Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: July 15, 1864

Clear and cool; subsequently cloudy.

The Washington Chronicle of the 12th, received yesterday, indicates that Washington or Baltimore, or both, were in danger of falling into our possession.

Lieut.-Col. G. W. Lay said, this morning, in my office, that Grant would not leave—that he held a most important position—that he would not fail in his campaign; that our operations beyond the Potomac were not of sufficient magnitude to produce important results; and, finally, that Germany and Ireland would replenish the armies of the United States, while our last reserves were now in the field.

The colonel had come into my office more than a month ago and said Grant had outgeneraled Pemberton, and would capture Vicksburg. I reminded him of this to-day, and asked his opinion on the present aspect of affairs. He has been recently on Gen. Beauregard's staff, and is irritated at the supposed hard treatment which that general receives from the President. He is a little bitter against the President, and is no special admirer of Lee, who, he thinks, committed a blunder in not fighting Grant at Hanover Junction. And he thinks, if Gen. Johnston forbears to fight Sherman, in pursuance of orders from Richmond, disaster will ensue. But neither he nor any one is capable of sounding the profound plans of Lee. Grant's forces are now far away from Washington.

2½ o'clock P.M. An officer just from Petersburg, arrived at the War Department with the intelligence that a Washington paper of the 13th inst. had been received at headquarters, announcing the capture of BALTIMORE by our troops! The inhabitants within, or a large proportion of them, co-operated with our army! Our people are in ecstasies! This is the realization of the grand conception of a great general, and Lee is immortalized if it only be true.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 248-9

George D. Phillips to Howell Cobb, December 30, 1845

Clarksville [ga.], Decr. 30th, 1845.

Dear Sir: Enclosed you will receive a letter from our friend Col. Lumpkin to me apprising me he had collected a certain amot. of money which was held subject to my order. . . . Will you do me the kindness to speak to the Col. on the subject, or if you choose shew him his letter, which will refresh his recollection, and receive the amot., and likewise do me the farther favor to hand it to Thomas Ritchie with whom I am in arrears. No doubt you sometimes call on the venerable old gentleman whose grey head and tremulous hand is more formidable to the Whigs than an army with banners. This will give you some trouble perhaps, but we cannot live without troubling one another, and you do not know how much trouble I may have on your account yet. Be it however much or little I shall not make out my bill. I could send the statement of Maj. Walker if I thought it were necessary, but the Col. might think I questioned his honor, or some such thing; and I have a great disinclination to be called out in Cold Weather. I will however drop him a line. The President's Message has set all our mountain folks to thinking and talking. Every one understands, or thinks he understands, all about the Oregon question; and I heard a crowd on Christmas, not one of whom knew on which side of the Rocky Mountains Oregon was, swear they would support and fight for Polk all over the world, that he was right, and we would have Oregon and thrash the British into the bargain. As to the tariff, they despised it — they never liked it — and Polk had shewn it was not the poor man's friend. But about locking up the public money, they were not so sure he was right, — it had better circulate from hand to hand, as people could then get money for their work. After the Message had been elaborately [execrated?] by the meeting, my summing up was that our mountain population (save a few rabid Whigs) were sound to the core, and let peace or war betide they would do their duty. Bagatelle aside, this Oregon affair must prove a rough customer to us and England. I am no advocate of quarrels, much less protracted ones, and decidedly prefer a fight, though it results in a bloody nose, to the latter, and therefore feel anxious that the question should be settled; but I must be permitted to doubt if either England or the U. S. has pursued the most politic course, and think if negotiations could be resumed the controversy would be settled with scarcely a shade's variation from the terms previously offered and rejected. But how can the confab be reopened? Neither power will make the first advance; each to a great extent have taken their position, and pride prompts to its maintenance. That our old ally and best transatlantic friend in bye-gone days begins to look on us with green eyes there can be no doubt. Her conduct in relation to Texas, her notions of a balance of power, etc., prove it, and war with England will demonstrate it fully. We should therefore not precipitate a conflict, but with energy prepare for it by increasing our navy and fortifying the most assailable points. The opinion expressed by many distinguished men that England cannot war with us, is a strange delusion. With her stock of cotton on hand and the supplies she can get from Brazil, Egypt and the E. Indies, not one of her spindles would stop for two or three years; and as to her want of breadstuffs, she can feed her suffering thousands on the water and in Canada as cheaply as at home. Her press gangs are now superseded by the necessities of the people, and the difficulty would be to restrain enlistments. And has she ever had such a time to carry out those objects which she so anxiously desires, as the present? She is at peace with all Christendom, her population redundant, the Catholic fanatics of Ireland would forget repeal to join the crusade against slavery; and France, colonizing France, not at all relishing our declarations as to European powers interfering with the affairs of N. America, would stand aloof and feel no desire that the strife should cease until both were whipped.

