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Franklin Repository: February 1, 1865 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

[No Title]
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Summary: Reports the reinforcement of Gen. Grant by Gen. Thomas. Gen. Couch's troops are among those sent by Gen. Thomas.
(Names in announcement: General Couch)

The Signs Of The Times
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Summary: Predicts the end of the war. The strength of the Union forces and the weakness of the Confederate forces bode well for the Union. The author believes Union victory so inevitable that "to doubt of success, is sheer blindness or what is worse, treason."

Full Text of Article:

The American people have for several weeks past been on the tiptoe of expectation, to see the rebellion rapidly fall to the ground, and peace again restored to their distracted country. The loyal armies have everywhere been successful, and treason wherever it dared to present a front has been boldly met and terribly overcome. It is true that Gen. Lee still has an army in Richmond, yet he is so completely out off from the country he dares defend, that to leave the spot he holds is to him irretrievable ruin. At this time the entire coast of the Mississippi is loyal to the Union. The State of Louisiana is bold in her declarations for a representation in the Federal Congress. Arkansas is ready to renounce secession, emancipate Slavery and return to the Union. Missouri, by the largest majority she has ever given, has elected a radical Union Governor and amended her constitution so as to forever prohibit the traf[f]ic of human chattels. Kentucky is wisely deliberating upon her course, and the sentiment of her people is directing affairs in the same channel. Tennessee is side by side with Missouri in the abolition of Slavery and in returning to place herself under the Aegis of the Federal government. Alabama is isolated and at the mercy of Thomas' victorious army. Georgia has been crossed by the noble and gallant Sherman without any opposition; Savannah, the gem of the South, is now enjoying the blessing of our government, and the influence of a kind and conciliatory policy of Gen. Sherman, is fast working out grand results in Georgia, the wealthiest and best State of the South. Fort Fisher has been captured which gives us control of the Port at Wilmington, and shuts off the only door that gave the Rebels material assistance by supplies from foreign powers. Gen. Sherman's gallant army is moving on Charleston, and the fierce determination which characterizes those brave boys, will soon make the Palmetto State feel what she long has deserved, the ruin and desolation of war. Charleston the nest of treason will soon be in the possession of the Federal army, and with the fall of this city, the entire Atlantic coast is ours.

Then for future operations we have the army of Gen. Thomas in excellent condition, flushed with Hood's defeat and ready to move anywhere. We have the invincible army of Sherman conquering and to conquer. The army of Sheridan ready for the Spring campaign; and the noble Terry who is not wanting in all the essential elements of a great General. Grant stands with one hand upon the throat of the Rebellion, holding Lee's army at bay. He is ready any moment to replace restraint by constraint. This in brief is the position of our armies. All are in excellent condition. They stand in point of cool courage and daring unsurpassed by the soldiers of any age or any nation--They have braved much, have endured many privations and hardships, and by their undaunted heroism have shed immortal lustre upon their national arms.

But this is not all, yet even this State of affairs is so encouraging that to doubt of success, is sheer blindness or what is worse, treason. The Rebel themselves are now at war with their own rulers; the conflict is terrible and growing more so every day. Every newspaper brought from the South, comes filled with the reports of angry discussions, and fault finding with those in power, who are not capable of doing more than they have done to bolster up a bad cause. The whole Rebel organization, military and civil, is now growing under internal differences of the gravest sort. The lack of military success; the sad and humiliating defeats; the extreme scarcity of all the necessary munitions of war; the destitute condition of transportation; the worthless condition of their currency; the general disaffection among their leaders themselves; the dissatisfaction of the people and the rapidly growing feeling favorable to reconstruction and reorganization; the request of many of their States for re-admission to the Union; these things not vague chimeras, but stubborn facts that speak to the reason, are working out for us a success as complete as the conquering legions now under the "Stars and Stripes." We have an army outside, and the hearts of the people of the South in the inside, working out the great problem which sooner or later must be announced to the world, that the Rebellion is subdued, the Union saved, and the government of the United States reco[g]nized as supreme.

