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Franklin Repository: January 27, 1864 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

Rebel Views of the Situation
(Column 1)

Summary: The author includes excerpts from several Southern papers that express the "most intelligent views of the situation from a rebel standpoint," namely, that attempts to increase the size of the rebel armies through a general conscription will result in starvation. Taking more men off the land will only increase the tremendous food and supply shortages the southern armies and civilian population are experiencing.

Full Text of Article:

A number of most significant articles have recently appeared in various leading rebel papers. These journals were among the most earnest and influential in bringing about the rebellion, and their reluctant confessions now of their inability to cope with the general government in a protracted war--confessions made in defiance of the remorseless tyranny that has shackled the freedom of opinion--point conclusively to the closing of this bloody drama at an early day, unless unexpected and most improbable triumphs should be won by them in the coming spring campaign.

We have before us articles from Virginia and other rebel papers which, despite the studied effort to conceal the whole truth, tell a tale of exhaustion in military resources; of abject want for all the necessaries of life, and of growing distrust and disaffection touching the Davis usurpation, which clearly foreshadow revolution within the dominions of treason, unless peace shall soon give them deliverance. The Richmond Examiner pronounces the last year "the gloomiest year of our struggle;" and adds that "no sanguine hope of intervention buoys up the spirits of the Confederate public as at the end of 1861; no brilliant victory like that of Fredericksburg encourages us to look forward to a speedy and successful termination of the war as in the last weeks of 1862." It laments that their "interior has been fearfully narrowed by the federal march through Tennessee," and that "another daring raid (Averill's) has been carried out with comparative impunity to the invaders." It complains also that the rebel cavalry are becoming inefficient for want of horses, while "Lincoln's squadrons of horse threaten to be as universal a terror, as persuasive a nuisance, as his squadrons of gunboats were some months ago." It says that "the Confederacy has been cut in twain along the line of the Mississippi, and our enemies are steadily pushing forward their plans for bisecting the eastern moiety;" "that financial chaos is becoming wilder and wilder--hoarders keep a more resolute grasp than ever on the necessaries of life," and that "what was once competence has become poverty; poverty has become penury, and penury is lapsing into pauperism." Such are the startling confessions of one of the leading journals published at the rebel capital. Their dominions are cut in twain--the remaining moiety about to be severed--their cavalry exhausted and no means to give it efficiency; their financial chaos becoming deeper and deeper; competence is exchanged for poverty on every hand, and poverty is beggary.

The Richmond Whig, another leading rebel paper, publishes a leader the day following the appearance of the dismal picture drawn by the Examiner, in which it shows conclusively that it is madness to attempt to increase the rebel armies, for the reason that the producing population is now unequal to the consumption. It says that there are now, in mid-winter, 3000 barefooted men in Longstreet's corps alone; that from Bragg's army comes "a piteous appeal for blankets and clothing;" that Lee's army is sadly deficient in blankets and that woolen yarn is not to be had even for socks for the soldiers. It argues also that younger cattle are slaughtered every year, and that soon a resort must be had to milch cows to supply meat. It sums up on this point by declaring that "the prospect at home does not encourage the belief that we shall be able to clothe armies larger than those which are now shivering in nakedness." It says "very little bacon is left; beef is going and mutton will hardly feed great armies, even if the supply were double what it is." It laments that East Tennessee, on which they relied mainly for supplies, is wrested from them, and reminds the rebel authorities that to supply their present armies, "the sanding crops of entire counties have been impressed at one fell swoop," and that "flour of a low grade is this day selling in the confederate capital at $120 per barrel." It concludes, therefore, that "the prospect of feeding the army already in the field, much less one twice or thrice as large, is not encouraging." It insists that however indispensable men may be to replenish their shattered armies, they are needed still more to produce food and clothing, and admits that "the fear of insurrection" among the slaves are wide-spread because of the absence of the white men in the field; that the slaves being without masters, are increasing in "natural laziness," and that a "rapid and yearly increasing diminution of crops" is the consequence. It also confesses that they have not horses, are deficient in forage, in wagons, cars, muskets, cannon and ammunition. It declares that Lee lost Gettysburg for want of powder and ball, and adds that with the ports "almost hermetically sealed, and the nitre beds of Tennessee wrested from us, it is not likely that we ever will have more than a full supply for the army on its present footing." It sums up as follows:

