Posted inUS Civil War

March 18, 1862 – From Cairo

Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.

Cairo, March 17, 1862.

The town is at present full of rumors from below, but there is little of anything that can be called reliable. We are anxiously expecting information from Island No. 10, but are as yet without anything definite. At last accounts Commodore Foote was at work and using his flotilla to the best possible advantage, moving his mortar boats out of range of the enemy’s batteries or gunboats, throwing shells Into their fortifications, it Is supposed with terrible effect. The Iron clad gunboats had not yet been brought into the action. The mortar-boats had gained the proper range, and the accuracy of their fire folly equalled previous expectations.

Posted inUS Civil War

December 30, 1861 – Resignation of Col. Rankin

Russell House, Detroit,
December 26,1 861.

To the Editor of the Detroit Free Press:

I am very sorry indeed to inform you that, in view of the unfortunate complications which have so suddenly arisen between England and the United States, caused by events about which it would be out of place for me here to express an opinion, I feel constrained from a sense of duty, not only as a British subject but as a member of the Canadian Parliament, to withdraw from the service of the United States and return to Canada, my native land, determined to share the fate of my countrymen, whatever their destiny may be.

Posted inMaritime & Naval History US Civil War

December 15, 1861 – The Sailors at Cairo

The Cairo correspondent of the St. Louis Republican writes :

The seamen who lately arrived from the East, and who are now quartered on the receiving ship Maria Denning, are a queer set, haying customs, thoughts and, expressions peculiar to themselves. They attract considerable attention when allowed on shore. Directly, on their arrival, while they were being transferred from the cars to the boat, some of them picked up a little; boy, about knee high, a bright little fellow who was just beginning to talk, stuffed him in a mess chest and smuggled him in board. They tattoed the youngster with their marks, and took such rough care of him as they could. When asked where they got him, they swore that he belonged to them, and that they had brought him from the East. The “old man,” however, was not satisfied, knowing their tricks by experience. He took the little fellow on shore, bought him a cap and feather, with other “fancy fixings” and after a time found his home, restoring him to his anxious mother.

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December 6, 1861 – Uniforms of the Army

The uniforms of the United States army was reduced to the plainest possible standard by Jeff. Davis, when Secretary of War, and there is but a trifling difference between the costumes of dragoons, artillerymen, infantry, or engineers, all of whom wear clothing of the same color and cut, different trimmings alone distinguishing each arm of the service. This is economical, but it fails to inspire the men with a soldier-like pride by fostering a commendable rivalry between different corps.

Posted inMaritime & Naval History US Civil War

October 8, 1861 – News From Cairo

(Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.)

Cairo, Oct. 7.

The gunboats Tyler and Lexington had an active engagement to-day with rebel shore batteries at Iron Banks, three miles this side of Columbus. The boats left here at 9 o’clock for down the river, on a reconnaissance. Arrived at Lucas Bend, they got sight of the rebel gunboat Jeff Davis, which on, chase being given, put about with all possible dispatch for Columbus. The Lexington and Conestoga, while in chase, and throwing shot, were suddenly fired upon from masked batteries on each side of the river. The rebel shots, however, generally fell short. A battery of rifled cannon on the Iron Banks threw balls over and around the gunboats, cutting close, but fortunately doing no damage. Parties on board represent the scene for a time as particularly exciting. Shot and shell were flying about in uncomfortable proximity, making the air ring with music. The guns of our boats were admirably managed, every shot going home, and the shell bursting in air over the rebel quarters, causing a big commotion among them. The boats finally drew off and returned to Cairo. It is not known what damage was done to the rebels, but many of them are thought to have been killed.

Posted inDaily News Local Histories

Parrot, Once Pure, Killed for Swearing

Slayer Fined For Executing Individual With Human Traits

EVANSTON, Ill., July 1.—When a parrot teaches itself to swear it becomes an Individual with human traits instead of just a parrot. This is the decision of Justice of the Peace H. G. Williams.

Rutheda, the parrot of Mrs. Bertha Flugge, “was the purest and most clean-minded thing I ever saw” before it flew away from her, according to Mrs. Flugge.

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April 3, 1861 – Another Great Principle

Mr. Stephens, Vice President of the “Confederate States” in his recent speech at Savannah, has a great deal to say about the great principle upon which the new revolutionary government is founded—which truth he slates to be this: “ That the negro is not equal to the white man. That slavery—subordination to the superior race, is his natural and moral (normal?) condition.” He does not tell us what he means by equality, and rings the changes on the word, very much as we have heard it done nearer home. From what he says, however, we presume he means some physical inequality, as he speaks of this, “great physical and moral truth.” We presume that he does not mean to state that any man may be rightfully compelled under the lash, to work for any other who is physically his superior. And so also of inferiority in moral- character or Intelligence—he would hardly assert these as justifying enslavement. Either of these principles put in practice would lead to strange changes. Mr. Stephens himself is physically inferior to the average of men of his age. He must refer to difference of race. For, in speaking of the scientific aspect of his principle and the slowness of its recognition in the world, he says: “Many governments have been founded upon the principle of certain classes; but the classes thus enslaved were of the same race and (so enslaved) in violation of the laws of nature.”

Indeed! The enslavement of the same race then is “in violation of the laws of nature.” What say Dr. Van Dyke, Dr. Thornwell, and Dr. Raphall to this? What becomes of all their arguments from the Bible in favor of slavery? The slaves held by the Jews were white; and so, according to the Vice President of the “Confederate States,” held as such “in violation of the laws of nature.” Mr. Stephens must be immediately excommunicated from the Southern Church, or the sound doctrine of the D. D.s will be in danger of being corrupted. Perhaps,  however, he will hasten to retract so dangerous a statement  

Posted inDaily News

Sioux on the War-Path — Several Cattle Raids Reported

Omaha, Neb., Feb. 9. — Official letters from the commanding officer of Sidney Barracks reports that Pawnee Killer and Two Lances, accompanied by ninety-three lodges of Whistler’s band of Sioux and two of the Brule band, have left the reservation, and are moving to the hunting grounds south of the Platte, by way of Lewis Canon. They claimed that they bad the verbal permission of the Agent to do so. Two Lances reported two other bands near Lewis Canon, one of twenty-five lodges of Arrapahoes, and another of some fifteen warriors, after the Utes, who had a few days previous stolen a largo number of horses from there. There is no question but that the Indians are highly incensed at the treatment.