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Franklin Repository: December 16, 1863 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

Organization Of Congress
(Column 1)

Summary: Describes the failed attempt by Democrats to prevent the election of Colfax as Speaker of the House.

The Southern Coast. Winter in North Carolina--Rain and Mud--Visit of Gen. Butler--His Enthusiastic Reception--Rebels Trembling at His Advent--Thanksgiving Day
(Column 2)

Summary: Notes the spread of small-pox and its disproportionate affect on the black population relative to the white. The correspondent believes that "the filthy habits of the negroes is doubtless one of the principal causes of this great increase in the number of cases, as well as that so many deaths occur."

Trailer: "J."

Financial
(Column 3)

Summary: Discusses news on banks and railroad companies.

Brief War Items
(Column 5)

Summary: Describes brief items of war news including the outbreak of small pox among the Union prisoners at Danville, Va.; the pursuit of Moseby by the Army of the Potomac; Gen. Butler's urging for equal pay for black soldiers; and the capture of the steamer Chesapeake by rebels disguised as passengers.

Personal
(Column 5)

Summary: Describes various items of news including that the Paymaster, Maj. Jordan, was in Chambersburg last Saturday, on his way to Beford.
(Names in announcement: Maj. Frank Jordan)

Jeff. Davis's Message
(Column 6)

Summary: Reports that "Jeff. Davis's message to the rebel Congress dated December 7th, is desponding over the losses of the strongholds of Vicksburg, Port Hudson and many other points . . . He says that 'there are no improvements in the relations with foreign countries' . . . The public finances demand the strictest and most earnest attention."

President's Message
(Column 1)

Summary: Prints Lincoln's message in which he discusses a large number of topics, including relations with nations; naturalized citizens avoiding military service; the establishment of a new Navy Yard; Government expenditures; land disposal; Indian territory treaties; construction of the Pacific Railroad; Emancipation; and pardons and reprieves of secessionists.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: Argues that the Fugitive Slave Law will probably be repealed.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces that men exempted by the present draft board need not apply again under the current draft call.

The Call For Troops
(Column 2)

Summary: Provides information on the upcoming draft, including premiums for volunteers, veterans, and new recruits.

Lincoln's Proclamation
(Column 2)

Summary: Approves Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty to the rebels, arguing that "many of the South are sincerely loyal and long for the blessings they once enjoyed under the United States Government."

Full Text of Article:

Since President Lincoln's late Proclamation has been spread before an intelligent and loyal people, every one who has sustained him in his efforts to crush this rebellion and vindicate the integrity of the Government, must breathe freer when after two years of war a Proclamation of Amnesty is extended to the rebels. This Proclamation of Amnesty is extended to the rebels. This Proclamation settles very easily and practically the difficult questions which even great men were stumbling at, and which often looked as troublesome as the vindication of the Government and the restoration of the Union. This proclamation meets the cordial approbation of every loyal man in the country, and will be zealously supported as the basis of re-organization in the South. The institution of Slavery is emphatically dead, and cannot in the future, even by party triumph, be galvanized into a show of vitality. The President's proposition then is the simplest and easiest plan of restoration to the blessings and benefits of a beneficent government.

It is also satisfactory to the loyal people because it fixes the status of those high in power in the so-called Confederate Government, upon whose shoulders rest the responsibility of this war. It has been repeatedly said that human slavery was at the bottom of this unhallowed rebellion. This we believe, for an institution so barbarous can only be vindicated by its advocates allying themselves to the atrocities of the savage, from which the common instincts of an enlightened people rebel. Liberty needs not the dirt of the assassin to support it. It asks an unlimbered press and the privileges of free speech, and when these are checked in this enlightened age, a revolution in sentiment will necessarily overturn the obstacles in the way, and give free course to the mighty channels which give power to the thoughts and notions of representative men.

