150 Years Ago… Training Manuals and Evil Spirits
By admin | August 29, 2010
This week’s column “150 years ago…” features a set of articles found in the September 1, 1860 edition of the Arkansas True Democrat where the reader will be guided through a set of most-interesting and ironic passages in Arkansas history.
In 1860 Little Rock, when a new book was released and/or the local bookstore stocked their shelves with new arrivals, a notice would traditionally be sent to the local newspaper making the citizenry aware of the various choices of literature their local merchant had to offer. The first excerpt this week deals specifically with the timely procurement of certain various titles available to the public.
The reader must first be keenly away of the various rumors of slave insurrections bubbling up from around the South, specifically from the neighboring state of Texas. Starting in late June, 1860, reports of cities under attack by abolitionists perpetuated the fears of the common Southerner, and Arkansas was no exception. One cannot but help but speculate at the cause and effect regarding the new arrival of the following books in Little Rock, Arkansas in relation to the fervent rumors of slave insurrections in the South:
Hardee’s Infantry Tactics, prepared under the direction of the War Department, 2 vols. [this book later became the manual of instruction for the Confederate Army]
Cavalry Tactics—School of the trooper; of the platoon, and of the squadron, dismounted; prepared under the direction of the War Department.
The Militiaman’s Manual, containing the infantry drill of the U. S. Army; Infantry manual of percussion musket, and company drill of U. S. Cavalry; together with The Rapier and Broad Sword exercises copiously explained, and illustrated, enlarged, revised, and corrected by Capt. W. W. Merriman.
Just received at the bookstore of Jno. E. Reardon Sept. 1, 1860.
Traditionally the editor chooses only one primary source for this weekly column, but this week’s sources were very hard to choose, as there were several very interesting articles in the September 1, 1860 edition of The Arkansas True Democrat. As the rumors of the slave insurrections became known as just that: rumors, Arkansans were quick to find another enemy to battle: alcohol. Traditionally we think only of the Prohibition era of American history when discussing the evils of alcohol, or spirits, but there has always been a push to ban this “evil spirit” from the American experience.
As the following primary source unfolds, the reader should note that the “person” speaking in the article is a personification of the newest enemy under attack: alcohol. As a literature teacher, the editor finds the following both humorous and quite disturbing:
[LITTLE ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, September 1, 1860, p. 3, c. 1
For the True Democrat.
Notice.
Having on hand a small supply of liquid fire, weakened with sulphur water, we embrace this opportunity of informing our customers that we still continue the business of making drunkards, paupers and beggars for the sober and respectable part of the community to support. We shall deal in familiar spirits, which will excite men to deeds of riot, robbery and blood; and in so doing, augment the expenses, diminish the comforts, and endanger the welfare of the community. We will undertake, at short notice, for a small sum, and with great expedition, to prepare victims for the asylums, the poor-houses, the prisons and the gallows. We will furnish an article which will increase the number of fatal accidents, multiply the number of distressing diseases, and render those that are harmless incurable. We shall deal in drugs which will deprive some of life, many of reason, most of property, and all of peace; which will cause fathers to be fiends, wives widows, children orphans and beggars. We will cause the rising generation to grow up in ignorance, and prove a burden and nuisance to society. We will cause mothers to forget their suckling infants, and virgins their priceless innocence; we will corrupt the ministers of the gospel, obstruct the progress of religion, defile the purity of the church, and cause temporal, spiritual and eternal death; and if any should be so impertinent as to ask why we have the audacity to bring such accumulated misery upon the comparatively happy people, our honest reply, is money!!! The spirit trade is lucrative, and some professing christians give it their cheerful countenance. We have a license, and if we don’t bring these evils upon you, somebody else will.—We live in a land of liberty. We have purchased the right to demolish the character, destroy the health, shorten the lives and ruin the souls of those who may choose to honor us with their custom.
Those who wish any of the above specified evils brought upon themselves, or their dearest friends, are requested to meet at our grocery house, in Benton township, Conway county, Arkansas, where we will, for a few cents, furnish them with the certain means of doing so.
