31 May 1865
Page 1
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Newspaper
Freeport Weekly Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
May 31, 1865
Page
1
Freeport weekly journal notes a national day of humiliation and religious observance tomorrow in response to the assassination of President Ogless by Hay. Proclamation urges citizens to close businesses and attend church services.
The quotation targets Jeff Davis in the U S Senate praising Old John Brown and condemning the senator’s crime. It argues Davis should face justice and not escape punishment for his great crime. The piece frames Davis as unworthy of leniency and calls for the award of justice to be preserved.
The N Y World and Copperhead press shift from praising Johnson to denouncing him after Lincoln's assassination. They previously praised his prewar Democrat stance but now scorn his postwar actions. Johnson remains unmoved, while attackers fail to sway him or his supporters.
A Mt. Carroll man Henry Hollingsworth drew community ire after praising Lincoln's death. A town meeting led by Capt. Adam Nase condemned him as unworthy to live in the community and urged employment denial and swift removal to compel him to seek distant work.
The telegraph recounts Gen Sherman at a public scene with President Grant and Secretary Stanton. The piece accuses Sherman of turning his back and insulting the Secretary, while praising his military genius but lamenting poor temper. It notes Stanton’s and Grant’s support for Sherman’s continued command in the Mississippi Department.
Hon EB Washburne will address Freeport on the War and the Country, with Fry’s Train arranged for the event. Citizens of Stephenson County urge his visit, noting his Civil War services and presence at key moments. A correspondence from May 28, 1865, leads with local invitations and a list of signers supporting the address.
E B Wasapurne accepts invitation to speak to the county about war events. He will narrate stirring national happenings and closely observed matters, addressing Col James Mitchell and others on Monday evening June 5.
Springfield dispatch reports a violent earthquake shock in the city at seven o'clock with a preceding rumbling noise like distant explosion. The vibratory motion toppled crockery in some homes and lasted about eleven seconds, causing widespread sensation, especially in suburban areas.
On the evening of the 24th the main Ordinance Depot at Marshall's Warehouse Mobile was blown up with eight million dollars in damage. About 800 people killed and thousands wounded. Eight city blocks demolished. eight thousand bales of cotton burned. Steamboats Colonel Cowles and Kate Dale destroyed with all aboard. General Granger aided sufferers. Cause of blast uncertain. Ordinance stores were being removed when it occurred.
The piece accuses Jeff Davis and Cabinet members of ordering reduced rations for Libby and Andersonville prisoners to weaken them for exchange, condemns Foote for exposing facts, and urges swift, impartial justice for those responsible. It frames the issue as a national demand for the welfare of the state over personal feelings.
A testimonial fund for the late Chief Magistrate Aprattast Lincoln has begun in New York at the request of patriotic citizens. Bexzaam B Sawaway Key is general treasurer with endorsements from Horace Greeley, Gen. John A Dix, and Moses Taylor. Contributions are limited to one dollar per person to ensure wide participation. An assistant treasurer is named in Freeport, and a subscription list is available at the Post Office.
Chicago Journal notes Cleveland appropriated $6,000 to aid returning veterans. Trade grows in Savannah as restrictions ease. Telegraph links open to Memphis, Vicksburg, Mobile, New Orleans. White House reopened to public as Johnson moves office. $1,825,000 raised to pay down national debt by private citizens. Stanton reportedly plans to resign after the conspiracy trial ends. Mexican emigration shows reduced activity as no cash changed hands. Government holds new testimony tying George Sanders and Jacob Thompson to conspiracies against leaders and potential yellow fever plot.
The Belvidere Standard laments skyrocketing printing paper costs, blamed on paper monopolies and duties. It urges Congress to end the Paper Duty, criticize monopolies, and elect representatives who defend labor against concentrated capital, highlighting EK. B. Washhorn e as a model of independence.
The Chicago Poet reports Hon. Charles A Dana, then assistant secretary of war, has accepted the Chicago Republican Company offer to become Editor in Chief. He will bring national literary renown from his NYT Tribune tenure and move to Chicago with his family. The fireside issue will be published Monday the 29th inst.
A Springfield Illinois circular urges state and local superintendents, teachers, and pupils to fund and honor Abraham Lincoln with a National Monument in the city. It outlines donation steps, leadership, and records, inviting contributions on June first and stressing transparency and statewide cooperation.
Aura Ham Lincoln Newton BA Texan state superintendent and Monument Association member appeals to teachers directors and residents to fund a monument honoring Abraham Lincoln. Crary urges sending contributions through the Freeport Post Office to the State Superintendent for credit in county press reports. Early donations requested.
The United States government highlights the 7.30 loan success as proof of strong public confidence. On May 18 subscriptions topped thirty million dollars, with ninety eight million for the week and over one hundred million in three months under Jay Cooke. The Third Series offers six percent in gold optional conversion, with the same terms as before, and opens with a five million subscription as June nears, the last 7.80 loan in market.
An advertisement extols the American Organ as superior in tone, expression, and finish with features like double bellows knee swell tremolo and pedals. It invites readers to view at State B C Dwight Co and Stephenson St while noting a government stamped envelopes offer for large correspondence.
The Hartford Post notes that British periodicals like The Fourth Estate, Quarterly Reviews and Blackwood's Magazine wield influence behind the throne by shaping public opinion and literary standards. It praises their scholarly rigor and argues Americans learn from them, listing subscription terms offered by Messrs Leonard Scott & Co. in New York for various combinations.
An 1860s Chicago Tribune excerpt touts Cos's Cough Balsam as the best and cheapest remedy for coughs old as a remedy for coughs and chest affections. It notes a $100 reward for a quicker cure and cites druggists across the Northwest endorsing its efficacy and low 40 cent price.
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