We have an update on the fate of Miers W. Fisher. The Norfolk Argus reports that the rumors of Fisher’s capture are incorrect. He apparently postmarked a letter at Eastville stating that he returned home safely. Southerners have been quite pleased with this news.
George Thompson, the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Judge who was unwilling to sign an oath of loyalty to the Federal government, has been stripped of his post . There will be an election to fill the vacancy on August 13.
Kentucky continues to symbolize the back and forth pull of this war on the country. Yesterday, in the case of Brady and Davis vs. The Louisville and Nashville Railroad, Judge Muir of the Kentucky Circuit Court ruled against the plaintiffs, recognizing the right of the national government to interdict freight to the South. While this decision will no doubt spur outrage among the seceded states, it is likely to also incur the disapproval of some of Muir’s statesmen.
In Missouri at about two o’clock p.m. yesterday, secessionist forces under the command of Brigadier-General Harris attacked a camp of Federal troops under Colonel Smith . There were 600 Union troops defending the camp and as many as 1,600 secessionists troops attacking. Despite their numerical advantage, the Southern men were repelled. Harris retreated to Monroe, where he and his men took part in another skirmish in which they were also unsuccessful. More troops have been sent to reinforce Colonel Smith’s position in case of additional attacks.
It is not uncommon in the North to read articles or hear speeches calling citizens to fight for the Star Spangled Banner. The flag has, not surprisingly, become a symbol of the Union the North seeks to preserve. However, Southerners are taking it upon themselves to point out that this national flag is not the banner under which the Founders fought for independence, nor is it the flag that was flown during the war of 1812. Instead, this iteration of the symbol was adopted in 1818 from a design of Captain Samuel Reid. Unionists contend that, despite the change in design, the current flag still represents what the country’s founders were fighting for. Secessionists have mocked this belief, stating, “There was nothing in its adoption to render it sacred in the eyes of anyone, and there has been nothing in its history since to make it so. This professed devotion to the flag of the Union is pure bunkum.”
In the News:
- The Richmond Daily Dispatch reports on the destructive conflagrations in Boston.
- The New York Times presents updates on the Matthews and Walton murder trial.
- The Press looks at the recent trends in the Philadelphia money market.
- The Pennsylvania Daily Telegraph discusses recent arrests in the state.
Commentary:
- The Richmond Daily Dispatch discusses the laws of war.
- The New York Times looks at how the soldiers respond to those who are labeled traitors.
- The Press presents its thought on the flag of truce.
- The Pennsylvania Daily Telegraph talks about oppression being the end of rebellion.
Arts and Culture:
- The Richmond Daily Dispatch publishes a poem entitled “The Boy That Enlisted Today.”
- The New York Times discusses that many designs have been submitted for C.S.A. postage stamps, but none have been manufactured.
- The Richmond Daily Dispatch advises baking cordial for the soldiers and provides the recipe.
- The Press looks at the recent exhibition at the Lombard Street Girls’ Grammar School.
Runaways:
- $10 Reward: Negro boy, aged about twenty years. Goes by the name Jack Simns.
Military Notices:
- “The 4th Company of the 1st Battalion of the 19th Regiment of Virginia Militia, will parade on Friday, July 12, 1861, at 6 o’clock p. m., corner 6th and Canal streets, for drill, and for the election of Captain, 1st and 2d Lieutenants. This muster is required by law, and absentees will be fined to the extent of the law.”
Obituaries:
- Mr. Simmis and wife were burned to death on the night of July 3, leaving behind seven children.
- Mrs. Fanny Longfellow died yesterday when a match or piece of lighted paper caught her dress and she was enveloped in flames.
