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Franklin Repository: December 2, 1863 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

Washington. The Sad Changes Of War--Its Fearful Lessons--Gen. Scott and the Safety of the Capital--Gen. McClellan--General Burnside on the Propose Advance in 1861
(Column 1)

Summary: Details the terrible costs of the war and recounts the beginning days.

Trailer: "A. K. M."

Personal
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports various items of news including the arrests of Mauch Chunk rioters and war contractors and bankers who defrauded the government.

Brief War Items
(Column 5)

Summary: Describes brief items of war news including the total number of rebel prisoners (81,000), the 2,000 boxes of food and supplies received by prisoners in Richmond, hardships for Belle Island prisoners, and the recent capture of Corpus Christi.

Political Intelligence
(Column 6)

Summary: Reports news items of politics from around the country.

Address Delivered At Gettysburg On The Nineteenth Of November At The Consecration Of The Cemetery Prepared For The Interment Of The Remains. Of Those Who Fell On The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Of July
(Column 1)

Summary: Prints the speech of Edward Everett in which he describes the Gettysburg battle in detail and reminds the audience of the rebels' insistence on secession and war.

Editorial Comment: "By Edward Everett"

Rebel Atrocities
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports the terrible conditions of the military prisons and the tentative expectations for prisoner exchanges. The Repository questions the fate of captured black soldiers. They may have been executed or sold into slavery.

Full Text of Article:

The leaders of the rebellion, defeated at every point, have resolved in their desperation to exhaust inhumanity in their death-struggle. Never before in the history of civilized warfare, has such a record of brutality been made as has recently marked the career of the insurgents; and now they openly acknowledge it before the world, and plead in extenuation of it their purpose to compel the government to accept their theory of the war; their views of the status of soldiers, and their system for the exchange of prisoners. They now hold some 13,000 Union prisoners--many of them private citizens, arrested and imprisoned without even the pretence that they were spies, or on any other ground subject to capture and confinement by the rules of war. yet they are crowded into loathsome prisons; subjected to the most barbarous treatment at the hands of low officials; fed, as a rule, on most unwholesome food and often insufficient in quantity; and denied almost every article essential to their comfort. Our military prisoners often fare worse, if possible, and the testimony from all sources is concurrent, that they are dying by hundreds from actual starvation, and from disease engendered by the habitual atrocities practiced in every conceivable shape upon them by the subordinate rebel officers.

Our government has exhausted its efforts to effect a just and equitable exchange of prisoners, but without success. It has generously offered to postpone the questions in dispute as to negro troops; officers of negro troops, and the alleged return to service, without authority, of the rebels captured at Vicksburg; and exchange man for man and officer for officer until one side or the other should be without prisoners; but this proposition has been declined by the rebel authorities. the last offer made by our government was to exchange 10,000 men, which would leave but few in rebel hands; but they rejected it, and they stand before the world to-day as holding thousands of prisoners of war--recognized by all civilized nations as entitled to humane treatment--for no other reason, than to coerce our government into a partial recognition of the Southern Confederacy in order to rescue our brave soldiers from the horrors of rebel brutality. When the government proposed to send rations to our suffering heroes, the rebel officers quibble first upon one point and then upon another, and finally reject the needed provisions entirely; and when the benevolence of private individuals and christian and sanitary associations demands access to their deadly prisons, they dare not openly reject the proffered humanity, but they deny all agents admission to our prisoners, and manage by arbitrary official regulations to defeat measurably if not wholly the relief intended.

