Submitted by Sue B. Moore, sbmoore@swbell.net
Alexandria Advertiser (Alexandria, VA), Feb. 26, 1807
“Extract of a letter from a
gentleman in Greenville, Miss. Ter. under date of 26th of January
last. ‘Our territory has been in commotion from some time past, in
consequence of A. Burr’s arrival. After raising and marching the
militia, a committee was appointed to go and examine col. Burr’s
boats. They found 30 or 40 rifles and muskets, 3 or 4 pounds of
powder, 200 barrels of pork, several trunks of books, and some other
small matters. Burr has given security to stand his trial at our
next circuit court, and peace and tranquility is restored to the
territory. I believe the people here are warmly attached to the
general government.”
“DIED in Mississippi Terr., Samuel Frye, Esq. of Gibson Port, killed in a duel (first fire) by Daniel Beasley, Esq. of Greenville.”
“More of the Awful Massacre – Nashville, Sept. 14 – An express arrived on Sunday last to his excellency governor Blount from Fort Stephens, bringing certain information of the dreadful slaughter of several hundred of our fellow citizens by the Creek Indians, headed, as some have imagined, by Spanish and British officers. On the 30th of August, about 750 savages attacked Fort Mims, a stockaded fort about 18 miles above Fort Stoddart and 35 below Fort Stephens, defended by about 175 fighting men, in which there were 120 or 130 women and children. They made a desperate assault; with axes they cut away the pickets, and at the same time fired the blockhouse. The assailed defended themselves very gallantly; but as soon as one Indian fell, another took his station and axe. After an opening was effected, they rushed in and butchered the whites without mercy. Maj. (Daniel) Beasley (Jefferson Co. Miss), of the 12 months’ men, fell as they entered the opening. Mr. Mims and a number of the women and children were burnt to death in the blockhouse. Every soul of the whites perished except 8, and of the Indians shot, 200 were killed. On the Thursday following, an attack was made on Fort Sinquefield that proved unsuccessful – about 10 Indians were killed. A number of families were butchered on Bassett’s Creek. The inhabitants of the Mobile country have abandoned their dwellings and retreated to the forts. Gen. Claiborne is in the country with about 300 twelve months’ men, and the other troops in the different forts amount to about 1200 men. Aid is solicited from our state.”
“DIED in Greenville (Miss.) Mr. Samuel Rich, son of Mr. David
Rich, formerly of Charlton, aged 39.”
“DIED in Jefferson County, Miss. 18th ult. in the 40th year of his age, the Hon. William B. Shields, U. S. Judge for the Mississippi District.”
“The town of Rodney, Miss. has suffered severely by the most
violent storm ever known in the country. On the first of October,
says the Southern Telegraph, it commenced about 10 o’clock A. M. and
continued till half past 12 P. M. During that short period, the
streams which run immediately at the foot of the hills, became so
full that many of the houses on either side of the way, were covered
with water on the first floor, in the depth of one and a half to two
feet. One frame house was taken from its foundation and carried off,
and more or less damage done to all the property situated within
reach of this impetuous and restless current. We have not yet
learned the damage sustained by cotton Planters, but it must be very
great.
“The large buildings, bordering on the canal at
Rochester, and occupied by the Messers. Smiths, were destroyed by
fire on the 20th inst., the lost estimated at $30,000, on which
there was an insurance of 140, 000.”
“The Southern Telegraph contains an article, dated Rodney, Miss.
Jan. 15, noticing another instance of summary punishment, which
occurred at Fayette, on the night of the previous Saturday. It
appears that a man named Spinney, was confined in the jail for the
murder of a Mr. McGowan. His trial which was brought up at the
previous term of the Circuit Court was postponed on account of some
informality in the indictment, in consequence of which he was
remanded to prison to await his trial at the next session of the
court. But the process of the law was too slow for the citizens of
Fayette, and they resolved to anticipate the verdict of justice.
Accordingly, they went en masse, and having been refused the keys by
the keeper, they broke their way into the jail with sledge-hammers—
seized the unfortunate wretch, and hung him instanter.
“As an
excuse for the outrage, it is alleged that Spinney had been heard to
say, that if an opportunity was ever given him, he would with
undying revenge follow up all who had been instrumental in his
conviction. The miserable man may have been trebly guilty— he may
have forfeited his life to the offended laws; but then by these laws
alone should he have been punished.”
“From the Rodney (Miss.) Telegraph – Fatal Affair. We have just been informed that a fatal rencontre took place on Saturday last, between Mr. Elias Barnes and Lewis Watson, both residents of this vicinity in which the former was killed. Mr. Watson, it appears, acted entirely on the defensive, and was forced to kill his antagonist in order to preserve his own life.”