But if Oregon is ours, although I regret it is not under instead of on the Pacific, we must have it unless we voluntarily yield a part; and I think the President has immortalised himself in taking the stand he has. I hope Congress will act on the subject with caution, prudence, and firmness. Let us ever be in the right and trust to our valor and the God of battles for the issue.

The winter has been excessively cold and has kept me at home, but shall leave in a few days for Ala. The vote on the adm. of Texas was nobly done. Write to Tom Rush to go to Congress. He has talents of a high order, and the people wish him to go, but he is disinclined. Do write to him at Nacogdoches.

SOURCE: Ulrich Bonnell Phillips, Editor, The Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1911, Volume 2: The Correspondence of Robert Toombs, Alexander H. Stephens, and Howell Cobb, p. 69-71

Diary of William Howard Russell: Monday, March 18, 1861

“St. Patrick's day in the morning” being on the 17th, was kept by the Irish to-day. In the early morning the sounds of drumming, fifing, and bugling came with the hot water and my Irish attendant into the room. He told me: “We'll have a pretty nice day for it. The weather's often agin us on St. Patrick's day.” At the angle of the square outside I saw a company of volunteers assembling. They wore bear-skin caps, some turned brown, and rusty green coatees, with white facings and crossbelts, a good deal of gold-lace and heavy worsted epaulettes, and were armed with ordinary muskets, some of them with flint-locks. Over their heads floated a green and gold flag with mystic emblems, and a harp and sunbeams. A gentleman, with an imperfect seat on horseback, which justified a suspicion that he was not to the manor born of Squire or Squireen, with much difficulty was getting them into line, and endangering his personal safety by a large infantry-sword, the hilt of which was complicated with the bridle of his charger in some inexplicable manner. This gentleman was the officer in command of the martial body, who were gathering to do honor to the festival of the old country; and the din and clamor in the streets, the strains of music, and the tramp of feet outside announced that similar associations were on their way to the rendezvous. The waiters in the hotel, all of whom were Irish, had on their best, and wore an air of pleased importance. Many of their countrymen outside on the pavement exhibited very large decorations, plates of metal, and badges attached to broad ribbons over their left breasts.

After breakfast I struggled with a friend through the crowd which thronged Union Square. Bless them! They were all Irish, judging from speech and gesture and look; for the most part decently dressed, and comfortable, evidently bent on enjoying the day in spite of the cold, and proud of the privilege of interrupting all the trade of the principal streets, in which the Yankees most do congregate, for the day. They were on the door-steps, and on the pavement men, women, and children, admiring the big policemen — many of them compatriots — and they swarmed at the corners, cheering popular town-councillors or local celebrities. Broadway was equally full. Flags were flying from the windows and steeples — and on the cold breeze came the hammering of drums and the blasts of many wind instruments. The display, such as it was, partook of a military character, though not much more formidable in that sense than the march of the Trades Unions, or of Temperance Societies. Imagine Broadway lined for the long miles of its course by spectators mostly Hibernian, and the great gaudy stars and stripes, or as one of the Secession journals I see styles it, the “Sanguinary United States Gridiron” — waving in all directions, whilst up its centre in the mud march the children of Erin.