"Thus, in the last analysis, we find we have an army poorly clad, scantily fed, indifferently equipped, badly mounted with insufficient trains, and with barely enough ammunition. To remedy the evil, we are going to double, and if possible, quadruple the number of men and horses, taking away every efficient master from the agricultural districts, and leave the laborers on whom both men and horses depend for existence a prey to natural idleness, and with every inducement to revolt. If this be not judicial madness, the history of desperate measures adopted by feeble and affrighted councils does not present an example."

The Richmond Enquirer, the only remaining organ of the rebels at the rebel capital, has an editorial in its issue of the 12th inst., fully coroberating [sic] the more candid confession of its contemporaries. It says:

"Where are we drifting? The tendencies of the hour are dangerous. The proceedings at Richmond are well worth the whole attention of our people at this moment. Congress holds in its hands the destiny of the Republic. It has the determination of the question, whether it shall live or die!

"The debates and proceedings of Congress furnish us much occasion for painful solicitude. They evince panic, rather than the cool and grave deliberation becoming such a body. In its anxiety to restore the currency and fill up the army the danger is imminent that congress will bankrupt the country and overthrow the framework of society.

"The proposition of the Special Committee on Finance to tax the present values of the Confederacy to the amount of $700,000,000 would be entitled an act to sell out at public auction for taxes all the real estate of the Confederacy to the people who have speculated and accumulated fortunes by the war; while the bill reported from the Military Committee might be justly entitled an act to establish an irresponsible despotism at Richmond, and to starve the country, including the army."

Thus is the rebellion reeling and tottering at its very capital--in the citadel of its power. Not a single organ devoted to its cause of crime, but points with trembling to the destruction now manifest to all.

From North Carolina we have still more pointed declarations relative to the early crumbling to pieces of the rebel powers. The Raleigh Daily Progress of the 23d ult. says:

"Peace alone can prevent starvation! It is folly to talk to us about their being enough supplies in the country. Such is not the fact, and those who adhere to such a proposition will find out, when it is too late, that they have been mistaken.

"Confederate money is bad enough, we know; but the dearth of provisions in the market is not caused by a want of confidence in the currency, but because the producers have nothing to bring in. Men who can command means are gathering up gold, silver, bank notes and treasury notes, with which to buy pork in adjoining counties and be thankful to get it upon the terms and for the hard substance offered.

"How then will it be with those who have nothing but the pittance in Confederate money earned in sewing or other work? When the currency of the Government ceases to serve as a means of trade and will no longer buy what the soldiers and the people want, the army and the people will resolve themselves into a mob, and those who have misled and ruined them will have to fly for their lives. Do our people realize how near we are to this state of things? If not, let any citizen take a small sum of money and visit the city market some cold morning.

"We tell the people and the authorities that the present condition of things cannot and will not last. The masses of the honest, hard-working people have been deceived and misled long enough, and they will not suffer and endure always. Peace they want, and peace they will have, if not upon such terms as the leaders who have betrayed them desire, upon such terms as they themselves shall prescribe. The rich may house their meat and bread, but we tell them it will not remain with them unless the poor can be provided for. The muscle of the country will not starve while there is bread in the land.

"Peace, such a peace as statesmen and honest rulers might obtain for us, would give us an abundance of all creature comforts at reasonable prices--would reward honest toil with an abundant harvest; but war, a continuation of the war, will rob us of all social and political rights, and make the many the slaves of the few."

In another article, the same paper says that "there is not another man to spare from the farms or other industrial pursuits of the country, and a further draft upon this class will be fraught with the most disastrous consequences."