“Another Victim – A young man, the only representative of a highly respectable family was killed on Saturday last in Jefferson, County, Miss. by a harmless youth on whom the wretched inebriate was making a mortal assault. The facts are briefly these: - The young man who has fallen, began in February to give signs of mania potu. On the 22nd of February he took a license out of marriage, embracing the name of a young lady residing near him. He asked a clergyman to officiate on the next Wednesday at his marriage, and also invited a numerous wedding company. At a Ball, the same evening, in the midst of a large assemblage, he read aloud, mounted on a table, his marriage license. From this public proclamation, the lady received the first intelligence about the contemplated wedding, which had been arranged by the manic lover. On the day appointed by him for solemnizing the rites of matrimony, he proceeded, despite the efforts of his friends, and at the risk of one individual’s life, who endeavored to prevent him, to the residence of his imagined betrothed. By kind means, however, he was persuaded to return home and was soon under the care of a physician who succeeded in restoring him to temporary soundness of intellect. On the 2nd of June the object of his maniacal devotion was led to the altar by the young man who has been forced, in self-defense to destroy the maniac’s life. At the time of the marriage, and ever since, he had been under the influence of the mania induced by the recurrence of the pherenzying bowl, uttering threats against the life of the young man who has killed him.”
“MARRIED on Thursday evening last, at Fayette, Jefferson county,
by the Rev. William Montgomery, Andrew Marschalk, Jr. of Alexandria,
La., eldest son of Col. Andrew Marschalk, to Miss Susannah –
daughter of Mrs. M’Cown of Fayette, formerly of Dublin, Ireland.”
Mississippi Free Trader (Natchez, Miss.) May 12, 1837
‘The Fire in Rodney – The (Rodney) Telegraph of May 2nd gives the
particulars of the late fire in that place, which is supposed to be
the work of an incendiary. The cotton sheds and their contents of
Messers. James & Bayly, and Compton, Ricks, & Co. were destroyed,
together with the property of others lost more than 13,000 dollars.
The following were among the largest sufferers:
George B. Dent
50 bales cotton, $2600
Samuel Bolton 38 bales of cotton,
$1600
William ---- 31 bales of cotton, $1400
Jeremiah Torry
26 bales of cotton, $ 1100
Est. W. ----- 13 bales of cotton $
John Durker 14 bales of cotton $
Richard Valentine 17 bales
of cotton $
J. B. Coleman 1400 bushels cotton seed, 6 bags
salt, 5 beds, 3 barrels mackerel $50”
Mississippi Free
Trader and Natchez Daily Gazette (Natchez, Miss.) June 7,
1838
“The Commercial Bank at Rodney – Capital $800, 000,
Thomas Freeland, President and John J. Goodin, cashier.”
The Visit of the Natchez – “The departure of our Steam Ship on a
visit to our sister towns was an ennobling spectacle….” (This is a
lengthy article telling of all of the ports the Natchez made on her
maiden voyage. Captain Story, military companies commanded by Gen.
Quitman, and high ranking city officials were on board as the “Old
Saratoga” cannon on the bluff was fired in salute as they embarked.
Citizens of Warren, Claiborne and Jefferson counties all along her
route turned out to cheer and greet her.) “As the Natchez passed
proudly beyond the various settlements on the Mississippi, she
called forth the admiring gaze of the inhabitants who all took as
much interest as ourselves in the elegant craft, straining their
eyes as she darted from their view, and thinking doubtless, as well
as those who have said so before,, that this was indeed a new era in
steam navigation. We pass over the first few hours and imagine
ourselves in sight of our spirited neighbors of the town of Rodney.
The cannon on the good ship announces our approach; a spreading
volume of grey smoke rising from one of the hills that encircle that
handsome town betokens our welcome. As we approach nearer, the
citizens are seen lining the front of the town. In due time, the
Natchez is moored at Rodney; all on board are soon on shore, and the
military companies parade in handsome style through the town. The
respects of Mayor and Selectmen and the other bodies are tendered to
the Corporation, and the citizens of Rodney which are warmly
responded to, and heartily returned by the proper Officers of that
town. The visitors partake of the hospitalities of the inhabitants
and amidst an universal co-mingling of good feelings and mutual
congratulations, we again proceed on board. The citizens of Rodney
are ranged along the shore; their huzzas for The Natchez are loud
and re-echoed through the air, whilst the voice of the musketry on
board the ship, ascends and mingles with their salutes and proclaims
a union of sentiment, - of enterprise, - of prosperity. – The
greetings are over, the deep waters are again put in commotion, and
the curve of the river ends the enlivening spectacle.”
Natchez Daily Courier (Natchez, Miss.) Apr. 26, 1839
“Persons having past notes of the Commercial Bank of Rodney, are
requested to exchange them at the bank for others. Reason – the
villains are altering them to larger amounts.”
Natchez Daily
Courier (Natchez, Miss.) Dec. 6, 1839
“List of
Post Offices and Postmasters - Jefferson County
Fayette - Charles
T. Miles
Malcom - Malcom Gilchrist
Rodney - Woodford Wood
Church Hill - Jos. W. Thompson”
“The Supreme Court of Mississippi, decided at their late session in favor of the validity of the wills of Capt. Ross (Jefferson co.) and his daughter, Mrs. Road, by which upwards of 300 slaves are directed to be sent to Liberia, and a large amount of property left to defray the expenses of their removal and settlement in the Colony. The last New Orleans papers say that many plantations in the vicinity of Vicksburg, Grand Gulf, and above those places, are already partially under water, and much damage has been done to the crops.”