Two years ago the South had the advantage in political leaders by common consent. Now they are singled out as only fit for the traitor's doom. To day the President offers terms to the unfortunate and the innocent, leaving the alternative to the guilty. The majesty of the Government must be respected and its power acknowledged, or those who raise the arm of rebellion must themselves be the victims of their own atrocity. In this day, when enlightened opinions are gaining ground, and when governments freely scrutinize each other, and by the free press of at least two powerful nations, England and America, neither the institution of slavery, nor those who by rebellion attempt to sustain it, can exist. Total destruction is their fate. If the people of England more than two centuries ago taught kings a wholesome lesson by impeaching, dethroning, trying and condemning one by the very laws he had violated, so may the people of the United States demand the death of the authors of fraternal war, because of their bold and bloody effort at usurpation and rebellion. The Queen of England is as much bound by her oath as any private citizen. She is the servant of the people; the people are her peers; not the crowned heads of other nations. If she commit offences against the people and the Constitution, accepted and honored by the people, she may be tried like a private individual for her offence, and if proved guilty be punished therefor. Such men the noble arguments brought to bear upon the case of Charles I by the great Milton, and in a blundering, blood-thirsty way, such were the pretexts made use of by the French Jacobins upon the trial of Louis XVI.

The English people did execute the beautiful but misguided Mary Stuart, and it must be remembered that this took place at a period of earnest religious reform and excitement, when the conflict was for freedom of thought--Protestantism as opposed to Romanism, and for offences and deep laid conspiracies against a Queen. For this she was condemned and suffered a felon's doom. The world's history is full of examples of men high in power, as well as private citizens, who for schemes and devices against recognized authority, have paid the penalty of their folly by the forfeiture of their lives.

Many of the South are sincerely loyal and long for the blessings they once enjoyed under the United States Government, but there are also many that need the strong arm of power just as they love the pomp and show of arbitrary Empire. To take away from such the strong arm of power, would not be to restore them to liberty with its natural attendants law and order, but to absolute anarchy and license, and bring back the summary executions upon the nearest tree, the hunting down by blood hounds, and the savageness of men who are little better than a race of ferocious tigers when given over to their unrestrained instincts. Abolish the institution of Slavery, and restore the Union of States on the President's proposition, and those who have originated and carried on this unholy rebellion must necessarily seek refuge and find homes in foreign lands. Free soil, Free Institutions and Free Government are not suited to their depraved notions of social and political economy. The Country will be better rid of them. The great idea of Human Freedom, that is destined to carry everything before it, as the crowning glory of the nineteenth century, needs not their services, nor can it be long impeded by their opposition.

In no other country in the world, nor under the operations of any other government could so gigantic a rebellion have been met and crushed in so short a time, and with such paramount blessings to the world resulting from it, as the one now rapidly closing in America. Let us hope in the future, for it is full of promise, and while we contemplate its glories and blessings let us not forget the stern reality of the present.

Gen. Meade's Late Movement
(Column 3)

Summary: After reviewing the evidence, the author deem Meade's inaction prudent.

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Discusses Gen. Butler's report that the rebels stopped delivering supplies and packages sent by Northerners to Union soldiers imprisoned in the South. The Repository reports that even members of the rebel Congress expressed outrage at the treatment of Union soldiers in rebel prisons.

Army Of The Potomac. The Plan Of The Late Campaign. The Causes Of Its Failure
(Column 5)

Summary: Details numerous reasons for Meade's refusal to attack the rebel forces including the misdirection of the 3rd Corps, delays in the march which allowed rebel troops to concentrate, and Warren's decision against an attack because of the strength of the enemy's position.

Origin of Article: The New York Times

Editorial Comment: "A correspondent of the New York Times has furnished a complete review of the late advance and retreat, from which we take the following important statement, intended to prove that Gen. Mead's failure could not have been by him prevented."

Important From Tennessee
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces that Gen. Foster assumed command of the troops formerly under Burnside.

