1st Oregon Infantry
Militia
George B. Curry, the former commander of the Department of the Columbia, had ordered himself out of the service and was replaced by Drake.
none
The Seattle Weekly Gazette
Seattle, Washington Territory
newspaper
300,000 More
Black race
Says the editor: "We never had any great faith in the fighting qualities of the negroes, but believe the slaves will fight for the rebels, against 'freedom,' with all the efficiency and zeal they are capable of exercising. But time will settle this question; and we think it will settle the question also that the negro is not the equal of the white as a warrior, as he is not his equal in other respects."
unknown, probably the editor
Walla Walla Statesman
Walla Walla, WA:R.R. & S.G. Rees
article
www.sos.wa.gov/history/newspapers_detail.aspx
A "Bout” With A Parson
Politics and government
Jack Flintlock, from Port Townsend, is scathing in his arguments against A. R, Elder’s [Union Central Committee; U.S. Indian Agent] Republican beliefs. Concerning the Civil War, he says, "...if you mean that the Democratic party ... is arrayed against the Revolutionary fanatics of the South that would strive to upset this Government, and against a similar set of fanatics of the North that would do the same, ... thank Heaven there are yet in our beloved country two million of voters who boldly protest against such ...".
Jack Flintlock
Washington Democrat
Olympia, Washington Territory: Urban E. Hicks
Urban E. Hicks; A.R. Elder
article
A "Broom Ranger" In Our Midst
Democratic Party (U.S.)
A genuine broom salesman in Walla Walla mimicked the broom rangers, in marketing his brooms to the editor of the Walla Walla Statesman. It seems clear from this item that while there were certainly opponents of Abraham Lincoln and supporters of George McClellan in the Walla Walla area, the "broom ranger" phenomenon didn't reach Washington Territory.
Walla Walla Statesman
Walla Walla W.T.: R.R. and S.G. Rees
article
A "Colored" Authoress
Black race
The modern reader is struck by the absolutely confident condescension of this article. The "colored authoress" argues that since all human kind has a common source at the hand of the creator, the mixing of races can only have a positive outcome.
Washington Statesman
Walla Walla W.T.: R.R. and S.G. Rees
article
A "Contraband" Doing Business on His Own Account
Black race
The Statesman reports on an unnamed African-American man, a contraband or former slave, who is apparently a newcomer in town and accused of stealing a variety of items in Walla Walla, including a revolver and a horse. After his attempt to steal a mare outside of town, he was brought back to jail and will stand trial.
Walla Walla Statesman
Walla Walla W.T.: R.R. and S.G. Rees
article
A Beginning
Militia
This probably refers to Francis Henry (1862-1893), who is described elsewhere in this data base as recruiting militia in Washington Territory. He was the son-in-law of Dr. Anson Henry, the personal physician and close friend of President Lincoln. (Source: An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, 1893)
At this time, Wells, Fargo and Co. was a West Coast institution. They offered banking and “express” (rapid delivery of gold and anything else of value).
Unknown
Washington Standard
Olympia, Washington Territory: John M. Murphy
article
A234 [call number]
A Bold Undertaking
Elections
Union Flag editor Reed then surmises that perhaps Gov. Wallace will establish the seat of Washington Territory's government at Victoria [BC], because Wallace does not favor Vancouver, Olympia, or any other location within the territory.
It may be that the Washington Standard meant to write "Victory" instead of "Victoria." Regardless, Editor Reed took advantage of the situation to criticize Gov. William H. Wallace, the Republican nominee for Delegate to Congress.
Reed, T.M.
The Union Flag
Vancouver, Washington Territory
Washington Standard
article
A Bolter
Democratic Party (U.S.)
The editor comments that he hopes that this report is a mistake, and that Democrats should "see to it that no 'bolter' receives an office by democratic votes." He is essentially encouraging Thurston County Democrats to vote against Frankel.
The man referred to is likely Abraham Frankel, who came to Washington Territory from Macon, Georgia, and was a member of the Olympia Masonic Lodge. This reader could find no record of his political party affiliation. (Source: www.freemason-wa.org)
(presumed) Reed, T.M.
The Union Flag
Vancouver, Washington Territory
article
A Boy with Horns
Black race
A report out of Mississippi that "a negro boy in that region, eight years old, who has horns on his head like 'a young devil.' The horns are said to be three inches long..."
On p. 1 is "Origin of the Horse Rake." Slaves are told to rake the hay in a field in the master's absence, but it is hot and they give it up. Later they get worried they don't have the time, so one of them rigs up a big rake that can be dragged behind a horse, and they get the work done. Thus the horse rake, "and the lazy negroes were the inventors."
Also on p. 1 is a story about a negro's meeting with a black bear, which he does not recognize, and talks to. The bear chases him up a tree and out on a limb. "The limb broke, and down came bear and nigger." The bear breaks his neck and the negro says, "Dere, you black devil, I tole you so; dis is all your fault."
unknown
Puget Sound Herald
Steilacoom, WA: Charles Prosch
humor, satire