There is one thing yet remaining to the Southern people; and it is discussed by many of their ablest men. The disposition of Jeff. Davis, the abolition of their Congress and the investiture of Gen. Lee with dictatorial and absolute power--This must clearly be the last resort for it is the surrender of national power and private freedom, and when the time arrives to accomplish this, new factions will spring up, and more terrible opposition be manifested by those who are satisfied that the rebellion have proved a failure. The surrender of the liberties of the Southern people will not take place. There are those among them who are jealous of their rights, and whose lives are examples of ambition, to attain positions of influence and respectability. Such men will never submit to the will of a despot no matter what may be offered by such a step. The history of the world is full of examples of nations that have resorted to this form of government one time or another, and every instance too proving a signal failure. The Emperors of Rome wielded their power with despotic will. France has seen its rulers, royal, republican and despotic. Napoleon contrived by the despotic power which he exercised to shake all Europe, and yet his power was his weakness, and at last invited him to the death of an exile. Cromwell was clothed with absolute power, and yet failed in his purposes. So too of Frederick in Prussia and Charles X in Spain. In all these instances great interests were at stake, and great efforts used to achieve results, but the last attempt was a failure and all was lost. When all is put at the disposal of one man and that fails, there is no resort, all is gone. We believe this to be the case with the rebellion, and we do not hesitate to say, that even the conferring of absolute power upon Gen. Lee could not turn the tide of affairs one whit. It is not within the scope of any human power to give victory and replace defeat, to a cause like the Southern rebellion. The heart of the rebellion is surrounded by a power that cannot be overcome, and to clothe Lee with greater powers than he possesses to-day, would only be giving a wider scope to use the army now in his immediate command. He could not recruit it, and greater power would be simply nothing at all practically. The papers themselves expose their weakness. It is clear that madness rules the hour. It requires but little acumen to know, that when the rulers of a country are at war, while the country is itself rapidly sinking, that country is itself rapidly sinking, that country must fall so much the sooner as the discord is greater. The signs of the times indicate peace at no distant day. And when it comes our land will be stronger more powerful and wealthier than ever before. Our nation will stand out regenerated, purified, and disenthralled. The States will be united upon a common basis, with freedom the foundation stone, and our people enjoy the envy and admiration of the world.

The Blair Mission Ended
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Summary: Expresses disappointment with Blair's failed mission to bring a peaceful end to the war. The author blames the South for its refusal to consider the reunion of the states.

Full Text of Article:

We confess to disappointment in the result of the mission of Blair to Richmond. When he first went there we attached little importance to it, and supposed that it was a voluntary effort on the part of Mr. Blair to feel the rebel pulse without any great confidence in success; but when he returned, confer[r]ed with the President and only with him on the subject, and entered a government steamer that had been kept waiting for him, to renew his intercourse with the rebel leaders at Richmond, we supposed that there were substantial hopes of adjustment. Mr. Blair has now returned from his second visit to Richmond. Just what transpired, or what answers were given to his unofficial propositions to close the war on the basis of the integrity of the Union, we are not advised; but enough is known to dispel all hopes of immediate peace. It is evident that the rebel authorities have refused to entertain any proposition looking to the re-union of the States, and the southern people, although widely disaffected, are not yet prepared to end a causeless, wicked revolution by deposing the authors of their desolation.

For the present, therefore, we must dismiss the hope of peace, except as it may be strengthened by the crimsoned triumphs of our heroic armies. With their dominions desolated, their currency utterly worthless and their credit hopelessly destroyed; their armies shattered and dispirited by successive disasters; their last port closed to add to their already fearful wants; and the most appalling despotism the fruits of their fidelity to treason, still the power that was conceived in perjured ambition, and has marked its tread with hecatombs of dead and wide-spread bereavements, has vitality for a crowning sacrifice, and it is to be made. The broken columns of Hood have been gathered up and are marching to Richmond under General Johnston. The thrice defeated army of Earley has abandoned the Shenandoah, and now has its position on Lee's left, with a new commander in the person of General Gordon. Davis has been virtually deposed from military control by the action of the rebel Congress, and Lee is made generalissimo of the entire rebel armies. Buckner will doubtless surrender Charleston, if necessary, to join Lee, or will certainly transfer the major part of his force to join the death-struggle for the rebel capital. Thus will Lee have supreme power, and about him for the last desperate effort of treason, will be the whole available force of the rebellion. After Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, West Virginia, the Mississippi river and nearly the entire coast, have been wrested from the hosts of crime, the responsibility of saving the shattered remnants of the confederacy is thrown upon Gen. Lee, and he must stake all upon a grand struggle with the combined Union armies under Grant.