“Brief Sketches of the Natchez Bar by a Juror. ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY is a native of this country, and one of a numerous and respectable family. He began studying law with Thomas B. Reed, and has been at the bar eighteen years. His professional education was completed at Transylvania University, and he commenced his legal career, as Justice of the Peace, in the town of Rodney. Thought now surrounded by the comforts of life, the results alone of his lucrative practice, in his youthful days, he followed the plough, and subsequently acted in the capacity of a clerk of a mercantile house….He was appointed by the Executive, Judge of the Circuit Court, under the old constitution, and his nomination confirmed by the Legislature. As a member of the Supreme Court, his opinions exhibit much learning and are still high authority. For several years he resided at Rodney. In 1836 he removed to this place, and since that time has been constantly engaged in the duties of his profession….His observations on men and things are striking, but often paradoxical, especially his views of -----, but no matter if he be an ultra whig. He is dignified in his deportment, yet social and accessible to all, particularly the junior members of the bar, to whom he is ever kind and courteous. He possesses all the fine qualities that constitute a gentleman. He is about forty years of age, with large, portly figure, handsome face, blue eyes, long black hair, and uniformly neat and tasteful in his dress.”
“DIED at Amherst, 5th inst. Thomas D. Freeland, of Rodney, Miss., a member of the Junior Class of Amherst College.”
“New Cotton. We understand that the steamer Gen. Harrison, Capt.
Elliott, brought to this port yesterday, six bales of new cotton,
which was shipped at Rodney, Miss. and raised by Mr. Nutt of
Jefferson County in that state. – from New Orleans Tropic, 5th
inst.”
Mississippi Free Trader and Natchez Gazette (Natchez,
Miss.) Sept. 20, 1843
“DIED, in Fayette,
Jefferson county, on the 6th inst., Washington S. Burch. Same place
on the 9th inst., William Morley. Recently at St. Louis, G. Earl
Martin, Esq. of Jefferson county, Miss. At the residence of Samuel
Laughman, in Jefferson county, on the 6th inst. Miss Margaret
Crayton. At Rodney on the 27th August, Mary, daughter of Dr. James
Andrews.”
Mississippi Free Trader and Natchez Gazette
(Natchez, Miss.) Nov. 4, 1843
“MARRIED near
Fayette, on 29th ult., by the Rev. J. G. Jones, H. M. Youngblood,
Esq., Editor of the Southern Watch Tower, to Miss Rebecca M.
Armstrong.”
Mississippi Free Trader and Natchez Gazette
(Natchez, Miss.) Feb. 24, 1844
“MARRIED on the
evening of the 20th instant, by the Rev. Dr. Chamberlain, at the
residence of Thomas H. Stuart, Esq.. in the county of Jefferson, Mr.
William Harper to Miss Ann T., daughter of the late Walker Sanders,
Esq., of Fayette county, Kentucky. And on the evening of the 21st,
by the Rev. Zebulon Butler, at the residence of Mrs. Leonly Stuart,
in the county of Jefferson, Mr. John Humphreys, of the county of
Claiborne, to Miss Sarah A. G. , daughter of the late James Stuart,
Esq. of Jefferson. If, in addition to the above unions, those of
youth, beauty, fortune and station in society, can give assurance of
earthly happiness, these parties have it.”
Mississippi Free
Trader and Natchez Gazette (Natchez, Miss.) Nov. 16, 1844
“Good Shooting Spoiled – One of our Whig friends at Church Hill
anticipating a great victory over the democrats at that precinct had
sent to Rodney and borrowed ‘Young Saratoga’ to have a salute fired
of one gun for every vote majority obtained, but when the votes were
counted, the democrats had a four majority. This disappointed our
friend in his calculations, and ‘Young Saratoga’ remains hid in the
woods near by, with her cartridges and demijohn of ‘old Monongahela’
untouched.”
Mississippi Free Trader and Natchez Gazette
(Natchez, Miss.) July 1, 1845
“For the
Democratic Convention – The Edna leaves our landing on Saturday
Morning at 7 o’clock for Vicksburg. Delegates to the convention will
do well to avail themselves of this fact. She passes Rodney and
Grand Gulf during the day on Saturday when those from Jefferson and
Claiborne can get on board.”
Mississippi Free Trader and
Natchez Gazette (Natchez, Miss.) Mar. 17, 1846
“MARRIED on the 12th inst. at the residence of Mrs. Truly in
Fayette, Jefferson county, by the Rev’d B. M. Drake, Dr. B. F. Fox
to Miss Sarah Ann Truly, all of that place. On the evening of the
10th inst. at the Planters Hotel in Fayette, Jefferson county, by
the Hon. B. Duncan, Mr. Thomas Devenport to Miss Laura Caroline
Hall.”