The Old Man & Son.
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White Hall Founder’s Day A Success
By admin | August 29, 2010
The Patrick R. Cleburne Camp #1433 Sons of Confederate Veterans manned an informational booth at the annual White Hall Founder’s Day event. Camp members made contact with more interested people in historical preservation at this year’s event than the past 5 years combined! The weather gave us a nice cool breeze and temperatures below 100 degrees this year and the camp will benifit from the extra exposure as well as the potential new recruits for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Mark Kalkbrenner, Ron Kelley, Richard Wilson, Austin Wilson, and Aaron Sheets came out to help man the booth, talk to visitors, and pass out hundreds of brochures throughout the day. The next Patrick Cleburne Camp meeting will be September 21 at 7:00pm at the Watson Chapel Fire Station on Sulphur Springs Rd.
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150 Years Ago… War of the Worlds
By admin | August 22, 2010
This week’s column represents the climax of terror in the South, as bands of roaming run-away slaves reek havoc on water supplies as wells are poisoned, fires are set that destroy entire cities, and the general fear associated with the abolitionists’ war against the Southern people reaches ever-higher. This reminds the editor of the old H.G. Wells radio program “War Of The Worlds” where Americans were tricked into believing that an alien invasion was underway. The slave rebellion of July-August, 1860 appears to be similar in scope: trick the South into believing they were under attack.
The past few weeks, this column has traced the 1860 holocaust from the leveling of the city of Dallas, Tx. to the razing of several other Texas towns, including Quitman, Tx. as Arkansans prepare for battle. One interesting note about this week’s column is that the author of the following primary source found in an August 1860 Arkansas newspaper notes that “The above is a true copy—we have no comments to offer—we are all vigilant here.”.
The purpose of the inclusion of the primary source material is to give the reader an educated opportunity to read and interpret the goings-on in August of 1860 for themselves. The editor sees these events as a means of propaganda to begin mobilizing the fears and apprehensions in order of preparation for an “impending emergency”. The recipe for disaster is one part truth and 10 parts embellishment:
[LITTLE ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, August 25, 1860, p. 1, c. 8
Startling News!
Henderson in Ashes—the Incendiary
Work Still Going On.We have just received news of the most startling character, and hasten to lay it before our readers, that they may be prepared for the worst.
Through the kindness of our friend, Hon. L. G. Harman, of Tarrant, Hopkins county, we are in possession of the following startling intelligence:
Quitman, Aug. 7th, 1860.Z. G. Matthews:–Dear Sir: I write to apprise you that the work of desolating the country is yet going on. Henderson was burned to ashes on Sunday night, while the guard were at supper. It was fired in eight places. Many wells have been poisoned and the slaves are running away. Be wide awake. These things are perfectly reliable.
Respectfully yours,W.Sparks.
Tarrant, August 8th.
The above is a true copy—we have no comments to offer—we are all vigilant here.
Wm. M. Ewing.The above speaks for itself, and tells a deplorable tale. We have not time for much comment, but comment is unnecessary. We say to the patrol and public generally, be vigilant. Let every nook and corner be guarded constantly.
On yesterday morning, a man by the name of Peers, hailing from Sulphur Springs, from which place he was driven as an abolitionist, left, or pretended to leave this place. Perhaps he is still lurking in our midst. He is a cabinet workman by trade, heavy built, about 30 or 35 years old, dark complexion, talks politics, and sometimes speaks of having been engaged in the mercantile business. We learn that he left Shreveport at one time in haste, for forgery and swindling. He is ordinarily dressed, and wore while here, shoes without socks.—Texas Ex.
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Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission Meeting Slated
By admin | August 16, 2010
To familiarize Arkansans with planned programs and activities of the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, an informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, at the Lecture Hall of the Science and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, located at 2500 S. Main St. Topics to be discussed include:
Civil War Sesquicentennial Historical Markers
Civil War Sesquicentennial Passport Program
Annual Themes
Sanctioning of Local Events
Civil War Sesquicentennial Grants
Heritage Tourism.