Finding, however, that our government cannot be driven from its just purpose, we have hope now that the exchange of prisoners will soon be resumed by the rebels, and that citizen prisoners will shortly be at liberty. The brilliant victory of Gen. Grant at Chattanooga is an argument in favor of the early exchange, and of the humane treatment of prisoners, that can scarcely be unheeded at Richmond. It opens to our army the very heart of Georgia and a most vital point of the remnant of the bogus Confederacy; and unless non-combatants are speedily discharged by the rebels, Gen. Grant has abundance of material in Georgia, in the persons of chivalric planters, to make the rebel authorities glad to recognize the propriety of adhering to the dictates of humanity in the treatment of prisoners. We do not doubt that, unless the exchange of prisoners shall be speedily resumed by the rebels, Gen. Grant will commence such retaliatory measures as must operate like magic upon the rebel leaders. He will not imitate their barbarous vengeance by starving prisoners, or confining them in loathsome prisons to die an hundred deaths by wasting disease; but he doubtless will take prominent rebel citizens and hold them as hostages for our non-combatants now imprisoned without any charges against them whatever; and if necessary to carry retaliation still further, he can, by the accepted rules of war, inflict any punishment upon hundreds of his prisoners lately captured, as they are in the rebel service in insolent violation of their parole at Vicksburg, and their lives are thus forfeited.

There is one chapter of rebel atrocity in this war that remains to be written, and we hazard little in saying that when it shall be truthfully portrayed, all other atrocities of the war will pale before it. We refer to their treatment of our negro troops. The rebel leaders have steadily refused to recognize negro troops or their officers as entitled to the treatment of prisoners of war. Various acts of assembly of the insurgent States; an act of the rebel Congress, and several proclamations of Jeff Davis, alike condemn them to the ignominious death of the felon; and it is feared that in many instances they have fulfilled their threatened vengeance. Notwithstanding, their various laws and proclamations, they have not dared to fulfill them so far as to execute officers of negro troops; for they well know that such inhuman butchery could not escape our notice, and when once known, they are well convinced that retaliation would come in the name of Justice and take eye for eye and tooth for tooth with terrible certainty. But our government has no information, and can get none, of the negro soldiers captured by the rebels. Every effort has been made, officially and otherwise, to ascertain the fate of our negro troops captured, but as yet no evidence of their existence can be found. There have been some hundreds captured. At Milliken's Bend, where two negro regiments, by matchless heroism, saved Gen. Grant's lines of communication, a few were captured--principally wounded men; at Banks' unsuccessful assault on Port Hudson, where they won immortal honor by their bravery, many of their wounded and some not wounded fell into the enemy's hands; in Gen. Strong's fatal assault upon Battery Gregg, near Charleston, many of his wounded negro troops were taken, and in various skirmishes and battles in Louisiana and on the Gulf, negro soldiers have been made prisoners by the rebels; and since their capture our government has never heard of them! Earnest and persistent inquiries have been made by our officers at every point; but all efforts have failed to elicit any information respecting them. The government is well convinced that they have been either brutally murdered, or what is equally revolting, sold into slavery. The fearful reckoning to come upon the rebels from the rebels from this cause has doubtless made them resort to every possible pretext to prevent the exchange of prisoners; for the issue touching negro troops must be met as soon as a general exchange is effected, and they dread to face the government and the world on their own record of inhumanity. But they cannot long delay this terrible retribution. Our government is bound by every consideration of duty; by its plighted faith to its soldiers, regardless of color, to vindicate their rights and avenge their wrongs; and there is no alternative but to demand and take life for life until exact justice is measured out to the remorseless murderers, and humanity is taught them through their fears since it cannot reach them through their conceptions of justice. To this fearful necessity our government is driven by the persistent atrocities of the leaders of this causeless, this wicked war; and when the day of avenging justice comes, we may hope for some measure of humanity thenceforth on the part of the foes of the Republic.

Army Movements
(Column 2)

Summary: Discusses possible movements by Lee, Meade, Grant (into Georgia), Burnside, Longstreet (possibly into Virginia to join Lee), and Bragg.

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Ridicules a comment made by the Spirit that the rebel force "is revelling in the pride of its strength to-day and pressing our armies back." The Repository reminds the Spirit of Bragg who is "playing hide and seek" in Tennessee.

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes the almost certain appointment of McPherson as Clerk of the House.
(Names in announcement: Hon. Edward McPherson)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Judges the speech by Edward Everett an informative disappointment.

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports Gov. Curtin's arrangement to send Francis and other agents to Southern prisons to look after captured Pennsylvanians.

