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Newspaper
Wilson Ledger
Location
Wilson, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
Feb 12, 1861
Page
2
Fragmented text discusses interpartisan themes and ideologies with references to Black Republicanism and sectional lines. It hints at party loyalties, states rights, and difficult political directions amid a fraught national debate.
In a sprawling, garbled piece the author riffs on Democratic views and regional tensions, referencing slavery bloodshed and secession era debates. The text cites historians and calls for calm yet hints at partisan fault lines and the danger of violence in political discourse.
An argument over purchases at a town store led to a brief dispute between two men. One claimed items bought at Winstead were inferior, while the other defended the quality. The matter, observed by bystanders, was resolved amicably through mediation by Mr. Davis.
A case before the court details an altercation ending in a fatal shooting of AM Reddick. Evidence shows prior friendship between Pitman and Reddick and a sudden quarrel led to violence. a death followed within hours. The defense protests political pressure and presses a warning against newspapers and editors.
Fragmented political discourse traces Union loyalties and secession tensions as figures such as Peter and the Virginia faction face constitutional questions. The piece surveys party alignment, the Convention agenda, and potential military and legal shifts shaping early Civil War policy.
Proceedings recount sworn testimony from Meare J C Walter and John T Williamson with corroboration from others. Witnesses describe remarks by Holden and Spelman leading to a pistol exchange at Yarborough House with shots fired and surrounding tension.
Damaged OCR text describes barges or wagons moving south to Charleston. Mentions bombs with large cavities and thick shells. References General Henningsen, a filibuster, said to be English-born, in Monteomany Alabama, with speculative military intent toward the Isthmus and Southern independence.
A tabular statement shows for October through January 61,777 bales moved on the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, up 0.547 bales from last season. Of these, 22,805 bales were sent to Wilmington and 15,972 to Weldon.
A fragment from Sir David Brewster's letters describes a levitation experiment where a heavy man is lifted as lungs of participants inflate. The feat is claimed as literally true and repeated, with the lifter rising as if feather light. The note cites Brewster's own observations of the trick.
From Raleigh correspondence this column reviews the Union mass meeting, nominating delegates to a convention, and the stance on secession and union. It notes North Carolina leaders like John W. Bryan and local figures, plus ongoing Revenue Bill debates and calls to abolish the Senate. Local gossip and scandal loom as a backdrop to the political scene.
In Greenville letters, a rift over a horse trade ended without violence as both parties settled differences with a drink. A sale of enslaved people occurred during court week with high prices despite hard times, witnessed by Billy W. and others, and notes mention extracts and a famed magnate of the plaza.
A letter describes the Niagara arriving at Yeddo with the Japanese Embassy aboard, landing safely after a ceremonial departure. The party faced farewells, a quiet voyage, and reception plans with the Prime Minister, while reports note gifts, spoons missing, and efforts to prepare a reception area for presents.
A Perth writer visits the Duke of Athole at Dunkeld for a business meeting. The Duke forgets the appointment and leaves for hours. The writer expresses his indignation with an elaborate, nonspecific oath, heard by a Highlander and explained by a parish clerk as swearing at nothing particular but to rail at large.
A Glasgow man Mr Mi debates Sabbath levity and whiskey with an old Highland acquaintance. The tale sketches stern judgment on drinking and a wary glance at indulgence, as Donald hesitates whether drunkenness fuels depravity and a “bad thing” whiskey.
The New York Journal of Commerce condemns the tariff plan passed by the House as a harsh tax burden. It outlines dramatic rate hikes across printed calico, lawn, linen goods, blankets, carpets, silks, iron products, and books, predicting widespread hardship and a reduced free list. It warns the Cotton States are not spared from the impending increase.
A Pensacola Observer correspondent profiles Professor Day of Lauderdale county stationed in Warrington Florida. At six and a half feet tall and 310 pounds he is described as the biggest man in the regiment capable of lifting a large bale of cotton and a whiskey barrel. He once tossed a mustang pony and rider over a ten tail fence and was convicted in Lauderdale circuit court for killing a horse amid a boastful record. The Mission high school principal is noted as a linguist and mathematician with eight siblings from his father’s first marriage and nine from his second.
A 1861 act directs Governor to poll voters in February on a state convention. Sheriffs will supervise county polls for Convention or No Convention ballots and delegates elected to Raleigh to convene if majority favor a convention. Delegates form a 120 member body with pay and rules set by the convention.
A fragmented editorial rant explores the woes and pressures of giving testimony in a murder case. It satirizes the courtroom process, the coercive questioning by a prosecutor, juror skepticism, and the social fates of witnesses. It mentions officials, judges, and a commissioner in Alabama with dismissive tone.
Governor J W Ellis issues a writ directing sheriffs in all counties to hold an election on February 28 1861 for or against a State Convention and delegates. The act requires qualified voters to participate and follow the act’s provisions as certified by Rees H Pace Secretary of State. The notice is dated February 1 in Raleigh with Graham Daves as private secretary.
A damaged OCR excerpt notes Nashville voting activity, a large map, and references to writs and a count around 1600. The text is incomplete and includes unreadable segments but centers on a state notice and election related items in Tennessee.
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