A FAMILY PAPER DEVOTED TO THE NEWS OF THE DAY IN SOUTH DANVERS (PEABODY), MASSACHUSETTS
January 6 – June 29, 1864 - Part VI
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About South Danvers (Peabody), Massachusetts
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South Danvers Wizard, 1/6/1864,
p. 2/5
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON – JAN. 1, 1864 – “All is quiet along the Potomac,” – The army has probably gone into winter quarters, and no movement of any importance will be made in that direction. Stuart [Confederate General J. E. B.], with his cavalry, has been at his old tricks again, although if his last raid did not amount to much it was no fault of his, but good luck for us. The train of cars, which was due at the point where he was waiting to gobble it up, was fortunately delayed over an hour and a half, and so he returned without accomplishing what he set out to. Butler [General Benjamin F.] does not seem to have forgotten his old way of treating rebels, by being on the shelf so many months. It is really refreshing to read the reports, which come from his department. He is now separating the chaff from the wheat by administering the oath, which the President recommends in his message to all that wish to live and enjoy the blessing of a free government. Those that refuse are sent south to Dixie. Would there was a Butler here, in this city, where, of all places, the loyalty of any one ought not to be held in question for a moment, and rid this city of disloyalty, both in high and low places. I am sorry to say it, the city is full of persons who are ready to toss their hats on every intimation of a defeat, and many of them hold offices too. Col. Green’s Freedman’s Village across the river on the Arlington estate is said to be a great success. He has laid out quite a village, and built neat comfortable quarters for Sambo and his family; also a church and school house, and each family is allowed a piece of ground to cultivate, and all vegetables which they raise will find ready sale in the Washington market and have a very favorable influence on the same, by keeping the prices somewhere in reason beside making the Freedman village self supporting. The funeral of Gen [John] Buford last Sunday was the largest and most impressive military funeral I ever witnessed. Services were held at Dr. Gurley’s Presbyterian church, and after the services were over the procession moved. On the right of the line was a regiment of the war-worn veteran invalids, followed by six pieces of Artillery, then came the hearse draped with flags and mourning, accompanied with six Major Generals – Sickles, Doubleday, Casey, Augur, Heintzleman and Stoneman, who acted as pall barriers; immediately following the hearse was the general’s horse led by two orderlies; after which was a regiment of Cavalry. The day was perfection and Pennsylvania Avenue was kept clear of all vehicles by a patrol of Cavalry. Flags on both sides were flying at half-mast, and the slow step and solemn music of the band, made the avenue look like mourning, indeed. Signed “S.K.”. |