Gen. John Morgan
(Column 4)

Summary: Notes the escape of John Morgan, a rebel guerilla chief, from the Cincinnati Penitentiary.

National Securities
(Column 4)

Summary: Praises Franklin County citizens for investing in national securities. The Repository believes their financial support of the government to be a sound investment.

The Exchange Of Prisoners
(Column 5)

Summary: Explains that the federal government's insistence on equal treatment for black and white Union soldiers hinders the exchange process.

Editorial Comment: "Mr. Whiting, the Solicitor of the War Department, in a recent letter explains the difficulties in the way of the exchange of prisoners. He says:"

Glorious News!!! General Grant's Great Victory! Bragg's Army Totally Routed! Capture Of 10,000 Prisoners! Rebel Losses Very Heavy! Union Loss Comparatively Small! Series Of Impetuous Assaults! The Enemy's Position Carried By Storm! An Eventual Week's History! 60 Guns Captured! Sherman's Desperate Struggle! The Victory Complete!
(Column 5)

Summary: Reports news from Chattanooga.

Gossip With our Friends
(Column 1)

Summary: Describes a trip by train to Pittsburgh, Washington, Philadelphia, and New York.

How To Communicate With Union Prisoners In Richmond
(Column 1)

Summary: Relates instructions on how to send letters and packages to prisoners.

Capt. Denny
(Column 1)

Summary: Notes an unofficial report on Denny's efforts to adjudicate military claims. He estimates a compensation of $20,000 and praises the citizens for their honesty and disposition "to act liberally towards the government."
(Names in announcement: Capt. Denny)

One Price
(Column 2)

Summary: Notes the decision of Eyster & Brother to fix prices for each item, instead leaving prices contingent on the customer.
(Names in announcement: Eyster)

Hospital Donation
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the acknowledgement of Mrs. Pennypacker, matron of the Franklin Hall Hospital for donations of food and material supplies by Stoufer, Schneck, Jefferies, Tustin, Greenawalt, Gelwicks, Fisher, Eliza and Jacob Hoke, and Fyock.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. E. B. Pennypacker, Mr. Stoufer, Mrs. Nixon, Rev. Mrs. Schneck, Mrs. Jefferies, Miss Tustin, Mrs. Greenawalt, Mr. J. Gelwicks, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Eliza Hoke, Mr. Jacob Hoke, Peter Fyock)

At Home Again
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that A. J. Snyder, of Co. H, 16th Penna. Cavalry, is at home on leave. He participated in the Gettysburg battle, although previously wounded.
(Names in announcement: Capt. A. J. Snyder)

On Furlough And Re-Enlisted
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that the above men, of Co. D, 11th, Penna. Cavalry, from the Franklin vicinity, are on leave. All the men re-enlisted for three years.
(Names in announcement: Serg. S. A. Weldy, Serg. Jacob H. Miles, Serg. H. N. Scott, Sert. J. A. Smith, Priv. James Shuman, Priv. T. N. T. Ayers, Priv David Shatzer)

Thomas H. M'Dowell
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that Thomas H. McDowell, a prisoner in Salisbury, N. C., wrote to his father that he and the other prisoners are much better off in Salisbury than in the prison in Richmond.
(Names in announcement: Thomas H. McDowell, Mr. McDowell)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that "the 77th, Col. Stumbaugh's old regiment, is now with Gen. Hooker. It lost severely in the battle of Chickamauga, and most of its officers were captured. It now numbers less than 200 effective men."
(Names in announcement: Col. Stumbaugh)

Exemption
(Column 3)

Summary: Reminds that any men "legally entitled to exemption from military service can apply any time before the 20th of December."

Rev. Dr. Dorsey
(Column 3)

Summary: Dorsey "pastor of the Lutheran congregation in Waynesboro, died at the parsonage in that place on Thursday a week, aged about sixty years."
(Names in announcement: Rev. Dr. Dorsey)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports that "Two men names Thomas, father and son, of Horse Valley, are in the Huntingdon Jail for the robbery of Mr. Cree's store."
(Names in announcement: Mr. Thomas, Mr. Thomas)

Rev. J. Wightman
(Column 3)

Summary: Informs that Wightman "has been ordained as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Greencastle."
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. Wightman)

Army Of The Potomac. Forward Movement Commenced. Crossing The Rapidan River. Very Brisk Skirmishing in Progress
(Column 4)

Summary: Describes the actions of the Army of the Potomac.