“ A brutal murder was committed in Jefferson county, Miss. on the 12th ulto. of which the following particulars are given: The parties were John Catlin, the deceased, Abel Kelly, Abraham Kelly, Jesse H. Martin, and William Clawson. It appears that Catlin was courting a sister of the Kellys. The match was broken off by her friends. She wrote him a letter making an appointment to meet him at a certain place on the evening of the 8th instant. She did not come, and he, suspecting that all was not right, went and silently reconnoitered the house of Kelly where he overheard a plot to murder him on Wednesday following. – Catlin then returned to the residence of Squire Davis, where he was making a kiln of brick, and prepared a kind of breastwork of cord wood, and procured some arms for his defense. In this situation, things remained until Friday following, when the two Kellys, Martin, Clawson and another Youngman, rode up to the brickyard, unexpectedly to Catlin, and while he was engaged in giving some directions to the hands, and wheeling their horses, Martin fired on him. The shot struck Catlin in the neck, severing an artery; Catlin then turned and ran to his breastwork; caught up a rifle and shot Martin, the ball striking him on the left cheek, shattered his jaw bone, and passed directly through and lodged in the back of his neck. The others, then fled, but by this time Catlin had become so weak from the loss of blood, that he fell; whereupon, they returned, and Abel Kelly shot him several times, it is said, even after life was extinct. – Clawson has been arrested and is now in jail. Martin died on the 17th inst. The Kellys have not yet been apprehended. The elder Mrs. Kelly is now under arrest, for aiding and abetting the murders.”
“DIED at his residence, six miles south of this place, on Monday
morning, Mr. John I. Stampley, long a resident of this county, and
well known to most of the citizens. Mr. Stampley was a member of
Thomas Hinds lodge No. 58, and has left a numerous band of brethren
to deplore his fall – surrounded by an extensive circle of relations
and friends, he died at a good old age, as a neighbor, Brother,
father, Friend, we know of few men who would be missed more than he
will. – Fayette Watch Tower, 9th inst.”
Mississippi Free
Trader and Natchez Gazette (Natchez, Miss.) Apr. 13, 1847
“MARRIED in Jefferson county, on the 11th inst., by Rev’d. William
Montgomery, Dr. A. L. Green of Fayette county, Ten. to Miss Virginia
Dudley of the former place.”
Mississippi Free Trader and
Natchez Gazette (Natchez, Miss.) Mar. 14, 1849
“MARRIED –
On Wednesday evening, 7th inst., at Plainville, Yazoo
county, by the Rev. William Carey Crane, Mr. George R. Snodgrass,
second son of James Snodgrass, Esq. of Jefferson county, to Miss
Mary F. Gartly, eldest daughter of Col. William Gartly.
At
Araby, the residence of Haller Nutt, Esq., in Madison Parish, La.,
on Thursday, 22nd of February, by the Rev. J. C. Allen, John T.
Clarke, Esq. of St. Joseph, formerly of Fayette, Jefferson county,
Miss. to Miss Margaret Nutt.
On Tuesday the 6th inst., at
the residence of Harris Hill, Esq., two miles from Fayette, by the
Rev. J. G. Jones, Mr. William Stewart to Miss Martha J. Mayberry,
all of Jefferson County.”
Mississippi Free Trader and
Natchez Gazette (Natchez, Miss.) July 18, 1849
“DIED in Fayette, on Friday evening last, Charles P. Moffitt,
printer, formerly of Copiah county.”
Mississippi Free Trader
and Natchez Gazette (Natchez, Miss.) Dec. 19, 1849
“DIED in this city on Saturday evening the 15th inst., after a short
illness, Mrs. Mary Williams. (Formerly Mrs. Mary Guy), late of
Jefferson county, Miss., aged sixty-four years – leaving a large
circle of friends and relatives to mourn her loss. For nearly fifty
years the deceased had been an exemplary member of the Baptist
Church.”
“DIED on Saturday, 26th January, 1850, at the residence of her brother James M. Watson, near Oakland College, Mrs. Martha T. Tullis, wife of E. J. Tullis of Hinds county, and daughter of the late James H. Watson of this county. She was much beloved by all who knew her. She will be long lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends, in this state and Louisiana. She was in her 37th year. - Fayette Watch Tower”
“The Jefferson Gazette – This is the appropriate title of a new
paper recently established in Rodney, Jefferson county, Mississippi,
published by Andrew Marschalk, editor and proprietor. We have
watched the course of this lively and interesting sheet through its
three first numbers, and regard it as an able exponent and advocate
of southern sentiment and feelings on the great questions which now
agitate our country. Marschalk has quite an ancestral fame to
sustain – as his honored father, Colonel Andrew Marschalk, was also
the ‘father of the Mississippi Press’ – having established the first
newspaper in this territory long before we were admitted into the
family of states. The Colonel was a brave and noble officer in the
army of General Wayne and bore two commissions in the line, signed
by George Washington. Marschalk, the younger, was bred in his
deceased father’s printing office, and is no stranger to his
calling. ‘In the son the father lives.’”