The Steamer Chesapeake
(Column 1)

Summary: Summarizes the situation of the steamer Chesapeake: "The Chesapeake is doubtless hovering about the coast as there are several traces of her since leaving Shelburne on Saturday. The gunboats in pursuit of her have not been heard from."

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 10th, at the home of Daniel Byers near Rocky Spring, by Rev. Bishop, Benjamin Sleighter married Ellie Cormany, both of Franklin County.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Daniel Byers, Rev. J. M. Bishop, Mr. Benjamin F. Sleighter, Miss Ellie J. Cormany)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 10th, by Rev. Bishop, at Pleasant Retreat Parsonage, Henry Clever married Barbara Hosfield, both of Cumberland County.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. M. Bishop, Mr. Henry H. Clever, Miss Barbara Ann Hosfield)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 8th, by Rev. Rebok, at his residence near Orrstown, Adam Minick married Martha Metz, both of Letterkenney Township, Franklin County.
(Names in announcement: Rev. H. Rebok, Mr. Adam Minick, Miss Martha S. Metz)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 8th, in Waynesboro, by Rev. Krebs, Henry L. Sweitzer married Ann Nicodamus, both of Franklin.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. E. Krebs, Mr. Henry L. Sweitzer, Miss Ann M. Nicodamus)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 9th, by Rev. Krebs, at Bowden's Hotel, George Shrader married Mary Mowen, both of the vicinity of Greencastle.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. E. Krebs, Mr. George W. Shrader, Miss Mary A. Mowen)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 3rd, in Shimpstown, by Rev. Buckly, Lewis Rizner, of Welsh Run, married Mary Bricker, of Mercersburg.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. Buckly, Mr. Lewis Rizner, Miss Mary Bricker)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 9th, in Chambersburg, John Jordon died at the age of 37 years, 11 months and 20 days.
(Names in announcement: John M. Jordon)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 7th, near Waynesboro, Benjamin, son of G. V. and Maria Mong, died at 1 year and 9 months.
(Names in announcement: Benjamin McClellan Mong, G. V. Mong, Maria Mong)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: On Nov. 25th, in Antrim Township, Anna Brubaker died at the age of 35 years, 5 months and 5 days.
(Names in announcement: Anna Brubaker)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: onn Dec. 8th, near Waynesboro, Anna, daughter of Aaron Wingert, died at the age of 21 years and 17 days.
(Names in announcement: Anna Wingert, Aaron Wingert)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 2nd, in Mercersburg, Margaret Catron died in her 94th year.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Margaret Catron)

Died
(Column 1)

Summary: On Dec. 2nd, in Evansville, Ind., Mary Louisa, youngest daughter of Robert and Mary H. Early, died at the age of 2 years and 2 months.
(Names in announcement: Mary Louisa Early, Robert Early, Mary H. Early)

Gossip With Our Friends
(Column 1)

Summary: Notes the construction of a board walk on the road leading from the north end of Chambersburg to Shippensburg. The article also suggest that the growing suburb, through which the board walk passes, should be renamed Lewistown, after the first person to live in the area, Alexander Lewis.
(Names in announcement: Alexander Lewis)

The Poor
(Column 1)

Summary: Urges those blessed with abundance to share with the poor, especially those dependent on men serving in the army.

Ill-tempered Under A Mistake
(Column 2)

Summary: Notes that the Waynesboro Record believed that the Repository claimed to be the newspaper with the largest circulation in the county. The Repository deems their reaction "ill-tempered" and corrects their mistaken assumption. Instead of claiming to be the largest paper, the Repository merely sought legal certification as the largest paper to fulfill the state law requiring all legal notices to be published in the two papers with the largest circulation in the county.

The Sanitary Commission
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces the appeals of the Sanitary Commission to the "Ladies of the North" to increase their donations to soldiers in the battlefields, hospitals, and prisons.

Identified
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports that officials finally discovered the identity of a dead soldier found on the Gettysburg battle field.