First came the acting Brigadier-General and his staff, escorted by 40 lancers, very ill-dressed, and worse mounted: horses dirty, accoutrements in the same condition, bits, bridles, and buttons rusty and tarnished; uniforms ill-fitting, and badly put on. But the red flags and the show pleased the crowd, and they cheered “bould Nugent” right loudly. A band followed, some members of which had been evidently " smiling" with each other; and next marched a body of drummers in military uniform, rattling away in the French fashion. Here comes the 69th N. Y. State Militia Regiment — the battalion which would not turn out when the Prince of Wales was in New York, and whose Colonel, Corcoran, is still under court martial for his refusal. Well, the Prince had no loss, and the Colonel may have had other besides political reasons for his dislike to parade his men.

The regiment turned out, I should think, only 200 or 220 men, fine fellows enough, but not in the least like soldiers or militia. The United States uniform which most of the military bodies wore, consists of a blue tunic and trousers, and a kepi-like cap, with “U. S.” in front for undress. In full dress the officers wear large gold epaulettes, and officers and men a bandit-sort of felt hat looped up at one side, and decorated with a plume of black-ostrich feathers and silk cords. The absence of facings, and the want of something to finish off the collar and cuffs, render the tunic very bald and unsightly. Another band closed the rear of the 69th, and to eke out the military show, which in all was less than 1200 men, some companies were borrowed from another regiment of State Militia, and a troop of very poor cavalry cleared the way for the Napper-Tandy Artillery, which actually had three whole guns with them! It was strange to dwell on some of the names of the societies which followed. For instance, there were the “Dungannon Volunteers of '82,” prepared of course to vindicate the famous declaration that none should make laws for Ireland, but the Queen, Lords, and Commons of Ireland! Every honest Catholic among them ignorant of the fact that the Volunteers of '82 were, all Protestants. Then there was the “Sarsfield Guard!” One cannot conceive anything more hateful to the fiery high-spirited cavalier, than the republican form of Government, which these poor Irishmen are, they think, so fond of. A good deal of what passes for national sentiment, is in reality dislike to England and religious animosity.

It was much more interesting to see the long string of Benevolent, Friendly, and Provident Societies, with bands, numbering many thousands, all decently clad, and marching in order with banners, insignia, badges, and ribbons, and the Irish flag flying along-side the “stars and stripes.” I cannot congratulate them on the taste or good effect of their accessories — on their symbolical standards, and ridiculous old harpers, carried on stages in “bardic costume,” very like artificial white wigs and white cotton dressing-gowns, but the actual good done by these societies, is, I am told, very great, and their charity would cover far greater sins than incorrectness of dress, and a proneness to “piper's playing on the national bagpipes.” The various societies mustered upwards of 10,000 men, some of them uniformed and armed, others dressed in quaint garments, and all as noisy as music and talking could make them. The Americans appeared to regard the whole thing very much as an ancient Roman might have looked on the Saturnalia; but Paddy was in the ascendant, and could not be openly trifled with.

The crowds remained in the streets long after the procession had passed, and I saw various pickpockets captured by the big policemen, and conveyed to appropriate receptacles. “Was there any man of eminence in that procession,” I asked. “No; a few small local politicians, some wealthy store-keepers, and beer-saloon owners perhaps; but the mass were of the small bourgeoisie. Such a man as Mr. O'Conor, who may be considered at the head of the New York bar for instance, would not take part in it.”

In the evening I went, according to invitation, to the Astor House — a large hotel, with a front like a railway terminus, in the Americo-Classical style, with great Doric columns and portico, and found, to my surprise, that the friendly party was to be a great public dinner. The halls were filled with the company, few or none in evening dress; and in a few minutes I was presented to at least twenty-four gentlemen whose names I did not even hear. The use of badges, medals, and ribbons, might, at first, lead a stranger to believe he was in very distinguished military society; but he would soon learn that these insignia were the decorations of benevolent or convivial associations. There is a latent taste for these things in spite of pure republicanism. At the dinner there were Americans of Dutch and English descent, some “Yankees,” one or two Englishmen, Scotchmen, and Welshmen. The chairman, Judge Daly, was indeed a true son of the soil, and his speeches were full of good humor, fluency, and wit; but his greatest effect was produced by the exhibition of a tuft of shamrocks in a flower-pot, which had been sent from Ireland for the occasion. This is done annually, but, like the miracle of St. Januarius, it never loses its effect, and always touches the heart.

