Middletown 150 Yrs. Ago: Dan Rice Show Comes to Town!

From The Constitution, Wednesday, August 5, 1863 (volume 26, number 1336)

War News

Since the last unsuccessful assault on Fort Wagner, Gen. Gilmore has been reinforced in men and guns. He has received several Parrott guns, of two hundred and three hundred pounds, which will enable him to do some effective work. The federal forces were actively preparing for another assault on Fort Wagner. Gen. Gilmore has been busy training several heavy guns on Fort Sumpter. Deserters arriving at Port Royal report that Beauregard has received reinforcements from Lee’s army. Gen. Gilmore, in an official report to the War Department, puts his losses in all his operations thus far at 635 killed and wounded, and 350 missing. He will undoubtedly succeed in the capture of Forts Wagner and Sumter, and it is the general belief that the capture of the latter fortress will settle the fate of Charleston.

There is gratifying news from the southwest. The State of Mississippi is virtually abandoned by the rebels, and there is a growing sentiment in favor of a return into the Union. Gen. Herron’s division of Gen. Grant’s army has departed down the Mississippi, and is said to be intended for direct operations against Mobile. Gen. Grant has perfected a complete system of mounted patrols between Vicksburg and New Orleans, which with the gunboats affords ample protection to vessels. Everything was quiet at Port Hudson. The fortifications are being strengthened, and the enlistment of negro troops is rapidly progressing.

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It is ascertained that Gen. Lee has concentrated his forces near Culpepper, with his headquarters four miles southeast of Culpepper. Gen. Buford, with his cavalry command crossed the Rappahannock on Saturday on a reconnoisance. A fierce fight ensued, which lasted until dark, when Gen. Buford withdrew to a strong position east of Brandy Station.

The President has issued an order that every case of ill-treatment of our officers or men, held by the rebels as prisoners, whether black or white, will be retaliated in kind. For every U. S. soldier killed in violation of the laws of war a rebel soldier will be executed, and if a black soldier is taken prisoner and sold into slavery, a rebel soldier will be confined at hard labor on the public works, there to continue until the black soldier shall be liberated.

The Mississippi River is now open for commerce and travel through its entire length. Boats are advertised at St. Louis to leave regularly for New Orleans, and the route is considered pretty safe. Military authorities deem it safe even to send mails to New Orleans via the Mississippi river, but the postmaster general is unwilling yet to order this service.

Local News.

The enquiry is frequently made—when will the draft be made for this town and vicinity? From the best information to be obtained, it is probable a draft will not be made here before the middle of the month, and perhaps not till the last of the month. Plenty of time to get ready for it.

The Town Meeting held last Wednesday afternoon was attended by a large number, more than could be accommodated in the Hall. Doct. Charles Woodward was Chairman. As soon as the meeting was organized, and the object for which it had been called had been stated, a series of resolutions was introduced by Charles C. Hubbard, Esq. There was very little debate, and no opposition to the resolutions. When submitted to the meeting they were adopted without a negative vote. It will be seen that they propose to give a sum not exceeding $300 to every drafted man who shall be liable to service. The selectmen are authorized to borrow a sum not to exceed $40,000 for this purpose. Mr. C. C. Hubbard said he would furnish $1,000 for the use of the selectmen. It is stated in the Sentinel that the selectmen “can easily borrow the necessary amount from individuals in this town.” 

The 24th Regiment.

The time of this regiment has now nearly expired, and they are expected home some time during the present month. A full list of casualties before Port Hudson gives the number of killed 14, wounded 53—total 67. Many of these are but slightly wounded. The 24th has taken a prominent part in the brilliant campaign of Gen. Banks, and has won for itself imperishable honor by its bravery and success. Its heroic conduct elicited the praise of the commanding General, and won the admiration of the whole army. The regiment has earned as high a reputation as any which has left this state, and the officers and men who compose it will always be proud that they belonged to the 24th Connecticut. They will receive a hearty welcome home.

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The body of Corporal Samuel Huxham, of Co. B, 14th regiment, killed at the battle of Gettysburg, was brought home to this city on Friday. The funeral was attended on Monday afternoon at the Baptist church, Rev. Mr. Gilbert officiating. The pall bearers were nearly all comrades of deceased and members of the 14th regiment. He was about 30 years of age, and leaves a widow.

School Discipline.

Samuel Babcock, Esq., of this city, has brought a suit for damages against Mr. Balcam, Principal of the High School, for expelling his son from the school. The case was tried yesterday before Justice E. W. N. Starr, and attracted considerable attention. Alfred Hall was counsel for the plaintiff and S. L. Warner for defendant.

Decision was reserved until this morning, which was in favor of the plaintiff. Damages awarded, $5. This was on the ground that the right of rejection from the public schools is with the committee.

The Weather.

The average temperature for the week at 6 A. M. has been 71 degrees. Yesterday, Monday, was the warmest morning, when the mercury stood at 74 degrees, and at 3 o’clock rose as high as 94. It was the warmest day this season. Sunday was nearly as warm, the mercury at 3 P. M. indicating 92 degrees. The lowest temperature for the week was this morning, 68 degrees. It rained every day until yesterday. There is now a prospect of clear weather.

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The gates in Rocky Hill, Middletown, and Haddam, thrown open by the Commissioners, July 11th, are closed on and after Aug. 2d, the Turnpike Co. having made repairs as ordered.

A. Putnam, Chairman, Comm’rs Middlesex Turnpike.

Rat Exterminator.

Housekeepers who want something for exterminating rats more efficacious than traps or cats, should send and get “Costar’s” preparation. It will do the business. A rat that gets a dose of this will eat no more cheese.

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For more articles from The Constitution, go to the Middlesex County Historical Society blog.