Mississippi Free
Trader and Natchez Gazette (Natchez, Miss.) July 3, 1850
Burial in Fayette – “ ‘On Friday last,’ writes our excellent friend,
Dr. B. F. Fox, of Fayette, ‘ our town was still, and the tolling of
the bell and the roll of muffled drums alone were heard. We buried
the mortal remains of WILLIAM H. COMPTON, ESQ. He was a member of
the Masonic and Old-Fellows’ fraternities in Rodney. By his own
request, he was buried at the Fayette church-yard – having died at
Vicksburg, returning from Cooper’s Wells, where he had been for a
time. He foresaw and made arrangements for his funeral, wishing to
be buried by the lodges to which he belonged, who religiously
attended to his wishes, although his body was demanded by some of
his relatives.’”
Mississippi Free Trader and Natchez Gazette
(Natchez, Miss.) Apr. 16, 1851
“Unfortunate
Affray – We learn from the Jefferson Gazette, published at Rodney,
that an unfortunate affray took place in that neighborhood between
William Lewis, Tennessee, and Patrick Nolan, a gin-wright, which
resulted in the death of the former. John Barleycorn the principal
actor; the weapon used to assist John Barleycorn was a mortising
chisel. Nolan received several severe wounds; he was examined before
Justice Marshall and acquitted, there being no evidence but his own
statement.”
Fire at Rodney – “We learn that Sunday morning last, about 1
o’clock, a fire broke out in the kitchen of the Hotel at Rodney, and
rapidly spread through the town, consuming almost every house and
store. The saw-mill of the Messers. Weldon was several times on
fire, but was fortunately saved without much damage. We also
understand that the store of Messers. Drake & Griffin was saved.”
The Natchez Courier (Natchez, Miss.) Aug. 31, 1852
“The Great Fire at Rodney, Miss. – The citizens of Jefferson and
Claiborne counties have held a meeting since the late fire at
Rodney, and through their regularly appointed Committees have made
full report of the losses by the conflagration of the 22nd August.
At this meeting, Dr. C. B. New acted as chairman, and James Stewart,
Esq. as Secretary. The committee to ascertain the total loss
reported as follows:
Drake & Griffing $3500 George V. Paul
$1200
L. H. Drake $1500 John J. Griffing $800
G. F. Barkhaw &
Co. $2000 Meisner & Bulsing $800
Robert Miller $6000 C. Summer
$2000
Samuel Levy $8000 Levi C. Harris $900
M. Winkler $500
Jacob Ohmer $2000
Urbain Leger $6600 G. Schunzel $1000
J. S.
Dohan $6000 Mrs. Brazelton $1200
J. H. Barkhaw $500 S. R.
Morrison $500
G. H. Wilcox $400 James and F. Gaskins $300
Broughton & Murdock $ 5000 Mr. Langer $100
John Watt $5000 W. H.
Broughton $500
R, B. Milliken, assigned, $ 1000 James M. Boyd
$150
James Payne $500 C. H. Foreman $250
Wing W. Kincheloe
$1200 Richard H. Foreman $150
Andrew Marschalk $1000 James Strong
$100
Telegraph Co. $300 W. G. Williams $500
F. B. Harwood &
Co. $2000 W. R. Johnston $300
E. S. Barry $2000 R. A. New $50
Mrs. Neale $150
Total - $65,250
The Fayette Watch-Tower, from which paper we obtain the above information, publishes the following named committee, appointed by the meeting to procure subscription for the immediate relief of their fellow citizens, viz. Messrs. John Murdock, George F. Hunt, J. G. Neely, Thomas Freeland, G. G. Noland, S. H. Coleman, W. R. Dent, T. W. Beck, N. Frisby.”
“The Lost and Injured on the Princess – The Picayune of yesterday
publishes the following amended list of the unfortunate sufferers of
the terrible steamboat explosion:
(list includes many and among
these several Jefferson Co. residents)
Of those known to have
been on board, but are now missing : Son of Blount Stewart of
Fayette, Miss. (himself, wife, son and servant, safe)
two
brothers, Marks, Fayette, Miss.
Those very dangerously scalded,
and in fact, for whom it is feared there is little hope:
Hail
Wilcox, Rodney, Miss.
Have legs broken, and otherwise hurt, but
not supposedly dangerously:
F. Davenport, Fayette, Miss.; his
wife safe”
“FOR FRESH LANDS! – As usual at this season of the year, there is almost a continuous line of wagons passing through our town, all bound for the river crossings at Rodney and Natchez. The wagons, for the most part, are filled with negroes, thus indicating that the men of property and means, becoming weary of the exhausted lands of Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, are rushing for the fresh and untrodden lands of Louisiana and Texas.”
“Mississippi Legislature – Dec. 13. Mr. Ellett introduced a bill to authorize the building of a jail in the town of Rodney and for other purposes. Passed.”
“Embezzlement – We learn from the Natchez Free Trader that John F. McVoys, late Postmaster at Rodney, Miss. and Joseph McVoys, his deputy, have been committed by U. S. Commissioner Mellen for trial to the U. S. Circuit Court at Jackson, in November next, on the charge of embezzlement.”