Death Of Gen. James Allen
(Column 3)

Summary: Details the death of James Allen. He was born in Chambersburg in 1800 and moved to Ohio when quite young. He served under Gen. Houston and Gen. Scott in the Mexican War, moved to California during the Gold Rush, moved to Nevada and established the Nevada Transcript. At the time of his death, he served as editor of the Washoe Times.
(Names in announcement: Gen. James Allen)

Acquitted
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces the acquittal of Capt. Clarence Clayton, who was in the Quarter Master's Department in Franklin. He was accused of unlawfully selling and disposing of property belonging to the United States. John Stewart conducted the trial and George W. Brewer and F. M. Kimmell defended him.
(Names in announcement: Capt. Clarence Clayton, John StewartEsq., George W. BrewerEsq., F. M. KimmellEsq.)

From Richmond
(Column 3)

Summary: Updates the condition of Franklin County soldiers imprisoned by the rebels. The sister of J. Porter Brown received a letter reporting the transportation of the rest of the Franklin County prisoners to Salisbury, N. C. Brown related the assertion by Culbertson that the prisoners fared well in North Carolina.
(Names in announcement: J. Porter Brown, Culbertson)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces the decision by the Directors of the Poor that the county would only pay the bills of legally-recognized paupers.

Melancholy Death
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports the suicide death of Josiah Beasore, a citizen and leading businessman in Waynesboro. "Laboring under a fit of temporary insanity," Beasore shot himself while standing before a mirror in the stable.
(Names in announcement: Josiah Beasore)

Concert
(Column 4)

Summary: Announces a Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Music in the Court House on the evening of December 21. The proceeds of the 25 cent admission will benefit wounded and sick soldiers.

On A Voyage
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports that McPherson left Shippensburg for a voyage to Europe to restore his health after serving in the military.
(Names in announcement: T. H. N. McPherson)

Recruiting Agent
(Column 4)

Summary: Announces the appointment of E. S. Troxel, of Waynesboro, as Recruiting Agent for the 16th Congressional District.
(Names in announcement: Col. E. S. Troxel)

School House
(Column 4)

Summary: Describes the new brick school house built by the directors of Antrim Township.

Exempt
(Column 4)

Summary: Advises that school teachers received thanksgiving days, Christmas, Washington's birthday, and Independence Day as holidays.

The Festival
(Column 4)

Summary: Details the results of the festival held by the "Ladies of Mercersburg." The women garnered donations totaling $235, which they sent to the Christian Commission."

Legal Intelligence. Common Pleas--Writs Issued
(Column 5)

Summary: Lists the writs issued in the Court of Common Pleas the previous week: Brocius vs. Hawbecker, Admr. of Bowan, dec'd.--Amicable action on assumpsit; Lehner vs. Stake--Appeal from judgment of Esquire Davison; Shugart vs. Baughman--Replevin for one Bay Mare of value of $100; Secrist vs. Long--Foreign Attachment in debt not exceeding $100; Moll vs. Yost, adm'r of Moll, dec'd--Appeal from judgment of Esquire Hamman; Snyder vs. Dysert--Summons case; Imbre vs. Mowery--Fi. Fa. to judgment No. 56, January term, 1863; Raby, use of Monn vs. Dull--Fi. Fa. to judgment No. 71, August term 1862; McAfee vs. Warner--Fi. Fa. to judgment No. 3. January term, 1863; Reges vs Reasner and Kohn, Garnishes--Fi. Fa. to judgment No.127 August term 1863.
(Names in announcement: Emanuel Brocius, Daniel Hawbecker, Jesse Bowan, Henry Lehner, Simon Stake, Joseph Shugart, Jacob Baughman, Samuel Secrist, Michael Long, Abner Moll, John Yost, John Moll, Hiram T. Snyder, Samuel Dysert, Addison Imbre, William Mowery, William B. Raby, A. S. Monn, F. C. Dull, Mark McAfee, Joseph Warner, Mary M. Reges, SAmuel Reasner, Benjamin Kohn)