound him as to whether lie
would accept of banishment. There is no doubt
that but many in high position profoundly lament
that lie was ever captured, and they would re
joice it he could “take wings and fly to the ut
termost parts of the earth,” but they don’t think
it quite prudent to furnish him with the wings.
United State* District Court lor Deorgla.
The Savannah papers announce the arrival in
that city of the Hon. John Erskine, Judge of the
United States District Court for Georgia. They
also state that the Judge will open his first court
on to-day, in that city. The older citizens of At
lanta— those who had the pleasure of knowing
Judge Erskine while he was, like them, a citizen
of tiie place—have ever felt gratified at his ap
pointment ; and they look forward to the day
with many agreeable anticipations, when either
his official duties, or a desire to visit his old
home, shall call hint again to the “Gate City.”
It was, and still is, their hope and most earnest
wish, that the duties of his office will not deprive
Atlanta of his citizenship, nor the social circles
of our city ol the presence of his most amiable
lady, and we must not forget, of his interesting
little daughter.—Macon Journal <£ Messeitger.
The foregoing, which appeared as an editorial
notice in those columns some time ago, is “cred
ited' by the Savannah Republican, from which
we clip it, to the Macon Journal <fc Messenger.—
The Republican committed no mistake when it
did so, for the notice did appear in the columns
of the Journal <£■ Messenger, without the “credit”
due to this journal, thereby, as it had all the ap
pearance of an editorial notice in that paper,
misleading the Republican and others doubtless
also, ns to the late place of Judge Erskine’s resi
dence in Georgia, and this is about all tbe harm
it has done, or could do. That carelessness,
characteristic we regret to say of many of our
exchanges, but not of our Macon cotemporary,
which results in such errors is highly 7 censurable.
But we have no words with which to express our
contempt for a press, or presses, who make it
their practice to steal the thoughts or writings of
their compeers, in the vain belief that they can
pass them off as their own. "The ass in tbe
lion’s skin" was not more presumptuous, or vain,
than they 7 appear to be when indulging in such
thieving propensities. Such attempts remind us
forcibly of an anecdote we read in our youth.—
It is as follow* :
“An old, learned, and eccentric gentleman had
heard much of the learning and eloquence *if a
young divine, called to take charge of a church
in his neighborhood. Curiosity prompted him
to go and hear the new preacher, and he took, on
his arrival at church, a seat directly in front of
the preacher. The text read, the preacher be
gan his discourse. Soon the old gentleman re
cognized passages in the discourse from books
with which he was familiar. He grew indignant,
and upon a similar offense being committed,
much to the astonishment of the congregation,
and chagrin of the preacher, he arose in his seat
and exclaimed, ‘That's from Tillotson.' The
preacher went on, however, and as he had to go
through with his written discourse, he soon came
to another passage, when the old fellow again
rose and said, 'That's from Blair.' Frequent
were these interruptions till vexed and chafed at
his detection, the preacher losing all self-posses
sion, called to the sexton to put the old gentle
man out of the church, when the latter rose, say
ing, 'Oh ! as that’s your own, I trill go,’ and de
liberately walked out the church.”*
Such is the anecdote, make the application all
who would pass off for their own, that which
emanates from others.
Cincinnati Items.—Prof. W. Byrd Powell,
died in this city yesterday.
R. L. Armstrong, formerly of Chapel, Bruce A
Co., of this city, was killed at Paris, Ky., Satur
day, by a man named Merriwell.
There were seven deaths by suicide in this city
last week.
A New White House.
A special dispatch to the New York News,
says that it is by no means impossible that Con
gress will do one graceful thing before recess,
and that is to direct the building of a new house
for the occupancy of the President. The pre
sent mansion is poorly planned and wretchedly
adapted to the absolute necessities of the Execu
tive, his clerks and his family 7 , while itsunliealth-
iness has lieen universally admitted for many
years.
Committed Suicide.—We regret to learn that
Mr. E. M. Pratt, long known as being connected
with the Express office, iu this city, committed
suicide in Tuskegee, Ala., yesterday. No cause
is assigned for the rash act. He was a quiet, un
assuming gentleman, and had many friends.—
The private letter, giving in the detail, says:
Express Office, )
Tuskegee, Ala., May 15. )’
Mr. Ciiopp—Dear Sir: Mr. Pratt was found
dead in his room at the hotel this morning, hav
ing shot himself. As soon as I found it out, there
was an inquest held, and pronounced the verdict
as having committed suicide. His papers and
baggage are in the hands of the jury.
A Fearlea* Judge.
We have already noticed the case of the cot
ton seized at New Orleans, and the conflict of
jurisdiction between General Canby 7 and Judge
Darrell, and the order in the case received from
President Johnson. We extract with pleasure
the following remarks from the Judge’s decision
adjourning the court .-
“And now, as I am unable to carry out the
laws as 1 deem I should, I adjourn this court un
til a time when the army shall have been re
moved, and I being able to imprison and punish
as I judge is deserving in the premises.
"The Autocrat of the Russians, with the lives
and property of his subjects at his command, the
Sultan of the Turkeys, with his oriental vassals,
much less a Major General of a Republic like
this, has not j lower such us has been sought to
be enforced in this case by the military 7 . No
such power was fouud even w ith the commanders
of the Roman Legion.
“I therefore adjourn this court until next Sat
urday, when I will decide all cases pending now,
when I will adjourn this court indefinitely, until
such time as I may have power to enforce the
laws I am placed here to expound and execute.”
These are manly utterances from the bench,
aud does honor to the high and just estimation
the Judge entertains for the distinguished posi
tion he occupies.
House Passe* the Reconstruction Joint
Resolution.
Washington, May 7 20.—The constitutional
amendment passed the House this afternoon,
amid the usual scenes of interest and excitement
that accompany so important an event. It not
only passed without amendment and just as it
came from the Reconstruction Committee, but
secured a large majority over the requisite two-
thirds vote. This was contrary to the anticipa
tions of the most ardent friends of the amend
ment. It was in fact a strict party 7 vote, with the
exception of G. C. Smith of Kentucky, and
Phelps, of Maryland, who voted with the Demo
crats—against it. There was, however, a sharp
exhibition of parliamentary tactics that should
not be lost sight of.