This meeting is targeted to residents of Hempstead, Lafayette, Miller, Little River and Howard counties, though everyone is invited to attend.
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150 Years Ago… Abolitionist Terrorism
By admin | August 15, 2010
This week’s “150 Years Ago…” column is a continuation of the column two weeks ago regarding the burning of Dallas, TX. and the general uneasiness regarding possible slave rebellions in the South. It is impossible to start a serious study of the Civil War with the shots fired at Ft. Sumter, SC, as there were many factors to consider as early as 1860, and this week’s column sheds new light on a forgotten cause of the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi.
Much like the acts of terrorism that John Brown committed in Kansas and Harper’s Ferry, a war had begun in Texas and the repercussions were felt in Little Rock, as a Mr. Pryor related more information on the laying waste to the city of Dallas, TX. in late July, 1860.
What does this have to do with the Civil War in Arkansas? The reader must become very aware of the goings-on in Dallas and the acts of terrorism that the abolitionists were enacting in the South due to an imminent threat to Arkansas. In the next week’s column, we will examine the first acts of war on Arkansas citizens.
The causes of the Civil War are actually very cut and dry as far as the South was concerned: the South was attacked by a terrorist organization called Abolitionists! Following is an account of the Texas fires to compare next week’s column to:
[LITTLE ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, August 11, 1860, p. 3, c. 2
From the Texas State Gazette Extra.
The Late Conflagrations.
Terrible Development—An Abolition Con-
spiracy—The sixth day of August set for
a General Slaughter of the Whites—the
People of Dallas Sleeping with their Arms
in Hand—May call on the Lower Coun-
ties for Assistance.Dallas, Texas, July 16th, 1860.
Major John Marshall—Dear Sir: I will give you some of the facts connected with the burning of Dallas, and the deep laid scheme of villainy to devastate the whole of northern Texas. The town of Dallas was fired on Sunday the 8th inst., between one and two o’clock, P.M. The day was very hot, the thermometer standing at 106 F., in the shade and a high south-west wind blowing. The fire was first discovered in front of Peak’s new drug store, on the west side of the square, and continued to spread rapidly until the whole north side was consumed, and one half of the east side; together with all the building on Main street east of the square, and west of the Crutchfield house. Several other buildings were consumed, with the loss of dry goods, groceries, etc., in all of them.
On Monday, the next day, the house of John J. Eakens, one mile from town was fired. On Wednesday, the handsome establishment of E. P. Nicholson was fired, but discovered in time to arrest the flames. On Thursday, the stables, out-houses, grain and oats belonging to Crill Miller, esq., 8 miles from Dallas were destroyed by fire. All of these were so plainly the work of an incendiary, that suspicions were excited, and several white men and negroes were arrested and underwent an examination.—This led to the detection of a most diabolical plot to destroy the country. The scheme was laid by a master mind, and conceived with infernal ingenuity. It was determined by certain abolition preachers who were expelled from the country last year, to devastate with fire and assassination, the whole of northern Texas, and when the country was reduced to a helpless condition, a general revolt of the slaves aided by white men from the north, and many in our midst, was to come off on the day of election in August. The object of firing the town of Dallas, was to destroy the arms of the artillery company, ammunition and provision known to be collected here; to destroy the stores throughout the country containing powder and lead—burn the grain and thus reduce this portion of the country to a state of utter helplessness.