“Four transport steamers passed Rodney on the way up the river,
in the early part of this week. They were loaded down with troops,
horses and some artillery. This was, no doubt, Col. John Scott’s
mounted regiment of volunteers from the sea coast parishes of
Louisiana. This magnificent regiment, representing a vast amount of
plantation wealth of
several Parishes, has armed, equipped, and
mounted itself at the expense of $500, 000 and up to the time of its
departure had been no charge to either the State of Louisiana or the
Confederacy. The regiment numbers nearly one thousand men of the
most daring and dauntless of Louisiana’s sons.”
“From the Vicksburg Whig – Correspondence between Gen. Lovell and
the Federal Commander -
A flag of truce went down to the enemy
on Sunday afternoon with a communication from Gen. Lovell in reply
to one recently sent to the authorities of Rodney. Below will be
found the correspondence.
The edict of this despicable Nichols shows the policy of these
miserable followers of Lincoln in his true colors, and rivals in
outrageous infamy the manifesto of the celebrated bloody Condeil
pronounced against the Netherland provinces during the reign of
Phillip II of Spain. Alva wrote his own history in blood, and these
sordid and base villains wish to follow in his footsteps by
murdering unoffending women and children. The indignant censure of
the civilized world was the eulogy of the one – may the felon’s
death be the cenotaph of the other:
U. S. Streamer Winona
Off
Rodney, June 5, 1862
To the Authorities of the Town of Rodney:
You are doubtless aware that the town of Grand Gulf was fired upon a
short time since by some of the vessels of the United States
Government as punishment for permitting a battery to fire upon some
of our transport steamers while passing down.
I deem it my duty
to inform you that should any battery or artillery fire upon any of
our vessels while passing up or down from or near the town of
Rodney, the punishment for the offense will be visited upon the
town. We are not here to war upon unarmed or peaceable persons and
we would deprecate any event compelling us to fire upon the property
of inoffensive people.
Very Respectfully, your ob’t s’vt (signed)
ED T. NICHOLS
Lieut. Com’dg and Senior Officer Present
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA
Headquarters Department No. 1
Jackson, Miss. June 8, 1862
To Commanding Officer, U. S. Navy
Mississippi River , below Vicksburg
SIR – I have the honor to
enclose a copy of a letter received by the Mayor of Rodney,
notifying him in substance that if the vessels of the U. S. Navy are
fired upon by our troops from or near the town, vengeance will be
taken upon the women and children, or, as the writer is pleased to
term it, ‘punishment for the offense will be visited upon unarmed or
peaceable persons.’
When two nations are at war, it has been
customary among civilized people ‘to punish the
offense’ of an
attack by the armed forces of one upon the other, by a combat with
the attacking party.
If such an attack be made from the town the
assaulting party is not entitled to, and so far as our troops are
concerned, does not claim any immunity for the presence of women and
children: what we do claim, however, and insist upon is, that
whenever your vessels or transports are fired into by our troops;
they shall not hasten to the nearest collection of the ‘unarmed and
peaceable’ women and children and wreak their vengeance upon them as
was done lately at Grand Gulf by the U. S. vessels in retaliation
for an attack with which the town had nothing more to do than the
city of St. Louis.
My batteries are located at such places upon
the river as are deemed best suited for the desired purposes and
without reference or connection with the people of the towns. Should
the site happen to fall within a village, you, of course, are at
liberty to return the fire; should it be in the vicinity of one,
however, the usages of civilized warfare do not justify its
destruction unless demanded by the necessities of attack or defense.
I cannot bring myself to believe that the barbarous and cowardly
policy indicated in the enclosed letter will meet with the approval
of any officer of rank or standing in the United States Navy. I have
therefore thought proper to transmit it to you under a flag of
truce, with the confident expectation that you will direct those
under your command, to confine their offensive operations as far as
possible to our troops; and forbid the wanton destruction of
defenseless towns, filled with unoffending non-combatants, unless
required by imperious military necessity.
The practice of slaying
women and children as an act of retaliation, has, happily, fallen
into disuse in this country with the disappearance of the Indian
tribes, and I trust it will not be revived by the officers of the
United States Navy, but that the demolition and plunder of the
unoffending little village of Grand Gulf may be permitted to stand
alone and without parallel upon the record.
I am , sir, very
respectfully,
Your obd’t serv’t.
M. Lovell, Maj. Gen., Comdt.”
“The second gunboat, passing here last Saturday evening, stopped at Mr. Sim’s place, a few miles above here, destroyed all the boats, killed a beef, stole all the poultry and forced off two negro men. When near Rodney, the Yankees came very near capturing our friend Archy Pope, who, crossing in a flat, did some tall rowing to the astonishment of two Texans, who happened to be with him. It is said that Mr. Pope, who had in his pocket the written evidence of his appointment as superintendent of the Tensas negroes working on the Vicksburg fortifications, concluded not to be caught like Reid Saunders, but preferred to follow the example of Alexander Dumas’ three musketeers, consequently destroyed the papers by swallowing them. The Yankees succeeded in capturing the boat, but our friend Archy got safely away; they couldn’t catch him, and if they had, no paper found on him would have made them any wiser. If the government is in need of a safe person to carry dispatches, Archy Pope is the man, for he would certainly eat them rather than allow them to fall into the hands of the enemy. – St. Joseph (La.) Gazette”
“MARRIED at Oakland Cottage, the residence of the bride’s father, Thursday morning, the 26th inst., by Rev. Dr. Watkins, S. M. Angel, M. D., of Fayette, formerly of New Orleans, to Miss Laura O. Newcomb. We wish the young pair a long, happy and prosperous life. Never may the hand of adversity be laid upon them; never may they taste of sorrow’s cup – but may their path through life be so guarded and guided, as to lead them to the bright world where Angels only dwell.”