When the House was to he brought to a vote,
a large number of Republicans were opposed to
ordering the main question, and voted with the
Democrats—against it. They did soou the ground
that, if the main question was not determined
ou, there would he an opportunity to strike out
the third section, which disfranchises all rebels
till 1870. The retention of this section was
looked upon by many as being latal to the ratifi
cation, uy uuy soutfiem Slate, of the amenu-
ment. When a call was completed, it was man
ifest that the oppouents of the third section had
carried the motion, and that the main question
had not been ordered. The Democrats instantly
saw the opportunity to change tire result and
force the Republicans to vote for or against the
amendment as a whole, with the third section re
tained. Thereupon Messrs. Niblack, Rogers,
Kerr, and other Democrats, clianged their votes
to the affirmative, which carried the motion by
five majority, and forced the House to a direct
vote on the main question.
There was great confusion and excitement at
this moment, as nearly two-thirds of the mem
bers were out of their seats. The roll call was
proceeded with and the Republicans met the is
sue and voted solid for the amendment, with the
exception of the two members already named.
When the name of Mr. Raymond was reached,
he answered, to ttie great surprise of the House,
in the affirmative. 11 is vote was warmly ap
plauded, and members rushed around and con
gratulated him. The result was received with
great applause on the floor and in the galleries.
Air. Eldridge thereupon arose excitedly and
hoped the rules would he enforced so that the
“niggerheads,” as he called the spectators, could
not disturb the House. He was answered by the
spectators with a storm of hisses. Mr. Rogers, of
New 7 Jersey 7 , thereupon arose and moved that
the “freedmen” in the galleries be allowed to
waive their handkerchiefs. This was received
with mingled applause and hisses, and added to
the confusion. Finally order was restored, and
in the exuberence of its feeling the House ad
journed until Monday 7 .
—
From the Nashville Union <fc American.
Constitutional Amendment or the Recon
struction Committee.
It will be seen from Washington dispatches in
another column, that the report ol the committee
of fifteen passed the House on the 10th by 7 more
than the necessary two-thirds vote. There is but
little doubt that it will, also, pass the Senate.—
This proposition is iu the nature of an amend
ment to the Federal Constituiion. That instru
ment, as it now 7 stands, requires the assent of
three-fourllisof the Slates to change it by amend
ment. There are thirty-six States in the Union.
Consequently, it requires twenty-seven Slates to
carry.
Supposing that it is ratified by all the North
ern States, Maryland and Alissouri, it will then
require two Southern States in addition. Ten
nessee will count one. Can another be had ?
We think not. Seeing the difficulty thus pre
sented, Mr. Stevens has advanced the theory that
there are only 7 twenty-five States in the Union,
and that, therefore, nineteen only are necessary
for its adoption—the Southern States being count
ed out.
This is the boldest presentation of the issue be
tween the President aud Congress that has yet
been made, and we hope it will be “ fought out
upon that liue,” looking to the people as the
final umpire.
One of the objectionable features of the pro
posed amendment is the 3d section, which pro
vides that until the 4th of July, 1870, all persons
who voluntarily 7 adhered to the late insurrection,
giving it aid and comfort, shall be excluded from
the right to vote for Representatives in Congress
and for electors for President and Vice President
of the United States. In a recent debate upon
the qnestion. Air. Blaine, ot Alaine, Conservative,
called the attention of Mr. Stevens, and of the
House, to this provision, stating that it appeared
to him that that was a violation of good faith in
reference to that large class of people in tbe
South who came within the terms of the Amnesty
Proclamation of President Johnson, and who
were thereby 7 restored to all their civil rights.—
He asked Air. Stevens for an explanation on that
point.
According to the published debates, Air. Ste
vens replied that the pardon extinguished the
crime—after pardon there was no such crime in
the individual. Those who were fully pardoned
did not come within the operation of the third
section.
Air. Blaine said he understood the gentleman
from Pennsylvania to say that those who came
within the terms of the proclamation of amnesty,
woul not be considered as having adhered to the
late insurrection.
Air. Stevens assimilated their condition to that
of a person convicted ol felony, and thereby
rendered incompetent to testify; but who, if
pardoned, and if his testimony were challenged,
could produce bis pardon and thereby show his
competency.
Air. Blaine suggested that, if that was the pro
per construction^ to be given the section, it should
be so amended as that there could be no ques
tion about its construction, and he should at the
proper time move an amendment to that effect.
We think Air. Stevens’ reasoning correct as to
the effect of the pardon, but his interpretation is
very different lrom the one generally given to
this section. AYe hope be and his friends will
stand bv it.
From the Pitt-burg Commercial.
The Batcher Probst.
A FULL AND FRANK CONFESSION—HE ALONE
MURDERED TIIE DEAHING FAMILY.
We have already 7 given a brief telegraphic ac
count of the confession of Anton Probst, the
murderer of the Dealing family of eight persons,
which, while it eased the public mind in reference
to the escape ot an alleged accomplice, gave hut
a slight idea of the ferocity of the lieast who
made it. The Philadelphia Inquirer, of Tuesday
morning, contains a photographic, and therefore
complete report of the confession. From it we
learn that Anton Probst is a native of Baden,
aged twenty-four years, and arrived iu this coun
try 7 on the 9th of Alav, 1803. The afternoon of
his arrival he enlisted in the Forty-first New York
Infantry 7 , served nine months, deserted and re
enlisted iu the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
from wh'ch he subsequently deserted and again
enlisted in the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, from
which he was discharged May 28th, 1805. He
worked at old jobs in New York, New Jersey 7 ,
Maryland aud about Philadelphia until last win
ter, when he w as employed by Air. Dearm" for
whom he worked three weeks. He was ordered
to do some work in a field on a rainy day, which
he refused to do, and said he would leave, when
Air. Hearing paid him and he left. He had seen
Mr. Dearing countin" a large amount of money,
and he returned to Hearing's on the 2d of Feb
ruary, having made up his mind, he said to get
some of the money. Air. Hearing again gave
him work, and now commenced
HIS NEFARIOUS SCHEMES.
I was watching an opportunity some time, to
get hold of this money. (The prisoner kept on
slowly, drawing deep breaths for a few mo
ments.)
I planned every 7 day to get the money, and
never had a chance. I never thought of murder
ing before that morning I murdered them.—
I had tried no way to get this money before
that.
Mr. Perkins, Jr.—Probst, what did you say be
fore—about eight day’s before the murder ?
