Posted inLocal Histories

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Posted inUS Civil War

February 9, 1863 – Cavalry Expedition to Middleburg and Aldie

Fairfax Court-House, Va, Saturday, Feb. 7, 1863.

A detachment from Companies H and F of the 5th New-York Cavalry, under Capt. Penfield, yesterday made a raid to Middleburg, and at Aldie captured eight of the 1st Virginia (Rebel) Cavalry and the Postmaster at Little Washington. They were on their way to a ball given to them by the citizens of that place, and were fully armed and equipped. Among them were, it is supposed, some officers, but they refuse to disclose their rank. Most of those captured belonged to Capt. Monley’s party, who have been attacking our pickets along the picket lines. They were excellently mounted, and their horses were also captured.

Posted inDaily News Politics

Mussolini’s Threat Causes Consternation Among German People

Berlin, Feb. 7—(AP)—Official quarters decline for the present to discuss the speech of Benito Mussolini, the Italian premier, the complete text of which has not yet reached Berlin. Undeniably, however, Mussolini’s words have caused general consternation, and it is hinted that no other statesman since the war has presumed to address a message of such a tone to another country with which it was on a foot of normal relations.

The address is considered a most untimely obstacle to calmer judgment respecting the mutual interests of Germany and Italy, to which the federal government has recently given much attention.

Though Mussolini’s threatening speech is considered unjustified, it is not denied that it was inspired by the speech of Premier Held before the Bavarian diet.

Posted inHumor Travelers' Tales

Visitor to Pharaoh’s Tomb Engages in Hunt for Fact and Fiction

Wearied by Long and Difficult Journey, Kitchen Calls Royal Resting Place Hollow Mockery as Exhibit.

BY KARL K. KITCHEN

Cartoon image of the author on a mule being con fronted by the giant ghost of a pharoah, with his party looking on surprised from behind.

If you are planning a trip to Egypt to visit the tomb of King Tut-ankh-Amen take my advice—which is the same as Punch has always given those about to marry—Don’t.

For the tomb of King Tut-ankh-Amen—vulgarly called King Tut—is the most overrated mecca for tourists, boobs and travelers In the world today.

I know, for I have just been there! And take it from old Dr. Kitchen, if I may drop from my Cardinal Newman English to the vernacular of Broadway, it is the bunk.

To be sure, if one is an Egyptologist this last resting place of the dear departed is of considerable importance. But so few of us are! In fact, before I went to Luxor I hardly had a bowing acquaintance with a hieroglyphic. And even today, after many ghoulish adventures In the Valley of the Tombs of the Kings, I doubt if I would recognize a dozen of the 290 characters in the Egyptian sign language—bless its dear funny old alphabet.

However, what I write Is not a text book for university professors with long white beards, or those who have made a life study of the times and customs of the Pharaohs. There are enough musty volumes of such subjects. I am writing for the much maligned man in the street. And I am going to set forth the facts about the tomb of King Tut-ankh-Amen as I found them.

Posted inMaritime & Naval History US Civil War

February 5, 1863 – The Oreto At Sea

Correspondence of the N. O. Delta.

OFF MOBILE, Jan. 16, 1803.

There was great commotion among the blockading fleet off this harbor last evening. The rebel steamer Oreto, which has been lying in Mobile Bay for some months, succeeded in escaping to sea in presence of seven blockading vessels. The R. R. Cuyler, one of our fastest steamers, immediately gave chase and was gaining on her when the two disappeared in the distance. The Cuyler was firing at her continually during the chase from her long range guns, and as she was gaining rapidly, great hopes are entertained that she will bring the audacious Rebel to. The Oreto is commanded by Maffit, formerly of the United States Navy.

Posted inUS Civil War

February 3, 1863 – Civilians Defend Deserters

Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.

Indianapolis, Feb. 2, 1863.

On Friday last a small squad of soldiers were sent to a village named Waverly, in an adjoining county, to arrest some deserters. Upon their arrival there they were fired upon by some of the citizens, and informed that the deserters would be protected, and under no circumstances would they be surrendered.