“Military Items – A dispatch to headquarters yesterday from Grand Gulf, states that Co. Wirt Adams has met the Yankee Cavalry raid near Fayette, and driven them towards Brookhaven. Parties who arrived at Hazlehurst, last evening, from below, report the enemy at Brookhaven, in force, at 7 o’clock. It is also said that the telegraph station at Brookhaven has been destroyed. About half-past 10 0’clock Wednesday, about 100 mounted men, well-armed, started from Natchez to join Col. Adams. Col. Adams telegraphs Lieut. Gen. Pemberton, from Fayette, under date of the 29th , inst. as follows:
‘Fayette, April 29 – Three of my companies from Natchez, marching to join me, met and engaged the enemy’s cavalry force last evening twenty miles from this, making forced march of twenty miles from Port Gibson, with two companies and two mountain pieces. I passed the enemy’s flank last night, and formed a junction with the three companies directly in the enemies’ front, intending to engage his this morning at 8 o’clock, when I found he had marched rapidly in the direction of Brookhaven. Think it his intention to reach the river at Rodney or Natchez, I marched my command to this point; where I have been joined by five companies. I shall now march to interrupt his movement towards Baton Rouge. Wirt Adams, Colonel, Comm’g.’”
“From Port Gibson and Vicinity – From Mr. William Stead, just
from Oakland College, we learn that the Federals landed at
Bruinsburg on Thursday. They took the large and fine residence of
Mrs. Daniels, on the bluff, as their officers’ headquarters. From
this point, a strong picket was sent out at the cross-roads near
Bethel Church. Inside this picket, they secured all the provisions
they could find, and arrested two Professors at Oakland College, and
Thomas Freeland, Esq. The fight was going on when Mr. Stead left
Friday morning, three or four miles from Port Gibson. He informs us
that the Federals have in the neighborhood of some two hundred
cavalry, and that two of their boats were at Rodney and quite a
number of their men were prowling about the town.
He also says,
the officers seized Mrs. Daniel’s carriage and horses, and visited
the neighboring places, informing those on the places that if they
deserted their homes, the buildings would be burnt. Mr. Stead could
give no account of the progress of the battle; but the impression
was that they sought the reduction of Grand Gulf.”
The
Natchez Weekly Courier (Natchez, Miss.) June 3, 1863
“Later from Vicksburg – Fayette, May 29, ….Mr. John Broughton of
Rodney, just from Wirt Adams’ cavalry, says Gen. Johnston is
marching with 40,000 men. He crossed the Big Black at Vernon, this
side of Yazoo City, and is constantly receiving reinforcements. It
is also reported , and generally believed, in Jackson, that Grant’s
army has fallen back, and is retreating toward the Yazoo River. It
is reported that Gen. Grant is mortally wounded. Two deserters also
report at Rodney, that Gen. Lawler (Yankee) was killed. The
deserters say it is a perfect slaughter pen at Vicksburg. That they
have to make the men drunk to make them charge the breastworks.”
Natchez Weekly Courier (Natchez, Miss.) June 3, 1863
“MARRIED at the residence of Mr. Howell Hinds, near Fayette, Miss.,
on Monday evening, May 25th, by the Very Rev. M. F. Grignon, V. G.
Capt. G. M. Fogg of Nashville, Tenn. to Miss Mary Laps of Jefferson
county, Miss. May their lives be full of sunny years, and may the
frequent appearance of a small Fogg have a tendency to increase and
brighten, rather than to diminish or cloud the happiness of married
life.”
“THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG - A dispatch from Rodney to the Natchez Courier states, on the authority of a paroled prisoner, that the enemy dead were five to one of ours on the battle field of Baker’s Creek. At Big Black bridge our loss was ten, the enemy four hundred. The enemy had taken, in all the operations, 5000 prisoners, of which 1600 were captured after crossing Big Black.”
“Gunboat Movements – On Tuesday evening the Federal gunboats were engaged in another hot, but bloodless, naval engagement between this place and Rodney. The number of skiffs and flats destroyed by them in this last engagement, we have not learned. In this dignified business, the navy of the greatest nation on the planet, seems to have its hands full. Doubtless, they will make their appearance at our landing this morning, in search of the poor fisherman’s boats. And it may be our lot to witness the third brilliant engagement in front of the City of the Bluffs.”
“The Yanks Moving – By private letter from the operator at Rodney to a gentleman in this city, that section of the country , including Port Gibson, has been rid of the last Lincoln – poop, Their quarters were evidently getting too warm for them. By the skill of the Confederates, may they never return, - except to inhospitable graves. Amen!”