Probst—Yes, eight or ten clays before I had
thought of that, of murdering him and the whole
family 7 . Aly first plan was to kill him and get
the money; I could not get the money in any
other w 7 ay. I thought of killing them in the
house, as they came down in the morning. I got
the axe sometimes ready for them wlieu they
came down, in the evening sometimes. I did not
do it then ; I never could do it. I got sometimes
a good chance, but my heart failed it. Dearing
was home always in the evening.
IIOW THE HORRIBLE MURDERS W'ERE DONE.
That morning was dark, raining and cold, aud
Dearing went to the city; then I made up my
mind to do it that day; f calculated to kill Hear
ing as he came home; I did not know whether
the money was iu the house or not; I did not
know whether he had it.
THE KILLING OF THE BOY CORNELIUS.
Ale and the hoy were working out on the bank;
we went to work that morning about 74 or 8
o’clock, I guess; Mr. Dearing went up fo the
city before we went out; he said he would be
hack al>out one o’clock ; we went to work in the
meadow, about one hundred yards from the liay-
stack ; we took the horses and cart and went to
work together; I took with me to kill him the
axe, the big axe for cutting roots out also.
We were standing under the big tree when I
killed him; it was raining a little; lie sat down
under the tree, and I stood above him, behind
him with the axe in my hand; he sat there anil
talked of something about work while I stood
right behind him ; I was going to kill him, and
dretv my hand hack three or four times; I hit him
ou the left side of the head; he did not holler;
he fell down and I gave him one or two more
blows, and then cut his throat; he bled much
(the prisoner stopped, looked down on the rosary,
aud ran his fingers over the small heads of the
rosary) on-the tree; I lifted him up and put him
iu the cart; he had the strap every time round
^|m.^).^ceftD his ni> ! H>
lies’ house; I was not afraid of them see
ing me; I looked first; then I drove the horse up
and laid him in the hay-stack, and covered him
up with hay 7 ; there was a little blood on the cart;
I took “a little bay 7 and wiped it off; I took some
outside hay 7 and threw over him.
BUTCHERY OF THE MOTHER AND LITTLE CHIL
DREN.
Then I went—took the axe with me to the
house, and also took the horse with me; this
was about 10 o’clock in the morning; I came to
the house with the home aud cart, and had a lit
tle wood on the cart, and put the wood clown in
the yard; I left the horse and cart stand in the
machine house, did not unhitch tiie horse; I
went into the stable and laid the two axes and
hammer in the corner, right on the left corner,
near the narrow door that faces the ditch ; well
then, I would go over in the house and liad a
little blood on my pants; 1 took it off; then I
went over in the house and the children were all
in the house, anil the woman was out at the
ditch for water.
I took the oldest boy, John is his name, aud
told him to go over in the stable and help me
with something I liad to do ; he goes ; I stood
inside the door, got my axe in my hand, the little
axe, and then he comes in ; through the long en
try first he comes, right on the corner; I knock
ed him down and lie fell inside where the little
blood was; he did not holler; I gave him one or
two more of the same, and cut and chopped his
throat; I brought him in, hauled him through
the hole, and put a little hay on him; then 1 put
the axe back to the same place at the door;
then I came out iu the house anil told the wo
man to come over, there was something the mas
ter with the little horse, the colt, I could not tie
it myself.
I went over; she comes in two or three min
utes, alone; I said nothing to her; she comes in
the stable ; I stood inside and struck her on the
head; she did not holler; I gave her two or
three more blows, and chopped her throat; I
took her on my r shoulder and hauled her in ; I
had to crawl in first and then pull her in ; then
I put the axe in the same place as before, at the
door.
Then I go over and bring the boy over there;
Thomas is his name, the next oldest, I told him
to come over, his mother wanted him ; he said
nothing at all, and comes over right away ; he
came in the same place; he walked before me; I
walked behind him ; he walks right in the stable;
when he comes there I killed him by 7 striking
him in the same place ; nobody 7 did holler; I hit
him on the head when he laid down ; I hit him
once more; I do not know whether I mashed
his whole scull in, I did not examine him; I
brought him in the same place with his mother;
then "I left the axe in the same place.
THE LITTLE ONE.
Then I went over to the house and took An
nie ; I told her her mother wanted to see her in
the stable; she did not say a word ; then I took
the little baby 7 ; I took it on my arm ; the little
girl walked alongside of me ; 1 left the baby on
the first corner as you go into the stable; I left
the little baby there playing in the hay; then I
go in the same place where I killed the others ;
she looked around like for her mother, who was
in the hay (smiling); I was not warm ; she did
not say any thing ; I knocked her down at the
first blow, and cut her throat the same as the
others; then I went back and got the little baby,
and struck it on the head iu the same place;
then I hauled them in the same place.
Then I took the new axe and washed it off,
and put it on the bench in the porch, and left the
little axe in the stable, by the door on the left
side; then I went over into the house; I took
the horse out of the cart and put it into the
stable; then I went over in tbe house, aud stayed
there watching for him to come; I did not search
the house then.
MURDER OF MR. DEARING AND MISS DOLAN.
I guess about half-past 1 o'clock, I do not
know the exact time, I saw him coming, out of
the window; I looked through the window and
saw liim coming, and went out down stairs and
saw Aliss Dolan in the carriage, and then I was
worried; then I go out of the house and stay-
outside until he come; when he is come with
the carriage; I stepped out to tiie carriage and
told him that the steer is sick over there in the
stable; I told him he looks very bad, be had
better see him, I would like him to go over and
see him; then he comes right away, walking
over there; be left tbe horse standing there;
Aliss Dolan went into the house with all her
clothes.
Then I went to the stable, and walked behind
him; I took the axe behind him in my hand; I
walked behind him and hit at him right on the
head with the small axe; he fell right down on
his face; I turned him over and gave him one
©r two more on his head, and cut liis throat, anil
chopped liis throat; he never spoke to me, or
said a word; he told me was that steer hurt vety
bad; he did not look so bad when I saw him; I
will go right over to tbe bam and see him; then
I put a .little hay over him and left him laying
there; I killed him at the place where you go up
to the hay mound, where the blood ‘is ou the
boards. I put a little bay over him; going out,
I put my axe in tli • same place, the small axe,
I had the hammer there.