Nor is treason alone in concentration. Gen. Grant, with that admirable foresight that has ever marked his management of great campaigns, commenced the policy of concentration when Sherman cut loose from Atlanta and swept through to the coast. That triumphant and invincible army, under the greatest of our Lieutenants, is moving upon Richmond. It may attack Charleston or any other point or points on the way; but the objective point is Richmond. When Grant wants Sherman on the James or on Lee's rear, he will be there. Gen. Thomas lured Hood to the very fortifications of Nashville to compass his destruction. When all things were ready, he turned upon his unsuspecting foe, and routed him with terrible loss in men and nearly all his artillery. In despair Hood retraced his steps, leaving thousands of killed and wounded behind him, and fully five thousand deserters. His army was practically destroyed, and has now lost its identity in the army of Lee. Thomas thus nobly fulfilled the task assigned him, and while a portion of his army appeared to be pursuing Hood, the main body was consummating the great plan of Grant by moving to join the hosts about to encircle the doomed capital of treason. Already is most of Thomas' army in supporting distance of Grant to operate against Richmond, and Couch and other well tested and most trusted commanders are leading the western heroes to the final struggle. Gen. Sheridan's victorious legions are also in line at the proper place for the great struggle, and it is confidently asserted that the Hero of the valley will lead the Army of the Potomac to its crowning victory.

Such are the movements and such the purpose of the two opposing military leaders. Gen. Lee has every available man that treason can furnish, and Grant has over two hundred thousand soldiers, many of them just from victorious fields, to strike the last blow for Liberty and Law. Negociations [sic] have failed--the olive branch has been rejected by the authors of this war, and the terrible arbitrament of the sword alone can give us peace. There cannot be protracted war. It must be brief, but it may be sanguinary. It may cost many noble sacrifices; but the great issue cannot be doubtful. We shall have peace ere mid-summer, and over the ruins of the last organized army of traitors. They have willed it so--we must accept the struggle, and when victory shall have crowned our efforts, there will be no fountain of treason remaining to poison the life of the rescued and regenerated Union of our fathers.

Mr. McClure
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Summary: Reports that McClure read a bill in the House for the adjudication of all military damages on the border.
(Names in announcement: Mr. McClure)

From The Southern Coast. Details of the Capture of Fort Fisher--The Part Taken by the Navy--The Landing and Assault--The Explosion--List of Officers of the Minnesota.
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Summary: Describes the capture of Fort Fisher.

Trailer: "O. B."

Washington. The Assault on Judge Kelley--Prompt Action of Congress in the Affair--The Brooks and Butler Controversy--Amendment to the Enrolment Act--Burning of the Smithsonian--Promotion of Capt. Teo. McGowan.
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Summary: The correspondent from Washington reports the assault on W. D. Kelley, a dispute between Brooks and Butler over a bank seizure, Senator Wilson's amendments to the enrolment act, the Smithsonian Institute fire, and the promotion of Capt. Theodore McGowan.

Trailer: "S. C."

Harrisburg. Debate on the Filling of Quotas--Bounty Jumpers--Interesting Divorce Case--The quota of the State--Companies Authorized to fill the Present call.
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Summary: Details actions in the Pennsylvania legislature including debates on quotas, bounty jumpers, and a divorce case.

Trailer: "Horace"

Court Proceedings
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Summary: Lists the verdicts on court proceedings. The case of Rebecca Morrisson vs. Henry Kreager over ownership of cattle resulted in a nonsuit for the plaintiff. In the case of T. M. Carlisle, surviving partner of Robinson & Carlisle, vs. the Executors of Dr. B. Phreaner, deceased, for the plaintiff to recover fees as the attorneys of the defendants, the judge awarded $50. In the case of Robert Taylor vs. David Teeter, the judge awarded $40. In the case of Emanuel Kuhn vs. the executors of Washington Crooks, deceased, the judge ruled in favor of the defendants. In the case of G. W. Wolfe vs. William Christ, the judge found for the defendant. In the case of Solomon Helser vs. William McGrath, Sheriff of Franklin County over the ownership of rye, the judge ruled in favor of the defendant. In the case of James Martin vs. Michael Long and Abraham Erisman, the judge awarded $80. In the case of John and Elizabeth Snyder vs. William Christ, the plaintiffs fake a nonsuit. In the case of John Millhouse vs. William Eyster, the plaintiff takes a nonsuit. In the case of the Commonwealth vs. James Johnson, the parties made an amicable settlement. The author praises Judge King's courtroom management.
(Names in announcement: Rebecca Morrisson, Henry KreagerJr., J. H. Miller, T. M. Carlisle, Robinson, Dr. B. Phreaner, Robert Taylor, David Teeter, Justice Hamman, Emanuel Kuhn, Washington Crooks, G. W. Wolfe, William Christ, Solomon Helser, William McGrathSheriff of Franklin County, Jacob MyersJr., James Martin, Michael Long, Abraham Erisman, John Snyder, Elizabeth Snyder, William Christ, John Millhouse, William Eyster, James Johnson, Judge King)