I confess it was to some extent curiosity to observe the sentiment of the meeting, and a desire to see how Irishmen were affected by the change in their climate, which led me to the room. I came away regretting deeply that so many natives of the British Isles should be animated with a hostile feeling towards England, and that no statesman has yet arisen who can devise a panacea for the evils of these passionate and unmeaning differences between races and religions. Their strong antipathy is not diminished by the impossibility of gratifying it. They live in hope, and certainly the existence of these feelings is not only troublesome to American statesmen, but mischievous to the Irish themselves, inasmuch as they are rendered with unusual readiness the victims of agitators or political intriguers. The Irish element, as it is called, is much regarded in voting times, by suffraging bishops and others; at other times, it is left to its work and its toil — Mr. Seward and Bishop Hughes are supposed to be its present masters. Undoubtedly the mass of those I saw to-day were better clad than they would have been if they remained at home. As I said in the speech which I was forced to make much against my will, by the gentle violence of my companions, never had I seen so many good hats and coats in an assemblage of Irishmen in any other part of the world.

SOURCE: William Howard Russell, My Diary North and South, p. 15-19

Arrival of the Niagara – Foreign News

HALIFAX, May 14.

The Niagara, Capt. Stone, from Liverpool and Queenstown 4th, arrived this evening.

GREAT BRITAIN. – Vague rumors of the threatened intervention in America continue in circulation, and the dullness and decline in cotton is attributed to them.

The Paris correspondent of the Daily News, writing on the 1st, says it is positively stated to-day in official circles, that the French and English Ministers at Washington have received identical instructions to attempt a moral intervention, exclusive of any idea of forcible intervention, in the hope of putting an end to the war.

The Paris correspondent of the Independence Belge reiterates the statement relative to the contemplated intervention of France and England for re-establishment in the most absolute manner, and has reason to believe the project will soon be made known officially to the public.  It is said certain conditions will be imposed on the South, having for its object the gradual emancipation of the slaves.

The Times publishes a letter from Mr. Russell, explaining the difficulties thrown in his way by Secretary Stanton when he sought to visit the British Man-of-war.  He says the difficulties amounted to prohibition, and thinks Secretary Stanton would order away the Rinaldo if be.  Russell Further says: “In conclusion, I may be permitted to add that I have received assurances that Gen. McClellan has expressed himself strongly, in reference to Secretary Stanton’s conduct to himself in the matters, and that he and his staff have been kind enough to declare to my friends how deeply they regret my absence from their command.”

On the 2d, Sir G. C. Lewis said the House could soon have ample opportunity to discuss the question of defences, as it would be his duty shortly to ask leave to bring in a bill for another loan for national defences.

Mr. Maguire called attention to the distress in the common manufacturing districts, and reported deaths from starvation in Ireland.  He asked what the Government intended doing.

Sir Robert Pool admitted that distress did exist to some extent, but the accounts were greatly exaggerated.

The Times says that England has withdrawn her stake in the military part of Mexican enterprise, and will get redress for the past and guarantees for the future.

Italians in Paris believe that Rome will be occupied soon by Piedmontese troops.

The Paris Constitutionel asserts that the re-call of Gen. Guyon won’t change French policy in Rome.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 2

War with England

Shall we have a war with England?  Nothing but a speedy settlement of the difficulties with the South will prevent it.  The rebels are now hemmed in on every side, and vigorous attacks from various points must result in their overwhelming defeat.  The longer the Southern Confederacy stands, the stronger is it becoming in the eyes of foreign nations.  There is no way in which hostilities with England can be prevented, but by the speedy subjugation of the South.  If this war continues six months longer, we shall have old England, with perhaps one or two allied powers, upon us.