The Raleigh (N.C.) Standard is also bold in its denunciation of the rebel authorities. It declares that if an attempt is made to enforce the universal conscription "the people of North Carolina will take their own affairs into their own hauls, and will proceed, in conventions assembled to vindicate their liberties." It says "they will not submit to the destruction of their rights personal and civil," and adds--"woe to the official character who shall attempt to turn the arms of Confederate soldiers against the people." It says "we are now reaping the bitter fruits of 'peaceable secession,' in forcing from our once happy and peaceful homes into the army all from 18 to 45," and it appeals to the people of North Carolina to trust the rebel leaders no longer, and calls for a "State Convention of the sovereign people to take into consideration what is best to be done to relieve our people." It does not conceal its purpose to favor immediate peace and return to the old Union.

The Mobile (Ala.) Register, the ablest and fiercest secession journal in the Gulf States, joins in the protest against the attempt to increase the rebel armies. It says it is demanded by the rebel authorities "that nine-tenths of the producers be put in the field, and women, children and dotards [sic] be left alone to clothe and feed our army. In other words, we want everybody to go into an army already naked, hungry and ill-equipped; and nobody to support them." The Atlanta (Ga.) Intelligencer says that "Congress desires what was never known in the civilized world--the entire population of the country abandoning all civil pursuits and taking up arms." The Montgomery (Ala.) Mail, speaking of the preparation to enforce a general conscription in the South, says: "Carry out the recommendation in reference to increasing the army, and put the whole male population in the service, and we are vanquished and over-run before the first of next September; not by Lincoln's army, but by starvation." The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph also joins in the protest, and the Columbus (Ga.) Sun says that the proposition would "make Davis as much an autocrat as is the Czar of Russia."

Such are the most intelligent views of the situation from a rebel stand point. Exhausted in every element of power; their whole land desolated; poverty and want encircling all classes and conditions in their cruel embrace, the leaders and authors of this bloody war stand aghast at their infernal work, and their people, long deluded, are about to demand Peace and the protection of the Old Flag. If refused, they have their remedy foreshadowed in the declaration of the Raleigh Progress that "the army and the people will resolve themselves into a mob, and those who have misled and ruined them will have to fly for their lives."

The Spring campaign will open with our foe in the gloom of despair and on the very verge of self destruction. Let our armies but be so strong that hope will be shut out from the dominions of treason, and the Union will be restored without another great battle.

Army of the Potomac
(Column 3)

Summary: A lengthy letter by a soldier who had evidently spent a pleasant evening at Norland, in Chambersburg, and had promised to write a letter to the Repository recounting his trip to rejoin his division in Virginia. He sees several men while in Washington, including Capt. Theodore McGowan, Mr. Greenawalt of Fayetteville and Lt. Col. J. Mac. Thomson of the 107 P. V.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Greenawalt, Capt. Theodore McGowan, Lt. Col. J. Mac. Thomson)

Origin of Article: Bristow, VA, Jan. 8, 1864

Editorial Comment: Correspondence of the Franklin Repository

Trailer: P. R. V. C.

Legal Intelligence
(Column 6)

