Page 50: Early war, 1862? Editorial about goings-on in New Castle regarding the Civil War.
PAGE 50
EDITORIAL.
It is sheer nonsense to talk about writing editorial when a fellow has everything else to do. Think of a man doing all the reading, all the clipping, all the job work, the type setting, press work mailing, all the talking to all the people that come in to inquire about all manner of things, take the scolding of every body because their job work is not done in time, and not even a boy in the office big enough to put the blame on, and then writing editorial. We have tried it, and arrived at the settled conviction that the thing “can’t be did.”
There is no news of startling interest. No more battles, and our series of splendid victories has simmered down to a little less than a defeat. The rebels have escaped back into Virginia, taking with them all their stores, and going in good order, not appearing to fear hindrance from our side. The surrender of Harpers Ferry, turns out to be a piece of the most flagrant cowardice, or treachery, or both. The blame is put upon Miles by some, and by others upon Ford. Miles is dead and should be fairly dealt with; but if one half of what is written against him be true, his memory should rot, and his very name be a stench in the nostrils of honest men. Ford has an opportunity to clear himself of the charges against him, and if he does not, the death of a common traitor is too good for him. Miles was not killed in the fight; but by the accidental explosion of a shell, after the surrender. There being no further need of the service of the volunteers for State defence, they are discharged, with the thanks of the Governor, and being sent home as rapidly as transportation can be procured. The President has issued a proclamation, which we publish. It is generally approved by the loyal people, but the democratic papers are bitter against it. In this State, the draft has been postponed till Oct. 16th. Eli F. Sheets, charged with the murder of John Ansley, in Beaver county some months since, has been tried and found guilty. A motion for a new trial will be argued next month. Col. Leasure will address the people at the Fair next Thursday, and start for his regiment the next day. He wants 400 recruits to take with him. It is stated that the rebels are concentrating at Winchester, and impressing into the service all between 17 and 65. A company passed through here from Franklin, on Saturday, and went back Tuesday. Another company from the same place (three years) cavalry, went through this week. A company from Mercer county left on Monday, and has since returned. Our companies have not got home yet. Expect them daily. Crawford’s Rolling mill and nail factory are in full blast. The Railroad is progressing finely; particulars next week. Our companies in the 134th have not been in a fight yet. Robert Wallace, one of the nine months men who went to Ohio from this place last June, was killed by a shell at Harper’s Ferry. He was a good hearted young man, and had many friends here. His relatives have the sympathies of the community. Rev. G. B. Hawkins, chaplain of the 2d Ohio Cavalry, died recently at Fort Scott, Kansas, of fever. Mr. Hawkins was well known in this community, and universally esteemed as a man, a Christian, and a faithful preacher. His equals are scarce. Sergt. Cyrus H. Ray, of the 100th Regiment was killed in one of the late battles. He was one of the finest young men in our county. Of all the noble men who have sacrificed their lives for the right, none better deserved the tribute of a tear over his early grave. Our losses in the late battles are very heavy, and we cannot see that we are much nearer to the end, unless there be hope from the proclamation of the President. Other printers are as bad off as we are. We sent some job work to Pittsburgh to be printed without regard to price, and could not get it done in the city. Their hands have gone too. We shall have a good time at the fair this week. They that don’t come will wish they had.