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 22nd by Rev. Ehrenfeld, Joab Martin married Miss Hostetter, both of Shippensburg.
(Names in announcement: Rev. C. L. Ehrenfeld, Mr. Joab Martin, Miss Louie O. Hostetter)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 24th, by Rev. Soule, William Dubbs married Sarah Gladston, both of Shippensburg.
(Names in announcement: Rev. H. L. Soule, Mr. William Dubbs, Miss Sarah J. Gladston)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 26th, at the bride's father's home, by Rev. Hay, Leonard Kinneard, formerly of Chambersburg, married Mary Hummel, of Harrisburg.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Charles A. Hay, Mr. Leonard H. Kinneard, Miss Mary E. Hummel, Mr. Hummel)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 24th, at Burnt Cabins, Fulton C., by Rev. Gordon, Michael Wilt married Emeline Weit, both of Burnt Cabins.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. Smith Gordon, Mr. Michael S. Wilt, Miss Emeline C. Weit)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 25th, at the home of Mr. Skinner, in Fannettsburg, by Rev. Gordon, Mr. Lewis married Harriet Keggerees, both of Bloody Run, Bedford County.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. Smith Gordon, Mr. J. S. Skinner, Mr. J. P. Lewis, Miss Harriet E. Keggerees)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 25th, at the bride's father's home, W. Wilson, near Carrick, by Rev. Gordon, David Wyand, of Keedysville, Md., married Kate E. Wilson.
(Names in announcement: William WilsonEsq., Rev. J. Smith Gordon, Mr. David H. Wyand, Miss Kate E. Wilson)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 24th, by Rev. Breiden buagh, Samuel Phillips married Mary Grove, both of Antrim Township.
(Names in announcement: Rev. E. Breidenbaugh, Mr. Samuel PhillipsJr., Miss Mary Grove)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 26th, by Rev. Breidenbaugh, George Brewbaker married Margaret Sourback, both of Antrim Township.
(Names in announcement: Rev. E. Briedenbaugh, Mr. George W. Brewbaker, Miss Margaret E. Sourback)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 26th, by Rev. West, Calvin Gamblle, of the vicinity of Dry Run married Maggie Mackey of Spring Run.
(Names in announcement: Rev. William A. West, Mr. Calvin J. Gamblle, Miss Maggie A. Mackey, Mr. William A. Mackey)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 23rd, in Fayetteville, at his father's home, Sergeant Snively, Co. D, 11th, Ohio Vol., died at the age of 22 years, 8 months and 14 days.
(Names in announcement: Sergt. William H. Snively, Snively)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 21st, at Spring Run, Jacob H., son of Jacob and Isabella, died at the age of 3 years, 9 months and 16 days.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Henderson Haynes, Jacob Haynes, Isabella Haynes)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 24th, at Spring Run, Gibson, son of William and Elizabeth Nesbitt, died at the age of 3 years, 5 months and 8 days.
(Names in announcement: Gibson Kerlin Nesbitt, William M. Nesbitt, Elizabeth Nesbitt)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 28th, Ann Fleck died at the age of 2 years, 2 months and 17 days.
(Names in announcement: Ann Elizabeth Fleck)

By Magnetic Telegraph. Latest From General Burnside. The Trophies Of the Late Fight
(Column 6)

Summary: Reports the capture of 6,000 rebel prisoners and 48 pieces of artillery in the recent battle in Tennessee.

By Tuesday's Mails. The War In The South-West. The Enemy Concentrated Near Dalton. Longstreet Endeavors To Join Bragg. Wheeler's Cavalry Routed at Cleveland, Tennessee. A Portion Of Knoxville Burned
(Column 6)

Summary: Describes the situation in the southwest.