And then Aliss Dolan called me over there in
the house; I would walk around and put the
horse out ol the carriage; I walked over there
and said Air. Dearm" wanted to see her over in
the stable; she asked me where the woman and
the children are ; I told her they are all in the
stable ; (smiling) that is all I talked to her; she
walks right in the stable; I took tbe hammer
with my left hand, and she was five or six feet
inside the door; 1 hit her on the head once with
the hammer, and she fell right down on her face ;
I turned her round, Hit her once in the head, and
took the little axe again and chopped her throat;
then I went to Dearing and took the watch and
pocket book from him and put them in my pock
et; and then I went back to Aliss Dolan to see if
she bad money; I looked into the pocket and
took a pocket ’book anil put it into my pocket;
after that I took Mr. Dearing’s boots off, and laid
him in the sajr'ifj^-T where you found him, and
put Miss D6tt.%jh* and covered them up with
hay.
THE ROBB
HE HOUSE AFTER THE
RDERS.
Then I went oiftN^jB:? shut to the doors; went
ovar to the house; the carriage and horse in
to the stable, and took the gears oft of him; I
gave the horse something to eat, oats and corn;
then I shut the door apd went over to the house
and put the carriage iu its place in the carriage
house; this was about half-past two o’clock^ I
cannot tell exactly what time; then I went into
the house inside, shut the door, and fastened the
door; I took my pocket book out to count the
money; I took first the big pocket book out—
Air. Hearing's pocket book; I found ten dollars
in it in greenbacks, and two two-dollar notes, and
a counterfeit tbree-doHar note; that is all the
money I saw ; I took Miss Dolan’s pocket book,
the little one; I opened it, and saw nothing in it
but postage stamps; I«in certain there was none
in it; I will not now lie.
I thought they had much money (laughing); I
left the watch and pocket book on the table and
went up stairs; I found a pocket book of Airs.
Dearing’s, that little one on the bed there, with
a yellow clasp on it; it had $3 in it, in green
backs, and about sixty-five cents in small change,
under the bed there was a little revolver, loaded;
I got down stairs; I looked all over and I can
not find more; I took the revolvers down and
put them among the other things; then I went
up stairs and looked all over; 1 searched about
but I cannot find any-other thing; I took the
three shirts, and pants add vest down stairs, and
after that I shaved myself with Dearing’s razor,
the one in the carpet bag; then I washed mj’self
and dressed myself, and put liis clothes on; then
I eat something, bread aid butter.
I saw the big butcher knife on the mantle
piece many a time before, but I did not notice it
that time, and did not_mit it there; then I eat
something (bread and butter), aud went up stairs
again; looked all over again, and did not find
anything; I took all I could in my carpet bag
down stairs; Aliss Dolau’s carpet bag, and pack
ed it up, and made ready to go way with it; I staid
in the evening until 6 or o’clock ; it was not
very dark then; about sunset; I did not then see
anybody coming through the yard; I had the
doors locked, aud the window, too, in the yard;
I had nothing in the house to defend inysell in
case any body came.
IIIS FLIGHT AND CAROUSINGS.
I lelt there about 04; I went ilowd Jones’
lane to Point House road• I carried the carpet
bag through the meadow; I did not go by Air.
Wiles’, but across the meadow; I left the door
open in the barn for the cattle to go in and get
some hay, but I fed the chickens and cattle all of
them before I left.
Question.—By Chief E&nklin—What did you
think they would do for rater ?
Probst.—I thought t1c*y had water enough
there outside: Point House road ; r y
—.' me; .... , .a .iv'
lint Iid fnllmrDil iru» • ill 1
drove him away for a time, but he followed me;
none of the dogs followed me before around
the bam; I went in Third Street car; then the
dog did not follow me; 1 went up Third to Cal-
lowhill street; I got down and walked from
Callowliill alongjo New Alarket street, and then
to Leckfeldt’s. I took my carpet bag there and
gave it to him to save for me, and an umbrella;
am certain I lelt it there.
I am sure that it was Saturday night; it was
not so that I was there on Sunday noon ; I treat
ed him aud another fellow there, one a Dutch
man, a big man; do not know liis name; they
called him the beer brewer; it was not Heinrich
Bael; then I went to Front street, about seven
o’clock or after, anyhow eight o’clock, and stay
ed there about halt an hour; then I go over to
Germantown road, to Stropes’; I told him I had
a pistol to sell, and told him I worked in Cam
den, over there in a saw mill; I promised to
bring the pistol back on Saturday, at half past
ten or eleven o’clock; I went over there on Leck
feldt’s ; I stayed there the whole night with that
woman, and the nex't morning I went to C’lins.
More’s; then to Leckfeldt’s, eat my dinner there,
anil drunk lager beer; I stayed there then in the
evening, and then went home with that other
big woman; I was there about fifteen or twenty
minutes, then I went back to Leckfeldt’s; I gave
her the two dollar note; I offered to give her
the watch, the silver one; she would not take
that watch; she told me she would take a re
volver if I had one, I told her I had none; 1
stayed at Leckfeldt’s Sunday night, Alonilay
night, Tuesday night and AVednesilay night;
then 1 slept down on the wharf, on Brown
street wharf; there are plenty of boats there, I
slept in one of them ; then I got out in the morn
ing, about six o’clock, and sold the watch on
Thursday morning to Mr. Algener, he gave me
four dollars; then I went back to Lecktelilt’s
anil paid him three dollars and sixty cents; then
I had about forty cents left; I took my dinner
there, and, in the evening, my supper.
About half-past seven o’clock I went away
with Heinrich, and walked about two squares
with him; then I told him that I would go back
to Leckfeldt’s; then I walked out Alarket street;
I wanted to go into the country; I wanted to go
right through the whole country (smiling;) I felt
bad; I bad seen an amount of it in the papers;
I looked into them every day; I seen it first on
the morning I was arrested; that was tbe first
time; I was then in Leckfeldt’s; it was in a Ger
man paper; I had a talk about it there ; he talk
ed tbe whole time about it, Leckfeldt, and every
body who come in there; the police came in
there inquiring about that; they were talking
with Leckfeldt; this day I stayed there; I ex
pected to be arrested. !