Summary: "The following are the only cases disposed of in the common pleas:" Simeon A. Melich vs. H. Hughes, Judgment confessed for $600.71. Rufus K. McClellan vs. Samuel Reisher, verdict for Plaintiff for $61.05. Solomon Fiery, Exr. of John Brewer, dec'd. vs. Mary Ann, Susanna and Sabina Brewer, verdict for Plaintiff for the land in dispute, to be released on payment of $3,047.89 on January 22, 1865, with interest from January 17, 1864. Emanuel Kuhn vs. Executors of W. Crooks, dec'd., continued by the court. S. & M. Pennock & Co. vs. William Reber, continued because Defendant was absent. William Gutshall vs. Jacob Harkelrode, settled by parties. F. Gelwicks, Exr. of Melchi Brindle, dec'd vs. Melchi Brindle, settled by parties. Margaret Rock vs. John L. Knepper, settled by parties. Joseph Sollenberger use of John W. Sollenberger vs. H. Hughes, settled by parties. Daniel Kohler vs. George A. Deitz, verdict for Plaintiff for $122.69. Reilly & Sharpe vs. William M'Grath, et. al., settled by the parties. The following writs were issued: Huber & Tolbert vs. George & Henry Corwell, attachment execution to Judgment 322 of April term, 1859; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania use of Kohn and Miller vs. Henry S. Miller, Emanuel Kuhn and W. S. Everett, summons in debt on Administrator's bond. Decisions of the Court of Oyer and Terminer: Comm. vs. Mary Snow, infanticide and concealing death of bastard child, verdict not guilty. Comm. vs. John Flory, bill found for murder at the October term; prisoner in custody of Sheriff, having surrendered himself to the court for trial on Tuesday of last week; continued. Decisions of the Court of Quarter Sessions: Comm. vs. Nathaniel Crouse, assault and battery, settled by parties. Comm. vs. Elizabeth, Susanna and Sabina Brewer, larceny, verdict guilty, motion for a new trial granted. Comm. vs. Matthew Wilson, larceny, Defendant pleaded guilty and sentenced to 20 days imprisonment and costs. Comm. vs. Susan and Louisa Brewer, larceny, Nolle prosequi entered by leave of the Court. Comm. vs. Peter M'Ferran, surety of the peace, sentenced to enter into recognizance to keep the peace--still in jail. Comm. vs. J. Milton Heart, fornication and bastardy, Defendant bound in $500 to appear at next term. Comm. vs. Jacob Parker and John Baker, larceny, verdict guilty, sentenced to the House of Refuge. Comm. vs. Helen Harris and Francis M. Harris, assault and battery, verdict not guilty, Matilda Hess, Prosecutrix, to pay half the costs, Defendants the other half. Comm. vs. Matilda Hess, larceny, verdict not guilty. Comm. vs. John Hullinger, larceny, verdict guilty, sentenced to three months imprisonment and to pay costs of prosecution. Comm. vs. Daniel Gelwicks, malicious mischief, verdict guilty, sentenced to pay $15 fine and costs of prosecution. Comm. vs,. Benjamin Reisher and Samuel S. Reisher, riot, assault, and battery; Samuel S. Reisher sentenced to pay fine of $10 and costs, Benjamin Reisher did not appear. Comm. vs. Jacob Hulsinger, Samuel Hulsinger, David Hart, J. Wesley Hart and David Brookins, assault and battery, Defendants bound for appearance at next term. Comm. vs. Hilery Addison, assault and surety of the peace, Nolle prosequi entered. Comm. vs. Mrs. Mary Lorett, passing counterfeit money, Nolle prosequi entered. Comm. vs. G. W. Mudd, assault and battery, Nolle prosequi entered, Defendant died in jail. Comm. vs. William, Elisabeth, Susan, David, and Samuel Thomas and John Fleagle, larceny; true bill against Fleagle, not a true bill as to the others, Nolle prosequi entered. Comm. vs. Hugh Blair, assault and battery, verdict not guilty, and Susan Brewer, Prosecutrix, to pay nine-tenths of costs and Defendant to pay one-tenth. Comm. vs. Joseph Hooker, horse stealing, verdict guilty, sentenced to six years in Eastern Penitentiary and pay costs. Comm. vs. John Reasner, Jr. and Sarah Reasner, keeping a bawdy house; a true bill, Defendants not taken. Comm. vs. Nicholas Uglow, leasing houses as bawdy houses, verdict guilty, sentenced to pay $200 fine and be imprisoned for one day. Comm. vs. Susan Brewer, surety of the peace, sentenced to enter into bonds for $400 to keep the peace. The following bills were ignored by the Grand Jury: Comm. vs. William Reamer, Joseph Strock and Francis Peckman, assault and battery. Comm. vs. William Plowden and James Turpin, larceny. Comm. vs. George W. Wolff, false imprisonment, bill ignored and Sabina Brewer, the Prosecutrix, to pay costs. Comm. vs. George W. Wolff, H. B. Blair and James B. Duffield, riot and assault and battery, not a true bill and Elizabeth Brewer, Prosecutrix, to pay costs. Comm. vs. Hugh B. Blair and James B. Duffield, riot, not a true bill and Susan Brewer, Prosecutrix, to pay costs. The following letters of administration were granted in Orphan's Court: to J. C. McLanahan, for the estate of James Allison, Jr., of Antrim; to Daniel Zook for the estate of Martha Beers, of Montgomery; to B. A. Cormony for the estate of John Sackman, of St. Thomas; to James Stark for the estate of Robert Love, of Fannett; to Daniel Hahn for the estate of William Fox, of Washington; to Ann Maria Hullinger for the estate of David Hullinger, of Washington; to George McFerren for the estate of Mary Ann McFerren.