“The Raid in Jefferson County – A Yankee boat landed at Rodney, Tuesday, at 11 o’clock; a cavalry force, not exceeding forty – well mounted and armed – proceeded to the interior by obscure roads – passing about two miles north of Fayette. At Dr. Hardin’s they took a Mr. Dun, and carried him with them seven or eight miles. At Mrs. Samuel Scott’s, they took a negro boy to pilot them, declaring that if he took them to Fayette they would kill him. Two miles above Fayette they cut the telegraph wire, and turning towards Port Gibson, proceeded about one mile, and then by a circuitous route reached the Union Church road, three miles east of Fayette. Proceeding in that direction, they halted at Mrs. W. Scott’s about nine o’clock at night and fed. After a delay of an hour and a half, they took up their line of march in the direction of Union Church. Soon after leaving Mr. Scott’s, the negro boy made his escape and returned home. On the road they met a Mr. Baldridge, and after breaking his gun, they took him with them. They disturbed no property. They inquired of several negroes, if they had seen any Yankee troops.”
“THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG -A dispatch from Rodney to the Natchez Courier states, on the authority of a paroled prisoner, that the enemy dead were five to one of ours on the battle field of Baker’s Creek. At Big Black bridge our loss was ten, the enemy four hundred. The enemy had taken, in all the operations, 5000 prisoners, of which 1600 were captured after crossing Big Black.”
“THE SITUATION -Our despatches from Memphis are to the 9th inst. An expedition left Vicksburg on the 1st instant, commanded by General Slocum. They destroyed the railroad bridge across the Pearl river on the 5th and sent in thirty prisoners. The cavalry expedition which left Memphis July 4 had arrived at Vicksburg, and would reinforce Slocum. This expedition had previously been destined to go up the White river. Another force had been operating out from Rodney, Miss., scouting the country in that vicinity. They had engaged in many skirmishes, in all of which they were victorious. The rebel accounts state that a fight occurred with our forces at Jackson, Miss., on the 6th inst., and that the Union troops were compelled to evacuate the place after a severe struggle the next day, and retired along the road to Clinton.”
“THE SITUATION - We have New Orleans dates to the 29th ultimo by
the steamship North America, which arrived here yesterday. There are
no recent military movements of interest in the Department of the
Gulf to notice. The rebel Trans-Mississippi army was
said to be
concentrating near Rodney, for the purpose of endeavoring to get on
the east side of the Mississippi river.”
The New York Herald
(New York) Feb. 27, 1865
“No military operations
of importance in the Department of the Gulf since previous advices
are reported. A small band of rebels had been dispersed in the
vicinity of Rodney, Miss.,by a detachment of national troops.”
“A negro constable named Adley of Rodney, Miss., while in search of a negro thief, the other day, got his horse mired down in a creek bottom. The constable went to a neighboring negro cabin to obtain assistance, when the occupant of the house, fearful that he was to be arrested, refused to admit the officer. To quiet his apprehension, the constable thrust his pistol through the crack under the door, when the terrified negro, inside, chopped off Adley’s hand, near the wrist.”
The New Mississippian (Jackson, Miss.) Oct. 17, 1882
“A PANTHER in Jefferson county caught, carried off, and devoured a little Senegambian last week. It is his second victim.”
“The Calamity’s Extent- Dispatches received here today from
Louisiana state that the Mississippi has broken over most of the
levees, and that government aid is necessary to prevent people and
stock from starving. Rep. King received among others, the following
telegram:
‘Wind and Water – Rodney, Miss. – Mar. 25
Tensas
Parish is entirely inundated. Rations will be required for 20,000
destitute people, and feed for stock is necessary. The emergency is
very great, and immediate relief is necessary. This dispatch was
sent from Rodney because the overflow destroyed the telegraph in
Louisiana.’”
“MARRIED – on Tuesday, September 23, 1894, at 7 P. M. mass at St.
Stephens Church by Rev. Chas. Remillion, C. M. Elizabeth Mary Arndt
of Rodney, Miss. to Jos. J. Bruck of New Orleans.”
Daily
Picayune (New Orleans, La.) Oct. 7, 1894
“HYMENEAL – Three wedding at Vicksburg (special to the Picayune)
A few days after the above ceremony (of June 3), the marriage of
Miss Victoria New, of Rodney, Miss. to Mr. Louis Cox, was solemnized
at the same church (Holy Trinity). Both are members of prominent
families in this state.”
Daily Picayune (New Orleans, La.)
Aug. 9, 1896
“DIED on Sat., August 1, 1896, at 5
o’clock A. M. in Rodney, Miss., Nicholas Thies, aged 26 years and 9
months, a native of New Orleans, and a resident of Carrolton, 7th
district.”
Daily Picayune (New Orleans, La.) Aug.
28, 1898
“DIED – on Saturday August 27, 1898, at 1 A. M.
John A. Watkins, aged 80 years, 8 months and 24 days, a native of
Rodney, Miss. Funeral private. Internment in Washington Cemetery,
No. 1 this Sunday evening at 3:30 o’clock from the late residence at
2013 Annunciation District, near St. Andrew.”