18 May 1864
Page 1
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Newspaper
Freeport Weekly Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
May 18, 1864
Page
1
A Civil War era call urges fathers and patriots to pray and give thanks to God for army operations within five days. The notice asks people to pray at home and in churches, regardless of political risk, to support the Union effort and avoid stump speeches on Sunday.
The St Louis Democrat reports Porter at Alexandria with ironclads and a dredging effort to deepen the river for gunboats. General Grover is in Alexandria with a three mile Federal line. McClernand rendezvouses New Orleans for Banks reinforcement. Smith returns to Vicksburg as Magruder with 24,000 joins Kirby Smith at Sabine Cross Roads. Price details 3,060 men on forts below Shreveport. Army of the Potomac fights Lee in four corps led by Hancock Warren Wright Sedgwick Burnside and Sheridan's cavalry in a 20,000-strong force.
The piece critiques the Bulletin's editorials on traitor Long and questions the Democrats of Jo Daviess endorsement. It accuses the Bulletin of echoing prejudices and hints at broader blame for perceived biases beyond past authorities. The text also notes Chicago bankers plan to base transactions on greenbacks after a set date and promote legal tender notes only.
The Bulletin mocks the idea of ornate leadership, praising plain, unassuming presidents like Washington Lincoln and Grant as destined agents to abolish the Confederacy’s remnants and deliver a free Union, in strong moral terms.
The editor lauds Grr McClellan for heroic acts in saving the National Capital and contrasts with General Grant, who is now maneuvering to secure Richmond. The piece praises Grant’s aggressive style while reflecting on past praised actions and their implications for the current campaign.
The New York Tribune correspondent from the Wilderness reports Honorable B B Washburne joined Culpeper headquarters and rode with the staff to witness congressional interference. Washburne supported Grants advance toward Viesburg and now stands with him in confidence that Grant will lead to final victory. The public shares this faith.
The Bulletin argues for destroying slavery to end the rebellion and secure a redeemed Union. It states slavery is the main stay of the rebellion and that its destruction is essential to prevent future eruptions. The editor expresses a clear preference for a postwar Union without slavery and asks if this reflects the paper’s stance.
The week's war report chronicles Longstreet at Spotsylvania and Grant advancing toward Richmond. Heavy fighting, heavy casualties, notable charges by Hancock and Burnside, and Sedgwick's fall shape a string of bold assaults. News updates describe Union prisoners and captured guns, plus Sheridan and Butler operations threatening Richmond.
Gen. Grant reported after six days of hard fighting that results were favorable, noting heavy losses on both sides but more on the enemy. He said over five thousand prisoners were taken, while Confederate losses appeared lighter and urged continuing the effort through summer. He contrasted this with Gen. McClellan, implying the capital could be saved if McClellan had commanded.
A wartime rally endorses Abraham Lincoln for renomination, praising his leadership in guiding the Union through the Civil War. The crowd foresees victory over the Rebellion and the abolition of slavery, while predicting a Lincoln victory and a lasting Farewell Address.
Gov Bramlette, Col Hodges, and Archi e Dixon conveyed to the President a request to publish his remarks. The President replied April 4 1864 that he was anti slavery but could not act on that judgment alone. He affirmed a duty to preserve the Constitution and the nation, sometimes via indispensable measures, even if they touched slavery. He cited earlier acts such as Fremont military emancipation and his own cautious approach.
General Cameron opposed arming black troops as War Secretary, while I argued emancipation was essential. In 1862 I pressed compensated emancipation to win border support, which they rejected. A year long trial produced 180,000 added soldiers and laborers, with no evident losses to the Union. God may judge our nation’s path as history unfolds these costs and gains.
The article lists state by state electoral votes under a new apportionment, naming California through Massachusetts and other states, then presents a rebellious states section with Texas and others. It also notes totals for all votes and for excluding rebel states, then shifts to obituaries and notices about James Holbrook and Washburne family achievements with several prominent relatives.
The text discusses the cherry tree from ancient Pontus and its introduction to Europe via Marcus Lucullus and later England. It notes its reputed medical properties and claims Kilert's Extract of Tar and Wild Cherry as a top remedy for consumption, coughs, colds, hoarseness, asthma, all lung ailments, and related pains.
The Minolta Bible Society year ending March 1864 reports 38 new branches, 1,948 total societies, 338 auxiliaries, and 1,888 depositories in the state. Books valued at about $50,000 across branches and auxiliaries, with $67,1664 remitted to the American Bible Society, including donations and debt relief. About 100,000 families visited, 105,000 books circulated, and 31,420.84 dollars sent for books plus 26,286.80 dollars in aid. 350 became life members and about 700 gave notes totaling around 22,000 dollars.
Mr J Morrison of Trenton Co says Christie’s Ague Balsam gives perfect satisfaction and asks for four dozen. He claims it has never failed to cure, praising it as the staple medicine in his trade.
Pastic Sreakens Munirany Orriens and Simoons may use Brown's Bronchial Troches or Cough and Voice Lozenges as freely as needed. They are valuable for relieving hoarseness and irritation from vocal exertion and for clearing and strengthening the voice.
Lewiston Pa reader REV 0 M KLINCK reports Mrs S A Allens World's Tair Restorer and Zylobulaamum stop hair loss and spur new growth sold by druggists with depot at 198 Greenwich Street New York.
An old advertisement promotes a medicine for female difficulties claiming a rapid regularization of the menstrual cycle and safety for the constitution. It also extolls Cuba as Spain’s jewel and touts Bryan's Pulmonic Wafers as a health remedy curing colds and preventing consumption, priced at 25 cents a box.
Helmstreet claims its Inimitable Coloring restores hair to its natural color through capillary nourishment, combats aging and dandruff, promotes growth, and prevents shedding. Sold by D.S. Barnes & Co. of New York with two sizes priced at 60 cents and 1 dollar.
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