I did not see the officers doing anything when
went by them, near 1 Alarket street bridge; I
heard them talking, and heard them say that is
the man ; and then I tvalked; I walked pretty
sharp (laughing,) and when he came behind me
(smiling) 1 could not do anything; he asked me,
right on the bridge, I do not know exactly wbat;
he told me I was a Dutchman; I told him no, I
was a Frenchman (laughing and playing with
tbe beads of the rosary;) be told me to come
back with him ; I could do nothing with him; I
could not do anything more, nor I would not
have done anything then, if I could have done
anythin"; I did not care whether I was caught
or not; I had no money (laughing;) I leel not
right; I was sorry for what I had done.
After I killed the first boy I did not care if a
hundred were there; if a hundred had gone there
I would have killed them all without caring; I
do not know why I felt that way; I had no feel
ing against the family, only I wanted the money;
they always treated me well.
THE MURDERER’S FEARS.
I feel better since I Lave told tbe truth about
this thing; I feel relieved i I was afraid to say it
at first—afraid of being lynched, afraid of the
crowd, and that the police force could not keep
them off; I am satisfied I had a fair trial and the
witnesses testified to the truth, except Leckfeldt,
showing I went and stayed there only one night,
when I stayed every night.
Chief Franklin—Well, Probst, how could
Leckfeldt remember exactly, when he may have
had a hundred boarders coming and going ?
p ro bst—He knew nothing about this case; I
opened the carpet bag there and showed my pis
tol ; I sold the other watch in Second street, near
Poplar.
Chief Franklin—I searched for four squares
around there and could not find it.
Probst—I am sure of that; I got two dollars
for it; I sold it to a man behind the counter; one
of the hands was broken off; I got nothing else
but what was found ; everything was there but
that watch and umbrella; I took tbe boots eft
Air. Dearing’s feet after be was killed, before
killed AIL'S 3 Dolan ; but I did not put them on
until after I killed Aliss Dolan ; I took them off
because I guessed he had something in his boots,
some jnoney; I put on his boots and took oft
my own shoes I had on and left them there;
None of these people said a word or hollowed
when I killed them ; I do not now whether one
of the boys threw up bis hand; I guess Mrs.
Dearing got her baud chopped; none of them
said anything; neither the baby; I did not wish
to leave the baby because I was afraid it would
cry or make a big noise; I was in a hurry when
I killed the baby anil did not look, and that was
the reason I cut it in the shoulder.
I was in the fight at James’ Landing before I
left the army; I lost my thumb with my own
gun; I was out on picket several hours, and I
was sleepy; after a while I stumbled, and some
how while ray hand was partly over the muzzle,
the gun exploded aud my thumb was shot off.
Special Pardons and Property Selsnr-e In
the South.
THE PRESIDENT’S ANSWER TO TIIF. CALL 1
INFORMATION.
The President sent a message to the House of
Representatives in answer to a resolution request
ing the names of persons worth more than $20,-
OO0 to whom special pardons have been issued,
and a statement of the amount of property
which has been seized as belonging to the ene
mies of tbe Government, or as aboudoneil prop
erty, and returned to those who claimed to be
the original owners.
Accompanying the message is a communica
tion from the Secretaiy of State, who reports to
the President that of the seven thousand one
hundred and ninety-seven cases of pardons
passed upon them bv the Attorney-General, there
still remains in the State Department seven hun
dred and seven cases which, not yet having
been finally disposed of, have been stricken from
the accompanying list. The Attorney-General,
in aj communication to the President, says it
does not appear fiom the records of his office
how much property, real, personal and mixed,
has been Seized and forfeited to the United States,
under the Act of 1862, as enemies property - ;
nor do they show any property taken from offi
cers of the United States and returned to the
enemies of the Government; nor is there any
thing in that office in regard to abandoned prop
erty.
The list of pardons granted under the Amnes
ty Proclamation of the President under the
thirteenth exception is as follows: Georgia, 1,228;
North Carolina, 482; Texas, 269; New Alexico,
1; Alississippi, 765; Louisiana, 142; Alabama,
1,361; South Carolina, 638; Arkansas, 41; Alis
souri, 10; Kentucky, 12; Florida, 38; West Vir
ginia, 48.
A communicat ion from the Secretary of the
Treasury says, as to how much property, real,
personal and mixed, has been seized as forfeited to
the United States has been returned to those who
claimed to be the original owners, there is no in
formation in the Department on the subject as
understood from the general and vague terms of
the resolution. It is presumed the act alluded to
is that of July 17,1862, the execution of which,
as he understands, was committed by the Pres
ident to the Attorney-General, and so far as he
is advised, the Treasury Department has not uu-
taken in any case the enforcement of its several
provisions, or to release any property held as
forfeited under them, so far as the Department
is]concerneil/The abandoned or confiscable lands
heretofore held by it were turned over, under
the Secretary’s circular letter of June 27 last,
to the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Aban
doned Lands, in accordance with the provisions
of the act of Congress approved Alarcli 1865, and
Executive orders on the subject, and that no IreeilJ
men occupying any of said lands have been
displaced by any action of the Department at
the request or for the benefit of returning rebels.
The Secretary of War, in his communication
to the President, encloses several reports, among
them, one from the Adjutant General’s office,
saying there are no records therein pertaining to
the restoration of property as defined in the reso
lution of inquiry. Quartermaster General Aleigs
says the railroads captured and held as a milita
ry necessity have been returned t^ the companies
lantic States under orders of the War Depart
ment, all on condition of re-organizing and elect
ing loyal Boards of Directors, and giving bonds
satisfactory to the government that they would,
within a reasonable time, pay a fair valuation for
the Government property turned over to said
companies aud sold to them on credit.
Major General Delafield, Chief of Engineer
Department., says that the Department has caus
ed no property to he seized under the act of 1862
as enemy’s property, and none has been taken
from the officers of the corps of Engineers and
returned to the enemies of the government who
claimed to be the original owners. The Depart
ment has, however, taken possession ol large
tracts of lauds and fixtures in both rebel and
loyal States, as a military necessity, and occupied
the same with temporary works, which, ceasing
to be needed for offensive or defensive purposes,
have been dismantled, and the moveable parts
sold on account of the United States, except in
cases where the loyal owners agree to receive the
usual buildings as a dischaige of all claims on
their part against the United States for use, dam
age, &c., in which case their property was re
turned to them on this understanding.
The Chief of Ordnance says the records ot
the office show only one case where captured pro
perty received by the Department has been re
turned to any one. This was machinery cap
tured at Alacon, Georgia, which has been returu-
to the former owners on the application of Brig.