(Names in announcement: Simeon A. Melich, H. Hughes, Rufus K. McClellan, Samuel Reisher, Solomon FieryExr., John Brewer, Mary Ann Brewer, Susanna Brewer, Sabina Brewer, Emanuel Kuhn, W. Crooks, S. Pennock& Co., M. Pennock& Co., William Reber, William Gutshall, Jacob Harkelrode, F. GelwicksExr., Melchi Brindle, Margaret Rock, John L. Knepper, Joseph Sollenberger, John W. Sollenberger, Daniel Kohler, George A. Deitz, Reilly, Sharpe, William M'Grath, Huber, Tolbert, George Corwell, Henry Corwell, Kohn, Miller, Henry S. Miller, W. S. Everett, Mary Snow, John Flory, Nathaniel Crouse, Elizabeth Brewer, Matthew Wilson, Susan Brewer, Louisa Brewer, Peter M'Ferran, J. Milton Heart, Jacob Parker, John Baker, Helen Harris, Francis M. Harris, Matilda Hess, John Hullinger, Daniel Gelwicks, Benjamin Reisher, Samuel S. Reisher, Jacob Hulsinger, Samuel Hulsinger, David Hart, J. Wesley Hart, David Brookins, Hilery Addison, Mrs. Mary Lorett, G. W. Mudd, William Thomas, Elisabeth Thomas, Susan Thomas, David Thomas, Samuel Thomas, John Fleagle, Hugh B. Blair, Joseph Hooker, John ReasnerJr., Sarah Reasner, Nicholas Uglow, William Reamer, Joseph Strock, Francis Peckman, William Plowden, James Turpin, George W. Wolff, James B. Duffield, James AllisonJr., J. C. McLanahan, Martha Beers, Daniel Zook, John Sackman, B. A. Cormony, Robert Love, James Stark, William Fox, Daniel Hahn, David Hullinger, Ann Maria Hullinger, Mary Ann McFerren, George McFerren)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: John W. Gillan and Maria E. Roemer, both of St. Thomas township, were married on January 21, 1864, by Rev. S. M'Henry.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. M'Henry, John W. Gillan, Miss Maria E. Roemer)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: William B. Monn, of the vicinity of Green Village, was married to Miss Charlotte M. Brandt on January 21, 1864. The ceremony was performed by Rev. James M. Bishop at the home of the bride's father, Christian Brandt, in Chambersburg.
(Names in announcement: Rev. James M. Bishop, William B. Monn, Miss Charlotte M. Brandt, Christian Brandt)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: Samuel Bohn and Sarah McNew were married on January 21, 1864 by Rev. William McElroy. All are from Fayetteville.
(Names in announcement: Rev. William McElroy, Samuel Bohn, Miss Sarah McNew)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: David Meyers, of Little Cove, Franklin County, married Miss Anna M. Shuman, of Dublin township, Fulton County, on January 23, 1864. The ceremony was performed by Rev. C. F. Hoffmeier at the German Reformed parsonage in McConnellsburg.
(Names in announcement: Rev. C. F. Hoffmeier, David Meyers, Miss Anna M. Shuman)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: Robert Love died on January 5, 1864 near Dry Run, aged about 69 years.
(Names in announcement: Robert Love)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: John Skinner died on January 12, 1864 near Dry Run, at the age of 49 years, 3 months and 23 days.
(Names in announcement: John Skinner)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: Jacob Kegerreis, son of Amos Kegerreis, dec'd, late of Fannettsburg, died on January 18, 1864 near Dry Run, at the age of 6 years and 8 months.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Kegerreis, Amos Kegerreis)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: Harry W. Funk, infant son of Henry G. Funk, died on January 22, 1864 in Waynesboro, aged 1 year and 8 months.
(Names in announcement: Harry W. Funk, Henry G. Funk)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: Michael Stoner died on January 13, 1864, in Shady Grove, aged 60 years, 6 months and 27 days.
(Names in announcement: Michael Stoner)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: Adam Dessum died on January 13, 1864 in Guilford township at the age of 4 years, 6 months and 13 days.
(Names in announcement: Adam Dessum)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: Mrs. Elizabeth Fleshour died on January 14 or 24, 1864 in Hamilton township, aged about 75 years.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Elizabeth Fleshour)