The telegraph informs us that the governments of England, France and Spain are mediating an early recognition of the Confederate States.  Their plea is said to be that of “humanity” – a plea that our Government might have used with a thousand fold more plausibility toward either Ireland or the Indies.  Since the rendition of Mason and Slidell, England has been vigorously preparing for war.  Her North American colonies are especially the object of her solicitude.  They have been more strongly fortified, while one hundred thousand men have been raised to protect them from aggression.

Our Government is aware of the preparations that this power has been making for war.  It knows that they are not all intended for the conquering of Mexico, and it must know that there is no way left under heaven to prevent hostilities with England, but the speedy suppression of the rebellion now raging in our own country.  Knowing all this, why there has not been a general advance of the Federal troops ere this time, is more than we can fathom. – But we “possess our souls in patience,” hoping each day that the next will bring us news that the belligerents which have so long been threatening one another on the Potomac have at last concluded to measure strength.  We have the confidence in McClellan to believe that the news of an advance of the Federal troops under his Generalship would be akin to the heralding of a great victory and the postponing of the recognition by humane England of the rebel confederacy.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 4, 1862, p. 2

What Will England Do?

The great body of the English people are far from having a distaste for war, though they may not so much fancy an increase of an already burdensome taxation.  Let me be as frank as I ever have been and tell you the truth in this matter.  The great body of the English, and still more the Irish people, are disappointed and disgusted.  They expected a war.  It is not too much to say that they wished for one.  They expected war, and prepared for it at a cost of two or three millions.  Even the Guards were sent off in hot haste to Canada.  And England, this day, is ready to seize upon any pretext which will allow her to take a belligerent position.  When Lord Palmerston went to the meeting of the Privy Council, which met to consider the Trent affair, his first remark, on laying down his hat was “I don’t know whether the English people are going to stand this American business or not, but I’m d----d if I do!”

There can be no reasonable doubt that the United States must either fight England within the next twelve months, or submit to a series of terrible humiliations.  One question will be raised after another.  The first issue will be on the doctrines of Mr. Seward’s recent dispatch.  Then will come a protest against the permanent closing and destruction of the Southern ports, as against the laws of nations and of nature. – The question of recognition of the independence of the Southern Confederacy will be one of the first brought before Parliament.  Gen. McClellan has little time to lose.  The only logic to which Europe will listen is the unanswerable argument of un fait accompli.  The South must be subjugated, or it will be recognized.  If you do not end the war, France and England will.  France to-day is more the friend of the South, and more interested in her success, than is England, even.  Sympathy with the North, strangely enough is rarer in France and Spain than here.  Further more if you make the war one for abolition, you will have a large party both in England and France.  But it is not a powerful party.  The powerful of both countries have too much sympathy with freedom. – {London Cor., N. Y. Times, Jan 15.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Five Days Later From Europe

FT. DOENLSON NEWS IN ENGLAND.

How it was Received -- American Securities Higher -- Cotton Lower.

PORTLAND, March 19. – The steamship Anglo Saxon, Capt. John Graham, from Liverpool on the 6th, via Londonderry, arrived here this morning.  Her dates are five days later.

GREAT BRITAIN. – The importance of the Federal victory at Fort Donelson was generally recognized in England, causing an advance in American securities and a depression in cotton.

The London Times admits the success of the Federals and their importance, and says, “they have been gained in districts where the allegiance of the population was divided, but they have scarcely brought the Federal Government any nearer than before to a reconstruction of the Union.”

The London Morning Post hopes that both the Unionists and the secessionists will look upon the present state of affairs an affording ground for a compromise of their difficulties, and the conquest of the south is beyond the attainment of the North, on the one hand, and the complete establishment of their independence on the other, may be beyond the power of the South.

Cyrus W. Field had an interview with Earl Russell recently, in regard to connecting Europe and America by a cable from Iceland to Newfoundland.  The interview is understood to have been satisfactory and encouraging.  The annual meeting of the Atlantic Telegraph Company was to be held in London on the 19th of March, to receive the report of the Board of Directors.

