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Newspaper
Allen County Democrat
Location
Lima, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Dec 23, 1863
Page
2
A mid 19th century plea urges readers to prepay subscriptions by January 1 1864 as the paper raises annual rates to 1650 dollars for advance subscribers and 2000 dollars thereafter. The note emphasizes cash payments, thanks supporters, and urges continued local press support amid national upheaval and Lincoln era events.
The piece argues Abraham Lincoln's annual salary of twenty five thousand dollars is generous but jokes at possible increases funded in gold rather than greenbacks. It criticizes Cabinet members and soldiers being paid in gold, noting Democratic bias toward hard currency and potential bills to pay soldiers in gold.
The Navy report notes a vast increase in the Federal Navy from two years ago to the present, blockading 4,549 miles of coast and patrolling 3,655 miles of rivers. It states 100 armed vessels now operate with 462 guns and about 5,500 men, up from earlier totals. The fleet has grown from 46 vessels with 82 in commission to a modern force of 683 vessels carrying 4,443 guns and 567,967 tons. The report cites extensive vessel acquisitions, engine losses, and torpedo threats, highlighting the rising momentum of the Union Navy’s reach.
A record lists bills by Mr. Stephens to equalize pay and pensions for colored soldiers, a repeal of the 1793 fugitive slave law, repealing the Fugitive Slave Acts, an Iowa Democrat’s constitutional amendment against slavery, and Lovejoy’s measure granting citizenship and witness rights to freed Negroes, among many other negro-related bills.
Secretary Stanton reports the conscription act, though flawed, has produced 50,000 soldiers in twelve states, a sixth of the target. It raised over 10 million dollars to fund substitutes. Also notes 50,000 black soldiers organized and serving in the United States.
Observers believe the three hundred dollar exemption will not be repealed but may be increased to five hundred dollars as the Conscription Bill evolves.
General Buford dies in Washington amid reports of war time tensions. Telegraph linking both Capitol wings signals communication advances while disease sweeps Toledo with smallpox and scarlet fever. News notes Morgan’s escape inquiry and potential Confederate reinforcement for Lee. A House resolution scopes out prisoner exchange stance and militia enrollment. Bearded Secretary Welles costs joked. Morgan rumored to head southern cavalry.
December reports from Sumter and Charleston describe enemy fire on the fortifications, with several shells landing in the city and occasional Greek fire incidents. Casualties at Sumter totaled ten killed and thirty wounded while fires damaged workshops at Ea tona Foundry. The fortifications at Fort Sumter remained strong and largely undamaged beyond outer timber work.
From Virginia news dated December 19 reports a Confederate raid near Fairfax Station and a heavy demand for a massive new draft of men from 19 to 55, including enslaved people, to support a final push on Washington or northern targets. News paints hardships like food shortages and rail-travel impediments while predicting bold promises of plunder to spur enlistment.
A December report notes heavy gale damage eroded rebel obstructions in Charleston harbor with remaining debris along shores. The harbor entrance is believed clear and the navy may capitalize on the opening. separate items mention Pueblo’s fall to Juarez forces and French siege near Timpico with 800 yellow fever deaths.
Fragmentary report covers December sessions with President Lincoln letter on Freedmen's Aid Society, a House resolution thanking Captain Rodgers, roads and canals inquiry, bounties to volunteers, and pension bills. Senate debates include oath of allegiance, draft issues for clergy, and executive sessions.
The report recalls Arthur Srem in New York urging abolition of slavery and describes Union efforts at Gregg and Morris Island. A captured twelve-pounder is brought into Fort Putnam amid shelling, with 690 rounds of solid shot provided. Government actions against coal speculators and a New Orleans incident end with Joseph Johnson jailed for sixty days after a crude joke during a theatre performance.
Special to the Pom Wasninatox Dec 21 Congress will adjourn for holidays by midweek and the draft postponed twenty days. The Russian fleet departs for Fort Fortress Monroe this week. Mr Lincoln will visit the Admiral in his flagship Tuesday or Wednesday. The House Military Committee will not consider the $300 commutation until after the holidays.
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