Gossip with our Friends
(Column 1)

Summary: This regular column includes a poem about a shrewish wife that was allegedly found in the pocket of a dead cavalryman in Virginia. There is also commentary on the high price of gas, compared to kerosene, the death of Thackeray, and the rowdiness of furloughed soldiers who spend all their money on alcohol.

Editorial Comment: "The following lines are said to have been found in the trowser's pocket of a dead cavalryman, somewhere in Virginia. Poor fellow! We congratulate him. He has peace at last:"

Franklin County Taxes
(Column 1)

Summary: A breakdown of the Auditor General's Report, detailing the contributions Franklin County made to the State Treasury, and the funds returned from the state to the county. William McLellan, Esq., is responsible for revising the revenue code and Joseph Anderson is the Mercantile Appraiser.
(Names in announcement: William McLellanEsq., Joseph Anderson)

Our Common Schools
(Column 1)

Summary: Detailed information about the 222 schools of Franklin County, based on the Annual Report of the State Superintendent of Common Schools.

Full Text of Article:

We have the Annual Report of the State Superintendent of Common Schools, from which we learn that Franklin county has now 222 schools, and still requires 8 to meet the wants of the people. The average time the schools are kept open is five months and 21 days. Chambersburg keeps schools open 9 months; Letterkenny, Mercersburg, and Southampton are next highest, keeping their schools open six months; Fannet, Greencastle, and Warren are lowest--having but 4 months. There are 150 male teachers employed in the county at an average salary of $22,84--Chambersburg paying the highest, $35 per month, and Lurgan the lowest, $18,43. There are 50 female teachers employed, at an average salary of $15,98--Antrim paying the highest, $24 per month and Greencastle the lowest, $16. There are 6,344 male and 5,149 female scholars in our schools, out of which the average attendance is 6,558, at an average cost per month of 50 cts. There are 78 learning German in the schools. The amount of tax levied in the county for school purposes for the year 1863 was $33,380 62, and for building purposes, $3,272 87--making a total levy of $36,653 49. The tax is 3 mills for school purposes and 1.2 mills for building. The State appropriation received was $3,925 60, and amount received from taxes $35,410 42. During the year the sum of $27, 530 70 was paid for instruction; $4,20 29 for fuel and contingencies; $6,192 76 in purchasing, building and renting buildings. At the close of the year the balance on hand was $3,433 39; the permanent debt $11, 685, and temporary debt $2,030,31. It will be seen that Franklin is most liberal in her system of general education.

Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls
(Column 1)

Summary: "Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, Pastor of the Presbyterian Congregation in this place, preached in Harrisburg on Sabbath last."
(Names in announcement: Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls)

Military Damages
(Column 2)

Summary: The claims for damages in Adams, Franklin and Fulton Counties caused by Stuart's raid are being appraised. Damages arising from the militia, the Anderson Cavalry and the rebel occupation of Franklin County during the summer of 1863 have not yet been considered.

Col. Montgomery's Address
(Column 2)

Summary: Col. F. Montgomery, former editor of the Vicksburg, Mississippi Whig, spoke about "the causes of the rebellion, in his quaint way, in a most impressive manner," at the Court House on Tuesday evening last. He is returning to Vicksburg to resume publication of his paper.
(Names in announcement: Col. F. Montgomery)

The Human Organ
(Column 2)

Summary: Article about "Sawnee, a contraband about 18 years of age," who was picked up in Chambersburg by Robert Criswell last year. Criswell, who relocated to Brooklyn, has "exhibited" Sawnee, showing off his "wonderful musical powers," at a number of places.
(Names in announcement: Robert Criswell, Sawnee)

Full Text of Article:

Sawnee, a contraband about 18 years of age, was picked up in our streets in Chambersburg a little more than a year ago, by Mr. Robert Criswell, formerly of this county, but now a resident of Brooklyn, New York. Sawnee was without clothes, habitation, name or employment when Mr. Criswell took him, but he put Sawnee on his farm, learned him to read, and has at considerable expense, cultivated the little contraband's wonderful musical powers. He can imitate an organ with wonderful correctness, and utters the sweetest musical tones with very little effort. He can also imitate with singular fidelity almost every conceivable sound and sings plantation songs in regular southern style. He has been exhibited to large audiences at the Cooper Institute, New York, the National Hall, Philadelphia, and at other points. He was to have given an entertainment here on Friday and Saturday last, but no room could be obtained. We learn that he will probably be here again in the course of the Spring and we doubt not that he will be liberally patronaged [sic].

Our Citizen Prisoners
(Column 2)

Summary: Letters dated December 18, 1864, have been received from Messrs. McDowell, Culbertson, Hamilton and Brown, Franklin County's citizen prisoners now confined in Salisbury, North Carolina. "They are quite well and getting along as comfortably as could be expected."
(Names in announcement: McDowell, Culbertson, Hamilton, Brown)

Dramatic
(Column 2)

Summary: A dramatic entertainment was given by the pupils of the Chambersburg Academy, under the direction of J. R. Kinney, in Franklin Hall for the benefit of the Library. "State Secrets" and "Raising the Wind" were performed "in a highly creditable manner."
(Names in announcement: J. R. Kinney)

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: "Mr. B. F. Snider is now canvassing Guilford and Quincy townships for Headley's History of the Rebellion, and Mr. J. F. Pfoutz is canvassing Antrim and Washington for the same work. We have examined a score of popular histories of the war, and do not hesitate to commend Headley's as the best as yet offered to the public."
(Names in announcement: B. F. Snider, J. F. Pfoutz)

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: "Hon. J. McDowell Sharpe has been at home for two weeks, attending the Fulton and Franklin courts. He left for Harrisburg on Monday, to resume his seat in the House."
(Names in announcement: Hon. J. McDowell Sharpe)

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: "Right Rev. Dr. Stevens, Assistant Episcopal Bishop of the Diocess of Pennsylvania, will officiate at Divine Service in the Masonic Hall on next Sunday evening at 7 o'clock."
(Names in announcement: Rev. Dr. Stevens)

Fine Venison
(Column 2)

Summary: "Thomas J. Earley, Esq., received from his son, Capt. Robt. Earley, of Evansville, Ind., a splendid Buck Deer. Its weight was 140 pounds."
(Names in announcement: Thomas J. EarleyEsq., Capt. Robert Earley)

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: Col. D. O. Gehr has been elected one of the Vice Presidents of the State Agricultural Society.
(Names in announcement: Col. D. O. Gehr)