Appointments
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Summary: Lists appointments from Chambersburg to the Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren in Christ at the last session in Baltimore: J. W. Burd, P. E.; J. Dickson, Chambersburg; Z. A. Colestock, Big Spring; J. P. Bishop, Rocky Spring; Smith, Greencastle and Altodale Circuit; H. Y. Hummelbaugh, Newville; S. Bingham, Carlisle; J. A. Clemm, Bendersville Mission; H. A. Schlicter, Shippensburg Circuit; J. G. Shoaff, Littlestown; and T. B. Jones, Path Valley.
(Names in announcement: J. W. Burd, J. Dickson, Z. A. Colestock, J. P. Bishop, J. C. Smith, H. Y. Hummelbaugh, S. Bingham, J. A. Clemm, H. A. Schlicter, J. G. Shoaff, T. B. Jones)

[No Title]
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Summary: Reports the mysterious disappearance of Rev. James L. Shock, formerly the pastor of the Lutheran congregation in Chambersburg. The Boston Journal reports that a letter was found among Shock's papers, which bequeathed money to his sister and informed her that he "'was going to his rest.'"
(Names in announcement: Rev. James L. Shock)

Dead
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Summary: Announces the death of Fred. Berkle, of Co. A, 77th Pa. Vols. (commanded by J. E. Walker), from his wounds. He also served in the Mexican War and as first Sergeant of Co. E, 126th Regiment Pa. Vols.
(Names in announcement: Corp. Fred. Berkle, Capt. J. E. Walker)

Magnificent Present
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Summary: Reports that G. Roth, the German Evangelical Lutheran pastor in Chambersburg thanks his congregation for "a magnificent present."
(Names in announcement: G. Roth)

The Shooting Season
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Summary: Reminds readers about the law prohibiting the killing of partridges, pheasants, and rabbits, from January 1 until October 1.

[No Title]
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Summary: Notes the "affection" of the Presbyterian church of Mercersburg in giving Pastor Creigh and his wife nearly three hundred dollars in money and presents.
(Names in announcement: Pastor Creigh, Mrs. Creigh)

Summary Of War News
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Summary: Reports war news including Gen. Sherman's advance to Salkabatchie, the destruction of Forts Caswell and Campbell by the enemy, and engagements on the James River.

Company Organizations
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Summary: Reprints Gov. Curtin's order to raise fifty companies. Curtin will authorize only experienced officers to raise companies.

Finance And Trade
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Summary: Reports that a majority of the banks in the state accepted the provisions of the national banking law. Gold advanced to 220 because of the failure of the Blair mission.

Married
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Summary: On January 26, by Rev. Creigh, of Mercersburg, James Campbell married Ann, daughter of Robert McKinnie, all of Peters Township.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Thomas Creigh, Mr. James E. Campbell, Mr. Robert McKinnie, Miss Ann Maria McKinnie)

Married
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Summary: On January 25, at the home of the bride's father, by Rev. Bishop, Daniel Dietrich married Sarah, daughter of John Gillan, both of Franklin County.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. M. Bishop, Mr. Daniel D. Dietrich, Miss Sarah E. Gillan, Mr. John GillanEsq.)

Married
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Summary: On January 12, by Rev. West, James Patterson, of Roxbury, married Mrs. Worthington, of Metal Township.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. A. West, Mr. James Patterson, Mrs. L. Worthington)

Married
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Summary: On January 12, by Rev. Kelly, William McGrath, of Franklin County, married Mary Keefer, of Newburg, Cumberland County.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Mr. Kelly, Mr. William P. McGrath, Miss Mary A. Keefer)

Married
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Summary: On January 17, by Rev. McHenry, John Keller married Sarah Sowers, both of Guilford Township.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. McHenry, Mr. John Keller, Miss Sarah Ann Sowers)

Married
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Summary: On January 24, by Rev. McHenry, Jacob Diehl, of Hamilton Township, married Salome Wagoner, of St. Thomas Township.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. McHenry, Mr. Jacob Diehl, Mrs. Salome Wagoner)

Died
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Summary: On January 7, near Augusta, Braken County, Kentucky, Samuel Shockey, formerly of the Wayesboro vicinity, died at 57 years.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Shockey)

Died
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Summary: On January 22, Lucreta, daughter of James Duffield, died at 6 months.
(Names in announcement: Lucreta May Duffield, Mr. James Duffield)