When this was accomplished, assistance was expected from Indians and abolitionists. Many other places have already been fired, Denton, Pilot Point, Belknap, Gainesville, Black-jack Grove; some stores in Kaufman and Navarro, Waxahachie and other places, that I do not remember.—Each county has a special superintendent, a white man, and each county is laid off into districts under the supervision of a white man, who controls the action of the negroes in that district. The negroes are not permitted to know what is doing outside of their immediate sphere of action.—Many of our most prominent citizens were to be assassinated, when they make their escape from the burning houses. Arms have been discovered in possession of the negroes, and the whole plot revealed, for a general insurrection and civil war at the August election. I write in haste; we sleep upon our arms, and the whole country is most deeply excited. Many whites are implicated, whose names are not yet made public. Blunt and McKinney, the abolition preachers, were expected here at the head of a large force at that time.—You had better issue extras containing these facts, and warn the country of the dangers that threaten it. We are expecting the worst, and do not know what an hour may bring forth. Do the best you can for us. We have not printing press and can do nothing in that line. We may have to call on the lower counties for assistance—no one can tell. All is confusion, excitement and distrust. I will write again. There never were such times before.
Yours in haste,
Chas. R. Pryor.
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150 Years Ago… Yankee Buttons and Expensive Hats
By admin | August 8, 2010
This week’s “150 Years Ago…” column features two primary sources: one from the North and one from the South. Though this week’s column does not directly affect the state of Arkansas in 1860, it does, however, give a very good indication of the state of affairs in August, 1860. The first primary source is out of Leavenworth, Kansas. Ft. Leavenworth will play a major role in the Civil War in Arkansas in the coming months and years. It is interesting to note that during this week 150 years ago, the campaign season for the 1860 election was in full swing as a local man created the modern-day equivalent of a campaign button for Lincoln, Breckenridge, Douglas, and Bell- the political candidates for president in 1860 (Note: Arkansas voted for Breckenridge, as Lincoln was not even on the ballot):
DAILY TIMES [LEAVENWORTH, KS], August 7, 1860, p. 3, c. 2
Campaign Medals.—Our friend Tom Hazen, always up with every new invention, and distinguished for his enterprise in keeping up with every new feature, has a complete variety of campaign medals. Lincoln, Breckenridge, Douglas and Bell may be found at the Post Office Depot, all in picture done up in a button. Patriotic individuals will take notice.
Another very interesting primary source includes quite a mundane reference to straw hats being manufactured in the North. What strikes me as most interesting about this article found in a South Carolina newspaper is the fact that economically, it appears that the Unites States has already been fractured into two separate financial districts: the industrious North and the financially weak South which, in August, 1860, has to pay “importing rates” for something as cheaply made as straw hats. This type of economic fracture will cause a political and social
schism in the Country that will lead to the eventual secession of the Southern states:
CHARLESTON MERCURY, August 9, 1860, p. 1, c. 3
Where Our Bonnets Come From.–There are six or seven millions of women in the United States, and each woman considers herself an injured individual if she don’t [sic] have at least four bonnets a year. Now, did all these followers of fashion ever stop to reflect where the multitudinous chapeaus [sic] come from? We think we can enlighten them. Foxboro, in Massachusetts, is, probably, the largest place of straw manufacture in the world. At one factory, three hundred girls and two hundred and seventy men are employed outside of the factory, and fifteen thousand hats and bonnets are manufactured per day. Very little of the straw goods used are plated in this country, the wages being too high here to afford it at the importing rates.
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Reed’s Bridge Update
By admin | August 4, 2010
What started out two years ago as just another preservation idea has turned out to be the most active Civil War battlefield restoration of its kind the state of Arkansas has ever seen. Starting with a few acres of heavy underbrush where the Confederate trenches were situated during the battle on August 27th, 1863, Reed’s Bridge battlefield in Jacksonville, Arkansas is looking more and more as it did nearly one hundred and fifty years ago.
Southern Brigade Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans’
Arkansas Division Ron Kelley noted, “I have been involved in this restoration from the beginning and I have never seen so many groups coming together and working toward a common goal like this.” Originally envisioned by Arkansas living historian Steve Shore, a small 19th century village is nearing completion just in time for the 147th anniversary of the battle as members from the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans, the Civil War Round Table of Arkansas, the Arkansas Civil War Heritage Trails, living historians, the Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Preservation Society, the Jacksonville Museum of Military History, and the City of Jacksonville spent their summer preparing for the 147th anniversary reenactment that will be held on September 11, 2010.