General J. D. Webster, recommended by Lieu
tenant General Grant.
General Howard, of the Freedmen’s Bureau,
gives a list of the property seized under the act
of July 17,1863, and subsequently restored to
former owners. The greater portion of the pro- -
perty of this character is situated in Virginia,
and was formerly set apart for the use of refugees
aud freedment liy a circular. It became appa
rent, however, that much of it had been impro
perly seized, and to avoid injustice, action under
the circular was temporarily suspended. Part of
this property had been merely libelled. Against
part of the proceedings had reached a decree of
condemnation and sale. Very little, however,
was actually sold. Ou September 12,1864, cir
cular No. 15, series of 1865, was issued to govern
the action of the Bureau respecting property.-—
This circular originally drafted by the Commis
sioner, was submitted to the President, who ma
terially amended it, and it was promulgated as
received from him. With respect to property
seized under the act of July 17, 1862, this circu
lar declares that it shall be regarded as confisca
ted only after an actual sale has taken place, and
direct * Assistant Commissioners of the Bureau to
restore it when it appears satisfactorily that it has
not been confiscated. Such property has, there
fore, been restored upon proof that proceedings
against it had been dismissed iD the United
States Courts.
The records of tbe office do not show whether
parties to whom such property has been restored
were connected with the army of the so-calied
Confederate States, or whether they gave aid or
comfort to the rebellion. General Howard says
the estate of William Aiken, in South Carolina,
was restored by order of Major-General Sickles,
commanding tbe Department. Three estates
were surrendered for the reason they were not
actually abandoned. Of the remainder, some
were given because veiy lew freedmen were resi
dent upon them, and those could be more ad
vantageously located elsewhere. The others
were restored alter mutual satisfactory agree
ments had been entered into between the freed-
men and their former owners.
All of these pieces of property were embraced
in General Sherman’s Field Order No 15, and
the authority for the action taken by the Bureau
in respect to them was derived from the instruc
tions of the President, contained in General Or
ders No. 145, from the War Department, bear
ing date of October 9, 1865. The property held
under the act of July, 1862, and the abandoned
property actually allotted to resident freedmen,
comprised but a small portion of the entire
amount which the Bureau has held in its posses
sion. Iu August, 1865, an application was re
ceived from B. B. Lake, of Tennessee, a former
soldier of the rebel army, who bad received a
special pardon. His property was clearly aban
doned, and bis application was not granted. An
appeal was made to the President, and on the
17th of August was received at the Bureau with
the following endorsement:
Executive Office, August 16,1865.
Respectfully returned to the Freedmen’s Bu
reau. R- Fox.
The records of this office show that B. B. Lake
was specially pardoned by the President on the
27th ult., anil was thereby restored to all rights
of property except as to slaves. Notwithstand
ing this, it is understood the possession of his
properly is withheld from him. I have, there
fore, to’direct that Gen. Fisk, Assistant Commis
sioner at Nashville, Tenn., be instructed by tbe
Chief Commissioner of the Bureau of Freedmen,
er, Ac., and that the same be immediately re
turned to Mr. Lake. The same action will be
liad in all similar cases.
Andrew Johnson,
President of the United States.
In compil ing with these definite instructions,
the Bureau has been compelled to part with the
greater portion of the property once under its
control, except in the very few cases where prop
erty has lieen actually sold under-the Act of Ju
ly 19,1862; and in that port ion of South Caroli
na and Georgia embraced in the provisions of
Gen. Sherman’s Field Order No 15, its tenure of
proper!} 7 has been too uncertain to justify allott-
ruents to freedmen. In addition to the property
seized under the Act of 1862, and abandoned
property allotted to freedmen, 400,000 acres of
abandoned lands, not allotted to freedmen, have
been restored to former owners.
Recapitubition.—Property seized under the
Act of July, 1S62, and restored by *tlie Bureau
15,452 acres; abandoned property allotted to
freedmen, and restored by the Bureau, 14,652
acres; abandoned property not allotted to freed
men, restored by the Bureau, 400,000 acres.
Total, 430,103 acres.
[From the Cincinnati Commercial.)
Itemuraknble Snlclde.
the rebel sfy.
Sterling King, known throughout the war as
a rebel spy and bearer of dispatches, with the
rank of Colonel, was horn in England in 1834,
anil while yet a hoy, came with his parents to
this country, and found a permanent home near
Richmond, Virginia. lie received a very good
collegiate education, studied law and practiced
in Richmond, Virginia. Upon the inauguration
of the rebellion, he was among the very first to
enlist, as a private under Stonewall Jackson.
Badly wounded in an engagement in the first
year, and distinguished for reckless courage, he
was soon promoted to a Colonelcy and detailed
to act as a spy, under orders from the rebel ex
ecutive. In this capacity he traveled all through
the North, managing, as he brought experience
to the aid of natural abilities, to work success
fully in procuring passes, passing the lines and
procuring information useful to the rebel cause.
He made trips through all the Northern and
Eastern Cities, to Cuba, Canada and even to Eu
rope. He several times had business in this city,
and one time occupied a small office near the
Soldier’s Home, on Third Street, where, under
the guise of claim agent, lie occupied himself
during several weeks, in collecting from the in
mates of the Home statistics as to tiie strength
and location of all the regiments represented by
them.
He was fully acquainted with all the business
of the rebel mail service, and was at one time
employed in selecting men and routes for that
business. A couple of years since lie was cap
tured here, and imprisoned as a spy. Proposi
tions were made to release him, in the event that
lie would give information that would lead to the
arrest of certain rebel agents in this vicinity; but
be stubbornly refused, stating that he intended to
make his escape with his hands, and the promise
he made good by working his way out one night,
and passing the guard, despite a bayonet thrust
in the thigh.
TIIE nORSE THIEF.
Having4kus given the main points in King’s
history as a rebel colonel and spy, we come now
to his operations as a horse thief. Pretending to
the honor and punctillio ot a gentleman of the
first-class of chivalry, while in the rebel service,
in which lie continued until the war closed, he
nevertheless turneiLa professional thief, upon be
ing again thrown upon his own resources. Com
ing to this city about three months since, lie
planned and successlully executed, thefts of val
uable horses and vehicles from three livery sta
bles, Fay’s, Bigler’s, and Hierman’s. lie would
make himself familiar with the proprietors—one
after the other—hire and return a few times—talk
of purchasing a fine horse, and when ready for
the theft, hire the most valuable “ tnrn^qj, j^'of
the stable as i£ to go a few miles oui
Bowline
ig* Green, or Louisvil
had Air Dearing’s boots on, pantaloons, shirt and Ac., to relinquish possession of the property of
necktie when I was arrested. 1 Air. Lake, held by him as Assistant Commission-
harness, to
sell it.