Great excitement and violence attended the election of the member of Parliament for Longport, Ireland.  The military were called out and charged upon the rioters several times.  No lives were lost, but many persons were injured.

Sir Henry and Edward Mugridge, extensive iron manufactures in England, had failed.  Liabilities, £5,520,000.  It was feared their assets would turn out unsatisfactory.  The continuous fall in breadstuffs is alleged to have been the cause of their failure.

The Paris correspondents of the London newspapers give reports that many hundreds of arrests had taken place there.  All men suspected of having been chiefs of barricades in former insurrections have been imprisoned.  These measures had increased the uneasy feelings prevailing.  Bourse on the 5th flat and lower.  Rentes quoted 69 70c.

The emperor has sent a quarter of a million francs out of his own private purse to be distributed among the workmen at great industrial centers.

Brazil mails have reached England.  Buenos Ayers was quiet, and peace was expected to be fully restored by the end of February.  The probability of a war between England and America restricted operations in produce at Brazil. – Business in Coffee was limited, owing to extreme prices, which had advanced to 69½@71.

The following is a summary of the news taken out by the Glasgow:  There was no news of the City of Baltimore when the Glasgow left Liverpool.  She was a week overdue.

Mr. Layard stated in the House of Commons, in reply to enquiries, that an officer of the Sumter named Myers, accompanied by a Mr. Tompkins, of Cadiz, had landed at Tangiers from a French merchant vessel, and were arrested by the United States Consul, who requested the assistance of the Moorish troops for this purpose, but he (Layard) was not aware that any pressure had been put on the Moorish Government.  Myers and Thompson have since been released.

Lord Palmerston, in response to enquiries, said the Government originally intended sending a much larger force to Canada than that dispatched, and it was only in consequence of representations from the Colonial authorities that the number was reduced.  He believed the promptitutde, vigor, and power displayed by the Government had tended greatly to a peaceful solution of the difficulty with America.  The total number of the British army is 227,000, and of these over 24,000 are in the American possessions.  The House of Commons has adopted a resolution declaring that the colonies exercising the right of self-government ought to undertake the responsibility of providing for their own internal security.  Mr. Halliburton protested against the resolution as ill-timed.

The steamer Bermuda left Liverpool on the 1st inst. for Bermuda.  She had a large general cargo, including a considerable quantity of merchandise under the designation of hardware.  It is believed her cargo was destined for the Southern ports.

It was stated that Mr. Peabody had offered if the funds collected for the Prince Albert memorial should be devoted to a charitable institution, to give £100,000 towards it, or failing in this, that he had determined to spend the sum in building houses for the working classes of London.  Mr. Peabody quits England for a time with a fortune of £60,000 per annum.

It is reported that Smith O’Brein had challenged Sir Robert Peel, offering to meet him in France or Belgium.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 3

An Irish Opinion of the Mill Spring Victory

The Edinburg, which left Cork on the evening of February 4th, brings the only comment onf the transatlantic press on Zollicoffer’s defeat which has yet reached us:

The Cork Advertiser of the 4th has some remarks on the conduct of the rebels not complimentary to them.

“There has been a battle in Kentucky, and such a battle!  Seventy-five killed on the side of the Federals, and two hundred and something on the side of the Confederates.  Yet the latter fled, leaving their cannon in the hands of the former!  They might as well, for they didn’t know how to use them.  How often have we said that they had better give up, for that of fighting they had no more notion than if a musket had never been in their hands.  This is thoroughly disgraceful, and we presume it occurred under one of their best generals, Sydney Johnston.  Nothing is said on the subject, but it seems not improbable, as he was in Kentucky, Gen. Buell surrounded him with a superior force.

“If it be, and if McClellan can route the other Johnston (Joseph) and Beauregard in the same fashion on the Potomac, set them flying in the same ‘confusion,’ we don’t see what business the South will have prolonging the struggle.  Her soldiers will be disheartened, in her Generals there will be no confidence, and in her citizens, deprived of their agriculture and commerce, there will be no ability to supply the ‘sinews’ which have been so shamefully misused.  Months ago we said that a score of French or English officers would have been invaluable on either side, and every additional instance of native incompetence proves it.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 2

Local Matters

RELIEF. – The sum of forty dollars was collected in the Rock Island Catholic Church a few days ago, for the relief of the suffering poor of Ireland.