This restoration was first reported in The Civil War News back in the April, 2009 edition during the first phase of clearing off of the undergrowth and trees. Since then, a smokehouse and barn have been constructed on the property and a kitchen and homestead are currently under construction, not to mention the mountains of brush that have been cleared from the property.
The Civil War era village will be completed by the September, 2010 battle reenactment. Two full scale 1841 replica cannons and a new information stand have also been added to the area as well as a walking trail and a small scale version of the original bridge that the Confederates set fire to during the 1863 battle.
There are many benefits in restoring historical sites other than strictly clearing off land and reconstructing history for the sake of education and heritage. “We have converted this property from a haven for prostitutes, drug dealers, and homeless transients to a beautiful battlefield park perfect for a family picnic.” Kelley continued, “Everyone benefits from a community project like this.” Park admission is free and is open year-round. Reed’s Bridge Battlefield is located on Arkansas Highway 161 south of Jacksonville, Arkansas.
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150 Years Ago… Texas Invaded!
By admin | August 1, 2010
This week’s “150 Years Ago…” column is on a very disturbing topic, a fear that swept over the South like wildfire: the fear of a slave insurrection filled the minds of paranoid Southerners in 1860, the height of the abolitionist movement. With anti-Southern sentiment starting to hit mainstream media, the division in the country became more and more apparent as the days ticked by in the events leading up to the tripwire that began the Civil War.
As the media began reporting contemporary Northern politics, the South became even more weary of its Northern neighbor. Over nine months had passed since the hanging of John Brown for his murderous and terrorist actions at Harper’s Ferry, Va. and rebellion seemed more and more imminent. Regarding the slave insurrection in neighboring Texas, a Marshall, Tx. man writes the following about the terrorist acts committed less than a week prior in Dallas, Tx., supposedly by three negroes:
[MARSHALL] TEXAS REPUBLICAN, August 4, 1860, p. 2, c. 2
We have no late intelligence from Dallas. Reports are current here to the effect that twenty or thirty negroes were in jail at that place—that the incendiary conspiracy was fully established, and that several negroes and two or three white men had been hung. It is stated that the negroes were instructed to burn down all the towns, stores, mills, and residences, and particularly every place containing powder. That the people would be thus rendered defenseless, and that on the day of election, the abolitionists would invade the State in armed force and carry off the negroes to Mexico.
The following is an account of the damage following the fire set in Dallas, Tx.:
[MARSHALL] TEXAS REPUBLICAN, July 28, 1860, p. 3, c. 1-2
The Destruction of Property at Dallas
The fire at Dallas broke out on Sunday, the 8th inst., at 2 o’clock, P.M. Mr. John W. Swindells, furnishes the Galveston News with the following account of the property destroyed:
Dallas Hotel, three story brick, owned and occupied by Mrs. Cockrell.
Brick store of Smith & Murphy, with their stock of goods; goods partly saved.
Small frame office of Jas. T. Smith, occupied by himself, Gen. J. J. Good, and Dr. A. A. Johnson.
Drug and Grocery store of W. W. Peck & Bro., with a heavy stock of goods.
Vacant two story house, owned by J. W. Smith.
Storehouse and stock of goods, owned by A. Shirek, total loss.
Upper story of same building, occupied by J. W. Swindells, Dallas Herald office, total loss.
Crutchfield House, owned and occupied by T. F. Crutchfield, total loss. Post office in the same building all burned, with mails.
Office occupied by Drs. Pryer and Col. J. M. Crockett, and rear of building occupied by a family, total loss.
Barbershop of E. Wester, total loss.
A building just being erected for A. Simon.
Old tavern stand, occupied by several persons as boot shop by J. Bertoy, L. Burkhart, jeweler, and a family.
Law office of B. W. Stone.
Young Carr, saddler, total loss.
Storehouse of H. Hirsh, total loss—partly insured.