On the 12th of March last, lie was recognized
as a horse thief, in the Louisville Hotel, at Louis
ville, immediately arrested and placed in jail to
await the necessary requisition from Governor
Cox. Then it was that he invented the lie as to
the assassination of President Lincoln, declaring
that he was the assassin, and that John Wilkes
Booth had nothing further to do with it than to
hold his (King’s) horse while he entered the thea
tre, fired the pistol shot, made his escape and re
mounted. His object in telling this story was to
induce the authorities to take him to Washington,
where lie would he liberated, and so escape both
charges.
THE SUICIDE.
Failing iu this, and being reduced to the ex
treme ot despondency and mortification at the
position to which he had degraded himself, he
resolved to put an end to his wretched and ap
parently unendurable existence. At about eleven
o’clock one night, when all save himself in the
jail were in bed, he cut an artery of the left arm,
and allowed the blood to gusli out unimpeded.
The loss of blood produced sickness of the stom
ach and violent vomiting, which awakened a fel
low-prisoner, who was sleeping in the same cell.
This man gave the alarm, and assistance came in
time to save the file that the would-be suicide
had sought to thus cast off.
But the resolution to die was not to be thus
conquered. Sterling King was a man of inflexi
ble will. He ceased entirely to cat of anything
that would feed the fire of fife, which soon began
to wane; and then, day by day, grew more and
more feeble. In forty days the man tasted but
five times of food, and all that lie ate in that en
tire time did not amount to one full dinner for a
hungry man. Rapidly liis flesh began to disap
pear, and the bones of limbs that could be easily
spanned with the hand grew horribly prominent.
He ceased to walk or stand; he only reclined,
breathed and refused to eat. They told him that
the requisition from the Governor of Ohio would
reach him at a certain time. He wanted to die
—notin the jail of Louisville, but out somewhere
where be could breathe the pure air and see na
ture once more. And so this living skeleton
cooly calculated the length of time lie had yet to
five, and finding that if he did not cat he would
die too soon, lie took some soup, bread and pre
serves—five times as already mentioned.
Day before yesterday, Detective Lary Ilazen,
of this city, reached his prison, produced the re
quisition, took King up as thongh lie were a
child, and conveyed him to the carriage, and
thence to a berth on the mail-boat. He then en
deavored to induce him to eat; and said King,
in a voice scarcely audible, “Air. Hazen, if you
will promise me to make such an arrangement
as will enable me to compromise this matter by
paying for the property, I will commence eating
to-day.” Air. Hazen could not promise this, and
the dying man shook his head and refused the
food. He calculated that he had three days to
five, which would enable him to reach Cincinnati
and settle up his little affairs; but, at about two
o’clock of yesterday morning, a little after the
boat reached the landing here, the death-rattle
sounded in his throat, and the detective found
him dead.
The jury called by Coroner Carey, yesterday,
rendered a verdict of suicide by starvation. We
understand that deceased has triends in Bowling
Green, Kentucky.
Horrible State of Affairs in East Ten
nessee.—A gentleman writing to us from Bristol,
East Tennessee, under date of the 9th inst., gives
a woful account of the state of affairs in that
locality and tiie country adjacent We make
the following extract: “Every room and house
in our town is filled to overflowing with refugees
from Tennessee; not rebles, but Union men,
who have independence enough to oppose the
Radical misrule. They are ordered by the Un
ion League of Tennessee to leave or submit to the
punishment which that league is pleased to in
flict upon them, which, in many instances, is
death. Such men, for example, as James Dead-
erick, a well known lawyer of Jonesboro, and
asraiglit out Union man; Air. York, aud even
Mr3. Beard. I merely select these names from
scores of others, as you may know them. You
may have heard that some few weeks since, the
editor of the Knoxville Whig visited upper East
Tennessee, since which visit a new impetus has
been given to the powers that be. We hear and
lielieve that the editor ot the Jonesboro Union
Flag is forming leagues in every neighborhood,
and at every cross road throughout the whole
country—a tool of Brownlow.”
We take the above extract from one of many
lettera giving the status of affairs in that untortu
nate locality, all of which is confirmed by the
effusions of the journal in*question. The extract
speaks for itself, and shows on whom rests the
responsibility of the general discord and distrac
tion of that portion of the State.—Nashville Union
db American. _
Because a man is a Representative in Congress,
it doesn’t follow that he is a representative man.
The hate Dr. U. L. Seago.
We copy from the St. Louis (Mo.) Democrat
the following particulars of the unfortunate end
of a most estimable gentleman, well known here,
and respected by all who knew him. We regret,
iu common with the community generally, the
sad fate of Dr. Seago, and sympathize with his
relatives :
About a week ago Dr. li. L. Seago, assistant
editor of the Atlanta Era, arrived in this city, and
took a room in the fifth story of the Southern
Hotel. lie appeared quite melancholy, and had
but little to say to any one about the hotel. Ou
Thursday bills were sent to the office from an
apothecary tor one ounce of morphine and three
prescriptions composed of morphine and chloro
form. The last seen of him was on Friday night.
At two o’clock yesterday (Sunday) liis room was
entered through the transom, anil his dead body-
found lying on the bed. Coroner O’Reilly was
summoned, and an inquest was held. Several
letters written by the deceased a short time be
fore his death were found on the table, showing
that lie had taken his owu fife. No money was
found among his effects, nor had lie deposited
any at the office of the hotel. He was about
thirty years of age. The following are copies of
the letters, written in pencil, the last being al
most illegible :
TO A. K. SEAGO, OF ATLANTA.
Southern Hotel, St. Louis, May 10, 1SG6.
Dear Uncle: Sorrow, too deep for utter
ance, has overwhelmed my soul. God bless you,
dear Aimt Melissa, and the children. Poverty
has ever beeu my lot, but I have endeavored to
alleviate its distresses as much as possible. Alay
God, in His mercy, bless and protect you ever.
I am not afraid to die. Hoping God mav bless
you, good-bye. I). L. Seago.