FIRST WARD COMMITTEE. – The committee of the first ward consists of H. Abel, J. R. Johnson and John Curran.  There were some inaccuracies in the names as first published, and the above are correct.

WANTED. – By a gentleman and his wife, a bed-room and a sitting room, furnished, and board in a small, quiet family – one where there are no other boarders preferred.  Address box 429, post-office, giving name and residence.

P. L. CABLE, of Rock Island, the well known coal merchant, has purchased the spacious and elegant residence of Mrs. Lemuel Andrews, which stands near the river in the upper part of that city.  It is the most costly house in Rock Island.  The grounds include seven acres.  The Argus says that Mr. Cable paid for it all in gold, but does not mention the price.

THE STORM which passed by here Friday morning amounted to a whirlwind at Muscatine.  The Journal says it passed over that city with a tremendous roar, but the main part of the wind was too high to effect much damage.  Had it swept along the ground, a second Comanche destruction would have taken place.  The roof of the house of Cyrus Hawley was carried two hundred yards.  A number of other houses were unroofed, and chimneys, fences, outhouses, &c., were blown away.  The gusts which did the damage lasted scarcely a minute, and appeared to drop down from the clouds in spots and to rise again as suddenly as they fell.

PERSONAL. – We regret to learn that Mr. J. B. Caldwell received a telegram on Thursday evening announcing the death of his father in Woodbury, New Jersey.  Mr. C. started East Friday morning, accompanied by his wife.  Mr. Caldwell, the elder was personally known to many of our citizens, having more than once visited Davenport, and spent considerable time here.  He was much respected in the community where he lived.  For several years he was a member of the New Jersey Legislature, was at one time Sheriff of the county of Gloucester, and through the whole period of his active life was the worthy recipient of public favor.  He was the lineal descendant of the Rev. James. Caldwell, of Revolutionary memory, who was basely shot by a British sentinel at Elizabethtown Point.

ANOTHER NEW GROCERY. – Mr. J. Carman has opened out a new and well assorted stock of family groceries in the store-room second door west of Rock Island on Fourth street.  Those who reside in that neighborhood will be glad to know that such an institution, presided over by one so well qualified as is Mr. Carman, has been established among them.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 7, 1862, p. 1

Arrival of the Canada

HALIFAX, March 5.

The Canada arrived here to-day with Liverpool dates of the 22d, via Queenstown 23d.  The Bavaria and Africa had arrived out.

LIVERPOOL. – Breadstuffs dull. Provisions downward.  Consuls 93 1-4 for money.

Lord Palmerston, in the House of Lords said that negotiations relative to the San Juan affair had been suspended, in consequence of the civil war in America, but a joint provisional occupation of the island had been arranged by both governments.

The British Government has refused to produce any information relative to British vessels running the American blockade.

It is reported Slidell has had several interviews with all the French ministers, but they were, of course, of an unofficial nature.

The Grecian insurrection continues, but is confined to Nauplia.

Washington’s birth-day was patriotically celebrated in the Freemason’s tavern, London, the Bishop of Ohio presiding.  Minister Adams responded to the toast, “Memory of Washington.”

GREAT BRITIAN. – In the House of Commons on 20^th inst., Mr. O’Donoghue moved for a return of the British vessels, of their captains and owners, that have succeeded in running the American blockade; also for similar returns of British vessels captured or destroyed in the attempt to break the blockade and returns of the number of British vessels that have put into Nassau and other colonial ports, with contraband of war and supplies for the Confederate States and that have been permitted to refit and supply themselves at those places, in contravention of the Queen’s proclamation of neutrality.  He strongly censured the government for not having taken active steps to prevent breaches of neutrality by British ships.