Storehouse of W. Casutte [?] & Bro., occupied by A. Simar [?], total loss—partly insured—up stairs occupied by law office by Nicholson & Ferris.
Mr. Stuble’s house just being erected, total loss.
House of Wm. K. Brutle, occupied as a shoe shop and residence, total loss.
Drug store of Dr. D. B. Thomas—stock and house, total loss—up stairs occupied by a law office by Mr. Hay.
Storehouse of J. W. Ellett—house and stock lost.
Vacant house, adjoining, total loss.
Blacksmith shop occupied by Joseph Lockett.
Storehouse of R. R. Fletcher & Co.—stock partly saved.
Storehouse of Cuneth, Simonds & Co. stock partly saved.
Saddle shop of Lynch & Son, total loss.
Storehouse of E. M. Stackpole—building and stock total loss.
Law office of J. C. Motley [?] and stable owned by same, total loss.
G. W. Guess’ law office, pulled down and law books saved.
Over Pratt & Bro.’s drug store were the offices of Dr. C. C. Spencer and W. S. J. Adams, J. S. Chapman, and J. K. E. Record, as law offices, their libraries and clothing total loss.
The Court House in the centre of the square, a fine brick building, was saved by the superhuman exertion of a few spirited individuals.
Over A. Shirek’s store was also the law office of E. C. McKenzie and Dr. C. R. Pryor, editor of the Herald—contents all lost.
Over H. Hirsh’s tore was the office of Dr. H. C. Scvott, whose library was totally lost.The total loss is estimated variously at from three to five hundred thousand dollars, on which there is, I learn, not to exceed $10,000 insurance. The whole number of buildings destroyed is thirty-two or thirty-three, comprising the best built part of the place and including every store in use in it. Our town, which has been the admiration of all strangers, and which it is no exaggeration to say, was one of the prettiest small towns in the State, is now nearly a mass of ruins. All the stores had good stocks of merchandise, and some of them very heavy ones. It is sickening to look around and view the ruins of what was but yesterday morning a flourishing and beautiful place.
A great many goods from the stores and other buildings were saved, and piled up on the square, only to be destroyed where they were placed, the heat being so intense as to preclude al possibility of saving them. I write in haste and there may be some inaccuracies in my statement, but it is nearly correct I think.
For myself and the “Herald,” I shall at once order another new office, and the Herald shall be revived just as soon as I can get the material here. My loss was total—only my account books were saved.
What does this have to do with Arkansas Civil War history? It is events like the above that lead eventually to the occupation of Federal Forces at the Little Rock Arsenal in November (”out of the blue”) following the election. It is also events, or “emergencies” such as this mentioned in an 1860 Arkansas news account of the Pine Bluff Military Academy:” Recent developments of a most startling character show that we ought to take some steps in training our young men in the science of war, and in fitting them for effectual resistance in case of emergency. This done, the rising generation will go forth soldiers and braves, and like good and brave men knowing their duty, they will dare perform it.”.
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Toothpick Update August 2010
By admin | August 1, 2010
Greetings from the desk of the Arkansas Toothpick, Arkansas’ number one source of historical information and goings-on in the Civil War community for twenty-five years running. July was a very eventful month for historical preservation and August looks to be even busier.
The Arkansas Toothpick turns 25 years old this year. Began as a Sons of Confederate Veterans camp newsletter in Pine Bluff in 1985, the Arkansas Toothpick has surely come a long way from a camp newsletter printed via an old manual typewriter and reproduced on a copy machine. The Toothpick now reaches world wide with visitors ranging from over a dozen different countries around the globe. Be sure to watch out for the September, 2010 Civil War News, in which the Arkansas Toothpick will be featured in an article regarding its 25 years of educating the public on the War of Northern Aggression.
July also saw the National Sons of Confederate Veterans Reunion in Anderson, South Carolina. The Arkansas Toothpick staff was recently informed of several Pine Bluff camp members receiving national medals of meritorious service.