To A. K. Seago, Atlanta, Georgia.
The next letter is addressed
TO COL. J. S. PRATnEH.
Southern Hotel, St. Louis, May 10, 1800.
Col. J. S. Prather, Editor of the Era: I
have tried to serve you faithfully and well; but
misfortune has overtaken me, and I seek a rest
from all my sorrow. Remember not to speak
evil of the dead. I know you will do what
is right to set my memory before the world as it
deserves. To you I look as my guardian iu this
matter. Hard services, and the many rebuffs
which this cold world gives, have ruined me.
God bless you! The loss of all 1 had, with the
gloomy prospect ahead, could be endured; but
the thought that men are menu enough to mis
represent me and rob me of that which I have
honestly made, is too much for my sensitive soul
to survive.
If you write my history, let it be truth—but
be kind. The Era has had my best wishes and
services; I now can only offer progress. This
resolution I have taken is a necessity to prevent
that mental distraction which is fast coining
over me.
Again, God bless you and prosper you ever.—
The great hereafter lias no terrors for me. I am
not afraid to die. Shed no tears of sorrow lor
me, but place a single rose on my grave, and
when you, in the hour of gloom, feel that life is
a burthen, only let my memory be held in quiet
sadness, as of one too sensitive to brook the as
perities of this world.
May God in His mercy save my soul, and bless
you all, is my final prayer. B. L. Seago.
The next letter has no address, and is as fol
lows:
Southern Hotel, St. Louis, May 10, 1866.
Misfortune has ever been my lot in fife, and
the culmination in the loss of that which was
not my own is unendurable. I love my friends
still, and pray that God will bless them. I have
lived to see the uncertainty aud deceit of all
earthly things. No faithful friend is with me
now, and I go to the Great Giver of all. My
soul, O God, receive unto Thyself. Good-bye to
all! Louis.
The fourth letter is
TO THS^riiaaLORa OF t.ie southern totel-
plcase send my body home to Atlanta. Ga.
Let the Massons bury me.
God bless all my brethren.
I have tried to fulfill my mission in fife, and
now that my mind is exhausted, and my heart
sick of fife, I believe it well for me to go home.
I am not atraiil to die. God have mercy on my
soul 1 Louis.
The fifth paper has no date and no superscrip
tion. It ft as follows:
TIIE SUICIDE’S LAST MOMENTS.
This is my fourth and last dose. I am getting
quite sleepy, anil soon will he gone. Welcome,
O death ! To live is to suffer unutterably; to
die is to be at rest.
Much I could write, hut brevity must be the
style now. I only desire to he remembered
kindly. Let those who love me love my memory.
If 1 have wronged any man, let him forgive, as
lie would wish to be forgiven. But one word for
her who alone has wen my love. She who had
evidence of my love five years ago still reigns
alone in my heart. Day before yesterday I sent
her a few lines, which, when she receives, she
will recognize, though there is no signature to
them. Alay God bless her and deal with her ten
derly. Let no wave of sorrow ever cross her
breast; no misfortune ever cast its blighting
shadow upon her soul! I am too sleepy to write
well, and can only say, Good-bye. Oh, shall we
never meet? While our hope and bliss are young
* but no more. Alas! alas! shall I meet
her no more? Her name is Defia t and I desire
this to be sent to her through my uncle, H. R.
Seago.
Good-bye to all. Alay God in liis mercy bless
all who have ever loved me. I am now getting
very sleepy, but oh, sweet is the death that re) ieyes
the soul from the anguish, the griefs of this fife,
which is but a few days and full of trouble.
The proprietor of the hotel will be kind enough
to telegraph to my uncle, Air. A. K. Seago, At
lanta, Ga., immediately on the discovery of my
suicide to-morrow morning.
Accept my thanks for your kiudness while at
your hotel. I desire to be buried by the Masons,
and in the cemetery at Atlanta, Georgia. I have
tried to five nobly and die nobly. To correct
any impression that might be made, I state that
this is no strong causing my griefs, and I call
again the proprietors to be ready. God bless all.
Good-bye. Louis.
Death ofEx-Gov. Alien.
The last mail from Vera Cruz brings the melan
choly intelligence of the death of the above dis
tinguished citizen of the South. The New Or
leans Picayune says of him ;
The lamented deceased was a respected planter
in Louisiana when the Confederate war broke
out, and immediately entered the service as Colo
nel of the 4th Regiment of volunteers, and, ris
ing to the rank of brigadier general, proved
himself a brave and gallant officer. Supsequent-
ly disabled by a severe wound, he was, on the
expiration of Gov. Moore’s term, elected Gover
nor of Louisiana, and held that high office when
the war closed. He was then at Shreveport,
where, learning that he was among the excepted
from amnesty, he crossed Texas and Northern
Alexico by way of Monterey, to the city, and en
gaged in the publication of the Mexican Times
newspaper, in which he was very successful. Re
cently his old wound broke out afresh, and he
would have sought medical advice in Paris but
he was unable to make the journey.
Gov. Allen was a man of enthusiastic tem
perament and generous spirit, and possessed a
mind well cultivated and stored with polite learn
ing. His death, so far away from home and
friends, is a sad one, but his memory will ever
be cherished by the people of Louisiana, whom
he served devotedly. His administrationrof the
highest office in her gift was able, earnest aud
faithful. We presume his remains will be brought
home for burial in the land and under the guar
dianship of the people lie loved so well.
♦-
A Remarkable Relic.—A gentleman in the
environs of Paris has, in a collection of curiosi
ties which he greatly values, a relic of high in
terest to Americans. The article is a small box,
brought to France by Lalayettc, a present from
a lady of Philadelphia. The four sides of the
box are made of black walnut, from the tree
which once stood in the yard in front of Inde
pendence Hall. The cover is composed of four
pieces. One is made from an oak, cut down
when the first house was built on the site of Phil
adelphia ; another, a bit ot the wood of a bridge
built across tbe Savannah in 1683; the third, a
part of the celebrated elm tree under which
Penn signed his treaty with the Indians; anil
the fourth goes back still lartlier. It is stated to
be a piece of mahogany from the habitation built
anil occupied by Christopher Columbus in 1494.
It is to lie hoped that there will be accompany
ing documents to prove the authenticity of the
alleged statements, when the owner wants to
make his fortune by disposing of this valuable
box.