My. Ledyard said that it would be scarcely convenient that he should inter into discussion of the blockade, which would come on more regularly when there was a solution of it, of which notice had been moved.  He must decline therefore to consent to the returns for two reasons.  In the first place government had not yet got the information sought for and in the second place if they had, it would not be their office to furnish a list of wrong doers and violators of the law.

The papers relative to the blockade would probably be laid on the table on the 24^th or 25^th inst., and would contain a statement of the number of vessels which had broken the blockade, and perhaps their tonnage, and he hoped the information would satisfy O’Donoghue.

The Solicitor General explained the misapprehension of O’Donoghue, and that private vessels might carry contraband of war, but at their own risk, and if detected they must abide the consequences.

In Parliament, Mr. McGuire called the attention of the House to the serious distress at present existing in Ireland.

Sir Robt. Peel in reply refuted his assertions, and in the course of his remarks said that no more remarkable proof of the absence of grievances existed that that which occurred the other day.  When there was danger of a rupture with America Ireland was full of American emissaries trying to raise up the spirit of disloyalty.

Manchester advices are favorable, the demand for goods and yarns being quiet with an upward tendency.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 1

Later From Europe

HALIFAX, May 14. – The Niagara, Capt. Stone, from Liverpool and Queenstown of the 4^th arrived this evening.

GREAT BRITAIN. – Vague rumors of the threatened intervention in America continue in circulation, and the dullness and decline in cotton is attributed to them.

The Paris correspondent of the Daily News writing on the 1^st says it is positively stated to-day in official circles that the French and English Ministers at Washington have received instructions to attempt to make intervention exclusive of any idea of forcible intention, in the hope of putting an end to the war.

The Paris correspondent of the Independent Belge reiterates its statement relative to the contemplated intervention of France and England for the re-establishment of the Union in the most absolute manner, and have reason to believe the project will soon be made known officially to the public.  It is said, certain conditions will be imposed on the South, having for its object the gradual emancipation of the slaves.

The Times publishes a letter from Mr. Russel explaining the difficulties thrown in his way by Secretary Stanton when he sought to visit the British man of war.  He said the difficulties amounted to prohibition and thinks Secretary Stanton would order away the Rinaldo if he dared.  Russel further says, In conclusion I may be permitted to add, I have record assurances that General McClellan has expressed himself strongly in reference to Secretary Stanton’s conduct to himself and me in the matter, and that he and all his staff have been kind enough to declare to my friends how deeply they regretted my absence from their camp.

On the 2d Inst. Sir G. C. Lewis said the House would soon have ample opportunity to discuss the question of defenses, as it would be his duty shortly to leave to bring in a bill for another loan for national defenses.

Commercial – Breadstuffs Market. – Messrs. R. S. & Co., R. N. & Co., and others, report flour dull and declined 6d per barrel since Tuesday.  State 24s 6d@20s 6d.  Wheat quiet and declined 2d per cental.  Red western and white 11s 9d@12s, common firmer, mixed 27s 9d@ 28s; white 30s@33s.

Liverpool – Provisions – Beef very dull with a decline of 2@6d.  Pork has a downward tendency.  Lard active at 41s@43s 6d.

House of Commons – Mr. McGuire called attention to the distress in the cotton manufacturing districts and reported deaths from starvation in Ireland.  He asked what the Government intended to do.

Sir Robert Peel admitted that distress did exist to some extent, but the accounts were greatly exaggerated.

The Times says England has withdrawn her stake in the military part of the Mexican enterprise, and will get redress for part and guarantees for the future.  France will send reinforcements to Mexico.

Italians in Paris believe Rome is to be occupied soon by Predemontese troops.

The Paris Constitutionel asserts the recall of Gen. Grogon without any change of the French policy in Rome.

Graphic details are published of the ceremonies at the Great Exhibition.  The number present was 33,000, all season ticket holders – The times pronounces the ceremonies emphatically the grandest and best managed seen in England for years.  The musical arrangements were carried out according to programme and were very grand.

The Morning Post, in an editorial, deplores the sad aspect presented by the American attendance.

The second day admission was one guinea, and the number of tickets sold over 32,000.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3