The Patrick R. Cleburne Camp will hold its annual fellowship dinner at the Bonanza restaurant at 2922 Olive Street in Pine Bluff at 6:30pm on Tuesday, August 17, 2010. Everyone is invited and dress is casual.
July’s meeting was packed with a multitude of activities and projects in the works, including the recently-attended memorial service for 1st Lt. James G. Wilson, 1st Arkansas Infantry. The memorial service was held in Vilonia, Arkansas and a complete review can be found on the Arkansas Toothpick as well as the September, 2010 issues of The Civil War News and the Civil War Courier. Those that receive the Confederate Veteran magazine, a picture of the Wilson service may be found in the next issue of that publication as well.
There is a standing invitation for anyone that wishes to become a part of restoring an actual Civil War battlefield in Arkansas. Many history enthusiasts have been meeting at Reed’s Bridge Battlefield in Jacksonville, Arkansas every Saturday morning at about 7am to clear brush and complete construction on the small 19th century village on the property. Anyone interested in helping restore the battlefield, be sure to bring plenty of extra water and Gatorade and a pair of gardening gloves. Also if you need directions or have any questions, please e-mail us at info@arkansastoothpick.com.
As everyone should know by now, the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War in impending. This is the time for everyone to find a Civil War-related group to become involved in and help preserve an accurate history of the War Between the States. The Arkansas Toothpick has joined in the efforts by presenting a weekly article dedicated to cultural, political, and social aspects of life this week exactly 150 years ago. This will help our readers see the developments that eventually led to the fracturing of our Nation.
The next event for the Patrick Cleburne Camp will include an informational booth at White Hall Founder’s Day on August 28, 2010 at the White Hall City Park. We will be handing out brochures and talking to those interested in historical preservation and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
September’s meeting will include plans for the annual Camp White Sulphur Springs Living History, which is slated for October 8-10, 2010 in the Sulphur Springs community a few miles west of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This will be a fun family-oriented event and will be a great time to learn about the Civil War in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County. Camp White Sulphur was one of the location the Confederate military used in reorganizing the Army of the Trans-Mississippi during 1862.
If you have any Arkansas Civil War news or information on an event, please send us an e-mail to info@arkansastoothpick.com.
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150 Years Ago… a [sic] poem
By admin | July 27, 2010
This week’s “150 Years Ago…” column again reminds the reader that newspapers served many purposes in 1860. As noted in earlier columns, 1860 newspapers were a source of education, news, and entertainment, to only name a few.
Before reading this week’s primary source, the reader must be informed that America had yet to fully embrace compulsory education. There was no orthodoxy set in schooling and the ability to read and write were highly localized. The author of the following poem gets their point across, but notice the phoenetical method the poet uses:
[FAYETTEVILLE, ARK.] THE ARKANSIAN, July 28, 1860, p. 1, c. 7
I Wud Knott Dye in Wintur.
Bi the Orthor of “Thorts on a Faded Boka.”I wud knott dye in wintur,
When whiskie punchiz flo—
When pooty gals are skeetin’
Oar fealds of ice & sno—
When sassidge meet is phrying
& Hickeri knuts is thick;
Owe! who kud thunk ov dighing,
Or even getting sick?I wud knott dye in spring tiem,
& miss the turn up greans,
& the pooty song ov the leetle frawgs,
& the ski larkes airly screem;
When burds begin thare wobbling
& taters gin to sprowt—
When turkies go a gobblering,
I wud not then peg out.I wud knott dye in summer,
& leeve the garding soss—
The roastie lam & buttur-milk—
The cool plase in the gras;
I wud nott dye in summer,
When every thing’s so hott,
& leeve the whiski Jew-lips—
Owe KNOW! ide rather nott.I wud nott di in ortum,
With peeches fitt for erting;
When the wavy korn is gitting wripe,
& kandidates are treeting.
For these, and uther reesons,
Ide nott di in the phall;
& sence ive thort it over,
I wud not die a tall.
Topics: 150th Anniversary Project, Literature | No Comments »
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